After a long wait, Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK (ワンオクロック) returned to Malaysia to fulfil their promise to their loyal fans – and what an exhilarating show it was at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil! The “Luxury Disease” concert was one that many Malaysian OORers have been waiting years for, given that the band’s last performance was years ago so it’s no surprise that the crowd kept their excitement going throughout the entire show.
Before Takahiro Moriuchi (森内貴寛), Toru Yamashita (山下亨), Ryota Kohama (小浜良太), and Tomoya Kanki (神吉智也) took the stage, we had the opportunity to sit down with the band’s frontman Taka for a quick chat. Keep reading to learn what he had to say about the band’s career, how they’ve lasted so long in the industry and what was their best memory from 2023:
Q. First of all, welcome to Malaysia! The last time Hype talked to ONE OK ROCK, you guys talked about returning for a solo concert. How does it feel to return to Malaysia and realise that goal you had 4 years ago?
Taka: Finally! I feel like, “Finally!” I’m so happy to be back here!
Q: So, the ‘Luxury Disease Tour’ is your first international tour post pandemic. How does it feel to be able to be back on tour?
Taka: During COVID-19, it was a really tough time for us because we couldn’t make it to some of the shows and we couldn’t release some of our songs too. But, we were finally able to release the new album – “Luxury Disease” – and tour again. So I’m super happy at the new opportunities. It feels pretty good, like I can finally release the stress (I felt) from COVID-19.
Q: Do you have any specific pre-show routine? Something you have to do before each performance?
Taka: For me, I try to keep it natural before I go onstage. So, not really getting super energetic. Just be natural and try to stay calm and relax.
Q: So you guys just sit and relax?
Taka: Yeah, we’re just very chill.
Q: For this tour, you’re performing a lot of songs from the Luxury Disease album but out of all the songs in the tour setlist, which is your favourite song to perform?
Taka: I think it’s the new song, “Make It Out Alive”. It’s also the most exciting; the fans go crazy for it so I really like performing that song.
Q: Is that your personal favourite? Or does the rest of the band have their own favourite song?
Taka: I think (it’s their favourite) too. Because for the other songs, we’ve performed them so many times, which means they’re not really interesting *laughs* But we can see from the stage, the fans’ vibes and their emotions (and how much they enjoy the song). But if I can just pick one song, it would be “Make It Out Alive”.
Q: The band has released a lot of music videos over the years – which is your personal favourite to date?
Taka: I think “Stand Out Fit In” is one of my most favourite music videos so far.
Q: ONE OK ROCK has been active since 2005 (about 18 years now). Do you think that your career and music will change in the future?
Taka: We’re just gonna keep going. And we’re never gonna stop because we’re just living life. ONE OK ROCK has already become our (entire) lives. So, we just wanna keep making music in the studio and after that, go on tour. (We’re) Just doing that, over and over again. But the most important thing is that the money is always equal, all the time, between each member. *laughs*
Q: Having lasted so long in the industry, what do you think is the secret to ONE OK ROCK’s longevity?
Taka: The money is always equal. Just kidding *laughs* but I think it’s the passion. If you really want to try something, you have to focus on that, be more into it and be more passionate about it. That’s the most important thing.
Q: So you guys feel like you have that shared passion?
Taka: Yeah, all the time! We’re like renegades. We just want to f*cking break the rules. That’s rock and roll!
Q: Surely ONE OK ROCK will continue being active but what do you think is the future for ONE OK ROCK?
Taka: I just want to attract more fans. I want to reach out to the new fans with our music. That’s it.
Q: So that means more concerts and albums?
Taka: Yeah, totally! I would love to do that.
Q: Nowadays, we’re seeing more Japanese artists gaining popularity in the international music scene. How do you feel about that, being one of the few Japanese artists to break into the international market?
Taka: Yeah, I feel that! Because when we decided to go out of Japan, it was really hard because there was nothing. But we made our own road and now, there are a lot of young artists following that. I’m so happy and if I can help them, I would do anything for them. Especially if they want to go out and tour (overseas). Because Japanese entertainment is really small and they tend to be narrow-minded all the time. Like, they don’t have a huge vision (for the future) and they’re always thinking about the Japanese crowd (so they don’t go outside their comfort zone). That’s why, so far, there are not a lot of Japanese artists going out (of Japan). But, now, this generation (of artists) has changed it (people’s mindset). Also, a lot of things have contributed to (the success). It’s time for Japanese artists to explore outside of Japan.
Q: ONE OK ROCK certainly paved the way in that regard.
Taka: Yeah! I mean, we love breaking the rules. Sometimes they have really good rules but sometimes, they have really bad rules too. So we would always focus on breaking the bad rules. And I think (paving the way for new artists) is just part of that.
Q: You’ve performed with many artists before but do you guys have a dream collaboration?
Taka: Nothing, actually. Usually, when I collaborate with somebody, the first step is to, very naturally, be friends with them. And then, if we have a really good conversation or something, we can move to make some music together, then release it.
Q: You guys started performing in your teens/twenties and you’re now in your 30s. What have you learned throughout your career?
Taka: Yeah, I’m 35 – but I’m learning every day. I want to learn more as a singer and a human.
Q: 2023 is coming to an end so what has been your highlight this year?
Taka: We had so many shows this year but the European tour was very interesting for us. Because every place was a stadium and we also got to perform with Muse. And in the United States (tour), we got to perform with Evanescence. And we always look up to them, listen to their music and we grew up with them. That moment was a great experience for us. So, I think that’s our top highlight of the year.
