～Onlyyoujin～

It has been more than a year since Japanese superstar 
Jin Akanishi signed a global deal with 
Warner Music in December 2010.  Akanishi has been 
hitting the top of the iTunes Dance Album Chart with 
singles like “Test Drive (feat. Jason Derulo)” and “Sun Burns Down.” 
His second North American tour kicks off in Los Angeles 
on March 9, followed by Vancouver, Canada, on March 10, 
Honolulu on March 12, New York on March 15 and 
San Francisco on March 17. Ibuki’s English Cartier 
chatted with Akanishi ahead of the tour.

Ibuki: How are you adjusting to life in the US? 
It must be exciting moving here; do you feel like 
you could live here for a long time?
Jin: It’s nice here.  There’s a lot of driving, 
which is different from Japan.  I’ll be here and Japan 
depending on my projects.

Ibuki: You have been visiting many cities in North America 
on your tours. Is there a city that you were particularly 
blown away by or that stood out in one way or another?
Jin: I think every city has its own uniqueness.  
I’ve been in LA the most, and I have friends here, so that’s nice.

Ibuki: Do you have any other loves other than music?
Jin: Acting is definitely up there for me.  I enjoy being 
able to take on different roles.  It’s a fun challenge.

Ibuki: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Jin: Do what you love and it won’t feel like you’ve worked 
a day in your life.  I’ve been very fortunate to be able to work 
in the entertainment industry.  Definitely something 
I’ve always loved and wanted to do.

Ibuki: In "Take Over" episode 1, it was unveiled that 
you bought a new car. Are you a sports car aficionado? 
Do you mind telling us what a few of your favorite cars are?
Jin: I don’t really have any favorites.  I like bigger cars, 
but it’s hard to have one in Japan.  It’s also hard to have 
a sports car in Japan, because you don’t have 
much room to drive fast anyways.  I own an Infiniti FX in LA.  
It’s a fun car to drive.

Ibuki: Your first single CD, “Test Drive (feat. Jason Derulo),” 
hit No. 1 on the iTunes Dance Chart on its release date. 
Your second single, “Sun Burns Down,” also hit No. 1. 
How did you feel when you got the news?  
Did you call somebody special when you found out?
Jin: I feel very grateful for all the support from my fans.  
I think I was just surprised and happy at the same time, 
and didn’t really have time to call anyone since I think 
I was in the studio for a recording session.  
For “Sun Burns Down,” I really felt the same way.  It was surreal.

Ibuki: You have a very distinctive style, hair, clothes — 
Is there a particular clothing item or accessory that 
you can’t resist collecting — for example hats, belts, shoes, coats?
Jin: I love shoes, glasses, shades and hats.  
Definitely a big part of my wardrobe.

Ibuki: Please tell us your goals in the future both as a singer 
and as an actor. Which profession will be your first focus?
Jin: I want to do both.  It’s too hard to choose.  
I like many aspects of being an actor and singer.

Ibuki: Please tell us about your Japonicana tour. 
What can your fans expect at the concerts? Any surprises on the way?
Jin: I’m rehearsing a lot for it right now.  I’m excited about 
performing many of the songs for the first time ever.  
Lots of dancing, high energy.  There will be some surprises, 
so hope to see everyone there!

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