[Honey's Anime Interview] JAM Project (One Punch Man, Garo: Vanishing Line, Bakuman 3)

2:55 AM November 2, 2017

One Punch ManOne Punch Man [Anime Title]

TOKYO_DIVE_Art_Photo-485x500 [Honey's Anime Interview] JAM Project (One Punch Man, Garo: Vanishing Line, Bakuman 3)

JAM Project was formed in 2000, and currently is composed by five vocal artists who are veterans in the anime and tokusatsu music industry; they are: Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endoh, Hiroshi Kitadani, Masami Okui, and Yoshiki Fukuyama. They did the OP for One Punch Man, "THE HERO!", and the OP and ED for the GARO series including GARO: Vanishing Line which is being aired this fall.

On october 18th Their 6th studio album, “Tokyo Dive”, was released. Honey-chan and Bee-kun are huge fans so they desperately went looking for each member who were all scattered around Tokyo, doing who knows what, to ask them questions about their new album, anime and future projects.

About the Upcoming Album ‘Tokyo Dive’

What is the story behind the album title ‘Tokyo Dive’?

We are deeply grateful that many overseas fans love Japanese anime culture and have supported it. We wanted to send a message of “Welcome to Tokyo!” to all of those fans.

This album has been long-awaited by fans all around the world. What can we expect from this new album? Are there some unexpected or new elements in this album? Can you tell us what kind of energy and atmosphere we can expect from Tokyo Dive?

Tokyo is a digital city overflowing with light that is awake 24/7. In order to express that, the sound this time introduced more EDM elements than we normally use.

Please tell us about your process of writing new songs, and what ideas or themes inspired some of the new songs.?

s JAM Project, we are continuously searching for a new sound or idea. However, our themes and thoughts are always the same; everyone working together to achieve a happy future. That is what we are.

Fans are always curious about the member dynamics while working together. Please tell us a story of a memorable moment or funny anecdote while writing and recording “TOKYO DIVE”.

Recently, Kitadani was in poor health and had to be hospitalized. Somehow we were able to cover everything with the rest of our members. Through helping each other out, we were able to overcome this problem and continue through with recording and our live shows. When that happened, I realized how we can truly rely on each other.

[Official Video] JAM Project - TOKYO DIVE -

One of the most appealing things about JAM Project is how different are the singing styles of each member are. Can you tell us what is the personal flair that each member has brought to this album?

It is not necessarily limited to just this album, but we each always sing each part that is best suited to each of our styles individually. In Japanese, this is called “適材適所” (Tekizai Tekisho) which means “The right person in the right place”.

Conversely for example, if Endou were to sing, then it takes on an Endou-esqueness… JAM Project is about a gathering of people who all have distinct individuality.

For our members, we are each like the following:

Endou = Long, High Tones and Powerful Tones
Kageyama = Rhythmical
Kitadani = Base
Fukuyama = Shouting
Okui = Parts that are best suited for women

What do you do with your free time when you are not recording or performing shows with JAM Project?

I primarily watch anime. I perform in TV shows and movies which you wouldn’t think are that time-consuming, but actually are. *laughs*
I hit the gym daily for weight training and cooking. I also enjoy a good drink. *laughs*
It’s almost like I need someone to tell me “Go play outside sometimes...”

BUY IT NOW !

“TOKYO DIVE”
by
JAM Project

BUY IT NOW !

“TOKYO DIVE”
by
JAM Project

About Anime

What are the anime series or movies that have had a deep impact on your life and how?

There are many anime, and each one has had a different influence on someone, but even then, as a Japanese person, I think it has to be Doraemon.
Friendship, Dreams, etc. I learned so many different things from it.

About Overseas Activities

JAM Project has performed overseas many times including a World Tour. We would like to know what are your favorite things each of you look forward to when performing abroad?

A long time ago, we had been told that anime and anisongs were very popular, but we had not thought about it much. However, now there really are many people who sing along with us at events and understand Japanese culture.

I am very happy that it has become this way.

BUY IT NOW !

“TOKYO DIVE”
by
JAM Project

BUY IT NOW !

“TOKYO DIVE”
by
JAM Project

They’re not like most bands who share the same style or way of thinking. It was difficult to gather these answers from each member.

That’s exactly what makes them so interesting. They all are so eccentric, doing their own things so they bring all these different elements to the studio and they come up with a great album

Okui-san is smoking hot, look at her in those tight pants

They’re all looking great, like superheroes of Tokyo City. They should get their own anime series.