Yuri Nagahori is a Tokyo-based DJ, promoter and producer who has been captivating hearts and dancefloors with her infectious beats. Music has been a constant throughout Yuri's life, with early expressions through piano, drums, and dance. Her journey led her to study abroad in Canada, the USA, and the Philippines, immersing herself in clubbing and electronic music culture. Upon returning to Japan Yuri discovered her true calling as a DJ. After honing her skills, she slowly but surely started playing parties herself. Her sets are unique, blending genres from techno to hip-hop, house, and trance. Yuri has graced major clubs in Japan and international venues, and her events have earned a devoted following. More recently Yuri has taken on the challenge of producing her own music to bring her passion to new heights. 

In today’s chat, James and Yuri recall her early exposure to music and clubbing adventures in the USA, Canada, and the Philippines. Yuri shares her unique entry into Japan's music scene and the spark that ignited her passion for DJing. The discussion spans topics like pursuing music as a full-time career, gender dynamics in the industry, music production, and her dreams within the realm of music. Yuri also sheds light on how she stays at the forefront of DJing trends and the profound role of music in her life.

Connect with Yuri: Website

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Ian Lynam is the product of a life lived with post-modern art and endless curiosity. Originally from the small town of Averill Park, New York. He holds a BSc in Graphic Design from Portland State University and an MFA in Graphic Design from CalArts. Since 2005, he has led his Tokyo-based design studio, Ian Lynam Design, specializing in identity design, cultural research, and typography. Currently, he serves as faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts and Temple University Japan, offering his experience and knowledge in art and design. Ian is also a prolific writer and co-founder of the critical cultural online journal Néojaponisme, which fosters creative dialogue and exchange on Japanese culture, society, art, and design. When you visit Sailosaibin in Sasazuka, Tokyo, you'll see some of Ian's creations coming to life alongside stacks of books and a carefully curated selection of handcrafted pieces and clothing from talented collaborators, all contributing to a collection that resonates with the contemporary zeitgeist.

In the interview, James and Ian touch on his early days in upstate New York, his childhood passion for art and design, and the influence of the American West Coast and Asia on his design sensibilities. Ian's deep involvement in design education and his profound connection to mentoring young designers show how passionate he is about art, cultural affairs and developing ideas. Ian’s latest book “The Failed Painter” is a bite-size exemplification of his storytelling approach that combines design and writing in ways that are compelling and relatable for the artist in all of us.

Connect with Ian:

Studio Website // Instagram

Follow us on Instagram @adsrpod

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AOKI Takamasa is a Kansai legend who carved the early sounds of minimal techno and glitch in Japan. AOKI has been pushing the boundaries of music since his teenage years from his debut album, Silicom, released in 2001 through the independent Japanese electronic label PROGRESSIVE FOrM and later releases on Op.disc and the German imprint Raster-Noton. Some of his recent work includes live performances and music collaborations with Fumitake Tamura producing together under the name Neutral. AOKI's musical path has taken him from Japan to France and even Germany early in his career. Since returning to his roots in Osaka in 2011, AOKI has continued to push creativity within the industry and has developed a strong reputation in the digital arts community. Not only a musician, but AOKI also indulges his passion for photography.

Join James as he delves into AOKI's artistic journey, exploring his inspirations, collaborations, and the invaluable role of experimentation and risk-taking in music production. Discover the secrets to longevity in the industry and find inspiration in the beauty of everyday life.

Connect with AOKI
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

More from ADSR Collective on Facebook // SoundCloud 

Follow us on Instagram @adsrcollective

Check out our music on https://adsrmusic.ca/

Now residing in Tokyo, Toronto-born Demsky takes a lot of his inspiration from the chill instrumental, beat-making music scenes that he’s heavily involved in. Demsky's music is a unique blend of ambient soundscapes, trip-hop beats, and rock influences. Lessons of love, understanding, choices, perseverance, and adaptability are some of the themes in Demsky's sound. His music features the ambient and weaving formations of the layers in each track, which are representations of the elements of the environment around us.

James and Demsky had an insightful conversation about the art of music production, finding balance in your life and tips for touring. They discussed various techniques for creating unique sounds and melodies, as well as ways to overcome creative blocks in the music-making process. They also delved into the importance of experimentation and taking risks in order to create something truly original. 

