Dreams take different shapes as we grow, and sometimes, they drift far from where we once envisioned them. Watching a Japanese baseball superstar conquer the world, turning childhood aspirations into unprecedented records, is both inspiring and sobering. As I ride the evening train, my laptop bag slung over my shoulder, I can’t help but reflect—though my own path may not have led to the future I once imagined, I refuse to surrender to the thought that “this wasn’t how it was supposed to be.” Dreams don’t just live in grand victories; they exist in every step forward.
That spirit of perseverance runs through Pathway, the latest album from She Her Her Hers. It’s a record for anyone pushing ahead—whether chasing a lifelong ambition or simply searching for a better direction. The band knows this struggle intimately. By constantly questioning what they truly want to create, refining their identity with their current lineup, and embracing an unexpected wave of popularity in China, they’ve transformed their trajectory
Now, after multiple tours in China, She Her Her Hers is at their strongest, continuously evolving. And this February, they’ll take on their biggest challenge yet—headlining LIQUIDROOM for the first time, a milestone they’ve long dreamed of, marking the grand finale of their Pathway release tour. As they prepare for this defining moment, we spoke with them about their journey in China and what keeps them moving forward.
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Sometimes, Standing Still Is Also “Moving Forward”—Pathway as a Talisman for Listeners – Matsuura
She Her Her Hers’ latest album Pathway is described in the liner notes as “eight stories that move in different directions—forward, backward, sideways—offering moments that might resonate with listeners’ own journeys or provide inspiration along the way.” Could you elaborate on the album’s theme?
Matsuura (Dr): Pathway literally means “route” or “path,” but in a broader sense, it also represents the trajectory of a career or a project, much like in the business world. In daily life, as long as you’ve made a choice and taken a step forward—no matter how small—that in itself is a pathway, even if it feels like you’re standing still. Sometimes, while the world moves in one direction, you might choose another. Some may question or doubt your decision, but the courage to take that step should never be diminished. I wanted to express the idea that “every path is valid” and “every step forward counts.”
Rather than offering clear-cut answers, this album is meant to be something that shines a light on each listener’s journey. I’d love for people to find a song that feels like it was made just for them. There are books and movies where you might not recall the full story, but a single line lingers in your mind. I hope the lyrics and messages we’ve woven into these songs can serve as that kind of guiding presence—like a small talisman for those who listen.
(A photo from left to right) Hiroyasu Takahashi, Taiki Matsuura, and Tomasong form this three-piece alternative band. They released their 3rd album “location” in December 2019. That same year, they signed with the Chinese label “Weary Bird Records” (Taihei Music Group) and completed a successful tour across seven cities in China, marking their successful expansion into Asia. In March 2022, they released the album “Afterglow,” followed by “Diffusion of Responsibility” in November 2023. They then embarked on their largest tour yet, the “Diffusion of Responsibility” Asia Tour 2023-2024, performing 17 shows across 16 cities. In October 2024, they released the album “Pathway” and concluded their tour with a final solo live show at Tokyo’s Ebisu LIQUIDROOM.
That makes sense. It would be hard to say “stopping is also progress” without having lived through such an experience. Was there a time when the band hit a roadblock or felt like it was stuck?
Tomasong (Key): Around 2016, we faced a major shift when a guitarist left the band. It forced us to seriously ask ourselves, “What do we really want to do?” It was a pivotal moment—one where we could have even changed the band’s name. We decided to look inward, leave our old label behind, and start fresh. Letting go of the label’s support was a tough call, but in hindsight, it became the foundation of She Her Her Hers. Officially, we’ve been around since 2011, but that moment felt like a true rebirth for the band.
For someone working at a company, it’s like stepping away from the security of a job to take on something new and uncertain. Looking back, do you have any regrets about that decision?
Tomasong: Not at all. After that, we released “SPIRAL,” and the first label to approach us was a Chinese one. That led us to where we are today, so I’m really glad we made that move.
When you’re working alone on something, it’s easy to feel stuck and struggle to move forward. What do you think can help break free from that kind of situation?
Matsuura: From watching the artists I work with closely, I’ve realized that keeping things in motion is really important. Completely stopping can actually lead to more stress. Pushing yourself too hard can also be draining. It’s not about going at full speed all the time; even slow, steady movement helps maintain that sense of progress. When you’re not in the right mindset but still have things to do, starting with small tasks—things that you can finish quickly—can often help you get into a focused flow.
For She Her Her Hers, the energy we receive from our audience during tours has helped create a positive cycle, where it directly impacts our creative process. The fact that we’re consistently in motion is probably a sign that we’re in a good place.
She Her Her Hers’ philosophy is to keep pushing forward, even in tough times, always facing what they truly want as a band. Reflecting on your journey, what do you consider the pivotal moment in your career?
