Tour Rehearsals with Jin Akanishi
February 16, 2012
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I had the opportunity of hanging out with Jin Akanishi yesterday for his tour rehearsals.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
2012.02 - Rolling Stone Japan | Translated by Anna
JAF:
Credit to Anna for translating this.__________Through Jin Akanishi’s Facebook, Youtube and Twitter account, one can easily tell what he’s been up to last year in Los Angeles. Discussing and exchanging ideas with the engineer seated in front of the audio mixer, recording his vocals, and above anything, his expressions and actions while communicating naturally with the local staff and artistes there shows his professionalism. The fact that Japan can produce such an entertainer, isn’t this something that we have been looking forward to? His debut album “Japonicana” is finally going to be on sale soon. In December last year, (the writer) had listened to 4 songs in the upcoming album, and have talked to Jin himself about them.Having listened to the four songs, the song “Like you” is especially fresh. It is your first time challenging a song in that genre right?“It is Ghetto R&B. According to the album’s concept, I wanted to have a mixture of many different styles, and so I really wanted a song with a slow tempo too.”In the song lyrics, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” appeared.“It’s a love song actually. The message (I’m) trying to convey is that it doesn’t matter what people around say. It won’t affect us. We should just concentrate on letting our love grow, that’s good enough.”Your vocal immersed in this sweet atmosphere (in the song) left a deep impression.“Stereotypes were the producers, but when I was actually recording the song, they were not present at the studio, it was just the vocal engineer and I during the recording. For this song, the engineer said to me “Let’s not do this song with normal English, let’s try doing it with an African American accent”. He talked to me in detail about it. Including this song, in general, it is pretty obvious that the album is rather concentrated on accents. Coincidentally, I have a song that is about to be completed, it’s a Latin-styled dance number, but I sang that song with a Jamaican English accent. “Set Love Free” is one song sung in an accent such that when Americans listen to it, they would realize “this is definitely not an American.” Sun Burns Down is the only song that is not sung with any special accent.”“Set Love~” “Sun Burns~” are new songs too, just like the other songs in the album, you paid special attention in the English accents?“Japanese accents and English accents are different, aren’t they? For example, if there was a song being sung in Kansai-ben*, there wouldn’t be much differences to pay attention to. But English is a common language in the world, there are many many different songs in different accents. That’s why I tried to imagine I was transformed into a Jamaican. Well, but actually that was just to satisfy myself.(Lol)”Have you considered Japanese English pronunciation?“Nope, even if they listen to my song, I think people wouldn’t know it is a Japanese accent. Though I have tried searching for an English accent that (exclusively) belongs to Japanese people, I couldn’t find any. And if I spend too much effort on this, I wouldn’t be able to convey my messages through my songs properly which is why it was difficult to materialize the songs this time round. For example the “r” in Spanish is similar to American English, so there is not so much difference, but for Japanese pronunciation, there is no such similar feeling etc.”So was the Japanese feeling part avoided intentionally?“I didn’t think much into that.”You were just focused on the production of the song?“Yeah, something like that. Gathering the images I get from the song etc.”In what kind of situations do you write songs?“When I’m home. I begin when I think “Yoshhhh, let’s do it!”Like at night?“Well, I do make more songs in the night.”Your new song “California Rock” is an aggressive dance tune.“This song already had basic beats to it from the beginning, my arrangements were then added on top of the original beats. The melody and lyrics were done by me. It sounds like it’s a dupstep** genre kinda song, but I wanted to create a pop element in it too, so I did some adjustments to the vocals.So it is dupstep! Indeed, the bass line completely shows that genre.“I wanted to just layer the melody over the beat at first, but as I thought, I couldn’t sing that. That sort of aggressive track would be better off without any singing involved. Then, I repeated the hook portion, and that became the main part of the song. Maa, these are the sort of things that are always on my mind which I have to consider while making the song.”By the way, how many songs would be recorded in the album?