Nemophila have announced a new EP titled “Michikarakusa”, set for release on 9 December. The title translates loosely as “arabesque at the roadside”, according to the band’s announcement. The Tokyo metalcore band also confirmed that the EP will be the last recorded in their classic line-up.
The news follows a line-up change that the band communicated a few weeks ago. Drummer Tamu Murata and guitarist Hazuki announced their withdrawal from the group and played their final concert with Nemophila on 12 October at Ex Theater Roppongi in Tokyo. Who will take over on guitar and drums has not been revealed yet. The remaining members, vocalist Mayu and bassist Haraguchi-san, have stated that they intend to carry on under the Nemophila name.
A farewell in five strings and a drum kit
“Michikarakusa” closes a chapter for a band that has been unusually productive since its formation in Tokyo in 2019. Nemophila built a large international following through their YouTube videos before releasing their debut album “Revive” in December 2021. The albums “Seize the Fate” (2022), “Evolve” (2024) and “Apple of My Eye” (2025) followed, along with the EPs “The Initial Impulse” (2023) and “Gozo”, which came out on 21 January 2026. Their releases have appeared on labels including Master Works, JPU and Velocity.
The band came together when Mayu, previously of the rock band Lipstick, was assembling a backing group for a live session in August 2019. She brought in her former classmate Haraguchi-san on bass, and the line-up was completed with Murata on drums and Hazuki, formerly of Disqualia, on guitar. Because every member is female, Mayu chose the band’s name after a flower.
Mayu, Haraguchi-san, iKA, Hazuki and Tamu Murata
Until now, Nemophila’s line-up has consisted of women in every position. Mayu sings lead vocals and founded the band in 2019 after leaving Lipstick. Haraguchi-san plays bass and provides backing vocals, and she has been with the group since that first line-up. iKA plays guitar in the band and is also active in the project Ark Royal. Hazuki, who joined from Disqualia, played guitar and backing vocals until the 12 October concert, while Tamu Murata, formerly of Soramimi, sat behind the drum kit; she had previously taken maternity leave in 2020, with Miki “Mittan” Tsunoda of Show-Ya filling in.
With “Michikarakusa” arriving on 9 December, the EP will serve as the final document of this version of the band. Mayu and Haraguchi-san have not yet announced who will join them next.
