Guy Perryman Interviews

A conversation with Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham - founders of Klein Dytham Architecture and two of the coolest people in Japan who have designed some of the coolest buildings in Japan including Ginza Place at one of Tokyo’s most iconic crossroads and T-Site lifestyle retail spot in Daikanyama; not to mention creators of PechaKucha presentation format which has spread to hundreds of cities around the world and is now an entry in the Cambridge English dictionary. Astrid and Mark share the ideas behind some of their favourite buildings and why they love designing in Japan.

A conversation with Crystal Kay - soulful superstar who in 2022 returned in the Leading Player role for the second Japan season of the stage musical Pippin, released new solo songs, and performed a series of live shows at Billboard Live Tokyo. Kay talks openly about the family, fun and fears in showbiz.

A conversation with Ratko Backo - fashion executive, artist, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, who in November 2022 had an exhibition of spectacular oil paintings in Tokyo. Ratko shares behind the scenes stories of the Japanese fashion industry and how he wants you to look twice at what he's really painting.

A conversation with Kathleen Reilly - metal worker, artist and artisan who creates some incredibly imaginative pieces to look at, think about and even eat with; and recipient of the Study UK Alumni of the Year award at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) British Business Awards 2022. Kathleen talks about combining the British creative spirit with the Japanese attention to detail to find a perfect artistic path.

A conversation with Monday Michiru - singer, songwriter and flautist who was a big part of the acid jazz scene in Tokyo in the early 1990’s and was in Japan in November 2022 for live shows to celebrate the release of her album Enso with crossover jazz, soulful, spoken word, orchestral and Brazilian vibes. Monday talks with reverence about the people who have shaped and shared her musical life.

A conversation with Chris Broad - Abroad in Japan YouTuber with over 400 million views, giving travel tips and cheeky insight into a range of Japanese topics. Chris shares stories of his adventurous journey so far with his favourite tunes too.

A conversation with Olly Alexander - singer of global chart-topping pop group, now solo project Years & Years, actor on stage and screen including multi award winning TV series It’s a Sin set in 80’s AIDS crisis Britain, and vocal advocate of gay equality. Alexander talks about the impact his first trip to Japan had on him when he was seventeen years old plus thoughts on life , music and who he'd love to have a conversation with.

A conversation with Shuya Okino - club and radio DJ, remixer, music producer, event producer, café and bar owner, together with his brother Yoshihiro founding member of crossover jazz group Kyoto Jazz Massive and overall soulful music lover. Chatting at his café and music bar The Room in Shibuya, Tokyo, Shuya talks passionately about his love of music past, present and future.

A conversation with Hina Nagase, secretary, and Etsuko Nozaka, overseas supervisor, from the International Kamishibai Association of Japan - who want to introduce kamishibai - the Japanese form of storytelling with mini portable theatres, to people around the world. Discover the history of kamishibai from the streets of Tokyo, how to perform your own story and celebrate World Kamishibai Day on 7 December wherever you are.

A conversation with StuartO - voice actor, singer, MC, DJ and all round talento, whose booming voice, infectious laugh and inspired wardrobe brings a smile to our faces. StuartO talks candidly about challenges in a showbiz life, the "gaijin glass ceiling" and shares some favourite tunes.