2012 JAN JIN AKANISHI VOGUE INTERVIEW TRANSLATION
SAMURAI IN THE CITY OF ANGELS.
Akanishi Jin. A story starting from now.
A black car door opened, and Akanishi Jin alighted. The location is at a LA photo studio near Venice Beach. The 27 year old iconic star came unshaven, showing a casual style. Wearing a black hooded jacket paired with baggy jeans, and a white crew neck under the hoodie. His masculine watch shone on his wrist.
"JIN AKANISHI". The time will come when this name would be widely known even in America. Releasing his first single in America, and acting in the huge Hollywood work that Keanu Reeves is starring in, "47 RONIN" would be shown in 2012. However, there is no mistake that this is a big bet to Akanishi Jin. Be it musicians or actors, very very few Japanese stars made it in America. And for any Japanese star to actually do both of these (in America), it's even rarer.
This interview was conducted with Jin at the patio in the studio. And was conducted in English throughout. Jin's pronunciation is very clear and well paced. I firstly asked "What do you think of your work now in Hollywood?". After a long silence, he answered "I can't express it clearly. Because I'm doing many things at once right now, and I keep moving (forward), whenever I think I have completed something, the next thing pops up. I have to just focus on whatever I can do at that moment."
Entrusting his dream to a new land.
His eyes are covered with huge sunglasses. Looking at this, I wonder if he moved to LA due to the overwhelming attention he receives from the Japan media. But actually, for him, his reason for coming to LA is due to his interest in American music. While talking about the type of music he likes, Jin began talking excitedly. He seems to be specially attracted to Eminem ft Lil Wayne's "No love". "the song really raises the atmosphere, doesn't it?", saying and humming a little of the hook of the song "♫It's a little too late~".
Another topic he was interested in was what he did in daily LA life. "Japanese, American, people with different skin colours and different countries come together" having fun at an American styled barbecue or what he described as a "meat party" and shopping at Beverly Center. Seems like he has not found a shopping place near the place he stays yet. "It's difficult for me to find something good to buy. It might be because this country is too big."
The love he has towards music.
Jin describes his fashion style as "trashy and casual". "I like items that look like it can be used for a long time. Such as leather jackets." He is not particular on brands, and likes the LA style of simply wearing short pants and sandals. And, his current "problem" is that even if he dresses like he is going to the beach, in reality, he has no time to go at all. Ending filming at London and Budapest, and ever since he has returned to LA in July, he has been spending most of his time recording in the studio. His first single "TEST DRIVE" has been released just a few days back. And though he writes most of his own songs, he exclaims that it's a really tiring task. "The composing process is really tough. Really really difficult. But the satisfaction when you complete it is one that can't be topped."
In 2010 November, Jin embarked on his first America tour challenge. Going around 5 different cities and gathering passionate fans. Also going to a special live conducted on MTV, MTV described Jin as "A top J-POP star who writes his own lyrics, plays his own guitar and even does his own song arrangements.".
At the end of 2010, he was signed on by America's major label, Warner Music Group, and since then, he has been working on the production of his album. The album's release has been set in 2012, but for now, it's title and details have not been decided on yet. (Jin gave a bitter smile, and said "we are still brainstorming".) Even though Jin is a big fan of hiphop, but he is not going to place himself in any fixed music genre in regards to his America debut. "Popular music often change, and you have to aim to be one step before the rest. But for me, I just want to make good music." he said and he also added that he would be happy if his Japanese fans could accept his english songs with an open mind. "It would be good if they liked what I'm doing now." and selecting his words carefully, he said (towards the fans) "If only I could be a form of motivation to everyone. (through his activities)"
His actor spirit.
Jin is holding his large mug of black coffee in his hands now. He has gradually relaxed in the interview and talks about a few interesting episodes that happened during "47RONIN" filming. This movie that is screening during winter in 2012 is one that is about Japanese Samurais. However, different from a period movie, it is more of a fantasy one. The filming was mostly done in Europe, and it's sure to be a work that would become a big step for Akanishi Jin. It might open up a new path of superstardom, internationally.
He said that he had a lot of fun with main lead Keanu Reeves. And the most memorable incident would be when he was playing chess with him. Halfway through the game, they both had to return to filming, and in the end they had to end the game without a winner. At first, it seemed like a daily occurrence to him, but he would suddenly realize that this is not ordinary at all. "Though we talked very frankly to each other, but all of a sudden, a pang of realization would hit me "Oh yes, Keanu is the very actor that starred in Matrix!"".
"While filming the movie, did you feel the Samurai spirit?". Jin considered my question with a very serious expression. It seems that he has learned a lot about humility and perseverance. And that's what's important to his career now that he has moved towards the international stage from Japan. In actual fact, it seemed that the preparation for his samurai acting was not very tough. "Overall, I was having fun doing it, feeling the flow of the filming, keeping in mind what I've learned from the other actors. I have really learned a lot in regards to acting."
The filming seemed to have surprised him a lot in the process. It was his first time experiencing those on-the-move dressing rooms/trailers used by actors in Hollywood movies. "Everything was very different."
And now, it's the first time in this interview that he has removed his sunglasses, showing his round dark brown eyes. This is the sign that the interview is ending. After this, Jin would be heading for his shoot. This is an ordinary day in LA to him (interview/photoshoot), and the important steps that needs to be taken to contribute to his success internationally. To work towards the day his dream comes true in America, he needs to now be like the samurai he acted as, keeping the humble and persevering mindset, and he knows it.
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Done! Do correct me if you spot any mistakes. :)
LOL at Jin's inner Keanu fanboy. He's so adorable~~~~though I personally don't enjoy rap artistes' music but Jin humming their song is adorbs ♥
(I honestly think he hides his eyes because he is afraid of captivating and distracting people with his gorgez eyes xDDDD)
Alright, I'm off to prepare for bed.
As always, do not repost, do not take this out without permission, do not retranslate without permission okay? :D
Bye!