When ЯeaL walked onto the main stage at Cyprus Comic Con 2025, the welcome was volcanic. By the end, the Japanese four-piece, known to millions for theme songs tied to Boruto, Gintama and Pokémon, had done more than play a show: they’d written themselves into local music history as the first Japanese band ever to perform in Cyprus.
“A shared love that started in one room”
Talking to Politis about their performance the band showed real passion for the event. “We were so deeply moved when we learned the history of Cyprus Comic Con,” they said. “To hear it began as a small gathering of friends in a single room and has blossomed into such a massive event, mobilising so many people with a shared love for Japanese anime, manga and cosplay, is truly inspiring.”
That connection mattered onstage. “As Japanese artists, we felt an immense sense of joy and pride seeing our culture embraced so passionately,” they added. “Tonight was our way of saying thank you. We absolutely could not wait to share a powerful and unforgettable moment, and the crowd gave that back to us.”
From pop-bright beginnings to a harder rock identity
The performance mapped the band’s evolution since their major-label debut in 2016 with Byōsoku Emotion. Early singles had a bright, pop-tilted sheen; what rang out in Nicosia was leaner and louder. “We’ve been moving beyond the conventional sound of a ‘girl band’ to create a more robust and hard-hitting rock identity,” they explained. “It’s a sound that feels more authentic to who we are now.”
That shift didn’t mean abandoning their anime roots, far from it. Hooks familiar to streaming-era fans punched through the mix, met by a wave of cheers. “We were already huge fans of all the series we’ve worked on,” they said. “Being able to create their theme songs has been a true honour and a dream come true.” In Cyprus, those songs carried a fresh charge, lifted by a crowd that treated them like communal anthems.
“Music is a universal language”
What made the night feel singular was the shared intent between stage and floor. “We believe music is the ultimate tool for connection,” the band said. “It’s a universal language that transcends oceans, languages and different backgrounds.”
They were keen that no one felt there was a “correct” way to enjoy the gig. “There might be subtle differences in how fans in Japan and Europe enjoy a live show,” they noted, “but the most important thing for us is that everyone has the most fun possible in the way that feels natural to them. Together, we hoped to create the best live experience that was unique to that moment.”
Writing from deeper places
Offstage, ЯeaL spoke candidly about where their songwriting is heading. “Our inspiration comes from many places,” they said. “We draw from our own personal experiences, but we also find inspiration in the stories of films we watch or the narratives in anime series.” The next phase, though, is inward. “Until now, we’ve somewhat shied away from writing about the deeper, more fundamental parts of ourselves. Now we feel a strong desire to create music that explores our roots and delves into those more profound aspects of who we are.”
That creative pivot dovetails with the band’s live transformation: more crunch in the guitars, more bite in the rhythms, and a front-foot confidence that made even the quietest moments land with intent.
Bridging Cyprus, Japan and beyond
If the show was the spark, the band’s longer-term ambition is the bridge. “Knowing there are so many people who love Japanese culture here in Cyprus has been incredibly inspiring,” they said. “We hope that we, in turn, can become a bridge to share the wonders of Cyprus with our audience back in Japan.”
A wider European chapter? They’re open. “That would be absolutely wonderful,” they admitted. “While we don’t have concrete plans at the moment, it’s definitely something we’d love to explore if the right opportunities arise. If we ever have the chance to collaborate with artists from Cyprus and other parts of Europe, creating a moment where we connect through the universal language of music would be a dream come true.”
Fans first: snacks, Greek phrases and behind-the-scenes
Their connection with local audiences didn’t begin at soundcheck. For months, ЯeaL have been building a playful rapport online, with a nudge from the Comic Con team. “To make it fun even for those who don’t know us yet, we created videos of us trying Cypriot snacks and drinks, took on a challenge to learn some Greek phrases, and introduced our favourite anime and manga,” they said. “From now on, alongside behind-the-scenes from our live shows, we’re excited to share the landscapes, culture and atmosphere of Cyprus with our fans in Japan. We hope our social media can be a great way to connect with even more people.”
A landmark night that felt personal
Plenty of bands talk about cultural exchange; ЯeaL made it feel tangible. The cheers were multilingual; the smiles universal. And the band’s own verdict? Unmistakably heartfelt. “We discovered beautiful moments we could create together with the audience in Cyprus,” they said. “Together, we created a live experience that was unique to this moment, and it’s one we’ll never forget.”
In a festival that began in a single room and now fills halls with colour and cosplay, ЯeaL’s debut felt exactly right: intimate in spirit, expansive in sound, and proof that music travels fastest when it’s carried by gratitude.
Video from their live performance:
The band also released a Spotify playlist: