J-Pop Star Ado Started With a 3DS and a Dream | The Anime Effect #64

Summary

In this episode of *The Anime Effect*, the host interviews Ado, a renowned artist whose music has been featured in popular anime such as *Spy Family* and *One Piece Film: Red*. They discuss Ado's unique journey into music, starting with her performances on the Nico Nico app using a 3DS, and her passion for Vocaloid music. The conversation touches on Ado's creative inspiration, her role in the anime community, and the influence of anime on her career. With lighthearted moments, including nostalgic references to the *Rhythm Heaven* game, the interview offers an insightful and engaging look into Ado's artistic journey and her upcoming tour.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ado, a popular Japanese music artist, started her career by sharing videos of herself singing on the Nico Nico app using her 3DS.
• 😀 Ado's name is derived from 'kyogan', a form of traditional Japanese comic theater, referring to a supporting actor, which aligns with her desire to support her fans.
• 😀 Rhythm Heaven is a key part of Ado's childhood, and she fondly remembers the difficulty of acquiring the game, emphasizing its rarity.
• 😀 Ado's music has been featured in popular anime, such as Spy Family and One Piece Film Red, showcasing her contributions to iconic anime franchises.
• 😀 Ado's track 'New Genesis' from One Piece Film Red topped the charts and was nominated for Best Anime Song at the 2023 Anime Awards.
• 😀 The hosts of the Anime Effect podcast admire Ado's unique voice and her ability to connect emotionally with listeners through her music.
• 😀 Ado views herself as a supporting character in her fans' lives, reflecting her role as an artist who uplifts and motivates others.
• 😀 Ado’s music includes a balance of hype songs and more emotional tracks, catering to a diverse emotional range for her audience.
• 😀 The podcast highlights how anime has influenced Ado’s career and how her journey connects deeply with her fans and her art form.
• 😀 The hosts express their excitement for Ado's upcoming tour, and there's a strong connection with her as a guest on the Anime Effect podcast, reflecting mutual admiration.
• 😀 The conversation also touches on nostalgic 3DS games, particularly Tomodachi Life, creating a personal connection between Ado and the hosts.

Q & A

What was Ado's gateway anime that got her into watching anime?

Ado's gateway anime is not explicitly mentioned, but she recalls recognizing the name of a specific anime that had a strong impact on her early experiences with anime.

What role did the 3DS play in Ado's early career?

Ado started her career by sharing videos of herself singing using the Nico Nico app on her 3DS, marking the beginning of her artistic journey.

What was Ado's favorite game to play on her 3DS?

Ado loved playing Rhythm Heaven on her 3DS, though she mentions it was hard to find and that it had limited availability.

Why was Rhythm Heaven hard to find, according to Ado and the hosts?

Rhythm Heaven was in high demand, and the stores could not keep it in stock. Ado mentioned that she had a childhood friend who owned the game, and she would visit to play.

How did Ado's name relate to traditional Japanese theater?

Ado's name is derived from 'kyōgen,' a form of traditional Japanese comic theater. The name refers to the supporting actor in a kyōgen performance, which aligns with her desire to play a supporting role in her fans' lives.

What is Ado's philosophy about being a supporting character in her fans' lives?

Ado embraces the idea of playing a supporting role in her fans' lives, hoping to support them as they experience her music and art, much like the role of a supporting actor in a kyōgen performance.

How did Ado’s music contribute to the One Piece Film Red?

Ado's music played a significant role in the One Piece Film Red, where her powerful voice and music tied the entire film together. One of her songs, 'New Genesis,' topped the charts and was nominated for Best Anime Song at the 2023 Anime Awards.

What emotions does Ado hope her fans experience through her music?

Ado aims to evoke a range of emotions through her music, offering both hype-filled tracks and emotional ballads that fans can connect with, whether they're looking to feel energized or reflect on their feelings.

What game did Ado mention she played with her wife before getting married?

Ado mentioned that she played Tomodachi Life on the Nintendo 3DS, where she 'married' her wife in the game years before they got married in real life.

What is Ado’s most anticipated part of her upcoming tour?

Ado is excited about her upcoming tour, which kicks off in April. She mentioned that if the tour is anything like her previous performances, it will blow everyone's mind with her voice and production.