Sendai’s visual kei legends NIGHTMARE are preparing for a landmark year as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. With their European tour, ‘The WORLD TOUR 2025’, just around the corner, the band are set to bring their music to long-time fans across the continent for the first time.
From their early days as a high school band to achieving global recognition with iconic tracks like ‘The WORLD’ and ‘Alumina’—both immortalised by their connection to the anime DEATH NOTE—NIGHTMARE are now entering a new phase of growth following their return from hiatus in 2020.
In this exclusive interview, YOMI, HITSUGI, SAKITO, Ni~ya, and RUKA share their thoughts on 25 years as a band, their first European tour, and the songs that shaped their career.
This will be your first European tour. How are you feeling?
YOMI: I’m really looking forward to meeting our fans in Europe for the first time!
HITSUGI: To be honest, I’ve always wanted to go sooner, but now I’m just happy that it’s finally happening.
SAKITO: We’ve had discussions about doing a European tour in the past, but the timing never seemed to work out. I’m thrilled that we can make it happen now, especially as part of our 25th anniversary.
Ni~ya: Other than France, this will be my first time visiting these countries, so I’m really excited.
RUKA: Although the number of shows has been reduced from what we originally planned, I’m still just as excited. I only speak Japanese, so I hope you’ll bear with me.
The tour is named after your iconic song ‘The WORLD’ from DEATH NOTE. Is this a hint we’ll be hearing songs from that era on the tour?
YOMI: I think many fans first discovered NIGHTMARE through our anime tie-in song, so I plan to include it in the setlist for this tour.
HITSUGI: Please look forward to it.
SAKITO: That might be true. I think we’ll be performing many songs that overseas fans are familiar with.
Ni~ya: Yes, that’s right.
RUKA: Of course, I think we’ll play some older songs too.
“Many people will be seeing NIGHTMARE live for the first time. I’m determined to make it a show that truly showcases how cool we are.”
– YOMI, Vocals
With your packed schedule, will you have any time for sightseeing? Are there any places you’re hoping to see?
YOMI: It doesn’t look like we’ll have time for sightseeing, so I’d be happy just to enjoy some delicious local food!
HITSUGI: I’m interested in World Heritage sites, so I’d like to see them, but I’m also looking forward to just being able to see the cityscapes.
SAKITO: It seems like we won’t have much time, but I’ve been really into 80s UK music lately, so I’d love to do some sightseeing in London if possible.
Ni~ya: I’d like to visit Elizabeth Tower.
RUKA: I’d be happy if we could do some sightseeing, but we’ll see. Even just taking in the cityscapes would be great.
Your recent performance at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall paid homage to your legendary 2005 ‘Tenka Dai Boso’ show. How did it feel to return, and did any moments bring back memories or a sense of déjà vu from that original concert?
YOMI: It was a live performance where I could really feel how much both the band and I have grown since then.
HITSUGI: There was definitely a sense of nostalgia, but the venue felt smaller than it did back then, which made me happy because it showed how much we’ve grown.
SAKITO: It was a strange feeling. There were many moments that felt just like déjà vu. It wasn’t just a simple homage—it felt like we were returning to the same place after building on the band’s history, like climbing a spiral staircase.
Ni~ya: Since it was a revival live, we performed with the same setlist as back then, but it was challenging. Especially the medley.
RUKA: It was an experimental live where we played the same songs in the same place. While it didn’t feel exactly like it did back then, it was still deeply moving.
You performed your first overseas show in Paris back in 2013 at Japan Expo. How was that experience for you?
YOMI: I was amazed and so happy to see how many people knew about NIGHTMARE.
HITSUGI: The audience’s reaction was completely different from in Japan—their voices and responses felt much louder.
SAKITO: That was my first live performance overseas. Having so many people in the audience come to see us made it a truly wonderful experience.
Ni~ya: Thanks to the fans in Paris and those who came from other countries, it turned into a fantastic show that gave the band a lot of confidence.
RUKA: It was an incredible experience. Until then, we had only ever performed in Japan, so this being my first overseas show made it truly unforgettable. I’m so happy that we’ll be able to return again this time.
Celebrating 25 Years of NIGHTMARE
You’ve been together for nearly 25 years, starting as a high school band. How do you stay inspired to create new music after so long?
YOMI: I think we’ve been able to continue for so long because we respect each other while maintaining just the right amount of distance between the five of us.
HITSUGI: I’d say it’s because we’ve kept a healthy balance in our relationships.
