Interview: nano.RIPE spoke to The Natural Aristocrat® about their memorable ending theme song to ‘The Devil Is a Part-Timer!’ Season 1, “Gekka”.
Band members Kimiko & Jun Sasaki also discussed their humble beginnings, most challenging songs to perform live, their Food Wars! anisongs, and favorite musician.
nano.RIPE Singer / Guitarist Kimiko – 2023.01.14 – Shibuya QUATTRO – Photo Credit: Hiroshi Sato (佐藤広理)
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT (NIR REGEV): To Kimiko, what do the lyrics to song “Gekka” (“月花”) mean to you? To Jun Sasaki, what was the creative process like behind Gekka’s music composition?
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: The lyrics tell a story of growing up just a little bit while facing the weak self within.
nano.RIPE – JUN SASAKI: The music was arranged through discussion with the band, keeping in mind the melody that was first created.
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: What were your first impressions of the ending theme animation for ’The Devil Is a Part-Timer!’ (Hataraku Maō-sama!) with Chiho Sasaki set to your song “Gekka” (“月花”)?
nano.RIPE Singer / Guitarist Kimiko – 2023.01.14 – Shibuya QUATTRO – Photo Credit: Hiroshi Sato (佐藤広理)
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: I was very impressed with the very nice video they put on. I was happy because I also love Chi-chan!
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: I’ve seen an acoustic rendition of “Gekka” on YouTube but not in a live concert video. Do you currently perform “Gekka” in front of live audiences?
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: We often play it in concert. We ask everyone to clap at our concerts!
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: We often get requests for anime tie-in songs, but I guess they are expecting the OP “Hikari no Nai Machi” of “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!!” * Season 2 (Hataraku Maō-sama!!).
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: It is difficult to sing and perform “Kyokyo Jitsujitsu“.
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Do you feel your Food Wars! (Shokugeki no Soma) themes like “Kyokyo Jitsujitsu” (“虚虚実実”) and “Snowdrop” (“スノードロップ”) are your most recognized tracks by anime fans worldwide?
nano.RIPE Live Concert – 2023.01.14 2023.01.14 Shibuya – QUATTRO. Photo Credit: Hiroshi Sato (佐藤広理)
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: We don’t really feel it ourselves, but we would be very happy if they are listening to them.
nano.RIPE singer/guitarist Kimiko and guitarist Jun Sasaki – Photo Credit: nano.RIPE Instagram
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Can you describe the first day you became friends in high school?
nano.RIPE – JUN SASAKI: It all started when Kimiko wanted to start a band and asked me, “Why don’t we play in a band at the school festival?”
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Do you recall the moment when you realized you wanted to start a band together?
nano.RIPE – KIMIKO: We don’t usually think about it much, but we remember it on the anniversary of the band’s formation and the anniversary of its debut.
Live concert – “Koori no Dokutsu” tour final at Shibuya QUATTRO. Photo Credit: nano.RIPE Instagram
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Who are some of your favorite bands that inspire you as artists?
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRAT: Will you be coming stateside to New York City or Los Angeles to perform this year? Would you consider a performance at Anime NYC 2023?
– Relive ‘The Devil is a Part-Timer!’ anime series on Crunchyroll! All 25 episodes are available dubbed. Next season, officially known as ‘The Devil is a Part-Timer!!’ Season 2* will begin airing in Japan on July 23, 2023.
– Be sure to read our exclusive Nowlu Interview on “Stuck on you”, the Ending Theme Song in anime series ‘More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers.’ (“Fuufu Ijou, Koibito Miman.”)
– Visit the Anime Interviews and Music Interviews sections for more exclusive chats with the top talent in the industry today! We hope you’ve enjoyed this interview on the ending song to ‘The Devil is a Part-Timer!’ Season 1!
Nir Regev is the founder of The Natural Aristocrat. You can directly contact him at [email protected] for coverage consideration, interview opportunities, or general comments.