Interview: Singer and Songwriter Mika Kobayashi

Mika Kobayashi is a household name to fans of anime music, especially those familiar with Attack on Titan, Blue Exorcist, or Seraph of the End. The Japanese singer and songwriter, who often attends events outside of Japan, is known for her unique, powerful voice, and energetic live performances. One of the events she frequents is Japan Expo in Paris, which is why we took this opportunity to do a short interview.

During the event, Kobayashi had multiple live performances, including one with Samurai artist Kamui and French band STARRYSKY, a French band known for incorporating anime-inspired elements into their songs with which she recently released a song with STARRYSKY. This collab, released earlier this year, was a perfect opportunity to kick the interview off.

Q: You recently released “The Last Song” in collaboration with the French band STARRYSKY, just in time for Japan Expo. How did this song happen? 

Kobayashi: Last year when I came to Japan Expo I had the chance to talk to STARRYSKY. They offered to do collaboration I thought it was going to be super fun, so I obviously agreed to it.

Q: Considering that you are based in Japan and STARRYSKY is in France, how did the communication process go?

Kobayashi: It was usually e-mail, Whatsapp. That was the most convenient and that's how we started our collaboration.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about the meaning behind "The Last Song"?

Kobayashi: When STARRYSKY sent the first demo, the title was already decided on "The Last Song." The message is basically about the end of the world. You want to give a message of hope to those who are weaker and sort of losing their hope to push through under any circumstance and stay strong. That is what I want to tell through this song.

Q: This is your, I believe, sixth time attending Japan Expo in Paris. What keeps you coming back? 

Kobayashi: That's right. When I first came to Japan Expo, it was super overwhelming. I didn't know how to approach the French. Over the years, I gained more fans and more understanding of the French culture and sort of how Europeans [in general] take in the anime culture. And I thought that the more I come here, the more I'll know. In that sense, it was an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

Q: What would you say that the main differences are between the behavior of the audience here and in Japan? 

Kobayashi: It's a very difficult answer. In Japanese culture, we are more likely to be sort of attracted to famous people. Whatever they put out, it's a culture where we tend to be attracted whatever that is; whatever is trending or famous in that time.

However, the French just react to whatever is good. Whatever is good is good, even if it's new, even if it's old, it remains good. In those terms, the way they consume music and media is very different and they're very passionate with the things they like.

Q: A few years ago you gave an interview to an outlet that I forgot the name of and you mentioned that when you come overseas, fans mainly want to hear your Attack on Titan songs. Has this changed in the recent years? 

Kobayashi: It's so surprising, with the finale it hasn't changed one bit. With the final story of Attack on Titan, the high quality and intensity of the plot line, [it seems that] fans are willing to listen to the songs over and over again and they have a lot of passion for it. They tell me that they came all the way here just to listen to me sing the soundtrack.

Q: Is there a manga or anime series that you would like to someday perform for? 

Kobayashi: I've been saying this a lot lately, but I'd love to sing the soundtrack for Jojo Bizarre Adventure. It's something that I've been trying to achieve.
Q: With the new season coming, there is still a chance.
Kobayashi: Yes! (laughs)

Q: You've worked with Hiroyuki Sawano a lot in the past. How did you 2 meet and how does your joint creative process? 

Kobayashi: I met Hiroyuki-sama in the summer ten years ago. It was while I was working for a small live house in Tokyo and I got a call from Mr. Sawano's agency at the time. They told me that my voice matched what they were looking for and that's how my career started. I think Mr. Sawano was the one who gave me the opportunity to pursue various things in singing and to grow as a performer.

Q: When you were starting out, did you have any musical idols when it comes to anisongs?

Kobayashi: I don't really have a musical background [in anime music], I just happen to sing anime songs. I don't really think of myself as an anisong singer, so I didn't really want to be like them when I first started. But when I meet people who sing anime songs that I used to watch when I was a kid, I get really impressed and inspired. Recently, I got to meet Mr. Hiroki Takahashi, who sang the first theme song for Dragon Ball, and we got along really well. That was a really great experience.

We'd like to thank Mika Kobayashi, her team, and Japan Expo 2025 press team for making this interview happen.

To keep up with Mika Kobayashi and her upcoming works, follow her miccabose record label, Twitter/X, and Instagram.