This interview with Japanese hip-hop artist Lex Shootah a.k.a. Katagi was originally published back in mid-2008. With no backup in existence and the search engines failing to archive the full article, we lost it shortly after posting during a server crash and weren’t able to recover it. Unfortunately due to personal and work-related problems that persisted throughout the rest of 2008, it’s only now that I got a chance to rewrite the piece as part of our efforts to revive Nihon Watch. I cannot recreate the original article in its full glory, but I hope you enjoy reading the interview anyway…
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If we are to base our opinion on sales figures and fan base, it’s clear that pop and rock dominate Japan’s airwaves. In spite of being the second-largest music industry in the world, hip-hop is nowhere as big in Japan as it is in the United States. But that hasn’t stopped Japanese urban artists from making music.
Hailing from Canada, Japanese-Canadian Lex Shootah aka Katagi came to Japan many years ago and pursued a career as an MC. Game and My Life are his first two albums released independently prior to A Wolf Among Sheep (A.W.A.S.). Deciding to work on A.W.A.S. the way he did was no mean feat — Katagi had to turn down three different offers from both mainstream and indie music labels so he could make his third album on his own terms. That in and of itself deserves respect, but whether the final product has justified his having done so depends on one’s own opinion; I believe it was all worth it. When asked about what he thinks of the album, Katagi states that he “can quit rap right now and be proud” of it.
When A.W.A.S. first came out in 2007, Katagi experienced a mishap with the pressing company that has resulted in wonky discs and jacket printing that does not meet his standards. This compelled him to completely renege on plans to stock up shops in Japan because of “the risks involved with selling a less than perfect album.” Content is still front and center when it comes to albums though, and I believe A.W.A.S. is worth listening to more than once, with tracks that encompass a wide range of themes that showcase Katagi’s lyrical prowess. One huge plus is his ability to weave sensible English lyrics into his songs – the practice is a common staple in Japanese urban music, but few ever hit the spot – that results in an almost effortless transition from one language to another. Nevertheless, part of the credit should go to the roster of producers that helped make the album happen: Appetyzer, Donkool, Moth, U-Key Zone, The Ratt Pakk and Genki.
Since this interview was conducted early last year, Katagi has already semi-retired from the music industry citing the need for stability as the reason.
(From here onwards, the interviewer, MitsuiSelphie, will be referred to as MS.)
Presenting the one and only Capsule Inn Akihabara. Capsule Inns could be thought of as low-end hotels. Typically, capsule inns are comprised of a public lounge and the capsule area (pic above). The public lounge space features complete amenities like the bath and dining areas. The capsules themselves are made of reinforced plastic and are designed after airplane’s cockpit areas. They’re full loaded with TVs, alarm clocks, and even adjustable lighting. Best of all, one capsule at capsule inns typically cost only around JPY4,000 per night. Truthfully though, I must say, the pic above makes it look like a morgue more than a hotel. But then, it might all change when I see the inn in person. Anyone want to sponsor me a trip to Akiba?
Did you know that for a boomerang to do a 360 and return right back to its throwing spot, you need to be in ZERO gravity? And nobody has ever tried it yet. So now, Takao Doi, a 53-year-old Japanese astronaut is set to make history by being the first man in space to throw a boomerang. Doi is traveling to the International Space Station in March to be in charge of the construction of a Japanese scientific testing room. What better way to unwind a bit in space other than throwing boomerangs, right? Doi is doing the boomerang test when Yasuhiro Togai, a boomerang throwing champ from Osaka, requested him to do so. In fact, Doi has taken boomerang throwing lessons from said champ in preparation for the event. Good luck, Doi-san!
You’d think using Hello Kitty and rifle in one sentence would be an oxymoron. But nope, it’s not. Just take a look at this Hello Kitty rifle. And yes, folks. That’s 100% real rifle. It would be such a joy to have had Arnold Schwarzenegger gun down his enemies in Terminator using this. It would have been so “girly man.”
Ever wonder how it is to learn English for aerobics-gear clad women? Wonder no more. The Zuiikin Girls are here to save the day. The following are videos of some English lessons I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Video 1:
English phrase taught:
Oh, Queen! Thank you for spanking me!
Video 2 (not available anymore)
English phrases taught in this non-existent video:
I have a bad case of diarrhea
Is that so? Really? Are you sure?
Never mind.
Unbelievable! It’s amazing! We did it!
How dare you say such a thing to me.
I can’t stand the sight of you.
You must be tired from your long flight.
He gives his sincere regards.
Video 3
English phrases taught:
I was robbed by two men!
Take anything you want.
Spare me my life.
Thanks PMT. You rock.
Koda Kumi, wearing black and looking haggard, appeared in front of Japanese TV audiences last Thursday in Fuji TV news program to apologize for something she said on air.”I think the way I spoke was really not good … I’m sorry,” Kuu reportedly says.
What exactly did she say, you ask? Well, the Japanese diva apparently commented on women’s amniotic fluid (the fluid which supports the development of the fetus inside the uterus), saying that it becomes “rotten” once a woman turns 35…uhu.
That’s so not hot, Kuu. In a few years’ time, you’ll be turning 35, and based on YOUR logic, YOUR amniotic fluid would rot. Just goes to show that someone needs to watch more of Discovery channel.
With Japan’s innate fashionable culture, something like this shouldn’t be a surprise. But it is. This software lets you see what you look like with various hairstyles and face paints in REAL TIME. I imagine this would be a staple in beauty salons in the near future.
It might sound a bit weird, but groping in the jam-packed sardine-like trains of Japan is rampant. While there ARE men with lascivious intentions, there are also those who’re wary of getting falsely accused. This portable subway strap is a great way for people to know where your hands are — and they’re not anywhere near anyone’s girly (or guyly…cough…) bits. This, by the way, sold out quite quickly. Just goes to show there are still more good men on earth. Err…right?
4 banners. 84 different poses. 14 meters in length. 2 meters in height. Namie Amuro is the new face of Vidal Sassoon in Japan and the subways are covered in her ginormous ad banners. Ch-ch-ch-check it out!
Watch the official PV of Heart Station and listen to an HQ radio rip of Stay Gold. Heart Station/Stay Gold is Hikki’s new single to be released on February 19. Her newest Japanese studio album, Heart Station, is also coming out on March!
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