At this stage of your career, what motivates you when it comes to creating, touring, and meeting new audiences?
I carry many insecurities and complexes, so I want my music to reach people who are struggling with the same issues. That passion is still alive.
What was the concept behind the outfits and makeup for this tour?
They reflect who I truly am. For this tour, I had new costumes made specifically for the occasion, using a red and white color scheme that carries a sense of Japanese tradition.
What was your first impression when you arrived in Latin America? Was there anything that surprised you about the fans there?
Nothing in particular surprised me. After all, we’re all humans living on the same Earth. But I did fall in love with the fans’ passion.
Some fans mentioned that you seemed more relaxed and smiled more than during your lives in Japan. Do you think performing in Latin America brought out a new side of you?
Since it was harder to communicate through words, I focused on how to express emotions like joy, anger, and sadness directly through performance.
During the live, you were very close to the fans. You sang with your bandmates, went down into the audience, and even spoke in Spanish. Was that spontaneous or planned?
It was all based on what I felt in the moment.
Through this tour, did you discover anything new about yourself?
That no matter the environment or the travel troubles, I’ll always find a way to handle things.
You also performed in Peru, which must have been a dream come true for the fans. Can you share a memorable moment from there?
Both the fans and the staff welcomed us so warmly. That made me want to give them a live and a performance that went beyond their expectations.
What do you think you can learn from Japanese fans and from Latin American fans?
Japanese fans enjoy the choreography and furi together, while Latin American fans seem to feel the music through their whole bodies. As long as everyone is enjoying themselves, both are wonderful.
Were there moments when, even without words, you felt connected to the fans through the heart?
Not just in moments, but throughout the entire experience.
In this tour’s setlist, was there a song that changed in meaning or felt different when you performed it in Latin America?
We played many songs by request, so a lot of people already knew them, but I’d say “SUNRISE” stood out the most.
After leaving the stage, what was the dynamic like between the members? Any episodes you can share from the tour?
We laughed off every single problem we faced, and I think that’s the most important thing for a team.
Do you have any personal or group routines before a live?
I always give myself the self-suggestion that I’m the best.
What do you think are the charms of each member, both as artists and as people?
Seth has the essence of a natural vocalist. SUI was like a cat.
When on stage, at what moment do you feel most alive?
When I can lay everything completely bare in front of the audience.
When you receive the audience’s cheers and gazes, what emotions come up? Does that affect your performance?
Sometimes I want to create a strong sense of unity for a powerful live, and other times I need solitude to deliver certain songs. But I always want it to be an exchange of love.
For you, is music a means of healing, or is it more like a battle?
For me, it’s nothing but a battle, haha.
Have there been moments in your life when you felt saved by your own voice?
Sometimes when I’m composing, I realize, “This is exactly how I wanted to be sung to.” It changes depending on the song, but I’ve never doubted the music I’ve created.
During this tour, was there a moment you felt a miracle happened because of these particular members?
When the two of them gathered at Narita Airport, though it was supposed to be Haneda.
Within TRIAD, who is the most free, the most sensitive, and the funniest?
Most free: Kouki.
Most sensitive: SUI.
Funniest: Seth.
If you had to describe the atmosphere of the dressing room in one word, what would it be?
A battlefield.
Is there a Japanese item, charm, or habit you always bring with you when performing overseas?
If possible, I always try to go to a sauna the day before a live.
Among the gifts or messages from fans, is there one that especially stayed in your heart?
A message from someone who became a mother and could no longer attend lives, but told me that during her student days, the time she spent at live houses was the happiest in her life.
Do you check comments or posts on social media after a live? How do you take those reactions?
I do check them, and every time I feel the urge to go beyond those expectations in the next live.
After finishing a live, what impression would you like the audience to leave with?
That they’re not alone, that Kouki is here.
What are your thoughts on the future of TRIAD? Is this a limited-time project, or do you see it continuing?
If the three of us can polish our concept even more, I’d like to keep going.
Many fans in Europe are eagerly waiting for your live. Can you share a little about what’s ahead? Are there any countries or cities you’d like to visit?
Since many artists perform in the same countries, I’d like to sing in places where no one has performed yet, for the people who are still waiting.
If you could send a message to your past self, what would you say?
A future and a scenery beyond anything you ever imagined are waiting for you.
Lastly, could you share a direct message for the Latin American fans who welcomed you so warmly?
I will definitely return to Latin America.
And when I say “definitely,” it means that future is already decided. Even if we’re far apart, remember this: you are not alone.
