Explosive, adorable, and unapologetically loud — BABYBEARD has become one of the most exciting acts to rise from Japan’s pop-metal scene. Formed by internationally known performer Ladybeard alongside Japanese idols Mizuki and SUZU, the trio brings together the best of two worlds: the sweetness and charm of J-pop idols with the intensity and wild energy of heavy metal.
Since their debut in 2021, BABYBEARD has captured global attention through their powerful performances, vibrant personalities, and a sound they proudly describe as an “adorable assault on the senses.” With a growing international fanbase, viral singles, and performances that blend theatrical chaos with irresistible melody, the group continues to push the boundaries of what modern idol music can be.
In this exclusive written interview, BABYBEARD opens up about their origins, creative process, the stories behind their latest releases, and what fans can expect as they step into a new era of their career. Get ready to meet the group shaking up J-pop and metal — one scream, smile, and high-energy anthem at a time.
How was BABYBEARD formed? What role did Ladybeard play in the band’s formation?
LADYBEARD:
I was head of another group that looked very similar to this back in 2015 and with that group
released the song “Nippon Manju” which initially got me well known outside Japan. Sadly, my activities in that group came to an end quite quickly, but it was made clear to me that the fans wanted to see me, plus 2 adorable Japanese idols, singing (screaming) and dancing in colourful costumes, with a dynamic live show. To that end, as soon as it was possible to start a new group
under this formation, I told my management I wanted to do it and we moved ahead with the project.
SUZU:
I joined the group through an audition. Ladybeard is an indispensable character for the group to differentiate itself from other groups.
Since starting activities in April 2021, what important milestones has the band experienced?
LADYBEARD:
A very important milestone was just getting out of Japan at the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. I kept
promising the girls very energetic, excited audiences just as soon as we could get overseas (Japan’s
Covid restrictions were strict and seemed to last forever, so audiences were not permitted to get
excited in Japan at the time). Finally we did our first overseas performance in Brazil in 2022. The
Brazilian fans went wild and poured out energy, and I felt a sense of achievement as the girls
FINALLY got to embrace the onstage experience I had promised them.
SUZU:
Starting with our first overseas concert in Brazil, we have traveled to many countries, culminating in
an Australian tour last year.
Next year, we plan to embark on a European tour and release a new
album.
BABYBEARD’s “Adorable Assault on the Senses” suggests a deconstruction of traditional “kawaii” aesthetics. How do you see your music and image evolving the concept of “kawaii core,” and what are you trying to express beyond surface-level cuteness?
LADYBEARD:
Well, the focus of my work has always been in creating the biggest gap possible between the cute,
girly components of the songs and performance and the noisy, traditionally masculine elements. That contrast is really where the real joy seems to be created for the audience. I think with our sounds
we’re globalizing the genre and bringing it into the 2020’s. One of this group’s missions is to provide
access to Japanese pop-culture to those outside Japan who normally could not access it. So if we can get the songs into the ears of those who may not have listened to the genre previously, then our mission has been accomplished.
SUZU:
Our style appeals to everyone’s personal concept of cuteness. Even with a beard, it’s cute. Men can
be cute. Grandpas and grandmas can be cute. I believe everyone has the right to be cute.
MIZUKI:
Metal and kawaii might seem far apart, but when they merge, a new kind of kawaii is born!
Given the current global interest in Japanese subcultures, how do you perceive BABYBEARD’s role in introducing or challenging Western perceptions of J-Pop and idol culture?
LADYBEARD:
We have no intention of challenging any established norms. We just hope we can grant a degree of access to those who might otherwise have trouble embracing the best of what Japan has to offer.
SUZU:
Japan’s cute aesthetic and death metal vocals may seem like complete opposites, but we want to use that contrast as our strength to create the ultimate combination. I hope to change the world’s image
of J-Pop in a positive way.
MIZUKI:
I want to spread kawaii to the world and help more people discover Japan’s anime and manga
culture.
Please introduce the roles and characteristics of LADYBEARD, SUZU, and MIZUKI in BABYBEARD.
LADYBEARD:
My name is Ladybeard. I do 3 things in this group: sing, dance, DESTROY!!
SUZU:
My name is Suzu. I’ve been active in this group since its founding as an original member alongside
Ladybeard. I want to share with the world what I find cute about Japanese culture and what modern
Japanese girls find appealing. Within the group, I’m responsible for the high notes. I use my natural
vocal range to deliver powerful, unique tones that no one else can match.
MIZUKI:
My name is Mizuki. While Ladybeard brings death vocals and power, I bring brightness and cuteness.
How do the members of BABYBEARD create and rehearse? What is the teamwork model like?
LADYBEARD:
Ah the girls are very disciplined and hard working at rehearsal. They both crack the whip and make
sure there is no messing about on my part!
SUZU:
We practice 7 to 8 hours on weekends, and before events, we also practice on weekdays. We review
footage carefully to ensure our movements are perfectly synchronized. We focus on every detail, including angles and timing, to make sure there’s no deviation.
