BAND-MAID is a band that exemplifies all of the best aspects of J-rock. With ripping songs fit for both Lollapalooza and the opening of your favorite anime, a unique live show experience in which the band and the crowd participate in equal measure, all wrapped up in a maid cafe look that could never be replicated, the band has been an integral part of the expansion of J-rock to the rest of the world. With their most recent release, the 8 track EP SCOOOOOP , BAND-MAID continues to reinforce their status as a rock powerhouse by adding new elements to the familiar sound that has carried them for more than a decade. The EP caps off a massive year for the band, featuring in three different anime and even serving as motion capture for one of them, Rock is a Lady’s Modesty! In celebration of such an incredible year, I spoke with the band (yes the whole band!) about their new music, their biggest anime year ever, and the role anime plays in their music and personal lives! Could you tell me a little bit about the new EP, SCOOOOOP ! MIKU KOBATO : This EP, SCOOOOOP is packed with what we, BAND-MAID, consider our signature, quintessential sound right now, the best of what we can do at this moment, po. Was there anything new that you brought to the writing or recording process for the EP that is different from how you approach a full length album? MIKU KOBATO : What do you think, po, KANAMI? KANAMI : Well, in terms of composition, the song “Dilly-Dally” has a slightly different flavor than what we usually do. Also, since BAND-MAID has two vocalists, Vo. SAIKI and Vo. MIKU KOBATO, who is a guitarist and a vocalist, we thought it would be interesting to have a song that could really showcase that twin-vocal feeling. It had been a while since we incorporated that, so I think we were able to bring out a lot of freshness with this track. Do you each have a favorite song of the new ones to play live? KANAMI : My favorite is “Present Perfect.” This song stems from the idea of wanting to make a lead track. Usually, we decide which song will be the lead track after we've already recorded a few songs. However, with "Present Perfect," we had a discussion amongst the members about what kind of lead song would really drive us forward, what would be the lead song that would pull BAND-MAID forward from this point on. Normally, I'm the one who suggests the song structure, but this time, all the members contributed ideas for the structure. Because of that, I feel we all worked together to make this song, which is why it is my favorite song. AKANE : My favorite song is “Lock and Load.” This is an instrumental song. BAND-MAID has released six instrumental songs so far. This time, for the first time, our vocalist SAIKI participated on the keyboard, adding synthesizer sounds. It's the first time that all five members of BAND-MAID are performing on an instrumental song. MISA : Mine is “Ready to Rock.” When performing our other songs, the phrases are often quite busy, and I have to concentrate, looking down at the bass as I play. However, with this song, though the bass line is not simple, I have a lot of opportunities where I can look up and see the audience's faces while concentrating on the bass line. This allows me to really feel the unity between us and the fans. Also, everyone singing the "ohhhh" part together further enhances that feeling of unity. I do feel this unity with the audience in other songs as well, but I feel it more in this one. I play my bass while thinking how cool it is that KANAMI on guitar and AKANE on drums start off the song with a battle-like play. It's a song that makes my heart burn. MIKU KOBATO : My favorite song is “SION,” po. The song “SION” is a ballad, which is a type of song that BAND-MAID doesn't often release as a single. I believe it really brings out the unique strengths we have when performing a ballad, po. This song has a sense of nostalgia and warmth, and it conveys a sad feeling. It's a song dedicated to an important person, perhaps someone who has passed away. There's a chorus part in the song, and for the first time, all the members participated in the background vocals. The fact that all the members are singing chorus parts during our OKYU-JI (live performance) makes this song one of our newest attempts. When we actually performed this song during our OKYU-JI, I felt my own heart tighten with sadness and warmth. I felt like crying, po. Because of those feelings, I realized even more how special the song is when we performed it live. I put a lot of emotion into writing the lyrics as well, so with those reasons, this song has a special place in my heart, po. SAIKI : About four or five days ago, we had a show where we performed all the songs from the EP SCOOOOOP for the first