Singer and voice actress Sasaki Riko has released her first full album RI PATHOS, a deeply personal collection that traces the winding path of her ten-year career. In an interview for the July 2026 issue of Megami Magazine (featured in the magazine’s regular segment “Megami’s Voice”), Sasaki opened up about the themes, struggles, and passions that shaped the record.
An Album That Charts Sasaki Riko’s Own Road
“After ten years of activity, I started confronting myself more,” Sasaki explained. “I wanted to leave behind a record of what makes up ‘Sasaki Riko’s road’ – all the worries, conflicts, and passion I’ve gathered.” The album includes songs that frankly touch on her past, including one about handing out flyers on the street. “I wanted even people who only recently discovered me to understand Sasaki Riko through this one album. Those tough times were necessary to get where I am today, so I poured my soul into songs about those twists and turns and turning points.”
Each track explores a different flavor of rock, chosen to match the message of the song. “I wanted a rock-based album, but the messages I wanted to sing were all different, so I selected rock styles that fit each one.”
Lead Track “Tōri Seikei” and the Hardcore Edge
The lead track “Tōri Seikei” (桃李成蹊) was conceived from the start as a “plum” song, referencing the character ri (李) in her own name. “I wanted a song that shows the core of Sasaki Riko,” she said. “I’ve walked a life that hasn’t been straightforward – times when I felt like I was withering or branching off. But I endured, finally found my own color, and bloomed.” To avoid being buried among other rock tracks, Sasaki chose a hardcore style and commissioned Tanaka Nodobue (of the band the bercedes menz) to compose. The music video, themed around “winter trees,” shifts from monochrome to vivid plum colors, reflecting that struggle to bloom.
From Malatang to Matryoshka: A Track-by-Track Look
Sasaki highlighted several other songs:
- “Tamashī no Mālā Tāng” (魂の麻辣湯) – A playful yet hard-rocking ode to malatang, complete with call-and-response sections. “I’ve loved malatang for 5–6 years, even though I used to cry eating it! This song is about more than just the dish – it connects to my own singer’s journey.”
- “Hanamura” (花邑) – Inspired by the real sake brand Hanamura from Akita. “I felt a kinship with sake that matures into a single drop. The 5/4 time signature gives it a dreamy, intoxicating feel.”
- “Oranjietto” (オランジェット) – A declaration of her dual identity as both singer and voice actress. “People often ask which one I am. I’m fully committed to both, so this song makes that clear.”
- “Marude Matryoshka” (まるでマトリョーシカ) – A metal track first performed at her solo live last year. “I wanted to express the feeling of not knowing who I am, but accepting that as part of myself. It has breakdowns and drops for headbanging.”
- “Kyokuchōshinsei” (極超新星) – An energetic, almost blindingly bright song. “I sang with all my power, as if putting my life on the line to keep shining until the very end.”
- “Requiem Bonfire” (レクイエムボンファイアー) – A punchy track about music as an explosion. “The rhythm is free and surprising – it’s meant to defy expectations.”
- “Kamigakari” (カミガカリ) – A fast-paced song that embodies her motto “possession-type singer.” “I want this to be a towel song – I hope fans wave their towels at live shows.”
- “Hitohira” (ひとひら) – The only track she wrote and composed herself, based on her flyer-distribution days. “I tried writing from the flyer’s perspective – the sadness of being ignored or thrown away, but also the joy when someone picks it up.”
- “Michi” (道) – The closing track depicts a dialogue between her past and present self. “I wanted a song that forgives, accepts, and embraces oneself – a warm hug for listeners.”
Bonus Track: “Tezukuri no Uta”
The first-press limited edition includes a bonus track, “Tezukuri no Uta”, which Sasaki wrote about eight years ago using only simple acoustic guitar chords. “It’s my very first self-written song, and the lyrics are pretty raw – I was always comparing myself to others. It’s a bit embarrassing to listen to now, but staff said it’s ‘very Riko-like.’ I only performed it once at a birthday event, so I’m happy some fans remembered it.”
Album Details and Live Shows
RI PATHOS is available now from Lantis. The first-press limited edition (8,250 yen tax incl.) includes the bonus track and a Blu-ray with the music video and making-of for “Tōri Seikei.” The regular edition (4,400 yen tax incl.) contains the 10 main tracks.
Sasaki will hold two solo live shows: RI PATHOS LIVE in OSAKA on July 20 (Monday, holiday) at Banana Hall, and RI PATHOS LIVE in TOKYO on August 20 (Thursday) at Zepp Shinjuku. Ticket and participation details are on her official website.
Profile
Sasaki Riko was born November 10 in Akita Prefecture. She began her music career in 2016 and also works as a voice actress, notably voicing Mitsurugi Hatsuka / Doloris in the BanG Dream! series.
