[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] Miho Fukuhara, “Keep holding on to your passion”

Japanese singer-songwriter, Miho Fukuhara, answers some questions for HypnoticAsia! Miho made her independent label debut in 2006 before signing to a major label, Sony Music Entertainment Japan, in 2008. Later in 2015, she returned to being an independent label once more.

She says, “it’s fun to think about what I can do and work on rather than waiting for someone else to do it for me.”

Miho has released many tracks, including “Let It Out” for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Her songs have also been used for other anime theme songs as well as commercial campaigns such as, Coca-Cola.

Her most recent track is “Ashes” a collaboration with Singaporean singer-songwriter, Charlie Lim. Miho has also revealed through this interview that she will be working with legend, Hotei as well as releasing her new single “Sun Beneath My Wings” alongside a tour.

Read her exclusive interview below!

HYPNOTICASIA: Please introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers! 
Hello HypnoticAsia! I’m Japanese singer-songwriter Miho Fukuhara

HYPNOTICASIA: How did the “Ashes” collaboration with Charlie Lim come about?
I listened to his music after my husband told me that Charlie was a great musician and had a wonderful personality. I’m a fan of his, I love his music. We were always talking about doing a song together and the opportunity finally came before Covid[-19], I was in Singapore for a trip and we met up to see what we could do together.

HYPNOTICASIA: We heard the song started before COVID-19. How did COVID-19 affect the flow or direction of the track, “Ashes”?
I was working on this song and it was my first home recording experience. At that time, Charlie was moving to London for a half year, so I thought,

“Why not make it a love song for someone you love, whom you won’t see for more than a six months?”

Miho Fukuhara

However, after that, our world obviously changed because of COVID and the lockdown. We worked on the song little by little, giving it a title early on while thinking about not being able to see our loved ones and the thoughts of those who had lost their family and friends. It also reflects the feelings for the people I love of whom I wondered if I will ever see again because Covid19.

HYPNOTICASIA: How has COVID-19 affected you?
After lockdown in Japan began, I felt a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future. I spent a lot of time incorporating meditation and practicing it more than ever to remind myself that I am an artist and that things will hopefully blow over soon.

HYPNOTICASIA: What is your experience of being in your own independent label?
Definitely freedom and responsibility. I have the flexibility to do a lot more as compared to when I was signed to a major label. It feels really good not to have to deal with major label pressure.. It’s fun to think about what I can do and work on rather than waiting for someone else to do it for me.

HYPNOTICASIA: Any upcoming plans for new music?
In November, I will be joining Japanese legend Hotei on his 40th anniversary album. My new single “Sun Beneath My Wings” will also release to coincide with my January tour.

HYPNOTICASIA: We saw you have worked on some major anime tracks. Does hearing a track connected to an anime feel different than hearing a track on the radio?
“Let It Out” from the anime Fullmetal Alchemist [:Brotherhood] is a song with a message I wrote about somebody moving forward in life without giving up on your loved ones, struggling and worrying about something.

In this storyline of the anime, the brothers become different, but I wrote it with the image of wanting to make their childhood dream come true together.

When you hear it on the radio, it has a stronger image, but for those who know the story of the anime, it might sound like a love song.

HYPNOTICASIA: What inspired you to become a singer? 
I think that’s what makes people happy. The first thing that made my mother smile was a big step for me.

HYPNOTICASIA: From your own tracks, which would you choose as your favorite song?
Don’t take it away (from my 3rd album).

HYPNOTICASIA: What advice would you give to performers struggling through this pandemic?  
I have to remind myself that I’m an artist too, and every morning I tell myself that I’m an artist. To all artists “Keep holding on to your passion”.