01Profile
A Miyuki Kai Photo
Miyuki Kai
Yoga Instructor — Miyazaki / Tokyo
03Interview
Name
Miyuki Kai
What do you do?
Yoga instructor.
Where are you from?
Miyazaki (north-east Japan) / Tokyo.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
It’s not a band I’ve actually seen in person, but Queen in the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ I like it so much that not only did I see it at the cinema, but I recorded it off the TV when it was on. I wasn’t watching the show live, and it’s not even the actual members of the band, but I still got goosebumps.
Which sub-cultures have influenced you?
Paul Smith. I had a part-time job after first moving to Tokyo, and with my first paycheck, I went to the Paul Smith shop to buy a watch. I guess it was my brother's influence. The watch doesn't work anymore, but I still have it in storage because I can't throw it away.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favorite?
I don't usually go to live music places, but the one that left a deep impression on me was CROCODILE — a music venue in Shibuya. Someone I know plays in a band, and I went to see them.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I've always been drawn to the piano, so in this scenario, I'd be able to play the keys — perhaps joining Coldplay on stage. And as you're giving me the opportunity, I'd like it to be somewhere big. Let's say Nippon Budokan.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I'd like to spend an hour with Freddie Mercury when he was at his most hedonistic — like in a scene from the film. I've never been involved in anything like that, so I would like to see what that lifestyle is all about and chalk it down to life experience. I'd then like to return to my life right after the 60 minutes are up (laughs).
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
What are the concepts / important points of the playlist?
I started by looking up UK bands and artists and ended up finding songs that I loved from when I was around 16 or 17 years old. I surprised myself as I knew much more about UK music than I first thought. The result was a playlist of songs that I listened to as an escape from reality in sixth form (2005 to 2007) — basically, a throwback to my teenage years. Some of the songs are from the US, but the Jack White & Alicia Keys track ‘Another Way To Die’ was the theme song for my favourite film, ‘Quantum Of Solace.’
The first track you played on repeat?
The track I used to have on all the time was Kasabian's 'Empire.' I think I got to know it after watching MTV.
A song that defines the teenage you?
The Coldplay track ‘A Message.’ I listened to it a lot when I was a teenager, but it’s one of those songs you can listen to at whatever age or generation.
One record you would keep forever?
The Coldplay album, ‘X&Y.’ Even though I’m much older now than when it first came out, there are many songs on there that are still really cool to listen to.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
If it's okay to choose a Japanese song, I'll say 'Sweet 19 Blues' by Namie Amuro. The song's lyrics remind me of when I was 19 years old, and as an adult, I could relate to the lyrics when I learned them again.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I don't often choose songs for my yoga playlist, but perhaps the most surprising is 'Galvanize' by The Chemical Brothers. The music video sticks in my mind, and, at the time, I think the song helped me vent some frustrations and helped me mentally escape from my studies.
What new bands you are listening to now?
Atarashii Gakko! (New School Leaders). It's a Japanese band that I first heard on morning television. They are a group of twenty-somethings singing unique and freewheeling lyrics. I remember being pretty shocked by one of the members, SUZUKA — I'm fascinated by her in many ways; in how she behaves and her work ethic (laughs). She is the complete opposite of me, and although we are far apart in age, I would love to be friends with her.
03Interview
Name
Miyuki Kai
What do you do?
Yoga instructor.
Where are you from?
Miyazaki (north-east Japan) / Tokyo.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
It’s not a band I’ve actually seen in person, but Queen in the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ I like it so much that not only did I see it at the cinema, but I recorded it off the TV when it was on. I wasn’t watching the show live, and it’s not even the actual members of the band, but I still got goosebumps.
Which sub-cultures have influenced you?
Paul Smith. I had a part-time job after first moving to Tokyo, and with my first paycheck, I went to the Paul Smith shop to buy a watch. I guess it was my brother's influence. The watch doesn't work anymore, but I still have it in storage because I can't throw it away.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favorite?
I don't usually go to live music places, but the one that left a deep impression on me was CROCODILE — a music venue in Shibuya. Someone I know plays in a band, and I went to see them.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I've always been drawn to the piano, so in this scenario, I'd be able to play the keys — perhaps joining Coldplay on stage. And as you're giving me the opportunity, I'd like it to be somewhere big. Let's say Nippon Budokan.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I'd like to spend an hour with Freddie Mercury when he was at his most hedonistic — like in a scene from the film. I've never been involved in anything like that, so I would like to see what that lifestyle is all about and chalk it down to life experience. I'd then like to return to my life right after the 60 minutes are up (laughs).
04Playlist Notes
What are the concepts / important points of the playlist?
I started by looking up UK bands and artists and ended up finding songs that I loved from when I was around 16 or 17 years old. I surprised myself as I knew much more about UK music than I first thought. The result was a playlist of songs that I listened to as an escape from reality in sixth form (2005 to 2007) — basically, a throwback to my teenage years. Some of the songs are from the US, but the Jack White & Alicia Keys track ‘Another Way To Die’ was the theme song for my favourite film, ‘Quantum Of Solace.’
The first track you played on repeat?
The track I used to have on all the time was Kasabian's 'Empire.' I think I got to know it after watching MTV.
A song that defines the teenage you?
The Coldplay track ‘A Message.’ I listened to it a lot when I was a teenager, but it’s one of those songs you can listen to at whatever age or generation.
One record you would keep forever?
The Coldplay album, ‘X&Y.’ Even though I’m much older now than when it first came out, there are many songs on there that are still really cool to listen to.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
If it's okay to choose a Japanese song, I'll say 'Sweet 19 Blues' by Namie Amuro. The song's lyrics remind me of when I was 19 years old, and as an adult, I could relate to the lyrics when I learned them again.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I don't often choose songs for my yoga playlist, but perhaps the most surprising is 'Galvanize' by The Chemical Brothers. The music video sticks in my mind, and, at the time, I think the song helped me vent some frustrations and helped me mentally escape from my studies.
What new bands you are listening to now?
Atarashii Gakko! (New School Leaders). It's a Japanese band that I first heard on morning television. They are a group of twenty-somethings singing unique and freewheeling lyrics. I remember being pretty shocked by one of the members, SUZUKA — I'm fascinated by her in many ways; in how she behaves and her work ethic (laughs). She is the complete opposite of me, and although we are far apart in age, I would love to be friends with her.