[Tokyo/Fukuoka, JAPAN. November 18, 2009] -- Born in Tokyo and now stationed in Fukuoka, this multi-alias deejay powerhouse has been one of the more integral figures in Japan’s jazzy house scene since the early ‘90s. Takashige Miyawaki (aka Juzu aka Moochy aka Jakam) had a varied musical upbringing which has blossomed into a multi-faceted approach to djing and Live PA/production. (He works as a sound programmer, bassist, and mix engineer). In 1999 he formed “NXS,” a session project that combines cross-over, clash, jazz-fusion, and various effects that is sometimes spontaneous and other sometimes meticulous in its execution. Steeped in a fantastic musical ethos that spans organic rhythms and futuristic beats, Miyawaki displays a cultivated range of sensibilities in everything that he does. The following interview and podcast are a special treat, so read on... The following few questions were sent in Japanese and then translated into English. Very special thanks go to Miho Lyon for assisting with the translations.

Original Japanese Text [日本語]




Tell us a little bit about what you grew up around in Tokyo. What sort of childhood memories do you have?

I was born in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and I was influenced by Punk, Hip-Hop, and skateboarding. I also enjoyed listening to Bossanova, jazz, Latin music, noise, techno, and reggae as well. I was just hungry for music and tried to listen to whatever I could. Life in Tokyo was always stressful. Insanely packed trains, traffic jams, ridiculously high rent for a tiny apartment... But night life in Tokyo never got old. I think I was lucky to be surrounded by different kinds of music all the time.

Where do you currently live, and how is it working out for you?

I am currently living in Fukuoka. Every weekend, I travel by plane or train to deejay and perform live music, but otherwise I spendmy time in my studio at home to create music. I also enjoy growing veggies in the garden.

As a musician, what type of gear and/or instruments do you like to use? What is the setup like in your studio?

My music experience started originally as a guitar player, and I also sang. I got my turntable later and started sampling and using a PC. I also play the base, the shamisen, and the piano. I like to try to play any musical instruments. I mainly create music with a PC and also use an outboard.

When you tour, do you usually deejay or play live?

Mostly I'm invited as a deejay, but I do also perform live music actively.


Who are your favorite producers at this time? What about your favorite record labels?

Gee. I have so many of them, but if I have to choose my friend, Joe Claussell's Sacred Rhythm is really cool.

As far as this podcast goes, what is the concept for it? What inspired you to play it out in this way?

This is a recording from a party I performed in Osaka and Tokyo. It was inspired by the atmosphere (the "time and place") of the party.

Could you tell us a little bit about your musical upbringing? Did you grow up playing any instruments and/or in any bands? And specifically, who are some of your musical influences when growing up?

My parents were more or less into music when they were young, and they had a bunch of records like The Beatles, Boss Nova, film music, folk, classical etc.　I listened to those records as I grew up. I learned the piano a little because of my mom, and I started teaching myself the guitar when I was 12. Later, when I was 15, I started an alternative/hard core punk band. I've never got into one particular genre of music, so I’d say I was influenced by different kinds of music. But the music I respected at that time was Japanese Hard Core.

I have really been meaning to ask you about the different aliases that you use. What is the significance of “Juzu aka Moochy” and “Jakam” for you? Could you tell us why you chose these?

Juzu is my street nickname, and I got the name Moochy when I was joking around with my friends in school. JAKAM is an abbreviation of "Juzu A.K.A. Moochy.' For me though, JAKAM is the difference between those 2 names.... Juzu aka Moochy's music is more like organic sounds, and JAKAM’s is rather metallic/futuristic sounds.

Bonus question -- What is the single most important thing you think you’ve done so far in 2009?

The recording in Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was very memorable.


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