J-pop band Ryokuoushoku Shakai (aka Ryokushaka) are stepping into an exciting new chapter. Known for blending theatrical flair with heartfelt lyrics and genre-blurring arrangements, the four-piece have become a force in Japan's music scene — and now, they’re bringing their dynamic sound across Asia for the very first time.
Following the release of their vibrant new single 'illusion' and the emotionally resonant 'Tsuzuku' (crafted for NTT DOCOMO’s Future Museum campaign), Ryokushaka are set to embark on their first overseas headlining shows this October and November. Their Asia Tour 2025 includes stops in Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and wraps up in Singapore at The Theatre at Mediacorp on 9 November.
Ahead of the tour, we caught up with Haruko Nagaya (vocals/guitar), Issei Kobayashi (guitar), peppe (keyboard), and Shingo Anami (bass) to talk musicals, inspiration, and what makes being in a band so special.
‘illusion’ feels like a new chapter in your sound — what inspired the magical, danceable vibe of this track?
Anami: This track was released on 4 July, our band’s anniversary. After releasing our last album Channel U and touring behind it, we wanted to create a song that lets people imagine what’s next for us. There wasn’t any tie-in or collaboration with this one, so we really focused on bringing out what makes Ryokuoushoku Shakai... well, us. We started the song with a chorus made up of all four of our voices, which is a very Ryokuoushoku Shakai way of approaching it. I made it imagining that listeners would feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s ahead, beyond 2025.
How does this song reflect where Ryokushaka is now as a band?
Anami: We’ve always loved expressions that remind us of musicals or stage performances, so we brought a little of that for 'illusion'. We don’t have any concrete plans yet, but as a band, we also want to explore elements beyond just music. This song was a way for us to take on that challenge.
Nagaya: I think we all just really love that feeling of excitement. Even when we first formed the band, none of us were the type to stick to just one kind of music — we’ve always shared the music we love and our tastes with each other. That kind of environment sparks inspiration, and I think it’s why we’re naturally drawn to new and unusual things, like the world of a musical or other extraordinary experiences.
Your lyrics often evoke emotion in unexpected ways — what’s the story or feeling you hope listeners take away from ‘illusion’?
Kobayashi: As Ryokuoushoku Shakai, continuing with our music, we often feel tossed around by music itself — like it’s this huge, almost godlike force. The lyrics of this song capture that feeling of being swept along, but we expressed it from the perspective of a boy being tossed around by a woman he likes. It’s a way of looking at life’s ups and downs through a more personal, human lens.
Your upcoming Asia tour includes cities like Jakarta, Singapore, and Hong Kong — what excites you most about bringing your music to these audiences?
Nagaya: These would actually be our very first solo shows overseas, so I’m really excited to see what it’s like to fill a venue with our fans. There are also a lot of cities we’ve never been to before, so I’m curious how the audience will react — whether their favourite songs or the way they respond will be different from city to city. Everything about it feels exciting. And of course, I’m looking forward to enjoying the local food and just having a good time while we’re there.
peppe: Nagaya said she’s excited about everything, and I totally agree — just thinking about it makes me grin, and I can’t wait for the shows. But at the same time, I don’t want it to happen too soon, because then the anticipation would be over! Meeting our fans in person is something I truly look forward to, and I also have friends in Korea who say they’ll come see us, and in Singapore, my host family will be coming too. It’s been years since we last saw some of these people, so it feels really special. I hope I can show how much I’ve grown through our performances, and honestly, meeting all these different people and connecting with them is something I’m really passionate about right now.
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How do you prepare for international stages compared to domestic ones?
Nagaya: For things like the setlist, we might consider that we’re playing overseas and adjust a little. But our stance, our attitude on stage, the way we perform — that’s all still classic Ryokuoushoku Shakai. We want to show audiences exactly who we are, just like we do at home. That part won’t change, so I hope people look forward to it.
As artists who’ve grown up together, what’s something you’ve learned about yourselves — or each other — on this journey from high school to arena stages?
Nagaya: Having been active together for so many years, I’ve really come to appreciate what a band can be. We don’t have a leader, but we’ve built a relationship where everyone can share their opinions equally. No one person bears all the responsibility, and we can lean on each other through worries or tough times. It’s really special to be able to celebrate successes together — that’s something only a team can do. There’s a strength in knowing you’re not alone, and a sense of relief in realizing that it’s okay to rely on each other. I truly feel that’s an amazing part of being in a band.
peppe: Growing up, I mostly did things like piano lessons on my own, so I didn’t really have a sense of being part of a team. This band — these members — taught me that. Having others around helps you understand yourself better, and there are so many moments where someone else helps you grow. I really feel that my personal growth has been possible because of these members.
