The Manager's Stories: Meeting Noctyx and Their First Impressions
――First, could you each tell us about your first impressions of the Liver you’re working with?
Alban’s Manager: I first met Alban during the preparation period for NIJISANJI EN AR LIVE “COLORS” (hereafter “COLORS”), around 2023. At that time, I was still a new employee who had just joined the company. I wasn't managing Alban at that point, but I happened to have the opportunity to work with him. Alban struck up a lot of conversation to break the ice, so I got the impression of him being a kind person who was good at communicating with others.
In person, he was just as bright and cheerful as he appeared on stream. However, after becoming Alban's manager and interacting with him more, I’ve gradually discovered new sides to him that make me think, “Oh, I didn’t know this about him!”
Sonny’s Manager: Originally, I joined the company in a role supporting Livers’ personal commissions and supervising content at the Management Desk. Later, I transitioned into a manager role and was in charge of managing all of Noctyx. Currently, I manage Sonny.
I had been communicating with Sonny regarding administrative matters since my Management Desk days, but the first time I met him in person was after becoming his manager, during the preparation period for his 3D debut. That was when I witnessed Sonny’s creativity and attention to detail firsthand, and that grew a new level of respect for him within me! Some fans might have the impression that Sonny is a really sarcastic person, but when working together, he's actually extremely polite.
【#Sonny3D】BREACH INTO THE THIRD DIMENSION【NIJISANJI EN | Sonny Brisko】
Uki’s Manager: The first time I spoke with Uki was during our introductory meeting when I initially took over the role of being his manager. Before that, my main impression of Uki was that he was someone who spoke slowly with a gentle voice. But when I actually talked with him, I was a bit surprised by how straightforward he was in expressing his thoughts.
Of course, that doesn't mean he said anything offensive or unpleasant; it simply means he conveys his genuine thoughts directly. I believe that good results can come from open, equal discussions, so I had a positive impression of Uki from the very first time we spoke.
Also, during that meeting, I remember Uki asked me, “How do you approach your work?” When I talked about my background and the way I engage with my work, he said, “That might be the same for me as well,” which really stuck with me. Thanks to that smooth first meeting, I feel we’ve built a consistently good relationship ever since.
The Role of EN Managers Supporting Livers Based Overseas
――How do managers typically support NIJISANJI EN Livers? Also, we'd like to hear if there are any differences in the work responsibilities between NIJISANJI and NIJISANJI EN managers.
Alban’s Manager: Since most of NIJISANJI EN's Livers live overseas, we rarely get to meet them in person. So I think the biggest difference from NIJISANJI is that communication tends to rely heavily on text.
But, to make up for not meeting face-to-face, we make sure to actively schedule meetings to communicate. I hold regular meetings with Alban, where we often discuss the content he plans on producing going forward. I try to offer suggestions like, “This kind of thing is trending right now,” or “Viewers might enjoy it if we created something like this.”
Of course, Alban has many ideas for his projects, but we exchange a lot of ideas about stream projects, short videos, song choices for cover song videos, and so on. From there, Alban decides what he actually wants to do. The specifics of this kind of support can vary depending on the Liver and their manager.
Uki's Manager: I also schedule regular meetings with Uki to talk, and sometimes we discuss ideas for stream projects too. Like Alban, Uki is the type who has clear ideas and goals, but even so, he'll sometimes choose to rely on me and ask to brainstorm ideas together. It’s been really great working so hands-on with him!
Sonny’s Manager: Same here, I also hold regular meetings with Sonny and make a point to communicate proactively. Like the other two, Sonny is someone who thinks quite deeply about his projects, but sometimes when we discuss things together it can lead to even better ideas.
Uki’s Manager: The difference I feel between being a manager for NIJISANJI and NIJISANJI EN is that we often act as interpreters, mediating between the Livers and the company. For example, when we’re in the studio, I enter the site alongside the Livers and studio staff, facilitating various communications as an interpreter while the recording progresses.
This doesn't apply to EN Livers who speak Japanese, but generally, given that the support systems and structures are designed to be consistent with those of NIJISANJI, EN Livers tend to carry out their work primarily through their managers.
