In the Wonder Pop Matsuri event held at UMM Dome, Malang on March 13th, anisong singer Mika Kobayashi performed her debut concert in Indonesia. In the event, KAORI has the chance of interviewing the singer who is best known for singing the songs for Kill La Kill series and the OVA Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. How was Mika Kobayashi’s path to be a singer? What inspired her? Here is our interview with her.
What were your greatest inspiration in your music career?
Even though I’m a singer, my greatest inspiration comes from an old Japan novelist. Because of reading various novels, I can understand various meanings of the stories in the novels.
What was the story until you finally collaborate with Sawano Hiroyuki to sing the song for Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn?
I actually had been working on a song at that time. But at first, I didn’t know that the song will be used for Gundam Unicorn. And it surprised me when I know that my song is used for Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
And how was your feeling when knowing that your song is used for Gundam Unicorn?
At that time, I didn’t really know much about Gundam. I was surprised when attending a special event for Gundam Unicorn and finding out that these Gundam series has a very large following. And after that, I became a part of this big Gundam series.
What are the most important things for an anisong singer when singing anime songs?
There are no special preparations at all to sing an anime song. Usually, as anisong singer, I grasped the feel of the anime and think of what the anime means. I also think of what would be the most suitable lyrics for the anime itself.
For the debut concert in Indonesia, are there any special preparation?
Actually there is something special that I prepared for my debut concert in Indonesia. But in the end, it would be the fans who determine if it would be special (read the report of her concert here).
Seeing such strong enthusiasm for otaku culture in Indonesia, what’s your opinion?
To be honest, I’m really impressed and surprised by the strong enthusiasm for otaku culture in Indonesia. My debut event and concert in Indonesia are both proofs that otaku culture has been expanding significantly here.
The Indonesian Anime Times | Interview by Rafly Nugroho with translations by Dellamarsto Bagus
