"Looking Only at the Present" SASUKE: A New Era Reflected in the Sounds of Sound Vol. 4 [Interview]

SASUKE, a 16-year-old high school student currently enjoying remarkable success, simultaneously released his new song "Natsubocchi" (Summer Bocchi) and "Ura Omote (Veil Real)," a collaboration with Vtuber "Kaminari Ai (Yatterman No. 2)" for which he wrote the lyrics and music, on August 28th.

SASUKE, a multifaceted trackmaker, singer, and dancer, boasts skills that rival those of adults, while also possessing a friendly, pop-like quality in his music, which has already earned him widespread support. He made a surprise appearance at the recent Summer Sonic. He was also selected for this year's "Early Noise" program, which supports notable newcomers throughout the year. With the face of an innocent boy and the expression of a thoughtful adult, what does this artist feel every day as he works as an artist in Japan, ushering in a new era?

The fourth installment of our serial project, "A New Era Reflected by Sound," features the fresh and talented SASUKE. This project delves into the mindset and attitude of artists who are building a new era that is changing rapidly in the modern world. We hope you will listen to the real thoughts of this 16-year-old artist. (Editorial Department)

——SASUKE, you've pursued the things you love to the fullest, whether it's composing music, dancing, DJing, or finger drumming. How do you feel looking back on your journey so far?

Looking back, I realize I've accomplished a lot more than I expected. I don't usually look back, and I hardly ever think about the future. I'm always focused on the present. Maybe it's because I've always had so many things I wanted to do, or maybe it's because I'm not the type to get nervous or dwell, but my excitement level has always been high. Maybe my senses are all messed up (laughs). I never expected to suddenly release a song on a major label, and I even filmed a full-scale music video, and before I knew it, I thought, "This feels so professional!" I've been on TV, written songs, and remixed songs. Right now, composing is the most fun.

——Writing "#SINGING" for Atarashii Chizu join Music (Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori) was also memorable.

I was always focused on music and didn't watch much TV, so I wasn't particularly familiar with their past activities, but of course they were big names. So I was honored when they asked me to join. I listened to my previous songs again and worked hard on the song, and I was so happy that they were so pleased with it.

——It feels like the things I can do are expanding more and more.

I impulsively released a song with just singing and rapping, without any prior thought, just because I wanted to try it, but I've gotten used to using my voice quite a bit. I started singing around sixth grade, and time just flew by from then on.

——What kind of child were you in elementary and middle school?

In elementary school, I think people around me thought I was a bit naughty and a nuisance (laughs). I'd dance in the middle of the playground during lunch break, or drag my friends out into the hallway during recess and start dance lessons on my own to help them learn. But everyone grows up, doesn't they? I felt left behind, like I was the only one having fun and not growing up, so I changed a lot in junior high. It was easier to hold myself back and do nothing, so I became a quiet character who read books in class. I took the stance of showing my true self at home.

——You're currently attending a correspondence high school in your hometown of Ehime, right?

Yes. I go to school about five days a year. I've gotten used to it, but I'm always pressed for report deadlines. Summer vacation doesn't really matter to me.

——This summer you went to Fuji Rock Festival and did a public recording.

I was limited to "sounds you'd hear at Fuji Rock," so I did field recordings on the first day and finished one song that day. I probably walked more than anyone else with my recorder, and went to more places than anyone else to record, and then worked on it at the hotel until about 4am. The next day, I performed that song at InterFM's booth, but it was raining heavily, so I was like, "I have to protect my equipment even if I get wet" (laughs). My first Fuji Rock was a memorable experience.

——I have the impression that SASUKE also likes fashion.

I used to dance, so I like street fashion. Until now, I mostly bought things online, but since I started coming to Tokyo, I've been going to stores in Harajuku, too. Places like Monkey Time and BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB. I change my clothes depending on my mood that day.

——How do you feel after releasing several singles?

I was happy to hear that they were better than I expected. Until I was in sixth grade, I had such a strong sense of "I'm amazing!" that I assumed I'd be appearing on TV and giving interviews like I do now. But in reality, I wasn't doing so well at all, so I was quite shocked at the time. I was also shocked to find out that I was going to a local junior high school; I cried a lot when I found out. I had assumed that my musical talent would allow me to attend a junior high school in Tokyo. But when I thought about it, I realized I hadn't even written a decent song, so I thought, "Well, that makes sense..." That's when I realized I hadn't accomplished anything yet, and I think that's why I can be so happy now. If I had remained so conceited, I would have been in danger (laughs).

——A lot of your songs have motifs of the times and terminology.

I don't really care about how others perceive me, and I'm not particularly interested in that, so I think I tend to think more about society and the times.

——What are your criteria for a good song?

Sometimes I create songs with easy-to-understand melodies, that are somehow stylish, and that just make you feel good when you listen to them, but I always think those are "not good enough" or "not interesting." I wonder... "You can still do weird things, right?" To me, a good song is one that's weird and has a bit of a creepy quality to it.

——Like the bridge between the first and second verses of "Heisei is Ending"?

That's right! It's like suddenly becoming a complete idiot like that (laughs). I already had an image of me doing some weird dance moves in the music video, so I was super excited when that part was completed.

——As the song title suggests, the Heisei era has ended, and a new era name has been created. Do you have any thoughts about this current era?

I'm not sure if I'm qualified as a 16-year-old to say this, but we're in a situation where a lot of things need to change, like the era name and after the unpleasant incidents that have occurred. At times like these, there are quite a few people tweeting online, "I hope the times will change and get better from here." But I want them to not just talk about it, but to really take part in making things better. It's not like "I'm going to take action," but it's better to take action than not to take action.

——That's right.

Also, social media has become a central part of society, and once those things have evolved significantly and people have become accustomed to them, the negative aspects start to become apparent. I think that's what's happening now. I often see problems and incidents that start on social media. Even when a controversy erupts, it's not always the person at fault; it can end up hurting the person more than necessary, and in the process, something more important could be overlooked. I don't want to loudly oppose it, but I do find myself thinking, "What are they doing?" and "I wish they'd stop."

——In "J-POP Will Never End," I also sing that "The Japanese People Are Not Over Yet."

I was planning to write about Japanese music, but as I was writing, a lot of things were happening every day, so I started singing about Japan as a whole.

——What kind of song is your new song "Natsu Bocchi"?

I spent a lot of time working on "J-POP wa Owaranai," so this song came together in a day, partly as a reaction to that. I wrote it freely without thinking too much about it, and it felt like the song was a direct reflection of what I was thinking at the time. It turned out to be a song about "I haven't done anything summer-like" and "I'm telling myself that even a lonely summer is fun" (laughs). It includes cicadas recorded at home, playing the ukulele, and the sound of wind chimes I bought, as well as chords I've never used before. I tried out a more rap-oriented song for the first time in a while, and I tried making the lyrics more story-like so that they're interesting just to read. There are a lot of fresh elements to it.

——What would you like to do in the future?

I'd like to write my own songs, sing, play instruments, and even dance, and perform a free-for-all performance on a big stage around the world. I'm not thinking of a festival, I'm thinking of a solo show. Still thinking like before, I'd like to do a dome tour in Japan as a stepping stone. I'd also like to create a new genre of music.

——How would you like to create a new genre of music?

I would love to work with the professor (Ryuichi Sakamoto). I would like to spend a few days secluded studying music, and start by discussing the definition of a new genre. I'm not sure if that would be possible, though. He is the person I most want to meet right now.

SASUKE's new single "Natsu Bocchi" and the collaboration song "Ura Omote (Veil Real)" with Vtuber Kaminari Ai (Yatterman No. 2) are released simultaneously!