AFA Indonesia Day 1 - JaME Indonesia’s Exclusive Interview with Anisong Artists

For the first time, Anime Festival Asia Indonesia was held in Jakarta, and on its first day, September 1st, 2012, JaME Indonesia’s editorial staff was given the opportunity to interview the artists who would be performing in the Super Anisong Stage concert. The first session of interviews started with the siblings vocal group bless4.


bless4

As a family who grew up in America, how did you feel when you went back to Japan and started your career there?

Kanasa: At first, we came back to Japan to visit our sick grandmother and do some performances based on martial arts in a group called Flying Dragons, and in one of our shows, we were lucky to get the chance to be scouted by Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Akino: Having debuted in our homeland country, we are really proud, especially when we hear our songs played in convenience store.

Akino, until this time you were a solo singer and sang for the “Aquarion” anime series franchise. If all of you were given the chance, which anime you would like to sing for?

Akashi: Since we were little, we’ve loved the “Dragon Ball” series so much. Our auntie from Japan sent the videos to America. As the first anime series we’ve watched, we’ve grown up with “Dragon Ball”, and that’s why if there’s a chance, we’d really love to sing for “Dragon Ball”.

bless4: Yes! (laughs)

As anime lovers, in your opinion, what is the role of anime?

Kanasa: Anime brings out positive energy from your personality.

Akino: Anime brings positive messages!

Would you sing a song for us?

bless4: Of course! (sings a capella)

STEREOPONY

How do you feel after having the opportunity to release your More! More!! More!!! album in Indonesia?

Aimi: Of course, we’re really happy because our newest album, More! More!! More!!! can be released in Indonesia. Let alone, it’s the Indonesian version, which has all the hits from the previous album.

STEREOPONY: (laughs)

If you were given the opportunity to release another album here, which album would you want to release?

Aimi: We’d really like to release Over The Border, because two singles from our debut album, Hitohira no Hanabira and Namida no Muko, and our new single, Stand By Me, have been included in More! More!! More!!!. That’s why we want you guys to enjoy Over The Border completely.

After the Anime Festival Asia shows in Indonesia will you come back here to perform again?

STEREOPONY: YES!

Nohana: We’re planning to do an Asian tour, and we really want Indonesia to be one of our destination countries.

Last question: which Indonesian food did you try yesterday?

Shiho: We tried durians, but the taste turned out to be more than we imagined! (laughs)

Aimi: I tried Nasi Padang! I love it so much, it’s delicious! But I am indeed a spicy food lover!

STEREOPONY: (laughs).

JaME would like to thank the committee, AFA Indonesia artists and all parties who have made this interview possible.