The lineup will continue to be updated as new performers are confirmed. If you believe in your talent and would like to appear in the program, please feel free to send your materials via DM or email at any time. I may not be able to reply to everyone, but I will review every submission.
Iโm planning to reboot and upgrade the cross-genre art event Freestyle Session Partyโwhich I co-hosted 29 times with FRIENDSHIP. in 2023โinto a new event-program titled โDandy Asobi Club (DAC).โ
The theme is:
โMaster the art of serious play.โ
โBefore you know it, it becomes a social phenomenon.โ
โBring Japanโs unique playfulness to the world.โ
I intend to redesign the cross-disciplinary sessionsโuniting music, film, dance, theatre, and philosophyโinto a 12-episode series. At FSP, several experimental formats gained strong popularity, such as:
A theatre performance with live improvised scoring
DJ ร live instruments hybrid sessions
Reading theatre combined with dancers or pantomime artists
In addition, I plan to introduce new concept segments, including:
A format where I interview young participants, extracting their honest thoughts, and actors perform them as monologues
A segment where we create songs improvisationally with the audience, right on the spot
These will form a collection of creative formats rarely seen anywhere.
Production & Distribution Vision
This time, while keeping the participatory nature of the previous events, I also want to record each installment as a fully produced program episode, supported by my experience from the Hollywood Film Festival and the Italian Film Festival.
Each episode will be archived, turned into an asset, and then distributed. While YouTube is an option, I also want to explore Prime Video, Netflix, or Abema TV as possible platforms.
I plan to include full English subtitles, aiming to deliver Japanโs hidden talents to the world. Japanโs market aloneโor relying only on inbound tourismโis too narrow for the future. We should fully utilize the global potential of the internet.
For the production staff, I hope to collaborate again with the team who supported my previous film project. I will take responsibility as the creative lead, relying on the countless failures that have shaped and strengthened me.
Performer Selection & Participation
Although DAC will be a participatory event, I will personally review portfolios and select performers, giving approval based on the right match for each format or concept.
This ensures the stage quality will not drop due to casual amateur participation.
That said, I genuinely want people with fewer achievements to take on the challenge. I intend to carefully review every submission and design formats that allow many different people to shine in the right roles.
Committee System โ โPerestroika = Democratizationโ
Under the slogan โPerestroika = Democratization,โ I will establish a planning committee via a LINE Open Chat, where members can propose new concepts and new formats.
A proposal will be approved when five members + myself vote in favor. Those who support a proposal must take responsibility for executing the segment.
Here is the LINE Open Chat: โDandy Asobi Club Planning Committeeโ (You may join anonymously without adding any friends.)
Connecting with the Nationwide Tour โFreeโ
By linking DAC with my previously announced nationwide tour โFree,โ I aim to invite talented people I encounter throughout Japan. This will energize the program, and hopefully create a space where people from various industries naturally gather.
Ultimately, I want to build a club-like ecosystem where diverse individualsโacross generations and across genresโwho resonate with my core philosophy can connect and thrive throughout Japan.
More about my artistic philosophy can be found on my blog or in the video below.
Why โPlayโ?
For now, let me say this much: To dissolve the countless binary oppositions and divisions in society, we need a strong leader with aesthetic sensibility, equipped with true playfulness. This is the conclusion I finally reachedโon the symbolic date of 2025/12/5โafter years of conceptual exploration.
Budget, Pilot Episode & Crowdfunding
Just last week (2025/11/3), I had the opportunity to speak with someone from Fuji TV. They told me itโs difficult to evaluate without concrete examplesโand thatโs true; these concepts are so unprecedented theyโre hard to visualize.
Itโs not that I intend to pitch this directly to Fuji TV, but considering that a full 12-episode productionโplus distribution and advertisingโwould easily exceed 10 million yen, raising the entire amount at once would be extremely difficult.
At one point I even considered appearing on Reiwa no Tora to stir up controversy. But in any case, producing a pilot episode seems essential.
Therefore, to fund the pilot, Iโd like to launch my first crowdfunding campaign since the Hollywood Film Festival project.
Last time, 27 supporters helped us raise 1.28 million yen. This time, weโre aiming for 1 million yen.
