Photo Credits to YunYun Kagenou
Meet Lee Dei’Ren, a solo kaigai idol based in the Philippines, whose performances are fueled by a deep passion for inspiring hope and positivity. Through her heartfelt artistry, Lee Dei’Ren strives to ignite a spark in the hearts of her audience, encouraging everyone to move forward, believe in their dreams, and never let go of their aspirations—much like a compass that always points true north.
How did the name Lee Dei’Ren come to be, and what does it represent for you as an artist?
Lee Dei’Ren is a name that represents self-acceptance within one’s self.
“Lee” is a chosen name that symbolizes fluidity since this name is a gender-fluid, and Dei’Ren comes from two parts; “Dei” is from my real name Dale (Deiru in japanese), represents the masculine version of myself since I am male at birth, while “Ren” is my feminine persona where the side of me that feels most expressive, intuitive, and true.
Together, they reflect the harmony of masculinity and femininity within me on a spiritual level. Through this name, I want to express my belief that everyone carries both energies within them, and embracing both is what truly makes us human.
What inspired you to become a solo kaigai idol in the Philippines?
I’ve always loved anime and Japanese songs, especially because many of them carry deep messages about life and emotions.
When I found out that kaigai idols existed here in the Philippines, it felt like a sign. I realized I could turn what I love into something meaningful, so I decided to become a solo kaigai idol and use my performances to connect with people and share those feelings with them.
Can you share a defining moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue this path?
– The most defining moment for me was watching Love Live! Nijigasaki Season 2, when Shioriko Mifune finally performed her solo. Her song “Emotion” hit me deeply; it felt like my heart was being spoken to. In that moment, I realized I had been holding myself back for so long, and that I needed to be honest about what I truly wanted in life. Seeing her choose herself gave me the courage to do the same, and that became the moment I knew I wanted to pursue this path as a solo kaigai idol.
You describe your performances as heartfelt. What does that mean to you when you’re on stage?
When I’m on stage, being heartfelt means allowing myself to be vulnerable and real. I don’t try to hide my emotions or put on a perfect image to the audience; instead, I let myself feel everything in the moment. It’s about trusting the stage as a safe space where I can be honest, and where the audience can feel that sincerity without needing words.
How do you translate your emotions and life experiences into your performances?
I translate my emotions and life experiences by carefully shaping each performance as a story. For example, in one of my recent performance setlists titled “Dreams Re:Begin with Tokimeki,” the theme wasn’t just about my own journey; it told a story that many could relate to, about hope, doubts, and choosing to follow your dreams. By connecting songs, transitions, and emotions like this, my performances become shared experiences where my story and the audience’s feelings meet.
What message do you hope audiences feel or take home after watching you perform?
I hope audiences feel inspired to be honest with themselves and follow their dreams, just like how I was inspired by Shioriko Mifune in Love Live! Nijigasaki. I want them to leave feeling encouraged to embrace who they truly are and take that first step toward what they really want in life. If even one person feels that spark, then I know my performance has truly reached them.
You compare yourself to a compass pointing true north—what is your “true north” as an artist and as a person?
My “true north” as an artist is to be a guiding point for others, much like a compass that helps sailors find their way.
I want my performances to inspire people to recognize their own dreams and take the first steps toward them.
As a person, it is staying honest with myself and my passions, so that everything I share on stage comes from a place of truth. When I follow that, I hope it helps others find their direction too.
Why is it important for you to give hope and inspiration through your music?
Giving hope and inspiration through my music matters to me because, in today’s world, many people, especially in this generation, start to lose belief in their dreams and simply go with the flow. I don’t want that to be the only option.
Music helped me believe in myself, and through my performances, I want to encourage others to embrace their individuality, express their creativity, and share their talents with the world. If my journey can remind even one person that their dreams are still worth chasing, then that hope has meaning.
Have there been moments when you almost gave up on your dreams? What helped you keep going?
