Lounge
March 10, 2015
Go Ueki and Keiko Toda Discuss Their 2008 Summer T-Shirts (Part 1)
UEKI Go (PaniCrew) × TODA Keiko PHOTO SESSION_2008 summer
Showcasing This Summer's Masterpieces: A T-Shirt Collaboration!
We welcomed BROTHER GO (UEKI Go) of PaniCrew, who appeared in all three stages of the "Casual Live" held in May at Sweet Basil, Tokyo. We asked him about his impressions of the live show and his creative collaboration with Keiko Toda.
Photo by JamandfixHair & Makeup: Hiromi Aiba
Where Does All That Energy Come From in Such a Small Body?
—Thank you for your hard work across all three stages at the Casual Live.
UEKII haven't been doing street performances lately, so I was quite nervous when I confirmed how close the audience would be during rehearsals. Also, I haven't harmonized much in live shows, so I practiced a lot for the first time in a while.
Backstage on the day of the live performance
—Was the "robot dance" segment your idea, UEKI-san?
UEKIThe basic concept for the skit was Toda-san's idea, but I worked with the PaniCrew members to refine the movements and created the music before presenting it. I figured she would definitely critique whatever I did (laughs).
In PaniCrew, I leave the comedic parts to the other members, so I was a little worried if Toda-san and I could make the audience laugh...
—Toda-san, what were your thoughts on the skit?
TODAConsidering what he has done and can do within his group, I felt that if we were to collaborate, I wanted to create something new, perhaps leveraging our differences in roles—like male and female, or older and younger—to spark a new chemical reaction.
Last year, during the live show "ACTRESS," I had Go perform a solo dance. For this Casual Live, I wanted the audience to enjoy watching this kind of performance art. After the show, an audience member told me, 'It was so powerful, I felt like he might jump into the audience!' I was very happy to hear that. I imagine Go felt quite out of his element...
—How was it for you, UEKI-san?
UEKII've always wanted people who aren't familiar with the breakdance and hip-hop I've been doing to see it. Toda-san is also someone who actively incorporates new elements, so I think this was a form we had talked about doing together for a while. Live performances like this are completed as a work through the audience's reactions and interaction, so I really love doing live shows.
—From your perspective, UEKI-san, how were Toda-san's performances?
UEKIAn artist friend of mine who attended said, 'I was moved to tears by Toda-san's singing...' I felt that her way of performing songs and expressing emotions was different from others. From the rehearsals, she was at maximum intensity, and I remember thinking backstage, 'Do you really need to do that much vocal warm-up?' (laughs).
For us, our vocal cords are consumables, but I realized how strong they can become with training. I'm amazed at where all that energy comes from in such a small body. Previously, when Toda-san was a special guest in Hisahiro Ogura's play, Ogura-san said, 'They're sweating sweat that isn't from their bodies.' I realized that if you can 'sweat from your heart,' both the stage and the audience can be moved.
—Toda-san, your thoughts?
TODAThe biggest takeaway was realizing that Go and I could do so much more together. I felt a sense of expansion.
Infused with Toda-san's Creative Spirit
—Now, UEKI-san, please tell us about the new T-shirts.
UEKIWith the things Toda-san and I have created before, I would draw a picture and then process it on the computer. But for this T-shirt, the design originated from Toda-san. I felt that if it were a drawing, it might look too cute or have a soft texture, so I decided to use a photograph of chains to give it a rough feel.
We were particular about the distressed look, so Toda-san herself went to the T-shirt printing company to check the faded effect in person before placing the order.
TODAThe black one UEKI-san is wearing makes him look slimmer.
—We heard you were quite pleased with the towels as well.
UEKIA towel with skulls and monograms combined—it's something you don't see often. When I saw the sample, I thought, 'This is one-of-a-kind!' so I took it straight to the practice venue (laughs).
TODAWith towels, it's difficult to get the design to sit nicely on the raised loops. I'm truly learning something new with each item I create.
UEKIAnd you said, 'I want to add embroidery too!'
TODAThe embroidery on the towel might not be noticeable from afar (laughs), but when you hold it, you realize, 'Ah, there's embroidery here,' and I hope that becomes its unique charm.
UEKIWhen we buy something, we're happy if we can see the creator's dedication. With the T-shirts having stones or the towels having embroidery, the moment we think 'It's cute!', we want to express that without holding back.
I always ask Toda-san, 'Is that really necessary?' or 'Isn't that a waste?' (laughs), but I feel a sense of intention in these small details. When people wear or use them, I believe those details become their own unique preferences. The single embroidered point on the cuff of the previous 'show must go on' long-sleeved T-shirt also reflects Toda-san's creative spirit.
TODAI'm very satisfied with the T-shirts and towels for this summer. With each new item we create, I learn something new and feel motivated to move on to the next!
UEKIToda-san calls it a hobby, but because she's so serious about it, it leads to even more enjoyable outcomes. So, please, everyone, wear and use them.
To be continued in UEKI Go (PaniCrew) × TODA Keiko PHOTO SESSION_2008 summer (2)
A Luxurious Collaboration Between Keiko Toda and Koki Mitani Realized!
The Greatest Comedy Drama in American TV History
To Be Released on DVD for the First Time in a "Newly Recorded Complete Japanese Version"!
I Love Lucy Season 1
Complete BOX
DVD Release: July 25
Includes Episodes Never Aired in Japan (6 Discs / 36 Episodes Total)
Price: ¥20,790 (Tax Included)
Paramount Japan
PPS 111582
Official Website │ http://www.paramount.jp/lucy/
To celebrate the hit of the movie "The Magic Hour," applications for the signed official book giveaway have now closed. Prize winners will be contacted via their registered email. Thank you for your many applications. (OPENERS Editorial Department)