This summer has been really hot, hasn’t it? I always thought I was the type who preferred warmer weather, but this year, it’s been getting to me a bit. This is Dan Mitchel.
Isn’t the sun being a little too intense? Has the distance between the Earth and the sun decreased, or has the tilt of the Earth’s axis shifted to make Japan hotter? Everyone, please make sure you’re staying hydrated and replenishing your minerals…
So, with that said, here’s a brief update on my recent activities. There are six items in total. The last one is especially important.
1.Videos of the April birthday party, which I completed with all my might, is now up on YouTube.
I’ve compiled a playlist with some highlights, so it’s a bit long, but please check it out! There are plenty of must-see moments.
2.Videos of the acoustic live performance I did recently at Bar LSD is now available, with all songs up for a limited time. I’ve also put this into a playlist! All the songs are improvised performances. It might be fun to compare it with the band setup from the birthday live show!
3.Thanks to the kind invitation of Mr. Donan Noka, the Director of the Kokuyo Innovation Center, I had the opportunity to give a short lecture. The theme was “How Adult Mathematics Education Can Enable Future Predictions.”
It was my first time speaking passionately at one of Japan’s leading companies, but it seems to have been well-received, and it was a great experience for me. For some reason, I danced to “Smooth Criminal” at the beginning, but I hope you’ll overlook that.
Mr. Noka, thank you so much for inviting me.
4.I’m taking on the challenge of making my first short film. The shooting is already completed.
It’s a love story based on one of my songs and a dream I had eight years ago, with all the dialogue in English. For this project, I entrusted the crucial role of the “sound engineer,” which is vital to any film, to Mr. Kokichi Komoda, an Academy Award-winning professional. The sound was recorded beautifully. I am truly grateful. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Maekawa, who always handles the filming, for introducing me to Mr. Komoda.
I expect to release it somewhere around autumn. Since it’s a special project, I’m considering submitting it to some international film festivals.
5.My 13th single, “Angel Heart,” was released on August 7th. This one is undeniably a new song—I wrote it in May.
It’s a Japanese dance-pop track that perfectly fits the summer vibe, and it’s also a breakup song. As usual, it doesn’t align with current trends at all, but it’s designed to feel better the more you listen to it.
Creating this company is, in a sense, a statement of my determination. I felt that I needed to enhance the social credibility of artists, and by establishing a corporation, a separate entity from myself, Dan Mitchel, I hoped to make it easier for more people to actively participate in projects.
And by “more people,” I mean not just artists.
After all, I want to continue to materialize my ideals as works and phenomena all over the world, because that feels like the purpose of my life. To achieve that, I’ll need the support of more people who share the same vision, and I believe that the energy we gain must be given back to the world in some form.
I thought that creating a company, a corporation, would be the ideal platform for this. The workload, including administrative tasks, will increase significantly, but I’m intentionally putting this pressure on myself.
The main business activities are as follows:
Planning, production, and management of music and theater-related events.
Planning, production, sales, and distribution of visual works, as well as accepting orders.
Planning, production, and accepting orders for music works.
Planning, management, online distribution, and event planning for STEAM education courses.
For activities (1) to (3), I plan to apply the know-how and experience I’ve gained by self-producing as Dan Mitchel—creating music, videos, and events from scratch—to give back to society more directly.
For example, in April, I had the opportunity to create the official theme song for Work Navi Co., Ltd. Through this, I felt a sense of fulfillment in creating and supporting projects that reflect someone else’s intentions or are made for someone else.
This isn’t limited to companies; I’m also planning a unique project aimed at individuals where I will create a song based on the life story of the person who commissions it—something that seems like only I could do.
Of course, the company will also function as the base for my activities as Dan Mitchel, and we plan to roll out various projects from our side as well.
One of the projects I’m currently working on is to create a brand-new event and export the entire concept worldwide.
For me, no matter what, the challenge has always been how to present my work to the world, but one of the themes I have in mind is how to preserve and carry forward the culture of “Japan” for the next 100 to 200 years.
That said, I don’t intend to express it through “obvious Japanese-ness.” Since “Japan” is undoubtedly a part of my identity, I think that alone is sufficient.
The theme of the event will likely be “dance,” and specifically, dance as a form of communication. It will be an advanced version of the Freestyle Session that I’ve been experimenting with since last year. In addition to that, I’m considering integrating video production and actively collaborating with travel companies. I’ll explain more once the project is up and running.
I’m also currently planning a video production that combines music and silent acting with physical expression, fusing it with fashion.
This, too, will be aimed at a global audience.
Now, it’s a little-known fact that I’ve been quietly running an educational business, and my online learning school, “DAN Juku,” is now in its ninth year. But what exactly is STEAM education?
According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), STEAM is defined as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) plus a broader range that includes art, culture, life, economics, law, politics, ethics, and so on.
I didn’t know about this term until recently myself, but it turns out that what I’ve been trying to do all along is essentially STEAM education.
It’s the kind of education needed to live the coming era with hope.
I’ve been involved in entrance exam education for a long time, and due to the nature of entrance exam education, where the sole aim is to pass exams, it inevitably strays from the true essence of scholarship in many ways.
While it’s extremely meaningful in the sense of experiencing serious effort to win in a competitive environment, it remains within the realm of “mental training.” I’ve seen many brilliant individuals become shells of themselves or lose their way after it’s all over, and as an educator, this has always left me feeling empty.
Especially with the rise of AI, I can’t help but think that there are more important things that talented people should be focusing on, and that is precisely what STEAM education is about.
So, starting in 2021, I began producing a video course called the “Advanced High School Mathematics Course,” which transcends the traditional demand for entrance exam mathematics.
This course is designed to address the structural flaws inherent in traditional mathematics education, which primarily serves as mere “mental training” for those who go on to study mathematics at university. This traditional approach has led to many humanities students abandoning mathematics, while also producing a surplus of “pseudo-scientists” who mistakenly believe they are good at mathematics simply because they excel at this mental training.
The curriculum I developed brilliantly resolves these issues by offering a revolutionary approach that allows even humanities students to achieve a fundamental understanding of mathematics, while still covering the scope of high school mathematics.
The idea of expanding this course to adults was the basis of my lecture at Kokuyo that I mentioned earlier.
Of course, when it comes to adults, there’s no point in revisiting entrance exam mathematics. However, when it comes to topics like statistics, which are often needed in professional life, a proper understanding requires knowledge of concepts like summation (Σ) and differential and integral calculus. If someone just wants to memorize without truly understanding, it’s more efficient to grab a reference book and attend a strict cram school that focuses on rote learning.
