Performers Anticipate a Stage of Refined Design

—Oceanus parties have been held regularly since 2008, but this year marks the brand's 10th anniversary, making it an even more special occasion.

Ito: It's a culmination, so everyone who has been involved will be performing.

—Maihama Amphitheater, formerly a dedicated venue for Cirque du Soleil, suggests a fantastical stage atmosphere.

Ito: It's amazing, isn't it? The ceiling looks so high. Many of the performers are large bands, so it should be visually striking on stage. Beyond the music, there will be acrobatic show dances and surprising elements, creating a truly engaging space. This kind of captivating atmosphere is something we've aimed for from the beginning, so I'm delighted.

Yanaka: That's right. Yoichiro has always wanted to create something like total art, so it feels like we're finally getting close.

Ito: A long time ago, at a restaurant located directly beneath Tokyo Tower, we held an Oceanus party where I asked Yanaka-san to do a poetry reading, accompanied by impromptu alto saxophone from Shinsuke Fujieda. But what we've consistently pursued is to create our own creations. The scale of that endeavor has gradually been increasing.

Yanaka: It's a party where everyone is connected, within reach of each other. I just saw the stage layout for the first time, and I was surprised it looks just like the illustration on the flyer. When we first debuted, we played in places like cabarets, so this kind of atmosphere evokes a sense of nostalgia, and I think the members will be really motivated. Using the stairs, it feels like various performances will emerge from different movements on that day, in that place. It has a familiar yet exciting feel.

10th Anniversary Special Song "Happiness Worth Rewinding" Produced

—The 10th-anniversary song "Happiness Worth Rewinding," composed by Yoichiro Ito, with lyrics by Atsushi Yanaka and vocals by Ken Yokoyama, is also generating buzz.

Ito: For the 10th anniversary, I wanted something everyone could sing along to. The initial arrangement was authentic ska, but thanks to everyone involved, it evolved into something much better.

Yanaka: While Ska Para has always played ska songs, I thought it was a really good track.

Ito: Thank you. Before composing, I always immerse myself in listening to and internalizing music from the target genre, then I completely disconnect from it. I then translate what emerges into a song.

Yanaka: Being able to listen to various genres and then compose without being bound by them is a unique sensibility for a DJ. Musicians often get too caught up. However, Yoichiro's compositions aren't just built on a DJ's sense; they possess a power that truly resonates with musicians' hearts. This is further enhanced by his characteristic romantic sensibility. After all, Ken Yokoyama wouldn't agree to sing unless it was a great song.

—How was Ken Yokoyama's vocal performance?

Ito: He has a very distinct style, and it's truly wonderful. Ken Yokoyama and I also collaborated on the Oceanus theme song "Ao no Sekai" (The World of Blue) in 2011. I wrote the lyrics then, but this time I asked Yanaka-san to handle the lyrics.

—When writing the lyrics, did you consider that Ken Yokoyama would be singing them?

Yanaka: Yes, I wrote them with Ken Yokoyama singing and the watch in mind. It's not often that I get the chance to focus lyrics on a watch, so I was grateful for the opportunity. It allowed me to explore a theme I wouldn't normally encounter.

—Reflecting on watches and time, did anything particular come to mind?

Yanaka: Time cannot be stopped, whether we acknowledge it or not; it just keeps moving forward. That's precisely why I believe we should strive to create happiness that makes us want to rewind it. While looking back can seem regressive, I think it's important to create enjoyable memories when we do. In a world where things can happen passively, I want to actively move forward and experience 'happiness worth rewinding.'

Atsushi Yanaka of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra x DJ Yoichiro Ito

Pre-Party Interview for Oceanus 10th Anniversary "KING OF BLUE" (Part 2)

Oceanus: A Watch Worn Daily Without Realizing It

—Do you have any episodes where you found your Oceanus particularly useful?

Ito: Before I encountered this watch, I wasn't really someone who wore one. But once I started wearing it, I realized how convenient it is. It's incredibly light, so there's no discomfort, and the time never deviates. It made me realize anew how useful a watch can be. Lately, I feel uneasy if I forget to wear it when I go out. The design I favor has a unique pinkish-white hue, and I love that it's dressy and matches any style.

Yanaka: I wear mine all the time, and it's incredibly useful for adjusting my watch when I'm overseas. Switching between two time zones is as simple as pressing a single button; it's so easy you don't even need to read the manual. I also appreciate its Japanese aesthetic and design. It has a certain earnestness, like the robust functional beauty of Japanese cars, which might seem a bit unrefined but is actually quite cool. The design isn't overly flashy, so anyone can wear it without feeling self-conscious, and stylish people can wear it with flair, which I think is the secret to its popularity. I always wear it, even during live performances.

Onward to an Evening of Adult Entertainment

—Finally, could you please share a message for our readers who are looking forward to the party on February 8th?

Ito: You won't often see such a spectacular lineup of performers, and the venue is shaping up to be magnificent, so I hope you'll enjoy this sophisticated atmosphere. Please come dressed a little stylishly and join us.

Yanaka: Listen to high notes with your 'head,' mid-high tones with your 'chest,' and low frequencies with your 'hips.' That is the ultimate way to enjoy music live at a venue, and I believe it's the essence of entertainment. Experiencing that together makes it even more enjoyable. Our mission is to create a place where people feel glad to be alive, and I hope we can deliver such a live performance!

—We eagerly anticipate the adult entertainment show celebrating Oceanus's 10th anniversary. Thank you for your time today.