January 26, 2015
Onitsuka Tiger × SPACE SHOWER TV | Jun "JxJx" Saito's "Kobe Edition" Now Airing!
Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger × SPACE SHOWER TV "BACK TO HOME supported by Onitsuka Tiger"
Jun Saito "JxJx" is now airing his "Kobe Edition"!
On April 14 (Wednesday), music channel SPACE SHOWER TV (CS broadcast) launched its new program, "BACK TO HOME supported by Onitsuka Tiger." Each month, an artist returns to their hometown to explore the origins of fashion and music, and their present, under the keyword "BACK TO HOME." For the commemorative first episode in April 2010, Jun Saito "JxJx" of the Tokyo-based, Caribbean-influenced organ instrumental band YOUR SONG IS GOOD visits Kobe, the city of Onitsuka Tiger—now ASICS.
* The new SPACE SHOWER TV program "SPECAL AREA" features the corner "BACK TO HOME supported by Onitsuka Tiger." "Kobe Edition Part 2" airs April 21 (Wednesday) from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and "Kobe Edition Part 3" airs April 28 (Wednesday) from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM!
A giveaway of the latest models is also underway during the program.
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Emiko Hara
Jun Saito "JxJx" Returns Home to Kobe
Jun Saito "JxJx." Born in Tokyo in 1973, he grew up in Suma Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. He plays organ and sings for the organ instrumental band YOUR SONG IS GOOD, known for its funky and rowdy dance music. On March 3, they released their new album, "B.A.N.D."
I transferred here in the 6th grade due to my father's job, so Kobe was the city where I spent my most formative and important years, from 6th grade through high school graduation. My nearest station was Myodani. I lived in a new town in Kobe developed in the 80s. We started by playing around the house, then gradually ventured out into the city, discovering new worlds. I have many memories of failures, like being locked out of the house. Looking back, everything from the neighborhood park to the bustling city is memorable.
In this program, "BACK TO HOME supported by Onitsuka Tiger," I revisit the town where I struggled back then, from my old neighborhood to Suma Beach and Sannomiya. I'm very curious about what my current self would think if I saw it now.
A Hip-Hop Middle Schooler
I started making music in Kobe. In middle school, I got hooked on hip-hop. My best friend secretly started rapping before me, and when I heard about it through the grapevine, I felt I couldn't be left behind and immediately started too (laughs). We ended up doing it together (laughs). Then we made demo tapes, applied for contests, couldn't go to Tokyo because we didn't have travel money (laughs), and performed at local clubs.
The artists who influenced me back then were the Beastie Boys. I tried not to miss anything they did. When I was in the first year of middle school, Run D.M.C. came to Port Island in Kobe for a concert. I saw adults dressed like Run D.M.C. there and thought, "So this is it!" It was significant to feel, "You have to enjoy everything surrounding the music!"
The song "My Alpha Gel"
I played basketball in middle school and practiced wearing ASICS basketball shoes. Following Run D.M.C., I even wrote a song called "My Alpha Gel" about the shock-absorbing material αGEL (Alpha Gel) (laughs).—Talking about this brings back memories.
Visiting the Onitsuka Tiger Kobe store, it's really changed. From the old sports equipment store I remembered, it's become an international, stylish total brand. But I like that it retains a subtle classic feel. The GORE-TEX jackets and MEXICO 66 sneakers are cool.
What does "BACK TO HOME" mean to Jun Saito "JxJx"?
I've been involved with SPACE SHOWER TV since 2005, when I first did VJing for their program. I even voiced a puppet on "Music Update," so they've been very supportive.
My "BACK TO HOME"?
Let's see, it's about remembering my roots, my sense of rhythm, and rediscovering my forgotten groove. Honestly, I think this is something one should do quietly alone (laughs), but it's quite nerve-wracking to have so many people watch it on TV (laughs).
BACK TO HOME—
Reflecting on returning to the city where you grew up.
Coming back, I realize how important music is to captivate middle schoolers. I've always wanted to create music that would impress my middle school self. It's quite difficult, though.
<ON AIR INFORMATION>
In May, the rapidly rising "diva of crying songs," YU-A, will be "BACK TO HOME" in Sapporo!
Stay tuned!
SPACE SHOWER TV "BACK TO HOME supported by Onitsuka Tiger" Official Website
http://www.spaceshowertv.com/backtohome/
Onitsuka Tiger KOBE>
1F, Nihon Building, 79 Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe City
Tel. 078-333-0577
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM, Closed Wednesdays (Open on public holidays)
Onitsuka Tiger Store Information
http://www.asics.co.jp/onitsukatiger/stores/
