- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
Drawing from the deep house of Detroit and Chicago that I’ve loved for years, I selected tracks ranging widely from 90s cuts to recent releases, with a conscious focus on music that reflects one of my roots: the essence of jazz. I feel the mix captures the core of my identity as a DJ—something that has remained unchanged at the foundation of what I do.
Since this was recorded in the late morning, with sunlight streaming into a warm, wood-toned space, I also wanted to create a soundscape that felt gentle and deeply comforting.
- Can you tell us about your approach to creating mixes?
I often build the foundation of a mix from a single scene or moment—anything from the day’s weather or climate, a film I watched the night before, music I’ve been listening to, a casual conversation with a friend, a memorable party that moved me, or a record I recently discovered. My emotional state at the time or an imagined landscape also becomes a starting point.
I’m especially particular about the opening track; it’s always something symbolic and memorable for that mix. And from there, I include one more key track—something that connects the story from the opening and anchors the mix as a whole.
- You also work as a shop staff member at ELLA RECORDS. How did it feel to DJ at the store where you usually work?
It felt strange, almost as if a place I go to every day had suddenly turned into somewhere special. Since it’s a familiar setting, I was a little nervous right before starting, but I think I managed to switch gears quickly and relax into the set.
I’m usually involved in this project from the support side, helping out on-site, so being the one in front of the camera this time felt a bit embarrassing. Haha.
- Does working at a record shop feed back into your DJ activities? If so, in what ways?
Being surrounded by records every day means I have an endless stream of things to absorb. Since ELLA handles all kinds of genres, I encounter a wide range of music and artists on a daily basis. That exposure becomes the spark that helps me break down genre boundaries and draw out new, free-flowing ideas when I DJ.
Naturally, the amount of knowledge I gain keeps expanding, and from there I dig deeper into my tastes and the information that interests me. It’s become a kind of daily routine—an ongoing cycle of discovery.
- You’re always digging into a wide range of genres, but aside from house sets like the one you played this time, what other genres or styles are you most comfortable with as a DJ?
I play a wide range of styles—soul/funk, disco, jazz, techno, and more. I also mix in Latin, Brazilian, Afro, and various “borderline” grooves, approaching each set with a sense of traveling through different places and sounds.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
The excitement and thrill of encountering unfamiliar places and people—whether through films, books, or other mediums—is something truly irreplaceable to me.
- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
It all comes down to love for the music!
DJing is an act of self-expression through existing tracks, so having respect for the artists and their music—and continuing to deepen your understanding with genuine affection—is something I always keep in mind as an essential mindset.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
I think the best thing you can do is go out to different parties day and night and experience everything with your whole body—the history and spirit of each venue, the sound system, the booth setup, the parties themselves, the communication, and the intentions people pour into those spaces.
Sharing drinks with the dancer next to you, dancing until your legs feel like sticks, being moved to tears by incredible music, and finally heading home with a smile—that's the best feeling in the world.
- What plans do you have from the end of this year going into 2026?
Starting around spring 2026, I’ll be moving to Canada for a year, so right now I’m preparing for that while continuing my DJ activities. I’m really excited to see what kind of journey it will turn out to be.
I’ve also been wanting to release a cassette tape mix in physical form for a long time, so I hope to finish it before I leave the country. I’d be happy if you look forward to it!
