Jin Akanishi in New York
We met Jin in NY during late November last year. Just a few weeks after, he signed a global deal with Warner Music including a US release announcement. He has started pursuing a solo career to move towards a global stage.
What makes Jin special and different from other Japanese idols? How is Jin living his dream? Here’s how we spent 2 days with Jin Akanishi in NY.
Interview @ a hotel lounge during late morning on Nov.21 (Sat)
Jin was waiting in a casual street attire in a white tee, jeans, and sneakers. But his sharp looks and speech was of a 26 year old man and not a teenager as most would’ve expected.
We began the interview in a natural transition.
“What do you think is the attraction of a man?”
He posed a bit and answered slowly, “The core part of man is his personality. What comes from his inner side.” When we discussed more about cool men, he mentioned George Tokoro (Japanese multi talent comedian). “George is consistent. He can connect everything to playing, so he enjoys his work as if he was having fun. I really think he’s a cool person.”
“(About fashion) I don’t care much about brands. What’s good is good no whether it’s fashion or music.”
“(About music) I don’t set a specific time nor form in writing lyrics and making music. It really depends. Ido so when I want. It just comes naturally.”
“(About language) I can convey what I want to say more smoothly and straightforward in English than inJapanese.”
“(About goals) I have so many ideas and things I’d like to do. I’ll get to these one by one…”
His answers were consistent and straight to the point. His sharp look transcends sex, and yet very masculine. The Japanese super star is passionate, cool, and will not lose himself even though he is thrown into the unknown through his world travels. Jin Akanishi is a down to earth super star.
MTV Iggy live @ Times Square Studio during the afternoon of Nov. 21 (Sat)
Jin was a professional singer, dancer, and entertainer at the MTV studio.
He was full of energy and knew what to do in front of the cameras.
To view more Jin, check MTV Iggy
Yellow Gold 3010 Tour NY Concert @ Best Buy Theater on Nov. 22 (Sun)
Jin stood on stage in his costume which was not much different from his casual getup. He performed a great show but with a different energy expressed at the MTV. The entertaining performance included a electronic voice effect to traditional Japanese hannya-mask and other varied acts. He treated the audience with his catalog of English hip hop and pop sounds as if we were at his party.
Jin sings “Tokyo’s gotta know Yellow Gold. I could share with you this world. I could make you beautiful, Yellow Gold, You’d better wear it.”
Jin loves Tokyo’s gorgeousness . But his passion as an artist keeps pushing him to explore the world.
Photos by Ryosuke Suzuki
Interview by Shu Kojima
English edit by New York -Tokyo