But if you’re seeking enjoyment and a sense of fulfillment, then a fundamental understanding is essential.
I’m currently working on the specifics of creating such a course.
As for art, since last year, I’ve been supporting an old friend, Andrew HK, with his project “Unmake Session.” My role has mostly been behind the scenes, introducing artists and staff, among other things, but I did manage to make an appearance at the end of last year.
Although this is Andrew’s project, I also want to share the life stories of artists with the world, not only to aspiring artists but to everyone else as well.
It might sound a bit controversial, but I want to convey that it’s not only the famous artists who appear on TV who are real artists.
I’ve been involved in planning programs and working as an interviewer on internet radio stations here and there since around 2020, so I think I could create a pretty in-depth video course.
Additionally, I’m considering creating specialized courses outside of mathematics, particularly in science. Recently, I’ve been reconnecting with elite scientists from the University of Tokyo, so I have some hope that we could create some really niche courses.
Though, I must admit, I’m a bit worried that my lack of specialized knowledge might become apparent. However, this might make me the perfect person to create courses for those who also lack deep expertise.
Anyway, that’s the general outline of the business activities. Of course, I can also design courses based on specific requests, and I’m looking to increase the opportunities for me to give lectures as well.
To those wonderful people who support my work, I’d like to share some specific ways you can do so.
The basic goals are the following three:
Increasing visibility
Enhancing social credibility or likeability
Achieving financial stability
Regarding number 3, it’s not that I want to live lavishly, but simply that creating high-quality works requires funding—it’s as simple as that. For example, the rehearsal for the April birthday party cost around 150,000 yen each time. Despite that, I couldn’t work with the sound engineers or dancers as much as I wanted, and time was limited, so we couldn’t fully realize our vision at the actual venue. This is the reality of the situation.
Currently, I’ve had to pause my voice training, and I’m feeling the impact as my singing ability gradually declines, which is a concern, but this too is due to financial constraints.
So, what are the specific ways you can support these three goals?
Watch my works and give positive reactions (likes, comments).
If you enjoy a piece, share it with those around you, even if casually, but with love.
Thank you, everyone. These two actions correspond to goals 1 and 2, and they are very important. They also hold the potential to eventually contribute to goal 3.
When someone’s passion begins to spread, phenomena start to occur suddenly. Each of your actions can significantly move the world. It’s probably easier than voting in an election. I want to create phenomena.
Next, let’s raise the stakes a bit.
Purchase my works or services.
Attend events where I perform.
This might seem like a significant step up, but it’s very important. When it comes to my works, although we’re in an era where music and videos are available through subscriptions, I do have some rather pricey merchandise in an online shop I set up on Base, but I haven’t put too much effort into it.
That said, the items are pretty unique.
To be honest, the high prices are because I don’t want to hold stock, which means the production costs are quite high, so there’s not much profit to be made. In other words, this also ties into goals 1 and 2, but I believe that physical items still have a significant impact.
If I can anticipate a certain number of sales, I could work with a stylish designer, hold some inventory, and offer items at a more reasonable price.
Right now, I’m not in a position to fully invest in merchandise.
And then, getting people to attend events is extremely important. If I seriously consider cash flow, the most realistic approach is to put effort into selling advance tickets, which is the most optimal way to go—if we stick to conventional methods.
However, aside from ticket prices, an event with a large crowd has the potential to create something impactful. In other words, it has value and influence. There might be a hint hidden in this.
Ideally, I’d like to make every event free, but that’s not feasible at the moment. The tipping system hasn’t worked out well, and there are limited venues where I can offer VIP seating. I’m desperately trying to come up with a clever system where, even in a welcoming environment with low barriers to entry, the event can still be profitable despite the expenses.
For instance, if we could get around 1,000 attendees at a free event, we might be able to secure corporate partnerships, and the event could function as a commercial, potentially even tied to the creation of a music video.
However, simply inviting a famous guest doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. It seems that grassroots efforts will be crucial.
I think the most important thing is to get people to attend and ensure they have a great time.
If there were a decent amount of goal 3, I could consider using funds for a big advertising push, but the question remains whether goal 1 or goal 3 should come first… Someone, please teach me TikTok.
As for services, I’m offering a variety of things beyond just my works. Many of these are higher-priced items. (Though, video production has high costs as well, not just in terms of profit margins…) As a company, it doesn’t matter where the revenue comes from; as long as the overall balance is positive, it’s fine. So, even if an event isn’t profitable, as long as the company’s overall finances are balanced, it’s okay. Therefore, commissioning a service or introducing someone to me would be immensely helpful.
And finally, the ultimate way to support:
Investment through stock acquisition.
This addresses goals 2 and 3.
It’s like buying a piece of a dream; you could buy a few shares, hold onto them, and work together to increase their value. This is one of the interesting aspects of a company that isn’t present in individual ventures.
And then, of course:
Receiving appearance offers.
This is a bit more limited in scope, so I left it for last. However, I don’t think I’m as difficult as you might think…
I don’t have a principle of only appearing in my own projects; if the conditions, purpose, and direction of the project are clearly outlined, I am very willing to work closely with the organizer and collaborate. If the project is just a replica of existing ones, it might not be a great fit for me, so that’s a significant challenge. However, if you provide clear direction and have some faith in me, I’m confident I can deliver outstanding results.
Despite how it might seem, I’ve navigated quite a few tough situations. I’ve often found myself in extremely challenging environments, and I pride myself on my flexibility. So please, feel free to send over those offers!
Now, speaking of the freshly established Dramatic Frontier Co., Ltd., I have to admit that, at the moment, we don’t have the financial capacity to hire employees. However, we are looking for talented individuals who can support me and the company through business partnerships.
Whether it’s through stock transfer, a percentage of sales as a success fee, or payment per project, the terms can vary depending on the individual.
The qualities we’re looking for in potential partners are, of course, not limited by education, experience, nationality, or gender:
Positive attitude
Lovable character
Sales copywriter
MC with a talent for speaking
A networking monster with connections across various industries
Designer
Highly motivated
Strong sense of responsibility
TikTok expert
Someone who thinks beyond the immediate future
These are the types of talents we’re seeking. Of course, everyone would want people like this on their team!
Dramatic Frontier has a real dream. That’s something that might be hard to find in today’s world.
If your intuition is sharp and you already feel a connection, please feel free to reach out.
Let’s sprint through the remaining three and a half months of this year!
