A DJ experience here in Japan
October 27th, 2015

About one month ago, I was asked by one of my friends if I was free on October 23rd. After verifying that I was, I asked her why and she told me that some of her friends were looking for a DJ to play at a party in Honatsugi. I must say I was quite delighted at the fact that she had even thought of me. Two days later, I met the organizer who is also a DJ/Producer. This was my first time meeting someone like me who DJs, makes music in Japan. My first thought: Might be making a track with him! Haha

So after that conversation, I started inviting people. He had made some pretty cool posters and videos to help promote the night. It seemed like it was going to be a good experience. Now I have DJed here in Japan at most of the Kaikan parties and even the International Friday Night in December last year, but none of these had given me the freedom of playing what I wanted. I always had to play music that pleased the crowd. But this time, maybe I had a chance!

The day came up and I headed there early. A Taiwanese guy from the Kaikan called Sorata said it would be boring to wait so he joined me. As soon as we arrived in Honatsugi, we rushed to the building, finding it in no time. I walked in, said hello and started setting up. Got everything in check, tested out a few tracks with the speakers of the place and then let the space open for the last DJ to set up.

(Set up ready, just missing the crowd!)

My friends took forever to arrive, but apparently the train had stopped due to an accident. Also due to that, about 30 people from the originally planned 80 didn't show up. At around 7:50, I was told to start getting ready. I started setting up, got everything ready and I pressed PLAY!

... nothing happened. They had switched everything around for that first DJ, and so it took us a good 7 minutes to finally get sound out of my mixer and into the speakers. Finally it was time to start. A nice introduction, and I was off.

It went well. I made a few mistakes here and there, didn't get the best transitions, but I got a lot of them dancing. My friends (Yusef, Islam, Khaled, Sorata) were the best because they didn't stop dancing. I even got to use a few of my tracks to which my friends who knew them started screaming out loud the lyrics.

(Our simple costume for the night!)

I finished up after an hour of playing. I then quickly stored my things away to make sure I didn't forget anything behind. After that, I joined my friends on the dance floor. The next DJ wasn't as good as I had expected. He had a lot of fans in the crowd, but as my friends also realized, he didn't play very well, which kind of made me feel good. Maybe they were just being nice.

(The crowd and my friends were lots of fun!)

(The three DJs! SONNY, REC PECK & Vroxyle)

We ended the night by ordering pizza and eating outside.

(A small accident that happened on our way back!)

The next day, I got to DJ again, but at the Kokusaikaikan's Halloween Party. This time, I only got 30 minutes, but I made everyone of them count. I barely made any mistakes, and I was also able to play some of my music as well as some more club style music too, which all received a good reaction. This was a great way to end my DJing here in Japan. I must say, I got a lot of good practice.

(The last time seeing this. I still remember the first time!)

(Happy Halloween!)

("Just smile. It'll get better.")





2:10 PM | Category: | 0 comments

My last judo practice at Tokai
October 26th, 2015

So about two weeks ago, on October 9th, I had my last judo practice at the Tokai University Judo club. After one year of practice with the team, following them to tournaments, training camps, morning runs and hard weight sessions, I have now taken my leave.

Why? Well for many reasons, the biggest one being my surgery, which will happen tomorrow (at the time of writing). I had some preparations for the surgery such as purchasing the needed articles and making sure I understand the procedure. I also had to start my preparation for what is to come after my surgery, since it seems like I will be quite busy. Not being able to talk will make these preparations quite difficult, therefore I took the opportunity with this time I got. The last reason was that I wanted to have a little fun with my friends before I leave. Once my surgery is done, going out with friends will become quite difficult.

To say thank you and good bye to the team, I wrote a speech, which my dad helped correct, and after that practice, I said it out loud to those who were there.

One thing I noticed was that as I was practicing the speech, I would end up getting very emotional as I said the last line. I came to realize that I worked hard throughout the year. One year ago, these guys whom I barely knew came to be a part of my daily life. This club became my second home that I shared with these guys, and I must say I went through a lot.

As I said the last lines, the emotions filled me up, and I couldn't help the tears that came to my eyes. After I was done, the whole club bowed to me, and gave me a round of applause. I shook Agemizu sensei's hand and returned to sit down with everyone.

Agemizu then spoke to the club for about 5 minutes about what I had said and my whole stay in Japan, which was very nice of him. The practice ended, and I asked if I could grab a picture with everyone.

(The one picture I got the whole year haha.)

After the picture, a lot of guys came to shake my hand and tell me thank you or good luck. One guy was even crying. Fubuki and Kotaro invited me to diner, and all the coaches came to thank me one last time.


That night, I ate with Fubuki, Kotaro and... which was a good ending to it all. After spending a few moments in Kotaro's room, I headed back to my room, a huge weight off my shoulders.

(Me, Kotaro, ..., and Fubuki at Peers.)

After one whole year, I survived. Partially.



2:18 PM | Category: , , , , , , , | 0 comments