ClariS at Anime Friends 2024

The duo ClariS, consisting of Clara and Karen, met with the press on Friday, July 19th, a day before their debut concert in Brazil. In conversation, the singers talked about their influences, their work in the field of anime music and its importance in their career, and the experience of meeting with Brazilian fans.

In 2023, you released the cover music video of Samishii Nettaigyo by Wink. This group gained popularity overseas starting in 2016, alongside other artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Mariya Takeuchi. Did the decision to record this cover follow this new wave of popularity, or has Wink always been popular in Japan?

Clara: When we debuted as ClariS, one of the themes that inspired the creation of the duo was Wink. Although they were from a past era, we wanted to be the Wink of this era. So, the inspiration to record this video in 2023 came from that.

When you started doing covers on the internet, did you imagine you would pursue this career, or was it initially just a hobby?

Karen: Initially, we started in music because we loved it a lot. But over time, it became professional. It was an important start, but it was really just because we wanted to connect ourselves with music.

We have seen a big movement of artists who started with covers and are becoming very successful, like NANO, who was here last year. What would you say to an artist who intends to start with anime song covers?

Clara: When we started, we didn't think it would reach the heights it has and that we would get to where we are today. The feeling of loving music and always wanting to be connected to it is the most important thing for those who are starting out. If everyone continues to believe and love music, it will lead you somewhere. We are cheering for everyone!

When ClariS started, you wore masks during performances. What was the initial concept behind using the masks, and what motivated you to stop using them?

Karen: When we debuted, we were students, so there was a concern about protecting our privacy. We wore masks because we wanted our fans, whom we consider as family, to follow our performances. The moment we decided to stop using them was during our 10th anniversary. It was a way to interact more with the fans and be closer to them.

How did you develop the idea of going public and decide to show your faces?

Karen: Initially, we wanted to maintain the image of mystery, but as we grew, we realized that if we kept the masks, it would seem like we were hiding something from the fans. We increasingly felt the need to be closer to them. This grew until we decided it was time to take off the masks and get closer to them.

The name ClariS comes from Princess Clarisse from the movie "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro." Did the inspiration for the name come from the "Lupin" series or Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli movies?

Clara: There are two reasons why we chose this name for the duo. The first is because etymologically, in Latin, the word "claris" means clear, radiant, something pure. But there's also Clarisse from "Lupin."

When working with anime, in the creative process, are there differences in working with composers of very different genres? For example, you've done romantic comedies, but you've also made music for "SHADOWS HOUSE." How is it working with such different genres?

Clara: The initial idea of the group, as well as the name of our duo, ClariS, was to have a more charming image, like a fairy tale. But over time, we always seek to renew our genres and not stick to just one thing. We always try to bring a new atmosphere to the group.

The name ClariS is closely linked to otaku culture since you have made music for "Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai," "Nisekoi," "Nisemonogatari," and "Madoka Magica." How does it feel to be such an important name for an entire community?

Clara: We are very happy to know that our name follows the names of anime series and that it is delivered to the whole world. If there weren't anime to feature our music, we wouldn't even be here. So, we are very happy and honored by this.

Talking about "Madoka Magica" is talking about ClariS. The series is about magical girls but has a more serious script. How did your music contrast with the series and its messages?

Clara: When we saw the script, we were unsure if our music really matched the series. As the story progressed and we saw the direction it was taking, we realized that it matched with part of the music and confirmed that this contrast is very important for the series. Because of the Yin, the Yang is also highlighted, and this makes the anime show its characteristics. So, in the end, the music matched very well.

In a recent interview where you talked about the song you made for "Ookami to Koushinryou," Andante, you mentioned that you found it very surprising to have an anime series that shows a merchant and his daily life. Have you found any work like this anime?

Karen: This series has a more fantastical part, but when we talk about showing daily life, we have "Kanojo to Kanoko." "K-ON" also brings a lot of daily life. We can only remember these two. (laughs)

Can you tell us a little about the single Love is Mystery?

Karen: Our concerts have always been accompanied by stories. We have always had a theme to follow, like a musical. This time, we chose this song with the intention of having a story and being able to play a little with the audience. The idea is for the audience to also have fun and bring that charm of being in love.

What was it like discovering that you had fans in Brazil, and how was the experience of meeting them?

Karen: We were very moved to know that there were many fans in Brazil waiting for us, and to be able to come and receive all this love in person. We are very grateful for the warm reception we've received.

What are your impressions of Brazil? Do you have a message for your Brazilian fans?

Clara: We knew that Brazil was a warm country, where everyone smiles a lot, people hug you, and there is a lot of human warmth. Now that we are here, we confirmed that it is indeed like that. (laughs) The fans are very warm and always have a smile on their faces.

Karen: Thank you for waiting all this time for us. One way to reciprocate fans' love is with our concert. We will rock and deliver the best concert for everyone.

JaME would like to thank ClariS, Maru Division, and interpreter Gabriela Sayuri Utida Yoshida for making this article possible.

Late Saturday afternoon, Clara and Karen took to Anime Friends' main stage wearing kimonos to perform their first two songs, Hirahira Hirara and Koimachi Kaguya.

Soon after, they swapped their traditional outfits for light, flowing dresses, which provided some relief from the heat on stage, despite the cold weather outside the convention. The heat was likely due to the sheer number of people cheering along with them, eager to see ClariS in person for the first time.

The duo thanked everyone for being there and mentioned how happy they were that their music had reached Brazil. They attempted a bit of Portuguese and praised the Brazilian fans who sang all the songs with them. Clara remarked that they would love to return to Brazil again.

The set list included various anime series soundtracks, such as "Nisemonogatari," "Eromanga Sensei," "Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai," "Saint Cecilia & Pastor Lawrence," "Ookami to Koushinryou," "Lycoris Recoil," "Owamonogatari," "Nisekoi," and the most anticipated song, "Puella Magi Madoka Magica."

After a hot (literally!) concert filled with choreography and no intermission, ClariS closed with their hit Connect from "Madoka Magica," eliciting cheers from the audience who sang loudly throughout the song. The duo solidified themselves as one of the greatest anisong acts to have performed at the event over the years.

Set list

01. Hirahira Hirara
02. Koimachi Kaguya
03. Naisho no Hanashi
04. Hitorigoto
05. irony
06. Koisekai
07. Andante
08. ALIVE
09. Shiori
10. Click
11. Colorful
12. Luminous
13. Connect