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Ten years after their debut, THE SIXTH LIE has lost none of its fascination with uncertain futures. Based in Tokyo, the band crafts a sound where electro-rock meets dystopian imagery and high-octane, stage-ready energy. This distinctive identity has allowed them to make their mark far beyond Japan—notably through several tracks featured in anime, such as Hibana for Golden Kamui.
Yet, a decade-long career is about more than just a string of songs or theme tunes. For THE SIXTH LIE, this year is also a time to reflect on their journey so far and look towards the future. Their DECADE tour brings them back to Europe and France, where they previously performed at Japan Expo in 2018. It is a reunion of sorts, as the band continues to evolve its sound—blending rock, electro, and EDM influences—culminating in their recent release, Survive in Hell.
To mark their return to France, we caught up with THE SIXTH LIE for a second interview. From their first decade and musical evolution to their relationship with anime songs and this new chapter in their journey, Arata and Reiji discuss the experiences that shaped them and the drive that keeps them moving forward.
Could you introduce yourselves?
Arata: Hello, my name is Arata.
Reiji: Hello, I’m Reiji.
Ten years is a major milestone in an artist’s career. What are you hoping for in the years ahead?
Reiji: Over the past ten years, we’ve had the opportunity to perform four anime theme songs, take part in many festivals both in Japan and overseas, and collaborate with a fair number of well-known artists.
Arata: Our anime songs are actually more widely known than the songs we’ve released as a band. In the coming years, one of our goals is for our music as THE SIXTH LIE to become just as well known as our anime songs.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind Survive In Hell, your latest release, which features a much stronger EDM influence?
Reiji: We used traditional Japanese instruments for the first time. The album has a Japanese theme, but it’s presented through the eyes of people from outside Japan. It’s not “our own version” of Japan, but rather an outsider’s interpretation of what Japan represents.
Speaking of Survive In Hell, which member do you think would be the most likely to survive in Hell?
Reiji: Arata likes to go out very much and he is in good shape. But recently, maybe because he’s getting older, he’s started to calm down a bit and doesn’t go out as much anymore.
Arata: In Hell, I think I’d calm down a little. I can imagine myself completely blending into that world.
Can you tell us how you choose your stage outfits?
Arata: Our outfits for the Europe tour were designed and made by students from Aoyama Fashion College. They created them based on our music and our style, then tailored them specifically for us.
Reiji: My outfit is inspired by a chemistry teacher.
You previously came to the Japan Expo in 2018. How does it feel to be back?
Arata: We’re really excited to see our French fans again after such a long time. This time, though, it’s just the two of us because Ray, our drummer, couldn’t join us. It’s the first time we’ve performed as a duo, so it required a lot of preparation beforehand.
In our interview eight years ago, you mentioned that it was difficult to incorporate electronic music into your sound. Do you still feel the need to adapt your music as much?
Arata: Back then, we were still experimenting and exploring our sound, so naturally we were in a learning phase.
Reiji: For me, it comes naturally now.
You’re well known because many of your songs are used as anime themes. Do you ever feel like moving beyond that image, or is it still an honor to combine music with anime?
Arata: Many of our fans first discovered us through anime, and those opportunities mean a great deal to us. It’s very important for us to maintain that connection with anime and with the fans who found us through it.
During the festival, you’ll also be taking part in a cooking workshop and the Japan Games Show. Are you looking forward to it?
Arata: We really wanted to try activities beyond our live performances, so it’s an honor for us to be involved in both events.
You seem to be passionate about board games. Are you taking advantage of your stay in France to discover some new ones?
Arata: We haven’t had the chance to discover any French board games yet, but we’d really like to. We’re planning to look around and see what kinds of board games are popular here in France.
Do you have a message for your French fans who have been eagerly waiting for your return?
Arata: We’ve released a lot of music over the years, including plenty of songs that are easy to get excited about. Whether you already know them or not, we hope everyone will sing, dance, and have a great time during our live shows. We also hope many fans will come and see us.
Reiji: We’ve also released a lot of new songs recently, so we hope everyone will give them a listen and continue supporting us.
Thank you to THE SIXTH LIE and Japan Expo for this interview!
This interview was made in collaboration with KAvenyou and Nautiljon.
