We have many different popular artists participating in the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON project who serve to represent Japanese culture.
In this feature, we seek to introduce artists who have strong relations with us here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON by conducting an interview with them. In this interview, we talked with piano rock band trio WEAVER, who fuse together many different genres including pop, rock, jazz and AOR. With a new album having just been released after 3 years since their previous record, WEAVER spoke to us about their current thoughts on the band as well as their experiences having toured overseas. Take a look!
Interviewees: Yuji Sugimoto, Toru Kawabe, Shota Okuno (WEAVER)
Text: Naoko Sugita
ーーIn 2012, you performed overseas for the first time ever in Singapore. Do you have any memorable moments from the concert?
Yuji: Our Thai audience were unbelievable. We played at a festival, yet whichever stage we played on, the audience all sang along together. It was overwhelming. In Jakarta, we actually went a bit overtime, so much so that all the other events had already ended, so that was pretty amazing.
Toru: Although Singapore was the first location we had ever played overseas, we had learnt a little bit of English when we studied abroad in London, so the second time we played there, I felt much closer to the fans and media than I did before. As a result, I felt that we had much more of a connection with everyone than just through the music, as we were able to MC during the live and even answer questions during interviews.
Shota: Despite being our first overseas concert, I was so happy because fans managed to make it all the way to the airport to meet us, and even saw us off when we left. It left a big impression on me. I couldn’t believe the reactions we received during the concert, everyone was so pumped. Everybody sang all the songs they knew together, which is something you don’t really see in Japan, and I really liked that. During the parts when I had to sing, there was a section where I messed up the lyrics a bit, I think because I was nervous, but since it was in Japanese, it seems no one found me out, so that was a relief! (laughs)
ーーAs you mentioned, you all studied abroad in London in 2014 from the end of January for half a year. When you returned to Japan, did you feel you had changed at all?
Yuji: Until that time, I only knew of the things around me, so I was unable to persist with what I wanted to do. At a time where I felt no one could help me, the experience of studying abroad flipped that around and allowed me to pursue those things.
Toru: Being able to go into the studio with artists from London was a very valuable experience. I even had the opportunity to learn some tips from one of the drummers there, and the feeling of playing live was much different, so I came to learn many things. I learnt to strike every hit of my drums with force.
Shota: Being away from Japan has enabled us to overlook our position as a band as well as our music. Being able to be hands on with a new culture with a different set of values has cleared us from any preconceptions and stereotypes, so I feel the change has been very big on all of us. We can do the things we want the way we want. I have come to believe that the real strength of our music is born from that.
ーーIt seems you have been able to gain a lot of valuable experience. Moving on to the next question, are there any differences between the live shows in Japan and those overseas?
Yuji: The Japanese fans are a little shyer, and I feel they have a tendency to all dance and cheer in the same fashion, but it seems overseas audiences have fun by dancing however they like.
Toru: I feel each person overseas enjoys the music in their own individual ways, whether moving their bodies or singing. On the other hand, at a show in Japan, people have fun by dancing and singing in unison. Both are great in their own way.
Shota: People at shows in Japan enjoy themselves together. It’s also common for the artist to bring everyone in the venue together as one by leading them with the MC sections and the performance itself. It’s different in every country, but outside Japan people sing when they want to sing and clap their hands when they want to clap. I feel that the artists there also place importance on whether they are enjoying themselves and are having fun too.
ーーPlease tell us about countries and cities that you want to play at or visit.
Yuji: Taiwan, England, and France.
Toru: I would like to play the countries in Asia we performed at again. There are also a lot of countries I haven’t been to yet that I want to go to.
Shota: London, Brooklyn, and Taiwan.
Toru: A lot of my friends have travelled to Taiwan and I have heard it is a lot of fun, so I want to perform there or go to a private show.
ーーWhat kind of overseas pop culture have you noticed?
Yuji: The quality of the street art I saw at Shoreditch in London was amazing. I really want to know how they did it.
