The Spanish convention Japan Weekend is known for its outstanding musical performances. In November 2025, the convention welcomed Japanese singer Rico Sasaki for her first performance in Europe across two different dates.
Rico Sasaki is both a voice actress and singer who earned worldwide praise for her role as the vocalist Uika Misumi, a member of the fictional gothic band Ave Mujica from the franchise BanG Dream! Recently, the band shared new information about its upcoming album.
The artist has also been working on a new solo album titled RI PATHOS, set to be released this June 3. Some lucky fans have already enjoyed live performances of some of the album’s tracks in Japan, as seen on her YouTube channel.
For the fans in Europe, Rico Sasaki answered some questions about her early career, her personal preferences, and offered a peek into both her life as a voice actress and singer.
Portions of this Q&A have been lightly edited for clarity. This Q&A was conducted with the assistance of an interpreter.
Q: How has your experience in Valencia been so far?
A: I took the opportunity to visit the beach and take a ton of photos. I’ve also tried the mixed paella and “arroz negro” [black rice paella]—which is my favorite! Later, I visited the Valencia Cathedral and the city in general. I was surprised by the narrow streets and the way the buildings are arranged. I ran into many street performers, and it made me want to sing there in the streets, given the beautiful atmosphere.
Q: What does it feel like to have started your artistic career at such a young age?
A: I started with a stage adaptation of Annie back in 2008. Since I was very young, I’ve participated in many activities, which involved making mistakes, facing failures, and having sad moments. But all of that has brought me here and made me who I am now. These experiences weren’t useless; they helped me become stronger and kinder. I move forward without fear and intend to try many more things.
I will use the memory of us being gathered here at Japan Weekend as motivation. Thank you all so much for coming!
Q: How did your role as Daia in Kiratto Pri☆chan (2019) influence your career?
A: It is a role that I liked very much. It gave me the strength and momentum to keep doing what I do.
Q: How do you prepare to play fictional characters?
A: Part of it involves “forgetting” myself. That is to say, I have to merge with the character and use my imagination as much as possible. I also tell everyone I’m nervous (several times) to get rid of the nerves. The staff always calms me down. I think about the fans quite a bit to encourage myself.
Q: How do you take care as a voice actress?
A: On one hand, I take great care of my voice, but I also practice constantly with exercises. It’s also important to have a good time and play around with it.
Q: Is there a song you are particularly passionate about singing live?
A: It’s hard to choose. Among the songs I sang today [November 22, 2025], I love singing Uta o Makumono. It’s a song I wrote for all the fans.
Q: How do you manage your time?
A: Sometimes I panic because I have so many things to do. I try to find the optimal way to complete everything, and together with my team, we work to give the best performance possible.
Q: Who is your favorite Pokemon?
A: Jirachi and Mew.
Q: Could you define your Ave Mujica bandmates using one word for each of them?
A: I love them all.
Q: What is your favorite anime?
A: The anime Pretty Cure, which I’ve watched since I was little. I’ve also worked on some of the themes [such as Kokoro Delicious].
Q: How do you feel when you perform Kokoro Delicious?
A: It heals me inside. It’s a song that puts me into a trance.
Q: Is it true you watch horror series before concerts?
A: It’s true! I was reading some horror comics on the plane as well. I love horror.
Q: Which anime would you like to perform a theme song for?
A: A ton of them. Some examples are Chainsaw Man and Frieren.
Q: What is your favorite song to sing while playing the guitar?
A: Play the World is fun to perform.
Q: What was your favorite band from BanG Dream!?
A: A very difficult question… MyGO!!!!! But Ave Mujica always comes first.
Q: What advice would you give to people who compose music?
A: To constantly read about everyday things. That way, you will also be able to write about people’s feelings.
Q: And what is your advice for a guitarist?
A: Be with your guitar at all hours of the day until you’re “sick” of it. It’s important to have it in a place that is within reach, as that makes it easier to start practicing immediately. Listen closely to the sounds of the guitars and the feelings of the members during concerts.
We want to extend our thanks to Rico Sasaki for sharing this special moment with her European fans—some of them made the trip from France and the UK! We hope to see her again in Spain.
If you are a Bang Dream! fan, Japan Weekend also invited Aina Aiba (Yukina Minato from the band Roselia) in September 2025.
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