Sayaka Yamamoto has been busy. On top of wrapping her Asia Tour and dropping her newest EP, U TA CARTE , at the end of last year, the singer-songwriter and former captain of popular Japanese girl group NMB48 is following her longtime dream of writing and performing music for anime. Yamamoto is credited with the ED music from two different anime adaptations that premiered in last year’s spring season, Shinkalion: Change the World and An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride . The Osakan performer is also bridging the Japanese and New York music scenes, having acted as MC for APOLLO AMATEUR NIGHT JAPAN 24-25. The event is the Japanese counterpart to NYC’s famous APOLLO AMATEUR NIGHT— a nearly century-old staple recognized for bringing up some of music’s biggest stars, from Ella Fitzgerald, to Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R and more. Yamamoto will be performing in New York tomorrow for Japan Night — alongside one-night-only performances from the cast of ATTACK ON TITAN: the Musical — but first, I caught up with her to chat about her own anime fandom and life as a solo artist after leaving the idol world. Of course we need to kick things off by talking about the anime music you’ve released. You performed ED songs for not one but two anime this past year — Shinkalion: Change the World and An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride — which you wrote the music and lyrics for as well. What was that experience like? Sayaka Yamamoto : I’ve been a huge fan of anime and manga since I was young, and one of my goals was to write a theme song for them. So for that dream to come true was a profound moment for me and it made me very happy. RELATED: Hiroyuki SAWANO Shares Career Inspirations in New Crunchyroll Anime Awards Spotify Playlist You’ve mentioned that it was always a wish of yours to write music for an anime. Now that your dream has come true, do you have another anime series in mind that you would like to create an OP/ED song for? Yamamoto : There are a lot of series that I love! This might be presumptuous of me to say this, but My Hero Academia is one of my absolute favorites and I love the manga and theme songs so much that it’s almost sacred to me. So I would love a chance to create something for it. For those who may be unfamiliar, you used to captain the Japanese idol group NMB48. Can you tell us a bit about what it was like to transition out of — or “graduate” — from an idol group to become a solo artist? Yamamoto : My environment changed completely, so initially I felt alone and nervous. But through many experiences, I feel I’ve been able to grow as a singer-songwriter. What are your feelings as you look back at that time in your life and career? Yamamoto : There are times when I go through tough times like I did back then. But knowing that my past self had what it took to be where I am now can be empowering. RELATED: Queen of Japanese Rap Awich on Her First Anime Opening Credit for Shangri-La Frontier You recently dropped your latest EP, U TA CARTE . What is the vision behind these new tracks and what do you want people to know about you now as an artist? Yamamoto : In creating music, I try not to get tied up with the idea of genres, and this EP is diverse. So I hope you enjoy each piece as if you enjoy a different dish. As a songwriter, what is giving you inspiration lately? Yamamoto : Things like live concerts, manga, films, or takeaways from my ordinary conversations with my friends. APOLLO AMATEUR NIGHT in New York has established a longstanding reputation for bringing up some major names in music history. What was it like to have the opportunity to act as a host for the Japanese edition of the event? Yamamoto : It was very inspiring. And seeing the contestants challenge themselves with strong conviction was uplifting and motivating, so I was grateful for the incredible opportunity. Followup: What is a piece of advice you wish someone had given you as you were just starting out in the music and entertainment industry? Yamamoto : To listen to your own voice and appreciate yourself. Without meaning to, I used to overextend myself, put up with more than I should have, or wear myself out and not appreciate the moment. I’ve come to realize that I have to listen to my honest feelings and heed to the warning signs from within. That’s an advice I would’ve liked to hear. Last year, you wrapped up your Asia Tour. What is something you can’t live without while out on the road? Yamamoto : That would be a [drinking] straw. I can’t do vocal exercise without it. RELATED: Japanese Band Chilli Beans. on Their Journey to Making a One Piece Ending Theme Song What are you most looking forward to for your upcoming performances in New York for Japan Night? Yamamoto : I’ll have some time to explore, so I’d love to fully enjoy New York, from Broadway to MLB baseball games to arts and food! Lastly, do you have a message for your fans across the globe? Yamamoto : To live up to the expectation of Japanese artists, I will do my very best to express the music of Japan and its spirit! This interview was translated with the help of interpreter Tomoko Sater.
