The 21st installment of "Animelo Summer Live (Anisama)," one of the world's largest anime song live events, "Animelo Summer Live 2026 -Messenger-," will be held at Makuhari Messe (Mihama-ku, Chiba City) for three days from July 10th to 12th. Anisama is an anime song festival that started in 2005 and is held every summer. Voice actress and singer Haruna Aoki will be making her first appearance at Anisama as a solo artist. We asked Ms. Aoki about her thoughts on Anisama.
◇My first Animelo Summer Live was like a dream
Aoki, who said she "loved anime songs and singing" even before her debut, enjoyed Animelo Summer Live every year.
"Of course, I've known about it since I was a student, and it's a big anime song event. I lived in the countryside, but I used to watch it on TV, and my family and I would record it and watch it together during the New Year's holidays. It was a big event that was familiar to the Aoki family. I clearly remember being shocked by LiSA's performance of 'Shirushi,' and it was also a place where I discovered songs I loved, thinking, 'Wow, there's a song like this!'"
This isn't Aoki's first time on the Animelo Summer Live stage. She previously performed on the big stage for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025 as a member of the band "MyGO!!!!!" from the media mix project "BanG Dream!".
"I was definitely nervous. It was the biggest venue I'd ever performed at, Saitama Super Arena, so that alone made me nervous, but it was also Animelo Summer Live after all. So many amazing people were there, and the pressure was immense. When I first went on stage, I was in the center, and there were audience members everywhere I looked. I could see their backs, and of course they could see me in front of them, and there were an incredible number of penlights. It was a beautiful sight, and I felt like I was dreaming. It was a sight I'd never seen before."
It seems like she had many experiences unlike anything she'd had before, but she smiled and said, "I enjoyed it!"
"After the performance, I felt like I had really given it my all! After it was over, I enjoyed watching other artists' performances on the monitor in the dressing room with the other members, and we were all cheering them on and having a great time."
She has appeared as a member of "MyGO!!!!!" for three consecutive years, and while she says she still feels a sense of tension in a good way, she is enjoying the experience.
"It definitely feels like a big event, and the performers are different every year, so I can't help but wonder who I'll be performing with, and my inner geek comes out (laughs). The performers don't know about the surprise artists or collaborations either, so when I'm there I'm like a fan, thinking, 'Wow! They're singing together!' I even check the schedule on the days I'm not performing, and I enjoy the festival."
◇Animelo Summer Live is "definitely special"
This year at Animelo Summer Live, I'll finally be taking to the big stage as a solo artist.
"I'm definitely nervous. It's different from performing as a group; I have to stand in the center of the stage as a solo artist. I think there will be many people who don't know me. I'd be happy to meet lots of people. When we sing the final theme song at the end, we used to share the microphone among the members, but this time I'll be given a microphone, so I'm grateful, but also very nervous."
This year's Animelo Summer Live theme is "Messenger." Aoki will convey her feelings to the people gathered at the venue.
"My live performance time is limited, but within that time, I want to pour my heart into my singing so that I can deliver a performance that says, 'I am Aoki Haruna!' I want to challenge myself to make it a live performance that leaves a lasting impression on someone."
Aoki says that even at regular live performances, he tries to "never forget that there are people who are seeing a live show for the first time."
"We're approaching this with the intention of making sure everyone enjoys themselves, without getting too caught up in inside jokes. We're always supported by everyone's voices, whether it's the cheers at our live shows, comments on social media, or fan letters."
Aoki describes her feelings towards Animelo Summer Live as "definitely special."
"When you think of summer, you think of Animelo Summer Live! For anime and anime song lovers, I think it's an indispensable event. When it was postponed due to the pandemic, I really felt how difficult the times were, and that feeling remains in my heart. For those who participate every year, it's probably become a regular event in their lives, and it's deeply moving to be able to perform there. I don't want this to be a one-time thing, so I'll work even harder to be invited back again!"
I'm sure he'll leave a lasting impression at his first solo performance at Animelo Summer Live. I hope you'll pay attention to his dynamic performance on the big stage. (Manami Anima/MANTANWEB)
