We had a chat with the band members Arata-san (vocals) and Reiji-san (guitar, keyboards) of THE SIXTH LIE during Japan Expo Paris. Over the course of their visit, they gave three performances, held autograph sessions, and took part in various other events. In this conversation we explore what inspired them to create three of their well‑known anime tracks: “Hibana” and “Yuusetsu” for Golden Kamuy and “Shadow is the Light” for A Certain Scientific Accelerator, which we were fortunate enough to experience.
Q: I’d like to get to know you a little before we begin. If you could step into the world of Golden Kamuy, which group would you choose to be part of: Sugimoto’s team, the 7th Division, or Hijikata’s crew? What’s your reasoning?
Arata-san: I’d opt for Tsurumi’s group. It feels like a place where I would naturally belong.
Reiji-san: As for me, I’d pick Hijikata’s team. They’re a collection of powerful individuals, and I think I’d blend in better when each person is concentrating on their own talents.
Q: As an outsider, I was impressed that an anime explored that unique era after the Russo‑Japanese War and before the First World War. Were you already acquainted with this period of Japanese history before Golden Kamuy? Also, how about Ainu culture?
Reiji-san: Regarding that wartime period, we covered it in school, naturally. Yet, watching the anime—especially the stretch between seasons 1 and 3—opened my eyes to a depth of Ainu traditions I’d never explored before.
Arata-san: In third grade my grandmother took me to an Ainu performance. Although I was quite drowsy back then, growing up I came to hold deep respect and a strong curiosity for their heritage.
Q: Your music is known for its “future rock” vibe, merging electronic and rock flavors. I find it striking that your debut anime track was for a period piece like Golden Kamuy. Integrating that futuristic sound with the series’ narrative—was it challenging? And what makes “Hibana” resonate so strongly?
Arata-san: We’re pleasantly surprised at its international reception.
Reiji-san: Our primary direction is futuristic electro‑rock. For this project, however, we stepped away from the electronic aspect and leaned into a heavier rock style to better align with the atmosphere of Golden Kamuy.
Q: Earlier you highlighted that life and death are pivotal themes in Golden Kamuy. As a non‑Japanese speaker, I found the track steeped in nostalgia and melancholy. Which part of the music created that atmosphere?
Arata-san: At first, I wasn’t certain whether I was deliberately toggling a “switch.” However, the music itself carries a natural darkness, and I find myself instantly pulled into that mood.
Reiji-san: Absolutely, those classic rock vibes were formative for us. For Golden Kamuy we deliberately moved away from our typical style, drawing on older rock that we loved growing up as a source of inspiration. This is why the track’s rhythm strikes a chord with listeners from other countries.
Q: You noted that “Hibana” has the feel of an opening theme, and I’m inclined to agree. What differentiates an opening song from an ending song in anime?
Both: Typically, opening themes burst with high‑energy excitement to kick off an episode, while ending tracks tend to linger with a softer, contemplative mood. For “Hibana,” however, we aimed for that upbeat, intense feel because we wanted a heavier, punchier composition.
Q: Regarding ending themes, you also performed “Yuusetsu,” Golden Kamuy’s third ending theme. You mentioned that you were inspired by an Ainu belief that all beings and objects have a purpose. How else has learning about Ainu culture shaped your approach to Golden Kamuy?
Reiji-san: In Ainu tradition, there is a notion that every object holds a spirit or deity. This perspective motivated us to treat our instruments and all aspects of our sound with greater respect and care.
Q: Shifting to the A Certain Magical Index series, which ability would you choose for yourself and what’s your reasoning?
Arata-san: I’d go with the power of flight—no doubt, it’d be super handy for getting around.
Reiji-san: It’s a real dilemma for me, as every ability here is just too overwhelming to pick just one! [laughs]
Q: For “Shadow is the Light,” the opening track of A Certain Scientific Accelerator, you ventured into sci‑fi territory. How did you blend your own style? And what inspired the title?
Reiji-san: The A Certain Magical Index franchise already had a solid sonic identity, so we merged that with THE SIXTH LIE’s distinctive approach. The result is a blend of our band’s character and the series’ existing mood.
Arata-san: As for the title, the lyrics were penned by Ray. The song conveys that humans are born bearing both virtue and vice, and the phrase captures that duality.
Q: The A Certain Magical Index franchise spans many media, including light novels and manga. How did you handle the abundance of references and source material?
Reiji-san: When we contributed to Golden Kamuy, it was still a fresh series for us. By the time we worked on A Certain Scientific Accelerator, however, we had been watching it since we were kids, so the world felt familiar.
Q: Arata-san, you said you tapped into a darker aspect to portray Accelerator. How did you enter the mindset of this anti‑hero with his extreme powers? Was there a particular technique you used?
Arata-san: Initially, I wasn’t certain whether I was deliberately toggling a “switch.” However, the music itself carries a natural darkness, and I find myself instantly pulled into that mood.
Q: You noted that Western groups like Linkin Park were an influence. In Latin America, many scenes from series such as Dragon Ball and Naruto have been paired with Linkin Park tracks. Are there any anime or games you’d love to see your music combined with?
Arata-san: The film Akira.
Reiji-san: The series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. We’re recording a cover of one of its songs for Japan Expo. Incidentally, Chikahiro Kobayashi, who voices Sugimoto in Golden Kamuy, also appears in Cyberpunk 2077.
Q: Which other nations would you love to explore for future shows or tours?
Arata-san: The United States. We still haven’t set foot there.
Reiji-san: It’s been seven years since our last visit to France, and we’d be thrilled to receive another invitation to return.
We’d like to express our gratitude to Arata-san and Reiji-san for granting this interview and for offering a glimpse into their creative journey. We look forward to seeing them at upcoming events!
Concert photography courtesy of @cdecasa_s (me)
Check out more anime coverage at Info Anime & manga terbaru.
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