As part of the SACRA Music Fes 2024 that will be happening in Malaysia on 3rd February 2024 at Zepp KL, we got to interview Japanese Rock Band FLOW about how the band was formed, the music industry, and the most memorable moment they had. 

FLOW is a Japanese Rock band formed back in 1998 and currently consists of five members, Koshi Asakawa (Vocalist), Keigo Hayashi (Vocalist), Takeshi Asakawa (Guitarist), Kotaro Goto (Bassist), and Hiroshi Iwasaki (Drummer). The band has released 39 singles and 12 studio albums, with their songs being featured in several anime openings from Naruto, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and many more.

[Interview is edited for clarity]

How FLOW Was Formed

FLOW was formed in 1998, and we’re now in 2024. Many fans might be curious as to how the band had actually formed, and how the band evolved over the years. 

Keigo shared that the band was formed by brothers Koshi Asakawa and  Takeshi Asakawa, and was later joined by Keigo Hayashi, Kotaro Goto, and Hiroshi Iwasaki, which solidified its current lineup in 2000 and eventually made their major debut in 2003. 

“As FLOW, I believe being a part of the anime community proved to be a significant part of the band’s history. Working with and collaborating with anime has allowed us to perform live in various countries, and I believe it is the same this time performing in Malaysia too.” Hayashi continued. 

Naruto Anniversary Anime

Fans know that FLOW will be returning to perform the opening and ending songs for the upcoming Naruto Anniversary Anime. However, many wondered if the opening theme “GO!!!” would stick with the original version, or a different rendition of it. 

“‘GO!!!’ has become the song we’ve performed the most after its release, so we hope you can feel its growth and live energy,” said Takeshi Asakawa.

Changes in the Music Industry

Given that FLOW has been in the music industry for so long, there are bound to be some notable changes within the industry. 

To Hayashi, what surprised him the most was the advancement of the internet and social media platforms, and how it eliminated the time differences in trends and the release of works worldwide. 

Overseas Love 

Considering the band’s legendary reputation, FLOW has managed to garner a large international fanbase outside of Japan, especially in the Southeast Asian region. We asked the band how it feels to see their music be loved by people all over the world.

Takeshi replied by saying that the band was very happy and that they were filled with the desire to deliver their feeling directly at the concert.

Meanwhile, Hayashi mentions that Southeast Asians always raise their voices and express their joy with their whole bodies and that he is always amazed at how well they understand Japanese. 

Lastly, Hayashi had a few final words he shared with the Southeast Asian fans.

“The threat of the coronavirus, which everyone around the world has suffered, has disappeared. I’d like to go to a lot of Southeast Asia to perform live at festivals and tours, so everyone. See you LIVE. “

We’d like to thank FLOW for taking the time to answer our question, and we cannot wait to see them perform live at Zepp KL on 3rd February.