Japanese Singer and Musician ASCA will be performing live at Zepp KL on 3rd February 2024 as part of the SACRA Music Fes, and we got the opportunity to speak with the famous singer in an interview about anime songs, dreams for the future, and collaborations with other artists. 

Asuka Okura, who goes by the stage name ASCA made her debut back in 2013 after becoming a finalist at the 5th Animax All-Japan Anisong Grand Prix, but decided to continue her studies. In late 2016, she returned to her music career, and her songs have been featured in many popular anime series, including Sword Art Online, Fate/Apocrypha, The Irregular at Magic High School, and much more. 

[Interview is edited for clarity]

Favourite Anime Song 

ASCA has performed her fair share of anime songs over the years, but there’s definitely without a doubt that there would be songs that she might be the most fond of. 

To which, ASCA replied by saying that performing the song “Hibari” by Yuki Kajiura, a music producer and creator, had taught her the importance of delivering each word meticulously, while during the duet “Tenbin -Libra-” with Takanori Nishikawa, she learned how singing tightly to the rhythm creates a sense of speed and urgency. 

“Each collaboration has been a valuable learning experience for me, showing that every time I collaborate, there’s so much to learn, making it always an enjoyable and precious time.”

Collaborations

Speaking of collaborations, ASCA with several other well-known artists, such as BURNOUT SYNDROMES, TM Revolution and Hiroyuki Sawano. However, we wondered if there’s a particular artist or producer that she dreams of collaborating with someday. 

ASCA mentions that since her debut, being able to collaborate with various artists and creators has shaped her to be how she is. 

“I wish to actively continue collaborations in the future and cherish encounters and connections with people as I pursue my musical journey.”

ASCA brought up an example of her past collaboration with Hiroyuki Sawano, who she had been a big fan of, ever since her elementary school days. Being able to work with him on the song “Until-L”, filled her with a sense of immense joy, albeit she felt uncertainty and wondered if she could truly perform the song well. 

“I practiced a lot, driven by my anxious feelings. I vividly remember the overwhelming emotions and tears shared with my manager when the song was completed.”

In regards to an artist that she wants to collaborate with, ASCA brought up Japanese singer and songwriter, Ayaka, who had influenced her to become a singer, and wishes that one day their paths would cross not just in private but also in a professional setting. 

Dreams for the Future 

The next question we asked was if ASCA had any specific projects or dreams for the future, such as solo world tour concerts.

“My goal in Japan is to hold a one-man live concert at Nippon Budokan. Another dream of mine is to perform in all 47 prefectures nationwide. Overseas, my dream starts with holding a one-man live concert. The next step is to embark on an overseas tour. I also aim to revisit the places I’ve been to before. Furthermore, I aspire to conquer stages across all continents worldwide. I will make it happen!” ASCA replied. 

Oversea Fans

Given her legendary reputation within the anime music industry, it goes without a doubt that ASCA has garnered plenty of fans across the world, especially in the Southeast Asia region. We asked how she felt knowing that her music is loved by people all over the world. 

ASCA stated that she felt the greatness of anime and anime songs, and hearing voices chanting her name by crowds of people was something that brought her immense happiness in her life, and that she wants to continue giving back to the anime community that has brought her that happiness. 

“Thank you so much for always loving ASCA’s music. Thanks to anime, I’ve met you, and I’ll continue delivering songs through anime music to keep our connection alive. Please continue to support me in the future too! I’ll go to your town to meet you. No matter where in the world!” 

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