With a voice that has resonated through beloved anime like Black Clover and Fruits Basket, VK Blanka has already carved out a place in the hearts of global fans. But beyond the studio and anime theme songs, the genre-defying artist is taking the world by storm with powerful live performances that fuse emotion, spontaneity, and cultural connection. In this exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia, VK Blanka opens up about his international evolution, the emotional intensity of live shows, and the profound ways fans across continents have shaped artistry.
Readers can expect a candid and heartfelt look at what drives VK Blanka—from intimate songwriting sessions in Japan to adrenaline-fueled stages in Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering VK Blanka for the first time, this conversation reveals the passion, humor, and depth behind one of Japan’s most dynamic musical exports. Get ready to travel the world through music, one unforgettable performance at a time.
Check out the interview below!
VK Blanka Interview
Please introduce yourself to the readers of HypnoticAsia.
Hi! I’m VK Blanka! I have written many theme songs for anime such as “Black Clover” and “Fruits Basket. I am happy that many people have come to know my songs through anime, and from there, they are listening to my various songs even more. Thanks for reading my article.
You’ve been known for your genre-blending style and electrifying live energy—how would you describe where you are artistically right now?
When I make music, I tend to take my time, but in live performance, as you just said, I try to express my artistry based on a sense of the moment, like an explosion.
In that sense, I think that creating a variety of music in a genre and expressing it in a live performance are two completely different things.
Since your international debut, how has your creative process evolved?
I think the inspiration I get from touring around the world is something I didn’t have at the beginning of my career. And I think the breadth of the music I write has expanded greatly since I started getting them.
And it’s interesting to see you take the songs that you wrote based on the inspiration you got from performing in Europe and perform them on the American continent.
Every time I perform these songs in different countries, I am reminded that music literally knows no borders.
You’ve performed in so many countries recently—how do those different audiences shape your approach to music and performance?
The first thing I feel is the difference from Japanese audiences. I feel that each country has its own policy or uniqueness. The sincerity of South America, the aura of North America, the conviction of Europe, the isolation of the Middle East, and so on! Experiencing these things firsthand changes the songs I write, the way I express myself, and even influences my outlook on life.
Your performances are known for their emotional intensity. Do you prepare differently for shows overseas versus in Japan?
The style of live performance itself is fundamentally the same. I try to embody what I feel in the moment. To do so, it is important to be in a natural state right up to the start of the live performance.
It is no exaggeration to say that there is no difference in the way we prepare for a concert, even if there are differences in the size of the venue: a large hall for a concert in Japan and a live house or small hall for an overseas concert.
The environment and facilities overseas are different from what I am used to at concerts in Japan, but the different atmosphere sometimes inspires me. I like both environments very much.
You’ve performed in Europe, Saudi Arabia, Latin America, and North America. What has surprised you most about connecting with fans around the world?
I am most amazed by the magic of music that a song I wrote in a small studio in a small island country like Japan can travel across the sea and make a large audience go crazy. This is why I can’t stop playing music.
Is there a particular country or performance that left a lasting impression on you, and why?
They are all so impressive.
I can’t pick just one… I have performed in Poland. Being born and raised in Japan, it’s sometimes hard for me to feel a connection to a country that I’ve never really felt before. But at the festival in Poland, a lot of people went crazy with my music and had a lot of fun with me. It left a great impression on me.
Also, people in Saudi Arabia take my music very seriously. They would sit and clap their hands and shout.
And the moment the show was completely over, they would stand up and give us a big cheer. I remember it was a very pleasant moment.
It was in Mexico, and we were sometimes given shots of tequila on stage. Things were thrown on stage. It was theatrical, and it shook me to the core. The 2024 North American tour was in the middle of winter, so it was snowing and cold. The cheers never stopped during the show, not even for a moment. And at the end of the show, we were told by fans in almost every town that we would come back in the summer . Next time, come in the summer.
Have you noticed any differences in how your music is received in Japan versus abroad?
I don’t see much difference. I feel very open and receptive wherever I go. The proof of this is that I feel very contented at home when I return from a tour.
You’re returning to North America after your debut tour last year. How does it feel to be back—and what can fans expect this time around?
We think it’s important to visit places that are physically far apart so that we can tour and build a bond over many visits. I am very happy that we were able to do that. I hope to continue to leave my heart in each city so that I don’t feel the physical distance, and I hope that everyone will take care of me.
You’re bringing new songs to this tour. Can you share any insights into what inspired them or what they mean to you?
The song “×L ×C ×A ×” was inspired by our tour in Latin America. There was a lot of inspiration in Latin America. The rhythm is so strong that it makes your body move unconditionally, and I was able to create a song with the theme of self-affirmation and self-love. I am very much looking forward to performing this song on the North American tour, as well as on the Latin American tour.
For fans who have followed you from the beginning, how do you think they’ll experience this evolved version of VK Blanka live?
I am aware that I am a musician with a large amount of change in general. I would be happy if you think it’s fun. [I’m] sure that neither I nor my fans can imagine what I will look like after the change. I’m sure my fans and I can’t even imagine it, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to it.
What’s one thing you want fans—especially those seeing you for the first time—to take away from your show?
I’m sure they usually listen to us through music streaming services and the like. I think the Internet has made that possible. However, if I or my fans want to, we can always fly to your city. I hope you can feel the closeness of our hearts.
Any dream cities or venues you hope to perform in next?
I want to go to a lot of places and do live shows. I want to go to so many places and do live shows.
Looking back at the whirlwind of 2024, what are you most proud of?
I think it’s the fact that we were able to say hello face to face to our fans from all over the world. [I’m] sure that this year will be a catalyst for our bond to deepen for a long time to come. I think this has been a memorable year. I am proud that we were able to complete it.
