HAGANE – Road to Rock Imperium 2026
In 2026, HAGANE will take the stage at Rock Imperium Festival in Spain, marking the band’s very first performance in the country.
As part of a special feature ahead of Rock Imperium Festival 2026, we spoke with the members of HAGANE before their upcoming European shows. They shared their expectations for the festival, what they hope to bring overseas as HAGANE, how the band has changed with its current lineup, and a message for their fans in Spain.
At this festival, you will be sharing the bill with world-renowned metal bands. Is there any artist you are especially looking forward to seeing?
Sakura（Gt.）：
Of course, I am looking forward to all of the artists, but if we are talking about the same day, then TRIVIUM. I have been listening to them since I was little! On another day, it would be IRON MAIDEN.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
IRON MAIDEN and Dogma. I have listened to and covered IRON MAIDEN since I first started getting into metal, and I often watch Dogma’s videos on social media, so I am really looking forward to seeing them!
JUNNA（Dr.）：
Every band is amazing, so it is hard to choose just one, but as a drummer, I am especially interested in the rhythm sections of bands that are active on the world stage. It is a rare opportunity to perform at the same festival and also watch them play, so I am really looking forward to it, and I hope to receive a lot of inspiration myself.
Rock Imperium is known as a festival that brings together passionate metal fans. What are your expectations for your first performance in Spain?
NAGI（Vo.）：
I think it is a big opportunity for people around the world to discover the name HAGANE!
Sakura（Gt.）：
It feels like a dream because the lineup is full of bands I have listened to since I was little, so I am really excited! I am also really looking forward to meeting everyone there!
Sayaka（Ba.）：
Spain is a country where metal is listened to even more than in Japan, so I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of impression HAGANE’s music will leave on the audience!
JUNNA（Dr.）：
I am really excited just to be able to perform in a country I am visiting for the first time. I hope we can create a moment where everyone becomes one through music, beyond any language barrier. I want to deliver HAGANE’s sound with everything I have.
You will also be performing in Germany this time. Do you feel there is a difference between the atmosphere of European festivals and Japanese festivals?
NAGI（Vo.）：
In Japan, I feel that the excitement often stays within a certain kind of respectful limit, but at our first overseas festival in Denmark, what I felt was simply that the passion was incredible…!
Sakura（Gt.）：
In terms of atmosphere, maybe the way people move and react is bigger and more expressive.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
Of course, the warm support from everyone who listens to us is the same in both Europe and Japan, but I do have the impression that European festivals have an even more heated atmosphere.
JUNNA（Dr.）：
Every country has its own way of getting excited, but I have the impression that audiences at European festivals react especially directly. I am looking forward to performing while receiving that energy.
This summer, you will be playing both festivals and headline shows. Do you think there is a side of HAGANE that comes through especially well at large-scale festivals?
NAGI（Vo.）：
At our headline shows, the audience usually already knows us, but at festivals there are also people seeing us for the first time. I think one of our strengths is that we do not get nervous in those situations. In fact, somehow we often perform even better than usual.
Sakura（Gt.）：
We have songs that can get a big crowd excited and let people go wild at a festival! You can also see a different kind of audience reaction compared to our headline shows.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
HAGANE’s songs have a grand worldview and concept, so I want to make the most of that strength at a large-scale festival.
JUNNA（Dr.）：
I think it is the fact that, within a limited amount of time, people can experience HAGANE’s speed, power, and each member’s individuality all at once. Especially live, the energy of the whole band is transmitted directly, so I think the appeal of festivals is that we can leave a strong impression even on people seeing us for the first time.
Since 2024, HAGANE has entered a new era with NAGI and JUNNA joining the band. How has the atmosphere and energy of the band changed?
Sakura（Gt.）：
Overall, it has become brighter and more powerful, and it really feels like we have the wind at our backs! I trust them so much that I feel they will be able to handle whatever kind of song I write.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
The atmosphere is calm and friendly, but in terms of energy, the band has evolved in a very powerful way. I really hope people can feel that strong and flexible energy through our performance and vocals.
If you wanted to gain new fans at Rock Imperium, which song would you most want people to listen to first? Please tell us why.
NAGI（Vo.）：
“Tenkagoken”. It is a song that includes traditional Japanese instruments, which are part of Japanese culture, and it is also a very meaningful song for us because it was the first release after HAGANE began its new lineup. I think it is the perfect gateway for people to get into HAGANE.