Connect with Demsky:

Website // IG @demskymusic //Facebook // Bandcamp

More from ADSR Collective on Facebook // SoundCloud 

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Check out our music on https://adsrmusic.ca/

Jay Holmes, originally from North Carolina, has been residing in Japan for the past two decades. As a musician, he is best known for his band Fever Moon, which gained acclaim after releasing two albums in November of last year and performing live shows around Tokyo. Music has always been an integral part of Jay's life. He has been writing songs, making music, and playing in bands since his high school days. In Japan, Jay has also hosted a fantastic radio show called Mystery Cuts Radio, where he unearths and showcases long-forgotten vinyl treasures from the 60s and 70s. Jay often DJs under the moniker Evil Jay and brings out some of his rare mystery cuts, sourcing each track directly from vinyl with great care and attention to detail.

Jay's creative pursuits also extend to his professional life, where he has been working as a full-time artist and designer since 2019, a career he has been doing part-time for decades longer. 

In this episode James and Jay discuss Jay’s passion for the arts, his music, his design, his radio show and more. Jay gives tips on how to approach making a living out of design and when to make the leap from part-time to full-time. He shares his secret to keeping passion in your life and art. He also details how he’s able to stay balanced through the challenges of being a freelance artist, a musician and more important than all, a loving husband and father. 

Check out Jay’s designs or connect with the man:
Website // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook

More from us ADSR Collective on Facebook // SoundCloud 

Follow us on Instagram @adsrcollective
Check out our music on https://adsrmusic.ca/

Lee Reeve, originally from Glasgow, has been living in Japan for over 20 years, mainly in the Yokohama region. He is the CEO and founder of inCider Japan, a marketing and creative consulting firm also known for publishing the only bilingual cider magazine in Asia under the same clever name. InCider Japan is dedicated to all things cider! In addition to being an importer, retailer, and maker of cider and cider-related goods, Lee also works as a consultant for various alcohol and beverage brands worldwide.

In the episode Lee and James chat about Lee’s history with cider growing up and then how he came to reignite his passion for the drink upon living in Japan. The pair also get into how he first became interested in craft (beer) brewing and his eventual shift to cider, what it was that led him to start his cider magazine and then in turn his import business. Lee also outlines some of the difficulties he’s had throughout the past 5 years of running the business, particularly how he’s had to adapt and pivot through the pandemic. Lastly, Lee gives some great advice for entrepreneurs and future business owners about what it takes to keep going and find success. 

Connect with Lee and discover more about cider!

Website: https://www.inciderjapan.com

Instagram @inCiderjapan

Twitter:@inCiderJapan

FB: inCiderJapan

More from us ADSR Collective on Facebook // SoundCloud 

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Check out our music on https://adsrmusic.ca/

Lisa Wallin is a self-described travel writer, novelist, bookworm and research junkie. She grew up traversing the globe as she immersed herself in various cultures, driven by a deep-seated need to understand the world around her. 

She's been writing professionally here in Japan for well over 10 years now, initially writing on Japan's varied and dynamic music scene and then branching out into writing about culture, travel, cuisine, craftsmanship and more.  If that wasn't enough, she also writes fiction and partakes in other travel and culture writing outside of Japan. 

Some fun facts about Lisa from her bio, she's lived in 7 countries (Sweden, England, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany and France)  she's travelled to dozens more, she studied fashion design in Sweden as well as business at Queensland in Australia.  She's a music junkie, obsessed with good coffee and she aims to befriend every Shiba dog she comes across (which I imagine is quite a few here in Japan.) 

In today’s episode, James and Lisa discuss what it is that’s kept her interested in Japan all these years. She speaks about how she continues to hone and improve her craft of writing. She addresses travel writing, the challenges through the pandemic and why it's been her niche in the world of writing. Lisa also gives advice to aspiring writers and interviewers and shares some of her favourite works for writers and readers, alike. 