Toru: I’m interested in fashion. When I was in London I noticed a lot of people there wear darker colours, so when I returned to Japan it felt strange to see everyone in colourful clothes. You can buy clothes from countries all over the world via the internet now, so even while I’m in Japan, I would like to try wearing clothing brands from all corners of the globe.
Shota: This isn’t pop culture, but recently the way overseas artists use videos and illuminations during their shows is really cool, so I am taking tips.
ーーWhat is Japanese pop culture to you?
Yuji: Anime is definitely the popular one. When I lived in London for 6 months, I heard a lot of people talk about anime.
Toru: Anime, manga and Harajuku might be famous, but I want to say “J-ROCK”. It takes influence from Western rock, but I think people enjoy the pop-like melodic and heart-rending characteristics of J-ROCK, which is what separates it from Western rock.
Shota: Manga. Anime. I also saw that Studio Ghibli is particularly popular when studying abroad in London. I love it too.
ーーLastly, please leave a message for your overseas fans!
Yuji: Wherever we perform overseas, you all give us the most amazing time, so I am waiting for the new album to come out so that we can hurry and perform for you again.
Toru: “Night Rainbow” was released on February 10th, our newest album in 3 years! I have confidence that this is a really great album, so I would be really happy if you can listen to it! We are working our hardest to be able to get over and perform for you all again, so please wait just a little longer!
Shota: I think you will have fun listening to how our sound has progressed in the new album. We are going to continue evolving our sound, so please look forward to the music we will weave. I hope to deliver our music to you at a show someday.
＜Release Information＞
New Album 『Night Rainbow』
On Sale February 10th, 2016
【First Press Edition】(CD＋DVD)
AZZS-43 / ￥3,611（tax excluded）
【Regular Edition】(CD)
AZCS-1053 / ￥2,500（tax excluded）
＜Tour Information＞
【WEAVER 11th TOUR 2016「Draw a Night Rainbow】
April 9th Osaka ORIX Theatre
April 10th Nagoya Tokushu Tougyou Shimin Kaikan
April 16th Takamatsu Alpha Anabuki Hall
April 17th Shizuoka GRANSHIP
April 29th Fukuoka International Convention Center Main Hall
April 30th Hiroshima JSM Aster Plaza
May 2nd Sendai Wakabayashi-ku Culture Center
May 4th Sapporo Sun Plaza Hall
May 6th Tokyo NHK Hall
RELATED ENTRIES
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‘Sky’s The Limit’ Music Event to be Held on the Rooftop Club Floor of CÉ LA VI TOKYO in Shibuya, Tokyo! Featuring GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR, JOMMY, Kza (FORCE OF NATURE), and More Leading Japanese DJs and Creators
Inspired by the theme of “making Shibuya a world-class tourist destination,” a special music space has been created. Tickets offer accommodations and dinner at a high-class hotel in Tokyo, along with VIP seats and a Meet & Greet opportunity!