Dan Mitchel’s 13th Single “Angel Heart” is out on 7th of August, 2024 (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, KKBOX, Deezer, Youtube Music…etc) Curated by FRIENDSHIP. Listen to this from here/ご視聴はこちらからどうぞ
Songwriting, Arranging, Track Making, Vocals&Mixing:Dan Mitchel Mastering:The Soulmate Jacket Photographer:ASIA Jacket Designed by Dan Mitchel
In the drama I like, “Serenade of the Past Days,” there is a line that says, “You only realize what’s important after you’ve lost it.” I finished this song quite inspired by that line.
The time when a wonderful girlfriend lets you do whatever you want is the peak of your happiness. If you get too carried away, you’ll face serious consequences later on. This is a lesson I want to demonstrate through my own experiences.
I completed everything from scratch to the rough mix in just one day, so I made it without overthinking, for better or worse. I created it freely with themes like “Japanese dance pop,” “gradual changes using repetitive phrases,” “intentionally using everyday words,” and “singing in a lower key.” The result is a rather peculiar song.
Due to the closure at the end of this month, this will be the last Bar LSD performance (owned by book designer Hideo Shimada).
Thank you for all the wonderful encounters, Bar LSD. This time, I’ll perform new and cover songs in an acoustic style without backing tracks. Although I plan to stay still, I might end up dancing.
By the way, the curry here is delicious. There’s also a DJ TIME to enjoy drinks, ranging from sake to fine whiskey. I’ll be waiting for you in Shibuya on Wednesday night in two weeks.
The location is roughly behind Cerulean Tower. As usual, I need time to think about the invitation message, so please keep your schedule open.
All Songwriter, Arranger, Vocals&Mix:Dan Mitchel Guitar:Sho Kawabe(TAMIW) Drums:Koji Shibano(Funny Factures) Bass:Hideyuki Miyasako(Ex.Astro Attack) Piano:Sae Kawaguchi(ex.Ibe Caller) Mastering:The Soulmate Jacket Photographer:ANNA Makeup Artist:Sasha Jacket Designed by Dan Mitchel
Because you are straightforward, you tend to be clumsy. Even though you truly love each other, You end up hurting your partner with careless words, Or fail to control your own emotions and impulses.
Even though you really want to cherish them, Even though you want to understand them, Things just don’t go smoothly.
There’s only one thing you should do. “Be honest with yourself!”
All Songwriter, Arranger, Vocals, Programing&Mix:Dan Mitchel Bass:Hideyuki Miyasako Mastering:The Soulmate Jacket Photographer:Cerieta Hair, Make up&Stylist:YAYOI Jacket Designed by Dan Mitchel
Even couples who are deeply in love can experience periods of boredom; it’s quite common. The partner who once seemed so attractive may suddenly start to seem dull. But this might be because you are feeling tired. In reality, they may be very beautiful and irreplaceable, and by the time you realize it, it might already be too late.
All Songwriter, Arranger, Vocals, Programing&Mix:Dan Mitchel Bass:Hideyuki Miyasako Guitar solo:Koji Yamashita Mastering:The Soulmate Jacket Photographer:Cerieta Hair, Make up&Stylist:YAYOI Jacket Designed by Dan Mitchel
Having gone through the prolonged pandemic, I’ve come to strongly believe that for us to continue making the world a better place, it’s crucial for each individual to confront the issues right in front of them and take action. I think by spreading this mindset, we can achieve happiness. Is this a simplistic thought from a stereotypical science-oriented mind? I’d like to prove it somehow.
The “Dandy Tonight Vol.4” event welcomed over 150 guests and concluded with resounding success. Thank you all so very much.
Today, I managed to acquire 600GB of video footage, and after reviewing it, I hope to provide a formal summary. However, the gratitude, excitement, emotion, and sense of accomplishment I feel are almost beyond words. The energy is immense.
Due to my struggle to find the right words, I have neglected our group LINE chat and have not been able to send out thank you messages properly. I missed greeting some of you in person due to make-up changes and meetings, especially during the early part of the event, which is something I regret.
Anyway, I am truly happy right now. As the event drew to a close, numerous unexpected happenings manifested my ideal vision at the venue. Indeed, surprises are crucial in drama.
This event was a creation made possible by all the attendees.
I aim to enhance such party events in the future, and I hope to continue doing so, though it won’t be easy. However, having made the impossible possible this time, I believe it can be done.
The preparation period was fraught with doubts about whether I could be fully prepared. The difficulty of communication was once again evident, and I was constantly reminded of my shortcomings.
The night before, I was up until 6 AM creating pamphlets, but I managed to get through the day fueled by adrenaline.
The beer and Miwako-chan’s food after the event were truly delicious.
My desire hasn’t changed much since hosting 29 Freestyle Session Parties last year. The concept may be hard to grasp for those not closely aligned with my sensibilities, and frankly, even some of the artists performing may not have understood what was going to happen until the day of the event.
The best way to understand is through direct experience.
That’s why this time, the theme was “Do everything Dan Mitchel can do” when planning the program.
It’s not that I’m trying to do something overly complex, it’s just hard to explain why.
There are indeed often difficult demands as a result…
In that sense, if this concept can spread thanks to the many truly lovable people who participated and were at the core of this, I would be very pleased.
For now, my mind is still somewhat blank, so I’ll leave it at that.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a grand birthday party on April 14th. On January 3rd, I suddenly decided to go ahead with this project I had been planning behind the scenes for a long time. Now, it’s finally coming to fruition!
We’ll have a live performance featuring a band with an impressive lineup, along with dancers. There will also be a theater play with an original story, accompanied by a live band. Additionally, the event will showcase DJs, pantomime, and acrobatics. A gathering of talented artists all at once.
This time, for the first time, we’re also making a special request to the PA team to collaborate with us in creating the sound. While we are, of course, focused on the sound, we particularly want to emphasize the integration with visuals. On the five screens at the venue, we plan to display music videos we’ve shot in the past, along with prepared footage, and live video captured in real-time by our cameraperson.
And what’s more, this time, we’re planning to hold the event with free admission. The goal isn’t to make money. Rather, we are investing a budget that seems unlikely to be recouped.
Otherwise, I won’t be able to survive as an artist for the rest of my life, nor will my art projects ever gain the global recognition they deserve.
This is, in a way, a gamble with my life on the line.