Connect with Lisa:

Instagram - @ichigoichielove
Website - https://www.lisa-wallin.com/

Mark Schilling is one of the world's leading writer in Japanese film. He’s been reviewing Japanese films for The Japan Times since 1989 and has reported on Japanese film since 1990, first for Screen International and currently for Variety. Schilling also serves as an adviser to the yearly Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy. He's been on juries for international film festivals, interviewed countless Japanese film icons, recorded numerous DVD commentaries and worked as a script adviser on 2003's “The Last Samurai.” 

Over the years, Mark has written, contributed to and translated several books. Some of his original works include Contemporary Japanese Film, The Yakuza Movie Book: A Guide to Japanese Gangster Films, No Borders, No Limits: Nikkatsu Action Cinema and more recently Art, Cult and Commerce: Japanese Cinema Since 2000. 

In today’s episode, Mark discusses what’s kept him passionate about Japan and Japanese film all these years. He also gives some advice for aspiring writers and film buffs as well as shares some personal stories of meeting some Japanese cinema legends. 

Connect with Mark on Twitter @moviefan55 

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Patrick St. Michel is a freelance writer, copyeditor and consultant based in Tokyo. He reports on and writes with a focus on Japanese music, pop culture, food, internet culture and travel. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Patrick moved to Japan in 2009 and has been writing for publications like The Japan Times, The Atlantic, Pitchfork, NPR and many more. A milestone in Patrick's writing career came in 2018 when he contributed an entry to the 33 1/3 book series, which is a series of short books about albums by Bloomsbury Publishing. Patrick's book was part of the 33-1/3 Japan Series and focused on Japanese pop group Perfume’s album ‘GAME’. 

Patrick has also worked with companies and artists based in Japan and abroad. He has spoken at music conferences such as the Pop Conference in Seattle and the Shibuya Showcase Festival. He has also appeared as a guest on radio programs, TV shows and podcasts. In today's episode, Patrick discusses the importance of having a niche field in writing while being willing to branch out into unknown territory. He details what it took for him to do writing as a full-time professional. Patrick speaks to the importance of having a foundation of a steady income and how to keep the joy and passion in your writing when you turn it into a full-time job. 

Connect with Patrick! 

Twitter @mbmelodies 

Website https://patrickstmichel.com

Blog http://makebelievemelodies.com/

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID-19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Derrek Buston is originally from Seattle Washington, where he attended the University of Washington first majoring in music, then Japanese linguistics. His sophomore year in 2000 was also when he studied abroad at Keio University Tokyo. After graduating college and then working for a Japanese company in Seattle he soon found himself drawn back to Japan and settled in the Shizuoka area. Around this time, Derrek began to focus on design and architecture. This eventually led him to become a licensed architect and in 2013 established his own company: West Coast Design. After finding success with West Coast Design, including a commission in 2014 to make the Shizuoka Whiskey distillery, Derrek soon got the idea to get into the beverage industry himself. His entryway was first in 2017 with his bar, Twelve and then in 2019 with his brewery, West Coast Brewing. WCB has gained popularity over the past few years and now finds itself as one of the top craft beer brands in the country with Derrek at the helm. 

In this episode, Derrek offers advice for those looking to get into the design and architecture world in Japan. He speaks on what drew him into the world of craft beer and how he now balances his two companies. He talks about his roles as a CEO and how to stay relevant and forward-thinking in an increasingly competitive industry. 

Connect with Derrek on Instagram @dbuston and the West Coast Brewing team @wcbshizuoka !

Brewery Website: https://www.westcoastbrewing.jp/

Design Website: https://www.westcoastdesign.co.jp/ 

Design team IG  @westcoastdesign_team328 

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID-19 affected drastic lifestyle changes and work. The hotel project Derrek talks about in this episode is now open! Check out The Villa & Barrel Lounge in Shizuoka.

Ian Martin is a 20-year resident of Japan by the way of the UK. Shortly after finishing his studies in script writing for film and television at Bournemouth University Ian made the leap to Japan and quickly immersed himself in Tokyo's indie music scene. Ian has worked extensively as a freelance journalist, specializing in Japanese pop and media culture with an emphasis on underground music. He wrote the monthly Strange Boutique column for The Japan Times and has written for MTV 81, Time Out Tokyo, Metropolis, Otaku USA Magazine, The Wire, The Guardian, NPR, and more. After organizing shows, concerts and live events for a time, Ian started his label 'Call and Response Records' which specializes in post-punk, indie rock and new-wave music from Japan. In 2016, Ian released his book: "Quit Your Band! Musical Notes from the Japanese Underground", which was then translated and released in Japanese the following year. Both editions have received great praise from both people inside and outside of the music industry. 

