Itadaki Main MC: Interview with Keyco
On June 3 and 4, 2017, our staff member Dagiri interviewed Keyco, who has participated as the main MC since the very first edition of the outdoor festival ITADAKI.
I think the things the MC says, including their voice, are part of what creates the character of that festival.
Da: This time, we’ll be conducting an interview for an article in Studio Rag’s web magazine “Studio Rag e Okoshiyasu,” which operates in Kyoto.
Thank you for your time.
Then, please proceed.
K: Thank you in advance.
Da: Keyco, you served as the main MC last year as well, right?
Me? No, not last year—it's been about three years, I think.
So, it's been three years, huh?
K: Right, during those three years I was basically assisting the MC, and after a three-year break I’ve come back again after a long time.
Da: Sorry, I misunderstood.
But you’ve participated in Itadaki itself many times, right?
K: Right, I’ve actually been invited to appear quite a number of times over the years.
As someone who has participated many times, is there anything you keep in mind as an MC?
Things I keep in mind when I’m MCing!?
I’m a complete novice as an MC, so, well… let’s see…
Since we originally receive a proper schedule or something like that, I’m always prepared to act in a supporting role to the project lead.
Like, at what time and minute do we go to which place among the many stages?
Including that as well, I make sure to give a solid introduction without any mistakes, in a different kind of tension—or sense of timing—than when I’m performing live myself.
What both PJ and I are worried about is,So as not to disrupt the unique atmosphere of the summit…and I’ve been doing MCs while slipping in some a cappella singing.
I try to proceed while being mindful of and attuned to that kind of atmosphere.
I see.
Since the summit itself is a distinctive event, the crowd itself feels different too—you can sense a kind of freedom, you know?
That way of putting it might sound strange, though.
K: Yeah, exactly.
It's free, right? (lol)
I understand, I understand.
extraordinaryOr rather, how should I put it?
If there were a place called paradise, I think this venue would be it.
Da: In that kind of vibe or atmosphere, do you ever find yourself struggling with the MC role or getting nervous?
K: Hmm, not sure about that.
I do wonder what kind of energy/tone I should use for the MC.
Since I've been allowed to do it for three years, I've been able to try various things through trial and error.
In short,I think the things the MC says, including their voice, are part of what creates the character of that festival.。
Anyway, I always try to do things in a way that won’t spoil the mood, while keeping in mind how everyone can enjoy themselves more.
Da: So it means we really have to value the atmosphere, after all.
K: That's right.
Truly, that very moment is exactly paradise—a time when you can be completely immersed in the extraordinary.
For example, from your perspective, Keyco, what do you think sets (Itadaki) apart from other festivals?
K: As you’d expect from Itadaki, they’ve always been particular about biodiesel—collecting used cooking oil, generating electricity from it, and running the festival that way. They’ve been doing that since way back.
Considering environmentally conscious ways of holding the festival, the fact that many of the main staff don’t really eat meat, and also that it’s being held in Shizuoka, an area with many fishing ports,Actually, we don't sell meat.Yo.
Da: That's surprising, isn't it?
But there are plenty of things that can satisfy even meat lovers.
For example, even dishes made with soy meat or fish can be enjoyed in ways like this—you realize there are such ways of eating them.
This still totally satisfies me, though.
It was also the kind of festival that gave you new discoveries—like realizing you can totally go with just vegetables.
Hey,Hidden themeI kind of feel like there might actually be something like that, you know.
Something like a fixation, you could say.
Da: As Mr. Ono was saying a little while ago, we haven’t really made it public or anything, have we?
K: That's right!
I think it was on purpose (lol).
Da: We were just talking about that earlier.
I also got to open a stall at my family’s shop called ONE BLOOD.
Then a customer comes in, and that’s when they notice there’s no meat.
We want to keep valuing those kinds of hidden themes, too, don’t we?
K: But even meat lovers eat soybean-meat karaage and go, “Wait, isn’t this chicken?!”
I think that approach is really wonderful around there.
I like that kind of thing.
after; later; remaining; in additionCreating a highly artistic stageLike, especially ICandle timeI’m always sharing things like the stage decorations on social media and such.
Truly, that very moment is exactly like paradise—a chance to be completely immersed in the extraordinary. It’s peaceful, warm, and artistic, and it’s a place I’m really fond of.。
A rare festival that makes you feel like paradise is right here.
