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Mai Oono Talks Career, Inspiration, and Dreams with Kimi to Band

Mai Oono, celebrated as “Japan’s most beautiful drummer,” opens up about her journey with Kimito Band, her inspirations, challenges, and future aspirations. A must-read interview for J-POP fans!

Mai Oono, known as “Japan’s most beautiful drummer,” has captivated audiences not only with her striking looks but also with her remarkable talent as a member of Kimi to Band. As the band continues to gain recognition, Oono has emerged as a symbol of determination, creativity, and artistry in the J-POP scene.

In this exclusive interview, Mai Oono shares insights into her early career struggles, how she found her place in music, and her experiences with Kimi to Band, including their national tours and album production. She also reflects on her dual career as a musician and gravure model, how it influences her identity, and the challenges she faces in balancing both worlds.

For fans eager to learn more about the woman behind the drums, Mai discusses her personal interests, the creative process behind her performances, and the importance of the band’s collective goal to perform at the iconic Nippon Budokan. Her words provide a glimpse into the heart of an artist striving to make her mark in both music and modeling.

Read on to discover Mai Oono’s thoughts on her career, her inspirations, and what the future holds for Kimi to Band in this in-depth interview.


Interview with Mai Oono of “Kimi to Band”

Part 1: Early Career and Inspiration

  1. Can you share your early experiences with music and how they influenced your career, particularly your decision to become a drummer?
  2. What inspired you to start playing drums? Why did you choose drums over other instruments?
  3. How was “Kimi to Band” formed, and what was the initial vision for the group?

Response:

  • Kimito Band was formed rather suddenly while I was with my previous agency, and I was invited to join as a member. I entered this industry aiming to be a model, but I wasn’t successful and didn’t have any work at the time. For me, the band and the role of a drummer gave me a place to belong. I started with the simple mindset of giving it my all without overthinking things. Since I knew nothing about bands, I chose the drums because I liked the “sound” the most. In the early days, I had no one around me who played music, so I spent a lot of time watching drummer videos on YouTube. I didn’t have a clear vision and simply focused on getting through each live performance one at a time.

Part 2: Experiences and Achievements

  1. What were some of the most memorable moments from your national tour?
  2. Your debut album, Kimi to Band no 1, received significant attention. What was your approach to its production, and what message did you aim to convey?
  3. How have performances at major venues, such as Zepp Haneda, influenced your growth as an artist?

Response:

  • Kimi to Band didn’t have a title track until this album, which included the song “Kimi to Band” as its title track. It’s often performed as the opening song during our live shows, and it carries a strong message about our journey and momentum as a band. During live performances, I can feel the energy from the fans soar when this song begins. Naturally, we also placed “Kimi to Band” as the first track on the album.
    Performing at large venues comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of attracting audiences, but there are experiences and insights that can only be gained by overcoming these challenges. The memories of performing at Zepp Haneda always give me a push whenever things get tough.

Part 3: Appearance and Public Image

  1. You’ve been described as “Japan’s most beautiful drummer.” What are your thoughts on this title, and how has it impacted your public and professional life?
  2. Many fans first discovered you through your work in gravure modeling. How do you balance public perception of your appearance with your identity as a musician?
  3. How do you think your appearance influences your role within the band and your interactions with fans?
  4. How has your experience as a gravure model affected your stage presence and performance style?
  5. What are the challenges and benefits of managing both a music and modeling career?
  6. How do you handle the pressure and expectations of maintaining your appearance while focusing on your music career?

Response:

  • Since I wasn’t originally aiming to join a band, I don’t mind being highlighted for things other than drumming—in fact, I find it an honor. However, managing both roles means there’s simply more to work on, and I need to keep making an effort in various areas. If I can pull it off and establish myself in multiple fields, I believe I can become a truly unique and irreplaceable presence. Additionally, having another job or area to focus on provides me with a sense of stability when one aspect of my work isn’t going well.

Part 4: Personal Interests and Influences

  1. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music, and how do they influence your work as a musician?
  2. We’ve heard you have an interest in visual arts. How does that passion influence your stage performances or music videos?

Response:

  • I enjoy reading manga. Immersing myself in an unrealistic world helps me switch gears smoothly, even when I feel stuck at work. I don’t know if it’s artistic, but I love planning outfits and making sure that the visuals at our live shows are engaging and enjoyable.

Part 5: Future Goals and Projects

  1. What are the goals for “Kimi to Band” moving forward? We’ve heard you aim to perform at Nippon Budokan—could you share more about that?
  2. Are there any specific projects or collaborations related to your national tour that you’re particularly excited about?

Response:

  • Since we’re a group of individuals who didn’t know much about music when we started, I think having a clear goal helps keep us united. Nippon Budokan is a place everyone recognizes, and the goal of performing there keeps us together as a team. To achieve this, we work backward to determine what we need to do every day and make a clear plan to put in the effort.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mai Oono for sharing her journey and insights with us. We also appreciate the support from Kimi to Band’s management and Mr. Yamazaki for helping coordinate this interview. We look forward to seeing what’s next for Kimi to Band!