DOHCHIN YOSHIKUNI

With the release of the highly-anticipated album Bronze Caravan, Yoshikuni strikes back with a nationwide tour in March. And on the heels of that, Yoshikuni displays his versatility as he takes the leading role in the feature film The Undying Dream We Have, in theaters in May, leaving fans anxious for his next big thing. In this interview, we delve into not only his music, but also fashion, hairstyles and other interests.

For the posing and so on, I would often come up with my own ideas to suggest to the photographer, but today he asked me to do a shachihoko pose, which was a first for me (a shachihoko is an animal in Japanese folklore which looks like a fish with a tiger’s head). So that was a pretty memorable moment. (laughs)

I like a flashy look, and put that together with sneakers for a more sporty impression. I think it’s good to keep it fresh. When I put on the jacket and pants, they stretch a little and are easier to move around in.”

I guess mainly boots or sneakers. The more I wear them, the more it emphasizes the material and color. Recently I’ve been getting a lot of beige shoes. I also wear FABRE NIPPON shoes. They’re light and comfortable, really nice shoes.”

Well bronze is for 3rd place, and so far I haven’t come in first place, so it means I still have work to do, improvements to make. Also, it’s a metaphor for the work I do together with my backup band, we’re kind of a caravan. I want everyone to pile in my caravan, and pull us forward into more success.

I like mushroom cuts. When I was in a band in my student days, I had hair like this. I think it’s a look that not many people can pull off (laughs). So when I go back to an old hairstyle, there isn’t that sense of discomfort that sometimes comes with trying a new look.

It’s about someone I used to perform with, Hitonari Tsuji. We both come from the same musical roots, and he’s such a multi-talented person. I was really happy when he invited me to work with him, and also felt a sense of comfort to be working with someone I knew and trusted. To put this story into cinematic format, I couldn’t imagine anyone playing my character other than myself. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to give the role the realism it deserves.
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