Yes, there are a lot of moments where I almost gave up, especially when I felt like my performances didn’t reach anyone; when there were no cheers, no reactions, and I started questioning myself. But what kept me going were the small, unexpected moments; A stranger telling me they enjoyed my performance, someone creating art inspired by me, or even people simply stopping to listen to my songs. These moments reminded me that what I do does matter. Even if it reaches only a few, that connection is enough to keep me moving forward.
What challenges and rewards come with being a kaigai idol based in the Philippines?
Being a kaigai idol in the Philippines comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to visibility and resources. The scene is still very niche, so opportunities, platforms, and support systems are still limited compared to more established idol spaces.
Sometimes it means self-funding, self-promoting, and putting in extra effort just to be seen. But despite these challenges, the rewards are deeply fulfilling; being able to perform what I love, express my individuality, and connect with people who genuinely resonate with my journey makes everything worth it. Knowing that my performances can inspire others, even in a small way, is the greatest reward for me.
How has the Filipino audience shaped or influenced your artistry?
They shaped/influenced my artistry in so many meaningful ways. Even though the language is different, I’ve learned that emotion transcends words; through the songs I sing and the energy I put into my performances, the connection is still felt.
Their warmth, cheers, and small gestures, like stopping to listen or showing appreciation, inspire me to perform with more honesty and heart. Knowing that my performance can touch people here motivates me to keep growing, exploring, and sharing all parts of myself on stage.
Do you feel a responsibility representing kaigai idols locally? Why or why not?
Yes, I do feel a responsibility as part of the niche kaigai idol scene here in the Philippines. I hope to show that following your dreams and embracing your individuality is possible, and that kaigai idols deserve recognition and love. At the same time, I stay authentic, because being true to myself is what makes that representation meaningful.
What does the word “dream” personally mean to you?
For me, it’is about possibility and hope. It’s not just a goal or a wish; it’s the part of you that dares to imagine something bigger and meaningful, and inspires you to explore all the possibilities, letting the universe show me how far I can go.
A dream reminds me to stay true to myself, pursue what I love, and keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.
How do you want your music and message to evolve in the coming years?
In the coming years, I want my performance and message to grow deeper and reach more people, and someday create my own songs to share with everyone; songs that carry the same message about chasing dreams and staying true to yourself. More than anything, I want my music to continue inspiring others to embrace themselves, pursue their dreams, and express their individuality, just like I’ve learned to do through this journey.
Where do you see Lee Dei’Ren in five years—artistically and personally?
In five years, I see Lee Dei’Ren continuing to perform songs that still inspire people, while also creating and sharing my own original music.
I hope my journey helps more people see and appreciate kaigai idols, so this path is no longer just a niche scene, and also draws attention back to LoveLive! (especially to the new generation); the songs and stories that inspired me, just like Shioriko inspired me to follow my dreams. Personally, I want to keep growing, staying true to myself, and showing that anyone can dream big and see how far the universe can take them.
What would you say to someone who feels lost or unsure about their dreams?
I’d tell them that it’s okay to feel lost or unsure, it doesn’t mean your dreams aren’t real. Sometimes it takes time to find what truly inspires you.
For me, watching Shioriko in LoveLive! Nijigasaki gave me the courage to be honest with myself and follow my dreams. I hope they can also find something; any spark that reminds them to keep going, and trust that even small steps forward can lead them to where they’re meant to be.
How can fans support you while also staying true to their own journeys?
I think fans can support me by enjoying my music and performances; sharing positivity, and encouraging not just me but also themselves. Sending fan letters, sharing their artwork, or buying my merch can also serve as reminders to embrace their individuality and keep pursuing their own dreams. When fans do that, it creates a genuine connection, and that energy comes back to the stage, making everything feel even more meaningful for everyone.
What does “Keep on ✨DREAMING✨” mean to you today?
For me, “Keep on ✨DREAMING✨” is a reminder to never stop believing in yourself, your passions, and the possibilities around you. It means embracing both who you are and who you want to become, staying honest with yourself, and taking steps, even small ones toward your dreams every day.
It’s about letting the universe guide you, trusting the journey, and knowing that every dream, no matter how big or small, is worth pursuing.
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