In this episode, Ian dives into how he got involved with music in Japan, what lead him to start a label, the struggles he's had to overcome and more. He also gets into the process of writing a book on Japanese indie music, his current views on the music scene, some advice for aspiring writers, and of course, why you should quit your band! 

Connect with Ian:

Twitter @ianfmartin 

Website https://callandresponse.jimdofree.com/ 

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID-19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Originally from Michigan, USA, Stuart Galbraith IV is a film historian, a critic and a respected author with expertise in Japanese film. A selection of his books includes: "The Emperor and the Wolf – The Lives and Films of Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune", "The Toho Studios Story", "Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo! The Incredible World of Japanese Fantasy Films", and "The Japanese Filmography". 

Stuart has also done extensive work as a home video Special Features Producer. He's recorded dozens of informative audio commentaries for Japanese films award-winning classics and plenty of obscure gems. In addition, Stuart is a prolific film reviewer who has critiqued thousands of films for physical and online publications. Stuart has recently been engaged in a more personal project, renovating a 200-year-old Japanese house. The dwellers of these traditional homes, Minkas (民家), were farmers, merchants and artisans.

In this episode, Stuart shares his strong connection to Japanese cinema and Japan. He delves into his past as an archivist for the USC Warner Bros. Archives in California. Then, he gets into his process of researching and writing books on Japanese cinema. Stuart also shares some of his stories about Japanese cinema and famous filmmakers throughout the years. 

Connect with Stuart! 

Twitter @worldcinemapara

Website https://hanaseminka.wordpress.com/ 

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Meet May Inoue, the remarkable young Japanese jazz guitarist known for his electrifying sound and dynamic career. Hailing from Kawasaki in Kanagawa, May's journey into jazz began at just 15 years old inspired by a Mike Stern concert. He later honed his craft at Berklee College of Music and has since garnered recognition from legendary guitarists like Kazumi Watanabe and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Leading the innovative band project Stereo Champ, May skillfully fuses jazz, rock, funk, and psychedelic elements, offering a unique and refreshing musical journey. Despite a five-year hiatus, his latest release, "The Elements," has been well received.

In today’s chat James and May discuss pivotal moments such as May's transformative experiences as a youth, his early rock guitar influences, and the profound impact of studying under renowned jazz guitarist Yoshiaki Miyanoue. May reflects on his Berklee College of Music experience, the confidence boosts from his debut album's acclaim, and the evolution of his genre-blurring band project, "Stereo Champ." The pair also delve into May's latest album, "The Elements,". May shares insights on managing a busy schedule and collaborations, his perspective on the global jazz scene, future aspirations, and valuable advice for aspiring musicians seeking unconventional sounds in their work.

Connect with May Inoue:

Website // Instagram // Twitter

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Goh Iromoto is a director and cinematographer based in Toronto, Canada. As a child of immigrant parents who founded a Japanese Canadian newspaper company, Goh was able to travel across Canada and grow his sense of curiosity from a young age. After receiving his B.A. in Human Geography at the University of British Columbia, his interest in people, places and environments further deepened his passion for documentary filmmaking. His love for cinematography has also allowed his work to achieve a strong sense of visual beauty which has helped lead to numerous awards, including those from the Canadian Society of Cinematographers, Epica Awards and Vimeo Staff Picks.

In this episode, Goh shares his perspective on how to make a living as a filmmaker. He shares some of his successes on how to keep your artistic vision while working with companies and producers. He gives advice and shares experiences of working both in Canada and Japan.

Connect with Goh!

IG @gohiromoto // Twitter @gohiromoto // Vimeo @gohiromoto // Website

Adonis "Doc" Saverson is a Tokyo-based illustrator, designer, brand coordinator, and artistic director. He is originally from Chicago aka Chi-town! He also lived in Illinois and Minneapolis. Doc specializes in streetwear, skateboards, vinyl figures, and branding. In the past, he's studied with some of the industry's most prolific and influential players. He's been in Tokyo making art since 2012, and then in 2017, Doc started his own company named Cloth－ an independent design studio and lifestyle brand. Last year, Doc was in Sapporo's "Where East meets West Artists" a mural campaign connecting worlds and influence in street art.

