Tokumaru Shugo's momentum is unstoppable. Since his debut in 2004, he has traveled extensively across America and Europe, earning acclaim in the indie scene. In 2008, he was even selected as one of Newsweek's "100 Most Respected Japanese People in the World." In recent years, he has provided music for renowned commercials, including a spot for the Vancouver Olympics. Today, a new song has been added to his lineup: a song for the promotional video for Mitsukoshi Isetan Group's credit card, "MICARD (http://www.micard.co.jp/)." We asked him about his thoughts behind this song, which conveys how points earned through everyday card purchases can make shopping more enjoyable. When you received this offer, what kind of song did you want to create? When I heard it would be a stop-motion film, I first focused on creating a song that would complement the visuals. Additionally, since Ameya Eitaro's Kintaro candy was used as footage, I thought it would be great to show the candy character enjoying card shopping in various places.

When I first saw the candy used in the video, I imagined that because it was so small, there would be limited possibilities for expression, but the finished video turned out even cuter than I expected, which made me very happy.

--Do you yourself enjoy card shopping?

I hardly ever spend money on anything other than musical instruments. It feels like it almost all disappears into instruments (laughs). If there's something I want, buying it without hesitation is a way to relieve stress, and it becomes a part of me.

Even if I don't know how to play it or what it sounds like, I still buy it based on my imagination. I often order original instruments made by eccentric men overseas. It's hard to answer when people ask me how I find such instruments, but I find them by looking at things that interest me. Many people who make original or antique instruments are unusual, but I love finding them. Weird people have their own community, so you naturally connect with them. So when I find something I like, I contact them directly and ask, "Can I have it?" (laughs).

--What's your favorite instrument these days?

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of character goods that make sounds, and when I find them, I buy them all. Even things like, "They make these, too!" I have a strong desire to make instruments, but if I get started, I feel like I'll pursue them endlessly, so I try not to get into that area (laughs). But I do want to buy as many made instruments as I can. It doesn't just apply to instruments. For example, if I see something in a capsule machine around town that I think will make a nice sound, I'll keep buying it until I find one.
"More Smiles," a promotional video for the Mitsukoshi Isetan Group's credit card, "MI Card."
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