SAKITO: I think one key is that we’re always taking in new influences (whether from music or other sources) to keep inspiring ourselves.
Ni~ya: I try to bring a breath of fresh air to the band, even if it’s just in small ways, to avoid getting stuck in a rut.
RUKA: Sometimes I draw inspiration from our past songs, and since I love traveling, I also find inspiration in the places I visit.
“I think the influence on the roots of NIGHTMARE’s music is still very significant. But now, I feel like we’re creating music that only NIGHTMARE can produce.”
– HITSUGI, Guitar
You’ve mentioned X Japan and Luna Sea as early influences. Have NIGHTMARE’s influences changed since then, and how?
YOMI: I’ve started listening to a wider variety of artists across different genres than I did before, so I think both the band and I have expanded our expressive range.
HITSUGI: I think the influence on the roots of NIGHTMARE’s music is still very significant. But now, I feel like we’re creating music that only NIGHTMARE can produce.
SAKITO: Of course, the influence of X Japan and Luna Sea hasn’t changed, but personally, I’ve recently been heavily influenced by 80s music, especially electro, goth, and new wave.
Ni~ya: Personally, nothing has changed for me.
RUKA: I think we are always changing. We keep discovering new artists and songs, and I believe we’re continuously influenced by them.
Your songs for the DEATH NOTE anime series brought NIGHTMARE significant international recognition. How do you feel that success has shaped the band’s journey over the years, particularly in connecting with fans outside Japan?
YOMI: Being able to contribute songs to DEATH NOTE gave people in Japan and overseas the chance to discover NIGHTMARE, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
HITSUGI: I’m deeply thankful for it.
SAKITO: There are times when overseas fans come to our concerts in Japan, and that makes me very happy. I’m also looking forward to meeting the fans in Europe this time.
Ni~ya: Since the release of ‘the WORLD’, more people have been listening to NIGHTMARE, and it’s made me appreciate the joy of music more than ever.
RUKA: I think it’s what led to our first performance in Paris and now to this upcoming European tour.
“I’m looking forward to finally touring in Europe… I’ll do my best to make this the best tour ever.”
– SAKITO, Guitar
In 2007, your Kyokuto Symphony ~The Five Stars Night~ concert at the Budokan sold out in just two weeks. Looking back, what impact did that milestone performance have on NIGHTMARE’s career?
YOMI: It gave me confidence in the music and live performances we’ve developed over the years.
HITSUGI: Since it was our first concert at Nippon Budokan, I still remember it as a very significant live event. However, this is just one milestone, so I hope to continue putting on good performances.
SAKITO: Performing at Budokan was one of the band’s dreams, so I have very happy memories of that night. It was also special because it was the first time I could proudly invite my parents to a show.
Ni~ya: It was a live performance that gave me a sense of accomplishment from achieving a dream, while also pushing me to tell myself, “I’ve got to work harder!”.
RUKA: Budokan was a major milestone for us, so it holds a special place in my memories.
You’ve experienced both commercial success and underground popularity. How have those two aspects of your career shaped your perspective as artists?
SAKITO: Simply having the opportunity to gain so many different experiences is something I find incredibly valuable.
RUKA: Since what we’re doing hasn’t really changed, I haven’t given it much thought.
You’ve been involved in several charity events, including fundraising for earthquake victims in your hometown of Sendai. How does it feel to be able to use your platform for causes like this?
YOMI: We started participating in charity and volunteer activities after the Great East Japan Earthquake. I’m grateful to all the fans who always help with charities.
SAKITO: I always hope that our work can be of help to someone. In the future, I’d like to find more ways to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Ni~ya: I did this because I wanted to help the disaster-stricken areas in any way I could. I can only express my gratitude to the fans who helped.
RUKA: The Great East Japan Earthquake was an incredibly difficult experience for us as well. If our fundraising and other efforts have even slightly contributed to our hometown, it makes me truly happy.
“When the world hit rock bottom due to the coronavirus pandemic, we were creating the album… I feel like making an album in such a situation helped me develop perseverance.”
– Ni~ya, Bass
You’ve mentioned in recent interviews that the 25th anniversary feels more significant to you than previous milestones. Can you tell us more about that?
SAKITO: Because of the first challenges in our 25th year (such as the nationwide tour in Japan), I expect that overcoming this will allow the band to grow again.
Ni~ya: I deliberately chose a thorny path. It feels like a life-or-death decision (laughs).