今回のイベントはその両方を、 同時に解決するための秘策なのです。 今のDan Mitchelの力でできる最大値が何であるかを示し、 Dan Mitchelのことを、にわかにしか知らない人にも体験してもらって、 しっかり楽しんで帰ってもらう。 そしてその内容を全て映像化し、作品とする。
This event is a strategic move to address both objectives simultaneously. It’s about showing the fullest extent of what Dan Mitchel can achieve with his current capabilities, and getting even those who are only vaguely familiar with Dan Mitchel to watch, enjoy, and leave happily. Additionally, we plan to capture the entire event on video, turning it into a complete work.
In other words, for my birthday this year, the present I want from everyone is for you to attend the party and, together with us performing artists, help make it an exciting event.
Of course, I’m not saying I want you to come up on stage, but following the flow from last year’s Freestyle Session Party, we’re planning a new participatory project called the Freestyle Talent Show. We’ll be soliciting participants in advance through an application form, where each person will have up to three minutes to perform. There will also be grand prizes for the winners. There will also be a karaoke machine at the venue.
And, we have a dance floor complete with a mirror ball in front of the large stage and DJ booth. We’re working hard on the sound, determined to rock everyone with music like never before.
このようなワガママ企画が実現したのには、素晴らしいスポンサー様の存在があります。 株式会社ワークナビさん、そしてDJとしても登場するRyota KOGAさん、 この方々がいなければ、今回の企画は、到底成立できなかったでしょう。 本当に心から感謝しております。 この度、ワークナビさんの公式テーマソングとして採用されました、 私の楽曲、”Open Your Eyes”もバンド演奏で披露させていただきます。
The realization of such an ambitious project was possible thanks to our wonderful sponsors. Worknavi Corporation and Ryota KOGA, who will also be performing as a DJ, played crucial roles. Without them, this event would hardly have been feasible. I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart. My song “Open Your Eyes,” which has been adopted as the official theme song for Worknavi, will also be performed live with a band.
If there are others who would like to support me, we have set up a few “Artist Support Table Seats.” Booking these would be a great way to help and support me. On the day of the event, at these exclusive table seats, prestige champagne and luxury brandy provided by Mr. Ryota KOGA will be available at an affordable price.
→Thanks to your support, they are sold out! Thank you!
The person who will undoubtedly be the absolute protagonist of this event. He handle everything from planning to performing (singing, acting, dancing), composing, and scriptwriting. He will sing and perform 14 of his own original songs with a full band accompaniment. Whether “Anti gravity” performance of “Smooth Criminal” will be successful remains a significant unknown.
Originally from Tohoku, she is an actress and talent who initially worked as a nurse but transitioned to acting after enduring the harsh conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She has also competed in martial arts tournaments and might be the strongest member of the group. However, at the event, she will portray the heroine Minami Takeda in “The End of Summer Love Story,” a play directed, written, and led by Dan, bringing a delicate touch to her performance.
Fascinated by Luc Besson’s film “YAMAKASI,” he traveled alone to France to study under David Belle, one of the founders of Parkour and an action star, and an original member of YAMAKASI. He became a third-generation member of the YAMAKASI family but suffered a severe injury when he fell from a height of 12 meters during training in London, fracturing his spine in three places and being diagnosed with paraplegia, leading to six months in a wheelchair. However, through rehabilitation and training, he made a full recovery in about three years.
He has made media appearances, performed in stage shows, and conducted workshops in Japan, Europe, and LA. He has even co-starred with Usain Bolt in a commercial. He met Dan Mitchel at last year’s Freestyle Session Party, where he participated as an MC and impressed the audience with acrobatic plays like backflips during Dan’s live performance. This time, in addition to his fluent English MC skills, he will attempt Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” dance in Stage 1.
A keyboardist, saxophonist, and composer/arranger. Born in 2001 in Tokyo and raised in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. Started learning classical piano at the age of 4 but gradually became drawn to the allure of jazz, beginning to play jazz piano at 10 and alto saxophone at 12. Participates in a wide range of live performances and recordings, from bebop to supporting rock bands. Besides releasing their own album “My Place,” they have recently been expanding internationally, accompanying The fin. on their tours in America and China. With a sound like vintage wine beyond their years, they captivate audiences.
Born in Nakashibetsu town, Hokkaido, she has honed a unique expressiveness that combines the sensitivity shaped by the vast nature of her birthplace with the refined physicality developed through her dedication to classical ballet from a young age. She excels at harnessing the energy of sound present in the moment.
In international ballet competitions, she has achieved second place as part of a group.
Since 2022, she has embarked on an acting career and is actively engaged in various fields including dancing, acting, modeling, painting, and teaching ballet.
Interestingly, she is the actual granddaughter of Masanori Hata, famously known as Mutsugoro.
In his twenties, he has received endorsements from Pearl Drum and Creative Percussion. As a support musician, he’s on an upward trajectory, showing remarkable growth and vitality in his career. His approach to music is deeply transformative, bringing each piece to life through his vibrant playing. Captivated by his performance with Aiko Yoshiba and ao, Dan was instantly drawn to him. Their first collaboration took place at the Freestyle Session Party and Unmake Session. On March 20th, he will release his first single ‘my autonomy’, marking a significant step in his journey as a solo artist.
Dan Mitchelとは、Ryota KOGAを通じて出会い、Freestyle Session Partyにて初共演。 楽器陣との即興セッションも軽やかにこなし、好評を得て以降、 自身のイベントにおいても、PercussionistのGai Sekiを招聘し、共演したりなどしている。
Raised amidst the beautiful and abundant energy that resonates between nature and humanity, she grew up under the influence of her grandfather, immersed in jazz and blues records, while cherishing her own talents in piano and singing from a young age.
Immediately following the disaster of March 11, 2011, she moved from Osaka to Tokyo. This relocation sparked her interest in non-verbal communication, leading her to delve into dance music while pursuing contemporary psychology and fashion culture, and studying the messaging of artists.
In 2020, she ventured into the world of physical expression. As Japan’s representative in an international beauty contest in April 2022, she experienced the global stage, profoundly inspired by international Art spirits. Upon returning home, she re-immersed herself in the worlds of music and art, even holding her first solo exhibition this year.
Valuing fashion, wellness, and Japanese perspectives, she communicates messages derived from life’s biorhythms, focusing on ‘light and shadow’ and ‘flow and rhythm’ themes. As a communicator, she varies her expressive output according to the venue, ranging from the club scene, centering on Techno, Melodic, and Progressive House, to Jazz House, Acid Jazz, Disco House, Pops, and R&B, especially in executive hotel bars and lounges.
With an open mind that transcends borders and races, she has attracted a borderless following, captivating audiences with her delicate beauty and emotional sounds.