“For now, it’s about 8-10 songs. I’m thinking of putting in about 1-2 songs from my previous America tour. Other than those, the other songs were only written after I went to America.”We talked about the album being a mixture just now, but basically it would be good to think of this album as a dance album right?“The songs are ones that would raise the atmosphere even when it is played in clubs. This is what I kinda noticed.”I see. Talking about this genre, are there any producers or artists whom are really cool to you?“Dr. Dre. He is too awesome. And also Dr. Luke. Stereotypes too, and also like the Young Money artistes. I like Lil Wayne’s lyrics.”How about like David Guetta?“Hmmmm, if I have to choose, I would prefer the songs from West Coast, such as 2Pac etc.”If these are your preferences, you must have been really delighted that you received the chance to record in Los Angeles?“Yeah that’s true if I think about it now. But when I was busy writing songs, I didn’t think about it at all (lol)”Did you have time to go to concerts?“No…..I only went for Kanye West’s when I went to New York during my America tour. Lyor Cohen (Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Music Group) invited me there. It only housed about 200 people as it was sort of a special party, Nicki Minaj also guested in the party. I was actually more excited for Nicki’s performance than Kanye’s (lol).”Though you also had movie filming in the year 2011, it was still very much of a music year for you. Leaving for LA, a foreign land all by yourself, did you feel your growth/improvements in any areas?“Yes. Compared to the past, my song-writing horizons have expanded, and I have met many people. I have also written songs for people. Such as an offer came from a Canadian singer. It is interesting to have this sort of experience.”Your contacts are slowly expanding?“Talking about this, I was wrongly mistaken for a dancer when I was in one of the rehearsal studios there, it became a situation where I was almost going to get hired (lol). There was a female artiste in the studio next door, she was talking to the people around, saying “There’s a Japanese who is really good at dancing! Which agency is he from?”. She was a African American girl, when I said “I’m a singer too”, she went like “Eh?” (lol). Then, we listened to each others songs. When I went to the studio with Stereotypes, Ne-yo, Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston etc were in the same studio.”These happenings are due to your long-term stay in LA. It is different from when you have to return to Japan after just one month in LA right?“Yes. In “California Rock” a rapper, Prophet would be featuring in it, I get along really well with him in private, and we started writing songs together, then I asked if he wanted to take up the offer and he agreed to rap in my song. There are loads of stuff that would occur from daily casual conversations and while having fun together outside.”
2012.01.23 – SODA magazine | Translated by Anna
JAF:
Credit to Anna for translating this.__________JIN AKANISHIIn the central of the worldMoving his activity focal point to LA, making his American debut in 2011. A rush of (music) releases starting from the end of last year, to the Hollywood movie which would be screened in time, etc. There have been a lot of things going on increasingly around him. In the midst of the flurry of activities, what is JIN AKANISHI thinking now? His words and answers are being recorded to the greatest extent to create this long interview.JIN AKANISHI is back!There’s a reason behind the sudden use of English which I’m (Translator note: referring to the writer) not very used to. Akanishi Jin, who moved his activity focal point to America in the year 2010, will be appearing in the Hollywood movie “47 RONIN” (scheduled to screen in December), and his American debut with the single “TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO” happened last November. This man has returned to Japan after a long time. Just like the word “back”, he has returned.(After Akanishi Jin has went over to America, what kind of thoughts and feelings does he have day to day in his life?)This interview was conducted at a precious timing during his return to Japan after a long time, the things we wanted to ask him about can be summed up in the line above. This man of few words have tried his best to talk as much as he can in this one hour for SODA.