On the day of their explosive show at Rock for People, we had the chance to sit down with Sena, guitarist of the Japanese visual kei metal band JILUKA. Meeting him in person felt like meeting a character from a fantasy world – graceful, radiant, and magnetic. Despite his striking presence, Sena was warm, approachable, and genuinely curious -he smiled the whole time and even asked us questions, making the whole interview feel like a conversation between friends.
In our talk, Sena opened up about what fuels his creativity, shared his love for anime and time-travel stories, and revealed his dreams of performing in front of massive mosh pits and walls of death. He also spoke passionately about JILUKA’s evolving sound, which he describes as Electronic Gothic Metal—a genre they are proudly shaping themselves.
Curious about the difference between Japanese and European fans? Wondering which anime series Sena recommends? Or how he spends his free time on tour?
Read on -you won’t be disappointed.
It’s so nice to meet you! We’re really excited about the concert. Are you excited as well?
Sena: Yes! This is our first time in the Czech Republic, so I’m really looking forward to the show!
I’d love to ask you about your creative process. What inspires you the most?
Sena: So many things! Movies, nature… I find inspiration in all kinds of places.
Do you feel there’s a difference between Japanese and European audiences – like during concerts?
Sena: Definitely. In Japan, fans express their passion more through movement and gestures, while European fans are louder. It’s very different – but really interesting!
Do you know anything about the Czech Republic? What comes to mind when you hear “Czech Republic”?
Sena: Praha? (pronouncing it the Czech way) Yes, Praha! Honestly, I’d really love to visit, but our stay is short this time. Hopefully next time! I can’t wait to see the city.
Do you have a dream stage or festival you’d love to perform at?
Sena: Bigger stages, huge crowds… I’d love to see a massive circle pit, a mosh pit, even a wall of death. That’s the dream!
What do you like to do in your free time besides music?
Sena: You mean like on holiday? I do video editing.
For your YouTube channel?
Sena: Yes! Have you seen it?
Yes! It’s really good.
Sena: Oh wow! I’m actually filming a vlog during this tour.
We’re looking forward to watching it! Are there any artists who inspire you musically?
Sena: So many -Children of Bodom, Dream Theater… It’s hard to choose. Also Linkin Park, Slipknot, Korn… The list goes on!
Do you watch anime? Do you have any favorites?
Sena: Yes, the answer is definitely yes! Attack on Titan, Death Note, Naruto… I like them all, they’re so popular. There’s also one I’m not sure about the English title, but in Japan it’s called Steins;Gate. The genre is “time leap” – it has a similar vibe to Back to the Future. I really recommend it!
Is there anything new or different you’d like to try with JILUKA?
Sena: Recently, I’ve been expanding our self titled EGM – Electro Gothic Metal sound. It’s our own creative genre and I think it’s really unique. We’re a visual kei band, but we’re also a metal band, and both of those combined are important. I want to keep evolving in this direction!
Who’s your favorite visual kei band?
Sena: The Gazette, X Japan… What about you? Nightmare?
Yes. The Gazette and X Japan too – also Dir en Grey. But also Jiluka!
Sena: Okay! I’m glad to hear that!
Thank you!
Sena: Thank you so much!
Source: Asianstyle