Dan Mitchel met her through Ryota KOGA, and they had their first collaboration at a Freestyle Session Party. She skillfully managed impromptu sessions with the instrumentalists, receiving positive feedback. Since then, she has also invited the percussionist Gai Seki to perform at her own events.
A legendary figure in the world of pantomime. He debuted in September 1971 as part of the comedy duo “Kita Kyoichi & Kyoji.” As a professional comedian, Kyoichi gained popularity and appeared in numerous programs, with great expectations for his success. However, the duo suddenly disbanded.
After the split, Kyoichi moved to Los Angeles to pursue pantomime. Later, he became the vocalist for the band “Soo Baad Revue,” which is said to have had a significant impact on Japan’s rock and soul scene in the 1970s. In France, he studied under the master of pantomime, Etienne Decroux, and performed at many performing arts festivals across Europe.
He returned to Japan in the early 1990s and, alongside his mime work, actively engaged in collaborations with various artists and producing shows. In 2004, he expanded his activities by forming the band “5th Element Will” with rock vocalist Mari Kaneko.
He met Dan Mitchel last year on April 14th at the Salon Bar “Telc” in Matsumizaka and made a guest appearance at the Freestyle Session Party. He deepened his connections by collaborating with pianist Aiko Yoshiba and contemporary dancer CeLicca Ciy. This marks their memorable second performance together.
Jasmine Rose, DJ
She’s from America, but now She’s a talent/model/(voice) actress/DJ here in Japan, performed on MV of Kis-My-Ft2 She’s also a cafe enthusiast—blog (Tokyo Café Guide) and Instagram (Tokyo Café Guide), with cafe features on my YouTube Channels (What if Mari Rose andJasmineRoseTV)—and She enjoy sharing her adventures with you all.
Additionally, she possesses talent as a photographer using DSLR cameras, and she is skilled in video editing as well.
Dan Mitchel was introduced to her through Instagram by a model woman he had never met, who herself was recommended by Nao Yamakasi. This introduction led to their successful first performance together at a Freestyle Session Party.
アメリカ出身。現在日本でタレント、モデル、声優、DJとして活動しており、 Kis-My-Ft2のミュージックビデオにも出演。 また、カフェ愛好家でもあり、 ブログやインスタグラムでカフェを特集し、 YouTubeチャンネル（What if Mari RoseとJasmineRoseTV）でも カフェに関するコンテンツを共有しています。
Dan Mitchelとは渋谷Bar LSDで出会い、飲みながら、突発的なセッションを何度か経験。 ステージでは初共演となる今回、数々のギタリストを泣かせてきたDanの楽曲においても、 熟練された技で、オーディエンスを魅了する。
As the guitarist for the rock band fade, he performed at rock festivals domestically and internationally, embarked on a North American tour, and was active in providing insert songs for movies and theme songs for anime until the band went on hiatus in 2014. Since then, he has been broadening his horizons as a painter and writer, while also doing solo acoustic live performances, contributing music to movies, and creating background music for events. As a painter (real name: Shingo Terasawa), he has been selected and awarded at the Nikaten, Koyoten, and Kawasaki City Art Exhibitions, showcasing his work in galleries in Tokyo and department stores nationwide, and recently expanding overseas. He has published six novels to date.
He met Dan Mitchel at Shibuya Bar LSD, where, over drinks, they experienced several impromptu sessions. This will be their first performance together on stage, where he will enchant the audience with his skilled technique in Dan’s songs, known for their complexity and the challenge they pose to guitarists.
Originally from a village of ninjas, she transitioned from being a ground staff member for international flights to becoming a musician and moving to the United States. Since then, she has focused on contemporary jazz as her main field, continuing her work in composition and live performances through her own projects. She has collaborated with top-tier musicians, including Jiro Okada, and has won numerous awards in international composition competitions, establishing herself as a prodigiously talented artist.
In the upcoming live performance, she will infuse Dan Mitchel’s music with her unique essence. Additionally, she will perform her iconic song “Sky is the limit,” known for its beautiful melody, collaborate with DJs in a Freestyle Session, and showcase her skills in a live performance soundtrack for “A Love Story in Summer”
Among the members of this performance, she has known Dan the longest and has introduced him to numerous musicians who are also part of this group, making her an overwhelmingly key person. Behind the scenes, she has played a significant role in guiding Dan, who does not play an instrument, on how to communicate with musicians, providing invaluable support in unseen ways.
For breakfast, she prefers rice and miso soup, and there was a time during her student days when she aspired to be a manga artist.
Dan MitchelとはRyota KOGA氏を通じて出会うが、共演は今回が初となる。 かつては管楽器奏者でもあった彼女が、 楽器陣とのセッションでどのような、化学反応を起こしてくれるのか非常に楽しみである。
Remi Ohsugi has emerged as one of the most noteworthy figures among the new generation of techno/ambient artists in recent years. As a DJ, she skillfully blends psychedelic sound qualities with tropical, sensual techno in a delicate rhythm. Moreover, she possesses a unique elegance and a clearly discernible maturity in her music, which sets her apart. Her talent is such that it breaks through the ranks of breakthrough artists. Her activities span a wide range, including receiving the runner-up prize at Miss International Japan.
She met Dan Mitchel through Mr. Ryota KOGA, but this will be their first performance together. It’s highly anticipated to see what kind of chemistry she will create in sessions with the instrumentalists, especially considering her background as a wind instrument player.
Dan MitchelとはFRIENDSHIP.を通じて出会い、Freestyle Session Partyで初共演、 以降、Dandy Tonight Vol.2,3、5th Single「魅惑のエリザベス」にはSynth Bassとして参加。 今回は、Aiko Yoshibaと二人三脚で、様々な役割をこなすほか、 Best gigiとしても、Danお気に入りのオリジナル曲「Bad Things」をBand Styleで演奏する。
In his music unit Best Gigi, he completes track making, mixing, and mastering all by himself. In live performances, he skillfully uses a looper to play all parts of the accompaniment solo, embodying a modern type of composer and player. Additionally, he is a multi-instrumentalist, capable of playing not only keyboards but also a wide variety of instruments.
His roots are in vocal-oriented classic black music and Western music, making him a good connoisseur of Dan’s music, and lately, he has been delving into the study of jazz piano.
With a producer’s perspective, an understanding of music theory, and a passion for musical instruments, his knowledge extends to topics such as the history of the Clavinet, indicating a deep appreciation for timbre.
He has a profound love for thrift shops. During his time as a music producer for girl idols, he also took on lyric writing; he found that he could write completely detached from his own emotions, which he surprisingly faced little resistance to.
