Category Archives: Feature Article

‘Even if it’s different, I won’t let Satanic Punish deteriorate’ – An Interview with Bokuga Sakura

Come April 29th, the stages of Japan will darken with the promise of a new era for Satanic Punish, who will go through a major lineup change with the graduation of Legendary Members, Webshiki and Himeno Usagi. After making their debut in March of 2020, both Webshiki and Usagi created an image and sound for Satanic Punish that is undeniably theirs, but after three years with the group, both are ready to pass the baton and allow Satanic Punish to flourish under a new system.

Now, new member and soloist Bokuga Sakura will be joining the front lines of Satanic Punish alongside fellow member Mana Manomu – who joined the group at the tail-end of October 2022 – and crafting her own image within and for the group upon her official join date, which begins on April 29th, 2023.

Continue reading ‘Even if it’s different, I won’t let Satanic Punish deteriorate’ – An Interview with Bokuga Sakura

From Behind the Curtain: A Veiled Introduction to the ‘True’ Member of Satanic Punish

All images included in this post are owned by Devil Margin Inc.

It was October 30th, 2022, and some new information had come to light: A new member had joined Satanic Punish, and one of Beyond Senpai’s contributor’s needed answers. What are their thoughts on joining this musically driven group, what music do they enjoy outside of what they are set to perform, and finally, just Who are they?

With their anonymity however, there is a strange kind of beauty. It adds to the anticipation of their unveiling – whenever that may be – and allows for speculation, because while we want to know more, we also crave to figure things out for ourselves, like a puzzle. So with this in mind, one of Beyond Senpai’s writer’s challenged themselves to something a little different.

An Interview with the ‘TRUE’ member of Satanic Punish, one that would not compromise their identity whatsoever.

Continue reading From Behind the Curtain: A Veiled Introduction to the ‘True’ Member of Satanic Punish

MION: A Little Gem Amongst The Chaos

As the weekends since July 22nd pass us by, Hyper Japan continues to stand as more than just a memory to us all. The experience allowed us to reunite with friends old and new, and despite the stress that may have come with the bustling venue and the heatwave that pursued us all like the evil sun from Super Mario Bro’s, there has also been some undeniably incredible moments that we shall never forget.

One such memory comes in the form of MION, a singer-songwriter who hails all the way from Aichi, Japan, who currently resides in the UK in order to improver herself as a performer. With a sweet voice and powerful music that transcends the language barrier between us all, MION has been working hard since the beginning of 2022 to make a name for herself in the UK convention scene, and is only growing stronger the more she performs here.

With the memories of her music and personal interactions still fresh in our mind, Beyond Senpai’s Tom and Kelly are ready to reminisce about the heat of the Festival Stage at Hyper Japan Festival 2022, and talk about the impact that MION has had on them both.

Continue reading MION: A Little Gem Amongst The Chaos

Bridging The Gap Between Japan and The UK’s Music Scene: An Interview with MION

Born into a music background in Mie prefecture, Japan, and raised in Aichi, the award winning singer-songwriter, MION, has over 10 years of experience behind her, and a catalogue of songs to entertain fans both old and new. Now based in the UK in order to deepen her knowledge of music, MION is growing even more as a performer as she sets her sights on becoming the bridge between Japan and the UK, with a hope to see artists from both countries to collaborate and perform music together.

With her guitar in hand and a passion for music that could rival the British heatwave of ’22, MION has been taking the UK convention scene by storm since the beginning of the year, and shows no sign of stopping any time soon.

Continue reading Bridging The Gap Between Japan and The UK’s Music Scene: An Interview with MION

Welcome To Kaepyon’s World: An Interview with Tsukimori Kaede

A financial office worker during the week, and an Idol at the weekend, Tsukimori Kaede – also known by her nickname, Kaepyon – is a self-produced idol that has been making waves within the overseas idol fandom since her solo debut back in 2020.

From desk work to live streams, Kaepyon works hard to make her dreams come true, and encourages her fans – whom she affectionately calls ‘Kaepyonists’ – to also pursue their own dreams, no matter how old they might be! With a cute voice at her disposal and an ever-growing, loyal fanbase, Kaepyon is ready to welcome you into her sparkling world of colour and happiness.

Image from Tsukimori Kaede’s official Twitter
Continue reading Welcome To Kaepyon’s World: An Interview with Tsukimori Kaede

This Is My Love For Houkago Princess

A personal reflection by Kelly

Idols bring us hope, happiness and a drive to continue with our daily lives, no matter how mundane a day might be, or how weary we feel after the work has been done. Come rain or shine, the joy that an idol creates is second to none, and a core point of our fan journey.

Looking back at my own journey as a fan, there is one group that comes to mind when I think about the love I hold for Idols and Japanese music, and the role they have played in my life as an Idol fan.

So, let’s talk about Houkago Princess.

Continue reading This Is My Love For Houkago Princess

Why LOVEBITES are the most important Japanese band, to me.

A personal reflection by Andrew Goodhew.

On August 17th, 2021, the news that Miho – founding member and now former bassist of all female metal band LOVEBITES – was leaving the group was released, along with the announcement that the rest of the group would be going on hiatus. It sent shock waves through the metal scene in Japan and around the world. For me as one of their biggest fans in the UK, the announcement saddened and deflated me. It just feels so raw that a band that has meaningful lyrics, that sing to you about what you feel and inspired myself to be who I am today has gone on hiatus, and yes it hurts at times.

Here are my thoughts on why LOVEBITES are an important band to me.

Continue reading Why LOVEBITES are the most important Japanese band, to me.

Let’s Talk About: misola de edison

If you know me, then you are probably aware that my general interest lies in the generic and cute, over-saturated Orthodox Idol scene. You know, the sugary-sweet bubblegum pop that sets off your diabetes and will probably leave you with a headache, only because more than one member is most likely off-key.

That is my typical brand of J-pop, and I own it. Thing is, I love a variety of groups and various styles of music within the Japanese music scene, and whilst my love for over-the-top cuteness will always be apparent, I do have a soft-spot for another brand of Idol: The creepy and cute kind.

So with that in mind, let’s talk about misola de edison.

Continue reading Let’s Talk About: misola de edison

Knuckle Chiwawa-Bands that take you back: A personal reflection.

A personal reflection by Just Panda.

Knuckle Chiwawa

There have been so many bands over the years that have made an impact on my life. My musical tastes are vast and eclectic, and no matter what feelings I have there will most certainly be a song that I can go to to enhance those feelings, be it sadness, joy, rage or just something to take me away from the daily toils of being a grown up.

Continue reading Knuckle Chiwawa-Bands that take you back: A personal reflection.

Freedom for BLOOD STAIN CHILD

Melodic trance metal pioneers Blood Stain Child performed a live stream concert on their official YouTube channel on October 23rd.

A highly anticipated show, the band were able to involve fans both in Japan and internationally through the voting of 4 songs to be included in the set list.

Continue reading Freedom for BLOOD STAIN CHILD