YURIYAN RETRIEVER has established a remarkable presence in Japanese entertainment as a multi-talented comedian, Netflix sensation, voice actor, TV and radio personality, and occasional rapper. Now, she is expanding her impressive repertoire by stepping into the role of a solo recording artist. Her exciting journey begins with her debut single titled “YURIYAN TIME.” This catchy and vibrant track was co-written by yonkey, the talented producer behind the hit singles of ATARASHII GAKKO!, such as “OTONABLUE” and “Suki Lie.” The song reflects Yuriyan’s current thoughts and feelings, capturing her expressions of anger and passion. Based in the U.S. since last fall, the 34-year-old artist shared her insights about her new single and her artistic aspirations in a recent interview with Billboard Japan.

Can you share the story of your musical journey? Was music always a passion for you?

Absolutely! Back in elementary school, I aspired to be a comedian, but I also had dreams of joining the iconic J-pop girl group Morning Musume. My older sister, who is two years my senior, would lend me her Avril Lavigne and Britney Spears CDs during my junior high years. After school, I would eagerly return home to play those CDs on repeat, studying the lyrics in the liner notes. Growing up in a rural area, I had limited options for entertainment after school, and my main hobby became singing at home, which allowed me to express myself through music.

My very first CD purchase was Sum 41’s Chuck (2004). I was drawn to their cool image, even though I was unfamiliar with their music at the time. During high school, I developed a strong affinity for the dance and vocal group EXILE. In my senior year, I had a crush on someone who was a fan of EXILE, and I wanted to catch his attention. So, I would carry a boombox in my bag and play their music during lunch near where he hung out, hoping to impress him with my taste in music.

Was the battle rap show Freestyle Teacher pivotal in your career?

Indeed, Freestyle Teacher was a significant turning point for me. Before that show, I had never tried rapping. The format involved top hip-hop artists mentoring participants who had no prior experience in freestyle rap. I was part of a street dance club in college, and while I enjoyed various music genres, hip-hop had a special place in my heart. I appreciate how hip-hop allows for personal expression through rhymes—it’s like saying, “This is who I am!” Freestyle battling has its charm; my opponent often forgets my lines, and by the time I return home, I usually can’t recall their words either.

Later, I was invited to rap on Awich’s “Bad Bi*** Bigaku Remix.” While riding the Shinkansen bullet train and listening to the recording, I was so moved that I found myself glaring at the fellow passengers around me, thinking, “Just you wait and see!” It was an intense moment, even though everyone else was simply enjoying their lunches.
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How did that experience pave the way for your solo artist debut?

I frequently discuss my aspirations with my manager about the direction I want my career to take. Often, I express thoughts without considering the practical aspects. One day, I casually mentioned, “I want to be like Ariana Grande,” and to my surprise, my manager responded, “Let’s discuss this with Universal.” Suddenly, I found myself in a meeting with their team, and yonkey agreed to collaborate on a song with me. My journey into music feels like a series of serendipitous moments where I say, “Let’s do this!” and things fall into place, though it still feels surreal.

Things fell into place faster than you anticipated. What do you admire about Ariana Grande’s work?

Just the thought of Ariana embarking on a new project is exhilarating! I don’t want this to be perceived merely as “YURIYAN RETRIEVER the comedian releasing a song.” I aim for people to recognize YURIYAN RETRIEVER as a unique individual. I’ve often talked about how wonderful it would be if YURIYAN’s influence expanded and she made a comeback in Japan. While I cherish the recognition I receive as a comedian, that is just my foundation; I refuse to limit myself. Ultimately, I aspire to create a genre that embodies “YURIYAN RETRIEVER.”

What inspired the creation of “YURIYAN TIME”?

yonkey skillfully crafted the song by weaving together the emotions and thoughts I shared with him, creating an anthem that introduces my true self. The central message is, “People may have their opinions about me, but this is who I am, so please be quiet.” Yonkey expressed this sentiment in a pop-infused, yet empowering manner. I genuinely enjoy performing the song, and it uplifts my spirits.

The lyrics are rich with references that have shaped my identity. For instance, the term “bigaku” (aesthetics) originates from Awich’s “Bad Bi*** Bigaku Remix,” and my life took a significant turn after portraying the professional wrestler Dump Matsumoto in Netflix’s The Queen of Villains. Yonkey also included her name, as well as that of my physical trainer, Tomo Okabe, who has played a crucial role in my body transformation. This song serves as a reflective journey through my life thus far.

The song’s unexpected transition to an enka-like melody is intriguing.

The surprise of shifting from a lively, upbeat tune to an enka-style melody was exhilarating. I found myself exclaiming, “Yonkey, you are incredibly talented!” It reminds me of Kill Bill in its playful yet sophisticated execution, and I am absolutely thrilled with the result.