time. At that show, I was truly grateful to all the fans because we had songs like “SUPER SUNSHINE” and “Dilly-Dally” that immediately got everyone excited. The sense of unity in the venue for those two songs was so strong that it felt like they weren't being performed for the first time. When we finished recording those songs, I was excited about them, but performing them live made me feel that we had truly done a good thing by writing these songs. I was also very happy that everyone embraced them, and it made me look forward to coming up with a new setlist for our future shows. I love that you pretty much all had different answers, and you have so many ways to connect with each other and to the fans with all these songs! Of course, we’ve got to talk about anime at some point. In 2025, your music has been featured in series like TOUGEN ANKI , ZENSHU , and you even served as motion capture for Rock Is a Lady’s Modesty , in addition to doing the opening song! What has been the most exciting part of what has been your biggest anime year? SAIKI : It's truly wonderful that we've been involved in three anime tie-ups! We've been fortunate right from the start of this year, in January of 2025. First, it was with ZENSHU , then Rock Is a Lady's Modesty , and next was TOUGEN ANKI . It feels like the peak exciting moments keep getting updated and surpassed. Naturally, the most recent one, TOUGEN ANKI , is fresh in my mind. But now that October is almost over and the year is coming to an end, I think the one that really sticks in my mind is Rock Is a Lady's Modesty , since it was the first one we were involved with so closely. Don't you all agree? AKANE : Yes! MIKU KOBATO : I feel that when I watch anime, the feeling of excitement is really amplified when our song plays with the visuals, whether it's for the opening or the ending, po. Of course, I'm happy when the song is finished, po, but I always get a rush of excitement when I actually see our music playing on TV, within the anime itself. When our song is used in a way that truly matches the atmosphere and quality of each anime, it really gets me excited. It makes me feel a powerful sense of satisfaction, thinking, “Ah, it's great that we were able to create another great song.” po. RELATED: Rise of the North Star: Our Artistic Ideas Come From Anime That must be the coolest feeling ever! Is there a different mindset you bring to songs you create for anime, or for ones that you know will be used for anime? KANAMI : Yes, we take a different approach. Most of the time, I write songs with the OKYU-JI in mind. However, when we get an anime tie-in, I'll start by reading the script or the original manga, if there is one. I also draw inspiration from the anime itself, I imagine how the opening or ending will begin and unfold visually as I write the music. That’s how the song writing process changes. Also, some anime productions give us specific requests. For example, they might ask for a certain kind of beginning, like, “We want it to start quietly.” I then adjust my creative vision to match those requests. It becomes a process where I have to slightly break down my initial image to create the song. Since this allows us to create new kinds of BAND-MAID songs, I feel genuinely happy and grateful when working on an anime tie-in. That actually leads perfectly into my next question. Is anime or manga ever on or around when you are writing, recording or even practicing songs that aren’t going to be used in anime? SAIKI : Yes, they are! Even without the tie-in, there are many members who watch a lot of anime regularly. When you watch the different anime seasons, the first season, second season, third season, and how they change across spring, summer, fall, and winter, you can also get information on artists that Japan is currently promoting and the latest music trends. So, we definitely keep an eye on things from that perspective. For sure. Any series can bring inspiration, whether it be a fight, a riff, or a character screaming that could be a great vocal warm up. I’m sure there are many ways you can get influenced by anime! SAIKI : Totally. Growing up in Japan, I am sure it's a slightly different relationship to anime from what we have outside of Japan. I’d love to hear your anime origins and if you have found your favorite series? SAIKI : I don’t know how to describe it, but because Japan is rich in anime culture, it's something that has been an everyday presence since childhood. Even across different generations, everyone knows all the hit anime titles. So, when talking to people from different generations, whether older or younger, asking, “Are you watching that anime?" is a way to start and expand a conversation. I believe it has become a form of