Interview with Riko Sasaki: Overcoming difficult times and moving forward with strength

Singer and voice actress Sasaki Riko's new single "Majestic Catastrophe" will be released on August 27th. The title song is the opening theme for the TV anime "Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Begins with a Ruined Civilization," in which Sasaki appears as a voice actress, and is a symphonic metal-style song that marks "new territory" for Sasaki. We spoke to Sasaki about her new single and her activities as a singer.

◇ Expressing darkness with all your might

"Majestic Catastrophe" has a dark worldview that is appealing. Sasaki has sung dark songs in the past, but this marks a new frontier for her.

"It was my first time singing metal with an operatic, majestic worldview. There were overlapping choruses like a choir, and although I've sung dark songs before, this was a new challenge and new territory for me. I wanted to express not just a powerful sound, but also a delicate side, so I immersed myself in the world of the song and tried to delicately express the strength of an enigmatic being. I like singing a variety of songs, but expressing the dark side of my inner self is especially fun, both in recording and live performances. I love dark songs because I feel like I'm not my usual self."

Sasaki is also active as a voice actress, playing roles such as Mikata Hatsuka/Doloris in "BanG Dream! Ave Mujica," Kurume Miho in "Link! Project," and Nijinosaki Dia in "Kiratto Pri☆Chan." Her experience as a voice actress has also helped broaden her range of expression as a singer.

"The lyrics of 'Majestic Catastrophe' also have a wonderful worldview, starting with a shout and including many phrases that you don't normally hear, so I thought about how to put emotion into the song. My experience as a voice actor really came into play. When I speak or ask questions in my songs like lines, I feel like I'm appealing to the soul, and I think that's the same for singing and acting."

"Majestic Catastrophe" is a "difficult song," and Sasaki expressed his emotions delicately.

"It was easy to express the worldview I had in mind, and I had so much fun. I turned off the lights in the booth and sang while immersed in the world of the song, so when I realized it, the recording was over and I felt a little sad. For bright, positive songs, I turn the lights on so I can see what's in front of me and imagine my fans, but this is a song that is the epitome of darkness, so I sang while focusing my mind. I paid particular attention to how I used my throat and my whispering style, and did my best to express the darkness."

◇I've even thought that it would be easier to just give up.

For the coupling song "Poetry is the One Who Spreads," Sasaki tried his hand at writing lyrics, putting into it the feelings he has had throughout his career.

"I've been working hard, little by little, up until now, and while it's important to reach a goal and achieve something, I believe the process is also very important, so I tried to put the path I've walked into the lyrics. I'm still working hard, but there were times when I just couldn't see any results and it was tough. I've been searching for a solution myself, along with my staff. There were times when I was really lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for me, live performances are what give me meaning, so the period when I couldn't perform was really tough. I almost gave up on my activities altogether. But I'm really glad I didn't give up, and I'm sure that even small efforts will lead to something someday. I wanted this song to reach people who are going through the same pain, so I expressed the journey it took to blossom."

The lyrics feel like a message to the fans.

"I couldn't have moved forward on my own, and I put that feeling into the song. I wanted to quickly repay everyone for their kindness, but sometimes the results didn't come easily... When I was a rookie, I would hand out flyers and do street performances of my own volition, but I couldn't have done it without the support of people. I also wanted to write lyrics that would convey gratitude. When I handed out flyers, no one would accept them at all. I was close to breaking down, and for a while it was so traumatic. But it strengthened my mentality. Everyone was just passing by, but there were also people who would stop and stop. I met people for the first time while handing out flyers, and I still remember them to this day. There are people who support me. I put the feeling that it's not all in vain into the song. When things were really tough, I sometimes thought it would be easier to just give up, but I grew to feel that I never wanted it to end. No matter how tough it is, I've come to the point where I want to make my dreams come true, and I feel incredibly happy. The voices of Toriko (Sasaki's fans) are my driving force. Every time we meet, they give me energy, and even when we can't meet, they convey so much love to me, which gives me strength. There are actually words hidden in the lyrics, so be sure to look for them!

The other coupling song, "Gouka Kanransai," is also a "difficult song," but she sang it beautifully.

"The tempo is fast and the beat changes, so it's a technically difficult song. I've had the opportunity to sing a variety of songs up until now, but when I first heard this one, I was amazed. It was like I had to stand up straight, and I was prepared, like, here it comes! The song is packed with words, but it's also sprinkled with messages that I want to convey, so I had to make sure to convey those as well. There were some difficult parts, singing with such intensity and in unison with the instruments, but it was still fun. I'm a bit of a competitive person, so I sang freely with the feeling that I could do it! I'll sing without compromise even at live performances. I want to make it a song that everyone can get involved in and enjoy like a festival. There are parts where you can call and call along, so I want everyone to shout along."

Singing with soul

Sasaki has outstanding vocal ability and can deliver a powerful, heart-stirring voice to any song.

"I often incorporate my own experiences into my songs. I like to fantasize, so I pretend to be the protagonist of the song and try to interpret and express it in my own way based on my past experiences. I'm not the type of person who can't lie, and I've had setbacks and often regret things, but I try to convey that without hiding it. I don't try to sing well. It's all about the feelings, after all. Songs can't be rated, so it's important to sing with your soul. I want to continue to make this my motto. I like the saying 'Never forget your original intentions', and I want to keep moving forward with that feeling."

On December 27th, they will hold a solo live show "RE;VERSI" at KT Zepp Yokohama (Nishi-ku, Yokohama).

"There are many meanings behind "RE;VERSI". The "RE" represents us evolving further since our first solo live show in a while, "I'm RICO." in May, and coming together again. The "; (semicolon)" means to connect strongly, so this represents "connecting strongly again". We've sung a variety of songs up until now, so we want people to enjoy both the light and the dark sides. It also includes the feeling that we want to "reversi" the people who come to our live shows and turn them into "all Rico".

Sasaki's activities are spreading worldwide.

"I want to become an artist who is recognized worldwide. I have been involved in a variety of projects, and thanks to my work, fans from all over the world have come to see me. I was so happy and moved when people tried so hard to speak Japanese at release events. It makes me happy to think that music transcends words!"

Having overcome a difficult time, Sasaki is moving forward with strength. Finally, we asked him about his future goals.

"I want to carefully accumulate various things one by one, and become an artist who can fill the Budokan or a large arena. Until now, it has always felt like a faraway dream, but I want to keep working hard without thinking of it as a dream. I don't think it's easy. I will always think about what I need to do to make my dream come true, and put my all into it. I want to continue to make my dreams come true together with everyone."