Interview with IRUMA RIOKA in Moscow

On the day after St. Valentine’s Day and her live in Saint Petersburg, Japanese performer IRUMA RIOKA came to Moscow where we had a chance to interview her and listen to her thoughts about her first tour in Russia.


Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

IRUMA: My name is Rioka Iruma. I perform as a singer and as a composer. All my performances are made in gothic lolita style. The basis for my songs is classic music. Here with me are my guitarist NEMU and Amu, who created the jackets for my CDs.

Since early childhood, you've been engaged in music. Did you always want to be a musician or were there moments where you wished to leave music?

IRUMA: I’ve never thought of leaving music because if I do, I’ll stop being myself. Even if it’s hard, I can’t leave it because I really love it.

Was it hard to leave your old life and go live in Tokyo? Please, tell us about the time when you first went there.

IRUMA: I lived in a quiet province and for people there, it was not a good idea to go to Tokyo but I had dreamed about that for so long. That’s why I did all I could to make it come true.

How do you describe your musical style?

IRUMA: (laughs and talks with her friends) Music of fantasies.

Last year, you released your first CD, IRUMA. It’s been almost one year since then, so do you plan to make a new full-length album?

IRUMA: Actually, in October I released one more CD, although there are only 4 songs. It can be bought only in Japan now, but starting next month we plan to sell it all over the world.

While composing your songs, you get inspiration from classic music, so many people think that your works can serve as a soundtrack for anime. What do you think about it? Do you want to make music for anime and movies?

IRUMA: Yes, I’d love to, but now, I don't make my music for anime or something else, as I almost do not watch it. It’s just that I like the music like what's in anime, so I compose similarly.

You have many fans all over the world. What did you feel when you learned that people abroad listen to your music?

IRUMA: I was extremely happy. And I really like how warmly I was welcomed yesterday (in Saint Petersburg). NEMU even cried there. (Everybody laughs and NEMU puts his finger by his lips, motioning that it’s a secret)

You have interesting looks, do you create them yourself or does somebody help you?

IRUMA: All my dresses are done by my friend. For my lives, I try to pick up the clothes that match my music.

How did the idea of such looks appear? Do you use them in your everyday life?

IRUMA: In my everyday life I wear something similar to both casual and gothic lolita styles. But if I come to work like that, (points to her dress and NEMU’s cloak), everyone will be very surprised! (everybody laughs)

As an indies performer, you have a lot of work. How do you like to spend your free time?

IRUMA: I almost have no free time. I'm always composing music.

Yesterday, you had a performance in Saint Petersburg. Can you tell us your impressions about it and also about the city and the country?

IRUMA: I was really impressed by the number of people loving Japan. And there was a contest for lolitas, the girls were singing Japanese songs. I loved it when during my performance people shouted "We love you!" in Japanese.

Are foreign fans or particularly Russian different from the Japanese ones?

IRUMA: They are very different. In Russia, fans are so energetic and their reactions are so strong.
NEMU: And in Japan everything goes in another way – fans listen to us quietly without showing any emotions.

This visit to Russsia is your first foreign tour this year. Where do you plan to go in the near future? Which countries would you like to visit?

IRUMA: I want to see many of them. If it is needed, then I’ll go anywhere (laughs).

Please, tell us some more about your friends. How did you met each other and why did you decide to work together?

IRUMA: Amu creates the images that suit my music. We lived together for a long time, that’s why she understands me better than anyone else. When I compose music I see pictures in my head. Amu listens to the music and draws these pictures. And NEMU helps me to arrange my music. In university, I studied classical music and he knows many other styles like rock and metal. So we mix different genres. It’s very funny being with him because he’s so small he has so many fans. He’s very cute (everyone laughs).

We know you organize costume parties. Do they have a special purpose? Who do you invite there?

IRUMA: We made a Halloween party. And now I want to make one in May. Everyone can come – friends, fans...

Do you have a dream you want to come true?

IRUMA: A dream? Hmm... I would like to travel and perform in different countries like we have in Russia.

And lastly, please, leave a message for our readers.

IRUMA: It’s my first time in Russia and I’m thankful for your warm welcoming and for your interest in my music. I would like to come here again and have more time for excursions and sightseeing.


JaME would like to thank the organizers, the translator, IRUMA RIOKA and her friends.