u/KanoKnife

Encabezado con mucho peso

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August 10, 2026 13:00

First of all, I apologize for this sudden announcement and for causing so much surprise and sadness to everyone.

As officially announced, NEMOPHILA's activities will end with their self-organized festival on October 12th, but this column itself will continue.

I'm sure you all have a variety of thoughts and feelings.

I would like to express my gratitude once again to everyone who has supported me so far, so I hope you will continue to support me until the very end.

Hazuki

Thank you for always enjoying Hazuki's column, "Hazukin's Hahifuheho." Currently, Hazuki is in the middle of a North American tour, so she's traveling all over America every day, strumming her guitar.

Amidst all this, we received a cheerful message from the US, along with photos taken there, saying, "Our North American tour is going great!"

This time, the column will be on hiatus due to the tour, but in return, we plan to bring you plenty of stories unique to the North American tour in the next update.Please look forward to the next North American tour report!

Hazuki's North American Tour: Photo Report

I had yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) with the Nemo staff before we left.

Japan → Chicago

This is what the equipment looks like overseas.

NEMOPHILA, US March!

I ate Chicago-style pizza! It was even more delicious than I expected!!

An orange refrigerator, so cute!

Prime rib I ate in Toronto, Canada! The meat was so tender and juicy!!

I had a New York pizza in NY! 🗽 It was huge!

I'm a coffee junkie, so I often wander around looking for coffee.

I got a Bucky's plush toy (a huge gas station and convenience store chain that originated in Texas) in Greensboro, North Carolina. I wonder if they have them outside of Texas?

July 7, 2026 18:00

Interview & Text by Young Guitar Editorial Department

NEMOPHILA's EP "GOZO" (released in January 2026) features five tracks selected from over 30 original compositions by each of the four members. Having completed their "Jogen" tour (February 7th to April 12th), an eight-show domestic tour supporting this EP which can be described as a concentrated expression of their creative energy, their new single "-Gyo-" has been available for streaming since June 19th. Guitarist Hazuki describes the song as having "many elements to pay attention to in just over three and a half minutes, such as the repeating riffs, the low-pitched sound, and the oppressive breakdown." Many fans have probably already checked it out, but as she says, the loud sound with its heavy, oppressive riffs conveys the intense energy and inexhaustible hunger swirling within NEMOPHILA. The band is currently in the midst of a North American tour, but in June, before they left for the US, we were able to speak directly with Hazuki about "-Gyo-".

I thought, "Twin guitars are really great, aren't they?"

YG: First, let's talk about your activities since the EP "GOZO" released in January of this year. Looking back on the "Jogen" tour from February to April, what are your thoughts?

Hazuki: I thought the songs from "GOZO" really shine in live performances. This tour really made me realize how songs can evolve through audience reactions.

YG: You talked about something similar in your serialized column "Hazukin's Hahifuheho" Vol. 24 , didn't you?

Hazuki: Yes. For example, in the song "PUMP IT UP!", we tried various things while performing it. Like raising our guitars during the call-and-response parts, or doing squats (laughs). And the audience joined in too. It's not like they were doing squats with us or anything (laughs), but they understood our energy and helped liven up the song together.

YG: Was the guitar you used on tour the Ibanez signature model "HZK1"?

Hazuki: That's right. I used just one signature guitar throughout the tour. I was able to get the sound I wanted, and even though it's been a while since I started using it, there's nothing that I feel is lacking. I've come to realize again that it's a very versatile guitar. During the tour, I tried using different strings from a different manufacturer than usual, and I also tried changing the number of springs (on the back of the tremolo unit), so I was experimenting with various things while using it.

YG: Hazuki, you own a Neural DSP "Quad Cortex" (multiprocessor). Did you start using it from the "Jogen" tour onwards?

Hazuki: No, I started using the "Quad Cortex" after the tour ended. During the tour, I was using my usual Diesel and Bogner amps.

YG: Towards the end of the tour, on April 3rd, you appeared as a special guest at ANKOR's concert in Japan, right? Was this actually the first time NEMOPHILA had served as a support act for an overseas band in this way?

Hazuki: That's true, now that you mention it. We've performed with overseas bands at festivals before, but I think this was our first time as a support act.

YG: Had you known about ANKOR before?

Hazuki: I knew them so well! They were one of the bands that inspired me when I started NEMOPHILA, and I listened to them a lot. I was so happy to be able to perform with ANKOR. I felt a strong connection with them because they're a band with a lot of female members (vocals and drums are female), and their musical genre is also similar to NEMOPHILA's. On the day of the performance, I was also checking out the guitar system, in-ear monitors, and other details of the stage.

YG: So it was a very good experience for you.

Hazuki: That's right. We always try to check out how other bands perform live, so in that sense, it was a good experience for us.