__________Took a picture of his own name on iTunesAfter Akanishi-san crossed over to America, the first thing that surprised us here in Japan was the fact that you were going to act in the Hollywood movie “47 RONIN”.Jin: I was shocked myself too. I always liked watching Hollywood movies, and so I have always had this vague thinking of wanting to appear in one someday. Then, at a rare chance, I heard about the audition for “47 RONIN”, and I went with the thinking of “let’s go for it!” or to be more precise, it was like “I have to go for it!!!” and then I passed.“And then I passed…”, please don’t talk about it like it’s an ordinary thing (lol). What kind of audition was it?J: The first round was a camera test whereby I had to read just around two lines from the script. At that time, the director was not present, but the director and producer, whom saw my video, said they wanted to meet me. Then the location was changed to LA and we talked for about 30 minutes. The conversation was not so much about the roles or anything, it was more like casual daily conversations, but in the end, I got an OK for my audition.Like what we said earlier, it’s not an ordinary accomplishment. (lol) You scored a role in the audition for a huge Hollywood work led by Keanu Reeves right?J: Keanu was really down to earth.Though he has done “Matrix”?J: Yeah (lol). Though “47 RONIN” is a movie based on Chushingura but Keanu’s role Kai is a fictional character. The only person who understands Kai is Oishi Chikara whom is always with him and is also the role I’m playing. We spent quite a lot of time at the shooting location together. But Keanu didn’t give off the “Matrix” feeling at all (lol). On the contrary, I think that is really cool. Keanu who remains down to earth despite being a Hollywood star.Talking about this, Akanishi-san is quite a natural kinda person too. Despite having acted in a Hollywood movie, there is no such eagerness to show that off from you.J: Eagerness… Eagerness, huh. For me, including acting in movies etc, other than work, I do not set expectations for myself in my private life. I am quite aware that “natural kinda person” has been used to describe me often, but in my own words, it’s just that “I do not think too deeply into things” (lol) Furthermore, in my case, I am basically bad at work. Okay, no, I’m not bad at work. It’s just that it’s a big no-no if it really becomes “WORK” to me. I always think that I’m doing a creative type of work if I can’t properly digest that feeling of being asked to do something, and it becomes truly just work to me, I won’t be able to proceed with it well. It’s important for me to feel good about what I’m doing. Maybe in this manner, it might appear that I don’t have that eagerness in me.Then, let’s not talk about eagerness, how about the moment when you think “I’m alive” during work?J: Nope, I have never had any thoughts like “I’m alive” before. I realllllly do not think too much into things. So….we won’t able to see eye to eye on that. (lol)Maa maa, don’t say that (lol). Then, let’s not talk about eagerness or the moment you feel alive, how about moments when you thought “I did it!” or “!”?J: Ahh, if it’s that, then I do have those sorts of moments. Such as the moment when my American debut single “TEST DRIVE” topped the dance chart in iTunes, my whole mind was filled with “!”. A fact that I realized in America is that there are tons and tons of artists out there. And because I’m in this environment where it’s completely ordinary that even when new artists enter the iTunes chart, they usually rank at the very bottom where their names can’t even be found, topping the chart is really… I took a picture of my computer with my own name on the iTunes dance chart. (lol)Though it’s really busy day to day but somehow staying in LA makes everything relaxed.Why did you choose America from the start?J: Because I wanted to try out in America, the home of entertainment. Basically that’s about it. And, it’s probably because of the environment I was brought up in. Ever since I was a child, it was natural for me to mix around with families of different nationalities, that was completely normal for me. There was a Spanish lady staying near me, though she often scolded me but including that, an environment where there are no barriers between Japanese and foreigners is an usual scene for me.As what you mentioned, were you able to speak in English ever since you were a child?J: Nope, that’s a no. Because, the kids around me were all really fluent in Japanese. Maa, my english listening skills might have been pretty okay, but speaking and writing in English was not something I had to master. The time when I actually really learned English was the one time when I studied abroad before I went to America, I learned the basics during that time.What was your daily schedule like when you were studying abroad?J: I go to Starbucks after