I often get told by people in the music industry, “Sakurai-san, its hard believe you used to have no interest in idols whatsoever.” On the other hand, friends that have known me for a long time and know that I only ever used to listen to rock music are equally surprised when they hear how my tastes have changed.
I guess I wasn’t so open to new things back in those days and couldn’t see things for what they were.
Give credit where credit is due and don’t be afraid to appreciate the things you like. The people that taught me the importance of this message are the countless number of Japan supporters that I’ve met in my travels throughout the world. Thank you all, once more.
I don’t draw distinct lines between rock music and idols anymore. I just like what I like and give credit where credit is due. That’s all there is to it.
On the 8th of August 2012, at ReG livehouse in Shimokitazawa, lead singer of electric/acoustic pop band JOYZ, Keyossie, screamed out to the crowd before they were about to perform, “Everyone, you’re not afraid to say what you like, right!?”
The 200+ over capacity crowd in the underground venue gave their reply and it was in that moment that various barriers (the non-physical kind) came crashing down.

Just as the girls performance was supposed to end and JOYZ supposed to begin, lead singer Keyossie screams out to the crowd (as mentioned previously) and then amongst all the screams and cheering UPUPGirls cut in to perform their new song “Uppercut!” with JOYZ supporting in the background.
When UPUPGirls performed with JOYZ onstage, wearing popular Harajuku brand PUTUMAYO, it was the moment the idol/band, Shimokitazawa/Harajuku collaboration came together as one.
Japan is full of things that can only be found in Japan and these things are highly valued by people the world over. However, it’s unfortunate that Japanese people also have a tendency not to want to give regard to any genres they feel aren’t directly related to them and their interests. I know because I was that type of person once, and I’m sure there are still certain barriers that I’ve yet to overcome.
It has been said for a while now that Japan is in a long period of stagnation, but lately I’ve begun to wonder if that’s really true. I think a lot of good things have come out of the past 10-20 years but we subconsciously block out anything new and unknown to us and I think that’s the real reason behind any so-called stagnation.
Japan still has a lot to show to the world. Returning home to Japan after travelling all over the world, I always feel there isn’t anywhere quite as interesting as Japan.
I hope to create more of collaboration events like this one throughout Japan and take them all over world as well.

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