communication. That’s the dream! MIKU KOBATO : As SAIKI just mentioned, anime has been a familiar presence since childhood, po. In fact, in elementary school, there were anime classes or learning to read aloud through anime. In this way, anime is a normal part of the learning environment in Japan from a young age, so it's like anime is a part of life. I personally love anime and manga very much, so even now, during breaks between recordings or at non recording time, anime and manga serve as a source of mental support and a way to refresh, po. Also, I feel that I gain inspiration from them, getting new perspectives that lead to new ways of expression in my lyrics, like, “Oh, you can phrase it this way too.” I feel that anime and manga are learning tools for the Japanese language, po. I also have favorite manga, with all volumes at home, and many things that I cherish, po. KANAMI : I try not to watch anime at home. I've decided to focus purely on music production when I'm at home. I set a rule to myself where I'm allowed to watch anime when I go on, not a business trip, but on tour. Recently, I was in Osaka for several days for promotion, and during that time I was watching Himitsu no AiPri non-stop, which I'm currently into. It's an anime that little kids watch, but adults can enjoy it too, and it uses really great music. Right now, it's really healing my heart. The only thing is, it looks like I won't be going on tour for a while, so I won’t be able to watch it for a bit. MISA : I've always loved watching shows like Doraemon and Crayon Shin-Chan since I was little. They're not exactly a calming medication, but more like a time to relax. Doraemon really gives you a very warm feeling, while Crayon Shin-Chan has touching moments, but is also fun and funny. How they make you feel totally differs depending on the anime. But for me, it's the pictures. It’s the drawings. Dramas and movies don’t have this effect, but the drawings themselves are so incredibly calming. What do you call that? Don't you find anime relaxing somehow? Just looking at the drawings is so calming. I don't know what it is… it's like a calming medication for your heart. AKANE : Animation looks so good these days. MISA : Yeah, the quality’s amazing. AKANE : And it’s so different from anime back in the day. MISA : The older ones have a different feel. They’re really calming. SAIKI : The hand drawn ones? You must be soothed by the hand drawn arts. MISA : They are really relaxing. I’ve been watching ONE PIECE recently. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind. AKANE : I love anime, so it's become a part of my life, or rather, something I can’t live without. SAIKI : Your life centers around anime. AKANE : I really feel like I live with anime. How can I put it? In anime, things happen that can’t possibly happen in real life. A lot of them stimulate your imagination, and therefore have a huge influence on me. For example, if I watch a sports anime, like the one about tennis or volleyball, then they make me want to play. I actually did try the sports! If I watch a fantasy anime with magic, then it makes me feel like I have magical powers. If I am watching a battle-type anime, it makes me feel brave. Yes, I get influenced easily, but when I am getting influenced, that’s when I am inspired the most. I feel that the wide variety is what makes anime so captivating. After all, it always gives people dreams and inspiration, no matter what era it is, so I feel that is something in common with music. You bring up a great point. Anime and rock music seem to go together perfectly, and your music exemplifies that with your music featuring in so many anime, especially this year. It’s almost amazing that the overlap of the two has transcended borders. Even here in America, people have taken clips from anime and put Linkin Park songs behind it and posted them on YouTube for as long as I can remember. Or there will be a death metal band that has an anime-inspired t-shirt. These things prove that rock and anime go together in a way that it’s hard to define. I’d love to hear your thoughts on why you think anime and rock music go together so well. SAIKI : Hmmm. I wonder why. I think it is because both have become an everyday existence. But also, just like AKANE said, the fact that they both have the ability to share the same emotional impact is probably a big factor. In Japan, while there are many anime songs being written specifically for the show nowadays, in the past, how should I put it, it was songs like "We Are!" for ONE PIECE or other classic anime songs. The standard anime songs took root and a path was established where the anime would be a hit together with that song. Because of that, there's a mutual respect where the