A conversation with Hitsujibungaku

By Brooke Carlson, host of Petit Dejeuner Club

As the host of an international show, I am always thrilled when global acts visit our vibrant local music scene— and on April 16th, we’ll welcome Tokyo’s own Hitsujibungaku to Portland on their very first U.S. west coast tour!

Hitsujibungaku is an acclaimed Japanese alt-rock band that seamlessly threads a needle between genres – shoegaze, grunge, indie-rock, J-Pop. Ahead of their show at Revolution Hall on the 16th, I chatted with Moeka Shiotsuka (vocals/guitar) and Yurika Kasai (bass) to talk about the music that shaped them, and how they’re bringing their sound to a whole new audience. 

We are so lucky to have you stopping by Portland on your first tour in the U.S.! You’ve been traveling a lot over the past couple years – What are you most looking forward to about this leg of your tour?

Moeka: Meeting the American fans.  I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond to our music and what kind of people will be there.

Yurika: Personally, I’m visiting Mainland America for the first time; very much looking forward to seeing first-hand the scenery of different cities and the lives of local people.  I also look forward to feeling how American people enjoy music.

 

We’re certainly looking forward to hearing you play live in action at Revolution Hall on the 16th.  For potential new fans hoping to check out the show, how would you describe your music?

Moeka: Our songs vary; some are loud, some are quiet.  We like alternative rock; we draw influences from American music a lot; I think we also have the calmness unique to Japanese.  In Japan, many people tell us that we’re like 90s music.  I wonder how Americans think of us.

Yurika: We are a three-piece band based in Tokyo, Japan.  All of us like music from the American West Coast, which we have been greatly influenced from.  

 

To an American ear, your sound fits right in here in Portland! Your more rock-centered tracks are very reminiscent of some of the genres that have become signifiers of the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) music scene – grunge, indie rock, shoegaze. Do you have any PNW artists that you draw inspiration from, or elsewhere in the states?

Moeka: There are many, but I especially like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Elliott Smith!

Yurika: Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins,  Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.,  Pixies, Weezer 

 

On the flip side, do you feel there are elements of your sound that feel uniquely Japanese, or draw inspiration from a specific aspect of the Tokyo music scene?

Moeka: There are many interesting bands in the Tokyo underground scene.  I saw many of them at a club named Basement Bar in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, and learned how to do live shows.  Of the many favorite Japanese bands I have, I would recommend Odottebakarinokuni and OOIOO.

Yurika: We draw great influences from the sensitivity unique to Japanese culture and the pop and melodic elements of Japanese acts such as Yura Yura Teikoku, Hikaru Utada, Blankey Jet City, and Judy and Mary to name a few.  

 

Moeka, you’ve mentioned that Hitsujibungaku started when you were still in high school. Part of our mission here at Portland Radio Project is providing a platform for young, up-and-coming musicians in the area who may not have an opportunity to hear their music elsewhere. Do you have any advice for young artists who may be just starting out on their music journey?

Moeka: I think it’s important to listen to lots of music and not neglect facing your emotions, which I always tell myself.

Yurika: Experiences are treasures.  While you’re young, I think you’d better take action than think.  You will definitely gain something even if you fail.  

 

Over the last couple years, you’ve created music specifically for different anime. How do you feel like the production process changes when you’re creating music for a specific purpose? Is it easier or harder than just writing for an album?

Moeka: Writing an anime theme starts with reading the original story well to find parts that overlap my experiences.  Writing a song, in any case, is not easy for me.  Anime songs allow great promotional opportunities for Japanese musicians, and we have to write songs that could intrigue many people, which, I think, provides a different difficulty from album tracks.  

Yurika: When we create a song for an anime, the content and atmosphere of the anime come first to start writing.  It’s different from the start compared to writing a song from scratch by opening our inner “drawers.”  We also think about how to incorporate our unique elements in an anime song, but songs on an album stem from within ourselves, meaning, it already has our characteristics. So the processes are pretty different.  To me, it is harder to create a song for an anime than for our album.  

 

You’ve amassed an international audience, including here in Portland. What do you think it is about your music that resonates with fans from all different cultures and backgrounds?

Moeka: I’m glad to hear that.  I wonder why.  It’s strange even for me, so I want to ask everyone when I’m in the States.

Yurika: I’m glad to hear that as we craft each and every song with care and attention.  We aim to create a sound that allows you to picture scenes from the music. 

 

What’s coming down the line for Hitsujibungaku? Any new music or projects in the works that we can look forward to?

Moeka: I cannot tell you much, but as always, I’m writing an intense song at one time and writing a very adorable song at another.  We plan to release all sorts of songs from this year to next. If you like, please pay attention to our news every once in a while.

Yurika: We are going to make an album. Towards next year, we are also writing songs that would be exciting for us again.  Please look forward to them!

Hitsujibungaku plays Revolution Hall on April 16. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.