The budget will cover:
Venue fees
Production costs (performers, film crew, audio, lighting, editing, rehearsal)
Advertising
You can refer to the archives of previous FSP events for context.
Please visit the crowdfunding page via the button below. You can check the support menu and rewards listed there.
Although Iโm calling it a crowdfunding campaign, itโs also simply where advance tickets for the event are now available.
Supplementary materials are attached at the bottom.
Finallyโ We also welcome those interested in becoming shareholders of our company. Feel free to contact me anytime by email.
Thank you very much for your support!!
Pilot Edition โDandy Asobi Clubโ Production Support Fund
(Scroll down for the English version) ใใชใฆใใใใๅธฐๅฝๅพใไธ็บ็ฎใฎใคใใณใใงใใ ๆฅใใ๏ผ๏ผ29(ๅ)ใซใๅไปฃๆช่ใฎใใผใใฃใ้ๅฌใใพใใ
Hollywood’s Behind MeโAnd Here Comes the First Event Back in Japan.
On Saturday, March 29, weโre throwing an unprecedented party.
Itโs called:
โTonight, Just Rehearsingโฆ?โ
To put it simply:
This is an experimental event where musicians, together with a full sound crew, conduct a serious rehearsal sessionโlive. The audience gets to observe the entire process, raw and unfiltered, offering a unique opportunity for non-musicians to experience how music is actually made.
Think of it as something between a workshop and a live performance.
At its core, this project is about:
Giving people a deeper understanding of how musicians think, create, and performโbeyond the surface-level image often imposed by celebrity culture.
Highlighting theย artistic value of musicย in society by bridging the gap between artists and audiences.
Capturing it all as aย documentary film, so that even those who canโt attend can still feel part of it.
Itโs a statement. Itโs part of our STEAM education mission. And yes, itโs also a celebration of art.
Now, that might sound a little heavy-handed for an inviteโbut at the end of the day, what we want most is for you to have fun.
Thereโll be a bar corner run by a beautiful bar manager and skilled bartenders, and youโre absolutely welcome to chat and mingle during the rehearsals. And if the music moves youโplease, dance! When I performed on the streets of LA, one thing that really struck me was how naturally people let their bodies respond to the rhythm.
So come with the mindset that you are the star of this party. I wonโt be outshined so easilyโbut I welcome the challenge. ๐
Feel free to watch the rehearsals from anywhere in the studioโeven right next to the musicians. (Just a heads-up: the cameras will be rolling continuously, and footage will be used as-is, so we kindly ask for your discretion if you donโt want to appear on camera.)
We believe the physical experience of music is irreplaceableโsomething even the most advanced AI canโt replicate.
Event Schedule:
14:00ย โ Doors Open
14:30โ19:00ย โ Full Rehearsal (with DJ time breaks)
19:00ย โ Screening of my short film, which was selected for the Hollywood Film Festival (Japan Premiere)
19:30โ20:30ย โ Short Live Performance featuring the best cuts from the dayโs rehearsal
20:30โ22:00ย โ After Party
Throughout the event, Iโd love to chat with everyone who comes.
Performers:
Vocal & Composer:ย Dan Mitchel
Grand Piano, Synth & Alto Sax:ย Hinata Ishii
Bass:ย James Hodaka Kagetaย (IKILLU)
Guitar:ย GODO Terasawa
Percussion:ย Gai Sekiย (w.a.u, La seรฑas)
Sound Engineer:ย Ken Yamakawa
DJ:ย mariennu
Dancer:ย Sessey
Dancer:ย Jasmine Mazlika
Guest Pianist:ย Aiko Yoshiba
Plus, there might be a few surprise guestsโso stay tuned!
Tickets:
Please purchase your entry tickets in advance via the link below, as drinks will be stocked based on headcount.
๐ Tonight, Just Rehearsingโฆ? Price: ยฅ5 to ยฅ20,000 [Purchase Now]
Weโve set the base admission at just ยฅ5โso that anyone whoโs interested can come. We hope it leads to new connections and meaningful encounters.
Weโre also offering:
All-You-Can-Drink Plan (soft drinks, beer, highballs, wine):ย ยฅ3,000
Supporterโs Special Seat:ย ยฅ20,000ย (includes all-you-can-drink, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and a private table)
Drinks like tequila shots and soft drinks can also be ordered individually (about ยฅ1,000 per drink). Thereโs even a secret menu with premium champagnesโjust allow a little extra time for preparation.