In this episode, Doc shares how he was able to make it as an artist in Tokyo, and what it took to make the leap and move halfway around the world to chase a dream. Doc talks about some of his philosophies on life and art as well as his vision of success.

Check out Doc's work and his lifestyle brand Cloth!

IG @heyitsmedoc // Bio and Portfolio

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Miki Setlur is a design leader working and living outside of San Francisco. For the past 12 years, he's had various roles leading, teaching and designing. He's held product design positions at Evernote, Twitter and Facebook just to name a few. Miki taught university courses on design in the bay area. He focuses on creating lasting positive change, and tackling social issues locally and in the world at large. 

In this episode, Miki shares his perspective on running a healthy and well-balanced team. He chats about his experience of becoming a designer and how design thinking can solve everyday problems. 

Connect with Miki!

IG @mikisetlur // Twitter @mikisetlur // FB mikisetlur // LinkedIn

Website http://www.mikisetlur.com/

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Adam Esposito is a self-described creative collaborator and cultural explorer. He is also an English-Italian living in Tokyo. After completing his BA and Master's in design at the Ravensbourne University of London, he jumped into the field working for Gensler London, and eventually Gensler's Tokyo branch. Working for one of the industry's biggest design firms allowed Adam to work on different design projects in the corporate world, retail, education and even hospitality. Adam has been living in Tokyo for the past four years. In November 2019, Adam started his interior design studio in Tokyo: Espo Atelier. Inspired by people, culture & education Adam's main focus and passion are building strong relationships and creating artful spaces. 

Designing personal spaces is one of Adam Esposito's passions. He explores and reveals what he loves about it. Listen in and peek at his Tokyo captures on IG:@espoarch.

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Today's episode features an interview with Tokyo-based creative agency CEO Daniel Rosen. Daniel Rosen is a 25-year-plus resident of Japan, by way of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since he's been in Japan he's completed both his Master's and Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Tama Art University in Tokyo. Individually, he's done work as a visual artist, a curator, a VJ, a film director and an art writer. Then in 2012, he founded TokyoDex, a creative agency and market leader in art installations in offices and commercial spaces, including art-infused events, workshops, and videos. 

The interview explores the nature of art and artists throughout. Daniel advises on how to make a living from your passion. He shares what he learned in starting his own company and what it takes to ensure commercial and financial success as your company grows WITHOUT sacrificing artist integrity. 

Keep up with Daniel on and his company TokyoDex. 

Instagram @danielhrosen // Twitter @DanielHRosen

Instagram @tokyodex// Twitter @tokyodex // https://www.tokyodex.com/

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

This episode features entrepreneur and musician Ryan Rattos. Living outside of Toronto, Canada, Ryan is a business leader, an entrepreneur and a family man. Along with his two brothers, he is a member of the reggae, roots, and dub band: The Dub Chronicles. Ryan himself has a wealth of experience in marketing management, negotiation, business planning, operations management, and coaching. As for The Dub Chronicles, they are a band that is heavily inspired by the golden era of reggae in the 70s/80s. They bring forth a modern/vintage roots reggae sound; rooted in dub and blended with sparse flourishes of bebop jazz. They released their 3rd album, Simba (Return to the Throne) in April of last year to much acclaim. 

Ryan discusses the importance of personal and professional relationships, creative cycles, how to move from inaction to action, and the process of releasing an album. In addition to advising on how to set goals, he offers tips when taking on new challenges.

Follow Ryan Rattos and his band, The Dub Chronicles! Jah bless!

IG @thedubchronicles // Bandcamp // Spotify // YouTube

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

Hailing from Perth Australia, Donna recently celebrated 25 years of living in Japan. Donna is a singer, a songwriter, a voice actor, and an announcer. One of her biggest claims to fame has been her work as an announcer on the Tokaido Shinkansen －Japan's bullet train. Donna has worked on iconic games including "Silent Hill 2" and "Silent Hill 3", "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered" and "Metal Gear Solid". In anime, she's appeared in hits such as "Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha" and "Tokyo Ghoul". Aside from all that, she runs a music label and Hotteeze, a heat pad company.