Channel47 (Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / President: Yusuke Nakagawa), an association created to utilize local resources throughout Japan to empower towns and cities through entertainment, has launched a new series of music events to boost the next generation of Japanese culture. The first ‘Sky’s The Limit’ event (https://channel47.jp/SKYSTHELIMIT) will be held on January 27, 2025 at CÉ LA VI TOKYO in Shibuya, Tokyo. Sky’s The Limit is a series of music events launched to create an immersive experience with one-of-a-kind performances by fusing music with specific worldviews that deviate from the existing environments under the theme of ”making Shibuya a world-leading tourist destination.” The first location was selected to be the rooftop club floor of CÉ LA VI in Tokyo, a brand that began in Singapore. The luxurious space that epitomizes world-class rooftop entertainment is located in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, and will be transformed into a special music floor for this occasion only.The lineup includes GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR, one of the hottest trackmakers in Japan at the moment, who has produced numerous hits including FLOATIN and GOOD DAY for the hip-hop group NAMEDARUMA, which launched in 2019 as DJ DARUMA & JOMMY. The artist is also active in the underground scene as a solo artist. JOMMY will also perform, with the artist known to update his sound with each era, commanding all genres including house, breakbeats, disco, techno, electro, hip-hop, and much more. Kza, from the DJ/production unit FORCE OF NATURE, creates catchy music using a creative approach that could be called ‘naturalistic,’ pursuing his unique sound of dance music and boasting a strong love of sampling/vinyl culture. GReY, a young Japanese DJ, has appeared as a guest DJ in both Japan and many European countries, while SAMO, born in New York and raised in Akashi, made his first appearance at BOILER ROOM in 2023. COCOLY, who is of international descent from Brazil, Italy, and Japan, is active in major clubs in Japan. The lineup includes Japan's top DJs and creators who are popular overseas, as well as up-and-coming young DJs who are leading Tokyo's night scene. GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR
JOMMY
Kza（FORCE OF NATURE）
GReY
SAMO
COCOLY
The event will also offer tickets offering accommodation and dinner at a high-class hotel in Tokyo and VIP seats paired with a Meet & Greet, to allow overseas visitors to experience these special experiences. We invite you to experience the chemical reactions created by Japan's leading DJs and creators on the club floor of CÉ LA VI TOKYO, a world-class rooftop club found in the electric area of Shibuya, Tokyo.Information
[Event Information]
Sky’s The Limit
Date: January 27, 2025 / 22:00~midnight
Venue: CÉ LA VI TOKYO (1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / Tokyu Plaza Shibuya 17F)
Starring: GREEN ASSASSIN DOLLAR, JOMMY, Kza (FORCE OF NATURE), COCOLY, GReY, SAMO
Official Site: https://channel47.jp/SKYSTHELIMIT[Ticket Information]
・GA: ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
・VVIP Seat: Please inquire on the event’s website.
・Travel Package with Lodging (Pair): ¥200,000 (Tax included)
・Luxury Hotel Accomodations in Tokyo + Dinner Package (Limited to 10 People): ¥1,000,000 (Tax Included)
*Tickets for dinner only are also available.[Contact]
■Regarding the Press ReleaseChannel 47
[Address]
3-21-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 〒150-0001 (Inside the ASOBISYSTEM Offices)Mail: info@channel47.jp
[Social Media]
Official Site https://channel47.jp
Twitter https://twitter.com/channel47_jp
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/channel47_jp
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Channel-hk3wd/ -
The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide. The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY's official online store and physical stores. On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
On October 4th (Friday), an event featuring a collaborative stage with ASOBISYSTEM was held at the nightclub "The Stranger,” operated by Outside The Box Amusements (OTBA), in New York City. The Stranger is a vibrant nightclub known for its lively atmosphere and unique events. At the event, performers MONSTER GIRL from "KAWAII MONSTER CAFE" and DELIC GIRL from New York's "SUSHIDELIC" took the stage, both brands produced by artist Sebastian Masuda. Sebastian Masuda himself also made an appearance as a guest DJ, captivating the audience with unique and energetic performances alongside the performers from The Stranger. This stage marks the first collaboration between ASOBISYSTEM and The Stranger, with plans for further collaborative content in New York and Japan in the future. Through this global exchange, we will promote Japan's proud KAWAII culture to the world.
