It’s time for Penang Anime Matsuri — the hottest summer anime party in Malaysia! Scheduled for the 7th and 8th of July 2018 at the SPICE Convention Center, Malaysian anime fans can enjoy only the best of anime, cosplay, and gaming, plus two nights of I Love Anisong with BAND-MAID, Luna Haruna, Konomi Suzuki, and the amazing young talent Shiena Nishizawa!

The brilliant yung vocalist and guitarist Shiena Nishizawa has had a very busy schedule these past few months! WOW Japan is privileged to spend a few minutes with her to answer some questions for Penang Anime Matsuri. Check out her interview below!

Is this your first trip to Penang? What are you looking forward to? Is there any Malaysian food you would like to try?

Yes, it’s my first time. I live in a place called Saitama in Japan, and it’s a landlocked area, so I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful ocean in Penang! I wanted to take a nice photo by the beach, so I even bought a cute hat and dress ♪ I love eating, so I am really looking forward to some Malaysian food!

Congratulations on your new double A-side single “Meteor/New Generation”! Please share some thoughts about your latest release. What was the easiest thing about doing the single? What was the most challenging thing?

For “Meteor”, I didn’t have too much trouble so far, and I had a lot of fun competing the song. But “New Generation” was pretty tough. I put in a lot of English words, and it was difficult choosing words that fit the rhythm of the song. Also, since there are few places where I can take a breath, recording was also very challenging. But the happiness I felt when we finished the song was massive!

Do you get nervous about performing new songs onstage? Have you ever made a mistake? How do you deal with it?

I don’t know what kind of reaction I’ll get (from the audience), so I do tend to get nervous. So I when I feel nervous, I try to sing with all my might, and focus on the fans singing along and having fun.

If you were not a musician, what kind of job would you have wanted?

I have no idea… When I was little I thought I wanted to be a manga artist, but it didn’t really feel like it was something I would be seriously doing as a career. I don’t think I am well-suited for any jobs other than being a musician.

Lastly, please leave a message for your fans in Malaysia.

For all the people who will see me for the first time! I’d like to create a rocking stage that people will enjoy from the very bottom of my heart! Give yourself up to music, and get ready to have some fun working up a sweat!

• Event Information
Penang Anime Matsuri

7th and 8th July 2018
SPICE Convention Center
Tickets via GRABAPOP.COM