Seven-member Japanese dance and vocal group KID PHENOMENON made their U.S. performance debut at SXSW this past March. Comprising Kensuke, Kota, Soma, Rui, Tsubasa, Shunnosuke, and Kohaku, the group takes pride in crafting a sound they call “TOKYO NEO POP.” This electronic-pop mix takes influence from anime and gaming, which is central to their sound and can be heard on songs like their new single, “Black Flame.”
Although I wasn’t able to catch their set in Austin, I connected with them by email to talk about their Tokyo-inspired sound, their SXSW performance, and what’s next for the group. This was a great opportunity to get to know them a bit more, and I’m looking forward to their next time back in the States!
How does being from Tokyo shape your music and overall sound?
KENSUKE: Tokyo is a place where many different cultures coexist. We are influenced by these diverse cultures, learn from them, and express them through our own filter as a style we call “TOKYO NEO POP.”
I really enjoyed your single “Black Flame” and thought it was very cool that it’s the opening theme for the anime “The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess.” What was recording that song like, and how does it feel to be part of an anime now?
KOTA: By becoming the opening theme for The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess, I think it’s great that the song’s dark and dramatic world can reach even more people. There are many elements that connect with the story, and it feels like the music and the anime come together as one to complete a single work. During recording, I paid special attention to how I used my vocal range—keeping the lower parts intentionally heavy and dark, while adding a bit of edge to the higher notes instead of just pushing them. I focused on creating a clear contrast throughout the song so that listeners could feel a stronger sense of drama.
What are some of your favorite anime that you would recommend people check out?
SOMA: My favorite anime is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Please check it out!
RUI: I highly recommend Blue Lock! It’s a soccer anime, and each character has such a strong personality that once you watch it, you’ll definitely find a favorite.
For people who saw KID PHENOMENON live for the first time at SXSW, what do you hope they took away from your set?
TSUBASA: I hope they could feel the energy that can only be experienced live from KID PHENOMENON. And through our music, I want them to experience Japanese culture that we’ve grown up with, expressed through TOKYO NEO POP.
SHUNNOSUKE: I’d be really happy if we could make it a time where we share the music and dance we love together. When we perform live, we focus on creating a package where we ourselves can truly enjoy the performance from the bottom of our hearts. That’s why we want to share that same music and experience with everyone.
What has been the most memorable moment of your time as a group so far?
KOHAKU: The first day of our Musha Shugyo (training tour) during Chapter 2 of the iCON Z audition was our very first time performing in front of fans as KID PHENOMENON. The venue was filled with far more fans than we had imagined. That is a sight I will never forget.
What is next in store for KID PHENOMENON for the rest of 2026?
KENSUKE: We want fans around the world to look forward to us delivering even better music and creating even greater works. And we’ll do our very best to meet fans around the world in person and to be a source of support in their daily lives, even if just a little.
“Black Flame” is now streaming on all platforms.
Follow KID PHENOMENON on social media:
TikTok: @Kid_phenomenon
Instagram: @kid_phenomenon
X: @kid_phenomenon
