INTERVIEW | Kyowa Kirin's "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" Special Talk: Shun Kawakami × blanc.

A project by the research and development-oriented life sciences company, Kyowa Kirin.

'10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE': Musicians Visualize Ten Themes.

Special Interview: Shun Kawakami x blanc.

Kyowa Kirin, a life sciences company, is communicating its initiatives through a collaboration with musicians via the web content, '10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE'. This time, we present a conversation between Shun Kawakami, who planned this project, and Maynard, who participated as the artist 'blanc.' What is the true intention behind this experimental endeavor, as told by those involved?

Photographs by SAITO RyosukeText by IWANAGA Morito (OPENERS)

The Spark for Collaboration

Kyowa Kirin, a research and development-oriented life sciences company, manufactures and sells pharmaceuticals based on cutting-edge biotechnology, such as antibody technology. Currently, the company is distributing content on its website titled '10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE,' which conveys ten themes the company champions through musical compositions with artists.

OPENERS has organized a conversation between Shun Kawakami, representative of brand design agency 'artless Inc.' who directed this content, and Maynard, a member of the rock band 'MONKEY MAJIK' participating as the artist 'blanc.'. We spoke with them about everything from their first encounter to the ultimate purpose of the '10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE' initiative.

KawakamiI knew of Maynard through blanc. before MONKEY MAJIK. I still listen to it often, but the song 'Sky High' by 'FreeTempo.' He participated as a vocalist under the name blanc..

MaynardThat was my first activity as blanc.. It started as a project for my alter ego, but we ended up creating a first album.

I learned about Mr. Kawakami at the office where MONKEY MAJIK is based in Sendai. He came to present the artwork for the album. MONKEY MAJIK had just made their major debut at the time.

KawakamiI designed the jackets for three works, from the first single 'fly' to the first album 'Thank you,' right?

MaynardFrom the presentation stage, I became an instant fan of Mr. Kawakami, and he even supervised the overall concept. It's a happy coincidence that our first impressions of each other were based on our work, and that it turned out to be something so good.

KawakamiTo me, MONKEY MAJIK's music was 'stylish band sound.'

The balance of mixing Japanese and English, for example, was incredibly fresh. I directly proposed the kind of graphics I wanted to create, and since they liked it, it was very easy and enjoyable to work on.

MaynardIf MONKEY MAJIK is perceived as having artistic value beyond just pop music, it's thanks to the visuals. The art direction from our major debut onwards helped establish the band's color. With that background, I didn't hesitate to ask Mr. Kawakami for the CD jacket and music video for my solo project, blanc..

KawakamiI was thrilled when I received the offer. The sound isn't just dance music; it has an atmosphere close to fashion, so I approached the visuals with a sophisticated and luxurious image. We had positive discussions back then, and the atmosphere on set was very good.

A Field for Free Session Between Companies and Creators

KawakamiTen artists are participating in this '10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE,' but we decided from the start to ask blanc.. Above all, I wanted to hear new music myself (laughs).

MaynardIt's been about four or five years since I last released music. When I received the offer, I thought this was a chance to revive blanc.. I accepted immediately.

KawakamiI think this theme of 'Global Specialty Pharma' also fits blanc. well. Kyowa Kirin is a company that operates globally in a unique, specialized field. I felt Maynard's music might resonate with that.'Global Specialty Pharma'He has a global perspective, not just in terms of language, but also in understanding culture. On the other hand, he has a unique side, like staying based in Sendai. Usually, people might move to Tokyo or relocate to New York, right? But he hasn't returned to his native Canada, and he loves his hometown, Sendai. You can feel how much he cherishes it.

MaynardThank you. The title of the song I produced this time, 'Closer,' embodies the idea that the more global something becomes, the smaller the world gets. This concept stems from my own perspective, valuing Sendai as a local place. An 'individual' born from a local context becomes a specialty, serving as a communication tool that brings 'the world' closer.

KawakamiYou played me the demo when I visited the studio in Sendai to film the video interview, didn't you?

MaynardI really wanted Mr. Kawakami to be the first to hear it. Since we share similar tastes in music and artwork, I knew I could get accurate feedback from him.

KawakamiIt had a very fresh sound, and I was convinced that blanc. was evolving. Maynard is a flexible artist who can move between blanc.'s electronic music and MONKEY MAJIK's band sound. That's his specialty.

MaynardI am honored to have participated in this project. I'm genuinely happy to be part of a team with such wonderful artists. Kyowa Kirin prioritized creating good music as a fundamental principle, and Mr. Kawakami skillfully assigned the ten themes to each artist. For me, the concept embedded in 'Global Specialty Pharma' resonated with my own values, making it a theme that inspired leaps in creativity rather than imposing restrictions.

KawakamiThis project, frankly, doesn't have a clear endpoint. And that's a good thing. When artists gather with the intention of creating great music, the outcome is unpredictable. I don't know how much they will exceed my own capabilities. They all surprise me in the best ways (laughs).

MaynardI'm eager to perform 'Closer' live soon. It's only been released on SoundCloud so far. I plan to fully relaunch blanc. after MONKEY MAJIK's Budokan concert.

About 10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE
'10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE' is a project by Kyowa Kirin, a research and development-oriented life sciences company dedicated to observing and engaging with life, which weaves ten musical pieces from ten perspectives with ten artists. It delivers the organic processes of life through beautiful sound. With the passion and aspiration to 'become the world's kindest company to life,' the company utilizes cutting-edge biotechnology centered on antibody technology to create groundbreaking new drugs and contributes to the health and prosperity of people worldwide through its global expansion. This project is produced by 'artless Inc.,' headed by art director and artist Shun Kawakami.

10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE
http://www.kyowa-kirin.co.jp/10_sounds/

blanc.｜Blanc
The solo project of Maynard, vocalist and guitarist for the rock band MONKEY MAJIK. Starting with his participation in 'FreeTEMPO' works in 2003, he released his original album 'new world' in 2008. He developed house music that fused electronic sounds with organic live instrumentation, garnering significant attention from industry professionals. He continued his ambitious activities, releasing his second album 'canvas' in 2009. It serves as a platform to express Maynard's musicality, distinct from the band sound of MONKEY MAJIK.
http://www.musiqueblanc.com/

Shun KAWAKAMI｜KAWAKAMI Shun
Representative of artless Inc. Born in 1977 in Fukagawa, Koto Ward, Tokyo. Based on art and design, he continues to engage in activities unbound by genre or category, including branding, design consulting, corporate and brand logos, video, and architecture. His global activities are remarkable, with numerous participations in festivals, exhibitions, and conferences both domestically and internationally, such as at the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (within the Louvre Palace), Milan Salone, TENT LONDON, and BODW (Hong Kong).
http://www.shunkawakami.jp
http://www.artless.co.jp