3 hours ago 2 hours ago

[Interview] Travis Japan at El Rey Theater, Los Angeles

by Risa 3 hours ago2 hours ago

As Travis Japan wrapped up their highly anticipated world tour, the excitement in Los Angeles was undeniable, serving as one of the last stops before the grand finale in New York. We had the chance for an exclusive interview with the group, where they shared their thoughts on returning to the U.S. for their first solo concert, their world tour experiences, and their upcoming second album, “VIIsual.” Let’s jump into the interview to hear how “My Dreamy Hollywood” is becoming a reality for them!

Read [LIVE REPORT] Travis Japan – A Successful Concert in LA, Their Second Home
https://www.kawaiikakkoiisugoi.com/live-report-travis-japan-a-successful-concert-in-la-their-second-home/55823/

1. Welcome back to the United States! This is your first world tour, and we’re so glad to see your full performance here in LA! How did it feel to have your solo concert back in the States?

Genta “G” Matsuda: It feels like a great achievement. We worked so hard here in LA before our debut and created many memories participating in events like AGT, World of Dance, and more. To be back here, not only heading our very own show but also getting to meet new fans in even more cities, really feels like our dream of Hollywood has come true!

2. You’ve also had great success with your concerts in Taipei, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. How was your experience touring in those Asian countries? How do the concerts and audience reactions there compare to those in Japan and the U.S.?

Kaito “Machu” Matsukura: It was so much fun and the fans were super welcoming, too! While we’ve had events overseas before, this time felt special because it was our own world tour. I was really excited to meet the fans in Taipei, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. The audience’s reactions were so passionate, and I could really feel everyone’s energy during our performances. I also enjoyed connecting with our fans by learning some local phrases for the MC in each city. It all created amazing memories that I’ll cherish!

Travis Japan – ‘Crazy Crazy’ Music Video

3. It was a nice surprise to see you covering Katy Perry’s “Firework”! Why did you choose that song? We heard that Shizuya was in charge of the choreography, but what was it like to cover that song on stage?

Kaito “Umi” Nakamura: For the Asian cities, we discussed the cover songs with the label, but for the U.S., we decided to go with a song by our senior at Capitol Records, Katy Perry. Noel suggested “Firework,” and we all agreed.

Shizuya took the lead on the choreography, and for the Asian cover performances, Shime and Machu also contributed. Shizuya worked really hard on the choreo for “Firework” all by himself. It was the first time in a while that I danced to a piece choreoed by him, and his work truly showcased his unique style! It turned out amazing! I believe everyone in the audience enjoyed it, too!

4. Since you’ve had three concerts in the U.S., you’ve stayed here for a bit! Is there anything essential you brought from Japan for this American tour?

Kaito “Chaka” Miyachika: Passion! Since we studied abroad in the U.S. as well, the excitement of coming back gives us a fresh perspective and allows us to experience a different atmosphere compared to our everyday lives in Japan. It was essential for us to bring that strong passion and determination to absorb various experiences in the U.S. while never forgetting our Japanese roots!

5. As you returned to Los Angeles, what were you looking forward to the most?

Shizuya “Shizu” Yoshizawa: During our time in Los Angeles, we all lived together without any staff, so we were helped by many local people. I’m really happy to see them and our fans again. I would love to show everyone how much Travis Japan has grown since then. And of course, I want to eat a burger!

6. Congratulations on the announcement of your second album, “VIIsual”! Can you tell us what kind of album it will be?

Genta: Umi was in charge of producing this album. The content showcases each member’s individuality and visual appeal, with some songs produced by the members themselves. This second album shows a cool side of Travis Japan that you haven’t seen before, so make sure to check it out!

Travis Japan's 2nd Album “VIIsual” confirmed for releasse on Dec.4!
Pre-release tracks "Crazy Crazy" & "Fly Higher" will be out on Oct.21!

🎧Pre-order/Pre-save now!https://t.co/PKWLjFjavP pic.twitter.com/DYSFnBCbEH

— Travis Japan (@TravisJapan_cr) September 29, 2024

7. It’s great to hear that there will be an English version of the album, “VIIsual -Global Edition-.” Was there anything specific you focused on while recording the Japanese and English versions?

