Interview With The Multitalented Risa Kumon

July 19, 2022

– Intro –

Risa Kumon is a singer, songwriter and media personality. She’s originally from Sasebo, Nagasaki, but now resides in Tokyo, Japan. She sings a variety of genres but mainly specializes in R&b, Jazz, and Soul. At the age of 3, She learned how to play the piano after she lost her eyesight due to being infected with measles. Luckily enough, she recovered her visual acuity. However, she had an intractable disease called secondary Retinitis Pigmentosa as sequelae. She says learning to play the piano sparked her love for music.

As a teenager, Risa became drawn to R&B after watching “Sister Act 2”. She found early inspiration in Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, as well as the Jazz music that her father would play. Her previous projects include a Jazz EP, a project of Christmas covers, collaboration on multiple tracks, and an album with Artist/Producer Roro.

Besides being a singer-songwriter, Risa is a notable media name as a multilingual Radio personality who interviews celebrities and other entertainers on their visits to Japan. She has previously interviewed Kirk Franklin, Corinne Bailey Rae, Brian McKnight, and many more. Having also performed at some of the largest music festivals in Japan and charting multiple times in her career already, there is no telling how fast Risa Kumon will continue to rise.

– Interview –

Hi Risa Kumon! How are you?

Konnichiwa – I’m doing fine, Thank you.

Where are you from?

I am from Sasebo, Japan. It’s a wonderful city in Nagasaki – The Kyushu area which is west of Japan. Now I’m based in Tokyo.

How did you get into music?

I got into music as a child, but I feel music was always a part of me. Maybe even before I ever even realized it. Music brings me joy, and I was always around it. I learned to play the piano at 3, but before then, I think I was always meant to walk this path with music.

What is your greatest achievement as a musician?

Tricky question, because I think you can earn achievements every day. For me as a musician, It can be finishing a song, releasing a project I’ve been working hard on, or just having the courage to continue to put myself out in public as an artist. My music has hit the top of the charts multiple times on numerous platforms, and I have performed at some well-known festivals throughout Asia, but I wouldn’t say that was a better achievement than the last one. As of right now, I wouldn’t say I have achieved something that I consider my greatest achievement because I give thanks and appreciate all the achievements in my life; Big or small.

What are 3 words that describe your music?

Love, borderless, and soulful.

Love: Because every time I sing its with a feeling of love and happiness. I sing not only for myself but to send love, positivity and good vibes to the world and anyone listening.

Borderless: Because my Music has no borders or limits. I don’t put myself in a box and only sing one genre. I sing what my heart desires and what makes me feel good. One day it could be R&B, the next it could be jazz and another day it could be classical. To me, Music is music no matter the genre or language.

Soulful: because I sing from the soul. I think the lyrics and melodies that my voice makes are words from the soul. They are honest, they are lively, and they are free.

What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?

I can only hope people listen to my music and feel-good vibes. I would like my music to inspire, make people feel happy, and uplift them. I put those emotions in my music while singing so hopefully, the listeners feel it.

Who inspires you the most musically?

Who inspires me the most musically first would be Japanese composer and musical director Joe Hisaishi. I am inspired by all the beautiful songs, Harmonies he creates, the expression of the orchestra, and the attention to detail in his recording. I think it’s art itself, and the music is full of delicacy and emotion.

The other person would be Lauryn Hill. Her soul Oozes from her singing voice, and her rap is moving and On point. The way she sings, expresses her personality freely, and I am overwhelmed by her unique way of thinking and existence.

There are many more I could name, but those are my top 2.

Who is one artist you wish you could work with?

Joe Hisaishi is on the top of the list of people I’d like to collaborate with. There is no doubt that I will be overwhelmed by the vibrations of the music he expresses, but collaborating with him is one of my dreams. I have a feeling the collaboration and music will be very dynamic, and one that people will listen to and love for years.

Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?

The current project I have is my single, FREE- I wanted to do this song FREE because I feel it not only connected with me but with the world. When I recorded this song, the whole world just started going through the pandemic, and music was one thing that I could turn to feel free. The song’s message has always resonated deeply with me, and I felt it was the right time to bring these moving lyrics to a new age and audience in Japan, and around the world. I believe in the circle of life and letting go of things that do not serve us. I want to urge listeners to seek beauty in everything and plant the seeds for a fruitful future. Ultimately, the concept and song’s message preaches one thing: FREEDOM.

Anything else you want the audience to know about you?

My new single “FREE” is out now. Check it out, and if you like it please share it with your friends and family. It would be amazing if my music could brighten up your day.