01Profile
A Koki Asao Photo
Koki Asao
Model — Niigata Prefecture
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Koki Asao, Niigata Prefecture.
What do you do?
Model.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I’ve hardly been to any gigs — UK music or otherwise — so it’ll have to be a video. Something I thought was cool was Ed Sheeran’s solo version of 'Shape Of You', where he uses his loop pedal to layer all the recordings. That song reminds me of when I’d just moved to Tokyo for university, and you’d hear that song everywhere.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Dr. Martens boots. When I was in the sixth form, I learned why there was such a big price difference between vintage models from second-hand shops and a pair of brand new ones. There are subtle differences depending on where the boots were made. This fact made me realise that fashion has a history, too — it’s not just about what’s hip. During my sixth form years, I always wore a pair of UK-made three-eye vintage boots.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Fuji Rock Festival — I went with a mate around three years ago. My friend’s wife had some musical connections, so we got backstage passes. I was blown away that the bands we listened to in the car on the way to the festival site, such as never young beach and Hyukoh, were suddenly playing live in front of our eyes. I want to go to Fuji Rock again when life returns to normal.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I’d love to perform with Queen. I only recently got to know the band’s story after watching the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ It’d be very cool to beat out the intro rhythm to ‘We Will Rock You’ on stage, just like it happens in the film.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to spend an hour with Ed Sheeran. He’d be in the passenger seat of my car singing songs as I drove — just like Carpool Karaoke.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
The Canadian band, Gliiico.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Save You Tonight' by One Direction. Around the time I was in the sixth form, I think.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'First Love' by Hikaru Utada. I listened to it non-stop during my year out, studying to get into university. That year was the toughest of my teenage life, so it makes sense to choose that song. However, to be honest, I don’t know why I listened to that track in particular.
One record you would keep forever?
'Under The Mistletoe' by Justin Bieber. I know he’s from Canada, but I listened to that track when I was studying for my secondary school exams, and it takes me back to that time.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I’m not sure if you'd call it inspiration, but the SMAP song 'The One and Only Flower in the World (Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana)'. When I was at nursery school we would sing it every day. It was the first song where I learned all the lyrics by heart.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Lifetime Respect' by Miki Dozan. If I’m driving with my friends and that track comes on, we all just start singing.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I’m more of an indoor person, which surprises people. I watch a lot of anime on Netflix, so I guess anime songs are a little unexpected.
New music you are listening to now?
The Japanese artist Vaundy. The first track I heard of hers was 'Odoriko (Dancing Girl)' where Nana Komatsu appears in the music video.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Koki Asao, Niigata Prefecture.
What do you do?
Model.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I’ve hardly been to any gigs — UK music or otherwise — so it’ll have to be a video. Something I thought was cool was Ed Sheeran’s solo version of 'Shape Of You', where he uses his loop pedal to layer all the recordings. That song reminds me of when I’d just moved to Tokyo for university, and you’d hear that song everywhere.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Dr. Martens boots. When I was in the sixth form, I learned why there was such a big price difference between vintage models from second-hand shops and a pair of brand new ones. There are subtle differences depending on where the boots were made. This fact made me realise that fashion has a history, too — it’s not just about what’s hip. During my sixth form years, I always wore a pair of UK-made three-eye vintage boots.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Fuji Rock Festival — I went with a mate around three years ago. My friend’s wife had some musical connections, so we got backstage passes. I was blown away that the bands we listened to in the car on the way to the festival site, such as never young beach and Hyukoh, were suddenly playing live in front of our eyes. I want to go to Fuji Rock again when life returns to normal.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I’d love to perform with Queen. I only recently got to know the band’s story after watching the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ It’d be very cool to beat out the intro rhythm to ‘We Will Rock You’ on stage, just like it happens in the film.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to spend an hour with Ed Sheeran. He’d be in the passenger seat of my car singing songs as I drove — just like Carpool Karaoke.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
The Canadian band, Gliiico.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Save You Tonight' by One Direction. Around the time I was in the sixth form, I think.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'First Love' by Hikaru Utada. I listened to it non-stop during my year out, studying to get into university. That year was the toughest of my teenage life, so it makes sense to choose that song. However, to be honest, I don’t know why I listened to that track in particular.
One record you would keep forever?
'Under The Mistletoe' by Justin Bieber. I know he’s from Canada, but I listened to that track when I was studying for my secondary school exams, and it takes me back to that time.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I’m not sure if you'd call it inspiration, but the SMAP song 'The One and Only Flower in the World (Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana)'. When I was at nursery school we would sing it every day. It was the first song where I learned all the lyrics by heart.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Lifetime Respect' by Miki Dozan. If I’m driving with my friends and that track comes on, we all just start singing.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I’m more of an indoor person, which surprises people. I watch a lot of anime on Netflix, so I guess anime songs are a little unexpected.
New music you are listening to now?
The Japanese artist Vaundy. The first track I heard of hers was 'Odoriko (Dancing Girl)' where Nana Komatsu appears in the music video.