Ten years after composing Japan Expo’s official theme song, Umikun returned to Paris for the festival’s historic 25th anniversary with a brand-new composition. We sat down with the singer, composer, and YouTuber to look back on his first visit, discuss how his music has evolved over the past decade, and explore the inspirations behind this year’s official theme. He also shares his hopes of returning to Japan Expo for many years to come.
Hello, could you introduce yourself?
Umikun: Hello, my name is Umikun. I’m a singer, and I love anime, video games, and music. I also compose music and post videos on YouTube.
You came to Japan Expo ten years ago. What is your first memory when you look back on that edition?
Umikun: Back then, some fans formed an arch with their arms, and I walked underneath it.
How does it feel to return this year for the festival’s 25th anniversary?
Umikun: I am very happy to be back, and I was especially happy to be asked to compose the music for this edition!
Did you imagine, ten years ago, that you would be invited back for such a major anniversary and compose the theme of the year?
Umikun: I didn’t expect it at all!
You composed the official song for Japan Expo 2015, and now you have written the theme for its 25th anniversary. How has your approach as a composer evolved between these two tracks?
Umikun: I composed a lot of music between those two editions. That allowed me to learn a lot, and all of that experience is reflected in this year’s theme song.
If you had to describe the music for the 25th anniversary in three words, which ones would you choose?
Umikun: If I had to describe the music in three words, I’d say: personal, life, and youth.
What emotion do you want to convey to visitors through this new song?
Umikun: You know Jean-François, he’s one of the co-founders of Japan Expo. He had a rather specific request for this piece. He wanted it to evoke a sense of nostalgia for adults while also appealing to a younger audience.
If you could shoot a YouTube video anywhere in France, where would you go?
Umikun: I really enjoy filming videos at the Japan Expo venue, but I’d also love to film in Paris and Marseille. If possible, I’d even like to shoot at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Where do you find the inspiration for a new YouTube video?
Umikun: Inspiration often comes from the anime, movies, and video games I watch. But sometimes it can also come from dancing or things I read in my spare time.
Which music work are you most proud of today?
Umikun: The piece I’m most proud of is the one I created for the 2026 edition of Japan Expo.
Which artist inspires you?
Umikun: Joe Hisaishi, the composer behind the Studio Ghibli films. He created the theme song for Princess Mononoke, among others.
If you could collaborate with any other artist, who would you choose?
Umikun: I’d love to collaborate with Masayoshi Soken. He’s the composer of the Final Fantasy video games. I really love his melodies and chord progressions, so I’d love for him to write a piece for me someday.
A few years ago, you thought that might be your last Japan Expo. Yet here you are, back for the 25th anniversary. How did you feel when you received this new invitation?
(Note: In 2017, he confided in CKJPOPNEWS that he was sad thinking it would be his last Japan Expo. Ultimately, he is returning several years later for a historic event.)
Umikun: At first, I was surprised when I received an invitation for this edition. Then I became very happy, it really gave me a lot of motivation to write the music for this year’s edition.
What message would you like to share with the visitors of Japan Expo 2026?
Umikun: To everyone who already knew me, thank you for your continued support and for remembering me. And to those who are discovering me for the first time, I hope you will support me in the future. I would also love to come back to Japan Expo again in the years to come.
We would like to thank UMIKUN and Japan Expo Paris for this opportunity.
This interview is the result of a collaboration between KAvenyou, CKJPOPNEWS and NAUTILJON