He met Dan Mitchel through FRIENDSHIP., making their first collaboration at a Freestyle Session Party. Since then, he has participated in Dandy Tonight Vol.2, 3, and in the 5th Single “Dangerous Lizzy” as a synth bass player. In addition to working closely with Aiko Yoshiba to fulfill various roles, he will also perform Dan’s favorite original song “Bad Things” in a band style as part of Best Gigi.
The music unit formed by actor Miyuu Teshima from Gunma Prefecture and musician Hiromu Kawakami is a duo of artists with striking sensibilities. They began their activities as Best Gigi in 2020.
Their concept is “home made cheap songs.”
Their music features a blend of coquettish and cheap cuteness, with nostalgic, mellow, old-school, soulful, electric, underground, lo-fi, trip-hop, downtempo, and uptempo elements.
The songwriting collaboration between the theory-minded Kawakami and the 100% intuitive Teshima has generated numerous stories.
They met Dan Mitchel through FRIENDSHIP.
Teshima shared unexpected commonalities with Dan, such as knowing Dan’s acting coach mentor Tetsu Tanaka and having a deep love for Michael Jackson. Fortuitously, this occasion marks their first performance together.
Daisuke Tsuda/津田大輔, on Drums
日本では稀少な欧米寄りのグルーヴ感を持つ、若きドラマー。 元々、このイベントには、ドラマーが参加しない予定であったが、 Gai SekiのInstagram ストーリーに彼が出てきたのをDanが見かけて、 即、オファーをかけたという逸話を持つ。
He is a young drummer with a rare groove that leans towards a Western style, a rarity in Japan. Originally, there were no plans for a drummer to participate in this event. However, Dan stumbled upon him in one of Gai Seki’s Instagram stories and immediately extended an offer, a story that has become somewhat legendary. This will be their first performance together, and to be honest, I don’t know much about him either. However, he has a Protools Carbon setup in his home studio, and is well-versed in recording live drums at home.
Lena Kicho/綺蝶レナ, the Singer
普段はショーシンガーとして活躍する彼女は、Dan MitchelとはAiMiiの紹介で出会い、 Aiko Yoshibaも参加した9th Single”You are not here”ではデュエットパートナーを務めた。 今回のイベントでも、”You are not here”をバンドと共に歌い上げる。
She usually shines as a show singer but met Dan Mitchel through AiMii’s introduction, serving as the duet partner in the 9th Single “You are not here” alongside Aiko Yoshiba. In this event, she will perform “You are not here” with the band.
With roots in Okinawa and a professional singer for a mother, she is known in AiMii as having a voice that purifies the soul and possesses a wide vocal range.
Though she is not yet a complete musician and is still developing, her sensitivity is high in her own projects, where she engages in songwriting and providing songs to other artists. She is one of the artists to watch for future activities.
She has a deep knowledge of retro fashion and also excels as a photographic subject.
In fact, she was the one who introduced the venue for this event.
Hodaka “James” Kageta/影田穂高, on Bass
北海道出身。竹之内一彌、Ami Kodaとのバンド”IKILLU”のメンバーであり、 リーダー竹之内氏から直々に「”James Jamerson”のようなベースを弾く男がいるんだ」 と紹介された。 Freestyle Session Partyで共演して以降、その絶妙なグルーヴ感と人間性により、 Dan Mitchelのプロジェクトでも欠かせない男となった。
Originally from Hokkaido, he is a member of the band “IKILLU” along with Kazuya Takenouchi and Ami Koda. Takenouchi, the leader, personally introduced him, saying, “There’s a guy who plays the bass like James Jamerson.” Since their collaboration at the Freestyle Session Party, his exceptional groove and personality have made him an indispensable figure in Dan Mitchel’s projects.
Participating in projects led by Ivorian percussionist Oswald Kouame, showcasing his techno artist persona, and handling his own mixing and mastering, he also brings a producer’s perspective and a deep understanding of music. This allows him to interpret the necessary phrases within a song and add his own essence without disrupting the original atmosphere.
Having worked at a session bar in the past, he is well-accustomed to sessions and can confidently play from sheet music at first sight. He refers to Dan’s music as having a “Takarazuka sound,” a nod to Dan’s place of origin.
Within Dan Mitchel’s circle, he is referred to as “James,” but more directly, Dan calls him “Kageta.”
There was a time when he felt a sense of emptiness performing as a support musician, but in recent years, his motivation has been reignited.
WAKA XINXI, DJ&Digital Creator
幼少期からクラシック音楽に感銘を受け、バイオリンを弾く。 2022年から本格的なDJ活動をスタート。 彼女は独自のテクノミュージックスタイルで知られ、ダークでデープなサウンドや、 ハードグループ、インダストリアルな要素を巧みに織り混ぜたり、自由で刺激的な解放感にあふれたリズムで聴衆を魅了させる。 デビューしてからわずかな期間で、WOMB、Zero Tokyo、青山蜂、OATH、サンキース、ONE’s、the church、Cela Vi Tokyoなどの主要なクラブやBAR、LOUNGEなどで出演経験を積み、特にWOMBのレギュラーパーティーBLOOMでは、メインフロアでレジデントDJを務めるなど、独自のスタイルが高く評価されている。
Digital Creatorとしての顔を持ち、スマートフォンを巧みに操り、 最終的なリール動画のビジョンありきで撮影をしていく。 デジタルネイティブ世代故の、ツボを押さえた編集も見事であり、 SNSマーケターとしても活躍している。
From a young age, she was deeply moved by classical music and played the violin. She started her serious DJ career in 2022. Known for her unique style of techno music, she captivates audiences with her dark, deep sounds, hard grooves, and industrial elements, blending them skillfully into rhythms that are both liberating and thrilling. In a short time since her debut, she has performed at major clubs, bars, and lounges such as WOMB, Zero Tokyo, Aoyama Hachi, OATH, Thanks, ONE’s, the church, and Cela Vi Tokyo, gaining particular recognition as a resident DJ on the main floor at WOMB’s regular party BLOOM for her distinct style.
She met Dan through Ryota KOGA and has also performed with him at the Freestyle Session Party. She has experience in sessions with instrumentalists as well. It’s highly intriguing whether her skilled violin playing will make an appearance this time.
As a Digital Creator, she adeptly uses smartphones, shooting with a final vision for reel videos in mind. Her editing skills, honed by her digital native generation, are impressive, and she is also active as an SNS marketer.