โป Youโre welcome to bring your own food, but please refrain from bringing wine or champagne bottles.
Venue:
Studio Theory D-Room (4F) Near Yoyogi-Hachiman Station Take the elevator to the 4th floor
Address: 6-2 Motoyoyogicho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Dolce Motoyoyogi 1F)
This will likely be our only hosted event around my birthday season (April 14), so Iโd be thrilled if you could come and celebrate with us.
Looking forward to seeing you there. With all my thanks, Dan
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.
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.
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.
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.
โThanks 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.
Hinata Ishii/็ณไบใฒใชใ, on Saxophone&Keyboards
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 MitchelใจใฏใRyota KOGAใ้ใใฆๅบไผใใFreestyle Session Partyใซใฆๅๅ ฑๆผใ ๆฅฝๅจ้ฃใจใฎๅณ่ใปใใทใงใณใ่ปฝใใใซใใชใใๅฅฝ่ฉใๅพใฆไปฅ้ใ ่ช่บซใฎใคใใณใใซใใใฆใใPercussionistใฎGai Sekiใๆ่ใใๅ ฑๆผใใใใชใฉใใฆใใใ
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 enthusiastโblog (Tokyo Cafรฉ Guide) and Instagram (Tokyo Cafรฉ Guide), with cafe features on my YouTube Channels (What if Mari Rose andJasmineRoseTV)โand 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.
ใขใกใชใซๅบ่บซใ็พๅจๆฅๆฌใงใฟใฌใณใใใขใใซใๅฃฐๅชใDJใจใใฆๆดปๅใใฆใใใ Kis-My-Ft2ใฎใใฅใผใธใใฏใใใชใซใๅบๆผใ ใพใใใซใใงๆๅฅฝๅฎถใงใใใใ ใใญใฐใใคใณในใฟใฐใฉใ ใงใซใใงใ็น้ใใ YouTubeใใฃใณใใซ๏ผWhat if Mari RoseใจJasmineRoseTV๏ผใงใ ใซใใงใซ้ขใใใณใณใใณใใๅ ฑๆใใฆใใพใใ
Dan Mitchelใจใฏๆธ่ฐทBar LSDใงๅบไผใใ้ฃฒใฟใชใใใ็ช็บ็ใชใปใใทใงใณใไฝๅบฆใ็ต้จใ ในใใผใธใงใฏๅๅ ฑๆผใจใชใไปๅใๆฐใ ใฎใฎใฟใชในใใๆณฃใใใฆใใDanใฎๆฅฝๆฒใซใใใฆใใ ็็ทดใใใๆใงใใชใผใใฃใจใณในใ้ญ ไบใใใ
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 MitchelใจใฏRyota KOGAๆฐใ้ใใฆๅบไผใใใๅ ฑๆผใฏไปๅใๅใจใชใใ ใใคใฆใฏ็ฎกๆฅฝๅจๅฅ่ ใงใใใฃใๅฝผๅฅณใใ ๆฅฝๅจ้ฃใจใฎใปใใทใงใณใงใฉใฎใใใชใๅๅญฆๅๅฟใ่ตทใใใฆใใใใฎใ้ๅธธใซๆฅฝใใฟใงใใใ
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.
