- This AFTER HOURS SESSION is a special collaboration between TSUBAKI fm and Higo Beat. How did you feel about playing through the speakers by Higo Beat, the independent audio brand from Kumamoto, Japan?
With these speakers, the low end really resonated and came out thick and powerful, while the highs and mids were detailed and crisp — I found that balance really interesting. Both the setting and the acoustics made it a very comfortable and enjoyable experience to DJ.
- Could you share the thoughts and ideas behind this mix?
When Midori Aoyama (TSUBAKI fm) first told me about this project, I imagined the atmosphere inside ELLA RECORDS — filled with wood and natural sunlight — and the beautiful wood-grain Higo Beat speakers set up there. That’s when I decided to make “wood” the theme this time. Wood is something that exists in our daily lives as a familiar material, yet at the same time, I think it’s also something very mystical. It feels like a presence that embodies the great cycle of the Earth — from sunrise to sunset. So for this mix, I chose records inspired by wood as a theme, imagining elements like water, the sun, and the wind. I usually play mostly disco, but this time I wanted to move beyond genre boundaries as much as possible and focus purely on feeling.
- Among the records you played today, were there any tracks you were especially excited to play or particularly wanted to introduce to the audience?
It’s hard to choose because I love all of them, but first is a record called “Invitación” by Latin percussionist Jorge Padin. It includes a cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon,” and I played it because this version really gives the feeling of a chameleon climbing up a tree.
The other one is the 12-inch of Chico Hamilton’s “Mysterious Maiden.” I think 12-inch pressings of this track are pretty rare, the sound is amazing, and it was given to me by someone very special, so it has a lot of sentimental value. That’s why I played it early in the set today.
- What do you think is the appeal of DJing with vinyl?
When I play a single record, I feel like it carries a whole process behind it—layers of emotion and memory that have built up over time.
To me, records are the result of everyday life. Just like buying flowers, coffee beans, or a T-shirt, they add color to the rhythm of living, while at the same time constantly reminding me of these mysterious, meaningful coincidences. In a way, they *are* my life itself.
For each party, I pack those pieces of my life into a limited space—a record bag—and carry them with me. Then, through the joy of unexpected connections, I share them with the people I meet there. I choose each track in the moment, touching the sleeves with my hands, guided by instinct and feeling.
That sense of limitation is what makes it so interesting. There’s a kind of romance in the continuous act of choosing.
Every day, I genuinely feel excited and grateful, wondering what kind of people and what kind of records I’ll cross paths with next. The appeal is endless.
- You also perform as part of the DJ duo BIBMOE with BIB, who has appeared on AHS before. Do your DJ style and mindset change significantly when you’re solo versus in the duo? And do you often receive positive influence from BIB?
My mindset hasn’t really changed.
Stylistically, though, I think the sense of timing and texture shifts compared to when I play solo, and I really enjoy that difference. When I’m playing solo, I tend to center around 12-inch records, building things up smoothly and gradually, creating a comfortable, expansive groove.
When I play as a unit, BIB brings a unique sense of tempo that often leads to unexpected responses. That, in turn, gets me more excited and lifts the energy even further. Eventually, it feels like the combination of the two of us naturally creates a lively, dynamic groove.
BIB has a deep passion for records and a solid base of knowledge, along with a great sense of balance in their musical intuition. I always feel that they truly love music, and they constantly inspire me. They’re a very important partner to me, and someone I deeply respect.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
I feel like it’s everything in my life.
On my days off, I go surfing, ride my bike and wander freely to record shops, parks, or museums, enjoy good food, and spend time with people I care about. Even when I stay home and read, I’m still living in tune with the seasons—feeling them through temperature, humidity, and scent. All of these experiences bring me a sense of calm and help nurture my sensitivity.
At the same time, as I move through life, many things happen—both in the world around me and within myself. But I try to learn from all of it, to find meaning and awareness in every experience. I feel that the way I want to live and the kind of DJ I want to be are essentially the same.
Walking my own path and continuing to pursue it feels like creativity itself. And in many ways, it also feels like the only way I can truly save myself.
- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
I want to stay neutral.
- Do you have any advice for those looking to start a career as a DJ?
Let’s follow what genuinely comes from within us—our true feelings—and honestly, openly share in what excites us and brings us joy. And let’s keep it going.
I’m sure there are so many beautiful moments, people, and sounds waiting for us to discover. 😊
- What plans do you have for 2026?
I’m coming up on my 10th anniversary in my career.
Right now, I feel a strong desire to really take a step back and clearly understand what my DJing is all about—to grasp it properly as a player. At the same time, my interest in sound systems and in the past and present of club scenes, both in Japan and abroad, has been growing. So I’d love for this to be a year of learning—of exploring and discovering the things I want to know.
From there, I’m hoping to gain a clearer vision for the next chapter and take a solid step forward into the next 10 years.
