Following the success of their upbeat and humour-filled single “Bossa Bosa”, rising J-pop vocal group WOLF HOWL HARMONY From EXILE TRIBE unveiled their latest single, “Marmalade”, showcasing the group’s expanding creative range and sound. We recently spoke to the quartet about the new song, and at the same time learned about their year-end plans and got some retrospective on their 2025. Keep reading to learn more:
Q. The last time we talked was early in the year, before the release of your first studio album. What has happened in your career in the past few months since then?
RYOJI: Hello Hype Malaysia, it’s been a while! These past few months went by in the blink of an eye — they were incredibly fulfilling, filled with so many new experiences. We were able to perform live in Thailand again, as well as hold a fan meeting event, which allowed us to meet many LOVERED. Visiting Singapore for the first time and being able to perform there also became a wonderful memory for us. Everyone who came to see us, and everyone we met along the way, was so warm and welcoming. Being able to connect through music made me realise once again how precious and special that is. We want to keep working hard so we can visit places we haven’t been to yet and meet all LOVERED who are waiting for us!
GHEE: We had the chance to perform overseas, and every day was incredibly meaningful for us. We visited Singapore for the first time as well, and through that experience, we were able to discover new challenges and new goals.
Q. Let’s talk about your latest single, “Marmalade”. Can you share more about the song and the inspiration behind it?
SUZUKI: This song overlays the sweetness and bitterness of marmalade with the joys and sorrows we experience in life, including pain, hardship, and even farewells. It expresses the importance and beauty of embracing those feelings as we continue moving forward. During the recording, we experimented a lot with different approaches, including having each member try recording the main hook once, to explore what fit the song best.
HIROTO: This song compares the fun and painful moments we’ve experienced in life to the sweet and bitter flavours of marmalade. It carries the message that we are who we are today because of everything we’ve been through, and that we can create the best possible future from here. I’d be really happy if you listen to it while reflecting on your own life.
Q. What do you think is the key point of this track? And which is your favourite part/lyric and why?
RYOJI: I think the key point of this song lies in the chorus. My favourite lyric is: “The future is tailor-made.” It carries the message that your life is something you shape yourself; it’s your own tailor-made journey. The path you choose is never wrong, and someday you’ll be able to look back and say that with confidence. The phrase also rhymes naturally with “marmalade,” making it pleasant to hear and easy to remember, which is another reason I love that part.
GHEE: My favourite lyric is: “Even if your tastes change, feelings won’t.” I feel like this line captures the entire essence of the song. Even if memories from the past fade or change, the feelings themselves remain, and figuring out what that truly means as you read the rest of the lyrics makes it really interesting.
Q. What about the music video? Was there a scene in the music video that you particularly liked?
SUZUKI: My favourite scenes are when everyone gathers around a single stand microphone, and the final scene where the chair is burning. The chair has a meaning behind it, and it’s connected to the scene where everyone comes together — so I’d love for you to think about the symbolism when you watch it!
HIROTO: My favourite scene is the last chorus, where the four of us gather around the mic and sing together. I feel like that moment really captures the essence of WOLF HOWL HARMONY.
Q. “Marmalade” looks to be one of the last songs you’re releasing before 2025 ends. What are your thoughts on ending the year with this track?
SUZUKI: We’ve received so many messages from LOVERED saying, “This is exactly what we were waiting for!” and we can really feel how happy everyone is about the song. I think it’s a perfect track for the autumn and winter seasons too, so I hope you’ll listen to it a lot.
GHEE: Ending the year with a song of this style feels really right for us. It allows the vocal parts of WOLF HOWL HARMONY to truly shine until the very end. I also feel that this song really brings out the essence of who we are as WOLF HOWL HARMONY.
Q. You’ve explored a lot of different genres with your music since your debut. Is there any genre you’d like to experiment with in the future?
RYOJI: I’d love for us to try an R&B style someday. R&B is one of my personal musical roots, of course, but I also think it’s a style that allows a singer’s voice to shine to its fullest. So I definitely hope WOLF HOWL HARMONY can take on that challenge in the future!
HIROTO: I really want to try songs that are full-on R&B or HIPHOP! I think it would be super interesting to challenge ourselves with tracks that blend different genres together, so I’d love to give that a try.
Q. You’ve had a busy 2025, with many firsts in your career. Which moment would you say is the most memorable?
GHEE: Our very first performance in Singapore. We received so much inspiration there, and talking to many different people helped us clarify our goals once again.
HIROTO: Our first WOLF LIVE & FAN MEETING TOUR 2025 ~BAKUON DREAM~! Unlike events with multiple artists, this time there were no other performers, which meant it was entirely up to us to deliver a performance that made the audience think, “That was incredible.” Because the level of a WOLF HOWL HARMONY live show is conveyed directly to the audience just as it is, the pressure was even higher, and it really fired us up!
Q. With the new year quickly approaching, do you guys have any plans before 2025 ends? Any plans for Christmas or New Year’s Eve?
RYOJI: This year we’re able to keep pushing through with live performances right up to the end, so I want to stay fully focused until the very last moment and carry that momentum into next year’s WOLF HOWL HARMONY. On New Year’s Eve, I’m hoping to relax and spend some peaceful time with my family.
SUZUKI: We also have live shows scheduled in December this year, and on 26th December we’ll be performing at the NEO EXILE SPECIAL LIVE 2025, so I’ll probably be spending Christmas in rehearsal. As for New Year’s Eve, I want to watch a lot of comedy shows!
Q. What about your 2026 plans? What can fans look forward to from WOLF HOWL HARMONY in the coming year?
RYOJI: Next year, we want to take our overseas activities and live performances to an even higher level! I want to visit Malaysia, and we hope to perform in places we haven’t been able to go yet. With all the experience we gained in 2025, we’ll evolve even further, so I’d be really happy if you look forward to seeing a new and improved WOLF HOWL HARMONY in 2026!
GHEE: Next year, we’ll work hard to grow even bigger, and we’ll continue delivering entertainment — including new music — that everyone can enjoy. Please look forward to what’s coming!!
Q. After your first live tour earlier this year, your international fans are expressing hope for a world tour. Do you have any tours in the works?
RYOJI: At the moment, there are no specific plans! But thanks to all the LOVERED supporting us this year, we were able to hold LIVE & FAN MEETING TOUR 2025 BAKUON DREAM – FINAL – in BANGKOK, and I truly feel that we’re getting one step closer to a world tour. When the day finally comes, I really hope all of you will come and have fun with us!
SUZUKI: Of course, a world tour has always been one of our biggest goals. And among that dream, we’re very happy that the LIVE & FAN MEETING TOUR 2025 BAKUON DREAM – FINAL – in BANGKOK has been confirmed. It’s our first solo show overseas, and it’s a huge step forward for us. We’ll keep working hard so we can deliver our music to many more people around the world.
Q. Can you share a message for your Malaysian fans? Perhaps something for the new year?
SUZUKI: To all our fans in Malaysia, thank you always for your support. We hope to perform live in Malaysia in 2026, and we’ll keep working hard to make that happen.
HIROTO: To everyone in Malaysia! Thank you so much for always listening to our music! We haven’t been able to visit Malaysia yet, but I truly believe that music has no borders. When the day comes that we can perform in Malaysia, I’d be so happy if you would come to our show!
