Interview: Japanese Singer Tatsuya Kitani On His First Visit To Malaysia & Upcoming Releases

Hype Malaysia

24-04-2025

Tatsuya Kitani (キタニタツヤ) is a name familiar to many anime fans, having sang the theme songs to several popular series including 'Jujutsu Kaisen', 'Oshi No Ko' and 'Rurouni Kenshin'. As such, fans were ecstatic to learn that the singer-songwriter is making his first visit to Kuala Lumpur later this month, for the upcoming 'CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2025 in Kuala Lumpur'.
The joint concert marks Tatsuya Kitani's first performance in Malaysia, so the anticipation is high. Lucky for us, Hype Malaysia has the chance to speak with the 29-year-old to hear what he has to share about the concert. At the same time, we also talked about what he's looking forward to in Malaysia, what it was like working with Kento Nakajima, and his future projects. Keep scrolling to learn more:
1. Is this the first time you've met the other acts from the 'CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2025 in Kuala Lumpur' lineup? What is your first impression?
I've only briefly greeted ATARASHII GAKKO! members on a TV show. As for Creepy Nuts, I performed on a music program in 2019 where DJ Matsunaga was the MC, and I've been in touch with him since then. Both are artists I admire for their cutting-edge musical expression, so I initially thought meeting them in person might be intimidating…but in reality, they turned out to be the kind of humble and refreshing people you would love to meet.
2. What are your thoughts about performing at this joint concert with ATARASHII GAKKO! and Creepy Nuts?
Both artists create new and innovative music like no one else did, so I'm looking forward to seeing them perform as a music fan (rather than just as a fellow performer).
3. What are you looking forward to the most in Malaysia?
I'm not sure if we'll have the time, but I'd love to visit the Islamic Arts Museum. The Masjid Negara is also unique, so I definitely want to see it in person. And of course, the Petronas Twin Towers! There are so many fascinating architectural sites that catch my eye.
4. Can you share a teaser for your performance? What do you have prepared for fans?
I'm preparing my body to be in good shape and will do my best to perform as usual, so that everyone can enjoy the music!
5. Do you have any upcoming projects that you are excited to release? Can you share more about it?
I've been working on a few songs that focus on the essence of Japanese pop music that I love. So, I'm both excited and a bit nervous to see if the people who've been following CENTRAL will enjoy this kind of music.
6. At festivals, each artist is given a specific duration for their set. How do you choose the songs you want to perform within the given timeframe?
Since this is my first live performance here, I'll do my best to play as many songs that most of you know as possible.
7. Is this your first time in Malaysia? What is your first impression of the country?
It's my first time. Historically, Malaysia has been a crossroads of multiple cultures, so I think that unique harmony can be seen in its architecture and food culture. I'm looking forward to it!
8. Are you familiar with the local cuisine? Is there anything you are looking forward to trying?
I plan to try out laksa!
9. You're also active as a duo (GEMN) with Kento Nakajima. What's it like working with him?
As an idol, Kento's musical expression is rooted in a completely different foundation from mine, and he pursues the most pure and traditional form of the Japanese 'idol' concept. Working together with him has led to countless discoveries. It's a great learning experience for me about what it means to be involved in the entertainment industry.
10. Apart from sajou no hana, in your early days, you were a part of bands like Hitsuji no Mure wa Warawanai and 'humanic'. What can you recall from those times?
I believe we were making good music, but unfortunately, we didn't gain much recognition from the public, so there aren't many fond memories from that time. However, everything I learned back then has become the foundation of what I am doing now, so it was definitely an experience I couldn't do without.
11. Before becoming a singer, you were a Vocaloid producer. What made you want to become an artist yourself?
I was influenced by seeing artists like Kenshi Yonezu and wowaka from Hitorie transition from the underground scene to the mainstream with their own voices. Also, I felt that if I wanted my music to be heard by people like my family and friends who aren't particularly into music — the best approach was through my own voice.
12. Your music video for 'Chained' is the first one where you incorporate both live action and animation for your solo project. What was the inspiration behind it?
There was a restriction where NATORI couldn't express himself through live action, so I thought about how to make the most of that. A large part of the inspiration came from the past works of the director, Bivi.
13. You worked on the OP for several animes like 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'Oshi no Ko'. Is there an anime that you'd love to do the theme music for?
I'd love to try working on a pure love story. It's quite different from my usual style, so I feel like it might bring me fresh inspiration.
Tatsuya Kitani will perform at the 'CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2025 in Kuala Lumpur' at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, on 26th April 2025 (Saturday) alongside Creepy Nuts and ATARASHII GAKKO! Tickets are still available on the BookMyShow website. In the meantime, here's a listen at the singer's latest track, 'You More':