YG: You continued to perform live energetically even after the tour ended. First, on April 29th, you performed at SHOW-YA's annual festival "NAON no BUNTAI" (Note: This was originally "NAON no YAON" held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, but this year the venue was moved to Yokohama BUNTAI).

Hazuki: NEMOPHILA has been the opening act at this event for the third year in a row, and it's a great honor to be entrusted with that role by our seniors. I want to continue to be the one to get the crowd going. Also, this time we had a special session where I got to play twin guitars with Yuki (guitar/D_Drive, East Of Eden). At that time, I honestly thought, "Twin guitars are really great." It was so much fun (laughs).

YG: You've known Yuki for a while, right?

Hazuki: Yes. We've had the opportunity to play together at concerts and I've greeted them a few times. However, this was the first time we stood on stage together and played twin guitars.

YG: Next, on June 6th, you performed at "UNLUCKY FES 2026," hosted by Unlucky Morpheus.

Hazuki: I'm a big fan of "Ankimo" (Unlucky Morpheus's nickname), so I enjoyed it from that perspective (laughs). Their latest album (Gate of Hell, released in June) is absolutely fantastic. Before that, my favorite was their EP, VAMPIR (2015), but this new album has surpassed it. They played some of the new songs at the festival, so I was really excited (laughs). I knew all the other bands that performed, and they were amazing. There were so many skilled guitarists, so I felt some pressure, but it was also a great source of inspiration. Also, SABLE HILLS' song "Namu" (a single to be released in 2025) is incredibly good, and it made me think, "I want to play a song like that!"

YG: The week after "UNLUCKY FES 2026," we also had "RHYTHM OF FEAR," where we performed alongside hardcore veterans SxOxB and COCOBAT.

Hazuki: Before we started, I was worried, thinking, "Will I even make it back alive...?" (laughs), but now that it's over, I think we've become good friends across genres. I'd like to continue collaborating like this whenever the opportunity arises.

I was looking for a guitarist who could be my "support."

YG: Looking back at the two festivals you just mentioned, a major topic was bringing in iKA, a member of Dos Quatro, as a support guitarist for NEMOPHILA, right? What was the reason for deciding to add a support guitarist and create a twin-guitar setup in the first place?

Hazuki: Originally, some songs that were played with twin guitars were simply impossible to perform with a four-person lineup. For example, if I played the entire 32-bar solo part that was originally played by the two of us combined, that was fine as a guitarist, but I wondered how it would work as a band... There were some issues like that. So we decided that it would be better to add another guitarist so we could get more sound pressure, and that would be better. It has a stronger live feel than when we were using backing tracks for the guitar solos, and iKA's character fits this band really well, so I'm glad we went with twin guitars.

YG: What was the process that led you to contact iKA?

Hazuki: We were looking for a guitarist who could be a "support" for us. And since Mayu (vocals) knew iKA, she introduced us to each other.

YG: How much rehearsal had you been able to do with her before the actual performance?

Hazuki: We didn't get to do it that many times. I had iKA learn the song, and we'd do it a few times before the actual live performance.

YG: How many songs did you get her to memorize?

Hazuki: I think it's about 15 songs. That's quite a lot, so I'm a little embarrassed (laughs).

YG: (laughs) What did you think of working with iKA?

Hazuki: I realized once again how great twin guitars are, and it's especially made playing solos much easier. With backing tracks, you can get a certain amount of sound pressure, but somehow the backing track doesn't really stand out. So, sometimes I felt like it was "lonely" when I played solos. Thanks to iKA, I can now play solos with more enjoyment. Also, iKA herself has memorized quite a few solo parts (which weren't originally Hazuki's responsibility), and she's been playing them live, which has made me realize once again how well twin guitars work in this band.

YG: NEMOPHILA originally started as a band with twin guitars, so it's certainly a treat for fans when the guitar solos are reproduced in a way that's close to the original.

Hazuki: That's right. The audience reaction was really great, so I think having iKA participate was the right decision.

Hara-chan's songs really suit guitars that attack with riffs.

YG: Your new single, "-Gozo-", which is your first new music since "Gozo-", was released digitally on June 19th. Was there a reason for releasing a new song at this time?

Hazuki: When it comes to topics related to the band around June, it was mainly about live performances like "NEMOPHILA 2-day joint concert 2026 - HINOE -" at the end of June, the North American tour in July, and festivals, and there wasn't much to talk about regarding new music. So, I felt like we wanted to deliver a new song to our fans at this point. Also, the "GOZO" tour is called "Upper Crescent," so does that mean there's a "Lower Crescent" too...? (laughs) This single is also meant to create that kind of feeling—to stir up anticipation that something else is coming.

