It would be hard to imagine the state of anisong (music specifically made for or tied with anime works) without the group FLOW.
Fully formed in 1998, they debuted with the maxi single Flow #0 in 2001, and are recognized for their upbeat rock numbers that frequently serve as opening theme songs for anime. Looking back at over 25 years of continuous activity, the members mentioned that “being able to keep going with the same members for so long is honestly a miracle, and we’re truly grateful for it” – a rarity in a genre that is often marked by lineup changes.
Prior to their appearance at Anime Expo 2025 for J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, Nante Japan got an opportunity to ask a few questions of the group via email. Please check out their answers below!
Thank you so much for speaking with us and welcome back to the United States! Is there anything you look forward to locally (sightseeing, food, etc.)?
We had an In-N-Out burger last time, and it was so good—we definitely want to eat it again!
It’s been 25 years since the current lineup of FLOW came together. How do you reflect on your journey as a band?
Being able to keep going with the same members for so long is honestly a miracle, and we’re truly grateful for it.
Do you do anything special when performing outside of Japan?
There’s nothing particularly different we do for overseas shows. We just want to deliver anime songs everyone knows and share the FLOW live experience that we’ve built in Japan with fans around the world!
And what about North American audiences in particular?
They’re incredibly energetic and loud—it really pumps us up too! North American audiences tend to express their enjoyment with their whole body at 120%, which makes us truly happy.
Your first show in the United States was in 2006. What do you remember most about that show?
Our first overseas show was in Dallas, USA, in 2006 at an anime event, and the response was incredible. It was then that we truly felt how much anime and Japanese culture are loved around the world.
Through these almost two decades since you have started coming to the US, your songs – such as “GO!!!” and “COLORS” – have become iconic mainstays in American anime culture. Could you talk a bit more about your songs?
We created and recorded those particular songs with the intention of staying true to the anime they were tied to.
＜KEIGO＞ “GO!!!” was our first anime theme song, and it’s the very track that connected us with Naruto! I believe it’s the reason we’ve been able to perform so many shows overseas. Without a doubt, it’s the most frequently performed song in FLOW’s history.
＜KOHSHI＞ That song helped expand FLOW’s world.
＜IWASAKI＞ FLOW wouldn’t be where we are today without this song! It’s the track that connected us to anime and to the world.
＜TAKE＞It really stands out as our very first anime tie-in and the opening theme for Naruto.
＜GOT’S＞ “COLORS” similarly gets a huge response at overseas shows – fans sing along and it really energizes the crowd.
What would you like to say to someone listening to your music for the first time?
If you’re having fun, you’ve already won! If something moves your heart, that’s the right answer. Let’s go all out together!
Is there anything fans should look out for at the upcoming live show?
We’re so happy to be able to perform in America again! This will be our second time playing in LA, and we’re really looking forward to coming back. We’re actually planning something a little special, so please look forward to it. Let’s get hyped together and meet at the venue!
Many thanks to the organizers of the event for this amazing opportunity, and to FLOW for speaking with us! Be sure to watch them at Anime Expo 2025’s J-POP SOUND CAPSULE event by purchasing your tickets here!
