HARAJUKU CORE | S.L.R. Magazine

Trailblazing Harajuku-core sensation HANABIE. has today unleashed the official music video for “OTAKU Lovely Densetsu“ (via Sony Music Japan). Speaking to themes about personal authenticity and embracing the love of anime and video games from Japanese culture, “OTAKU Lovely Densetsu“ is the band’s latest offering after releasing their cover of Imagine Dragons‘ runaway hit “Believer “. When asked about today’s release, vocalist Yukina commented:

“I wanted to write a song to express my gratitude to all the fans, staff, and bands that I met and played with on our world tour, and to express what I felt on the tour. One of the things I felt was “Japanese culture, such as anime and video games, is truly loved”! We love Japanese culture, but not only about Japanese culture, this is a chaotic and HARAJUKU CORE-like song that makes you think it’s cool to be faithful and straight up to what you like.“

Guitarist and vocalist Matsuri exclaimed:

“‘OTAKU Lovely Densetsu’ is a chaotic song that focuses on anime and games that are part of Japanese culture. You shine brightest when you’re into what you love and just being OTAKU. OTAKU is not just in Japan but also overseas too so be confident being OTAKU! This song is just freestyle and doing what we want, so please enjoy this HANABIE. world! Japan culture rocks!“

Bassist Hettsu shared:

“I think this song is about how OTAKU has become more commonplace since entering the 2021 era, and how everyone is addicted to something and has become an OTAKU! Well, most of all we ourselves are OTAKU! LOL Personally, please listen closely to the end of the intro falling into the outro where you can feel the skipping beat, it’s my favorite part. It’s catchy with hectic changes, so listen to it a lot and get hooked︎“

HANABIE. drummer Chika also commented:

“The intro drum phrase expresses a parallel world feel with the snare out of position! I was inspired while traveling overseas seeing drummers who added blast beats. I think I was able to put it in a good way in the second verse of this song! All OTAKU should continue to be proud and enthusiastic! If you are not OTAKU, I hope you will take this opportunity to step into the world of OTAKU! Thank you!!!!“

HANABIE. released their debut album ‘Reborn Superstar!’ which includes tracks such as “TOUSOU (Run Away)“, “今年こそギャル～初夏 ver.～ (Be The GAL~ Early Summer ver.~)“, and their viral hit “お先に失礼します。(Pardon Me, I Have to Go Now.)“.