“Ukrainians Want to Hear Our Music, and That Was the Most Important Thing for Us”: Japanese Band Heavenphetamine on Kyiv and Supporting Ukraine
Japanese musicians on their love for Kyiv, charity concerts, and the ethics of travelling during wartime.
Hiroki and Sara Oda are members of the Japanese band Heavenphetamine, which has supported Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion by performing charity concerts across Europe and in several Ukrainian cities.
The musicians first visited Kyiv in December 2021 and immediately fell in love with the city. In September 2022, they returned to the capital to perform a charity concert in support of Ukraine. Since then, Kyiv has become a regular stop on their tours. Heavenphetamine regularly performs at local clubs and cultural venues and raises funds for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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Our First Encounter with Kyiv
We first came to Kyiv in December 2021, a few months before the start of the full-scale invasion. At the time, we were living in Tbilisi, and a friend suggested that we play a small concert in Kyiv.
We spent five days in the city, exploring Kyiv, visiting a nightclub, and performing at the Squad 17b cultural space. The organisers and the audience welcomed us very warmly and created an incredible atmosphere, so we left with nothing but good memories of the trip.
During those few days, we became friends with many people, especially those who hosted us. Before leaving, we even agreed to meet again in the spring or invite them to visit us in Tbilisi.
However, in February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Our band then set off on a charity tour across Europe in support of Ukraine. During the tour, we were invited to perform at a festival at the Otel’ club in Kyiv.
We spent a long time deciding whether to go. On the one hand, we were afraid. On the other hand, we really wanted to see what life in Kyiv was like during the war and meet our friends again.
In September 2022, we returned to Kyiv. It seems that Heavenphetamine was one of the first foreign bands to perform in Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion.
First Impressions of Kyiv
During our first trip, we knew almost nothing about Kyiv, but over those five days, we fell in love with the city.
Kyiv immediately impressed us with its scale and atmosphere. Since we had never visited a major European city before, it even reminded us of Tokyo at first. The people here seemed warmer and more open. We were especially struck by how deeply Ukrainians love their country and culture. It was only later, after many more visits, that we came to understand that this love is rooted in Ukraine’s history.
Ukrainians are very hardworking and incredibly hospitable. They enjoy getting together, spending time in good company, and welcoming foreigners into their circles. We have always appreciated the balance they strike: they make their guests feel welcome without being intrusive. It is difficult to put into words, but it was exactly this sense of ease that made us feel so comfortable.
How Kyiv Changed the Musicians
It is difficult for us to say exactly how we have changed. But when we compare who we were before the start of the full-scale war with who we are now, it feels as though we have become completely different people. First, our way of life changed, and then we changed along with it.
At the same time, the war is not the only reason. Our experiences in Ukraine and our constant touring across Europe have also played a major role.
We spent a great deal of time in Ukraine, met many people, and visited different cities. We heard many stories about the war, mobilisation, the economy, corruption, and politics, and we saw destroyed buildings. What we saw and heard helped us gain a deeper understanding of Ukraine and became the foundation for our creative work.
Today, we tour extensively, going on major European tours at least twice a year. In 2025, for example, we played 128 concerts. Before the start of the full-scale war, we did not live this way. Living at this pace inevitably changes us.
Travelling to Ukraine During the War
Even before our trip in September 2022, we discussed whether it was right to go to Ukraine, as we did not know what life there was like during the war.
Japan is frequently hit by powerful earthquakes. More than ten years ago, when we were still living there, we experienced one ourselves. We remember that for some time afterwards, people felt that we should not play music or have fun. But it is impossible to live in a constant state of sadness. People also need time to enjoy life.
Of course, it is important to remember those who have died and those who are still going through difficult times. But there is no point in being sad all the time.
When it came to Ukraine, what mattered most to us was the opinion of the people who live here. Of course, there may be critics in other countries who say, “No, you should not go to a country at war just to have fun.” But many Ukrainians told us, “Please come to Ukraine. We are waiting for you.”
Ukrainians want to hear our music, and that was the most important thing for us.
Kyiv Through the Eyes of Hiroki and Sara
Hiroki: I imagine Kyiv as a young woman who has had a very difficult life and uses drugs. Her pride has been shattered, but that is not surprising given her history. Still, she keeps fighting. For her, drugs are a way to escape reality, but at the same time, they are also a way to survive and keep fighting.
Sara: I’m not exactly sure why, but Kyiv reminds me of a knight protecting a queen.