I wake up, if I have the mood to study English then I would do so, or go dance at dance schools. There was also a period of time where I cooked my meals. I made pasta or fried rice. What I felt at that time was, my American life “is somehow really calm”.Did this “calmness” change after you officially crossed to America?J: In the year 2011, be it movie filming or music activities, the speed was really fast and so that feeling of calmness and peace was not there. But, though I’m busy daily, somehow staying in LA is still really “relaxed”. It might be due to the different pace or something but I’m amazed myself too. Maa, this lifestyle about not being too particular about time might be actually something important to me.What do you mean by that?J: For example, LA is a car-centric society, it’s a daily thing where you can’t predict when you would be late. The me who gets scolded for being late in Japan, have also waited for people (lol) Situations like “Eh? It’s 30 minutes past the meeting time and there are still people whom are not here yet? Are they okay?”. Of course, I still think being punctual is really important.In another perspective, what are the good points you realized about Japan after living in America?J: Japan is a gentle place.In what area is it gentle?Akanishi: RamenEh? The ramen is gentle?J: Though I think it is said often, if it’s between food in America and Japan, it’s definitely Japan with the tastier food. There are also ramen shops in LA, but Japan’s ramen completely wins in this. Then, if you think about why the food is tastier in Japan, I would think it’s because the people making the food are gentle. The seriousness and details in the cooking process is what I feel can be achieved only because of the chef’s gentleness.Last year when Japan was in the midst of mourning after the Tohoku earthquake happened, there were many overseas media who praised the Japanese for their gentleness and thoughtfulness. Looking at how the Japanese still queued for their turn in the supermarkets even when food supplies were limited, there were people who said “If it was our country, it wouldn’t be surprising even if people fight over snatching of food supplies.”J: I would queue too. But I am aware that it’s not a matter of whether you are Japanese or not. My childhood friends… such as the child of the Spanish lady I mentioned just now, would also queue properly in that kind of situation. Rather than because (the people queuing) are Japanese, it’s because the environment in Japan is really wonderful. This feeling I have, is captured in the title of the album I am making right now, “JAPONICANA”. Be it in the music area, or the environment I grew up in, there was always a good mixture, or rather a feeling of being international.Gonna ask a malicious question now. Let’s imagine if your American debut album didn’t get outstanding results, and the Japan media said “That guy is finished. As expected, he should have just continued his activities in Japan” about Akanishi-san, how would you feel?J: (immediately answering) Ah, I wouldn’t take it to heart at all. Because I didn’t think of going to America for the sake of receiving praises. I began this path because I wanted to do it. From the start, this was going to be a project of paving my way in slowly. America is not such an easy country where a new artist can just suddenly achieve great results. In this context, about the iTunes chart subject just now, I was not happy just because I topped the chart, even if I was no.100 on the chart, I would still be that happy. It’s not about the number I got on the chart, above anything, I was overjoyed thinking “Yay!” “I have debuted in America!”, that I have properly left an indent (in America).On March 11th, at first I thought of returning to Japan immediately.In Akanishi-san’s life up to now, which one did you feel more? Being in a pinch or receiving a chance?J: Pinch or chance? Pinch or chance?Why did you have to repeat that twice? (lol)J: Ah no, I was just thinking that I have never thought of this sort of thing. (lol) Linking to the hypothetical question just now, all of it is just using the conclusion theory right? And a conclusion theory, question can never be answered unless you go through the whole experience again, and I don’t have that kind of time to do that now… For example, regarding “47 RONIN”, both sides coexisted in that situation.What happened?J: The result after the audition with the director and the producer was that I was offered the Oishi Chikara role. But I didn’t think that I would actually pass, so my album production schedule and the movie filming schedule clashed.Ah, so it was not only Akanishi-san who thought that, but the staff did not expect you to pass the audition too?J: That’s right. Mean of them right. (lol) Ma, but it can’t be helped because I really didn’t expect it myself. It became a question of “Then, what are you going to do? To accept it? Or to reject it?”