For the fourth episode of season two, I had the pleasure of speaking with singer-songwriter Hana Hope.
Anime fans may know Hana from her work singing themes* on Spice and Wolf, Fate/Grand Order, and most recently, my favorite anime of spring 2026, A Hundred Scenes of AWAJIMA. But while her music first drew me to her work, what impressed me most during our conversation was her thoughtfulness.
Hana shares what it was like growing up Japanese-American in Tokyo, attending school in English, and learning to navigate life between two cultures. We discuss how that experience has shaped both her identity and her songwriting, including her ability to move naturally between English and Japanese lyrics.
We also spend time discussing “Blue Hour,” the beautiful opening theme for AWAJIMA. Hana explains how the series resonated with her own experiences as a performer carrying both expectations and dreams, and how those emotions found their way into the song.
She also sings “Blue Hour” for us—and it is a delight!
One of the most memorable parts of the conversation comes when Hana candidly discusses the pressures of pursuing music professionally from a young age. While audiences often see the finished performance, she offers an honest look at the anxiety, expectations, and challenges that come with building a career in the spotlight—and how songwriting has become a vital outlet for processing those emotions.
We also talk about the pressures of pursuing music professionally from a young age, her role in Belle, her recent move to the United States, working with American producers, why this may be a particularly exciting time for artists who can connect with audiences across cultures and languages, and more!
Watch the full interview below as we conclude part one of Something Genuine season two!
Follow Hana on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
*Hana hinted in our conversation that she would be singing the ED for an anime this summer, and it’s now official: She sings “Hearts Glow” for the upcoming series, Goodbye, Lara.
