At the end of May, the city of Brno hosted the 20th anniversary edition of Animefest, with none other than iconic singer Nana Kitade as the special musical guest. Her work is well known to fans of Japanese pop culture, primarily through anime such as Fullmetal Alchemist and D.Gray-man. Her visit gave us a rare opportunity to connect with her — and now, we’re thrilled to share this exclusive interview with you.
How did you enjoy performing at Animefest 2025?
Hi, everyone in the Czech Republic. Performing at Animefest was truly a joy. I recently celebrated my 20th anniversary in music and Animefest marked its 20th anniversary this year as well. Even though our paths and places are different, it felt wonderful to know we’ve been walking parallel journeys. Therefore I was able to perform with all my heart.
Was this your first time visiting the Czech Republic? What were your first impressions?
I felt that performing at a concert alone wouldn’t be enough to truly understand the Czech Republic, so I took the chance to explore various places in Brno and Prague. I was deeply impressed by the rich culture and stunning architecture, shaped by centuries of history and still alive today. I want to pay my respects to the Czech people for preserving these incredible treasures. I feel that Czechia is the most beautiful country in the world, so even after returning to Japan, I have been telling my friends and fans that the Czech Republic is a wonderful place they should definitely visit at least once.
Was there any Czech food you especially enjoyed or found surprising?
Everything I tried was absolutely delicious, so it’s hard to pick just one! But if I had to choose, roasted duck and goulash were especially delicious.
Animefest is a celebration of anime, cosplay, and Japanese pop culture. How does it feel to see international fans so passionate about it?
I’m truly delighted that the culture born in Japan has spread across generations, languages, and countries. I’m also glad to have been involved in the music industry long enough to directly meet Czech people who love Japanese culture.
Have you had any memorable interactions with Czech fans during the event?
I was so happy when the fans chanted my name — “Nana! Nana! Nana!” — during my live performance. I nearly cried right there on stage.
Are there any collaborations or projects you’re currently working on that you can share with us?
Besides my solo activities, I’m also a member of a goth rock band called Loveless, and we’re about to start recording a new album soon. And I would love to collaborate with other artists as well.
What’s one performance or project in your career that you’re especially proud of?
I perform live and create music so I can be proud of my latest work. I believe I’m at my best right now, so I’m always looking forward.
Is there any message you’d like to send to your international fans, especially those here in the Czech Republic?
If you love my songs, feel free to translate the lyrics into English, Czech, or any other language and sing along. Then let’s have a concert and make unforgettable memories together!
Source: Asianstyle, Nana Kitade