Hiromu Kawakami/ๅทไธๅบๆญฆ, on Keyboard&Synthesizer
Dan MitchelใจใฏFRIENDSHIP.ใ้ใใฆๅบไผใใFreestyle Session Partyใงๅๅ ฑๆผใ ไปฅ้ใDandy Tonight Vol.2,3ใ5th Singleใ้ญ ๆใฎใจใชใถใในใใซใฏSynth Bassใจใใฆๅๅ ใ ไปๅใฏใAiko Yoshibaใจไบไบบไธ่ใงใๆงใ ใชๅฝนๅฒใใใชใใปใใ Best gigiใจใใฆใใDanใๆฐใซๅ ฅใใฎใชใชใธใใซๆฒใBad ThingsใใBand Styleใงๆผๅฅใใใ
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/ๆดฅ็ฐๅคง่ผ, on Drums
ๆฅๆฌใงใฏ็จๅฐใชๆฌง็ฑณๅฏใใฎใฐใซใผใดๆใๆใคใ่ฅใใใฉใใผใ ๅ ใ ใใใฎใคใใณใใซใฏใใใฉใใผใๅๅ ใใชใไบๅฎใงใใฃใใใ Gai SekiใฎInstagram ในใใผใชใผใซๅฝผใๅบใฆใใใฎใDanใ่ฆใใใฆใ ๅณใใชใใกใผใใใใใจใใ้ธ่ฉฑใๆใคใ
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/็ถบ่ถใฌใ, the Singer
ๆฎๆฎตใฏใทใงใผใทใณใฌใผใจใใฆๆดป่บใใๅฝผๅฅณใฏใDan MitchelใจใฏAiMiiใฎ็ดนไปใงๅบไผใใ Aiko Yoshibaใๅๅ ใใ9th Single”You are not here”ใงใฏใใฅใจใใใใผใใใผใๅใใใ ไปๅใฎใคใใณใใงใใ”You are not here”ใใใณใใจๅ ฑใซๆญใไธใใใ
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.
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.
Digital Creatorใจใใฆใฎ้กใๆใกใในใใผใใใฉใณใๅทงใฟใซๆใใ ๆ็ต็ใชใชใผใซๅ็ปใฎใใธใงใณใใใใงๆฎๅฝฑใใใฆใใใ ใใธใฟใซใใคใใฃใไธไปฃๆ ใฎใใใใๆผใใใ็ทจ้ใ่ฆไบใงใใใ SNSใใผใฑใฟใผใจใใฆใๆดป่บใใฆใใใ
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 Mitchelใจใฏใขใผใใฃในใใใกใไปใใ้ฃฒใฟๅ้ใงใใฃใใใ ๅใในใใผใธใซ็ซใคใฎใฏใไปๅใๅใจใชใใ
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
ๅ ตๅบซ็ๅบ่บซใฎใทใณใฌใผใฝใณใฐใฉใคใฟใผใ ไธญ้ณๅใ้ญ ๅ็ใชใใฏใใซใในใญใผใใคในใๆใกใ Roberta Flackใฎ”Feel Like Makin’ Love”ใชใฉ้ธๅใงใใใ
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 Bjรถrk.
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.
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 360ยฐ 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.
Dancin’ Kitchen Miwako/่ธใใญใใใณโซใใฏใณ on Food
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/ๅขๆธ่ฅ้จ, 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 MitchelใจใฏFreestyle Session Partyใงๅบไผใฃใฆใใใๆฐใ ใฎๅ ฑๆผใๆใใใฆใใใใไปๅใฏๅพๆใฎใฆใฏใฌใฌใจใใฎๆพใฟๆธกใ็พๅฃฐใง่ฑใๆทปใใใ
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.
Shinichiro Sakaguchi/ๅๅฃๆ ไธ้, the videographer
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.
I am sure I will have some very good news for you soon.
It seems like a lot of things that happened last year have been connected in a wonderful way and brought me here.
As this happens, my mind is going crazy, but I am now sorting out the priorities of things while devising a strategy to find exactly the right concept that can be presented clearly and enthusiastically to the entire team so that we can somehow complete a great piece of work.
I don’t know if it’s little by little or at an incredible pace, but things are definitely moving forward.
All I can say now is, anyway, please keep your schedule open for April 14.
I am sure I will be able to give you more specific details in due course.
ใฟใใช็ฅใฃใฆใฆ็ใไธใใฃใฆ ใใใชใซใใใฉใใใใชใ Bruno Marsใฃใฆใใคใฑใซใจๆฏในใใจ ่ฅๅนฒใ้ณๆฅฝ็ใซใใฟใชใใใใชใ
ใใจใฏใใใใไปฎ่ฃ ใใฆใขใฉใธใณใใใจใ ๏ผใใ ใ็ก้งใซ่ปข่ชฟใ3ๅ๏ผ ใฒใจใใงTime to say good byeใใใจใใฎ ใใใจๆฒ่ธ็ใชใใจใซใชใฃใฆใใใใฉ
Dan Mitchel 