In this chat, Donna gets into how she was able to leap into becoming a full-time singer and a voice actor. She discusses the traits and skills she deems essential for aspiring singers and actors. After many years in Japan, Donna has so much to share about her experiences and how she stays motivated! 

Keep up with all things Donna Burke:

IG @thedonnaburke //Twitter @TheDonnaBurke // YouTube Donna Burke //Spotify

In this episode, James speaks to one of his oldest friends, Canadian illustrator, Alicia Bint. Alicia lives and works just outside of Toronto, Canada. In her own words, Alicia is an artist, a crafter, an antique treasure hunter, a nature enthusiast and a chocolate addict. This love of her craft and the world around her comes across in her work. Whether it’s a watercolour illustration, wedding invitations, custom art, or logos and branding, Alicia puts her personal touch into every creation. 

Her art, released through her brand Alicia's Infinity, has been featured in product packaging, corporate branding, magazines, books and home decor. She's worked with clients and customers from all over the world. 

In today's talk, the pair discuss what it takes to become a professional artist, the importance of a personal, inspiring workspace and keeping up with technology.

Explore her world online via Alicia's Infinity and keep up with her latest crafts and creations! 

IG// @aliciasinfinity

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 was affecting drastic lifestyle changes and work.

From working at Twitter in sunny San Francisco Shelley made the leap to the Tokyo office some 4 years ago. A passionate leader with a strong sense of teamwork, Shelley is now part of Olo, a Finnish tech startup that focuses on community and wellbeing. Her creative outlets range from storytelling, dancing, photography, videography and writing. In the past, she danced professionally in both hip-hop and modern dance, hosted her own sports travel series and launched, recently, her own portrait photography project. Through it all, her focus has always been on creativity and people. 

This talk dives into topics of art, spirituality, connecting with others, mindset, confidence, self-identity, achieving goals and more. 

Stay in the loop with Shelley’s latest endeavours! 

IG: @shelleymae.co  // Twitter: @shelley_mae

The episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 drastically altered lifestyles and work.

James Catchpole aka Mr. OK Jazz is originally from New York City, but he has spent the last 20+ years as a resident of Japan. James is a podcaster, a radio host, a DJ, a writer, a blogger and more. For almost 14 years now, James has run the amazing Tokyo Jazz Site, which documents hundreds of jazz-related establishments in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area. 

James and his site have been featured in Japan and internationally in magazines, radio and TV shows. In addition, James has personally met and interviewed hundreds of jazz musicians throughout the years. He hosted music-related radio shows and podcasts. He even collaborates on an ongoing photo project, Tokyo Jazz Joints, which aims to visually capture the hidden, slowly dying world of old jazz bars throughout Japan.

Mr. OK Jazz advises how to get into the Japanese jazz scene as a musician, explores jazz in other countries, and how he continues to be inspired living in Japan.

Follow Mr. OK Jazz, James Catchpole, on his next adventures on Tokyo Jazz Site!

IG: @mrokjazztokyo // Twitter: @mrokjazztokyo

This episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 drastically altered lifestyles and work.

Originally from sunny Australia, Will Robinson first came to Japan on a working holiday visa as a way to take a break from studying graphic design. Fast forward 14 years, and Will has established himself entirely in Japan. He dedicated himself to mastering the language and earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts. Will currently works as a freelance custom furniture creator and craftsman. He draws inspiration from Japan's nature and traditional craftsmanship. Over the past few years, his nomadic lifestyle has taken him from Tokyo to Southern Chiba's seaside, to Nagano's mountainside and currently to the enchanting Amami Islands. In each place, he has embraced a specific extreme solo sport like skateboarding, snowboarding or surfing that aligns with the local culture and geography. This diverse range of experiences has undoubtedly enriched his artistic perspective, enabling him to find inspiration in different aspects of Japanese life and nature while continuously honing his craft.

