Voice actress and singer-songwriter Tomori Kusunoki's first analog record, "PRESSED FLOWERS," will be released on June 17th. While digital distribution is the mainstream, records and cassette tapes are experiencing a quiet resurgence among young people and music fans, but why did Kusunoki decide to release a record? We interviewed Kusunoki directly.
◇Is this what a record sounds like?
Kusunoki, known for her roles as Makima in "Chainsaw Man" and Ren in "Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online," was born on December 22, 1999, and enjoyed music during the heyday of CDs. In the 1990s, there was a record boom centered around club DJs and young music lovers, but as she was a child at the time, she had very few opportunities to interact with records.
"The idea of releasing a record came from the staff, but I had always wanted to do it myself. My father loved records, and we had a record player at home. However, my music-loving sister took them all. So, I actually haven't had much experience with records myself. I've seen records, but I've hardly ever put the needle down myself. I had a longing for something unknown. I think people my age probably don't have many opportunities to interact with records, so I hoped this could be an opportunity for them to experience them."
It's said that vinyl records have a different kind of charm than digital music. Listening to my own analog record, "PRESSED FLOWERS," changed my impression of records in a good way.
"Before I started listening to records, I had this image of them being 'noisy,' 'warm,' and 'round.' This time, I had the opportunity to listen to my own records in a really great environment, and I was surprised, thinking, 'Is this really the sound of a record?' The sound was so beautiful and immersive, it felt like I was enveloped in sound... I could hear sounds I had never noticed before, and it was a truly moving experience. My image of records has completely changed. Of course, I listened in a wonderful environment, so I think the sound will change depending on the environment. That's also an interesting aspect and perhaps part of the charm of records. I'd love to hear how everyone else feels about them."
In this day and age, when music can be easily enjoyed through streaming and "time-lapse" is sometimes emphasized, the act of setting a record in a player, dropping the needle, and then flipping it over to listen to side B after side A is finished may have become a luxurious musical experience.
"Streaming is convenient, and I think many people enjoy music as something that complements their daily lives. There may be many people who listen to music with themselves at the center, wanting to be energized or something similar, and wanting music to add color to their lives. But with records, the music is the main focus. There's a process of preparing, dropping the needle, and listening, and it feels like you're facing the music head-on. You can concentrate on listening to the music. There's also a difference in sound, and I think it's a new experience that's different from streaming or CDs."
Records existed before CDs and digital downloads, but for generations who didn't experience their heyday, they might feel fresh and new. Ms. Kusunoki said that flipping over a record was a novel experience for her.
"It's a strange feeling. We wouldn't do this with CDs. The term 'double A-side single' still exists for CDs, and I'm familiar with the term itself, but I think there are many young people who don't know its origin."
◇What was the reason for the song selection?
The analog record "PRESSED FLOWERS" is a concept album in which Kusunoki has selected songs that he "wants people to listen to on analog." I'm curious about the reasons behind his song selections.
"When I was given the opportunity to release a record, I held a family meeting with my father and sister and asked them to suggest songs, and I chose from those. It was a family selection, which was quite unexpected (laughs). With CDs, I value the storytelling and concept of the album itself, but records are more like commemorative items, so I chose songs that I wanted to hear on vinyl. I chose songs that are somewhat edgy, with some having many instruments, some with few, some recorded with live instruments, some with only electronic sounds, some with a fierce singing style, and some that are the complete opposite. Side A has bright melodies and is more pop-oriented, while Side B mainly features songs with a unique atmosphere and a clear worldview."
The record will contain a total of eight tracks. There were some songs that we reluctantly had to leave out.
"We also considered songs like 'Nemesia,' 'Mou Hitokuchi,' and 'Alive,' but when we thought about the sound quality, we decided that 'around eight songs might be best,' so we reluctantly cut them. We were also planning to make a longer version of 'MAYBLUES' and a club mix for the record, but we sadly gave up on that as well."
Listening to my own songs on record brought some new discoveries.
"For example, with 'MAYBLUES,' there was talk during the cutting process that 'it might be difficult to get the bass out,' but when I actually listened to it, the bass was there, and I felt a warmth in it. It's different from the solid atmosphere of before. With 'DOLL,' the vocals have a smokier feel than before, and I can't quite put it into words, but I felt a change. These two songs had the most outstanding changes. I also paid attention to the differences in the sound of the instruments. There was a sense of presence, but the vocals weren't so prominent as to be hard to hear, and it felt different from the CD. I chose songs with various singing styles, so those differences are very clear."
One of the biggest appeals of records is their larger jackets compared to CDs. The jackets feature not only photographs of Kusunoki, but also illustrations he has drawn himself.
"For the jacket, I wanted to create a natural feel, so I envisioned the 1970s when records were popular. I enjoy drawing intricate patterns, and while it's difficult to express fine details on a CD, record jackets are larger, so I designed it with the expectation that people would actually look at it. I wanted to create a jacket that would have a nice atmosphere even when displayed in a room. I've always admired the idea of displaying record jackets in one's room. I hope people enjoy the music, but I'd also be happy if they kept it as a memento. This is the best record I've been able to make so far!"
◇I still want to try many new things.
They will be holding live performances as part of "Billboard Live 2026" at Billboard Live Yokohama (Naka-ku, Yokohama) on September 6th and at Billboard Live Osaka (Kita-ku, Osaka) on September 13th.
"This is my first time at Billboard. Up until now, I've been in environments where I was immersed in the sound of the band in live houses and halls, but I think this acoustic set will be a more relaxed and enjoyable live performance where you can really get into the music. There will be arrangements that are faithful to the original songs, and perhaps some of the more intense songs will become gentler. Before my debut as an artist, my indie live performances were acoustic, so it might feel nostalgic for those who have been listening to me for a long time, and I hope you'll look forward to it."
Approximately six years have passed since Kusunoki made her major debut as a solo artist in 2020, but her challenges continue, including releasing her first record and performing live at her first venue.
"One thing I've always wanted to do but haven't been able to is create songs with unusual instrumentation. I'd like to try a four-track album with just bass and vocals, just drums and vocals, just guitar and vocals, and just piano and vocals. I still want to try many new things." (Manami Anima/MANTANWEB)
