Interview with Takekawa Ai

Following her performance at Japan Expo in Paris, the singer chatted with us about her origins, goals, and interesting experiences she's had along the way.


Hello, could you introduce yourself for our readers who don’t know you?

Takekawa Ai: Hello! My name is Takekawa Ai and I’m a singer and composer. I started music when I was around fifteen or sixteen. Now I’m twenty-one and I write my lyrics addressing all the issues and joys of everyday life for people my age.

You’ve already composed quite a few pieces. Why did you start making music?

Takekawa Ai: I wanted to share and write on human relationships. When I asked myself how I could express my feelings, I gravitated pretty naturally toward composition. In addition, my family is very linked to the music world, so it’s also because of that too.

If you weren't a musician, what would you have done? And what was your family’s reaction to the decision? Parents might worry about a career choice like that.

Takekawa Ai: I would have wanted to be an archeologist. As for my parents, they have always supported me.

What are your musical influences?

Takekawa Ai: I was very influenced by American and British rock: Carole King, The Eagles, Billy Holiday, Beatles and AC/DC!

And Japanese music?

Takekawa Ai: Yes, I listened to it when I was younger with my brothers and sisters. Specifically, Mr. Children, SPEED and Amuro Namie.

What do you want to convey to listeners with your songs?

Takekawa Ai: When I write my lyrics, I try to stay positive and give happiness, and offer a beautiful image of life. For the melodies, I try to keep things varied so people won’t get bored.

You often use English as well as Japanese in your lyrics. Is that mostly to spread your message to more people?

Takekawa Ai: For me, it’s natural to mix the two. I was in an English speaking school so I speak English often, that’s why I write in that language. It’s something that suits me well.

You’re very young and you’re already performing abroad. Are you nervous about this first face to face with a new audience?

Takekawa Ai: Yes, I’m pretty tense. (laughs)

Despite your youth, your music seems quite mature. Are you targeting a specific crowd?

Takekawa Ai: No, I’m not targeting anyone or a specific generation. What I want is to reach as many people as possible.

One of your songs was used for the popular anime “Inuyasha.” Did you write the piece specifically for the anime? Do you follow the show?

Takekawa Ai: No, unfortunately I don’t have time to watch all the episodes (laughs). I was able to watch some of them, and I composed the song while watching images of the anime which hadn’t been broadcast yet. I was really inspired.

What has this other approach to music brought you as an artist? Would you be ready to relive the experience?

Takekawa Ai: Composing while looking at images was really extraordinary, I really liked it. If other projects are proposed, why not!

How was your entry to the professional stage? What kinds of difficulties did you run into?

Takekawa Ai: When I started, I did some concerts in live houses. A producer was at one of the lives and that’s how I was able to start my career. What was difficult for me was I couldn’t choose a music genre. Each time I did something different, and that brought some confusion. But I try to keep my style, so I can experiment more easily.

What are your future projects? Is there something in particular you want to achieve?

Takekawa Ai: I’ll be releasing an album in autumn! And then I’d love to return to Europe…

We’d love that too. Another question, do you have any little ritual you do before taking the stage?

Takekawa Ai: Yes. (laughs) I repeat in my head that it’ll go well and everything will be fine (laughs) to encourage myself.

And as it’s the first time you’ve come to France, have you had time to visit a little?

Takekawa Ai: I really wanted to go to the Louvre but it was closed…so I went to the Musée d’Orsay.

To finish up, do you have a message for your fans?

Takekawa Ai: Come share my world through my music! And don’t hesitate to visit my MySpace!


JaME would like to thank Takekawa Ai and all the staff at Japan Expo for making this interview possible.