This summer, you’re also performing at several festivals, including in Malaysia and Indonesia. Is there any difference in your approach when it comes to performing at a festival with a mixed audience compared to your own headline concerts for your own fans?
Hana Hope: Performing in new countries feels like an opportunity to define myself as an artist. In places like Malaysia and Indonesia, where audiences are more English-speaking, my setlist naturally includes more English songs, which creates a different dynamic compared to Japan. I’ve also noticed that audiences there really respond to more upbeat songs, so I’ve been incorporating more of that energy into my performances.
Speaking of performing, you’ve been performing since childhood. How has your confidence on stage and showmanship evolved over the years?
Hana Hope: My confidence on stage is always evolving, especially in recent years. I really value connecting with the audience and hearing their honest responses. I want my shows to feel like a safe space, where people can express themselves and feel their emotions freely. Especially in Japan, where there is a culture to keep these emotions pent up, so many people use music as an outlet. People listen to songs that reflect what they’re feeling, take that emotion, and really validate it. I hope my songs and shows are something of that sort to my fans.
Lastly, David Baron revealed on his Instagram that the two of you worked on multiple songs together. Can fans look forward to something exciting on the horizon, perhaps even a new album?
Hana Hope: I’ll be going back to the U.S. at the end of August, and I’m really excited to spend more time in New York, hopefully doing more co-writing sessions and, most importantly, just creating as much as possible.
Our thanks go to Hana for once again sharing her stories with us. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Hanako Tabata for making this interview possible.
You can follow Hana on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. “Hearts Glow” is currently available on multiple streaming platforms.
Interview by Rakha Alif
Edited by Isabelle Lee and Tamara Lazic
If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on Google News too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.
If you want to read more anime-manga articles, you can visit our anime-manga category.
