Furui Riho on ‘Hello,’ the Opening Theme for CITY THE ANIMATION

On July 30, Furui Riho unveiled her latest single, Hello. The titular track powers the opening theme for CITY THE ANIMATION—Kyoto Animation’s long-awaited TV return, which premiered on July 6. As her first anime tie-in, “Hello” bursts with spirited energy around the theme of reunion, yet carries layers of heartfelt introspection. Riho has revealed that writing the lyrics prompted her to examine her creative relationship with music, inspiring an uplifting anthem designed to connect instantly with listeners. Billboard Japan sat down with Riho to explore her musical journey and the making of “Hello.”

Q: How did you react when you learned you’d been chosen to perform the opening theme for CITY THE ANIMATION?

A: I was genuinely stunned—“Me? For real?”—but thrilled too. That excitement was quickly tempered by the weight of responsibility. Being the opening for KyoAni’s first new series in years meant I had to honor their vision. I questioned the right lyrical approach and what message would truly reflect the anime’s spirit.

Q: Did the KyoAni team give you specific musical references?

A: Yes. In our first meeting they played several Western tracks as examples, then pointed to my song “LOA” as a perfect fit. Since I couldn’t simply rehash “LOA,” I aimed to elevate its core qualities into something even more compelling. Comic creator Keiichi Arawi mentioned he wanted to capture carefree childhood joy—laughing without a care—which I blended with the realities of adulthood in my lyrics.

Q: Were you inspired by the anime’s art style or character movement?

A: I read the entire manga to build a mental soundtrack. The surreal, giggle-inducing world and characters constantly on the move suggested a propulsive, almost chugging rhythm—to make listeners feel they’re running alongside them.

Q: So tempo was critical from the start?

A: Absolutely. CITY features a large ensemble cast, so I layered clapping and choral vocals as if the entire city were joining in—a communal sing-along straight off the pages.

Q: How did the melody come together?

A: Surprisingly, the full structure—verse, bridge, chorus—materialized in a flash one evening as I was heading out. I instinctively recorded my idea, a process that, while familiar from past experiences, doesn’t always yield a winner. This time, everything aligned perfectly, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Q: The song’s theme is “reunion.” What does that encompass?

A: It’s about longing to reconnect—whether with your childhood self, old friends, or even a renewed version of you. I envisioned it as a celebration of shared memories: laughing together, overcoming loneliness, and stepping into the future with optimism.

Q: The opening line, “Hello, dear my friends,” sets that tone immediately.

A: That line arrived in tandem with the melody, and I built the rest of the lyrics around its heartfelt simplicity.

Q: The chorus says, “The rain has stopped, let’s sing together.” How did you link that to the anime?

A: The series transitions from the rainy season into midsummer, so I wove the sound of rain into the bridge to mirror that shift. It’s a subtle nod that ties the song’s imagery to the anime’s setting.

Q: The track opens with piano before diving into horns and band elements—was that intentional?

A: I wanted an organic, live-band warmth that balances joy with a hint of nostalgia. That physicality grounds the song in genuine emotion.

Q: You also include spontaneous “Hey!” shouts throughout.

A: I often add playful calls in my songs to evoke innocence and freedom. It’s simply an extension of my personality—unpretentious and authentic.

Q: You’ve said staying true to yourself is vital. How did that shape the lyrics?

A: KyoAni wanted a theme anyone—from children to seniors—could sing along to, so I chose simple, inclusive words. It was the most honest expression I could offer: my sincere prayer wrapped in melody.

Q: Kyoto Animation’s work has global fans. How do you hope international audiences receive “Hello”?

A: I’m fascinated by how my Japanese vocals—infused with gospel influences from my time as an exchange student in Canada—might resonate worldwide. It’s a cultural blend that feels deeply meaningful.

Q: Are you aiming to expand your reach overseas?

A: Absolutely. My recent success in Japan has sparked a desire to grow my global listener base. Performing abroad and connecting with fans around the world would be an incredible next step.

—Interview by Junichi Uchimoto for Billboard Japan

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