Karen Aoki

Jazz Singer




──Your goals for 2012?



I want it to be a year of learning.

I want to start from scratch.

INDEPENDENT

indigo jam unit

Basis Records


The seventh album by indigo jam unit.
This band is committed to a style of no retakes, recorded in one go, and without guest musicians. Their energy is simply incredible. I want to perform live with them next year.

Nure Mask Sensei's Immunity Revolution

Author: Atsunobu Usuda

Poplar Publishing


This book scientifically examines how to avoid catching a cold. As a singer, I really want to avoid getting sick. Next year, I want to put the contents of this book into practice and have a year without colds.

JAZZ

Director: Ken Burns

Geneon Entertainment


It meticulously depicts the origins, evolution, development, and future of jazz, as well as the people involved. The jazz melodies used as background music and the tone of the narration... it's healing just to listen to it.

Koji Udo

Factotum Designer




──Your goals for 2012?



Just take it at my own pace.
New discoveries in everyday life.
The me that doesn't change and the me that does.

INNI

Sigur Rós

Sony Music Japan International


Sigur Rós, my favorite band. This is a live album from the final concert of their 2008 tour (London). It also comes with a DVD, directed by Vincent Mohahed.
It's so beautiful that words aren't necessary. Their live performances are truly magnificent. It made me realize the importance of experiencing things firsthand. Although they've gone on hiatus after this tour, I truly hope they will make a comeback and let us experience it again.

A Comfortable Journey

Author: Matto Ya-taro

Photography: Shingo Wakagi

Chikuma Shobo


The afterword states, "A journey begins the moment you step out the door" and "There is always radiance wherever you move, even a little, into the unknown." It introduces 12 cities from a perspective not found in guidebooks or online. Reading this makes me want to travel immediately.

Let Me In

Director: Matt Reeves

Asmik Ace Entertainment



This is the Hollywood adaptation of the Swedish film "Let the Right One In." While Hollywood remakes are common these days, this one is made with great care, without unnecessary flashiness, and I can feel the director's sensibility. Is it a horror film, or a romance film? It's poignant and beautiful. (Scheduled for release on January 6, 2012)

Hiromi Kobayashi

Beauty Director / Beautician




──Your goals for 2012?


Methods to become beautiful without spending money or time
I want to continue proposing them.

Speak No Evil

Wayne Shorter

EMI


For some reason, I've become interested in jazz this year. I bought this album based on the cover, and the more I listen to it, the more I like how it helps me relax and let go of tension.

The Art of Thinking

Author: Shigeko Toyama

Chikuma Bunko



This is a thought-provoking book that overturns previous concepts, offering "aha!" moments. I highly recommend it to young people who are being subjected to rote learning as a matter of course.

Into the Wild

Director: Sean Penn

Happinet



The visuals are beautiful! I also like the music, and the fact that it's based on a true story draws me in. When I need to re-evaluate my direction, watching this film helps me organize my thoughts. If only I had seen it when I was younger... it's that kind of movie.

Shuya Okino (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE)

DJ / Creative Director / Writer




──Your goals for 2012?


I will release a KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE album. I'm also producing about five other albums. I want to publish a book and open a shop. There are too many things I want to do (laughs wryly).

Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Amy Winehouse

Universal International


Before its release, I wondered if it truly reflected the deceased's wishes, or if it was just a cash grab by the record company. But I like this album. Except for two tracks, it can be listened to almost as a whole, and its content goes against the global trend of musical degradation. We have lost a truly precious artist.

But Beautiful

Author: Geoff Dyer

Shinchosha


Since March 11th, I haven't been able to read fiction at all... This is jazz criticism that is very close to being a novel. It's a rare work that puts the charm of music into words. It makes you feel like you're watching a movie. Moreover, it depicts both the visible and the invisible.

The American

Director: Anton Corbijn

Distribution: Kadokawa Pictures


In 2011, the impact of reality was so great that I could only accept realism in films. I was surprised by this hard-boiled work from George Clooney, whom I had only thought of as a comedy actor. It has a literary quietness and is a convincing film. Like Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere," FOCUS FEATURES distributes good films.

Orie Ichihashi

Photographer




──Your goals for 2012?



To visit places I've never been before.

Gently Disturbed

Avishai Cohen Trio

Sunnyside


New York jazz with an Israeli flavor. I find the blend to be very beautiful. I also like Mark Guiliana's drumming.

Solo Ascent

Author: Buntarō Katō

Yama to Keikoku Sha



This is a collection of posthumous writings by Buntarō Katō, the mountaineer who was the model for Jirō Nitta's novel "The Solitary Climber." His unadorned words, chronicling his climbs, overflow with his unpretentious, simple, and warm personality. I am grateful to be able to read his true words.

The Godfather

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Paramount Japan


It's the ultimate classic, and it's still cool. I want to immerse myself in the trilogy over the New Year holidays.