Fujii Kaze: Now, in the World - NHK MUSIC SPECIAL

Key Concepts

• Musical Evolution & Self-Discovery: The album represents a significant step in Fujii’s artistic journey, marked by experimentation with English lyrics and a deeper understanding of his own creative needs.
• 80s & 90s Inspiration: A strong influence from the music of the 80s and 90s, characterized by a layered, energetic sound and cinematic aspirations.
• The Power of English: English as a tool for pure expression, allowing for directness and vulnerability in songwriting.
• Self-Acceptance & Universal Connection: Themes of self-love, recognizing inherent strength in oneself and others, and fostering connection through music.
• Piano as Identity: The piano’s central role in Fujii’s musical identity, balanced with a desire to explore new sonic territories.
• "Love Like This": The album's title track and central theme, representing supreme love and connection.

Fujii’s New English Album: A Journey of Artistic Growth and Self-Discovery

I. Album Creation & Personal Significance

Fujii describes the new album as surpassing any of his previous works, defining a “good album” simply as one filled with strong songs – a goal he believes he’s achieved. The creation process was not easy ("簡単ではないですね、本当に"), but ultimately proved crucial for his personal growth ("自分自身の魂の成長としてこの作品が必要だったんだなっていうことが すごい 逆に分かってきた"). He aims to connect with everyone in the world ("USaround…I want make friends witheverybody in this world"). The album is described as a dream realized ("This album is my dream"), a solid, classical work built upon his previous experiences. The release on January 13th felt like a clear message to his long-time fans – a promise to lead them forward without hesitation ("これまで待ってくれてた。で、これからもう迷いなく連れていきますよみたいな").

II. Global Reception & Initial Impact

The album’s release was met with enthusiastic reactions, particularly in Thailand ("Thailand reacted to surprise with wild enthusiasm"). Fujii expresses gratitude for the initial reception and the energy he felt from his audience ("まず受け入れ[音楽]てくれたその熱量にもすごい感謝してる"). He acknowledges the need to continue striving for improvement ("これからまだまだ頑張らなきゃいけないっていうのがもう本当ハーフハーフ ぐらい見えた"). He found the universality of the English language fostered a sense of connection with others ("みんなの共通言語英語っていうのをみんな一生懸命話してるっていう感じがすごく自分も溶け込みやすかったし"). He observed that even those with limited English skills attempted to communicate, highlighting English as a powerful tool for connection.

III. Musical Influences & Production Style

Fujii’s musical roots trace back to his older sister introducing him to Western music. He was particularly fascinated by the innovative music culture and music videos of the era, inspiring him to create cinematic visuals for his own work ("from the when he [音楽]washis oldersisterthim about westernmusic hewasespcially[音楽] fascinatedbythe innovativemusic culture"). He draws heavily from 80s music, aiming for a timeless and nostalgic sound ("80年代の音楽にすごくインスパイされ てるのでタイムレスなちょっと ノスタルジックな方向にタイムレスなもの にしたいという イメージはずっとありました"). The production style is described as layered and energetic, reminiscent of the “additive” approach of 80s music ("80年代はなん すごく足し算の音楽って感じがするんです 。色々詰め込まれているエネルギーが溢れ てる感じがします"). He envisions a powerful, almost explosive sound, referencing guitar heroes ("驚ろ驚しいみたいなものが爆発してえみたいなギターウみたいなギターヒーローみたいなそういう音は見えて").

IV. Songwriting & Thematic Exploration

The song "I Need You Back" was born from a sudden burst of inspiration ("アイバックはすごくインスピレーションが急に降りてきて"). It represents the passion needed to move forward to the next album ("人々で言うと、だからこの次のアルバムに向かうために必要な熱意、上熱"). The recording sessions with a duo were remarkably quiet ("めちゃくちゃ カームな 方でしたね。こんな静かにレコーディング する2人組がいるんでしょうかぐらい静か だったし"). Fujii felt a connection with their calm approach. The song "Love Like This" is explicitly about passion ("この曲がパッションについての歌[音楽] だっていう音が見えた時からはもうすごく ストレートに進んでいきました"). He emphasizes the importance of self-love and recognizing the inherent strength within oneself and others ("自分はもうすごい存なやでっていうことを気づいて欲しくて"). He believes everyone is inherently “the strongest” ("もうみんな最強なんだよ"). He finds English allows for a more pure and direct expression of his thoughts ("英語はすごく ピュアに考えさせてくれる ストレートに表現しやすいので 自分の思考をクリアにしてくれるし").

V. Piano’s Role & Artistic Identity

The piano remains central to Fujii’s musical identity ("今までの僕を作ってきてくれたのはピアノだと思ってますし"). However, he also seeks to push boundaries and explore new sounds, acknowledging the potential for the piano to become “typical” ("Partofyour identitymusicright pianobutsometimes hmmandpianoissounds likealittletypical typicalyeah complicatedthing"). He aims to incorporate elements of classical music, jazz, and more, pushing the instrument to its limits ("ちょっとクラシックみたいなような思き のあるものもで、あとアウトにあるような ちょっとジャズスズっぽいね、これ以上 詰め込めることなんてできませんぐらい はい。詰め込まれているんじゃないかなと 思いますね").

VI. Reflection & Future Outlook

Fujii acknowledges the journey is far from over ("まだ旅の途中ですね"). While the initial response in Japan to the English album was overwhelmingly positive ("日本に結構いたので、発売日の時に日本で の反響はすごい入ってきました。やっぱり 英語のアルバムなのにみんな聞いてくれて 、求めてくれてすごい 嬉しかったです"), he remains cautious about assuming immediate global success. He emphasizes that the album’s creation was ultimately a process of self-discovery ("この作品 が必要だったんだなっていうことがすごい 逆に分かってきた"). He feels a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continued self-improvement ("まだまだもうその 自分自身を磨いていかなければいけないな とは思ってます"). He expresses a desire to share the excitement and energy he experienced with his Japanese fans ("これは洋の ワクワク感自分がもらったエクサイト みたいなものを日本の方にもシェアするっ ていう 1つの目標もあったのでそれは早速 でき始めているのかもって感じ").

VII. Notable Quote

“みんな最強なんだよ。みんな 最強のあなた自身があなたの中にあんだよ みたいな。” (“Everyone is the strongest. The strongest you is within you.”) – Fujii, emphasizing the theme of self-acceptance and inherent strength.

VIII. Technical Terms & Concepts

• Cinematic: Relating to the style and quality of filmmaking, emphasizing visual storytelling.
• Nostalgia: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.
• Additive Music: A production style characterized by layering multiple instruments and sounds to create a dense and energetic texture.
• Premia: (From the album title track) Meaning “supreme love” in Sanskrit.

This album marks a pivotal moment in Fujii’s career, demonstrating his artistic growth, willingness to experiment, and commitment to connecting with audiences on a deeper level. It’s a testament to the power of music to transcend language barriers and foster a sense of universal connection.