Japan-grown Luna Haruna, famous anisong (anime song) singer and Lolita fashion model made an adorable and lively appearance at Animangaki 2024 this year. Here’s what she had to say about Malaysian food, Lolita fashion in Malaysia, and more.
Luna Haruna practically pranced onto the stage, her translator in tow.
How are you feeling today?
“Nice to meet you! Let’s have fun together, thank you!”
With an energy that just seemed to bubble from an endless source, we couldn’t help but wonder what exactly kept her sustained in Malaysia. Surely, Malaysian food must pose some challenges to one used to Japanese cuisine.
It’s been years since you last visited Malaysia, what are the local foods that you miss or want to try?
“It’s been 5 years since I last visited, then, I tried satay and I really loved it! I want to try it again since it’s like yakitori but with peanut sauce. Ah~ I really want to try it again.”
We recommended her a traditional accompaniment with satay.
You should try nasi impit!
“What’s it called? Nasi umpet? Ah, nasi impit, I will try that too!”
Continuing on with the food theme, we then prodded on her ability to handle spice.
As Malaysian food is quite spicy, have you tried many spicy foods?
“I love spicy food, what’s your recommendation?”
While here, you HAVE to try nasi lemak!
“Ooh~ I will try this too!”
But of course, Luna Haruna’s stomach is not the only thing we’d like to know about her. We were curious about her iconic sense of fashion too!
How long does it take you to design a typical Lolita outfit?
“I basically like Lolita fashion. Today I am trying Y2K components and created my outfit based on the day’s mood and climate. It’s sunny today, so I have a sun visor on!”
For those who wish to dress like Luna herself, you might have considered the sweltering heat of Malaysian weather. We thought about that too, and asked Luna for her opinion.
In Malaysia, there are a lot of people who like gothic Lolita fashion, but it’s really hot here. Do you have recommendations for hot weather and gothic Lolita fashion?
“Yes, I have the same problem. Here are some tips, for example, today I am wearing an off-shoulder top, and you can also use a wire for your skirts! I recommend using these tips.”
Luna Haruna is most arguably known for her songs, used as theme songs for many popular animes such as Sword Art Online and Fate/Zero. We were certainly curious about her process for recording these songs.
Do you normally watch the animes that feature your songs in them?
“Yes I do, I watch the whole animation before I sing. I have to see the characters and features of the characters in my head, and then I start recording.”
You write and perform a lot of opening songs. Do you ever read the source material? Or are you just briefed about the concept and plot when you write these songs?
“I always read/watch the whole story of the anime or manga before I make the song. And I try to add some words or phrases that will remind you guys of famous or important scenes!”
And as the press conference came to a close, we managed to get one last question in.
Can you tell us about a particular memorable moment in your career?
“The major events in my career were always concerts, I was able to go overseas since I started this job, so I really appreciate concerts!”
Also present at the press conference were select members of the Malaysian girl group, KLP48!
Representing the recently debuted sister group of AKB48 were 6 of the members: Devi, Yi Shyan, Lucine, Haruka, Yurina, and Suzuha. Hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan, these girls had a crowd of fans by the stage eagerly awaiting what they had to say.
We had a few curiosities to be satiated.
What are some of the best pieces of advice you have received from your fellow idol sisters?
Haruka: “Even if you’re dancing at the back, you have to have more energy than members dancing at the front. And the front members have to put in the same energy as the back. Dancing is teamwork and you have to work together to make it the best!”
But Suzuha had something different in mind when it came to what a true idol is.
Suzuha: “When I met the JKT48 members, I saw the softness of them, how they are truly idols. When I saw them, I realised, these were the true idols.”
Following up with a different, more lighthearted question, we wanted to know what KLP48 had to say to their fans.
With the successful debut of KLP48, do you have words of encouragement to your fans in Malaysia or around the world?
Yurina: “I know some of the fans are students or working, and even though you are tired, we hope that you work harder to support us!”
Yi Shyan: “My words of encouragement would be to keep doing what you love, and when you see the first generation, I hope you will audition for 2nd gen. And make KLP a worldwide phenomenon.”
But Haruka had a simple, succinct, and perfect way to wrap up the press conference.
Haruka: “KLP48 boleh!~”
And that was the end of the press conference!
You should also check out: This M’sian contractor runs a local Western cafe in PJ and gives out free reno advice
Featured Image Credit: 春奈るな -Haruna Luna-