In this episode, James and Will chat about what it took to gain a firm grasp on language skills in Japan and how Will got accepted into a Japanese art university. Throughout their conversation, they discuss essential turning points in Will’s life, his approach to art, as well as his current passion, woodworking. Will emphasizes the importance of preserving and honouring disappearing traditions and crafts, not only in Japan but globally. He discusses the potential of bringing a foreign perspective to Japanese art and how he wants to promote artisanal techniques and their stories. In this episode, Will subtly reveals how Japanese aesthetics influence his lifestyle and art.

Connect with Will: Portfolio // Instagram // Food pop-up

Some of Will’s mentors and lumber inspiration in Tokyo: 株式会社　京和木材 + 京和木材　加工場

Follow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod

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Our very first guest is British filmmaker: Sam King! Sam is a documentary filmmaker, cinematographer and editor who has been in Tokyo, Japan since October 2016. Specializing in music, Sam has worked on projects for Resident Advisor, FACT Magazine, Vinyl Factory, NTS Radio, Red Bull, Ableton and many more.

In addition to filmmaking, music plays a big role in Sam's life. He is actively involved in producing and playing music. Sam is one-half of the Tokyo-based electronic duo: Hanegi Koen. The band focuses on the live approach to writing music, using analog synths and drum machines instead of laptops and digital effects. The chat gets into a wide range of topics ranging from what it takes to make a career out of your passion, how to make the leap and work abroad or remotely, how to maintain confidence and keep your skills sharp in times of struggle and what we can learn about our failures.

Make sure to keep up with Sam:

https://www.samkingfilm.com // IG: @smkng // Vimeo: samkingfilm

The episode was recorded in 2021 when COVID19 drastically altered lifestyles and work.

Drew Damron's journey took an unexpected turn when he arrived in Japan from Grand Rapids Michigan over seven years ago. Originally planning a brief stay while pursuing his Master’s of Library and Information Sciences degree, Drew's fascination with the country’s culture, traditions and nature has captivated him ever since. As a community-oriented librarian and archivist, Drew has already left his mark on two major Tokyo libraries, bringing his skills for archiving and connecting people to the forefront. Beyond his dedication to libraries, Drew's adventurous spirit extends to his love for outdoor activities. An avid trail runner, rock climber, and skier, he finds solace and mental fortitude in Japan's natural beauty. Drew also channels his outdoor experiences into his role as a contributing writer for The Japan Times, where he shares his adventures and insights within the realm of outdoor lifestyle content.

In this episode of ADSR Inspirations, we dive into Drew's exceptional career path, from his early days as a library assistant to his current role as Senior Librarian at Temple University. Drew shares insights on how to work at foreign libraries in Japan. He also speaks about the role and connections between libraries and artists while sharing his own passions for drawing and writing. Drew gets into his love for outdoor activities and exploring the mountains of Japan. He connects the physical to the mental and speaks to the balance of the body and mind in art and in everyday life.

Connect with Drew: Website // Instagram // YouTube

More from us on ADSR Collective
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Originally from Sweden, Mikael Senninge’s journey took him from mechanical engineering in Gothenburg to film school in Paris, where he kindled his passion for visual storytelling. Now based in Tokyo, Mikael has become an accomplished freelance camera operator, cinematographer and filmmaker. His specialty includes commercials, music, narrative, and documentary films. He has lent his expert eye to prestigious clients such as Adidas, Porsche, Google and Red Bull.

In this episode, Mikael shares the inspiring story of his career transformation, taking calculated risks to pursue his artistic calling. From leaving a secure engineering path to embark on a meaningful career in film Mikael emphasizes the importance of embracing risk with responsibility and measured planning. James and Mikael explore his creative process, where he finds fulfillment in capturing emotions and different perspectives through his visuals. Mikael walks through critical moments in his career and acknowledges how building upon past experiences has provided opportunities for success and skill refinement. 

Connect with Mikael:
Website //IG @msenninge //Vimeo

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Kyle Broyles is a video editor, a podcaster, a YouTuber, a tech gadget freak, an amateur musician and a lover of craft beer. Since arriving in Japan in 2016 Kyle has been working full-time as a video editor in Tokyo and dabbling in his own creative pursuits. It wasn't until last year with some persistence from Yuki, his wife, that they opened Pintology, a craft beer bar and art space. Just earlier this year, the bar achieved a significant milestone as Kyle reached a point where he felt prepared to leave his day job and dedicate himself fully to their own business.

