Photo Courtesy of Yoru ni Kakeru
Today, we delve into the minds behind the music of ‘Yoru ni Kakeru‘ (Night Running). This Tokyo-based indie band’s name reflects their core philosophy: embracing life, even when it feels reckless or immature, and living life on their own terms. We’ll explore how this ethos shapes their sound and creative process.
How was the band formed, and what is the origin of the band’s name?
Vo. Rio Hashimoto (Vo. 橋本理央):
I originally performed solo as a singer-songwriter. However, I’d always wanted to form a band. At the time, I rearranged my original song “54 Seconds” for a band setup and uploaded it to YouTube and social media. The response was far bigger than I’d expected. That led me to connect with the drummer Coro-san (Dr. ころ) through Twitter, and we formed the band in the fall of 2019. Initially, the band had four members: Coro-san and myself, along with a bassist and a guitarist. The bassist was an old acquaintance of mine, and the guitarist was a friend of theirs.
The band name “Yoru ni Kakeru” (Night Running) reflects our philosophy: “Even if society sees our lives as ‘reckless’ or ‘immature,’ let’s cherish being alive anyway” and “It’s okay to live life our own way—even if we can’t wake up early or things don’t go smoothly.” Back then, I was the type of person who’d start running the moment I drank alcohol, which might have influenced the name.
In 2021, the guitarist and bassist left the band. Around that time, we met Ishii-san (Gt. いしい) through a collaboration with the band Togaru and invited him to join. That’s how we became the current lineup.
Please tell me about your musical style and the artists who have influenced you. What makes your sound unique?
Vo. Rio Hashimoto (橋本理央):
Personally, I’m influenced by kayoukyoku (traditional Japanese pop) and J-pop. I do listen to Western music too, but since I sing in Japanese, I love paying attention to the distinctively Japanese nuances in wordplay and expression. The members sometimes say my melodies have a kayoukyoku-like feel.
Gt. Ishii (石井):
As a player, the artist who influenced me most is Radiohead. While they embody avant-garde and innovative music, they absolutely prioritize melody and vocals—that’s what resonates with me. I’m always striving to create music in that spirit.
Dr. Coro (ころ):
I’d say I’m particularly influenced by Japanese bands like Ginnan BOYZ, World’s End Girlfriend, and Arakajime Kimerareta Koibitotachi e (To My Predetermined Lovers). All of them have this dramatic, theatrical energy that inspires me.
What is the band’s songwriting process like? Is it led by one person, or is it a collaborative effort?
Gt. Ishii:
We take the singer-songwriter/acoustic demos created by vocalist Hashimoto (Vo. Hashimoto) and rearrange them for the band. In the past, we often built songs by jamming together in the studio, but lately, we’ve also been experimenting with a new workflow: Coro (Dr. Coro) lays down drums over Hashimoto’s raw acoustic recordings, and I then arrange and produce it in a DAW.
Could you elaborate further on each member’s role and their contributions to the band?
Dr. Coro (ころ):
Hashimoto (Vo. Hashimoto) creates melodies and lyrics that gently embrace the sorrow and emptiness everyone carries within. Ishii-kun (Gt. Ishii) is a uniquely eccentric guitarist—the kind of idea-generator who adds vibrant color to our band’s music. He transforms Hashimoto’s lyrics and melodies into something dramatic. As for me? I just happily drum away with a smile! 🙂
Since we’re all sensitive souls, supporting each other through both life and music is what defines Yoru ni Kakeru’s style.
What are the band’s goals for the next 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years?
I want to keep doing this until the day I die. Since I don’t know when that day will come, I don’t set long-term goals. My life is about making albums, touring and performing live in all kinds of places, and creating things that matter—that’s how I want to live.
What is the meaning or story behind your most popular song?
Vo. Rio Hashimoto:
I think our most popular song is “Kaseki ni Narou yo (Even if it ends)”, so let me talk about that one!
For “Kaseki ni Narou yo”, the opening melody and lyrics came to me at the same time—something rare even among the songs I’ve written. It didn’t take long to finish. When I wrote it, my mental state wasn’t exactly stable.
I also had no one in mind that I’d want to be with “if the world ended.” And yet, this song flowed out of me as if it had always existed inside me. Beyond that, it’s hard to explain the song’s background or story. Back then, I was drowning in questions like “What does it mean to live?” and “What’s the point of human connection?”—questions with no answers. I think I was just desperately grasping for hope in the middle of all that uncertainty.
Your music videos are visually striking. How do you approach the creative direction for your music videos?
This music video is the first one I’ve ever created. When I wanted something that aligned with the emotions, lyrics, and atmosphere of “Akara Ao ni Kawaru Toki (Damn)” as I wrote it, I felt compelled to film—and preserve—the ordinary, everyday scenes I’ve always seen around me. That’s how this video came to be.
What inspires your lyrics? Do they draw from personal experiences, observations, or other sources?
Vo. Rio Hashimoto:
I often draw from personal experiences and emotions when writing lyrics. But it’s less about documenting them exactly as they were and more about shaping them into narratives within the music. Sometimes I weave in fantasies or infuse the lyrics with wishes for how things could or should be.
How has your music style evolved since the band’s formation in 2020?
Vo. Rio Hashimoto (はしもと):
Since forming the band, we’ve always prioritized expressing raw passion and humanity. As we’ve grown older and our lives and environments have changed, I feel we’ve developed a positive flexibility—a kind of adaptability that enriches our music. The desire to create something meaningful has never wavered, and I think that drive is naturally leading us to evolve.
Gt. Ishii (石井):
We took a hiatus once and restarted activities last year. Since our comeback, we’ve focused on doing what feels right in the moment, staying true to ourselves. Before the hiatus, there were things we wanted to try but couldn’t due to constraints. Now, we’re tackling those challenges head-on, especially when arranging new songs—approaching them with boldness and fresh energy.
Dr. Coro (ころ):
From the very beginning, I’ve admired the Japanese punk band Ginnan BOYZ. Even though our musical style differs, I strive to create that same dramatic, cinematic emotion they evoke—like watching a gripping film through sound.
When we first formed, the lineup was different, but since Ishii-kun (Gt. Ishii)—with his uniquely eccentric guitar style—joined, we’ve been able to express Yoru ni Kakeru’s worldview more vividly than ever.
What are your plans for upcoming releases (albums, singles, EPs)?
Nothing’s set in stone yet, but since we’ve never made a full album before, we’d love to try. These days, the music scene revolves around singles, but there’s an irreplaceable romance to crafting a full album—something we find deeply compelling.
Are there any upcoming live performances or tours that fans can look forward to?
For now, we don’t have any live performances scheduled. However, we’re aiming to expand our activities not only domestically but also internationally. If you have any countries you’d recommend, please let us know! 🙂
How do you connect with fans and build a community around your music?
We often interact with fans at the live houses we perform at. We also connect frequently with overseas fans through social media, especially Instagram. It’s truly heartwarming to know that our feelings reach people in distant countries.
What advice do you have for future musicians in Japan?
Vo. Rio Hashimoto (はしもと):
Follow your heart and do things your way! Never forget love! ❤
Gt. Ishii (石井):
Stay alive and keep making music for as long as you can. Longevity isn’t inherently virtuous, but I’ve come to realize that persistence reveals things you’d never see otherwise.
Dr. Coro (ころ):
Never stop having fun, and cherish your bandmates!
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