Kobayashi: The things I’ve kept up the longest in life are dance and this band. I stopped dancing in school, but I’ve been in this band since high school. I’ve never been good at sticking with something for a long time, but the four of us have been doing this together for 13 years. I’ve learned how important it is to keep going, how difficult it can be, and that what keeps it alive isn’t just communication — sometimes it’s about these miraculous moments that fall into place.
Anami: As band members, we live a life completely different from the usual. Most people have a house, a job, friends, and everyday experiences — that’s considered normal. But being in a band gives you so many perspectives you wouldn’t get otherwise. The people we meet, the staff, the audience — it’s nothing like the encounters you have in an office. It’s given us access to sights and experiences that most people never see, and I’m realizing more and more how special that is. Maybe you start thinking about these things more as you get older.
Prior to crafting the OP, 'Be a flower', were any of you fans of The Apothecary Diaries manga or anime?
Nagaya: I’ve actually been a fan of The Apothecary Diaries manga from the start, so the moment we were offered this project, I was beyond excited and immediately told everyone around me, “I absolutely want to do this!” That dream came true, and when the anime started airing, I was amazed by how big the response has been both in Japan and overseas. The story has some subtle Asian traditional elements, and Shingo (Anami) made sure to weave those touches into the music as well. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, so just being able to take on this challenge was exciting, and being able to make it truly our own is incredibly rewarding. Performing it at live shows and festivals, I can really feel the audience’s different reactions, which makes me even more grateful for this incredible opportunity.
Anami: I read the manga, and of course the anime is amazing. With the manga, I was drawn in by its unique pacing — the way tension builds and then gives way to the subtle, precious moments between characters. That balance of intensity and calm completely captivated me, and I quickly became hooked on the story.
You’ve played NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen for three years straight. For those outside of Japan, could you explain why this show is so special?
Nagaya: Overseas, people often imagine New Year’s Eve as a big party, but in Japan, many spend it at home watching TV with their family. That’s why Kouhaku Uta Gassen is such a well-known show — for anyone in music, it’s a stage you aim for, and being part of it is a huge honour. When we actually performed, I was blown away by the scale of the live broadcast, which runs for hours, and the incredible work behind the scenes. Seeing so many staff moving with such precision made me realize the size of the stage we were on, and it was truly humbling. Of course, it’s an honour to appear three years in a row, but I don’t think consecutive appearances alone define its value. Being on the show doesn’t make you "better" than someone else — we want to keep creating music in our own way, music that reaches many people, and when the time comes again, we’ll make sure to put in the effort to make our performance a success.
Kobayashi: For people outside Japan, Kouhaku might not make much sense, so here’s a little context: being invited to perform means you’re recognized as one of Japan’s representative artists for that year. We’ve had the privilege of doing that three years in a row. We want to carry that awareness of our role as artists when we share our music in Singapore. Back when I was a student and just a music fan, I saw the performers as the year’s representatives. Now that we’ve been on the show ourselves, I feel we’re not quite at that “representative” level yet. Still, I hope we can approach our Singapore performances with that sense of responsibility and pride.
Finally, outside of Ryokushaka, what’s been inspiring you lately — whether it’s music, books, films, or even food from your travels?
Anami: Recently, I lost my phone and went about two and a half days without it. It made me realize that even without a phone, there’s still so much to think about. I was reflecting on all sorts of things — it’s hard to sum up in just one sentence. I think everyone could benefit from a little time like that once a week. Of course, it’s tricky for people who need their phones for work, but for me, that experience became a source of inspiration.
peppe: The hottest topic in our band right now has got to be Kingdom. I hadn’t watched it at first, but the "already-watching" members and some staff started recommending it to me, and then suddenly everyone who hadn’t seen it started watching it all at once. Now, the whole team is trying to get through all the seasons together, and the story is so intense. It’s fun to get excited together about the plot, and being inspired by the show itself gives me a lot of energy. Honestly, it’s a totally new kind of stimulation for me.
Kobayashi: Outside of music, I don’t really get much inspiration. (Laughs)
Nagaya: I also want to talk about Kingdom. I think I was the first one in the team to recommend it. A few years ago, I had only watched up to season two, and then I suggested it to Kobayashi and Anami — they got hooked immediately. A few years later, on a tour, we all decided to watch it together, and now the whole team is totally into it. It gives me this invincible, courageous feeling — it’s a really good mindset. As for food, a little while ago I went to Vietnam and discovered bun cha. People usually know Vietnamese food for pho or banh mi, but when I tried bun cha for the first time, it was unbelievably delicious — like a dipping noodle dish. It’s hard to find in Japan, and even when I do, it’s never quite the same. I’ve been living with this hope that bun cha becomes more available in Japan.
Kobayashi: Also, we all really love bak kut teh.
Nagaya: Oh yes, I wanted to say that too! By the way, I had some yesterday. I’m really looking forward to enjoying the local bak kut teh when we get there!
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