Inside the retro horror world of J-pop group Phantom Siita
In an interview, the group talks about working with Ado, their album ‘Girlhood Memories’ and going on a world tour
(Photo credit: Yuna Yoshimori)
From girl crush to teen crush, idol girl groups have often been associated with bright and beautiful colours and delicate imagery. But since their debut in June 2024, Phantom Siita has been bringing something different to the industry.
“If modern Japanese idols are butterflies, then Phantom Siita are moths,” says member Mona in an interview with bunni pop.
The five-piece Japanese idol group describes themselves as retro horror, using goth-like school girl imagery reminiscent of the film Battle Royale as a major part of their concept.
Phantom Siita is the brainchild of Japanese superstar singer Ado, who created the group out of 4,000 girls who auditioned. The five who ended up making the final line-up of Phantom Siita are Mona, Miu, Rinka, Hisui and Moka.
On October 30, 2024, Phantom Siita released their debut album Girlhood Memories. Now in early 2025, the band is hitting the road on the “Moth to Flame” World Tour.
Ahead of the band’s Feb 10 show at Toronto’s Rebel, Phantom Siita sat down to talk about their busy year ahead, what draws them to retro horror and working with Ado.
How would you describe retro horror?
Mona: When you hear of retro horror, you think of something like a ghost. But, it’s really not that. It’s more about the Shōwa era in Japan in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It has a more nostalgic feel. It’s kind of like [seeing] something that you’re scared of, but you want to reach out and find out more about it.
Were you all particularly big fans of this genre?
Hisui: I personally loved the horror concept, and that’s why I actually auditioned for this group. I’m a fan of [horror] manga writer Junji Ito, especially his work called Tomie. So I get the style and black hair of the Japanese girls. I’m loving this concept.
You were among 4,000 other girls who auditioned to be part of Phantom Siita. Did you know what you would be getting into when it comes to this style of music and look?
Rinka: When I first heard about retro horror—and the first time I ever heard that term was during the audition—I started wondering what exactly that is because it was so new to me. I enjoyed the challenge of tackling something new, and I’m really finding it exciting digging deeper into this concept.
A lot of people think of idol girl groups as more bubbly and girly. Perhaps you might even associate it with the colour pink. Do you think other young women can relate to your darker look and concept?
Miu: You’re exactly right about the present-day idol image being kawaii, bubbly, cute, pink. But because of what we do in the retro and nostalgic style, we feel like we can also reach younger audiences and their parents’ generation will probably feel like they know this genre. Especially, with our song “Zoku Zoku”, which is reminiscent of songs from the Shōwa era. I think we can reach different demographics.
As young women coming of age, what are the particular themes you explore in your album Girlhood Memories?
Mona: “Otomodachi”, our debut single, is about teenage friendship and what it was once like to be close to someone. It’s a theme that is darker and more deep. And I think it’s a perfect song for girls our age to listen to and reflect on their own friendships.
Miu: I recommend the song “Hanabami”, which is about comparing yourself to someone you admire but you still feel very inferior and want to be number one. That has also been reflected in the music video, which shows our loneliness, anxiety and inferiority. This is a song that is not [meant] to hype you up, but is a song meant to stay beside you.
Many in Japan know Ado as a powerhouse star and vocalist, but she is also your producer. What is it like to work with her on this project?
Moka: There’s a lot of technical advice that we got through the process of making this album, but she also broke down every song and lyric to explain how we should express it. We originally only had the image of the songs, but Ado’s advice expanded and gave us a new view to the lyrics.
It hasn’t even been a year since your debut. What has been the biggest highlight so far?
Hisui: It’s been a year since our auditions, and only six months since our debut. Even within that six months, the highlight has been our headline show at Nippon Budokan [in Tokyo] on November 1. The title of our tour was “Haine” which is our fandom name (inspired by a moth known as Epicopeia hainesii). The process of making that show happen was very, very special. But the view from the stage and the cheering from the fans gave us power as we prepared for the world tour.
Part of that world tour is in Canada! What are you most looking forward to doing?
Miu: I am looking forward to eating poutine! (members laugh)
It’s very delicious!
Mona: Through looking on social media, we have seen comments in various languages since our debut but this is our first chance to actually go and meet those fans out in the world. So, we are really, really looking forward to it. “Haine” was a tour for the Japanese fans. But, this world tour is for you guys who have been supporting us through the screen. Now is the chance to meet directly and perform for you.
Not everyone goes through the journey of being in an idol group together. How has being together made you all closer as friends?
Mona: Throughout the audition, the final stage was the workshop camp. Some of us got really close there. When the five of us were chosen and started taking lessons, we communicate very closely to share ideas and the expressions we’d like to have on stage. Through this, we’ve been able to build Phantom Siita and came closer together.
What is one thing you’ve learned about each other as a team throughout these last few months, and what are your goals for the near future?
Rinka: There’s so much to learn from each other. Our dance lessons is in a studio full of mirrors. And when I’m dancing, I look in the mirror and see everyone’s facial expressions. I learn a lot, especially from Moka and Hisui. They’re really good. Their progression motivates me. We help each other.
As for our goals, this would be the world tour. It’s the first time we’re performing live for the fans who have been watching us from the screen. We want to bring out the best and all the power that we have to our stages.
Interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Thank you to Aya Nogami for interpreting this interview!
Phantom Siita will perform at Toronto’s Rebel on February 10. Click here for more info.
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