Interview with ASH

While he is best known as the frontman of a rock band these days, ASH DA HERO vocalist ASH was active for many years as a solo artist. This summer, he stepped out solo once again to perform the rousing opening theme for the tokusatsu series "Ultraman Omega", BRIGHT EYES. Highlighting his versatility as an artist, he also contributed lyrics and a passionate rap performance to anison singer MindaRyn's ending theme for the series, Missing Link.

ASH and MindaRyn recently strengthened their connection with "Ultraman Omega" even further with a new duet called Kyoumei Revolution. The song is the ending theme for part 2 of the series, which began airing this month. The high-energy rock track blends lyrics that complement the show's themes with ASH and MindaRyn's powerful voices, with a dynamic vocal interplay in the chorus as one of its standout elements. It was released digitally on October 11th and on CD on the 22nd. 

Earlier this year, JaME had the opportunity to ask ASH a few questions about working on BRIGHT EYES and Missing Link, his feelings about the "Ultraman Omega" series and teaming up with MindaRyn.

What would you like fans to notice about BRIGHT EYES? Is there a particular part of the song you are proud of?

ASH: It’s truly an honor. I’m a huge fan of the "Ultraman" series. I’d like everyone to pay attention to the intro where we shout “Omega.” I hope we can all sing that together at a concert someday.


Since you’ve been performing mostly with a band in recent years, how was it recording a solo song and music video again?

ASH: It’s stimulating in a different way from performing with a band. It’s a lot of fun, and it also lets me bring good energy back to the band, so I’m grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

How was it working on the rap for Missing Link? Did you approach it any differently from when you are writing songs for your own band or solo work?

ASH: For this song, I incorporated a bit of the band’s essence while staying in harmony with MindaRyn. In that sense, the approach is similar to what I do with my band.


Could you see yourself doing more collaborations as a featuring rapper like that in the future?

ASH: Of course! And I’d definitely love to collaborate with musicians from overseas!

What was it like performing Missing Link with MindaRyn in Brazil? Did you know each other before this project, or was this your first time meeting?

ASH: The first time we met was during the Hawaii show on the world tour. I also worked with MindaRyn on recording this song, and since we were always together for the video shoot and promotions, we’re now like siblings.



Have you had a chance to watch “Ultraman Omega” yourself? If so, what were your impressions of the series?

ASH: I look forward to watching it every week! "Ultraman" is a show that delivers important messages to both children and adults in today’s world, so I hope everyone will watch it!

JaME would like to thank ASH and qdopp, Inc. for making this interview possible.

Links to download and stream BRIGHT EYES / Missing Link on various music platforms are available here.

ASH and MindaRyn's music video for Kyoumei Revolution can be viewed below, and streaming links for the song can be found here.