【3D CONCERT】spend a night with us! #ANightwithNOCTYX 🌃
Sonny’s Manager: It's true that when EN Livers are in the studio, the managers often work together to keep things running smoothly. But in Sonny's case, since he speaks Japanese fluently, I tend to just watch over things (laughs).
Also, this might be more about cultural differences than differences between NIJISANJI and NIJISANJI EN, but the EN Livers tend to be quite energetic, so we sometimes hear the studio staff say, “The EN Livers are really full of energy, aren't they?!” (laughs).
How Each Manager Tailors Their Support for Each Noctyx Member
――Next, in supporting the Noctyx members, we’d love to know if there are any distinctive ways you support each member, or specific duties involved?
Alban’s Manager: Alban has been diligently studying Japanese, and lately, he's been getting more opportunities to participate in projects utilizing his Japanese skills. We even receive comments from viewers saying, “We want more collaborations with NIJISANJI Livers!” and Alban is very positive about this.
However, he seemed a bit uneasy about arranging for a collaboration stream with NIJISANJI Livers in Japanese by himself. So I've been coordinating with NIJISANJI managers to help set up the details leading up to the collaboration stream. Normally, managers aren’t really involved in preparing for collaborations between Livers, but I provide that kind of support for Alban in these contexts.
Also, when Alban is concerned about the accuracy of his Japanese, I sometimes check it for him. For example, he might share a Japanese script with me beforehand, and I'll suggest things like, “Saying it this way would better capture your personality!”
【ベイビー日本語】 勉強＋雑談 【 NIJISANJI EN | Alban Knox 】
――Alban will also be performing in the NIJISANJI 8th Anniversary LIVE “CONCERTO” (hereafter “CONCERTO”), right? It would be quite exciting to see the Japanese he’s studying now come in handy there too!
Alban’s Manager: Yes, he is! We've actually been discussing the idea of him doing the MC segments in Japanese. I think fans would be really happy to hear him talk in fluent Japanese for the MC segments, so I'm looking forward to it already.
NIJISANJI 8th Anniversary LIVE “CONCERTO” Day2 Key Visual
――How about for Sonny and Uki? Are there any specific duties or distinctive ways in which you support the two?
Sonny’s Manager: In Sonny’s case, it would be sending follow-up messages (laughs). Sometimes he doesn’t see his notifications.
Uki’s Manager: To add to that, it’s not that he slacks off, but more so that he tends to go on digital detoxes, right? (laughs)
Sonny’s Manager: Exactly! He does reply if I tell him “I need to hear back from you about this today!” But even so, I can’t help but be a little bit unsure as to whether he’ll reply (laughs). That said, Sonny pays close attention to even the smallest details, and that level of thoughtfulness is what allows him to create such great content. So although I have to send him many reminders, it doesn’t bother me! Just like everyone has their different sides, Sonny too has a side where his talent shines through, and another where he takes things at his own pace. I think it makes a good balance! (laughs)
Uki’s Manager: In my case, this is not to the extent of a specific duty per say, but I make it a point to share my honest thoughts with Uki as much as possible. I can tell he appreciates it when I tell him things like “I enjoy working with you” or “I’m always thinking of you,” so I consciously make sure to express those kinds of things!
A Relationship That’s 'Too Free' Between Noctyx and Their Managers
――Throughout our conversation so far, we've heard many unique stories about Noctyx. Having been involved in their management, can you recall any particular moments that made you think, “That's so Noctyx”?
Uki’s Manager: In addition to our regular meetings with each Liver, we also hold periodic meetings for Noctyx as a group. These meetings are optional to attend. When they happen, Alban usually joins on time, chats energetically for about ten minutes, then says “See ya!” and leaves. Then, about 10 to 20 minutes later, Uki comes in saying “Hi~,” chats for a bit, and leaves... and Sonny never shows up (laughs). The fact that all three of them rarely attend this meeting together might say something about the 'essence of Noctyx.' I'm not sure if you can call this “Noctyx-like,” though (laughs).
Alban’s Manager: When we all went out for yakiniku (Japanese barbeque), Alban would actively strike up conversations with us, asking things like, “What do you do on your days off?” or “What are your hobbies?” Meanwhile, Uki would mostly just eat, occasionally chiming in with something like, “Oh, I’ve heard of that too,” and Sonny would just quietly focus on grilling the meat by himself. I would say this is pretty similar to the story Uki’s manager just mentioned (laughs).
