HAPPFAT
DJ / Producer
HAPPFAT began DJing in 1997 and has developed a distinctive performance style shaped by a deep connection to the sea and waterfront landscapes of his hometown. Bringing a live, immersive approach to DJing, he has performed across a wide range of venues and scenes, both in Japan and internationally.
His MELT mix series has topped the mix CD charts at a major international record and CD retailer multiple times.
In addition to live performances, he has contributed mixes to Taiwan's TOHA RADIO and Tokyo's ELLA RECORDS, expanding his unique artistic vision through recorded works and online platforms while presenting music in ways that differ from the dance floor experience.
Beyond DJing, he has collaborated with apparel brands and restaurants on a variety of projects, including music direction, curation, and collaborative merchandise.
As a producer, he has also composed music for teaser films, including collaborations between Kicks Lab. and brands such as adidas and Salomon, while continuing to create original music at his own pace.
Today, he continues to create moods and atmospheres, whether in the city or surrounded by nature.
Founder of HOBO and member of COOL RUNNINGS.
HAPPFAT began DJing in 1997 and has developed a distinctive performance style shaped by a deep connection to the sea and waterfront landscapes of his hometown. Bringing a live, immersive approach to DJing, he has performed across a wide range of venues and scenes, both in Japan and internationally.
His MELT mix series has topped the mix CD charts at a major international record and CD retailer multiple times.
In addition to live performances, he has contributed mixes to Taiwan's TOHA RADIO and Tokyo's ELLA RECORDS, expanding his unique artistic vision through recorded works and online platforms while presenting music in ways that differ from the dance floor experience.
Beyond DJing, he has collaborated with apparel brands and restaurants on a variety of projects, including music direction, curation, and collaborative merchandise.
As a producer, he has also composed music for teaser films, including collaborations between Kicks Lab. and brands such as adidas and Salomon, while continuing to create original music at his own pace.
Today, he continues to create moods and atmospheres, whether in the city or surrounded by nature.
Founder of HOBO and member of COOL RUNNINGS.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
Hip hop is my musical root. These days, my approach is genreless, but my style remains firmly rooted in hip hop. My sets span almost every genre, usually built around themes inspired by the ocean, water, and other natural landscapes.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.STONES THROWIn the early days, the label had a distinct hip hop identity. Since then, it has gradually embraced a wider range of sounds, and every new release brings something fresh and exciting. They have so many wonderful artists on their roster.
Tokyo's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
Before I knew it, I'd been DJing for over 30 years. Even so, I still don't feel I'm in a position to speak about the music scene as a whole.
I can only speak from my own experience. One thing I do hope is that DJs will increasingly be recognized as artists, and that more DJs will take pride in developing their own artistic identity. Through my own journey, I've come to realize there are many reasons why this isn't always easy, and why things are the way they are. Even so, I've been trying, in my own modest way, to create work that reflects that belief. It wasn't something I consciously set out to do from the beginning.
Looking back, I realized that by simply focusing on what I genuinely enjoyed and following my own path, I had naturally been moving in that direction all along. I'll keep at it, one step at a time.
I can only speak from my own experience. One thing I do hope is that DJs will increasingly be recognized as artists, and that more DJs will take pride in developing their own artistic identity. Through my own journey, I've come to realize there are many reasons why this isn't always easy, and why things are the way they are. Even so, I've been trying, in my own modest way, to create work that reflects that belief. It wasn't something I consciously set out to do from the beginning.
Looking back, I realized that by simply focusing on what I genuinely enjoyed and following my own path, I had naturally been moving in that direction all along. I'll keep at it, one step at a time.
What local spots would you recommend?
Label / Series
Mr Bongo
Since I already mentioned a label, I'll go with a compilation series instead. I've been a fan of Mr Bongo's compilations for a long time. I'd even love to put together my own compilation someday.
Which local DJs/artists would you recommend?
MURO
dj_muroIf I had to name one person who has influenced me the most, it would be MURO. I was deeply inspired by him when I first started DJing in 1998, and I still think it's incredible how his DJing and everything he does continue to be so inspiring. There are many others I respect, but MURO stands out because of the long history and memories I have with his work. There are so many DJs I respect in my local scene, each with their own unique style, and I think that diversity is one of the things that makes the scene so special.
Even more names come to mind outside my local scene, such as FLATT THE LAIDBACK.From my own perspective, there are also musicians who aren't known primarily as DJs but whose DJ sets have made a lasting impression on me. Keiichi Sokabe and JxJx are two people I deeply respect because, when I heard them DJ, they demonstrated everything I admire about the art of DJing.
Internationally, DJs like Cut Chemist and Harvey have also had a strong influence on me.
Even more names come to mind outside my local scene, such as FLATT THE LAIDBACK.From my own perspective, there are also musicians who aren't known primarily as DJs but whose DJ sets have made a lasting impression on me. Keiichi Sokabe and JxJx are two people I deeply respect because, when I heard them DJ, they demonstrated everything I admire about the art of DJing.
Internationally, DJs like Cut Chemist and Harvey have also had a strong influence on me.
Showcases
Artists from Tokyo
The cosmos, human life, the act of living, history. And parties and gatherings as their manifestation in the spirit of B
Born in 2001. Began DJing and organizing events in January 2024. Builds his sets primarily around techno, footwork, and
Played in a band during the 2000s. Started DJing around 2015. Since late 2023, has been a regular DJ at Ponpoko Mountain
Yumi Iwaki is a Tokyo-based electronic sound artist. Her work traces immersive soundscapes that feel like drifting throu
akii is a Tokyo-based DJ and selector. Moving fluidly between Roots Dub, Steppers, Dub Techno, Experimental Bass, and Am
The cosmos, human life, the act of living, history. And parties and gatherings as their manifestation in the spirit of B
Born in 2001. Began DJing and organizing events in January 2024. Builds his sets primarily around techno, footwork, and
Played in a band during the 2000s. Started DJing around 2015. Since late 2023, has been a regular DJ at Ponpoko Mountain
Yumi Iwaki is a Tokyo-based electronic sound artist. Her work traces immersive soundscapes that feel like drifting throu
akii is a Tokyo-based DJ and selector. Moving fluidly between Roots Dub, Steppers, Dub Techno, Experimental Bass, and Am
L?K?O is a singular artist who fuses the ritual instinct of a club DJ with the experimental spirit of a turntablist, cre