01Profile
A Jyonio Iwai Photo
Jyonio Iwai
Comedian — Chiba
03Interview
Name
Jyonio Iwai (Iwaigawa).
What do you do?
A Comedian.
Where are you from?
Chiba, Japan.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I actually only watched the video of this gig, but even so, I would say the 'Serious Moonlight' tour by David Bowie. This was the origin of my ideas about suits, as I had a real thing for blue suits at the time. It felt like destiny when I found a 3-piece suit by Pierre Cardin, in light blue, in a vintage shop in Harajuku during my first visit to Tokyo from Chiba - next to Tokyo.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The Dynamite Kid, the wrestler who I've loved ever since I was in primary school. I'm a big fan of him, even before he formed the tag team with Davey Boy Smith called The British Bulldogs. I was really into their WWF period. His attitude to life had such an impact on me. Also, George Best, the football player who my comedian mentor Sanma Akashiya told me about.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Tokyo Kinema Club in Uguisudani. I got on the stage there for a comedy gig once. The venue is interesting as it has the romanticism of the Showa (1926-1989) period.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
David Bowie. He looked a bit scary when he was in Kansai Yamamoto costumes, so I'd take the '80s Bowie. I would wear a suit I can be really proud of and sing together with him. The idea literally gets my heart racing.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would prefer a woman if I were to spend an hour together... so Sheena Easton. We would experience the language barrier but I'd still like to have a couple of glasses of Japanese sake with her in an Izakaya - pub in Kanda or Jinbocho in Tokyo. Going bar hopping with her from place to place in sprinkles of rain would be the best setting.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Time Is On My Side' by The Rolling Stones. I was blown away by the video of the gig as I watched it on a music show on TV. It’s got a lot of youthful energy. You may understand if I say the clip was too cool to be erotic.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'The Reflex' by Duran Duran. I used to wear make-up, wearing school uniform when I was in high school. I recently found out that the elderly talkative ladies in my neighbourhood were swapping rumours that Mr. Iwai’s son (i.e. me) had chosen another path.
One record you would keep forever?
'Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars' by David Bowie. I've never really doubted that it was the right choice for me to become a comedian, but this album still makes me long to be a rock star.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Changes' by David Bowie, again. I checked out the lyrics because that "che che che che" part attracted me. I’m so glad I encountered this tune as a young man, becoming self-aware. The part, you don’t need to try to be rich and all.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Victims' by Culture Club and 'Faith' by George Michael. 'Victims' is great right from the opening bar and I'll end up on the verge of tears if I sing it in the car. 'Faith' is my Karaoke staple.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Big Apple' by Kajagoogoo. I was a boy dreaming of going to Tokyo and taking inspiration listening to foreign music at the time, so this tune which sings about N.Y. reminds me of the bittersweet affection towards Tokyo
.
New bands you are listening to now?
This is a Japanese one, but Nulbarich. I listened to their track 'Voice' which was featured on a TV ad starring Keiko Kitagawa, the actress. It feels like there's a revival and reinterpretation of 1980s at the moment.
03Interview
Name
Jyonio Iwai (Iwaigawa).
What do you do?
A Comedian.
Where are you from?
Chiba, Japan.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I actually only watched the video of this gig, but even so, I would say the 'Serious Moonlight' tour by David Bowie. This was the origin of my ideas about suits, as I had a real thing for blue suits at the time. It felt like destiny when I found a 3-piece suit by Pierre Cardin, in light blue, in a vintage shop in Harajuku during my first visit to Tokyo from Chiba - next to Tokyo.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The Dynamite Kid, the wrestler who I've loved ever since I was in primary school. I'm a big fan of him, even before he formed the tag team with Davey Boy Smith called The British Bulldogs. I was really into their WWF period. His attitude to life had such an impact on me. Also, George Best, the football player who my comedian mentor Sanma Akashiya told me about.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Tokyo Kinema Club in Uguisudani. I got on the stage there for a comedy gig once. The venue is interesting as it has the romanticism of the Showa (1926-1989) period.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
David Bowie. He looked a bit scary when he was in Kansai Yamamoto costumes, so I'd take the '80s Bowie. I would wear a suit I can be really proud of and sing together with him. The idea literally gets my heart racing.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would prefer a woman if I were to spend an hour together... so Sheena Easton. We would experience the language barrier but I'd still like to have a couple of glasses of Japanese sake with her in an Izakaya - pub in Kanda or Jinbocho in Tokyo. Going bar hopping with her from place to place in sprinkles of rain would be the best setting.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Time Is On My Side' by The Rolling Stones. I was blown away by the video of the gig as I watched it on a music show on TV. It’s got a lot of youthful energy. You may understand if I say the clip was too cool to be erotic.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'The Reflex' by Duran Duran. I used to wear make-up, wearing school uniform when I was in high school. I recently found out that the elderly talkative ladies in my neighbourhood were swapping rumours that Mr. Iwai’s son (i.e. me) had chosen another path.
One record you would keep forever?
'Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars' by David Bowie. I've never really doubted that it was the right choice for me to become a comedian, but this album still makes me long to be a rock star.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Changes' by David Bowie, again. I checked out the lyrics because that "che che che che" part attracted me. I’m so glad I encountered this tune as a young man, becoming self-aware. The part, you don’t need to try to be rich and all.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Victims' by Culture Club and 'Faith' by George Michael. 'Victims' is great right from the opening bar and I'll end up on the verge of tears if I sing it in the car. 'Faith' is my Karaoke staple.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Big Apple' by Kajagoogoo. I was a boy dreaming of going to Tokyo and taking inspiration listening to foreign music at the time, so this tune which sings about N.Y. reminds me of the bittersweet affection towards Tokyo
.
New bands you are listening to now?
This is a Japanese one, but Nulbarich. I listened to their track 'Voice' which was featured on a TV ad starring Keiko Kitagawa, the actress. It feels like there's a revival and reinterpretation of 1980s at the moment.