Ryuya “Shime” Shimekake: Each member may be different, but when I was recording, I tried to be careful of the accent even in the Japanese version. I can say I paid even more attention to the accent for the English version.

8. Last year, you celebrated your one year anniversary in California with your American fans. For this year’s anniversary on October 28^th, you have a YouTube live streaming planned. Did you organize this to spend this important day with your fans?

Genta: I’m really happy that we can do live streaming again. I want to spend our anniversary with all the fans, so I’d like to continue this in the future.

9. If Jrs (trainees) or groups under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT come to you seeking advice about wanting to succeed overseas like Travis Japan, what kind of advice would you give them?

Noeru “Noel” Kawashima: I’ll say, “Do your best!” (laughs)

We worked hard to aim for our debut in our own way, so I think the right approach can differ from group to group. I want to share our experiences, but I believe there are many other paths they can take that don’t have to be the same as ours. I hope everyone can find their own path, and later, we can share our experiences with each other. I think it would be wonderful to have concerts together overseas as well!

10. You have been actively participating in dance collaborations beyond their agency. Are there any American artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Umi: Of course, there are many! This time, we covered a song by Katy Perry, and when we were Jr. trainees, we performed as backup dancers for Austin Mahone. Recently, we had the opportunity to open for Marshmello in Japan, and we’ve always talked about wanting to work with Bruno Mars, among others. The list goes on, but we’ll work hard to make each of these dreams come true one by one.

Noel: What about Billie Eilish?

Machu: Yes! I wanna collaborate with Billie Eilish!

Noel: We had the opportunity for her to see our performance live on the Japanese music show “Music Station.” We’ve also given her gifts, so it would be wonderful if we could collaborate as a way to return the favor.

Machu: If that dream comes true, I’ll be in tears!

Genta: Not only do I want to collaborate on dance projects, but I also wanna try releasing songs with other artists!

11. Congratulations on the opening song of the TV anime “Tasuketsu: Fate of the Majority “! “Fly Higher” is your first anime song. How did everyone react when this tie-up was confirmed? Also, it’s exciting that Noel will be making his voice acting debut as Kai Kasai. Is the preparation for the recording going well?

Noel: Thank you! At that time, we had just finished shooting a music video over two days, so everyone was pretty exhausted. But I remember after hearing that our song would be used as the opening theme for the anime, we all got up and celebrated together!

I actually finished recording in April or May, so now I’m just waiting for the anime episodes to air. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope the fans are excited too!

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12. Lastly, we are a media outlet called “Kawaii Kakkoii Sugoi.” Can you share what Kawaii Kakkoii Sugoi means to you?

Chaka: TJ fans! Of course, everyone is cute and cool, but I think our own cuteness and coolness are shaped by our fans. The moments when the energy between us and the fans peaks during concerts create something truly incredible. I think we’re all sharing and creating that cuteness, coolness, and awesomeness together.

Umi: If you buy our second album, “VIIsual,” that will say it all, so please get it!

Machu: I really respect Billie Eilish. It feels a bit presumptuous to use words like “cute” or “cool” when talking about her, but I truly love her as an artist and have even bought her records. I’d be so happy if I could meet her one day.

Shizu: Idols! I think our agency’s idols are amazing because they take on many challenges while being loved by so many people!

Shime: This ring that I went to buy with Umi! It’s super easy to match with any outfits, cute, cool, and just amazing!

Machu: So honest!

Shime: Right? It’s just so easy to use, and it’s simply amazing!

Umi: What do you mean by “easy to use” for a ring?

Shizu: What do you mean by “amazing”?

Shime: It just lifts my spirits! I love it!

Genta: For me, it’s my members. Seeing each member’s activities across various media motivates me. I love watching how each member’s strengths combine to help the group grow, so I think all the members are cute, cool, and amazing!

Shizu: Aww, thank you!

Noel: Cute is a cat, cool is a lion, and amazing is a tiger.

Everyone: What does that mean?!

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TRAVIS JAPAN

Members:
Kaito “Chaka” Miyachika
Kaito “Umi” Nakamura
Ryuya “Shime” Shimekake
Noeru “Noel” Kawashima
Shizuya “Shizu” Yoshizawa
Genta “G” Matsuda
Kaito “Machu” Matsukura

Listen to Travis Japan on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28IJpwoVi5R92MtHxkj2Lk