Since their first meeting at the early stages of the Freestyle Session Party, this man has shown his diverse talents, including his debut acting performance as a dancing angel in the music video “Destiny Girl.” While his current main focus is hip-hop, he is exceptionally versatile, able to dance to music without beats like classical and ballads, aligning his movements with the melody. He places great importance on syncing with the music, which reflects his deep conviction.
In his everyday life, he also embodies the role of a father and is renowned for his communication skills with children.
In this performance, he will not only showcase his dance skills in Dan’s music but also act as the choreographer for Nao Yamakasi in “Smooth Criminal.” There are suspicions that the choreography might have become more challenging than the original.
Dan Mitchelとはアーティストたちを介した飲み友達であったが、 同じステージに立つのは、今回が初となる。
Her passion for fashion led her to venture into modeling. She is well-known for her striking expressions that suit even a buzz cut, and she can vividly pull off various styles of clothing.
In recent years, she has also taken on roles such as event MC and regularly updates her own radio show, NextFeverTalking.
Although she and Dan Mitchel were drinking buddies through mutual artist friends, this will be the first time they share the same stage.
Leveraging his career as a University of Tokyo graduate, he combines science and IT to run a company where he serves as both founder and CEO. His activities extend beyond the corporate realm into DJing, hunting with firearms, and acquiring a boat license, showcasing his versatility. Beyond his specialization in chemistry, he has a profound knowledge of politics, economics, and history, and engages in lecture activities abroad.
The idea to hold this event originated from advice he gave during a dinner at the end of last year. Following that, he played a significant role in introducing Worknavi Corporation as a sponsor for the event, finalizing discussions, and even supplying champagne and brandy from his own stock, thus supporting the event vigorously beyond his role as the Opening DJ.
He met Dan last year at Bar LSD, where they found common ground discussing national defense. Since then, their relationship has deepened through regular visits to their favorite karaoke bar and home parties featuring game he hunted, making him an undeniable benefactor to Dan.
He is not just any businessman; being an engineer and a developer, he possesses a business acumen while understanding stubborn and idealistic artists. This combination of skills and understanding makes him a rare and valued individual.
ao, the Singer
兵庫県出身のシンガーソングライター。 中音域が魅力的なパワフルハスキーボイスを持ち、 Roberta Flackの”Feel Like Makin’ Love”など逸品である。
She is a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture with a powerfully husky voice that shines in the mid-range, captivating listeners with classics like Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
She handles lyric writing, composition, and track making on her own, with her music spanning a wide range from pop to progressive styles reminiscent of Björk.
In her solo performances, she sometimes employs a unique approach using the Ableton system to switch tracks in real-time.
Well-accustomed to sessions, she can effortlessly layer her voice with scat singing in impromptu performances.
She met Dan through an introduction by Aiko Yoshiba and has performed with him multiple times at Dandy Tonight Vol.1 and Freestyle Session Party.
In this performance, she will feature as a guest vocalist in Dan’s songs, providing interplay in twin vocals, and will also perform her song “MIDNIGHT” with the band.
He is a pianist, composer, and producer who desires to create diverse music and art programs that transcend genres. With the aim of learning through interviews and sessions with various artists, he established UNMAKE STUDIO.
He is the only participant who knew Dan Mitchel before Dan became Dan Mitchel, having met through a Taiwanese film director in a serendipitous relationship.
As a calling card for Dan when he moved to Tokyo, they co-created “Journey’s Midpoint,” the production of which has been utilized in Dan’s subsequent music creation.
He has Dan Mitchel’s full cooperation in his YouTube project, Unmake Session.
Despite being American, he is fluent in Japanese and Chinese and studied ethnic music at a music university in Shanghai.
またEmerson, Lake & Palmerなど、プログレッシブロックを初めとする音楽への造詣も深く、 元はベーシストに憧れ、音楽系の学校へと通っていた。
その大きな体とは裏腹に、柔らかい物腰と語り口から、 現場に安心感を与えてくれる存在でもある。
From Toyama Prefecture, he has long been active as a freelance video technical director and VE on various production sites. He met Dan through an introduction by Aiko Yoshiba and has since been responsible for shooting, lighting, and deciding the composition for three of Dan’s music videos.
Adhering to the motto that filming is about capturing light, he provides footage that is beautiful without the need for the now-popular color grading, making it easy for even beginner directors to edit.
He also has a deep appreciation for music, particularly progressive rock bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and originally aspired to be a bassist, attending a music school.
Despite his large stature, his gentle demeanor and way of speaking bring a sense of comfort to the set.
A multi-creator who handles everything from recording to mastering, focusing mainly on mixing. He is the initiator and representative director of the Japan Association for Singers’ MIX Engineers, a non-profit organization.
He has been responsible for the recording/mixing of works by M-BAND (Toshiba EMI), Riyu Kosaka (avex), NoGoD, and in recent years, Kahoru Kohiruimaki, the world whistling champion YOKO, and Reina Nagakura, among others.
He has a significant track record in live recording and production of live albums, handling the sound making for live DVDs by KIYO*SEN, NANIWA EXP, xoxo EXTREME, etc. He has been in charge of producing live albums for Japan’s largest gospel choir, Hallelujah Gospel Family, for over 10 years, handling the sound making for all 10 live albums.
In addition, he conducts many seminars on recording and demonstrations of audio equipment, especially for beginners and instrumentalists.
Following this path, he worked in product planning and marketing for the music production equipment brand TASCAM until 2017. He acquired marketing skills and served as the marketing unit manager for the music collaboration app nana until 2020. Currently, he is a marketing consultant focusing on music and audio equipment manufacturers.
In 2022, believing that MIX engineers play a significant role in enhancing the status of engineers, he established the Japan Association for Singers’ MIX Engineers and serves as its representative director. As of June 2023, the organization has over 270 members, working to promote the culture of singing covers and improve the status of MIX engineers and engineers in general.
He also produces a lot of text content, writing numerous product site contents and review articles for audio equipment manufacturers. He served as the editor-in-chief and main writer for nana’s owned media, nana Magazine, and specializes in interview articles, having turned interviews with over 100 audio equipment users, nana users, and Vocaloid producers into articles.
His recent hobbies include mountain climbing and cars. He drives to the trailhead in his prized final model MR2 SW20. He often knows more about maintaining MR2s than dealer mechanics, with the only exceptions being tire changes and alignment adjustments. His current goal is to run an engine he assembled himself at home, and his dream is to build a jet engine before he dies.
Dan, who had long pondered the importance of PA, spotted him on Twitter and, after listening to a live sound source on YouTube, extended an immediate offer, leading to their first collaboration.