RUKA: I think the most significant factor is that we weren’t able to do what we wanted for our 20th anniversary due to the impact of the pandemic. That’s why I want this 25th anniversary to be a year where we can make up for that.
Post-Hiatus: NIGHTMARE’s Next Chapter
After your return from hiatus in 2020, you released ‘NOX:LUX’, your first album in 7 years. What was the creative process like for this album, and how did it feel to release new music together after such a long break?
YOMI: During our hiatus, each of us focused on solo activities. I think ‘NOX:LUX’ became an album that reflects the growth we achieved during that time.
HITSUGI: Thanks to each of us gaining experience through different projects during the hiatus, I believe we were able to create an album that further expanded our capacity as NIGHTMARE.
SAKITO: Album production is always challenging, but this time, I personally had a clear vision of the final product early on, so I felt a greater sense of fulfilment throughout the process. Having had a blank period, we had accumulated a lot of ideas, and it was fun to bring them to life.
Ni~ya: When the world hit rock bottom due to the coronavirus pandemic, we were creating the album, so it was tough in a lot of ways. But I feel like making an album in such a situation helped me develop perseverance. In the end, I’m really glad we made it.
RUKA: Since it was after our hiatus, I was nervous. But it was also an opportunity for each of us to showcase what we gained from our solo activities.
“We weren’t able to do what we wanted for our 20th anniversary… that’s why I want this 25th anniversary to be a year where we can make up for that.”
– RUKA, Drums
Your singles ‘Kuon’ and ‘Labyrinth’ were released this year. Can you tell us about the themes behind these songs and how they represent where NIGHTMARE are musically right now?
SAKITO: NIGHTMARE’s music is rich in diversity, and I think these two singles represent the mellow and pop aspects of it.
Ni~ya: It’s like a step up towards our 25th year.
RUKA: They are complementary songs. I think it’s interesting how we ended up with this kind of division, even though it wasn’t intentional. Over time, I think we’ll understand where these songs stand.
With both a European tour, and a 50-date Japan tour coming up, how do you manage to balance your touring schedule with writing and recording new music?
YOMI: It’s going to be a busy year, but I’m committed to taking care of my health and throat to make it the best year possible.
SAKITO: I always plan ahead and make the most of my spare time. I know I’ll need to put in a lot of effort and really give it my all.
RUKA: All I can say is that I’ll do my best.
You’ve expressed interest in doing more overseas shows. After the European tour, where would you like to perform next? Are there any specific places you’d like to visit?
YOMI: I’d like to visit South America, as I get many comments on my Instagram from fans there.
HITSUGI: I’d love to visit Italy as well.
SAKITO: As well as North America, South America, I’d also like to perform in Southeast Asia.
Ni~ya: North America or South America.
RUKA: I’m open to going anywhere!
We look forward to seeing you perform in London for the first time! Anything you’d like to say to your European fans ahead of the tour?
YOMI: I think many people will be seeing NIGHTMARE live for the first time. I’m determined to make it a show that truly showcases how cool we are, so please look forward to it!
HITSUGI: My parents love the Beatles, so just being able to experience London (home of the famous Abbey Road Studios) is exciting. On top of that, I’ll be performing on stage there, so I want to make it an amazing night with all our fans.
SAKITO: I’m looking forward to finally touring in Europe, and I’m so excited! I’ll do my best to make this the best tour ever, so please look forward to it.
Ni~ya: I’m incredibly happy to be performing live in London, the sacred land of rock. Let’s all make it the best night ever!
RUKA: I’m really looking forward to being able to go on a live tour in Europe this time. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting for so long, but I hope you’ll come and have fun with us. Thank you!
NIGHTMARE The WORLD TOUR 2025
- 18th January (Sat) – Finland, Helsinki, Ääniwalli
- 19th January (Sun) – England, London, O2 Academy Islington
- 21st January (Tue) – France, Paris, Alhambra
- 23rd January (Thur) – Germany, Cologne, Kantine
- 25th January (Sat) – Germany, Hamburg, Grosse Freiheit
Tickets for the ‘NIGHTMARE The WORLD TOUR’, the band’s first ever European tour, are now available via the Envolprod official website.
NIGHTMARE
the WORLD Ruler
Release Date: 27/02/2007
Label: VAP
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
CD: CDJapan
NIGHTMARE
NOX:LUX
Release Date: 16/03/2022
Label: littleHEARTS.Music/Happinet Media
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
CD: CDJapan
NIGHTMARE
Kuon
Release Date: 21/08/2024
Label: Independent
Stream: Apple Music
