In between shows in Asia and Europe, the members of Wednesday Campanella made time to answer some questions from AVO Magazine. The pop group will soon be seen on stages in London, Milan, Paris and OFF Festival in Katowice, and has just finished the Asian leg of the current Summer Time Ghost tour. Plenty of reasons to talk about their recent shows, what they are most looking forward to in Europe, Summer Time Ghost, and a little glimpse of what we can expect from Wednesday Campanella in the future.
AVO Magazine: For Wednesday Campanella, this is not the first time you are performing in Europe, but it is for Utaha, as she became the frontwoman of the group in 2021. What does this tour mean to Wednesday Campanella?
Dir.F: Kom_I also performed at festivals in Europe in the past, but this is our first time doing solo shows, especially in cities like London and Milan, where we’ve never performed before and we’re really excited. We also see this as a very important step in thinking about our future activities in Europe.
AVO Magazine: What are your expectations of the European audience? Is there anything you are particularly curious about?
Dir.F: I’m really curious to see whether the people coming to the shows are fans of J-POP in general or specifically fans of Wednesday Campanella. Either way, I just want to express my gratitude to everyone who comes, and I’m really looking forward to meeting them.
AVO Magazine: Is there anything in Europe you’re especially looking forward to during the European leg of your Asia-Europe Tour 2025, maybe sightseeing or trying some local food?
Kenmochi answered with a full list, so we decided to put it in a table to make it easier to read.
| London | Milan | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Food: – Fish and chips – English muffin and breakfast plate – Scotch whisky |
Food: – Risotto – Ossobuco – Cotoletta |
Food: – Croissant – Onion soup – Canelé |
| Sightseeing: – Buckingham Palace – Big Ben & Houses of Parliament – Tower Bridge – London clubs |
Sightseeing: – Galleria – Milan Cathedral |
Sightseeing: – Eiffel Tower – Arc de Triomphe – Notre-Dame Cathedral – Montmartre |
AVO Magazine: The tour is titled after your new song Summer Time Ghost, which is the opening song for the anime series Kowloon Generic Romance. The music video for the song showed footage of the anime series, and in combination with the lyrics, it did really feel like the song was specifically made for the anime series. Did you keep the storyline from the series in mind while creating the song, from songwriting to recording?
Kenmochi: Summer Time Ghost was written as the theme song for the anime Kowloon Generic Romance, so of course, we had the storyline in mind. I also wove in my own memories from a trip to Hong Kong, and my personal feelings about the oppressive summer heat, to create lyrics that are both original and emotionally resonant. Musically, the track blends modern sounds with a touch of nostalgia.
AVO Magazine: Do you get inspired by each other during the creative process of making songs or music videos? If so, could you share some examples?
Dir.F: Rather than collaborating closely with other members, our creative process usually involves working alongside the director to bring their vision to life. Since our music often has a kind of secondary, interpretive quality, it’s really fun to explore and express the director’s ideas through the visuals.
AVO Magazine: The tour title really seems fitting with when the tour is taking place, during the summer. To what extent does Summer Time Ghost play a role in how you have structured the live show, musically or visually?
Dir.F: Since it’s an anime tie-in, the lyrics reflect elements of the anime’s story. Goldfish were a memorable visual motif in the series, so we incorporated that into the choreography for the live shows.
AVO Magazine: You just wrapped up the Asian leg of the Summer Time Ghost tour. How were the shows? What stood out to you most during those shows?
Utaha: We went to Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok—and it was so heartwarming how happy the audiences were when I spoke just a few words in their local languages. At some shows, fans had memorised all the lyrics and joined in perfectly for call-and-response moments, and others even surprised me with gestures. I was genuinely moved.
AVO Magazine: I saw a video on X (formerly Twitter) being shared with Utaha sitting in a giant inflatable plastic ball while she was carried by the crowd, a next-level kind of crowd surfing. How did it feel to be literally floating above the crowd?
Utaha: Even though I’ve done it several times, it still feels fresh every time I’m inside the ball, looking at the audience through the plastic as they support and roll me over the crowd. It’s always a little surreal—and a lot of fun.
AVO Magazine: Wednesday Campanella’s formation was in 2012, making an international debut in 2016. Utaha has been the frontwoman since 2021. How do you look back on the group’s evolution and development, both from the beginning and on an international level?
Dir.F: Wednesday Campanella has always stood out in Japan for being unique, and that helped us gain recognition abroad fairly early on. I’m happy to see more and more Japanese artists reaching international audiences now. I hope we can continue to bring new perspectives and fresh music to people everywhere.
AVO Magazine: Wednesday Campanella received an award for Best Electronic Pop Song at the first edition of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 for the song Edison. What did that recognition mean to you?
Kenmochi: We started out wanting to make weird, niche music, so honestly, I never imagined we’d win an award like this. It was such a huge confidence boost for us.
Wednesday Campanella at Asakusa Public Hall in Tokyo (23.04.2025) | Photo by Masato Yokoyama, courtesy of Tsubasa Records
AVO Magazine: Utaha, since you became a singer of Wednesday Campanella while being an art college student, I was wondering how your background at an art college has influenced how you have developed as a musical artist and also Wednesday Campanella?
Utaha: I studied design at university, and I think those experiences have helped me a lot when working on things like the layout for our EP and single covers, or collaborating with designers on merchandise. It really comes in handy when shaping the visual side of our work.
AVO Magazine: Your style, from hair to make-up and clothing, is eye-catching and memorable. What are the steps to create a look that fits both you and Wednesday Campanella’s identity and how important is staying true to yourself in that process?
Utaha: My stylist usually brings me ideas first, and we go from there together. I always keep in mind a sense of vividness and brightness that feels true to me, while also valuing a touch of intentional ‘discomfort’ or unexpectedness. Staying true to myself is really important—it’s at the core of everything I do.
AVO Magazine: I am sure that many fans are inspired by your appearance. How does it feel to be a visual inspiration to others, even though that may never have been your intention?
Utaha: I hope I’m able to convey the importance of staying true to the things I love and what I personally find cute.
AVO Magazine: What are your plans after the Asia-Europe Tour 2025?
Dir.F: We’re planning to release new songs, and I’m hoping to enjoy this tour in a way that will lead to another opportunity to travel across Asia and Europe again in 2026.
AVO Magazine: Is there anything you’d like to share with your European fans ahead of the upcoming shows?
Utaha: We’re bringing a show that truly captures the essence of who we are! Please look forward to seeing the even more pop-infused Wednesday Campanella, now with Utaha in the group!
Follow Wednesday Campanella on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and subscribe to their YouTube channel. You can also follow Utaha on Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok. Kenmochi can be found on Twitter/X.
Enormous thanks to the members of Wednesday Campanella, who all took the time to answer the questions. I would also like to thank Minori Tsuneta of TSUBASA RECORDS for setting up the interview and translation. The European leg will kick off in London on Sunday, July 27, after which Wednesday Campanella will perform in Milan, Paris and a closing performance at the Polish OFF Festival.
