INDEX
Expressing Meaning Through the Unique Phrase “Nemuru Walls”
The sound of this album is incredible. The bold moments hit with impact, while the delicate ones remain beautifully fragile and clear. Instead of following a single, linear flow of time, the music feels like a collection of fragmented moments pieced together—creating a sense of time unfolding through accumulation. That quality resonates deeply with the album’s transcendent storytelling.
Suzuki： The way the sound suddenly grows loud, then fades into near silence, or even includes barely audible elements—that might be a signature of my arrangement style. What I really want to express is the landscape of emotions and memories that come from within.
Inoue, did your approach to singing change in any way for this album?
Inoue： With each release, I feel like singing is becoming more natural for me. This album probably required the fewest takes so far. I’ve always wanted to become a better singer, but that doesn’t mean I’m aiming for technical perfection. More than anything, I just want to be able to sing in a way that truly feels right.
Inoue: In that sense, I think this album contains the best singing I’ve ever done. This time, I made a conscious effort not to overanalyze the lyrics. Of course, I thought about them, but I didn’t want to infuse too much emotion. A vocalist plays a complex role—they’re the protagonist, the narrator, and sometimes even an omniscient presence. I feel that singing with a neutral, almost detached approach allows the emotions to reach the listener more directly. I’ve always admired singers who can do that, and I think it happened naturally for me this time.
The title “Nemuru Walls” combines the phonetic impression of “nemuru” (to sleep) with the meaning and visual complexity of the kanji “Nemu” (meaning joy in togetherness). Meanwhile, “walls” seems to hint at the barriers between people. How did you come up with this title?
Suzuki: At the core of this album is the idea of “what can be shared and what cannot.” I came across the word “nemu” while reading, and its sound felt deeply personal—like “nemuru” (to sleep), which is an inherently solitary act. But when you write it as “Nemuru,” it evokes something entirely different.he word “nemuru,” it feels like something else rises up.
Inoue: It carries the meaning of “the joy of coming together,” right?
Suzuki: Exactly. I’ve always been drawn to a quiet sense of optimism within resignation, and I think that’s what I naturally pursue in my work. The word “Nemuru” felt like it held that same essence.
