REIRIE’s Unbreakable Bond: Navigating a Major Label Debut with ‘Amethyst’
Embracing a sophisticated new creative chapter, REIRIE—the magnetic duo featuring RIE (Rei Kuromiya) and REI (Rie Kaneko)—is surging forward with an unstoppable trajectory. After half a decade of pursuing independent paths following their initial collaboration, the pair converged once more to launch REIRIE, a project fueled by a connection that feels less like a business arrangement and more like destiny.
In a recent conversation with Billboard Japan, the duo delved into the profound chemistry that defines them and offered an intimate look at the emotional architecture of their debut major-label EP, Amethyst.
Could you elaborate on the genesis of REIRIE as a collective?
RIE: Our history began in a group called LADYBABY, but there was a period where we went our separate ways. When we eventually reconnected five years later, the realization was instantaneous: it had to be the two of us. That synergy is the foundation of REIRIE.
REI: (Laughs) I couldn’t have articulated it better. That covers it perfectly.
RIE: While the industry is saturated with various groups and units, we don’t view ourselves through that traditional lens. Our priority is simply our shared existence; the music and the performances are natural byproducts of us wanting to be in each other’s space.
It seems there is a profound, almost fated quality to your partnership. Reflecting on your earliest encounter, how did that initial spark occur?
RIE: It felt entirely predestined. This wasn’t a typical friendship formed through proximity, like classmates. We first crossed paths in an elevator at a venue. I was disoriented, and REI was just… there. When I approached her, she gave me a look that was quite piercing!
REI: (Laughs) I promise I wasn’t glaring!
RIE: Regardless, her presence was overwhelming in the best way. It wasn’t just an aesthetic appreciation; I was immediately drawn to her essence before I even knew her name. I found myself constantly following her around after that.
REI, what was your perspective on RIE’s high-energy introduction?
REI: I was definitely a bit apprehensive at first! RIE had this fascinating, almost performative charm back then—her expressions would shift from radiant smiles to deep concern in a heartbeat. I couldn’t quite decipher what she was thinking, which made her very intriguing.
Describe the atmosphere of your reunion after five years apart.
REI: It was a total coincidence. We both happened to be in Shibuya on the same day. A mutual friend mentioned RIE was nearby, so I decided to stop by. After five years, I wasn’t sure if there would be any awkwardness, but the moment we locked eyes, we both just cheered and threw up peace signs. It was like no time had passed at all.
RIE: Exactly. It was a “finally” moment rather than a nervous one.
REI: We exchanged contact info immediately, and by our next meeting, the decision to form REIRIE was already a foregone conclusion. There was no “should we?”—it was simply “we are doing this.”
RIE: Our mutual pull is incredibly powerful. It’s like a magnetic force that transcends distance; no matter where we drift, we are inevitably pulled back together.
REI: If you had to use a conventional term, you might call it “fate,” but it feels much heavier and more inevitable than that. It’s a shared weight we carry together.
It sounds like a singular bond that defies standard labels like “friendship” or “family.”
RIE: “Soulmates” comes close, but it’s more about an irresistible gravity. It’s a blend of sisterhood, romance, and friendship, yet it encompasses something far more vast than any of those categories.
Now that you’ve transitioned to a major label, has your perspective on the industry or your creative process shifted?
REI: We don’t treat this as a “job” in the clinical sense. Moving to a major label was an experiment we thought would be interesting. Our team handles the logistics—the analytics and promotions—allowing us to focus on the core of REIRIE: our relationship. We refuse to compromise that bond for the sake of professional pressure.
RIE: I’m thrilled that this platform allows us to offer more to our fans. However, we remain fiercely protective of our autonomy. We are defined by a certain rebellious freedom, and we’re grateful our current team respects that “REIRIE-ness.” They allow us to be our authentic, sometimes precarious, selves.
Your debut EP, Amethyst, serves as a vivid showcase of that individuality. The track “BaD＝DoLL” is particularly explosive.
REI: That song is the embodiment of our defiance. The juxtaposition of RIE’s visceral screams and her melodic vocals captures our baseline mental state perfectly.
RIE: It’s our natural frequency. I’ve always felt like I existed on the periphery of societal norms, and this track allowed me to channel those raw emotions. People are often startled to hear such intensity coming from me, which I actually find quite satisfying.
In contrast, the EP concludes with “Aishiteyo.”
REI: While it maintains a certain edge, it’s ultimately a vulnerable plea for connection. It expresses the softer, more honest desires that we don’t always put on display.
RIE: For me, it’s about the cycle of affection—the desire to love in hopes of being loved in return. It captures the heart of who we are.
With growing international interest, do you have your sights set on a global stage?
RIE: Seeing comments from fans all over the world is incredibly validating. Knowing that the essence of REIRIE is resonating with people far beyond Japan is a beautiful feeling. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us next.