Two Halloween Parties Held at SUSHIDELIC
In celebration of its first anniversary, SUSHIDELIC NY, a sushi restaurant in New York's SoHo district, hosted Halloween parties on October 25 and October 26. The vibrant restaurant transformed into a dark-themed space for a limited time, creating a thrilling and immersive experience with a unique atmosphere and special performances. The restaurant is also offering a Halloween menu through October 31. Enjoy the pure imagination of Halloween with SUSHIDELIC’s exclusive menu, available for a limited time.Information
＜SUSHIDELIC NY＞
住所：177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
定休日：月曜日Website：https://www.sushidelic.net
Instagram：@sushidelic.nyc
予約：https://resy.com/cities/new-york-ny/venues/sushidelic?seats＜KAWAII MONSTER CAFE＞
Instagram：@kawaiimonstercafe
TikTok：@kawaiimonstercafe
Online Shop：https://kawaiimonstercafe.shop/＜The Stranger＞
Instagram：@thestrangernyc
Website：https://www.thestrangernyc.com/
運営会社：https://otba.com/ -
On November 27, Toua will release her first EP, I am I, both physically and digitally. The lead track on the EP, I am I, became a hot topic following its July release, with over 10,000 TikTok videos in just three weeks. Also included is Young -MINE remix-, TREKKIE TRAX’s Afro-pop rearrangement of the popular 2022 song highlighting the emotions and struggles that teens face. The EP includes four songs in total, from MY Routine, a reggaeton bop with lyrics by up-and-coming rapper Minami Nakamura, and MEmories, a Y2K-inspired song composed by ‘Carpainter’ from MEZZ and TREKKIE TRAX CREW. With the message of “I, MY, ME, MINE” in each song title, the EP expresses the importance of loving yourself as you are and embracing self-expression. The cover artwork was created by Keisuke Shimizu once again, who has worked as creative director for THE FIRST TAKE and NHK's music documentary Okaeri Ongakushitsu. “To extract Toua’s character, I decided to highlight her most impactful parts,” Shimizu said. “Even if you only look at the hands, feet, nose, lips, or other body parts, you can easily recognize that it is Toua. That's proof that she is truly iconic!” The EP will be available in two forms: a Limited First Edition including a 12-inch record-size paper jacket with a CD, a B2-size poster, and a lyrics card, and a Standard Edition including a paper jacket with a CD and an 8-page booklet. Listeners are invited to enjoy the Gen Z icon’s music and visuals together. In addition, select CD shops and online stores will hand out special purchase bonuses while supplies last. Release events will also be held in various locations, with details scheduled to be revealed soon.
Information
I am I – Toua (1st EP)
Release Date: November 27, 2024Limited First Edition
12-inch Paper Jacket
CD+B2-size Poster / Lyrics card
AMT-10001 / ¥2,750 (Tax Included)Standard Edition
Paper Jacket
CD+8-page Booklet
AMT-10002 / ¥1,650 (Tax Included)Pre-order here
https://lnk.to/EP_IamI_CD[Tracklist]
1. I am I
2. MY Routine
3. MEmories
4. Young – MINE remix-[Purchase Bonuses by Store]
■Amazon.co.jp
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Mega Jacket (JKT Photo)■Rakuten Books
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Acrylic Keychain (JKT Photo)■Seven Net Shopping
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Pin (JKT Photo)<Release Event Information>
Date: November 26, 2024
Venue: Tower Records Shibuya Store B1F CUTUP STUDIODate: November 27, 2024
Venue: Asunal Kanayama Event SpaceDate: December 1, 2024
Venue: Abeno Q’s MALL 3F Sky Court*More details will be announced at a later date. Please do not contact the venues.
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On November 15, MANON released her new song Growing Pains. MANON often appears on Spotify’s ‘hyperpop’ playlist and has performed with many popular artists, such as six impala and Alice Longyu Gao. The artist continues to captivate audiences with her blend of hyperpop and gal culture paired with iconic visuals and recently modeled for SHIBUYA109’s 45th-anniversary campaign. While working on her side project bala and collaborating with edhiii boi, RAU DEF, and others, MANON has completed her new song, marking her first solo release in over a year. The new track was produced by popular trackmaker KOTONOHOUSE, who collaborated with MANON on Friday night彡☆ in 2023. Four years after moving to Tokyo from Fukuoka, the 22-year-old singer expresses her frustrations and struggles straightforwardly through her lyrics. MANON sings over an emotional rock mix, making this the most anthemic song in MANON's career. Additionally, a new artist photo was released alongside the track.
Information
Growing Pains – MANON (Digital Single)
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/manon_growing_pains
Available on all major music download and streaming sites.