Sakura（Gt.）：
“Tenkagoken”. It is metal that incorporates Japanese elements, and it is packed with the strengths of each part.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
“Tenkagoken”. HAGANE is a metal band, but I think the fact that we are a Japanese metal band will stand out even more at this festival. With “Tenkagoken”, which combines Japanese elements with traditional heavy metal, I would be happy if people felt that HAGANE is a truly unique metal band.
JUNNA（Dr.）：
“Tenkagoken”. It has the speed and melodies that feel very HAGANE, it naturally creates a sense of unity live, and the drum phrases are really cool, so I would love for people to listen to it. It is a song that makes it easy for first-time listeners to understand our appeal.
When you think about a setlist for an overseas festival, are there any songs or moments that feel essential in order to show what HAGANE is?
NAGI（Vo.）：
Because we are performing as a band from Japan, we try to include many songs with Japanese lyrics. Also, HAGANE has many bright songs, such as “Life goes on!”, so I think those kinds of moments and songs are also essential.
Sakura（Gt.）：
“Tenkagoken”, of course, but also “Start Our Journey” and “Out of the Darkness”. Songs with that melodic speed metal feel. Bright, melodic, but also emotional. They also allow us to show our technical side.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
We try to build the setlist around songs where people can feel Japanese elements, together with melodic speed metal songs.
JUNNA（Dr.）：
I want to convey HAGANE’s strengths, which are our speed and dramatic development. Whatever songs we play, we build the setlist while valuing a flow where people can feel our energy and the power of our performance.
Many people at Rock Imperium may be discovering HAGANE for the first time. If you were to recommend your live show to them, what would you say?
NAGI（Vo.）：
At our shows in Japan, we put a lot of thought into making the MC segments fun as well. We are also studying so that we can say fun things at our overseas shows! Haha.
Of course, in terms of performance, we deliver a powerful sound that you might not expect from an all-female band, so I would be happy if people came to see that!
Sakura（Gt.）：
We are an all-female Japanese metal band. We will deliver cool metal that is just as powerful as any male band!! Just enjoy the live show, and that is enough!
Sayaka（Ba.）：
You will see a live show that you would never imagine just from looking at our promotional photos!
JUNNA（Dr.）：
If you are even a little interested, please come and watch our stage. I think HAGANE’s live shows have an energy and sense of unity that even first-time listeners can enjoy. We will perform with everything we have, so let’s create the best time together!
If you had to describe the live show you want to deliver at Rock Imperium in three words, what would they be?
NAGI（Vo.）：
“Contrast with our image”, “Japanese identity”, “Melodic songs”.
Sakura（Gt.）：
“Fun”, “Amazing!”, “I want to see them again”.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
“Surprise”, “Emotion”, “Excitement”.
JUNNA（Dr.）：
“Passion”, “Speed”, “Unity”.
During your stay in Europe, which member do you think will adapt to the local atmosphere the fastest?
NAGI（Vo.）：
I think it might be me… haha.
Sakura（Gt.）：
Me.
Sayaka（Ba.）：
Sakura.
JUNNA（Dr.）：
NAGI-chan.
Are there any Spanish words or phrases you would like to learn before the show?
NAGI（Vo.）：
I definitely want to learn how to introduce HAGANE in Spanish!
Sakura（Gt.）：
Gracias!（Thank you!）
Sayaka（Ba.）：
¡Hola! Estoy feliz de poder venir a España. ¡Disfrutemos la vida juntos! ¡Gracias!
（Hello! I am happy to be able to come to Spain. Let’s enjoy life together! Thank you!）
JUNNA（Dr.）：
Gracias（Thank you）.
Finally, please send a message to NIPPONGAKU readers who are looking forward to seeing you at Rock Imperium.
NAGI（Vo.）：
To all the readers, thank you so much for reading this far! We feel very honored and excited to be able to meet you all at the live show. We will prove that music can transcend language barriers, and we will make it an amazing show, so please look forward to it!
Sakura（Gt.）：
We will deliver the best performance and make our first show in Spain unforgettable!! Look forward to it!!
Sayaka（Ba.）：
I am very happy to be able to enjoy the live show together with everyone in Spain! Please look forward to HAGANE’s music!
JUNNA（Dr.）：
I am JUNNA, the drummer of HAGANE!
Our first performance in Spain is a special challenge for us, and it is a stage we are really looking forward to. We will give everything we have so that even people seeing HAGANE for the first time will think, “I want to see them again.” Even if our countries and languages are different, I would be happy if we could create a moment where we connect through music together. I am looking forward to seeing you at the venue!
¡Nos vemos en Rock Imperium!
（See you at Rock Imperium!）