Takahashi (Vo, Gt): It has to be the 2019 China tour. Back then, I couldn’t even fathom there being an audience in China, let alone the possibility of pulling off a seven-city tour focused on our own headlining shows. But that tour was a game changer. Without it, there’s no doubt that the songs we’ve released since wouldn’t have reached the audience they have today.
Matsuura: It was purely by chance that China was the first to reach out to us, but it could have just as easily been the U.S. or another part of the world. Our sole intention was always simple: to bring our music to places where people would appreciate it. That’s why we’ve been continuously working to connect with more listeners in China, where we were already being heard. In a sense, we’ve been turning a stroke of luck into something inevitable.
Up to this point, it seems like the band’s decision-making process is pretty smooth. Do you ever find yourselves disagreeing as members?
Tomasong: Absolutely, disagreements do come up. But we don’t let the smallest differences slide. We always have a conversation about it. Once we understand where each of us is coming from, we figure out a way forward. We’ve always operated as a DIY band, making decisions step by step. In 2023, we even took the step to incorporate the band. It made us think more about things like finances, and it pushed each of us to see things from different angles. But at the end of the day, we’re all moving toward the same goal, and that’s only deepened our bond as a trio.
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Collaborating with an Engineer on the Mix: “I Wanted to Level Up and Engage in More Equal Conversations” – Takahashi
Takahashi, how did you approach the sound for this album?
Takahashi: Well, on our previous album, most of the tracks were made using a computer, but this time, I really wanted to dive into playing live instruments, like analog synthesizers. The sense of accomplishment and the energy from our 2023 tour left a lasting impact on me, and I wanted to capture that same vibe. To do that, it was crucial to actually play the instruments. While working on a computer makes editing easier, I wanted to keep the imperfections, warmth, and humanity that come with live music. I feel like this approach allowed the album to become much more varied and dynamic.ore varied than ever before.
Given that our tour had grown in scale, I also wanted to elevate the sound to better connect with audiences in larger venues. To bring in some fresh perspectives, I enlisted three engineers to mix the album: Yuto Uchino from The fin., Masahito Komori, who has worked with Hikaru Utada, and Taiji Okuda, known for his work with Tempalay. I wanted to take what I’d created and expand on it, with the help of others’ expertise to really take it to the next level.
Matsuura: I believe a key turning point was his shift towards being more open to collaboration. He used to be the kind of person who preferred doing everything himself. But because of that, this album ended up with such a unique and special touch.
Takahashi: Before, I always felt like if I handed something off, it would block my creative flow. But now, I’ve grown, and I really want to be able to have a more equal conversation with specialists. Though for the next one, I might take the reins again [laughs].
She Her Her Hers’ style, which blends a cool demeanor with a subtle, quiet intensity, feels distinctly their own. How did you come to establish this unique sound?
Takahashi: Honestly, I just keep listening to my own tracks over and over. I’m often caught up in my own demos. Maybe I should branch out and listen to more music [laughs].
Matsuura: It takes me back to something Shintaro Sakamoto once said: “I want to create records that feel like the ones I would want to buy.” That’s the core motivation. Sometimes, the original emerges from the act of imitation.
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Embracing Both the Bitter and the Sweet: The Power of Choice and Personal Growth Through Experience – Tomasong
Could you tell us about the lyrics? The line from “Strawberry Picking”—“You can’t just get the results / Most of life isn’t like picking strawberries”—seems to be a great metaphor for the idea that progress comes after effort.
Matsuura: When I was a kid, I went strawberry picking with my mom, and I remember seeing other people rushing to eat the strawberries without listening to the farmer’s explanation about how he grew them with care. That image stuck with me. Even as a child, I had this feeling of “If I skip the explanation, will those strawberries really taste better?” The taste might be fine, but it doesn’t leave much of an impression. I thought if you can really immerse yourself in the process, you’ll naturally come to love the outcome.
Even the song’s title is rooted in personal experience. The lyrics of “moreish,” which you wrote, “Taste the bitter and sweet, savor every bit, everybody / Embrace both the cool and the vague, all of it,” express a sentiment that’s hard to find in a world focused solely on efficiency and just getting by.
Tomasong: Honestly, it’s the bitter moments that made the sweetness meaningful for us, and that’s where the true joy comes from. Having that contrast is what makes life rich, and that’s why we continue to make choices.
The outcome of those choices depends on us, but nothing will begin if we don’t make the decision to choose. If you’re simply following someone else’s recommendation, it’s hard to say that your true will is behind the decision. I want to keep building experiences where my own choices shape me, and I hope others do the same. If that happens, the world will definitely become more fascinating.
Matsuura: Tomasong is in a phase where he’s really finding his voice, and the things he’s saying are becoming more fascinating.
Tomasong: I moved to Cebu, in August 2024. Now I’m juggling time between Cebu, Japan, and China. I’d always had this thought of wanting to live abroad one day, but the perfect moment never came. I realized waiting for the right timing wasn’t the answer—it’s something you have to create. When you take action, things naturally fall into place. There are some views you can only experience by actually climbing the mountain, right? That idea of “trying things out” has definitely made its way into my lyrics. When I told the two of them about my plan to move abroad, they were genuinely supportive, with a positive reaction like, “That sounds exciting.” I’m grateful for that.
