Global journey driven by fans’ passion and support

PassCode is known for making waves with their unique blend of EDM, rock, and metal. With an early focus on the international market and having been signed to the UK-based record label, JPU Records, they’ve built a dedicated international fanbase, setting themselves apart by embracing global audiences.

In this interview, the members discuss their passion for music, reflect on fan interactions, and give us an insight into their connection with anime.

PassCode has been embracing the overseas market since the start, and even now you’re current touring Asia. Why is expanding internationally important to you, especially when many Japanese artists choose not to focus on it?

Nao Minami: We’ve received many messages on social media from people wanting us to come to their countries. If it’s difficult for them to come to our live shows, I think we should go to them instead.

Kaede Takashima: We’ve always gotten comments on YouTube and other platforms asking us to come visit. If there are so many people overseas who have been waiting for us, I definitely want to meet them.

Hinako Ogami: We receive a lot of comments and messages from overseas on YouTube and social media, so I hope that someday we can deliver our music to them directly.

Emily Arima: Japanese metal music is popular among international listeners! I want to share the charm of PassCode with various countries.

It’s great to hear that fans’ voices influence your activities! And your recent song “WILLSHINE” has reached anime fans globally as the opening theme for the hero anime SHY Season 2. Was there something specific that made it a perfect fit for the show’s theme and narrative?

Nao Minami: I felt that SHY’s desire to bring happiness to others, despite all her struggles, is very similar to PassCode. The message we convey isn’t all that different, which is why this song reflects both SHY’s perspective and PassCode’s essence.

Kaede Takashima: SHY is a shy female hero, so I saw similarities between her and the members of PassCode. When we were approached, I immediately thought it was a perfect fit for us and said I definitely wanted to do it.

Hinako Ogami: Our sound producer and lyric team created this track after reading the original SHY manga, so I think it fits really well with the anime. There’s a line in the anime that says something like, “You can’t save everyone, but maybe you can save some lives”. I feel the music shares similar themes, so there may be overlaps between the music and the anime.

Emily Arima: Many of PassCode’s songs are fast-paced and have positive lyrics, so I thought they would be a great fit for an anime like SHY!

Interesting, so would you say that creating music for anime is directly linked to your international expansion?

Nao Minami: When we perform live overseas, I’ve met fans who are really good at Japanese. When I asked them how they learned, they said they picked it up by watching anime, so I believe it has a positive influence.

Hinako Ogami: Anime is one of the aspects we can proudly showcase about Japan, and I think it’s a culture that many people around the world love. I see performing anime theme songs as an opportunity to reach those overseas who still don’t know about PassCode.

Emily Arima: You could say that. Anime often deals with extraordinary themes, so I think it’s something that people from all countries can enjoy, even if they don’t share the same cultural background.

PassCode’s sound blends EDM, rock, and metal—perfect for live shows. What factors do you consider when choosing the types of songs to create and deciding which ones to perform live?

Nao Minami: We change the setlist for each event based on the impression we want to create. One thing that remains consistent is our desire for everyone to enjoy themselves.

Kaede Takashima: For example, during a joint live performance, we might choose songs to best showcase PassCode within the limited time we have.

Hinako Ogami: When it comes to song production, we mostly leave it to our sound producer, Koji Hirachi. Nao takes the lead in planning the setlist for our live shows, but we also select songs based on the venue’s atmosphere, the event, and what the members feel like singing that day.

Emily Arima: We’re always mindful of balancing what the fans want to hear with what PassCode wants to do.

Continuing on the theme of live performance, what key elements do each of you focus on to make your performances stand out?

Nao Minami: To bring out each member’s individuality, we try to sing in a way that highlights our strengths. Conversely, we often practice synchronized choreography together as a group.

Kaede Takashima: I think about how to better convey the lyrics, so I sometimes adjust my expression while singing. For choreography, I ensure that my emotions are clearly expressed through my face, allowing the audience to feel what I’m dancing about.

Hinako Ogami: Since Nao and Emily bring unique performances to each live show and really energize the crowd, I aim to maintain a stable performance to keep balance during our shows.

Emily Arima: I focus on delivering vocals that perfectly match PassCode’s music.

Now that PassCode has been active for a decade. What do you think has been key to maintaining the group’s unity despite the challenges you’ve faced? And what do you think keeps fans excited and coming back for more?

Nao Minami: I think it’s because everyone on the team loves PassCode. Each member puts in the effort to ensure we can keep it going for a long time. I also believe that each live performance is unique and can only happen on that day.

Kaede Takashima: The fact that all the members share the same mindset and work toward the same goals has definitely contributed to our longevity.

Hinako Ogami: I believe our strong love for PassCode has kept us going, even during difficult times. The excitement and energy of our live performances are certainly our strengths!

Emily Arima: Our cool music keeps evolving year after year.

Thank you for sharing those thoughts with us! Outside PassCode, is there something new or interesting that you’ve been into recently?

Nao Minami: I’ve started watching anime.

Kaede Takashima: Recently, I’ve become hooked on a cooking game called Overcooked. I get so caught up in it that, before I know it, it’s morning! I definitely recommend giving it a try.

Hinako Ogami: I’ve recently gotten into visiting bakeries. There are so many delicious ones in Japan, which makes it really fun! I’ve also developed an interest in hiking and hope to climb Mount Fuji someday.

Emily Arima: Lately, I’ve been listening not only to metal but also to music from the ’60s to ’80s. I love The Beatles and Pink Floyd!

Lastly, please leave a message to your overseas fans!

Nao Minami: Thank you for your support. I’m looking forward to the day we can meet at a live show!

Kaede Takashima: If we get the chance, we’ll come see you as much as we can, so please wait for us!

Hinako Ogami: Thank you for always supporting PassCode. I can’t wait for the day we can meet!

Emily Arima: Let’s enjoy PassCode’s music together!

We’d like to thank the members of PassCode for taking the time to share their passion and insights with us, despite their busy schedule! Don’t forget to check out their tour schedule, as they may be coming to a city near you soon!