Uki’s Manager: It’s not that Sonny isn’t interested in his gen-mates or the managers, he just likes to observe quietly (laughs).
Alban’s Manager: Of course, he’s always listening to the conversation! At the end of the day, Sonny really loves the other two, and he’s always being affectionate with one or the other (laughs). It's like having the best of both worlds.
Sonny’s Manager: Sonny is a quiet person, but he actually cares deeply about the other two. For example, during a recording break, Uki was sleeping in the dressing room, and I saw Sonny enter the room quietly, making sure not to make a sound. You could really tell he cherishes Uki (laughs). Noctyx truly sees each other as important teammates.
――I get the sense that this dynamic naturally comes from each of them simply being themselves (laughs). With that in mind, as their managers who support them, is there any surprising side of Noctyx that you’re aware of but isn’t widely known yet?
Uki’s Manager: Since they all show their authentic selves without really holding back, it's hard to think of anything about them that isn't already known by viewers...
Sonny’s Manager: I agree. Noctyx has been doing what they do for a long time now, so I think they show a very relaxed side of themselves even during streams!
Alban’s Manager: Actually, the previous interview with ANYCOLOR MAGAZINE might have revealed an unexpected side for me. At first, I was worried they’d end up blurting out all sorts of things they probably shouldn't, like they would during a typical Noctyx collaboration stream. But I was surprised to see them answering seriously. It became an interview packed with four years' worth of memories, which was really moving. I thought, “I've never seen Noctyx like this before!”
Uki’s Manager・Sonny’s Manager: True!
Noctyxインタビュー 「この出会いが人生を変えた」激動の4年間と、揺るぎない絆を語る
The Dedicated Efforts of the Three Livers That Moved Their Managers’ Hearts
――Throughout your time supporting Noctyx, were there any particularly memorable moments or instances where you felt they had grown?
Uki’s Manager: Uki was selected to perform at the NIJISANJI WORLD TOUR 2025 “Singin' in the Rainbow!” Seoul Stage (hereafter SitR Seoul Stage). During major event preparations, studio rehearsals can sometimes run back-to-back for days. Compared to some other Livers, Uki tends to struggle a bit with sustaining long periods of physical activity, so I planned to schedule frequent short breaks. But during the SitR Seoul Stage rehearsals, he was working incredibly hard!
Of course, I told him not to push himself too hard, but he seemed to really enjoy the rehearsals. He was smiling from morning till night and was actively trying to talk to the other performers in Japanese. Honestly, I think there might be tears during the actual performance… (*1)
*1→This discussion took place before the SitR Seoul Stage event.
Alban’s Manager: Uki’s tears?
Uki’s Manager: No, mine (laughs). Oh, but! During one of the rehearsals in the studio, Uki was actually in tears too. That day was the first time Uki and the other performers' practice schedules overlapped, and Seffyna’s performance was so incredible that both Uki and Maria (Maria Marionette) were bawling their eyes out. Even though it was just a studio rehearsal, both of them gave a huge round of applause—it was such a heartwarming sight…
【Live】NIJISANJI WORLD TOUR 2025 Singin' in the Rainbow! Seoul Stage #SitRソウル
Sonny’s Manager: I’ve noticed Uki is someone who values music and live performances! As for Sonny, the events that particularly stood out to me were the NIJISANJI 7th Anniversary LIVE “OVERTURE” Daytime Stage (hereafter “OVERTURE”) and the NIJISANJI WORLD TOUR 2025 Singin' in the Rainbow! Shanghai Stage (hereafter SitR Shanghai Stage).
I’m sure many of his fans would feel the same way, but I think Sonny shines the brightest when he's on stage. During dance rehearsals, he'd proactively suggest things like, “Maybe doing it this way would look cooler,” to the other members. And during the actual performance, he delivered such an amazing performance. From my perspective as his manager, I truly feel he is an incredibly talented individual!
【#SitR上海】NIJISANJI WORLD TOUR 2025 Singin’ in the Rainbow! Shanghai Stage / Revised
――I also attended “OVERTURE” to cover the event, and Sonny truly gave an outstanding performance! I also heard from event staff that Sonny was actively helping with interpretation.
