ASTERISM is a three member heavy metal group consisting of HAL-CA, MIYU and MIO. Formed in 2014, the group started off as a strictly instrumental heavy metal band, and quickly gained a reputation for their intricate technical skill. Starting in 2019, they quickly began touring overseas, and have played in musical festivals including SXSW all over the world.
Prior to their appearance at Anime Expo’s J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, we were able to briefly interview them through email. Read their answers below!
Thank you so much for speaking with us! To start – what kind of impression do you have of North American audiences? What are some unique aspects of North American attendees that you don’t usually get back home?
The North American audience reacts very honestly to what they feel, so it really feels like we’re having a dialogue through music—it’s so much fun! It is a marked difference from Japanese audiences, who tend to enjoy the show by quietly listening and taking it in. Overseas fans often express what they’re feeling with their voices and bodies, so we always feel like we need to bring enough energy not to get overwhelmed by the audience’s enthusiasm!
Do you make any special considerations when performing live outside Japan?
We always check comments from international fans on YouTube and social media to see which songs they like and what kind of music resonates with them. We use that as a reference when putting together our setlists!
Is there anything you’re looking forward to locally (like sightseeing or food)?
We’re really looking forward to my hamburger journey! Whenever we go to LA, we always eat In-N-Out burgers, try burgers at Santa Monica Pier, or even make our own from scratch. We hope we’ll get to meet some new and exciting burgers this time too!
What would you like to say to someone encountering your music for the first time?
We think people will be able to feel a universal message that applies to anyone, hidden within our intense sound and pop melodies. Also, each instrument carries a sharpened, soulful performance—so we’re hoping listeners can feel that too.
What are the things you are most looking forward to going into J-POP SOUND CAPSULE?
It’s been a while since we performed in LA, so we’re really looking forward to seeing all our fans again! We want to put on a show that lets everyone experience the evolved and powered-up version of ASTERISM. Hell yeah!
Finally, a message for your North American fans!
Thank you so much for always sending your support all the way to Japan! We’ll keep working hard so we can do a tour in North America someday, and we definitely want you to experience ASTERISM live!
Many thanks to the organizers of the event for this amazing opportunity, and to ASTERISM for speaking with us! Be sure to watch them at Anime Expo 2025’s J-POP SOUND CAPSULE event, and get your tickets here!