anime side wants everyone to enjoy the music along with the show and the composer and lyricist who wrote the song want everyone to enjoy the anime with it. I believe it's this mutual respect between the two that's been conveyed to everyone, leading to its widespread global popularity. AKANE : That’s a great answer! MIKU KOBATO : I personally feel that lyrics are important, but music and anime both move the heart in the same way. I feel there are many things that they share in common as forms of expression for human emotions, whether it's sadness, joy, or all sorts of other feelings. The parts that are difficult to fully express through anime alone are enhanced by the emotional power of the music. It's not just the respect they have for each other. I think they support one another, and the emotional impact is much greater when the music and the visuals, these two elements, align perfectly. That's why I think they have such good chemistry. When you're watching an anime scene and the music starts playing, it amplifies the emotion, or the excitement, and I think that's a huge part of it. They both share that common purpose of moving the heart, po. AKANE : I think the story line is very important. RELATED: Rainbow Kitten Surprise: We Found Out We All Like Anime Because of This Interview Thank you for those thoughtful answers! I think it also helps that mosh pit is probably the only place where you could legally do what you are watching in anime. You can’t fight someone in the streets, but you can fight in the mosh pit. SAIKI : LOL You recently worked with Incubus and The Warning. I’d be curious to hear if you can compare those collaborations to any famous teams in anime? MIKU KOBATO : LOL SAIKI : Oh my! What would it be? What do you think? MIKU KOBATO : Hmmm SAIKI : That is a tough one. Sorry! AKANE : Maybe Haikyu!! ? There is this “being on the team” element. SAIKI : Incubus is like a senpai to us, so what would it be? I think…. By the way, I think Slam Dunk is The Warning. MIKU KOBATO : Oh! SAIKI : The Warning is definitely a sports anime. AKANE : A friendly competition. Friendship. Bond. SAIKI : Yes, definitely. Sports anime like Slam Dunk and Haikyu!! AKANE : Yes, Haikyu!! I would say (Shonen) Jump anime. SAIKI : Incubus is our senpai, so… but ONE PIECE might be it. MIKU KOBATO : Makes your heart warm. The part that touches upon relationship. AKANE : (Shonen) Jump. All Jump anime. Lol MIKU KOBATO : The bond between the strongs. That’s the ultimate Jump theme. AKANE : Also the part about making a bigger circle of friends. MIKU KOBATO : Agree, po. AKANE : Friendship, hard work and victory is Jump’s slogan. That’s the next album title right there! AKANE : LOL SAIKI : Will keep that in mind! How does it feel to know that you are kind of part of, not just rock history, but also anime history now being a part of so many shows? SAIKI : It is truly an honor, but this was not only BAND-MAID’s dream, but also, one of AKANE's dreams. AKANE : To take part in motion capture, more specifically. SAIKI : It was one of our dreams to be involved in a work we love, like getting the anime tie-in, so of course all the members were happy, but AKANE's enthusiasm way surpassed all of our excitement. Being able to watch that up close made us even happier! We don't want to stop here, and will continue to work hard to leave BAND-MAID's name in the history of rock and anime. Finally, what would you say to Crunchyroll readers who may not have listened to BAND-MAID before, or who may have heard the songs from the series but may not have been aware that it was you? MIKU KOBATO : I think that BAND-MAID has become an inseparable part of anime, and if you discovered BAND-MAID through anime, I'd be really happy, po. Anime has become a huge part of our history. When I look back, I often think, “Oh, this anime song is from this time of our life,” etc. In that sense, I hope people will value anime as one of the reasons they learned about BAND-MAID, po. We are confident that even when people who came to know us through anime listen to our other songs, they will definitely find one they like. po. I hope that anime fans will listen to the other songs and think about whether that song might fit in with certain anime and expand their imaginations, po. We will continue to expand our activities so that BAND-MAID can grow more and more, both domestically and internationally. We hope that people who have come to know us through anime will come and experience our OKYU-JI, our live shows, which is our biggest strength. When you come to our OKYU-JI, you will be able to experience the same excitement that you feel when you watch anime, so we hope that they will come to our OKYU-JI, po. Listen to BAND-MAID here . Follow BAND-MAID here .