. At that moment in time, I was in a pinch thinking “Then what about the album?” but at the same time, I was thinking “Being able to star in a Hollywood movie would be really awesome!”, it was also a great chance for me.So instead of deciding whether you are in a pinch or receiving a chance, it’s actually what you choose that really matters?J: Yeah yeah. That’s it, it’s the action you take. The action you take after you decide. Last year on March 11th, I was in Hungary for movie filming. At that time, the news of 3.11 reached me. I immediately phoned to Japan, but I couldn’t get through to anyone. Be it my family members, my friends, or my buddies or anyone……I didn’t get to watch the Japan news at real time so I can’t compare, but the media coverage overseas, it was… really full of frightening images. So I was really worried for Japan, I wanted to just abandon the movie and just return immediately but I waited for a while more.So at that time, you were facing a choice between returning and staying.J: Yeah. I was really troubled then, but I thought to myself “So what can you do even if you return to Japan?”. What I’m sure I can do now, is to put in my best effort at the filming location. In the end, I chose “to not return to Japan” and took action upon my decision, and by doing that, there might be people who disapproved my decision, thinking “this guy is really cold blooded.”. But if I did the opposite and went back to Japan, there might be people who would think “he is taking this job lightly”. If you were to consider too much about other people’s comments, you wouldn’t be able to take any action. Is my answer on the right track for this question?You are on the right track, perfectly on track.J: How do I say this…? Ultimately, what I want to do in America is just like a painting. My goal is not to just achieve great rankings on charts, but rather it’s a feeling of moving forward and drawing in this big art piece. Furthermore, the final look of how the art piece should be like is not decided yet, it’s still a blur, but there are small pieces which is the size of 1/100 of the huge art piece which represents “what I want to do”, and I can see clearly what the small pieces are. Such as “I want to try out in the movie auditions!”. And, there is no fixed way around how I am going to draw this art piece, I move according to my intuition, like I would draw 1/100 from the bottom right, then 2/100 in the middle, 3/100 on the upper left, etc., thus slowly compiling the small pieces, and it’s like I might just finish a piece of art without noticing.Well then, regarding music, what is the 1/100 piece that Akanishi-san can clearly see?J: That would be… it would be good if my songs are being played in clubs, etc.I see! I can already foresee that image.J: If that piece comes true, I would be really happy, it would be kinda of a “!” situation for me (lol). Actions must be taken to fulfill the goal of small piece, and I think naturally it would come to a crossroad where decisions must be made again. So, like the hypothetical question “If you were to fail in America” just now, if I were to really fail, it would be good to just consider my options when that happens. Because if that situation happens and I had to choose the option of “What should I do?”, I think the solutions would surface.Somehow, that sounds really cool.J: Oh really. Isn’t everyone the same?Lastly, what is Akanishi Jin’s “characteristics of a cool guy”?J: I don’t know. I have never thought about that.Lastly lastly, then what is Akanishi Jin’s “characteristics of a lousy guy”.J: Ah, if that’s the question then I kinda have a image of that. Inconsiderate guys. I think inconsiderate guys are lousy and uncool. I really like the kanji “仁” (Jin) in my name, there was once, I have heard the character “仁” has the meaning of “to love, to be affectionate” and “the hearts of people” in it. Maa, though I don’t really understand these sort of dictionary-like meanings, but what I feel is that “仁”=”Being considerate”. And so, whether I’m in Japan or in America, I want to never forget to be considerate. Because I would hate to lose to the meaning of my name, and I wouldn’t really like being uncool (lol)Bonus: This interview was the writer’s first meeting with Jin after interviewing Jin in another magazine some years back. The first thing Jin said to the writer was “You changed magazine?”, this powerful memory of his really shocked the writer. Though his environment has been through lots of changes, he’s still the same old him.
