Every Day Is Japan Day

L. J. English reflects on the many aspects and brands that are present in his life, from music to video games, photo cameras, films and tv shows.

I am an English guy and I travel the UK and Europe singing Japanese enka and showa kayoukyoku popular music at Japan themed events, festivals and charity events, and later this year I will make my first trip to Japan where I will perform at some small events.

Planning, marketing, research, backing tracks, social media, collaborations, rehearsals, and travel bookings play a large part in my weekly activities. Most of this is accomplished through using either the laptop or my phone - both of which were manufactured in Japan. When I think about it - Japanese technology and culture have been with me since I was very young. 

In addition to my involvement in enka and showa kayoukyoku music, my leisure time – when I get a brief window occasionally – is also enriched by the innovation and expertise of Japan. Japanese contributions have become an integral part of some of my recreational activities. 

One such avenue is gaming, immersing myself in the imaginative worlds created by Japanese video game developers. The PlayStation consoles, which hail from Japan, have been my preferred gaming platform throughout the years. Starting from the days of the PlayStation 1 (PS1) to the latest generation PlayStation 5 (PS5), Japanese innovation and craftsmanship have continually pushed the boundaries of gaming technology. As a youngster it was the Nintendo NES and Gameboy that I loved. 

Within the vast library of Japanese video games, there is one series that holds a special place in my heart—Metal Gear Solid. Developed by the acclaimed Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid has captivated players worldwide with its intricate narratives, cinematic presentation, and ground-breaking gameplay mechanics. 

Japanese expertise is also a critical part of my marketing activities. Canon, a renowned Japanese brand, has been my trusted companion in capturing memories and preserving moments. The exceptional quality and cutting-edge technology of Canon cameras allow me to express my creativity, bringing to life the beauty and emotions of the world around me. Or at least that’s the idea – I am still learning how to best use the camera. At best my “expressed creativity” is a slightly blurred, poorly framed photo – but that is on me, not Japan. 

However, the promo shots I recently had done by Roth Read Photography were taken on Canon cameras and post – produced on a WACOM Cintiq Graphics Tablet – WACOM being another Japanese brand. These pictures are a million times better than mine and can just show exactly what can be achieved if the kit is in the right hands! My marketing has improved massively by having these at my disposal. 

Furthermore, Japanese innovation extends to home entertainment. I have fond memories of watching classic Toho Godzilla movies on a Mitsubishi TV, which showcased stunning visuals and brought the colossal battles of these iconic monsters to life. The Sanyo video recorder, another Japanese brand, allowed me to fully immerse myself in the epic clashes between Godzilla and his formidable adversaries.

Another childhood memory that stands out is my fondness for the Japanese TV show Monkey. Airing in the UK, this captivating series transported me to a world filled with whimsical storytelling, mythological characters, and thrilling martial arts adventures. I had the theme tune on a vinyl record and would play it incessantly on my parents’ Aiwa record player. 

So both then and now, facets of Japan have been with me in my daily life, from tools to make life easier, equipment to enjoy media, to fabulous songs and music that I can perform around the world.

And yet still there are new influences now which play a part in my daily life – such as the concepts of ikigai and kaizen now becoming areas of focus for me, along with oubaitori – a useful tool for a performer developing his own style.

I have a lot to thank Japan for, and I will do so through my performances, which will likely be recorded on my Japanese video camera!