iiiiju
Pronounced as “Iiju,” based in Kyoto.
A deep lover of immersive music.
While rooted in house, techno, and minimal, he frequently traverses various genres such as jazz, ambient, new age, and world within a single set, layering sounds gradually to craft a seamless flow.
This approach is also reflected in the party “todo vale,” which he hosts at DNA Paradise in Kiyamachi, Kyoto. The event features a diverse lineup of multi-faceted players, exploring everything from dance music to deep listening in an expansive, genre-crossing experience.
He has a strong preference for long mixes and blends, constantly seeking new ways to express himself through transitions, balancing both precision and unpredictability.
Loves film, art, and traveling.
A deep lover of immersive music.
While rooted in house, techno, and minimal, he frequently traverses various genres such as jazz, ambient, new age, and world within a single set, layering sounds gradually to craft a seamless flow.
This approach is also reflected in the party “todo vale,” which he hosts at DNA Paradise in Kiyamachi, Kyoto. The event features a diverse lineup of multi-faceted players, exploring everything from dance music to deep listening in an expansive, genre-crossing experience.
He has a strong preference for long mixes and blends, constantly seeking new ways to express himself through transitions, balancing both precision and unpredictability.
Loves film, art, and traveling.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
My roots lie in the hip-hop of the early 2000s.
The first Western hip-hop I was exposed to was Dr. Dre and 2Pac, whose records were released around the time I was in high school, and from there my interests gradually expanded beyond the West Coast.
Before that, I also went through a phase of listening to hardcore music because of my older brother’s influence, and albums around the time of Cypress Hill’s Skull & Bones really resonated with me.
The first Western hip-hop I was exposed to was Dr. Dre and 2Pac, whose records were released around the time I was in high school, and from there my interests gradually expanded beyond the West Coast.
Before that, I also went through a phase of listening to hardcore music because of my older brother’s influence, and albums around the time of Cypress Hill’s Skull & Bones really resonated with me.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Black Sweat RecordsEvery release from this label is consistently deep.
Spiritual yet fiery, exotic yet deeply rooted in tradition.
It’s a label I’ve been following for many years. - 2.Ultraääni RecordsLately, I’ve been paying close attention to artists from Helsinki, Finland, and Estonia, and I play their music quite often.
I’m especially fond of Misha Panfilov, Oiro Pena, and SUMUPOSAUTTAJA. - 3.AkusmiHe beautifully fuses traditional spiritual jazz with minimalism, transforming it into a unique form of experimental music.
His latest release was outstanding as well.
Kyoto's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
It’s not unusual to see highly creative artists in their twenties partying alongside the veterans who helped build the scene’s foundation.
I’m grateful that Kyoto continues to have such an open and welcoming environment, where age barriers rarely exist.
Personally, I’d love to see the various scenes intermingle even further, leading to new mutations and fresh sounds.
I’m grateful that Kyoto continues to have such an open and welcoming environment, where age barriers rarely exist.
Personally, I’d love to see the various scenes intermingle even further, leading to new mutations and fresh sounds.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
DNA Paradise— 北車屋町 / Kitakurumayacho
Without a doubt the deepest music bar in Kyoto, where you can immerse yourself in great sounds from every genre.
From local selectors to renowned DJs and musicians, a wide range of artists play there.
Beyond dance music, you can enjoy live instrumentation, ambient music, and even traditional folk songs.
The interior, infused with Daichi’s sense of wabi-sabi, feels like a paradise in its own right.
From local selectors to renowned DJs and musicians, a wide range of artists play there.
Beyond dance music, you can enjoy live instrumentation, ambient music, and even traditional folk songs.
The interior, infused with Daichi’s sense of wabi-sabi, feels like a paradise in its own right.
Record Shop
Meditations— 出水町 / Demizucho
It’s impossible to list everything they cover—ambient, drone, obscure regional music, jazz, folk, dance music, and more, but it is a truly one-of-a-kind shop focused on all forms of sound-oriented and psychedelic music.
Café
実験的談話室 主水 / EXPERIMENTAL SALON MONDO— 祇園 / Gion
It’s pronounced “Mondo.” Officially, it calls itself an “Experimental Salon,” which isn’t quite a café, but the description fits perfectly.
The moment you step through the door, you enter a completely mind-bending world. Hidden away in Gion, it’s a place that defies categorization.
The owner is DJ Dr. SATOMATA, also known as Mata Sato, who spent many years active in Indonesia.
Everything about the space is inspiring—the atmosphere, Mata’s stories, the music he plays, and the objects that fill the room.
The food is excellent too, and I absolutely love the smoothies there.
The moment you step through the door, you enter a completely mind-bending world. Hidden away in Gion, it’s a place that defies categorization.
The owner is DJ Dr. SATOMATA, also known as Mata Sato, who spent many years active in Indonesia.
Everything about the space is inspiring—the atmosphere, Mata’s stories, the music he plays, and the objects that fill the room.
The food is excellent too, and I absolutely love the smoothies there.
Which local DJs/artists would you recommend?
Daichi
dna_paradiseThere are countless people who have influenced me, but Daichi is undoubtedly the first person who comes to mind.
The music he introduced me to was a constant source of surprise when I was in my early thirties, and he greatly expanded the way I think about and enjoy music.
Whether through DJing or live performances, he’s the kind of elder brother figure who always delivers the best sound and the best experiences.
He’s one of the main reasons I listen to the music I do and pursue the activities I’m involved in today.
The music he introduced me to was a constant source of surprise when I was in my early thirties, and he greatly expanded the way I think about and enjoy music.
Whether through DJing or live performances, he’s the kind of elder brother figure who always delivers the best sound and the best experiences.
He’s one of the main reasons I listen to the music I do and pursue the activities I’m involved in today.
SHUN145
145_shunLike Daichi, he’s probably well known to many people.
Beyond his vast musical vocabulary, what excites me most is his ability to balance meticulous precision with bold, unexpected selections.
The tracks he drops at just the right moment, especially toward the end of a party, can be genuinely moving.
Even after the event is officially over, he keeps the music going.
He is a true “Mr. DJ.”
Beyond his vast musical vocabulary, what excites me most is his ability to balance meticulous precision with bold, unexpected selections.
The tracks he drops at just the right moment, especially toward the end of a party, can be genuinely moving.
Even after the event is officially over, he keeps the music going.
He is a true “Mr. DJ.”
Showcases
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Born in Osaka, now based in Kyoto. Organizer of the hybrid Latin party Our Latin Way. Percussionist for the Naniwa cumbi
Born in 1995 in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. A member of the house music collective CYK, he has also played numerous gigs
Originally from Sichuan Province, China, Bugs Bunny discovered the deep historical connection between HipHop and Latin c
Based in Kyoto and primarily a woodworking artist. Since the 1990s, he has been captivated by Japanese music (“Wa-mono”)
A pioneer of Japanese ambient DJs, he has been performing at numerous rave parties since the early 1990s. He has partici
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