Rising Harajuku-core quartet HANABIE. released their latest EP HOT TOPIC (via Sony Music Japan), the band’s newest set of music since 2024’s Bucchigiri Tokyo EP. It captures the group continuing to expand its sound, adding new sonic flourishes to its base style of loud rock and metalcore. Equal parts heavy and humorous, HOT TOPIC captures an outfit embracing its own voice.
When asked about the release, vocalist Yukina said:
“We’ve put together another EP packed with a wide variety of songs this time around. With our new tracks “ICONIC” and “Tokimeki about you” I’d love it if everyone sang along and jumped around during the chorus—I can already picture the scene in my head! I can’t wait to perform these live at our shows. “GIRL’S TALK” is a song that captures who we are right now, just as we are. “Spicy Queen” looks back to our early days and reflects that original spirit. Both of these have already been released as singles, but they’re absolutely essential in bringing color and balance to ‘HOT TOPIC’. As has become something of a tradition for us, we let ourselves go all out with one playful track on an album or EP—this time, it’s “Theme of hanabienchan”. I’d love to see the confused looks on everyone’s faces when this song comes on after listening to the other four tracks! Please enjoy this EP to the fullest.”
Guitarist and vocalist Matsuri said:
“An EP perfectly suited to kick off 2026 is finally complete! This EP includes three new tracks. “ICONIC” and “Tokimeki about you” are punchy tracks that are simple and electronic with playful elements. By embracing a side that is different from usual, we feel that a new side of HANABIE. was born. “Spicy Queen” bursts with initial full-throttle impulse. “GIRL’S TALK” is a glamorous, danceable track. Closing out ‘HOT TOPIC’ is “Theme of hanabienchan”.This EP delivers many different expressions of HANABIE., so please enjoy listening to it from start to finish!”
Bassist Hettsu added:
“The new EP ‘HOT TOPIC’ features 5 tracks—3 brand new songs plus the already released “GIRL’S TALK” and “Spicy Queen”. Among the new songs “ICONIC” and “Tokimeki about you”, we challenged ourselves with song structures and genres unlike anything we’ve done before. “Tokimeki about you” is our first-ever straightforward love song as HANABIE., and a key feature is the groovy sound of the instrumental section. It’s a track that we feel is great to move along to, so we hope everyone who comes to our live shows will enjoy it ♪ The fifth track, ”Theme of hanabienchan.”, is the theme song for HANABIE.’s unofficial character, ”Hanabienchan”. As our wild-card track that is in every EP or album, it finally makes its appearance here! There might just be a second installment if there is a good response…?? With our 10th-anniversary track “Spicy Queen”, a more mature side of HANABIE. in “GIRL’S TALK”, and three brand-new tracks with fresh styles, we feel this EP displays a new side of HANABIE.“
HANABIE. drummer Chika also shared:
“Three out of the five tracks on this EP are brand-new! The third track, “Tokimeki about you”, is my personal favorite as the drummer. I focused on creating contrast and dynamics in the drum arrangement. I especially love the moment in the first chorus where the cymbals drop out, and the strength of the rhythm section throughout the song. The fifth track is a special one—I think it will get stuck in your head once you hear it. The first track “ICONIC” also has a music video, so be sure to check that out as well. Please also notice how there is a difference on the girl’s face between the left and right sides. We put a lot of effort into all aspects of this EP, from the songs to the cover art!”
Streaming Link: https://hanabie.lnk.to/HOTTOPIC
North American fans will also have their chance to see the band’s high-energy, inimitable live show on their first North American headliner beginning Friday, March 13 with Nekrogoblikon and Enterprise Earth as support. Be sure to get your tickets here before they’re all gone.
HANABIE. 2026 North American Headliner with Nekrogoblikon + Enterprise Earth
Fri Mar 13 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Sat Mar 14 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
Sun Mar 15 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Tue Mar 17 – Montreal, QC – Théâtre Beanfield
Wed Mar 18 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall
Fri Mar 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre Presented by Citizens
Sat Mar 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Mon Mar 23 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Tue Mar 24 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Wed Mar 25 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando*
Fri Mar 27 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland
Sun Mar 29 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall
Mon Mar 30 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues Chicago
Wed Apr 01 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
Fri Apr 03 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues Dallas
Sat Apr 04 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston
Mon Apr 06 – Austin, TX – Emo’s Austin
Tue Apr 07 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Thu Apr 09 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego
Fri Apr 10 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
Sat Apr 11 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Listen to “HOT TOPIC”