[Official Interview] Yoeko speaks about the details of her comeback and the harsh days during the last 15 years. "My mind wasn't working, my memory was fading, and there were many things I couldn't do. But I could still speak. I could still sing. God gave me back my voice."
Originally published 15 Sep 2023
Yoeko Kurahashi announced her retirement as an artist. 15 years have passed since her "Dismantling" (Kaitai) live at Tokyo Kinema Club on July 20, 2008--She now returns to the music scene adopting a new "sense of purpose in life", and changing her stage name to "Yoeko"!
Even after her retirement, Yoeko has continued to influence many listeners and artists. What kind of emotions led her to put an end to her music career 15 years ago, and what kind of life did she lead since then, eventually leading her to create music again? Whether you were a fan back then, became a fan after her retirement, or even if you just came across her name trending on Twitter and wondered "Eh, Who is she?", I invite you to enjoy this 10000-character interview along with her new album 'New Yoeko' and join us in this new story that begins here.
(Interview/Composition by Tetsuo Hiraga)
(interviewer/writer)
In 1999, he launched hotexpress.co.jp, a website focused on music news, and have been working as
an editor-in-chief for Billboard JAPAN.com. Nowadays working as a freelancer writer.
For approximately 25 years, he's been actively following a wide range of artists at the forefront,
and in recent years conducting interviews not limited to any genre, like idols, comedians, actors,
animators and more. He has also expanded his activities beyond writing, such as event hosting,
master of ceremonies and commentator.