Made up of Moeka Shiotsuka (vocals and guitar), Yurika Kasai (bass) and Hiroa Fukuda (drums), Hitsujibungaku has experienced a swift rise since the trio initially came together in 2017. Breaking out after their double-single release ‘1999 / Ningen Datta’ became a domestic hit in 2019, the Japanese band soon garnered even more attention through 3 fantastic albums.

From jam-packed concerts nationwide, to playing major festivals like Fuji Rock, Hitsujibungaku were already riding an enormous wave of momentum thanks to the exquisite vocals and captivating melodies that girded their propulsive alt-rock sound. But even with success finding them at every turn, little could have prepared them for the skyrocketing global popularity that would come when their song ‘more than words’ was chosen as the ending theme for Jujutsu Kaisen’s second season. 

Hot off the success of their 4th album 12 hugs (like butterflies), Hitsujibungaku sat down with Bandwagon prior to their sold-out concert at Esplanade Annexe Studio to discuss their first-ever Asian tour, their latest single ‘Burning’, their songs being used on shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Oshi No Ko, their favourite anime themes, and more.

First off, how did you guys meet?

Moeka: When I was 15, I was invited to join the band in high school. It was five-piece initially. But as we grew up, the others left due to commitments to school and work. The band had a lot of rotating members but after a while, I was the only one left. So I tried to recruit new, permanent musicians to join.

I actually found Fukuda through his drumming videos on YouTube, so I messaged him! As for Yurika, I found her via Twitter, and we started DMing each other. Soon she joined the band as well.

So you all were strangers initially! How has your relationship with each other grown since then?

Moeka: Yes! At first we didn’t know each other at all. But over the years, we became really close friends, and forged really deep connections. We matured together, and faced so many hurdles together. We’ve come to rely on each other during our toughest challenges, so our support of each other has really bonded us.

This is your first time touring Asia. What have you enjoyed the most when performing in front of new audiences in all these different countries?

Yurika: The excitement and the vibe of the audience is different from country to country, which is interesting. For example when we were in Hong Kong for a music festival, the fans were rowdier and singing along, even though our songs were quite slow. It's quite different in Japan because our crowds are more quiet as they’re more focused on listening and absorbing the performance.

The band exploded in popularity after ‘more than words’ became the ending theme for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. What was your reaction to how big the song became?

Yurika: We were ecstatic! The song introduced our music to so many new listeners. Although, when we were making the song, we did suspect that this was going to be the song that represented us. So we put in a lot of effort into the writing and recording process. I’m glad that our hard work paid off, and so many people enjoy it.

Do you guys read the manga or watch the anime? What are your personal thoughts on the Jujutsu Kaisen story and characters?

Moeka: I’ve been reading manga and anime ever since I was little, and I did read Jujutsu Kaisen way before we knew we were going to make ‘more than words’. I love the story even though it’s quite dark! The character design and overall style caught my eye as it was fresh and exciting. And I found the subject matter - Japanese sorcery, black magic and cursed techniques - to be fascinating and really cool.

The band just released its latest single ‘Burning’. Could you tell us more about your new song?

Moeka: ‘Burning’ is designed as the ending theme for the second season of Oshi No Ko, so I started reading the manga immediately after learning that we were going to get to write the song. Since the story of Oshi No Ko is about idols, fame and the music industry - as a musician myself - I related deeply to it through my own experiences. I also tried very hard to understand each character’s emotions, and did my best to infuse that into ‘Burning’. 

How does the song tie into the story of the anime’s upcoming season?

Moeka: Season one was more focused on the character Ai. But in season two, it's more focused on her son Aqua, and his turbulent emotions as he is growing up, and trying to be a star himself. The other characters are also dreaming of success and fame too. But in my opinion, the characters are struggling to love themselves, and instead seek validation from others. I like the conflict it presents - how meeting society’s demands of you can warp one’s self-love. I tried to understand that theme and reflect it back into the song.

The band also produced music for other anime like The Heike Story and The House of the Lost on the Cape. Do you guys like making music for anime?

Yurika: In the beginning we never expected or intended our songs to be used in anime, but we’ve come to enjoy it very much now! We love all the songs we’ve made for anime, but I think ‘more than words’ will always be closest to our hearts because it changed our lives and careers.

Finally, what do each of you consider to be the best anime theme song of all-time?

Moeka: I adore the song ‘Pink Blood’ by Hikaru Utada. It was the opening for To Your Eternity. It’s such a complex and emotional song, and quite unexpected as an anime theme. I was so moved by this song’s composition and how it resonated with the anime, so much so, that it inspired a lot of my process when making ‘more than words’.

Yurika: I’m a big Studio Ghibli fan, and am especially fond of Kiki’s Delivery Service. The soundtrack was composed by Joe Hisaishi and I really loved the track called ‘A Town with an Ocean View’. Whenever I listen to the song, I can easily imagine the seaside setting, the town, and the moment in the story. This theme transports me back to the film.