Hello everyone! If you’re into Japanese rock bands, this interview is for you!
In 2017, after playing with different bands, Shunma Shirai, the vocalist of Arakezuri, answered our questions about himself and the band. Enjoy!
1. Hello! Thank you for accepting our interview offer! First of all, could you briefly introduce yourself?
Hey there, thank you for finding us! My name is Shunma Shirai, vocalist of the four-piece rock band and hero’s journey Arakezuri! I value songs and live performances where I can sing along with the audience.
2. Can you tell us the story of how the members started playing music? When and how did you become interested in music and playing instruments?
My parents used to play in a band, so I had so many opportunities to interact with musical instruments at home, which naturally led me to love music and start playing the guitar. When I went to see one of my seniors at school play in a packed live house, I knew I wanted to write my own songs and form a band.
3. So how did Arakezuri come together? How was the band formed?
Most of the members were connected with other bands they had played in the past. The group was formed by a group of friends who had broken up their respective bands. These are the people who couldn’t give up on the band even after we broke up.
4. As a band that has been playing music for 7 years, what do you think is the biggest difference between Arakezuri at the beginning and Arakezuri now?
It can be said that the “image of the live performance we want to create” has changed dramatically before. In the past, we used to just deliver songs to the audience, but now we try to deliver our message by having the audience sing along, clap their hands, and participate in the live performance.
5. Most of your songs have your singer Syumma Shirai as the composer and lyricist. It’s great to be so prolific, but it must be difficult at the same time. What inspires you when you write the songs?
The lyrics of the songs are mainly derived from MCs spoken at live performances. And I try to listen to a lot of different genres of music when I have struggle for writing songs.
6. You have released a lot of songs since your debut. Which of these songs are your favorites and why?
It is Hero (ヒーロー). Because the moment this song was composed, I was impressed by the fact that it defined what kind of band Arakezuri was. This is the turning point song of us.
7. It seems like you have a busy concert schedule for the next 2 months. How is your preparation process for the concerts? Can you tell us a little bit about it?
I try to imagine what the atmosphere of the day will be like, what people will be thinking and feeling, and try to come up with set lists and so on. Above all, I try to enjoy myself!
8. Do you have plans to give concerts in other countries besides Japan? If so, which country would you like to go to?
Şu anda yurtdışı tur planımız yok, aNow we don’t have overseas tour plan, however I often hear that a lot of people who interested in Japanese songs, so I hope to go there someday, of course Turkey!ncak Japon şarkılarına ilgi duyan pek çok insan olduğunu sık sık duyuyorum, bu yüzden bir gün oraya gitmeyi umuyorum, tabii ki Türkiye’ye!
9. If you had to give us one piece of information about Japan that Turks should know, what would you say?
I hope you are well aware of Arakezuri, which will eventually become a national band in Japan:)
10. Finally, is there anything you would like to say to Japanese music fans in Turkey?
Music, in any situation, absolutely needs people to perform, people to listen, and people to support it. I hope we can continue to make music together. Arigato!
Social Media Account of Arakezuri
Website: arakezurishiga.com
Twitter: ArakezuriShiga
YouTube: @Arakezuri
Instagram: arakezurishiga
TikTok: arakezuri_shiga