YG: I see (laughs). You mentioned that all the members came up with over 30 song ideas when creating "Gozo," but was "-Go-" born from that stock of ideas?

Hazuki: Um, how was it...? Sorry, my memory is a bit hazy (laughs). It was Hara-chan (Haraguchi-san/bass) who came up with the original idea for "-Karma-". It's a really exciting song, and it really feels like it's in Hara-chan's world.

YG: Following "Gozo," "Gozo" is also self-produced by the members, right?

Hazuki: Yes, that's right.

YG: The credits list Haraguchi-san as the composer and NEMOPHILA as the arranger, but to what extent had the original idea for "-Gyo-" that she brought to the table taken shape?

Hazuki: It was really well thought out down to the smallest details. They even specified things like, "Play this part of the riff with a mute, and this part with an open string." So, the only things I added myself were the harmonics in the middle, and that's about it.

YG: How did Haraguchi-san himself create the original guitar part?

Hazuki: Hara-chan had her own guitar, and she played the riff on it. I think it was a six-string guitar tuned to drop tuning, and it was a really uniquely shaped guitar (laughs).

YG: Is that so? (laughs) The finished track is relatively short, about three and a half minutes, and although there is a breakdown in the middle, the overall impression is that it's a fairly simple arrangement. Is this structure and simplicity also Haraguchi-san's idea?

Hazuki: Yes.

YG: I feel like songs like this, which just keep pushing forward with riffs, are actually not something NEMOPHILA has done very often.

Hazuki: Hara's songs really suit this kind of aggressive guitar riff. In the early days, "HYPNOSIS" (included in the 2021 album "REVIVE") was also composed by Hara. I think she probably writes songs with live performances and getting the audience excited as her top priority.

YG: Regarding "-Gyo-", was there any discussion about whether or not to include a guitar solo?

Hazuki: No, there weren't any. Depending on the song, I sometimes come up with ideas like, "How about adding a solo like this?" or Hara-chan will request, "I'd like to add a solo like this." When that happens, I try to do a solo, but there weren't any this time.

YG: When I listen to the riff in "-Gyo-", I get the feeling that the sound is crawling around inside my ears. What inspired Haraguchi-san to come up with this riff?

Hazuki: I don't really know about that... It might be unrelated, but apparently she often goes mountain climbing. And she hugs trees there (laughs).

YG: That's quite mysterious (laughs).

Hazuki: I think Hara-chan's riffs are something that springs from that mysterious core of hers.

YG: I see (laughs). Hazuki, how did you plan to use the riff that Haraguchi-san presented to you?

Hazuki: Since she's a bassist, the riff in the initial demo is just a single note. As a guitarist, I naturally wanted to play with power chords or add chords, so I initially tried playing the riff with those mixed in. But it seems that wasn't quite what Hara-chan had in mind (laughs). In the end, the guitar phrase I played on the recording isn't that difficult. So I think it's a song that even beginners can play if they have a 7-string guitar, so I hope you'll give it a try.

YG: I believe the guitar Hazuki used for the recording of "-Gyo-" was his signature "HZK1," but what was the tuning?

Hazuki: Yes, the guitar was an "HZK1," and it was tuned to standard.

YG: What equipment do you use for sound production?

Hazuki: I re-amped during the recording, and this time I used Diesel and Bogner amps. I also remember using a Revv Amplification distortion pedal.

There are many opportunities for people to get to know us.

YG: July is packed with North American tour dates. 11 locations, 11 shows...

Hazuki: It's like, "What kind of schedule is this?!" (laughs).

YG: What are your aspirations for this tour?

Hazuki: I'm really looking forward to it. Our previous planned US tour was cancelled, so I want to bring that disappointment with me and make this a very spirited US tour.

YG: Regarding the North American tour, will you be performing without support members?

Hazuki: Yes, we'll go with four people.

YG: Understood. Even after returning to Korea, you have appearances scheduled at the "Yakirai Rock Festival" in Nagano on July 19th, the "Sound Planet Festival" in Korea in September, and the "MAD PIT FES" hosted by JILUKA in October. Is this level of live performance activity a reflection of the band's positive attitude of "if we're invited, we'll do our best to respond"?

Hazuki: That's right. Lately we've been getting more invitations to festivals, and it's great to have lots of opportunities for people to get to know us, so we don't turn down anything that comes our way (laughs).

YG: As we briefly mentioned earlier, many fans are probably wondering if there will be a "Waning Crescent" tour as well, since there is a "Waning Crescent" tour. Can we expect that to happen?

Hazuki: Well... you'll just have to wait and see! (laughs)

*Following this interview, the first-ever all-girls joint concert event, "Tenjo Mukyu Kyokuon Dochu," was announced.

