[Honey’s Anime Interview] Chat with PassCode about their decade-long career and their Asia tour!

Thank you so much for this interview, it’s great to have all four of you answering us! As such, PassCode is a mature band with nearly a decade of history and several hit songs, such as Kakegurui’s “Ichikabachika.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the group’s name and concept, and how PassCode has evolved over time?

I believe PassCode is a group shaped by our live performances. Our growth is driven by our desire to continually improve.

Starting from scratch, we cherish every live performance.

I heard that the name of our group was decided on a whim by our president (laughs). We’ve faced many challenges along the way, but we keep moving forward because it would be a shame to lose a team like PassCode.

I’ve only been with this group for ten years, but I think it’s an amazing group! I hope we can continue to grow in the future.

As you fans know, PassCode’s lineup has changed several times since the band’s first hit. While each lineup brings something unique and positive to the table in its own way, what do you appreciate most about the current lineup, both on and off the stage?

Emily has a good sense of rhythm and pronunciation, and is an artist who can perform stably in any environment. I think this really helps with the overall consistency of PassCode’s live show. As time goes by and we grow together, I feel like our attraction will only get stronger. Each member has a unique personality, but there’s a strong sense of togetherness that keeps things interesting.

I think the lines between our work patterns and downtime have been blurred in a good way, and that’s what’s pushing PassCode in a positive direction.

I think we balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well and complement each other perfectly. What’s great is that everyone is so proud of the group and performs with a genuine love for the group. While we’re both lively and energetic on stage, we tend to be a bit shy and quiet off stage, which makes for an interesting contrast (laughs).

When we’re in work mode, we’re a team that takes live performance very seriously. But when we left, we were like close friends—almost like classmates.

What was your experience in composing your latest animated song “WILLSHINE”?

I feel like SHY’s desire to bring happiness to others despite all his struggles is very similar to PassCode. Our messages are not that different, which is why this song reflects both SHY’s perspective and the essence of PassCode.

SHY is a shy heroine, so I saw similarities between her and the PassCode members. The lyrics feel like a support song, carrying the hope that SHY and PassCode will move into the future together.

Our sound producer and lyrics team created this song after reading the original SHY manga, so I thought it would be perfect for the animation. There’s a line from the anime that goes like this: “You can’t save everyone, but maybe you can save some lives.” Likewise, I hope PassCode’s music can give people a little motivation that they need.

Although the song was created for animation, it still retains PassCode’s unique style. I think both anime fans and crypto fans will enjoy it.

Was the writing process for “WILLSHINE” different from other songs?

We thought some people might skip the beginning of the animation, so we decided to build the song right away to start with the vocals.

I think writing songs inspired by comics is different from our usual process. Even during the recording process, I kept SHY’s feelings for the heroine in my heart while singing.

The parts used in the animation don’t have any shouting! They kicked violently from the bridge.

We love how you girls combine your cute voices with powerful and clean vocals, some artificial effects, and even a death growl! What are your musical influences?

When we started PassCode, kawaii metal bands like BABYMETAL were just starting to emerge. Now, I feel like it has become its own culture and I would be happy if PassCode could contribute even a small part to its growth.

I really like Hisaishi Joe’s music. Although PassCode’s songs are intense, they often contain beautiful piano melodies. Our sound producer Hirachi always said he was influenced by the work of Joe Hisaishi.

I have always loved the music, dancing and cuteness of Japanese female idols. That’s why I wanted to pursue this career. Since the inception of PassCode, I think the idea of ​​cute girls performing loud rock or metal music has become more widely accepted.

Cohen. The popularity of kawaii metal is growing rapidly and I hope more artists around the world start embracing kawaii metal!

Now you have the chance to visit Asia again, from October to December. What do you think about this?

We had the opportunity to tour the US last year, which gave us the confidence to perform overseas. I realized that music and live performances can move people, no matter what country they are from. We’re currently touring Japan, so I think we’ll be able to bring a higher level of performance to our upcoming Asia tour.

There are some countries we haven’t been able to visit in a while, so I wanted to make sure the fans who’ve been waiting can fully enjoy them.

We haven’t been able to tour Asia since 2021, so I’m glad we can go again. My body is stiff and my throat is fragile, so I make sure to stretch and keep my throat hydrated every day.

We’ve added new songs, so I’m practicing hard and giving it my all!

You definitely have fans all over the world. Is there anywhere in the world that you would love to visit with the band?

I really want to perform at a festival overseas next time.

We’ve gotten a lot of comments on YouTube from places like Europe, so I’d love to go if I get the chance.

I’d love to visit any country I haven’t been to yet, especially the UK, Thailand and Spain. In America, I want to go to Las Vegas.

I want to visit places where metal is popular, like Scandinavia.

On a related note, as a team you have accomplished a lot in your career. What do you think is the next step for PassCode? What can fans expect from you in the near future?

I hope we become a group that people will love for many years to come.

Our biggest goal is to become a group that is loved for a long time.

I hope that more people, both in Japan and abroad, can discover PassCode’s music. I also hope we can return to the United States soon. I can’t wait to see everyone again!

I want people all over the world to know about PassCode. It would be great if more people became interested in Japan and Japanese music because of us!