MIREI Talks New Concept Album, Her Voice And More

Sep 27, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By WMA Agency

Japanese singer‑songwriter MIREI has released her concept album, ‘Tokyo Stories’ via Cool Japan Music / The Orchard. She spoke to us about the new record, her voice and more:

What is your earliest musical memory?

I remember singing along to CDs my parents rented from the CD shop. One of them was a compilation album of the US Top 50, and I would sing to it in the car. I think I was around three or four years old at the time.

When did you begin songwriting?

I started writing songs in sixth grade. At that time, I was already studying singing and dancing. When I listened to Born This Way by Lady Gaga, I was amazed by how powerful her lyrics and music were. That inspired me to start writing my own songs, and from then on, my dream became to sing my own words in my own voice.

You have your new album Tokyo Stories released on 29th August 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I started making this album during the pandemic, around 2020 or 2021, when everyone had to stay at home and all my tour dates were cancelled. At that time, the only thing I could do was look inward and focus on my feelings. I wanted to sing honestly about what I was going through, and I’m so happy it turned into this album, which beautifully reflects how I feel right now.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I recorded most of the songs in my dorm room. Many of them were produced by my friends Zak Leever and DJ Shiftee. We would spend hours on Zoom, with me opening Logic projects on my computer. They weren’t just composing and producing with me, but also teaching me how to use the software.

For the title track UNSENT, I challenged myself to sing in Japanese as MIREI. I produced that song in Tokyo with my friend Masaaki Saito. I really enjoyed working in both online and offline sessions in different ways.

Do you have any interesting, funny, or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

When I was recording in the dorm, my friend who lived downstairs often played the shamisen. For a moment, we thought about adding it to the project, but in the end we just asked her to stop playing while I was recording. Now that I live alone, maybe for the next album I’ll actually invite her to play shamisen officially, haha.

Who were the musicians on the album with you?

The productions were made by a small team: Zak, Shiftee, Masa, and me. I feel so lucky to have such talented friends to create with.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

We’re a really small team, so we didn’t use much special gear. But when I worked on UNSENT with Masa, he had tons of plugins and we searched for the right tone for me. It reminded me of the feeling of finding my favorite doll in a huge toy box.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Split Personas

b) UNSENT

c) Touyama

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

This is my second full album as MIREI, and unlike my first one, I wrote and recorded all the songs in Tokyo. The album really reflects my daily life in the city, which is why I named it Tokyo Stories. I also hope that people abroad will listen to it and feel inspired to come to Tokyo and experience it themselves.

Was it a difficult album to write?

The process of writing wasn’t too difficult, but at that time I was going to therapy and reflecting deeply on myself. That took a lot of emotional energy, but I’m proud of myself for finishing it, and grateful to my friends who supported me through it.

Who designed the album artwork?

It was done with my MIREI team, but the photo was taken by Misaki Kawabe in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is Osaka. It’s warm, loud, funny, delicious, and lovely.

You have released the track UNSENT. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

When I started writing this song, my friend was stuck in a toxic relationship. Every time we met, she had to tell me about it. To be honest, it was a little annoying because he was obviously not enough for her. But I realized that her frustration and worries were very real. Instead of getting upset with her or him, I turned that energy into music through my own filter of experience. When I’m in love, I get blind too, so it was also a way for me to reflect on my past while watching what my friend was going through, and turn it all into one song.

Do you have a visualiser to accompany the song?

Yes! I’m currently working on the music video and will share it soon. Please look forward to it.

How do you look after your voice?

I have several products from all over the world that I can’t live without. I use different ones depending on the situation. For example, honey when my voice feels tired, or a spray to wake my voice up before singing.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

I would love to tour in the UK or Europe, but unfortunately I don’t have any plans yet. Please invite me! I’m always ready to come to your city.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

First, I want everyone to feel a sense of comfort, that we are all sharing the same generation and the same moment, and that none of us are alone.

Second, I hope the audience leaves wanting a little more, like listening to my songs on the way home, looking back at the videos they took, and searching online for when my next concert will be.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love my custom in-ear monitors from Japan called FitEar. I heard the company originally made hearing aids, so they are very comfortable to wear. The sound is also well-balanced for singing, so I always rely on them.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

There’s a Japanese novel called 傲慢と善良 (Arrogance and Goodness) by Mizuki Tsujimura. It was inspired by Pride and Prejudice. It’s a mystery about modern love life in Japan, and I think it’s painfully relatable for people in their 20s and 30s. These days, we have almost everything, but still don’t feel satisfied, right? I would love to express the different perspectives and emotions in the novel through love songs.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I grew up listening to many genres, but especially Pop, R&B, and Electronic music. As I mentioned, I was strongly influenced by Lady Gaga. Recently, my biggest inspiration has been Charli XCX. I recommend their albums MAYHEM and BRAT.

What makes MIREI happy and what makes you unhappy?

Recently I’ve realized how important to me to follow my senses in daily life. Eating delicious food, wearing a nice perfume, or feeling the comfort of silky or cashmere clothes makes me happy. On the other hand, crowded trains, random insect videos on my feed, or places that are too hot or too cold make me unhappy.