Marking a triumphant decade in the industry in 2025, the heavy-hitting quartet HANABIE. recently unveiled their latest EP, HOT TOPIC. Since their inception as teenage musicians, the group has shattered domestic boundaries, embarking on high-octane international tours and defying genre expectations. This new collection serves as a sonic testament to their evolution from adolescents to seasoned artists, capturing their raw energy and unfiltered perspectives. In a candid discussion with Billboard JAPAN, the four members reflect on their ten-year journey and the creative fires that fueled their newest release.
Reflecting on a Decade of Sonic Evolution
You reached the ten-year milestone in 2025. Looking back on this journey, how does it feel to have sustained this momentum for so long?
Yukina: When we first formed HANABIE. during my freshman year of high school, I never envisioned this level of longevity. I was simply driven by a singular vision for the future, and suddenly, a decade has elapsed. Back then, I wrote in a notebook that I wanted to become a titan of the Japanese heavy rock scene. To see that dream manifest into a global fanbase is truly surreal.
Your current success seems to have eclipsed even your boldest ambitions. Do you attribute this to your relentless focus?
Yukina: Consistency was key, but the genuine enjoyment we found in the process was even more vital. It never felt like a monotonous grind. My bandmates are my peers, my confidants, and essentially my family. We’ve transitioned through various life stages together—from high schoolers to university students and now to working adults—but our shared belief in our music remains the anchor.
Matsuri: These ten years passed in a heartbeat, yet they were filled with pivotal transformations. The overriding sentiment is just how exhilarating being in this band remains. There are unique experiences—highs and lows—that you can only encounter in this environment. My aspirations have only grown more diverse; I’m already imagining what genres we’ll tackle or what our stage presence will look like when we’re in our 40s and 50s.
Hettsu: Our trajectory hasn’t been a straight line; it’s been a series of tumultuous highs and lows. However, those challenges defined us. We’ve been incredibly fortunate with the team around us, and my commitment to this group is stronger than it has ever been.
Chika, you joined the lineup in 2023. What is your perspective on the band’s rich history?
Chika: Even in my short time with the band, I’ve witnessed that rollercoaster energy. I have immense respect for how they’ve maintained their friendship and professional synergy since the beginning. Looking at archival footage, it’s incredible to see how much they’ve matured as technical musicians over the years.
Matsuri: (Laughs) I actually find it quite difficult to watch those old videos; the cringe factor is real!
Connecting Across Borders
Your European tour last year was a significant undertaking. What were the standout moments for you?
Matsuri: We visited Europe twice last year, and the scale of the venues on the autumn leg was staggering. Seeing that many people show up for us overseas was humbling. After three years of international touring, I feel a profound sense of growth and a warm, protective energy from our global audience. It’s essential for us to keep showing up for them in person.
Yukina: Touring abroad is a chaotic, daily rollercoaster. We travel by bus and perform back-to-back, facing unexpected hurdles constantly. Every country brings a different linguistic landscape and a unique vibe. People often ask if we get exhausted by the daily grind, but honestly, the experience feels fresh every single time we take the stage.
How do you bridge the communication gap in regions where Japanese isn’t widely understood?
Yukina: While our crowd interactions are mostly in English or snippets of the local tongue, the music bridges the gap. It’s mind-blowing to hear an entire crowd scream “Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu” (Pardon me, I must go) in unison. I’ll be rapping at high speed and see fans matching my cadence perfectly. It proves that hearts connect regardless of the language. That kind of miracle only happens when you commit to the long game and take your music to the world.
Deconstructing ‘HOT TOPIC’ and ‘Spicy Queen’
Your new EP, HOT TOPIC, features the track “Spicy Queen,” which served as a 10th-anniversary digital release. What made that song the definitive choice for the occasion?
Matsuri: Interestingly, I wasn’t specifically writing an anniversary song. “Spicy Queen” was born from the inspiration I felt while touring the U.S. with Kim Dracula. I wanted to return to a fundamental, raw band sound—stripping away the synths and electronic flourishes. When Yukina heard the demo, she felt its weight and power were perfect for the anniversary. It was a serendipitous alignment.
Yukina: The heavy, grounded sound immediately screamed “milestone” to me. I suggested making it our “spicy food” anthem. Our debut album had “We Love Sweets,” which was a massive catalyst for our international growth. While not a direct sequel, I wanted a counterpart that reflected our current tastes. Since we wrote it in the States, we even tucked in a tribute to the fiery Nashville chicken we ate on tour.
The artwork for HOT TOPIC feels more sophisticated than your previous “Harajuku-core” aesthetics. Was that intentional?
Matsuri: We wanted the cover to embody duality. If you look closely at the eyes, one is vibrant and the other is muted. It represents the philosophy of staying true to oneself despite life’s hardships. The title HOT TOPIC is an invitation for everyone to be the protagonist of their own story.
Hettsu: This EP is a declaration of a new chapter. We wanted the visuals and the music to signal that HANABIE. is evolving into something more mature and formidable.
The lead track “ICONIC” seems to reinforce this theme of authenticity. How has your songwriting changed to reflect this?
Yukina: In the past, the hooks would have likely been in Japanese. Now, after touring the world, we have a better grasp of how English phonetics and emotions resonate. These aren’t just translated lyrics; they are original expressions of our current state of mind.
Matsuri: We really wanted to shatter the shells we’ve been living in for the last decade.
The Road Ahead: North America and Beyond
You are heading back to North America this March. What are your expectations for this run?
Matsuri: It’s been a year since our last U.S. trek, and I’m eager to see how the crowd reacts to our new material. Live performances always transform the songs into something new.
Chika: We want to dismantle the “girls’ band” pigeonhole. My goal is for us to command the stage with an undeniable, imposing presence that leaves no room for stereotypes.
Yukina: We’re going to pour everything into this American tour. Afterward, our focus will shift back to our activities in Japan for a period. We intend to cherish every moment of this international run and return home having proven just how much we’ve grown.
