Diandra Interviews Mirei: Lonely In The Industry

Mirei is as gracious as she is vulnerable. For her, like the show Little Voice which I reviewed, being a good, happy person is equal to being a star. The problem is that even the best person goes through bouts of depression or doubts of whether they can be loved, especially when they are trying to rise in an industry filled with those that could care less if you struggle with either. Mirei is filled with heart and imagination, which is why she unites Japanese and Western culture to create sounds and verses that make love feel like a modern myth. In our interview, she talks about the dreams and insecurities that make her look everywhere to feel like, in music and meaning, she is somewhere. 

Diandra: If you could be taken away to any place or time in the universe, where would you go and why?

Mirei: I wanna go to Meiji Era which was 1868-1912 in Tokyo. Japan had closed the country right before this era. So in this era, many western cultures came to Tokyo and made chemistry with Japan’s own culture. That’s why it’s called the era of “opening of the cultures.” I love to try new, original things and always welcome a combination of different cultures. If I could be taken away to that time period, it would be so exciting!
MIREI – No Ordinary Love (Official Video)

Diandra: In honor of “No Ordinary Love,” what is a love story from either a series, book, or movie that most moves you? Would you write a song based on it?

Mirei: Flowers for Algernon! The love to Algernon from Charlie hits me every time I talk about this story. It’s so pure and unchanging. I’m hesitating to write a song about it just yet, because it’s kind of an ongoing theme in my life.  We learn something new everyday in our lives, and that’s a good thing. But smarter isn’t better. Intelligence makes us complicated. It made us scared of being honest and vulnerable. But I’m pretty sure I’ll sing about it when I get my own answer to love and life.

Diandra: As a writer of love songs, what does “being in love” look like or mean to you? What do you find romantic?

Mirei: Love makes almost anything possible and that’s what I think is interesting about it. You could be super happy, satisfied, comfortable but blind, insane, and crazy at the same time. That power is what I find romantic and alluring about being in love. The bigger it gets, the harder it is to control. Love has no specific answer or singular shape. Everybody has a different idea about being loved or how to give love. So relationships are like building and creating a puzzle. Each puzzle has their own story.

Diandra: What are the qualities about yourself as a person that your music has most helped you love?

Mirei: I’m a person who isn’t very good at expressing my feelings through just talking. Writing lyrics helps me clear up the ideas and emotions I have. When I’m lost, I listen to my songs or look at my writing and remember how I want to be or felt. I want to be a strong and kind person, the me in my lyrics. Which is so hard sometimes.
Let Me Be

Diandra: What is your favorite memory of karaoke with your parents? Any “go-to” song?

Mirei: The first English song I remember singing at the karaoke was “Overprotected” by Britney Spears. My parents don’t speak Englis,h but love American music and used to play it in the car, and that song was my favorite when I was around 3-4 years old. When I sang this at the karaoke, my parents seemed surprised and happy and that made me even happier! I often go to karaoke with my parents, when I go to Osaka, and I still sing this song to date. It’s my favorite and a song with so many memories attached to it for so many reasons.

Diandra: How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed, inspired, or made you reassess yourself as an artist?

Mirei: I started to livestream from my home weekly. It made me try new stuff, not only with music but new technological things such as using green screens, and even learning other languages. It feels so fresh and exciting to stay active this way. I still feel frustrated that I can’t be on the stage and sing together with my fans directly, but I can communicate with my fans thanks to the internet so I don’t feel so bad. 

Diandra: “Lonely In Tokyo” discusses the dark side of the entertainment industry. Having started in this world, as a kid, what are the most alarming aspects of it to you?

Mirei: Being in the entertainment industry almost means selling yourself as a product to the people. And, on many occasions, you’ll have to act like a different version of yourself for the “stage.” I think that makes kids confused and unknowing of who they really are. If your job or show went great, then you’ll think you have to keep going… even it kills you inside. If it went bad, you’ll feel like you’re not accepted by society. Either way, it hurts and confuses kids’ hearts and souls, in my opinion. Even I, who was surrounded by a very fortunate, safe environment, was confused… like should I be more beautiful or attractive for the fans and everyone watching. I went on a strict diet and looked up plastic surgery when I was only in high school. I think it’s good if you really want to do it for you, but I wanted to do it for other people to be accepted. That’s not right, and I’m glad I never fell deep into all of that, but it’s still happening to the kids in the industry.

Diandra: What got you through? 

Mirei: I survived the toxic environment because I always had someone to talk about it. I wasn’t alone. Sometimes, it was my parents or my partner and friends. I went to public, high school: not a private one where all the students are in the industry. So I had many friends who weren’t involved in that world and didn’t care about my fame – looking back I’m really lucky and appreciative of that. 

Diandra: Take Me Away confronts topics of depression and anxiety. What are the things you do and who are the people that most help you find happiness and calm?

Mirei: I’m not a person with strong, mental power, so I often get unstable… as we all do. Every time I get depressed; I separate and I sleep a lot. I tell myself that I’m a sleeping beauty and I sleep like a princess, haha! When it’s not enough, I ask people who I trust and go out to get my mind off things. The point is, I choose people who can make me laugh or get my mind off things. There are some people who are talented like that like, making you laugh out loud when you’re only looking through the menu at the restaurant. Yeah, I definitely suggest laughing and smiling a lot until you forget why you’re so depressed. When all those friends are not available, I watch ridiculous videos online. Sleep and laughter are the best way. Just forget about it until you’ll be strong enough to face the worries and figure out the resolution.
MIREI – Take Me Away

Diandra: You talk about the good and bad of Tokyo nightlife. Where are the spots or what are the things you do there to experience its best side?

Mirei: I personally can’t drink much because I am so weak when it comes to alcohol. I always go to the place where I can enjoy things sober. I recommend “Spocha,” which is both a bowling alley and many sports games, if you have enough time to hang out. If you don’t, arcade or karaoke are also awesome! Those three places are in every main city in Japan, go try, when you come here, and I’m sure you’ll have fun!
MIREI – Lonely in Tokyo

Diandra: What are things you most love about your childhood: from food to toys and movies…

Mirei: I loved playing video games and especially loved DDR: Dance Dance Revolution at the arcade. I had it at home too, we have the specific floor mat for it and I always play it together with my family. My favorite song was Butterfly by Smile dk. Does anyone remember it? What a jam!

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