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what we truly want to do. Do you think pursuing what you want means following childhood dreams, or is it about moving toward what excites you in your current circumstances?
Tomasong: “What you want” evolves constantly, but what’s truly important is following your passion. If your childhood dream remains unchanged, that’s something beautiful. Even as adults, if you discover something you want to pursue, go for it. However, more often than not, we unconsciously look for excuses not to. What’s crucial is maintaining that childlike courage to take the first step. If it doesn’t feel right, at least it’s valuable experience. In the end, it’s never too late to begin. I’m learning Chinese now, and there was a time when I thought, “Isn’t it too late to learn a new language in my 40s?” But the truth is, the more you do, the more you grow.
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Evolving the Band: A Version That Leaves Fans Wanting More – The China Tour as a Step Towards Sustainable Growth and Appeal
After the 2023 China tour, She Her Her Hers continued their journey with another tour in China at the end of 2024. How did the response feel this time around?
Matsuura: Following the 2023 China tour, we set a significant goal for this one—making sure that She Her Her Hers wouldn’t just be a passing trend for the Chinese audience, especially post-COVID. Trends inevitably fade, but we wanted to make the audience think, “I want to see them live again.” So, we had discussions with the China team about how we could “evolve the band’s version” to ensure that impact.
Interestingly, She Her Her Hers was the first Japanese band to perform in China after the pandemic. Even during the pandemic, our music was still being heard, so for the fans who had been waiting, the 2023 China tour was highly anticipated, drawing 15,000 attendees. That’s why we aimed to make this recent tour a step forward, surpassing the last one.
Takahashi: This time, we really focused on the visual aspect of the experience. In our previous tour, we created an immersive atmosphere with a mist we produced ourselves, combined with lighting and live performance as the core elements. The goal was to make the venue feel like an installation the moment people walked in. For this tour, we took it a step further by incorporating visuals. We specifically selected venues with LED equipment on stage, and made sure to engage multiple senses—sight, sound, and smell—to fully immerse the audience in She Her Her Hers’ world. With such a strong turnout, we’re excited to keep raising the bar for the band’s future.
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Performing in Peak Condition: The Long-Awaited Debut at LIQUIDROOM
With the band’s growing fanbase and an evolved sound, the grand finale of their latest tour will take place at LIQUIDROOM this February. This marks the band’s debut at the iconic venue, promising a memorable live experience.
Matsuura: LIQUIDROOM is a milestone for any band, a place we’ve long admired. The sound is always spot on, no matter where you are in the venue, and the overall atmosphere is effortlessly cool. Above all, Yamane, the head of LIQUIDROOM, is a true music lover with a genuine passion for people. As our fanbase continues to grow in Japan, I dream of one day doing a five-day run at LIQUIDROOM instead of moving to a larger venue [laughs]. It’s an honor to perform at such a legendary venue at this moment in our band’s journey, and I’m absolutely thrilled about it. A “first time” is always special, and I hope this marks the beginning of a bright future with many more memorable performances to come.
Takahashi: We’ve crafted a setlist with an incredible flow for this tour, and the response in China has been phenomenal. There were even times when I thought we were at our peak, only to realize we still had more songs left to perform.
Matsuura: You’re being so calm about it [laughs].
Takahashi: We had to make some tough decisions and cut a few songs to perfect the flow of the setlist, but this one is exclusive to this tour, and I’m really looking forward to performing it. I’m especially excited to play in a more intimate setting, compared to the larger venues we’ve performed in China, like those even bigger than LIQUIDROOM.
Tomasong: As both of them have mentioned, the incredible response we’ve been getting on this China tour has been something we’ve all shared as a band and with our staff. Everyone is keeping their sights set on LIQUIDROOM as the ultimate goal. I’m confident it’s going to be something truly unforgettable.
She Her Her Hers “Pathway
Release Date: 2024.10.30 (Wed.)
Label: Conditioner Label
Tracklist:
01. Ethos
02. Thirsty
03. Strawberry Picking
04. Strawberry Picking
05. Dreamkiller
06. Dreamkiller
07. Pulse
08. Last Days
Distribution link: https: //shhhs.lnk.to/Pathway
<She Her Her Hers “Pathway” Release Tour 2024-2025 Final>
2025/2/20 (Thu) Tokyo Ebisu LIQUIDROOM
Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00
Tickets: Standing
General Advance Ticket (tax included) ¥4,500
Student Advance Ticket (tax included) ¥2,500
*Drinks are additional.
Ticket link: https://shhhs.lnk.to/Pathway
*All standing
*Up to 4 tickets per person
*Electronic tickets only
*Children under school age can enter for free with a guardian.
Inquiries: SMASH
