Japanese pop-rock band Ryokuoushoku Shakai have officially released their sixth full-length album, Atamago. Featuring 12 tracks, the album marks an important milestone in their musical journey while showcasing their increasingly mature exploration of different musical genres.
Amid their busy schedule, the KAORI Nusantara team had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Ryokuoushoku Shakai to discuss the creative process behind Atamago, the dynamics of collaborating as a band, and their memorable experience performing at Balai Sarbini in Jakarta. Here is the full interview:
KAORI Nusantara: First of all, congratulations on the release of your 6th album Atamago! Beyond the meaning of the title, could you share some behind-the-scenes stories from the album’s creation process? Were there any memorable moments, unexpected challenges, or fun experiences while working on these 12 tracks?
Ryokuoushoku Shakai: As the number of songs we create continues to grow year after year, we have come to cherish them like our own children. At the same time, we see them as the “eggs”, and how those eggs are handled is ultimately up to each listener. This is also part of the meaning behind the title Atamago, which came from Nagaya’s wish to “give the album a proper name.”
As the pressure to live up to people’s expectations has grown over the years, we felt that it was very healthy for the band to create an album concept that allowed us to take a moment to look inward and reaffirm who we are.
The most memorable part was probably the fact that we decided on such a unique title while drinking at an izakaya! (laughs) It may actually have been easier to be a little more relaxed there than we would have been in a meeting room.
Since all four members actively write and compose music, who among you is usually the most productive or fastest when creating songs? How did your collaborative dynamic shape the new tracks in Atamago?
Pepe is the quickest when it comes to coming up with ideas, while I think Nagaya or Kobayashi probably come up with the most ideas.
“Utamago”, with its candid lyrics written by Nagaya, looks back on the somewhat “hard-to-understand” journey the band has taken. It strongly reflects Nagaya’s inner world. In fact, songs like this have become almost like talismans for us as we continue our activities as a band, so they are quite important to us.
At the same time, we also have songs such as TABOO and Resisdance, which were created by all four members and can reach fans who may be a little more casual in their appreciation of Ryokuoushoku Shakai.
I think this balance is one of our unique strengths and an important part of what makes us who we are.
With a mix of energetic pop-rock tracks and emotional ballads in your discography, what kind of mood or story were you aiming to capture overall through Atamago?
I think this album has an atmosphere that leaves some room for interpretation, rather than dictating too strongly how it should be received. The genres explored are also quite diverse this time around, so when you listen to the album, I hope you can relate it to your own personal experiences and find the songs that resonate with you.
Having completed your ASIA TOUR 2025, including your memorable concert at Balai Sarbini, Jakarta, in November last year, which track from Atamago would you most recommend to your Indonesian fans, and why?
Even now, we still talk among ourselves about that night. The live show at Balai Sarbini was an incredibly fun and inspiring experience for us. More than anything, we were happy to see the audience listening so attentively to the music, as well as singing and dancing along with us.
With that in mind, I would recommend Algorithm, as there are many parts where we can sing together. I hope we can have a great time singing it together with everyone in Indonesia.
As you continue to expand your footprint across Asia, what message would you like to share with your fans in Indonesia who have been supporting your journey up to Atamago?
We are truly happy to receive your supportive comments on social media. Your comments are a great source of encouragement for us, and we hope to return the favour by performing live in Indonesia again someday.
Even now, about a year later, we often talk about our memories of our first live show in Indonesia. We hope to see everyone in Indonesia again, a place where people enjoy and pursue music with such passion. Until then, we will continue doing our best with our music.
Thank you always!!
KAORI Nusantara
