～Onlyyoujin～

POPJNEO team had an in person interview 
with Jin Akanishi, who is releasing 
his first album in the U.S and starting a tour in March!!!!

The interview took place at a hotel in West Hollywood 
on a beautiful day. Jin Akanishi welcomed us 
when we entered the room and looked very relaxed. 
We were assuming that he would be stiffer 
because it was right after the announcement 
of his marriage and that news was being covered 
by a lot of media extensively in Japan. 
The whole interview was in English so Jin’s answers 
for our questions below are exactly his words!

1. How does it feel like to get #1 on the dance 
chart of iTunes in US two songs in a row?
----I really appreciate my fans, a lot of people 
who bought my songs and yea, 
it was nice to get the attention.

2. The stereotypes, one of the most popular 
producers in the US, produced your song 
“Sun Burns Down”. Did you get any influences 
from them somehow?
----- I felt like I was making music with my friends. 
I could relax when I was working with them, 
but at the same time I learned a lot from them. 
And they liked what I did.

3. So it was exactly like you and them in the 
webisode (The Takeover) chilling on the coach?
-----Yea exactly.

4. Do you feel any difference in you 
since you debuted in the states?
-----Hmmm, I’m always myself, 
so I don’t think I’ve changed.

5. What about in your music style?
-----Well, yea American music is constantly 
changing and my music is following the changes 
so my music style might have changed a little bit 
but I don’t see any big differences.

6. Ok then we can see you in your style always.
-----Yea, I’m just me. (Laugh)

7. Please tell us about the songs in your new 
album other than the two singles 
(“Test Drive” and “Sun Burns Down”). 
What kind of songs are they?
-----Basically dance music, pop and R&B. 
There is not just one genre. I produced half of them 
and also have three songs produced by the stereotypes.
And one song by Static Revenger and 
I have 2 collaborations with American artists, 
Prophet and Uffie, so it is very exciting.

8. Do you have a particular fondness to 
any song in your album?
-----The three songs by the stereotypes, 
because it was a great experience for me. 
But I love all my songs of course. 
Also the songs I produced and wrote, too. 
I think those are trendy.. (laugh)

9. Where do you usually write your songs?
-----I write songs whenever I feel like.

10. So do you always have a notebook 
or laptop with you?
-----Yes I do. I have a laptop. 
It depends…. I use iphone too.

11. I think you will have more opportunities 
to work with worldwide famous artists 
in the future. Do you feel pressure?
-----No, I’m excited and will be trying 
to learn something from them.

12. How do you refresh yourself 
when you get stressed out? 
Especially when you are here (in the US)?
-----Hmmm, hang out when my friends. 
Both when I am here and in Japan.

13. This fall, the movie called “47 Ronin” 
which you are in, as an actor will come out. 
Last time we interviewed you when you came 
to LA for your previous tour, you said that 
you were willing to challenge in the US as an actor. 
And right after that interview we got the news that 
you got a role in that movie and that made us surprised. 
At that interview, did you already have any 
supernatural feeling that you could get the role?
-----No, it was a magic!!!(laugh)
I just jumped into the audition.

14. How was the audition?
-----I had fun.

15. What is the difference between acting 
in here and in Japan?
-----It’s different, mainly language though.

16. Did you have any hard experience 
when you were acting here?
-----I had trainings. Riding a horse was hard 
and also sword fighting was hard. 
My body got mad at me! (laugh)

17. Do you have any up coming drama or 
movie that you will be in?
-----Not for now, but I would love to!

18. As a director too??
-----SURE! (laugh)

19. Ok then if you become a director, 
what kind of movie do you want to shoot?
-----Anything…but pornos. (laugh)

20. Do you think what kind of tour the 
JAPONICANA tour is going to be?
-----A lot of dancing, crazy lightings, high energy 
and a great audience because it’ll be my fans!

21. Compare to your last tour “Yellow Gold Tour 3010”, 
what is the biggest difference?
-----Well, I’m dropping my album 
before the tour this time, and the audience will 
be able to know the songs that I will perform 
so maybe they can sing with me.

22. Is there any performance or particular song 
that you will do in the concert and 
you don’t want your fans to miss?
-----All of them!

23. Last question, this year you have a lot of 
things happening. You release your first album in the US, 
and have a tour coming soon and your first 
American movie will come out too. 
What is your goal of this year?
-----Hmmm, to organize my schedule and have 
a good life and to be happy. (laughter) 
Yea, you know I need time to work hard and 
my private life has to be good too!

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哇！還有新照片呢～～～