Está publicada en x por el universal por di quieren leerla:

https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/tendencias/carlos-monsivais-sus-contundentes-revelaciones-a-16-anos-de-su-partida-fisica/

I'm looking forward to getting to know the members better on tour!

Hello! I'm Hazuki, the guitarist.

With the weather fluctuating between hot and cold, I've been taking tons of supplements these days to boost my immunity and avoid getting sick. Everyone, please take care of your health!

Now, although it's been a little while since my last column, I've created a personal profile of KOIAI's two new faces—vocalist Mirei Sakurada and bassist Yunika Impact!

As usual, please forgive any parts that aren't very clear!

Mirei-chan

〇A tall girl! (Apparently she's 171cm tall) She looks like a model! And she's still growing. Seriously?!

〇Her arms and legs are on another level.

〇She has a high sense of beauty. Her skin is so smooth, like a baby's! I want to pinch it.

〇Her hair is also beautiful. It glows.

〇She actually does the editing for KOIAI's Instagram and TikTok!

〇She's strict about both singing and managing her physique.

〇I feel like she's considerate and pays close attention to each and every member.

〇When I first met her, I was nervous because she was so beautiful.

Unica-chan

〇Most of her belongings are purple, so colorful 💟〇She speaks in a strong Kansai dialect, so I often find myself speaking in dialect too.

〇You can tell from every word of our conversation that she really loves playing the bass.

〇She's a sleeping beauty who surpasses even Kana-chan, the Sleeping Beauty.

〇Sometimes you see her sleeping in a really strange position.

〇I already have several collections of Unika's sleeping poses, so I'd like to share them someday.

〇The gap between her playful and cute personality and her cool demeanor when she's playing the bass is amazing!

〇Her handwriting is really beautiful

That concludes my personal description of the two of us! I hope I was able to convey the general atmosphere!

And, as was recently announced, KOIAI's EP "Starting Over" will be released on July 15th, and the "KOIAI LIVE TOUR 2026 'Starting Over'" will begin from July to August!

From July 31st (Fri) to August 2nd (Sun), the "Heavy Kawaii Fes 2026"—or "Hebikawa Fes" for short—will also be held!

[DAY1] AKB48 Band (tentative)[DAY2] Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku[DAY3] METALVERSE, Straight Angeli (Opening Act)

KOIAI will be performing and collaborating with them! It's going to be a summer full of exciting things!

I'm looking forward to getting to know more and more of the different sides of the KOIAI members through this tour!

For KOIAI's release and live performance information, please check their official website!KOIAI OFFICIAL WEB SITE

Well then, see you again in next month's column!

A leer de pie, pinche mamador nefasto.

Lo malo de verlo en la calle y decirle que es un vividor, es que se victimizaría además de la posibilidad de que te obligue a disculparte.

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I feel like I switch into performance mode even before I step onto the stage...

Hello! I'm Hazuki, the guitarist.

I'm so sorry that I had to take a break last month...! I'll be writing again from this month, so please look forward to it!

March and April were packed with production, live performances, promotions, and all sorts of other things all piled up at once, and before I knew it, the day was over! It was a busy but wonderful time, and there were many moments when I'd think, "What month, what day, and what time is it now!?"

Related to that, as I mentioned on X, there's a photo of my forearms looking really muscular in the live photos—I usually only do stretching and light exercise, so even I was surprised when I saw the photo and thought, "Am I really that muscular?"... I'm going to play a lot more and get even more ripped!!

Amidst all of this, NEMOPHILA's "Five Organs" tour has successfully concluded. We're currently in a production period, but at unexpected moments, images from the tour flash back to me. Touring Eastern Japan under the name "Upper Crescent Moon," with live performances almost every weekend, was a truly special time for me, someone who loves live music.

The songs from "GOZO" that we performed on tour also changed little by little with each show. It was interesting how the groove of the same song would change depending on the atmosphere and mood of the day, so we changed the arrangement slightly each time (I'd be happy if you noticed).

People often say, "No two live shows are ever the same," but I feel like I really experienced that firsthand on this tour.

The stage is, of course, a place to put out what you've prepared, but more than that, there are moments when you're pulled along by "what's happening in the moment." I was reminded once again that finding that balance is what makes live performances so exciting. That feeling when everything clicks into place is special no matter how many times you do it.

Also, something that personally got me excited was the costumes. They made wooden tags to match the song "Gozou," and the designs reflected the individuality of each member, so I felt like I was already in the zone even before I stepped onto the stage.

I really feel that a tour is created by the accumulation of all those little details. It's something I couldn't do on my own, so I'm truly grateful to the staff and members around me.

And...the fact that there's a "Upper Moon" tour...? That's what I'm thinking (lol), but I hope you'll look forward to what NEMOPHILA has in store for the future!

I myself am really looking forward to seeing what happens next!!