How was Hao born? Tell us about the moment the idea of the band became real and the elements that brought the four of you together.
Motoki
After my previous band disbanded, I had wanted to start a new one for a long time. But because of life, doubts, and various circumstances, things never aligned, and to be honest, I was close to giving up.
One day, I reached out to my longtime friend from home, Setsu. We have known each other for more than fifteen years. He told me, “If Hikaru joins, I’m in,” so I contacted Hikaru next.
Hikaru is also a longtime friend we both share, someone I’ve known for just as long as Setsu, and a former bandmate. I had always wanted to play with him again, so I asked him immediately.
He said yes without even thinking about it, and with that, Hikaru and Setsu were confirmed as members.
When we were wondering who should play bass, we came across someone ridiculously handsome… and it just happened that the band he was in had also decided to break up around the same time. I thought, “It has to be him,” asked him to join, and he accepted right away. That is how the four members of Hao came together.
Hikaru
Motoki and Setsu go way back, and we’ve played at live events together many times. Cover lives are fun, but when Motoki asked, “Do you want to form a band together and actually perform?” I agreed on the spot.
Eren and Motoki played at the same birthday event last year, so I’m looking forward to performing live as Hao with him as well.
Eren
When my previous band disbanded, I actually thought I was done performing in front of people. But after becoming close with Motoki and talking about many things, I began to feel like I wanted to take a chance on myself again.
Later on, he invited me, saying, “Do you want to join us and start a band together?” In that moment I strongly felt, “I want to stand on stage again. I want to live through this band.” So I accepted immediately, and that decision led me to where I am now.
Setsu
Our concept, “Echoes of Memory,” is not just a theme it represents traces of the past.
Everyone carries moments we can never return to, feelings that fade in shape but stay deep in the heart. Even when we think we’ve forgotten them, they suddenly resurface. We reflect that sense in Hao’s music.
We want to touch someone’s heart gently something bittersweet, warm, and somehow nostalgic. Conveying that lingering emotional resonance through sound… to me, that’s exactly why Hao exists.
To help our readers get to know you better, could you share the projects or bands you were previously part of, as well as your current roles in Hao?
Motoki
For songwriting, Hikaru and I handle most of it.
I write almost all of the lyrics, but one song has already been written by Setsu, and eventually I’d like Eren to give lyric writing a try as well.
It’s not about “I’ve never done this” or “I’m not confident” we aim to broaden our possibilities in every direction. Each of us acts with that mindset.
Until now, my role in previous bands was mainly in composing, but in Hao I’m taking on new challenges and discovering new responsibilities.
Hikaru
Motoki and I mainly write the songs together.
All of us have very different tastes, so the process can be challenging, but that is exactly why we feel such confidence in the songs once they’re complete.
Eren
I’m Eren, the bassist. I’ve been part of two visual kei bands so far.
As hobbies, I create things like visual novels, photography, and video works.
Within Hao, I handle flyers, merchandise design, logo design mostly the visual side and I also contribute to the sound direction as we discuss things together. I want to strengthen our expression across all aspects.
Setsu
I think this is a band where every member is deeply involved in the music. Hikaru and I tend to be particular about certain elements, but Motoki always brings everything together beautifully in the end.
How are Hao’s songs created? Could you walk us through the process from the first idea to the completed track?
Motoki
For now, the main flow is: Hikaru composes the base, everyone gives feedback, and I shape and finalize the song.
In visual kei, there are subgenres like kote and kirakira, but the foundation of Hao’s sound is “vocal-driven music.”
We always focus on how to make the melody shine how to make listeners truly feel it.
Hikaru
I compose while imagining “What kind of song would I want to play live right now?”
I try to write music that is easy for me to perform and that allows the vocal melodies to sound beautiful.
What themes or imagery appear most often in your lyrics?
Motoki
I’m not great with pure fiction, so my writing is usually closer to essays. But for Hao, I think it would be interesting to draw inspiration from stories or events and turn them into lyrics.
With “Re:vival,” I conveyed directly the determination and resolve behind standing on stage again.
Hikaru
I want the live performance to surpass the studio recordings, so I focus on arrangements, staging, and ensuring the costumes look good.
Eren
I don’t particularly like the real world, so on stage and during creation, I try to bring out “Hao’s Eren” a distorted world that belongs only to me.
At the same time, I designed my costume with the intention of maintaining overall beauty.
Visual kei is a scene that allows multi-layered enjoyment, and I want us to be a band that looks cool from every angle.
Setsu
A live performance isn’t complete with sound alone lighting, costumes, and the atmosphere of the venue all come together to express the world we want to create.
When designing the costumes, we focused on unity while allowing each member’s personality to stand out to the fullest.
What moment do you hope will remain in the audience’s memories as “the essence of Hao” during your first live show?
Motoki
We’ll be rough around the edges at the very beginning, but we want to show how we challenge ourselves and grow.
We will also share content through livestreams and videos so our activities reach overseas fans as well.
Hikaru
We’ll keep doing our best to make Hao’s music reach as many people as possible. We’ll continue creating many songs.
Eren
The feelings that arise when encountering Hao will differ for each person.
Those differences themselves become part of the band’s appeal, so I hope listeners receive our music in their own way.
Setsu
Rather than flashy moments, we value the ones that quietly reach into the heart.
Support from overseas truly encourages us.
Please come experience a Hao live in Japan.
What artistic style or identity do you most want listeners to understand through Hao?
Motoki
We’ll be releasing many different kinds of songs from now on. I hope people enjoy the variety.
Hikaru
When “Re:vival” was completed and “HEARTS” came in, our structure for composing solidified, and creating songs has become much easier.
Eren
By keeping my own essence while blending it into the band, I hope my individual growth will connect to the band’s growth as well.
Setsu
Each member brings a different perspective, yet we all look in the same direction that’s what gives Hao its depth.
Themes like “bittersweetness” aren’t about simple darkness, but about delivering sounds that quietly touch the heart.
Lastly, please share a message for those discovering Hao for the first time and for the fans who have supported you until now.
Motoki
Our core doesn’t change. Music can’t change the world, but it can warm someone’s heart. It can make someone smile.
Please look forward to how I continue to evolve as I grow older. Let’s enjoy Hao’s music together.
Hikaru
I’ve done many things up to now, but I feel that “Hao” will be the culmination of my musical life.
We’ll create many songs and perform them live, so please come see us.
Eren
No one knows when they’ll die that’s exactly why I want to share moments through Hao that make you think, “If I died now, it would be okay.”
I’d be happy if you’d spend those moments together with us.
Setsu
Thank you for finding Hao among so many bands.
Whether you’re new or have supported us from the beginning, from here on we’re all companions seeing the same scenery together.
Let’s discover new sights side by side.
