Interviews: IMARI TONES

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Christian Metal/Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band, IMARI TONES from Japan. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

We named our band after the ancient Japanese porcelain art called Imari. That was because we wanted to make art based on Japanese traditional beauty. But that was actually secondary reason and in fact I named the band after my wife. I didn’t expect she would be a band member later though.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

It was not something we have planned. We wanted to play this kind of old school hard rock music inspired by 1980’s music. But I was always looking for some kind of truth behind music. One day I learned about Jesus Christ and I knew He was the reason we play music. Since then we have been playing Christian metal, in straightforward 1980’s classic metal style.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Just like I said, I named the band after my wife, though we were not married yet when we started the band. It’s funny she is in a band and she is called by her nickname while the band is called by her real name. Our drummer Shinryu has just joined the band recently, replacing Koji Maya who was playing in some legendary Japanese metal bands in 1980’s.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Tone: Van Halen, Smashing Pumpkins, Bloodthirsty Butchers

Marie: Stryper, Ratt, Winger

Shinryu: Mr.Big, Racer X, Dream Theater

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I don’t really know because those songs just come to me. But should I say the Bible not only because we are a Christian band but also we quote so many words from it in our lyrics. Also I’m reading a lot of books by Shusaku Endo, Japanese Christian author. So in a future I will write some songs inspired by his books.

6. Where was your last gig?

September 2020, when we were featured by a popular YouTuber called Nobita. Does that count? Our actual last gig at an actual music venue was January 5th, 2020. Some of the songs that night we posted on our YouTube, I think. Oh sorry, you asked “where”? It was in Futako-Tamagawa, a rich neighborhood in Tokyo. It was funny an underground metal band like us played in such a fashionable place. 

7. Where would you like to act?

Shall we say all over the world? But seriously we want to play in some obscure, unreached places, where no other rock bands go.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Wolfgang Van Halen, the heir to the throne, would be a dream come true.

9. Whom not?

Honestly, it’s an honor for us to be featured with anyone out there.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes. I suffer from stage fright every time we take a stage. That is because I’m a guitar player and a singer at the same time and also I have to carry the message, a spiritual message. So there is a spiritual battle before every show. I think the key is you really have to believe in yourself. Or trust in God, should I say? Because when you really believe in something, you don’t care about the outcome anymore. You just have to surrender. That’s when you can be strong. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

In 1990’s I was a big fan of a British glam band called Suede. In 2000’s I was a big fan of a New York based indie band called +/-{plus/minus}. In 2010’s I stopped listening to new bands and was listening to Peter Green and early Fleetwood Mac. They all are not metal bands. I’ve been influenced by many kinds of bands and music. But my all time favorite is definitely Van Halen. I know I’m just one of 100 million Eddie Van Halen clones. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Nothing is weird for people about loving music. But we occasionally receive those emails asking us how to be a missionary to Japan or how they can help spreading God’s Word in Japan. My typical answer is you have to learn from Japanese first. Because when you learn Japanese culture and understand Japanese people, that’s when they understand you and your faith in Jesus.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are a band that plays for a niche. We are a band that stands in a unique position, not only culture and religion wise, but also musical style wise. We don’t belong to any of popular sub-genres of today. Yet our fans somehow discover us and love our music. We are totally amazed at that fact. They are very special people. I’m very certain about that.

14. What do you think of our site?

You have so much core to breath in.

15. Something add?

Stay blessed. Stay true to your faith. Don’t fall into idol worship!