In the episode, Kyle shares the inspiring story of his journey toward independence and embracing entrepreneurship. He describes how he utilizes the space to not only pursue his artistic goals and endeavours but also foster connections within the vibrant local arts community. Along the way, Kyle candidly discusses the challenges he encountered when venturing into the world of business for the first time. He delves into the strategies he employed to attain success in a bustling marketplace, specifically within the craft beer industry. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of building a community of like-minded individuals through various bar-hosted events. However, he acknowledges the delicate balance required to engage this community without alienating his core customer base of craft beer enthusiasts. 

Follow Kyle @kairubii and visit Pintology in Tokyo!

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Joe Oliver is an adventurous designer and DJ. He was formally educated in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University. Shortly after schooling, Joe took the freelance route with his design skills and illustration. Working short-term contracts meant Joe could work, then travel for months through Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. Joe’s nomad lifestyle finally slowed down when he reached Japan’s megacity.

In the present episode, Joe acknowledges the multifaceted opportunities that come with being a freelancer, enabling him to engage in diverse projects and cultivate his skills, leading him to venture into UI/UX design. He also talks about his bold move to Tokyo and the challenges he encountered while unexpectedly settling here, especially as a freelancer. Joe and James explore the inception of his music brand Yes Chef! hosting a monthly party series and his weekly radio show with Tim Lambourne aka Good Company Broadcast Group. The chat wraps up by looking into the future to discuss how Joe would like further serve the music community and how designing will always be part of his life.

Joe's spirit radiates both adventure and creativity. He blends innovation, imagination, and a dash of design expertise to concoct remarkable experiences in his work and DJ pursuits. Find the secret recipe in this episode!

Connect with Joe Oliver:

Instagram @joeolivr // SoundCloud // Resident Advisor //Keakie Radio

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Charlie Abbott, originally from just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, had a deep curiosity about pushing the boundaries of music and live performances from an early age. This curiosity led him to formal studies at Oberlin Conservatory and conglomeration with many like-minded individuals. Together they produced projects that existed on the fringes of electronic music. Charlie's passion soon led him to the discovery of Japanese underground electronic music and shortly after that led him to immigrate to the country. 

In today’s episode, Charlie speaks to his experiences growing up around music and defying expectations surrounding music placed upon himself and others. He details how he was drawn to Japan initially and what it took to get him here some 8 years ago. 

James and Charlie also discuss his extensive time living in the northern part of Japan, and how he thrived and engaged with music and communities in Aomori. They talk about his eventual relocation to Tokyo, then work and collaboration he’s done with other artists and brands such as Vogue and Nylon. The discussion turns to his work in other art forms such as 3D modelling and game design before getting to his recent album release, the massive, 84 track project, "Music To Put On In The Background While You Do Something Else".  

Connect with Charlie:

Bandcamp / Instagram / Soundcloud / YouTube

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Born in Saitama, Japan, but having grown up in Singapore, Matthew "MZA" Sekiya has built a life immersed in music. MZA is a beatmaker, a DJ, a record label founder, a radio show host on HKCR, and a big part of the Japanese jazz blog ZŪJAGO. All of this is in addition to his day job as a vinyl and music lifestyle manager. While MZA's style initially paid homage to early 90s to 2000s American hip hop, Japanese rap, and downtempo, it has evolved over the years to include elements of house, techno, reggae, hardcore and jungle.

In this episode, Matthew reveals an interesting tidbit about his label roster. Discover how he finds creative freedom by using aliases to distinguish his music projects. James and Matthew delve into his label, Yen Disco Soundsystem and discuss the driving forces that motivate him to keep pushing forward while juggling different roles. Matthew shares how he continues to find musical inspiration in vintage Japanese gear and instruments. The expanse of Matthew’s craft has no bounds to genre or space, but he continues to explore his roots in Singaporean culture as well as Japanese heritage in the process.

Connect with MZA and dive into Yen Disco Soundsystem’s sound:

Bandcamp / Instagram / Soundcloud / Spotify 

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Listen to our music on Bandcamp
Follow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod

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