Last spring, Hana Hope joined us to talk about “blue hour,” her contribution to A Hundred Scenes of AWAJIMA. Now, we’re fortunate to have her with us once again, this time to share the story behind “Hearts Glow,” the ending theme song for Goodbye, Lara.
Congratulations on the release of “Hearts Glow”! The song has been warmly received by listeners, and you also seemed especially proud of it. How have you been feeling about the response so far?
Hana Hope: The song is very personal to me. I wrote it with the hope of connecting with people who feel like they lack a sense of belonging or who struggle to show their true identity because of the harshness of the world. I’ve received many messages from people with similar backgrounds and experiences, and seeing the song resonate with them in that way truly warms my heart.
What were your initial thoughts when you were first approached for this project?
Hana Hope: This anime is about a mermaid who is sent into the human world as a young girl. She has to learn how to adapt to her surroundings, make sense of her identity, and understand what it means to be loved and to feel deserving of love. That coming-of-age journey is something I deeply resonated with. Growing up both Japanese and American, I often struggled to understand my identity and felt like I didn’t fully belong in either world. Because of that, I was really excited to explore not only Lara’s story but also my own through this song.
Were there any requests from the anime production team regarding the song?
Hana Hope: They gave me a lot of creative freedom, but I still wanted the song to reflect parts of the story. You can hear that in the structure and arrangement, as there are layered melodies and harmonies inspired by the idea of mermaids and their siren-like voices. I aimed to create an ethereal atmosphere where the harmonies collide and create this sort of otherworldly energy as the emotions build throughout the song.
In our previous interview, you shared that the song “blue hour” was inspired by the title itself — the moment just before sunrise. This time, “Hearts Glow” centers around the idea of “wild glow” — one-of-a-kind light that each of us carries within ourselves. Do you often begin writing songs with a keyword or concept that guides the creative process?
Hana Hope: It depends on the song, but for “Hearts Glow,” I was especially inspired by the concept of “wild things.” It reminded me of the book Where the Wild Things Are, where something that feels foreign or even frightening becomes something understood and embraced. I found that idea really beautiful, and it became the starting point for this song. In general, I often do begin with a concept.
For “Hearts Glow,” you collaborated with David Baron, a prominent music producer who’s worked with Lana Del Rey and The Lumineers. How did this collab come about, and what was it like working with him?
Hana Hope: This collaboration actually started when he found me on Instagram and discovered my music. He really liked my voice, and when we spoke, I realized he had worked on music and with artists I’ve admired for a long time. It felt like such an honor and finally the stars aligned. David is a very free-spirited producer with a distinctive sound, and you can really hear that in the piano in the song; it carries so much soul and emotion, and it flows through the song so beautifully.
You also worked with lyricist Yuko Konishi-san, reuniting after “Tabi no Yukue.” How has your creative partnership evolved since then?
Hana Hope: This time, “Hearts Glow” felt much more collaborative. I brought the concept and wrote a large portion of the lyrics myself, so our partnership naturally evolved into more of a co-writing process. It felt very organic and creatively fulfilling.
In “Hearts Glow,” you sing about leaving behind a version of yourself that wasn’t genuine. Was there something you had to let go of in order to become the artist and the person you are today — to truly embrace your “wild glow”?
Hana Hope: It’s still something I’m working on. Letting go of other people’s expectations and not allowing them to define what I create or the kind of melodies I write has been an important step.
One of the lyrics says, “Trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations, I gradually lost sight of who I really was.” We also discussed similar feelings in “blue hour.” As an artist who keeps challenging herself artistically, how do you balance meeting fans’ expectations while staying true to yourself?
Hana Hope: I think it’s always a challenge to balance staying true to the anime’s story while also preserving my own identity as an artist. But I see that challenge as something necessary for growth. At the core of every song I create, especially for anime, is my message and my melody. I try to keep those elements authentic and consistent across all my work.
You also mentioned in our previous interview that your mother has always been your anchor. Meanwhile, in Goodbye, Lara, Mari becomes someone important in Lara’s life. How important do you think it is to have someone who believes in you as you search for your own place to belong?
Hana Hope: Mari is a crucial character in Lara’s development as she helps build her confidence and trust in others. In real life, even if we value independence, having someone who truly believes in you makes all the difference. Even if they don’t fully share your vision, having someone who tries to understand your struggles is something necessary as humans.
In your official comment, you spoke about how growing up with two nationalities sometimes left you feeling that you didn’t fully belong to either world. Today, however, your bilingual songwriting has become one of your signatures and strengths as an artist. Looking back, what was the catalyst that helped you realize your multicultural background wasn’t something that set you apart, but rather what makes you unique?
Hana Hope: It was definitely music. Music is a space where you don’t need a fixed background or identity to express yourself. There’s no single path you have to follow. Through songwriting, I’ve been able to carve out my own place in the world and connect with people who truly resonate with my words and message. It’s helped me feel less alone and embrace who I am.
Speaking of belonging, Lara leaves behind the ocean, the only home she’s ever known, and sets out in search of a place where she truly belongs on land. In your own life, what does “home” mean to you today? Is it a place, the people around you, the music you create, or something more abstract?
Hana Hope: Growing up in Tokyo and now living in the U.S., “home” isn’t something concrete for me. It’s something I find in people, both through music and in my personal life. Meeting people who feel the same way I do is where I truly feel at home. I think Lara experiences something similar. Even though the human world can be harsh, it’s the people she meets who help her grow, gain confidence, and create a sense of home.
Congrats on your nomination at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 as Radio Rising Artist of the Year, where you also performed live with STUTS and Kohjiya. What was that experience like for you?
Hana Hope: It was nerve-racking but also incredibly freeing. Performing with them always feels natural; we treat it like we’re in a session together, just creating and enjoying the moment. Even though we all have very different styles, it somehow comes together in a way that feels really comforting to me. Performing in front of so many artists I look up to was definitely intimidating, but I hope we made a strong impression.
This summer, you’re also performing at several festivals, including in Malaysia and Indonesia. Is there any difference in your approach when it comes to performing at a festival with a mixed audience compared to your own headline concerts for your own fans?
Hana Hope: Performing in new countries feels like an opportunity to define myself as an artist. In places like Malaysia and Indonesia, where audiences are more English-speaking, my setlist naturally includes more English songs, which creates a different dynamic compared to Japan. I’ve also noticed that audiences there really respond to more upbeat songs, so I’ve been incorporating more of that energy into my performances.
Speaking of performing, you’ve been performing since childhood. How has your confidence on stage and showmanship evolved over the years?
Hana Hope: My confidence on stage is always evolving, especially in recent years. I really value connecting with the audience and hearing their honest responses. I want my shows to feel like a safe space, where people can express themselves and feel their emotions freely. Especially in Japan, where there is a culture to keep these emotions pent up, so many people use music as an outlet. People listen to songs that reflect what they’re feeling, take that emotion, and really validate it. I hope my songs and shows are something of that sort to my fans.
Lastly, David Baron revealed on his Instagram that the two of you worked on multiple songs together. Can fans look forward to something exciting on the horizon, perhaps even a new album?
Hana Hope: I’ll be going back to the U.S. at the end of August, and I’m really excited to spend more time in New York, hopefully doing more co-writing sessions and, most importantly, just creating as much as possible.
Our thanks go to Hana for once again sharing her stories with us. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Hanako Tabata for making this interview possible.
You can follow Hana on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. “Hearts Glow” is currently available on multiple streaming platforms.
Interview by Rakha Alif
Edited by Isabelle Lee and Tamara Lazic
