01Profile
A Johnny Hiramoto Photo
Johnny Hiramoto
Fashion Designer / Musician — Tokyo
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Johnny Hiramoto. Born in Yokohama, working out of Tokyo.
What do you do?
Fashion Designer / Musician.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
There are so many it’s kind of hard to choose. I’ve been going to live music shows since I was a kid. I’m going to choose one that I wasn’t in the crowd for - it’s something I like to put on after I’ve had a few too many. It’s the video of Elvis Costello playing with the Beastie Boys. You can watch it on YouTube, but it was originally from a performance on an American TV show. The Beastie Boys start out playing 'Sabotage' before Costello invades the stage and they start playing 'Radio Radio' together. It was all staged, so it’s not something hugely inspirational for me, but I’ve been in the house a lot during 2021 and I’ve watched that quite a few times.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
UK punk. I’m a huge fan and have the utmost respect for the culture. There was a time when I would wear the fashion and there are lots of bands that I still listen to.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
One place I felt genuinely happy was on the Red Marquee stage at Fuji Rock Festival. My friend’s band was playing and they let me rap on two songs. It was a real buzz. I nearly passed out because I was so nervous, and I couldn’t look the crowd in the eye. However, up on stage, all I could hear was my own voice as it left me and came back through the monitors. The clarity of sound and space in that atmosphere just felt so good.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Amy Winehouse. Not necessarily performing together, but just spending some time with her.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It’s probably an answer you get a lot, but I’d love to go to an early-day Sex Pistols gig. I’d just be happy to be in the crowd.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I’m really into Kitty, Daisy & Lewis - the UK group made up of three siblings. They are already famous but I’d like to see them get more shine. They are friends of friends so I had the chance to drink with them. They are really nice people.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Echobelly. I can’t really tell you why they have sprung immediately to mind, but I used to listen to the 'Everyone’s Got One' album endlessly when I was primary school age. I liked the track 'Insomniac 'from that album. The video was really sweet, too.
A song that defines the teenage you?
I’m going to say Snuff and their track 'Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads'. They cover loads of Japanese songs, but I decided to choose this one. I was only around ten when I went to their gig, and when the band came to play a show in Japan, they stayed at my house.
One record you would keep forever?
'My Aim Is True' by Elvis Costello. It was released in 1977 and I love the track 'Alison' from that album.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I’m not sure. Listening to music for me is more about the energy than the lyrics. If I can go outside the UK, I would choose all the lyrics by Takeshi Osumi from Shakkazombie. They have all had a big effect on me.
Best song to turn up loud?
Recently, that would be 'Eighty-Four' by The Strypes.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I’m a big fan of Adele. Tracks like 'Chasing Pavements'.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Johnny Hiramoto. Born in Yokohama, working out of Tokyo.
What do you do?
Fashion Designer / Musician.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
There are so many it’s kind of hard to choose. I’ve been going to live music shows since I was a kid. I’m going to choose one that I wasn’t in the crowd for - it’s something I like to put on after I’ve had a few too many. It’s the video of Elvis Costello playing with the Beastie Boys. You can watch it on YouTube, but it was originally from a performance on an American TV show. The Beastie Boys start out playing 'Sabotage' before Costello invades the stage and they start playing 'Radio Radio' together. It was all staged, so it’s not something hugely inspirational for me, but I’ve been in the house a lot during 2021 and I’ve watched that quite a few times.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
UK punk. I’m a huge fan and have the utmost respect for the culture. There was a time when I would wear the fashion and there are lots of bands that I still listen to.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
One place I felt genuinely happy was on the Red Marquee stage at Fuji Rock Festival. My friend’s band was playing and they let me rap on two songs. It was a real buzz. I nearly passed out because I was so nervous, and I couldn’t look the crowd in the eye. However, up on stage, all I could hear was my own voice as it left me and came back through the monitors. The clarity of sound and space in that atmosphere just felt so good.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Amy Winehouse. Not necessarily performing together, but just spending some time with her.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It’s probably an answer you get a lot, but I’d love to go to an early-day Sex Pistols gig. I’d just be happy to be in the crowd.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I’m really into Kitty, Daisy & Lewis - the UK group made up of three siblings. They are already famous but I’d like to see them get more shine. They are friends of friends so I had the chance to drink with them. They are really nice people.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Echobelly. I can’t really tell you why they have sprung immediately to mind, but I used to listen to the 'Everyone’s Got One' album endlessly when I was primary school age. I liked the track 'Insomniac 'from that album. The video was really sweet, too.
A song that defines the teenage you?
I’m going to say Snuff and their track 'Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads'. They cover loads of Japanese songs, but I decided to choose this one. I was only around ten when I went to their gig, and when the band came to play a show in Japan, they stayed at my house.
One record you would keep forever?
'My Aim Is True' by Elvis Costello. It was released in 1977 and I love the track 'Alison' from that album.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I’m not sure. Listening to music for me is more about the energy than the lyrics. If I can go outside the UK, I would choose all the lyrics by Takeshi Osumi from Shakkazombie. They have all had a big effect on me.
Best song to turn up loud?
Recently, that would be 'Eighty-Four' by The Strypes.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I’m a big fan of Adele. Tracks like 'Chasing Pavements'.