From the stages of Japan to one of Europe’s biggest celebrations of Japanese pop culture, EPITHYMiA brought its infectious blend of J-Pop and J-Rock to Japan Expo 2026.
Maito, Rei and Sirius performed a series of high-energy showcases and fan sessions throughout the event.
The group quickly won over audiences with their upbeat performances and undeniable stage presence. We had the opportunity to sit down with the members to discuss their music, their first impressions of the French audience, and what it means to share their passion on an international stage.
Can you introduce yourselves and tell us about the group’s concept?
Maito: Hello, my name is Maito.
Rei: Hello, I’m Rei.
Sirius: Hello, I’m Sirius.
Maito: We are called EPITHYMiA! Our name comes from the Greek word which means “wish” or “desire.” We created this group to give strength to our fans, who are called HOPE, so they can achieve their dreams, and so that we can also be their hope.
How was the group formed? Was it through auditions, or did you already know each other?
Maito: There were several different cases. For example, Sirius joined through an audition. Rei and I were with another agency, and the producer approached us and asked if we wanted to join the group.
Your first visit to France has allowed you to discover the cities of Tours and Paris. Are you happy to have the opportunity to explore France?
Maito: Before coming to Paris, we thought about it as a fashion city, and we looked at it on a map. We realized there are museums everywhere, and we think Paris is a city with even more art than what we had expected.
You use social media as a key tool to promote your career. What is your strategy?
Maito: We have a lot of followers on TikTok. Two or three years ago, when most live streams were on YouTube, we started doing our live streams on TikTok instead. No other groups were really doing the same thing, so we became one of the pioneers of TikTok live streaming.
You have plans to release music in sub-units within EPITHYMiA. Can you explain what that involves?
Maito: The first unit is Rei and me, and our music is more American pop. The other unit is Sirius and Rei, and it focuses more on J-pop. We haven’t released any music yet, but we may do so during Japan Expo.
Your music blends many different influences. How would you describe yourselves?
Sirius: Our style is mainly rock, and our music always carries a message that encourages our fans to pursue and achieve their dreams.
Who is most likely to forget the choreography?
Maito: Out of the three of us, it would definitely be Rei!
If you had to describe each of the other members in just one word, what would you choose?
Maito: Sirius is a slightly scatterbrained leader.
Sirius: Rei is the youngest member of the group and very talented.
Rei: Maito is smart.
Do you have a message for the visitors of Japan Expo and for our readers?
Maito: This is our first time in France, in Paris, and we are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us and everyone who came to see us at Japan Expo. And for those who don’t know us yet, we invite you to check out our social media whenever you’re feeling tired and need a boost of energy.
We would like to thank Japan Expo and Pachi Pachi for giving us the opportunity of interviewing AFTERS.
This interview is a collaboration between KAvenyou, CKJPOPNEWS and NAUTILJON.
