Mori Calliope teams with Persona’s Shoji Meguro and Lotus Juice on ‘Seeing Stars’

hololive Vtuber and musician Mori Calliope has collaborated with Lotus Juice and Shoji Meguro for her latest single ‘Seeing Stars feat. Lotus Juice’. The track dropped on streaming services on February 27th, with the video premiering on February 28th.

‘Seeing Stars’ will be a welcome sound for fans of Atlus games, particularly the Persona series. Produced by ex-Atlus, now freelance, composer Shoji Meguro, the track is teeming with Persona soundtrack vibes. On X he said, “It has a bit of a Persona 3 vibe? Maybe? Definitely give it a listen!”. The addition of Lotus Juice on vocals alongside Mori’s melodies conjures up a feeling of a phantom Persona 3 song. The lyrics too, allude to Persona references, even just the chorus feels like a big nod to P3:

“In this moment, maybe it’s hopeless (Don’t be afraid) Not knowing if I never try (One day or day one) Changing phases (Yeah), enveloped in moonlight (One more step forward) I can see stars now (Uh-huh), running through an endless sky (Only one moment for you to live, how do you want it?)“

The video features KAMIYA, member of the music unit XAMIYA, performing as Mori. Originally the leader of girl group XG, pre-debut it was decided by producer Simon Jakops that she would be better suited as a soloist. In a post on Instagram, KAMIYA spoke about how much this opportunity with Mori Calliope has meant to her:

“When I was given the opportunity to take on this role, I really took the time to face and understand who Mori Calliope is—and I put my whole heart into this shoot.

Her music and presence exude both kindness and strength. Even in the face of despair in this world, I feel a powerful soul that believes in changing it, even if only little by little. There are so many parts of her music and expression that resonate deeply with my own emotions. They stir something inside me and push me forward.

I, too, once aspired to create music that could be a home for people, a source of courage. As a trainee, I worked hard toward my dream of debuting. But that dream didn’t come true. I remember how lost and alone I felt, thinking that everything I had worked for was meaningless. When I was left out of the debut lineup, the music and dance I once loved started feeling so distant. That period was incredibly painful.

Through those struggles and my own inner conflicts, stepping into the role of Mori Calliope in ‘Seeing Stars feat. Lotus Juice’ became a turning point for me. It allowed me to change my perspective—to look forward instead of back, to face myself and move ahead with determination. I felt a sense of release. This experience has become a major crossroads in my life.”

The video also features Persona 3-like references including KAMIYA as Mori dancing through empty nighttime streets around Tokyo, on rooftops, and even walking through what looks like the lower levels of Tartarus. Lotus Juice is seen in front of and in televisions, evoking imagery of Persona 4. The final shot shows KAMIYA morphing into Mori, raising her hand to her head and symbolising shooting herself, Persona 3 style.

A hand of fate

This feels like a full circle moment for Mori Calliope, as a long-time Persona 3 fan. Desperately wanting to be able to stream Persona 3, she wasn’t allowed due to restrictions from Atlus. In a now infamous broadcast, Mori begged Atlus to allow her to play Persona 3 on stream. 2 years later, she was finally able to play the game for her fans. Fast forward to now, and she’s been able to complete the dream of working with the game’s composer, Shoji Meguro, and vocalist Lotus Juice.

Additionally, Mori recently held her 2nd ever live solo show, titled Grimoire. The sold out performance took place on February 26th at Hollywood Paladium. For those who missed it, the concert is available to stream until 11:59pm (PST) on March 26th. Stream tickets are available here.

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