Interview with Ryu of OROCHI

After one year of absence, OROCHI is back in Europe. Vocalist Ryu and former bassist Shin have already met their Polish fans at Japanicon 5 on October 18th, and the upcoming lives MIYABI: JAPAN STORY in Sweden on November 29th and the two shows in Germany on December 3rd and 5th promise to be exciting. JaME had the chance to ask Ryu a few questions while he traveled.


OROCHI's concept, plus and the name of the band and former members are strongly related to Japanese folklore. What is the most important part of Japanese culture you would like to share with your listeners?

Ryu: Japanese culture has so many kinds of styles because Japan is really peaceful. There were a few wars in history but after that, peace always prevailed.

Now that OROCHI is a solo project, do you plan to approach your work or music differently? Do you think it will be harder or easier continuing on your own?

Ryu: I have been writing music from the beginning, so it is not too difficult for me to compose music. However, it is much harder solo because I have to play all instruments nicely. It is worthwhile to polish music instrument skills though. However, I would like to ask someone to get some ideas.

You changed your name from USHI-WAKA to Ryu. Can you tell us the reason you had for the change?

Ryu: "Ryu" means dragon. "OROCHI" refers to an eight headed dragon from Japanese mythology. That is the reason I have changed my name.

In 2013, you toured Europe for the last time. Shortly after the tour YUKI-MURA left the band and this year Shin said farewell. How do you deal with all the changes in the line-up?

Ryu: To be honest, it is really difficult. But I have decided to be a solo singer, so I just need to find musicians for each show.

Though Shin left the band this year, he is accompanying you on this trip to Europe. How do you feel about having him at your side for a while longer?

Ryu: We are still friends. YUKI-MURA is a friend too, so they help me sometimes. I did the arrangements for all songs anyway. As they understand why I became a solo artist, they help me.

Is there anything special you would like to achieve with the music of OROCHI? If yes, what is it?

Ryu: Now, I am trying to re-arrange an old song from our first album OROCHI (released in April 2006). I have been studying music arrangement theory and piano again,so I am sure I can make a much nicer arrangement.

On October 18th, you performed at Japanicon 5, a Polish convention for Japanese culture. Do you like performing at conventions? Do you think it's a good place to promote OROCHI?

Ryu: It was a very nice gig. Yes, I think so. Bring it on! I will go and perform for any occasion if anyone wants OROCHI.

For the next stops of the tour you are going to perform in Sweden and Germany. What are you looking forward to the most?

Ryu: I want to perform great shows. This is the only purpose for me to tour!
Gigs are unchangeable and unforgettable moments. The support members and I have practiced for this precious moment. I want to become one with the crowds.

Do you think your overseas listeners can easily understand all Japanese references you share with your music?

Ryu: No, I think it is really hard, so I sometimes put translations on Facebook and I am planning to write English songs to solve this problem. But you can feel the music with your heart.

Is there a big difference between Japanese and overseas listeners?

Ryu: Yes. I prefer European listeners. They are free and really want to enjoy the moment!

What do you prefer most: performing or creating music?

Ryu: Nice melody lines and danceable beats.

In January 2015 you plan to release a new mini-album, Jikuukouro. Could you please tell us more about this upcoming release? What can the listeners expect? What is the concept of the new release?

Ryu: This album is a completely new style of OROCHI's music. There are so many experiments in it, and more variations of sound and instruments. So you can enjoy it! It is hard to explain in words. Just listen to it!

What do you think the future holds for visual kei?

Ryu: Visual kei is eternal! It always changes in terms of music style and appearance, but it never stops!

What do you like most about your costumes? What is the most troublesome?

Ryu: I like my costume and I think about design too.

In which era of Japanese history you would like to live in if time travel is possible?

Ryu: I would like to spend time in the Sengoku period when war lords and samurai existed.

When you wake up, the first thing you do is ...

Ryu: Brush my teeth and wash my face!

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

Ryu: A cat. Because they are so pretty.

And to close our interview with you, please leave a message for our readers.

Ryu: Thank you very much for reading my interview I appreciate it. Please look forward to the concert and enjoy my music.


JaME would like to thank Ryu and Triple A Unit for making this interview possible.