Celebrating two decades of music, RADWIMPS remains one of the most innovative and influential bands in Japan’s music scene. Globally recognized for their soundtracks to Makoto Shinkai’s films, including titles such as
"Your Name." and "Suzume", the band has built a devoted following far beyond Japan’s borders and has become a symbol of creativity and emotional depth in music.
With the release of Anew, their first album in four years, and the celebrations of their 20th anniversary, RADWIMPS enter a new chapter in their career, revisiting the past while keeping their eyes on the future. In an interview held just before Anew's release, JaME's
Brazilian team spoke with Yojiro Noda and
Yusuke Takeda about memories, challenges, achievements, what lies ahead, and, of course, about the unforgettable energy of performing in Latin America for the very first time.
This year marks 20 years since the band’s formation. Looking back, how would you describe RADWIMPS’ evolution over the past two decades?
Yojiro: Honestly, when we debuted, I never imagined that 20 years later we’d still be making music this intensely—recording and creating. I thought that after 20 years I’d understand music more, have it all figured out,
and make it more systematically, but not at all. There’s still so much I don’t know, and making music is still ridiculously fun. That’s exactly the same as when we made our debut.
If you had to pick just one song or a moment that holds a truly special meaning for the band, which would it be and why?
Yojiro: I can say for sure: when our 2020 world tour was canceled, and in 2023 we went back on the road for the world tour starting with North America. Without those tours, RADWIMPS might have fallen
apart. The 2023 world tour and the 2024 Latin America/Asia tours gave us a reason to live—that’s not an exaggeration. The international audience reminded us RADWIMPS has value. Thanks to them.
In October, you’re set to release Anew, your first studio album in four years. What kind of journey can fans expect from this new record?
Yusuke: We’re truly happy to have run 20 years since debut, and we
feel we’ve made a really good album to commemorate it. We're really pleased with it. Please enjoy it purely. Give it a listen.
Are there any other special projects or events in the works to continue celebrating this anniversary year?
Yojiro: We have a big arena tour in Japan coming up starting in October. We want everyone to see RADWIMPS entering our 20th year with the new formation. We’re really fired up for the tour—curious how our
20th anniversary feelings and the audience’s will collide.
Even after so many accomplishments, are there still goals you’re striving for? And looking back, is there a dream you once had that you’ve been able to realize?
Yojiro: In
that sense, we’ve exceeded our initial dreams by far. Everything from here feels like a bonus stage.
Last year’s world tour took you to new places, including your very first performance in Brazil. What was that experience like, and what stood out to you the most about being here?
Yojiro: Honestly, I have to admit that the LATAM audience truly possesses the world's greatest energy.
As you look ahead, what direction do you see RADWIMPS heading in the future?
Yojiro: My 40s are nothing like what I imagined 20 years ago. I'm nothing like the 40 year-old I pictured back then. I think things aren't so bad right now, and I'm super hungry for music. I'm still struggling to make
music. I thought that after 20 years I’d understand music more, have it all figured out, and make it more systematically, but not at all. So even at 60, I think and I hope that I will still be making music intensely. It's an endless journey and I
hope it'll continue.
To close, could you share a message for your fans around the world who have been with you on this journey?
Yojiro: Our music reaches people in ways we never imagined. Folks find us through all kinds of gateways and even come to shows. It’s miraculous. We’re very grateful. The fact that you listen propels us forward—that we’ll
never forget. We can’t predict what comes next, but we will come see you again. Until then, please stay healthy and happy.
JaME would like to thank RADWIMPS and FORMUSIC for this interview opportunity.
Links to download and stream Anew on various music platforms are available here. Physical versions of the album are also available for pre-order from the official RADWIMPS overseas store.
The music video for World's End Girl Friend, a song featured on Anew, can be viewed below.