Jin's interview for Weekly Biz | Translated
JAF:
Here is a short interview Jin did with WEEKLY BIZ at the end of last year.Translated by Patricia Candon Diaz for JAF.__________On November 8th last year, Akanishi Jin-san released the album “TEST DRIVE featuring JASON DERULO”, under the name of JIN AKANISHI. With it, he made his debut across the United States. This album got a good start winning majestically the number 1 spot on the U.S. dance charts in iTunes, and entered the TOP 10 in the overall chart. One day last year, while he was very busy recording at the studio outside Los Angeles, he told us about his future dreams.“I want to continue doing what I want to do”.Your album debut suddenly got the number 1 in the U.S. dance charts on iTunes. How do you feel about it?J: I’m happy. I feel simply happiness.Don’t you think it is strange record that, day after day, the Tokyo Dome gets full? (translator note: » Not very clear on the meaning of this question…)J: But it is released though iTunes, so only people who live in America can download it. That’s why I’m very thankful.I think so too. Actually, if you think about it, it is a great record.J: I think so too (lol). Cause I would never thought I could get number 1.Did you put some special effort on this album?J: No, just like any other. I think I shouldn’t change, and continue to be myself, expressing my feelings through it.About expressing your feelings, don’t you feel any difference between Japan and the U.S.?J: No, I don’t. Wherever I go, anything I do, the things I want to do don’t change. Even when I’m recording or at the concerts, I always do my best.During the production process, if you compare it with the Japanese way to do it, what was the most difficult thing to get used to?J: There wasn’t any. The place doesn’t matter.The single “TEST DRIVE” was composed by Jason Derulo, but you always are the one composing your own music. That could be a new fresh Akanishi…J: Yes. This time I left everything to him. I thought it could be interesting to do something completely different to my own style. In the end, I think that was a good thing.Since you’ve been away from Japan, have your activities and your daily life changed?J: Since a long time ago, I like to see other countries, other cities and the people who live in them. This becomes a stimulation for me, but when I’m in Japan, my daily life doesn’t change. But sometimes, I do miss the family and friends I have in Japan (lol).How do you spend your time off while you are in Japan?J: Hanging out with my friends, hanging out with my friends… (lol) and hanging out with my friends.(lol). When I interviewed you last year (2010), I also felt that while you were studying abroad, you made a lot of big friends, right?(» (translator note: I think she means big names)J: Yes, they are big (lol).How was the 2011 year for Akanishi-san?J: I was recording the album. And during spring, I went to Hungary and London to film the movie.The Hollywood movie 47 RONIN (released on November 2012), right? What do you think about your co-star Keanu Reeves?J: Since my character is the only one who understands Keanu’s, we had a lot of scenes together, it was fun. He was always friendly, and I got the impression that he is a kind person.In the future, will America become the center of your activities?J: No, it won’t. The U.S. single debut was released in Japan as well (the interview was done on November 11th, and was released in Japan on December 07th), and at the end of December, a new single in Japanese will be released in Japan (December 28th, “Seasons”). The U.S. album debut will also be available for purchase in Japan, and I will be going back and forth between Japan and Los Angeles for a while.What about your TOUR schedule?J: Right now, I’m recording the album debut. Once that is finished, and after the album is released, I think I want to go for a TOUR.Finally, what is the dream that you want to accomplish in America?J: A dream… I want to create the music I like, as I’ve been doing. I want to continue doing what I want to do, just that. If you continue supporting me, I will be very happy.-END-
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Jin Akanishi Pictures
New picture uploaded by Jin Akanishi using his brother phone of his Twitter Account lol
Twitter:
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Jin Akanishi
YOUTUBE = http://www.youtube.com/user/JinAkanishiUSA
FACEBOOK= https://www.facebook.com/JinAkanishiMusic
TWITTER= https://twitter.com/#!/Jin_Akanishi
JIN AKANISHI OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://jinakanishiusa.com/splash/
VISIT US ON TWITTER; https://twitter.com/#!/JinAkanFanClub
OR FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JinAkanishiFanClub
Jin Akanishi Virtual DJ RADIO!!
DJ SINFUL - CLUB HOUSE 5 (FEBRUARY 4TH 2012 06:00GMT)
http://radio.virtualdj.com/djsets/djset.php?mixid=3787-1
DJ SINFUL - CLUB HOUSE 5 (FEBRUARY 4TH 2012 06:00GMT)
http://radio.virtualdj.com/djsets/djset.php?mixid=3787-1
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