We had the honor of chatting with Japanese singer-songwriter ZAQ during her visit to the Philippines for Cosplay Mania 2026. She will also be performing at the annual Japanese Anime Music (JAM) concert on October 4, alongside MindaRyn.
ZAQ is known as a powerful singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger who has shaped the soundscapes of modern anime. He has created iconic songs with his unique musical style, such as “Sparkling Daydream” by Love, Chunibyo and other delusions! anime, “Soranone” by Sound! Saxhorn“last test” Trinity Seven: Eternal Library and Alchemical Girland several songs in the Elite Classroom anime franchise. In this short interview, ZAQ talks about his musical process and his visit to the Philippines.
Portions of this interview have been lightly edited for clarity.
Q: Your musical style is unique and genre-defying. How do you approach songwriting and songwriting and ensure your music connects deeply with both anime fans and music listeners?
ZAQ: First, I fully consider the world and the characters’ feelings and then write the songs. But I also place great importance on other people, who will hear the song and are not familiar with the anime, saying “this song is interesting!” I have in mind to write music where I put my own style in the expressions that are possible because it is an anime song and the parts that can be genuinely enjoyed as music.
Q: Which of your anisongs or live performances identify you most as an artist?
ZAQ: What particularly left a lasting impression on me was doing the Animelo Summer Live 2017 theme song: “Playing The World.” Making the song for the biggest festival in Japanese anime and the big stage where many artists gather was a valuable experience. I was also very happy that many artists sang my song.
(Note: “Playing The World” was the theme song for Anisong Summer Live 2017, the largest anime music festival in the world. It was performed by Masayoshi Ooishi (OxT), KISHOW (GRANRODEO), Konomi Suzuki, Minori Chihara, TRUE, DRAMATIC STARS (Idolmaster SideM), Megumi Nakajima, Yoshino Nanjo (fripSide), Wataru Hatano, Saori Hayami, Luna Haruna, Pyxis, Machico, Minami, Suzuko Mimori and Milky Holmes.)
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were going to perform in the Philippines? Do you have any message you want to share with your Filipino fans?
ZAQ: When I heard that I could perform in the Philippines, I was very happy and thought, “I can finally meet everyone in the Philippines!” I hope to sing in person for everyone who loves Japanese anime and my music. Let’s enjoy the day of the performance to the fullest together!
We would like to thank ZAQ for taking the time to speak with us! Follow her on X (Twitter), YouTube and her official website. Thanks also to Cosplay.ph for organizing this interview. Visit Cosplay Mania and X’s Facebook page (Twitter) for more updates on their future anime and cosplay events.
Featured Image: © Bandai Namco Music Live
Disclaimer: Anime Corner is a media partner of Cosplay Mania 2026