Sonny’s Manager: Yes, Sonny’s Japanese is very good, so he was helping prepare for the event while interpreting for the other Livers and staff. It's amazing how he thinks about how he can help and takes action proactively! At “OVERTURE”, I was also cheering from backstage, shouting “You got this!” (laughs). After it ended, the Livers were moved to tears, and us staff were crying too.
Alban’s Manager: During the preparation period for “OVERTURE,” Sonny practiced the dance for his solo song countless times, and it was already close to perfection. Even so, he kept saying, “No, I’ve still got some time to practice, so I want to stay a little longer and keep going!” and practiced over and over again.
Sonny’s Manager: During the SitR Shanghai Stage, Sonny was actively encouraging other Livers, saying things like, “How about trying it this way?” and “Let's practice together a bit more!” He really gave it his all. Sonny is everyone's “negi idol”! (*2)
*2→A reference to Sonny’s comment “ネギ系アイドル目指しています。よろしく〜☆” (ENG: “I’m gonna be your negi idol. See you there~ ☆”) for the Matching Outfit Exhibit.
NIJISANJI 7th Anniversary LIVE “OVERTURE” Daytime Stage Key Visual
――And how about Alban? Were there any particularly memorable moments or instances where you felt he had grown?
Alban’s Manager: Noctyx has always been a group with exceptionally talented individuals since their debut, but even so, I believe Alban has continued growing throughout these past four years. As I mentioned earlier, he recently started studying Japanese and is dedicating about four hours a day to it. At first, he couldn't speak Japanese at all, but now his Japanese level has improved enough that he can participate in NIJISANJI’s game tournaments without any issues.
Also, Alban wasn't particularly passionate about music-related projects at the beginning. In fact, during “COLORS,” he participated in fewer songs than other Livers. But now, he's started releasing cover song videos on his own initiative and has even begun studying mixing!
And now, after consistently building on these efforts, he even got the chance to be in “CONCERTO.” I think his attitude of persistently challenging himself, even in areas where he lacks confidence, is truly admirable. What's also wonderful is how he openly shares this journey of improving his Japanese and growing in his music activities with his fans. I genuinely have an immense respect for Alban.
Alban Knox - ドロボウネコブギ 【NIJISANJI EN】
Managers' Hopes for Noctyx's Unknown Future
――Do you have any expectations for future projects or aspects you'd like to see from each of the Livers you manage?
Alban’s Manager: As I mentioned earlier, Alban took the initiative to start studying Japanese and mixing—something completely unexpected for us. So even as his manager, I have no idea what direction Alban will take next. That's why I'm actually really excited to see how he evolves! Right now, I'm just looking forward to seeing him perform on the “CONCERTO” stage!
Uki’s Manager: I feel the same way. When I became Uki's manager, he hadn't performed at any major live performances yet. At our first meeting, Uki said, “I want to perform live on stage!” So I told him, “Then let's work hard together towards that!” Shortly after that, he got selected for the SitR Seoul Stage. Now that he's achieved one major goal, I'm really looking forward to seeing how Uki develops from here. So rather than me thinking about what I want for him, I'm just excited to see how he’ll grow from here.
Sonny’s Manager: Sonny will occasionally reach out saying, “I want to try something new like this!” so I’m right there with everyone else in not knowing what to expect (laughs). Beyond that, I'm really looking forward to Sonny's new VSF series (*3). I've been fascinated by the VSF series since the first time I met Sonny, so I can't wait to see what happens next!
*3→Short for “Virtual Special Forces.” Sonny is a special forces officer from the future, and is the commander of VSF.
ESCAPE FROM VSF (Villain POV)【NIJISANJI EN | Sonny Brisko】
――To wrap up, as we commemorate this milestone of Noctyx’s 4th anniversary, I'd like to hear any thoughts you'd like to share about the members or any words of encouragement you'd like to offer.
Uki’s Manager: Just one thing from me. I hope you’ll continue to be there for each other!
Alban’s Manager: I’ll go with: Congratulations on your 4th anniversary! (applause)
Sonny’s Manager: I hope we can continue to create new content together while having fun! We’ll keep doing our best to protect NIJISANJI EN Livers so that we can see everyone shine!