Da: Is what you just mentioned your favorite thing about the summit at Keyco?
K: That's right.
Also, I have a daughter, and I’ve been bringing her here since she was little.
There were also playground equipment you could play on safely without getting hurt,Both children and adults can enjoy themselves to the fullest without holding back.Those kinds of clever touches really extend down to the finer details, don’t they?
There were lots of restrooms in various places, and there were nursing rooms too.。
It’s the kind of festival where you can let your kids play with peace of mind.
Of course, it’s ultimately under each parent’s responsibility.
And also, I think when people drink alcohol and such, it tends to lead to brawls and commotions...
Da: Not really!
As far as I know, no.
It's probably because the customers can sense the care and attention we put into the event.
Da: I'm really happy about things like that.
K: The news has been saying some rather unsettling things, like that we’re heading toward war or trying to head that way.
I can’t help thinking we’re entering a pretty rough-and-tumble era.
I try not to hold on to religion much, so this isn’t from a religious standpoint, but if there is a God, there must be a dimension where, if everyone could just grasp it in a flash, we could shift into paradise.
I suppose there are even people who, deliberately for the sake of making money—or because they actually like war and enjoy fighting—choose to do so, but even in a world like that,A rare festival that makes you feel like paradise is right here.I wonder.
Everyone gets along well, and we end up becoming close—it's the best.
Da: So it really means a festival that's fun and enjoyable, right?
Make the best memories with your whole body
Da: When it comes to having guests come to that paradise, what would you personally like them to enjoy there, or what do you think are the highlights of the festival?
K: For those who will be camping at the campsite at nightLive at the campsiteThere is also that, isn't there?
Adults and children alike, especially those accompanied by small children,Experiencing this other-dimensional space—or rather, a more peaceful and fulfilling world—and being immersed in great music would make for an amazing, wonderfully spiced childhood memory, I think.That's what I think.
I think it’s an amazing out-of-the-ordinary party, even for those who aren’t bringing children.
Engage all five senses—there’s plenty of delicious food, music as well, and the venue is fantastic—We hope you can create the best memories with your whole body.。
Plus, there are plenty of spaces where you can take things at your own pace, and of course the music lineup is truly fantastic.
This time, "INUSHIKI” or “DUBSENSEMANIAAbout the reunion of “”, there are also appearances by artists I truly respect.
I just love tossing in those moments that feel like historic reunions in my own music scene, and I’m always a fan of that lineup that never fails to surprise me.
I think this year’s lineup will be quite broad, from major acts to reunions of artists who are passionately supported in the underground scene, so I want to make sure to properly [catch/see] them all.I hope you can keep an open heart and feel it.。
Da: Thank you for all the stories.
I hope I can add color in a way that expresses myself while making the space I love even more lively.
Well then, this time I'd like to ask you as an artist.
As an artist participating in Itadaki, is there anything you keep in mind, or anything you do specifically because it’s Itadaki?
K: If you're saying it's because it's the summit, then the person who was being interviewed earlier, Mr. Ono, is the mastermind behind the Summit Fest.
Even when it comes to inviting me on stage, they let me try things like unexpected combinations and first-time experiments.
They’d introduce someone to me, like, “How about working with this person?”
They have such a great knack for selecting artists that I ended up connecting with some amazing people there—so much so that we’ve even gone on tour together afterward.
If I had to say what I keep in mind at the summit,A performance you won't see anywhere elseAnd, as I thought, it’s truly a festival I love from the bottom of my heart,I hope I can add my own touch while bringing even more life to the space I love.。
Of course there’s the part of me that wants to present myself a certain way because of who I am right now, but I also choose songs while keeping in mind the vibe of the festival called Itadaki.
Da: Well, this is going to be the last question, but how are you feeling about your enthusiasm as an artist and MC?
Right, I’ll do my best as PJ big brother’s assistant to make sure I don’t mess anything up. I’m a total amateur at MC-ing, so I’ll work hard to keep things running smoothly!
As an artist, that really shows an incredible level of determination.
I hope we can properly preserve the fact that Keyco performed and it really got everyone excited.
We’ve got one month left, so I’d like to get everything properly ready, including solid training.
Da: Thank you for all the various stories this time.
I’m looking forward to seeing it on the day.
Thank you for taking the time for the interview.
K: Thank you.