What is Justin Davis Like in Kiyoharu's Eyes?

──First, please tell us about how you first met Justin Davis.

I knew Justin before he created "Justin Davis." His custom pieces were always wonderfully made, so from the moment he launched his brand, we talked about collaborating or creating something together with a double name.

Justin Davis used to wear silver all the time, but then he started wearing gold.

──Why the switch to gold?

Silver tends to tarnish with prolonged wear, but gold doesn't require polishing. Also, in Japan, silver often has a street vibe. I think my age might also be a factor.

──What kind of person do you find designer Justin Davis to be?

He's always positive, ageless, and friendly. When we talk, he's constantly proposing new ideas. Also, Justin has an androgynous quality, which I feel is reflected in his jewelry.

His designs transcend age, gender, and nationality, much like the rock music I create. I think his inclinations align well with mine. He also possesses a strong sense of the New York culture he grew up in, yet he deeply loves Japan. I consider him a very well-balanced designer.

What's the Reason Behind the Continued Collaboration Between Kiyoharu and Justin Davis?

──What do you find appealing about Justin Davis's jewelry?

While the crown is a signature motif, the themes can range from animals and pistols to concepts like love & peace, or skulls. The designs can suddenly become feminine; they don't fit into a single category.

──This year's new collection for 2011 features motifs that bring happiness and joy, and can be cherished like talismans, inspired by the various natural disasters experienced this year.

That's a very Justin-like concept. I think it's great for each person to find their own sense of happiness or luck within those themes.

──This leather bangle marks the ninth collaboration between you and Justin Davis. What do you think has kept this partnership going for so long?

When I'm creating lyrics or music, I don't necessarily feel it, but sometimes when I'm having my photo taken for interviews like this, I see pictures of myself that make me think, "Huh?" There are many aspects of myself that I'm still discovering.

Collaborations are similar. Compared to building something solely from my own imagination, there are moments when the result becomes something entirely different. That's because it's based on what Justin perceives and feels from looking at me, and it sometimes surprises me how I'm seen or perceived.

I've been active for a long time since my debut, and there were periods where I focused on my music based on the image I had with my fans. However, as you interact with people over time, perceptions change. So, regarding collaborations, I feel it's about 'the me that Justin sees.'

Also, I like that Justin Davis places a strong emphasis on luxury, which sets it apart from other jewelry brands.

Not too hard, not too elegant. Not too rugged, not too delicate.

──How was this leather bangle, which is now available for pre-sale, created?

Justin Davis hasn't had many leather pieces before, so I often suggested to Justin, "How about trying leather?" This leather bangle doesn't have a typical punk feel. I think it's a design that women can also wear and enjoy as a fashion item. It really captures the Justin Davis mood – not too edgy, not too delicate.

Personally, I have tattoos on my arm, and I've always been conscious of the space between the tattoo and my hand. This bangle has just the right width, and I'm really pleased with it, having worn it for the first time today.

──What do you find appealing about collaborations?

Collaborations are works between myself and Justin Davis, so fundamentally, I'm happy if people who like them buy them. Also, for me, they are special items, and the appeal is that even older pieces don't feel dated.

──You're wearing the "MARY" piece today, which is from a previous collaboration.

I have a dog named Mary, and there were many twists and turns before the design was finalized, but this piece has been well-received. The eyes are onyx, and the body is set with 109 clear stones. I wear this one all the time too.

The watch was something I requested two years ago, saying, "I want to create something that isn't jewelry." I was into large watches at the time, so I requested something voluminous and all-black. I was delighted when it turned out exactly as I had envisioned.

The next collaboration? We've had many ideas come up in casual conversations with Justin.

When edges are softened and become round and gentle, they reach more people.

──Is jewelry something special for you, Kiyoharu?

No, I wear it with everything, from tracksuits to suits. I keep wearing it until I find something new or something I like better. For rings, I don't worry about scratches; they're fine even if they hit the microphone during live performances.

──Now, in November, Kuroyume released their first original album in about 13 years, "Headache and Dub Reel Inch."

Kuroyume went on hiatus when I was 28, and I think this album has a sound that suits our current age. Rock isn't just about fast tempos or intense sounds; I wanted this album to be pop and more rounded.

──Rounded?

In a sense, rounded and gentle. I was conscious of making it something that could reach more people, rather than something sharp-edged. This album fulfills the expectations of our fans while also expressing what we wanted to do. Those who listened to Kuroyume back then are now adults over 30, and some may have drifted away from rock music. This album is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of listeners.

──You have three "SIRIUS" performances in December.

Those are for my solo activities. With my solo work, I've grown alongside my fans, and I want to continue this activity consistently for a long time. It feels like a natural fit. The sound is more accessible than the band sounds of Kuroyume and SADS, so I encourage those who haven't heard it before to come to a live show.

──Furthermore, after the live performance at Nagoya Diamond Hall on December 15th (Thu.), you'll be holding a Christmas party.

I'm not keen on dinner shows (laughs). I wanted a space for communication beyond just live music, something different from a talk event, and this is the first time we're holding one. It's like an after-party (laughs), but we've put together a proper Christmas theme to create a seasonal experience. It's rare to have an occasion to dress up and go out, so I hope you'll take this opportunity to get dressed up and wear your jewelry.

──Thank you very much.


Kiyoharu Official Site
http://www.kiyoharu.jp/

Justin Davis
(Jack of All Trades)
Tel. 03-3401-5001