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Since its debut in 2024, the group EPYTHIMiA has set out to be a beacon of hope. Its six members (Maito, Sirius, Rei, R.D, ACQUA, and SeaNa) convey inspiring messages through their music, encouraging fans to pursue their dreams.
Blending rock and pop influences, EPYTHIMiA’s songs are emotionally charged works that explore the struggles of youth as well as their dreams and hopes. In many ways, this artistic approach is almost performative, as EPYTHIMiA seeks to make its voice heard around the world while expressing its own fears and ambitions. It was through social media, especially TikTok, that the group first gained public recognition, launching a series of livestreams and challenges in an almost visionary way, long before this type of content became widespread on the platform.
Following an appearance at Japan Tours Festival, the group continued its French journey in Paris as one of the guests celebrating the 25th anniversary of the festival Japan Expo. Maito, Rei, and Sirius –the three members attending the event– kindly took time to sit down with us for an exclusive interview, which you can read below.
Can you introduce yourselves and tell us about the group’s concept?
Maito: Hello, my name is Maito.
Rei: Hi, I’m Rei.Sirius: Hello, I’m Sirius.
Maito: We are called EPITHYMiA! Our name comes from the Greek word which means “wish” or “desire.” We created this group to give strength to our fans, who are called HOPE, so they can achieve their dreams, and so that we can also be their hope.
How was the group formed?
Maito: There were several different cases. For example, Sirius joined through an audition. Rei and I were with another agency, and the producer approached us and asked if we wanted to join the group.
Your first visit to France has allowed you to discover the cities of Tours and Paris. Are you happy to have the opportunity to explore France?
Maito: Before coming to Paris, we thought about it as a fashion city, and we looked at it on a map. We realized there are museums everywhere, and we think Paris is a city with even more art than what we had expected.
You use social media as a key tool to promote your career. What is your strategy?
Maito: We have a lot of followers on TikTok. Two or three years ago, when most live streams were on YouTube, we started doing our live streams on TikTok instead. No other groups were really doing the same thing, so we became one of the pioneers of TikTok live streaming.
You have plans to release music in sub-units within EPITHYMiA. Can you explain what that involves?
Maito: The first unit is Rei and me, and our music is more American pop. The other unit is Sirius and Rei, and it focuses more on J-pop. We haven’t released any music yet, but we may do so during Japan Expo.
Your music blends many different influences. How would you describe yourselves?
Sirius: Our style is mainly rock, and our music always carries a message that encourages our fans to pursue and achieve their dreams.
Who is most likely to forget the choreography?
Maito: Out of the three of us, it would definitely be Rei!
If you had to describe each of the other members in just one word, what would you choose?
Maito: Sirius is a slightly scatterbrained leader.
Sirius: Rei is the youngest member of the group and very talented.Rei: Maito is smart.
Do you have a message for the visitors of Japan Expo and for our readers?
Maito: This is our first time in France, in Paris, and we are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us and everyone who came to see us at Japan Expo. And for those who don’t know us yet, we invite you to check out our social media whenever you’re feeling tired and need a boost of energy.
This interview is a collaboration with Nautiljon and K-Avenyou.
Big thanks to the members of EPITHYMiA for their time, and to Japan Expo as well as PACHI PACHI Project.
You can follow their latest activites on their social media.
