Interview with Doukoku

Shortly before boarding the plane to Europe for their very first tour of the continent, brothers Ryusuke and Fumiya of electro rock duo Doukoku took the time to answer some last-minute questions for JaME.

You formed Doukoku way back in 2007. How has the band evolved since then? Have there been any major changes in your style or music in recent years?

Doukoku: Since the time we started the band, our sense and level of technique have grown a lot. Compared to the beginning, the quality of our songs has also improved. And now the music is not only rock as we’ve mixed in some pop elements as well.

Your first full album Doukoku Sekai was just released in March 2015. Please tell us more about it!

Ryusuke: When I listened to it, I felt that this album makes it possible to understand Doukoku. I also think that people who listen to it won’t get bored, since it is a mix of intense rock songs as well as pop.

Fumiya: I agree. I also think it’s an album that it’s important for people who are into music. It’ll also appeal to people who’ve already heard of Doukoku.

Which track on this album is your favorite, and which one would you recommend to people who are just discovering Doukoku?

Doukoku: It’s difficult to choose, but if we had to, we would go for Jinkou shoujo and Ai no sukima. Fumiya is the writer and composer of Jinkou shoujo and both lyrics and composition for Ai no sukima are by Ryusuke. It was fun and we wanted to make something that shows that we are brothers with totally different styles.

When you write music, are the lyrics more fact or more fiction?

Doukoku: The lyrics are based on both fact and fiction. Some are also made under the influence of anime and novels.

Are there any artists or bands that you look up to?

Ryusuke: I was influenced to start music by GACKT and BUCK-TICK.

Fumiya: I’m affected by different kinds of techno and metal music.

Ryusuke: Recently he’s been influenced by RAMMSTEIN. (laughs)

In a few days you will come to Europe for the first time! Can you believe this? What are you especially looking forward to?

Ryusuke: This is the first time for Doukoku to go to Europe. Because I like soccer, I always watch European games on television. (laughs) We’re looking forward to meeting German and Austrian people. Of course, it’s also the first time for Doukoku to have live shows overseas. I don’t want to be nervous but I probably will be. (laughs)

Since you will visit Germany and Austria this time, what do you already know about the culture and fans of these countries?

Ryusuke: I know that Japanese rock bands are popular, and many Japanese soccer players are playing in Germany. (laughs) I want to eat and drink delicious meat and beer. While enjoying all this, we will not drink too much. (laughs)

Fumiya: About the fans, we’ve heard that they are very enthusiastic. We’re impressed that people accept artists, like ourselves, coming from Japan.

Can you describe your brother in one short sentence?

Doukoku: "Brother-like friend".

Ryusuke, you mentioned on Twitter that you’re a fan of manga and anime. If you could write the theme for any series, which one would you choose? What kind of song would it be?

Ryusuke: Yes, I like manga and anime. My favorites are those with a serious theme. I also cosplay sometimes; I did the Gakupo (a vocaloid) and recently Jinguji Ren from "Uta no prince sama". If Doukoku was to make an anime theme song, I think our music would suit anime like "Black Butler" and "Tokyo Ghoul". I think that the song would be a rock song with a painful feeling to it.

Fumiya, what does a perfect day look like for you?

Fumiya: Drinking coffee while listening to my favorite music.

What’s the next big step you want to take with the band?

Doukoku: First of all, Doukoku’s Europe tour is the beginning of a big step. When it’s finished, we might want to do more lives in many other countries.

Thank you very much for the interview! Please leave a message for the JaME readers!

Doukoku: Thanks for reading the interview. Please continue to support Doukoku in the future!


JaME would like to thank Doukoku and Jessica for making this interview possible.