During the 2026 Cosplay Carnival in Manila, we had the privilege of conversing with Who-ya Extended, a Japanese creative group led by vocalist Who-ya. Known for their dynamic electro-rock sound that has captivated global audiences, the band has delivered popular theme songs for Jujutsu Kaisen, Psycho-Pass, Night Head 2041, The Kingdoms of Ruin, Witch Watch, and Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse.
Prior to their performance at the Japanese Anime Music event, Who-ya Extended shared insights about their musical journey with Anime Corner and other media platforms. This included their inspirations, experiences performing for Jujutsu Kaisen, and their first visit to the Philippines.
The origins of Who-ya Extended’s music began with Who-ya’s personal story. Growing up, his mother’s love for Linkin Park influenced his early fascination with rock music. He described being “saved by rock music,” and in high school, he formed a band, creating cover songs. This led to his debut track “Q-vism” in Psycho-Pass 3, marking the start of his career.
Today, Who-ya draws inspiration from diverse music genres. He emphasized that he doesn’t judge genres but actively listens to various styles. When creating music, he aims to express himself freely. The band’s name, Who-ya Extended, reflects the concept of growth, symbolizing their desire to evolve. When describing their sound, he stated, “Our music spans multiple genres, and if I had to use one word, it would be jiyuu (freedom).”
When composing songs, Who-ya starts with a title, envisioning the song’s concept and structure. Live performances are unique experiences for him, as no two shows are identical. He mentioned challenges during concerts, such as coordinating his mind and body. He admitted this remains unresolved but tries to avoid overthinking.
After performances, Who-ya follows a ritual involving a good meal and alcohol. He shared that he visited Jollibee, a Filipino restaurant, and was surprised by the prevalence of rice in meals.
Regarding his role as a Jujutsu Kaisen anisong artist, Who-ya recalled the excitement of his song “VIVID VICE” becoming the opening theme for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1’s second cour. He felt immense happiness watching the broadcast and was amazed it was real. As a long-time anime fan and Weekly Shonen Jump reader, this achievement was a surprise.
The song is a highlight in his live shows, and he appreciates how it introduced his music globally. It also enabled his visit to the Philippines.
During his first visit to the Philippines, Who-ya expressed enthusiasm about exploring loud rock and EDM in the future. If given the chance to compose for a manga adapted into an anime, he chose Drama Queen by Kuraku Ichikawa. He also mentioned a desire to collaborate with ONE OK ROCK, a band he covered in high school.
When asked about his reaction to performing in the Philippines, he said, “My initial reaction was pure happiness. Visiting a new country is always a memorable experience, and this is my first time in the Philippines. I’m grateful for the Filipino fans who support my music.” He also expressed hope for a future solo concert in the country.
As the interview concluded, Who-ya thanked the Filipino fans and expressed his commitment to continuing his music. He encouraged continued support.
This journey highlights the transformative power of music in connecting cultures and inspiring global audiences, urging everyone to pursue their passions with courage and authenticity.
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