MIZUKI:
We work together as a team with our manager and composers. Before live shows, we gather every
week for rehearsals and support each other through the process.
What new possibilities and challenges does the addition of new member Mizuki bring to BABYBEARD?
LADYBEARD:
No challenges, Mizuki’s doing a great job. Mizuki comes from a very strong background in dance, so
she remembers steps quickly and is well conditioned to handle the rigors of travel and performance.
We are lucky to have found her.
SUZU:
Her athletic ability and graceful dancing will surely have a positive impact on the group.
How does the band maintain cohesion and creativity among its members?
LADYBEARD:
When there’s a challenge to be overcome or a situation that requires attention we discuss it openly as a group and search for appropriate solutions together. We focus on finding solutions that create the best results possible for the audiences and fans, as opposed to our personal feelings or
preferences.
SUZU:
We value open communication and greetings. We consciously make an effort to connect not only
among members and staff, but also with people of different cultures we meet at conventions.
MIZUKI:
Even when someone makes a mistake during filming, we encourage each other and strengthen our team spirit.
What is the overall concept or theme of this debut album? What message or story are you hoping to convey to listeners?
LADYBEARD:
The theme of the album will reflect notions of pursuing your own dreams, goals and aspirations,
regardless of the opinions of others, or perceived limitations.
SUZU:
This album takes listeners through a variety of musical styles—cool, cute, distinctly Japanese, and more! I was involved in the production process and even wrote lyrics for 1 song, so please look forward to it. We’ll show you a completely new side of BABYBEARD.
Question 11: How would you describe the overall sound of the album? Does it represent a progression or evolution from your previous singles?
LADYBEARD:
There are 3 broad styles represented in the album; cutesy idol-pop, straight down the middle kawaii-
metal, and some brutal, butt kicking metal. The tracks, taken together, really express the gamma of our work and how we present as a group, and I hope they’re well received both individually and
when consumed together.
SUZU:
Starting with an upbeat song like our previous single “Twisted Kaiju Tail,” I also sing in genres I
haven’t tried before.
MIZUKI:
The album includes many genres, so I think everyone will find at least one favorite song. I hope fans enjoy the fusion of metal and kawaii!
Are there any specific tracks on the album that you’re particularly excited for fans to hear? Why?
LADYBEARD:
I’m very excited for the fans to hear “Semi Final.” It’s the heaviest song on the album, and also the
most experimental in comparison with our usual work. To that end, I’m looking forward to hearing
how the fans feel about it, particularly the metalheads listening.
SUZU:
“Semi final.” It’s quite different from our previous songs, but it suits us perfectly. That’s why I really
want everyone to listen to it.
Which songs on the album do you anticipate will become fan favorites and why? LADYBEARD:
“MACHO!” Nothing gets a crowd pumped up like a song with the lyrics “Pump Me Up!”
SUZU:
I’d be thrilled if the songs I wrote lyrics for became fan favorites. Please stay tuned!
MIZUKI:
“Semi Final”! It has a strong band sound and I think fans will go wild with us at concerts.
What was your favorite part of working on this album?
LADYBEARD:
In the track “Semi Final” I recorded inhaling screams, also known as pig squeals, for the first time.
This required a new vocal technique that I’ve never used before, but one I’ve wanted to learn to do
for a long time. Learning to pig squeal, and recording pig squeals for the heaviest track on the album,
feels like an achievement. It feels like I’ve unlocked a super power that I’ve been striving to attain for
a very long time.
SUZU:
Finally being able to pursue the songwriting I’d always wanted to try. It became an unforgettable
experience in my life.
MIZUKI:
Recording! It was fun experimenting with different singing styles together and trying new approaches
as a team.
How do you think you’ve grown as an artist through the process of making this album?
LADYBEARD:
This has been my first time writing and making a full album. It’s an involved process compared with
releasing a series of singles, since the songs must all work together and eventually come together to
each act as one part of a whole. It’s been quite the journey finding ways to construct every piece of
the whole to serve the greater mission of the album. I hope the fans end up liking what we’ve come
up with.
SUZU:
I had never done frequent recording sessions or had choreography created for me before, so through
making this album, I grew as a singer and performer.
MIZUKI:
I usually get nervous in recording, but the more I did it, the more I learned to think about what kind
of singing style fits each song best.
What message do you hope fans take away from this album?
LADYBEARD:
I hope the fans find encouragement and inspiration in the album, and our work going forward.
Remember, anything is always possible, regardless of what challenges you may face. And if you need permission to pursue your goals and dreams, BABYBEARD hereby gives you permission. Pursue what you believe to be what’s best for you, and should you ever be feeling down, we will always be here to PUMP YOU UP!!
SUZU:
We want all our fans to embrace their true selves. Through our music and who we are as a group, we
hope you’ll celebrate your individuality—free from any mold or limit. If our album sparks something in you—joy, courage, curiosity, or anything at all—that would make us truly happy.
MIZUKI:
BABYBEARD is always bright and positive, so I want our fans to feel that same energy and carry it
with them!
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