Since childhood, he has been fascinated by video game music and film scores that unfold with the game’s scenarios, prompting him to start composing and playing the guitar. He studied jazz guitar under Mr. Seishi Okamura and Mr. Shunji Takenaka, classical guitar under Mr. Nobuyuki Hirakura, and composition under Mr. Yasushi Imamura.
He runs the music production company and recording studio Moonbow Music Inc., with recording studios in Ochanomizu and Yokohama. The studios specialize in 3D and spatial audio, VR/AR, and binaural content production, operating as a music/audio (MA) provider. His business activities encompass music production, planning, pre-production, sound effects creation, performance, and running a guitar school.
He met Dan through Aiko Yoshiba’s introduction at last year’s Freestyle Session Party, where his exquisite classical guitar performance was highly praised.
This time, in addition to performing classical guitar at the Freestyle Session, he will participate as an engineer for the event’s air recording, utilizing Moonbow Music’s recommended 360° sound microphones.
Originally from Russia, she is a photographer who creates a unique atmosphere with her skilled use of neon lights in her shots.
She has participated in Dan’s projects multiple times, handling the jacket photography for his past three works and shooting one music video.
Interestingly, she is also a talented individual who studied law in Germany and has been active as an international lawyer remotely. However, due to recent international circumstances, she has currently paused her legal activities.
Born in Russia in 2002, she is a makeup and hair artist specializing in special effects makeup at Tokyo Visual Arts.
Introduced by ANNA, Dan has yet to meet her, but this time, she will be taking on the challenge of quick changes between art makeup and natural makeup.
Additionally, she will be responsible for the hair and makeup of the heroine, Karin Hashiguchi.
He is a freelance filmmaker and movie director who graduated from Osaka University of Arts. He has produced many independent films and often takes on multiple roles himself, including director, cinematographer, scriptwriter, editor, and VFX artist. He also pilots drones and has a deep understanding of various filming equipment, owning much of it himself.
He is the head of the independent film group
His relationship with Dan began during the production of the music video “Destiny Girl,” where he participated in shooting behind-the-scenes footage and production. This time, he will serve as a VJ, displaying captions such as MV and translations of lyrics in sync with live performances, seamlessly switching between live camera feeds and inserting his original footage.
While he has a craftsman-like demeanor, he is also sincere and trustworthy.
He is also a member of Team Azamino, holding the record for the longest glide in the Birdman Contest glider category. He has a profound interest in all kinds of vehicles.
Centered around Shibuya clubs, she provides food at various events, focusing on ingredients and seasonings with the same dedication to sourcing as trendy cafes, particularly emphasizing vegetables from specific regions. Along with her unstoppable groovy dance, she has gained popularity in various locations throughout Tokyo.
Since 2021, she has gained extensive experience in lighting operation at small theaters and similar venues. She handles a wide range of tasks by herself, from planning to installation, not just operation.
She firmly supports Dan’s dramatic stage from behind the scenes.
This trending company manufactures stylish furniture and fixtures from cardboard.
The CEO, Ryosuke Wada, is a University of Tokyo graduate and has made numerous media appearances, including on “Todai Ou” (University of Tokyo King). He met Dan through Ryota KOGA, but it turns out he had connections with one of Dan’s high school classmates, making their relationship serendipitously deep.
This time, he will showcase the artisan’s skill with a live flower vase.
Wakame Masubuchi/増渕若雨, The Artist of Flower Arrangement
Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 1996 and after graduating from Waseda University with a master’s degree in architecture, she has been active as an ikebana artist, studying under Masau Kaiga and Yutaka Tsuji.
Focusing on ikebana as a part of space and environment, she provides works mainly for wedding decorations and architectural spaces.
This time, her participation was decided upon the recommendation of Mr. Ryota KOGA. With her splendid yet solemn creations, she aims to elevate the party to a higher level of sophistication.
Dan MitchelとはFreestyle Session Partyで出会ってから、数々の共演を果たしてきたが、今回は得意のウクレレとその澄み渡る美声で花を添える。
A multi-talented individual thriving with a unique sensibility, primarily working as a stage actress while also writing essays, performing ukulele sing-alongs, and once dedicated herself to developing the future of frying pans at Keio University Graduate School. Her endeavors span a wide range.
Since meeting Dan Mitchel at the Freestyle Session Party, they have performed together numerous times. This time, she will grace the event with her ukulele skills and her clear, beautiful voice.
He usually works as a film producer and cinematographer. He is a senior colleague of Mr. Maekawa, whom Dan trusts deeply, and this will be their first meeting.
All Songwriter, Arranger, Vocals, Programing&Mix:Dan Mitchel Mastering:The Soulmate(M1), Dan Mitchel(M2-4) Jacket Photographer:ANNA Jacket Designed by Dan Mitchel
Track Listing/収録曲
1.You are not here Feat.綺蝶レナ/You are not here Feat.Lena Kicho
“You are not here” is a song I wrote 13 years ago, during the time of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Eastern Japan.
At that time, I was living in the Kansai region(Far from Fukushima), and despite feeling a strong impact, I found myself at a loss. While I felt the need to do something myself, I felt utterly incapable of doing so, especially since I had only faint memories of the Kobe earthquake and lacked the experiences of the adults around me.
Instead of creating a song to deliver to those affected by the disaster, it became a theme about how we, the survivors, should live. Moreover, it was decided to produce it with English lyrics.
Then I’d been feeling that there was a sense of “escaping,” but in retrospect, I believe it became a universally relatable piece transcending any era or country.
Personally, I have a strong fondness for the concept of “waves.” While they can indeed be terrifying as natural phenomena, I attempted to depict them positively and incorporated various creative elements such as quoting Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech.
Listening to the initial demos after a long time, they were so amateurish that I feared my PC might be destroyed. However, with the help of renowned musicians, I was able to release it finally on the fifth remake.
I included three spring songs as B-sides, all created around the same time as “You are not here.”
“This Wind Could Make Me Feel You Gently” is a deeply poignant song about the person who have lost their loved ones, remembering the scent of the wind from the time they were together.
To balance the sorrow, I included a significantly positive song called “April Fool” which I came up with on April 1st, with just one chorus.
March being the season of graduations, I rearranged a song I made for a graduation album, “School Days…,” into an 80s rock style and placed it at the end.
While this single is a bit longer, I hope listeners can enjoy it as a single narrative, especially on a spring day.
「You are not here」は、13年前の3.11、 東日本大震災が起こった当時に、書き上げた楽曲です。
Dan Mitchel 