Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yui Yamamoto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Yui, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I am a Japanese who was born and grew up in Japan. All of my family are in Japan, and I had no close relatives living elsewhere. I also didn’t have any close acquaintances in the US. After graduating from a university Japan, I worked at a company there before moving to the US. However, I made a life-changing decision to move to the US and pursue a career as a musician when I was 26 years old. This decision marked the biggest risk I have  ever taken.
 While I was engaged in music projects in Japan, I gradually found my days becoming less enjoyable. I began feeling a sense of dissatisfaction. I yearned to challenge myself on a larger stage,  one filled with people from around the world.  This desire to be in an environment that would facilitate my personal growth grew stronger each day.
With Japan accounting for only 2% of the world’s total population,  and with just 2% of people worldwide able to speak Japanese, I realized that staying in Japan would limit my exposure to the remaining 98% or more of the world.  It dawned on me that if I remained there, I might spend my entire life  without ever connecting with people who were unfamiliar with Japan. I had contemplated this scenario extensively before making the move to the US. The fear of a life devoid of global experiences combined with a curiosity to explore the world, and the aspiration to attain the highest level as a musician—all  converged, leading to my choice to undertake the significant challenge of moving to the United States. Such potent feelings were what empowered me to turn  my aspiration of immigrating to the US into a reality.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a musician who works as a composer, DJ, keyboardist, and music producer. I am currently based in Los Angeles. Under the stage name Yui SensationaL☆, I have released five solo albums and four singles. 
My experience  includes numerous performances as a DJ and keyboardist at local events, including venues like Angel Stadium, Yamashiro Hollywood, and the Japanese American National Museum. Originally from Japan, I journeyed to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, where I graduated with a major in Music Business/Management. During my time at Berklee, I hosted my own radio show on ‘BIRN’ station. On the show, I introduced Japanese music in English and discussed Western music in Japanese, often featuring various guests.
Moreover, I contributed as a member of the Stage Crew at five concert venues within Berklee. This involved participating in the production of diverse professional events, such as Ryuichi Sakamoto’s solo concert and Ron Carter’s workshop. Additionally, I held the position of President in the Asian Student At Berklee (ASAB) Club, organizing a variety of events. 
After moving to LA, I immersed myself in various music projects, including composing tracks for major commercials, creating theme songs for local organizations, performing at local weddings, and assuming the role of Music Director for professional concerts and dance events. With my own audio equipment, I’ve expanded my expertise to include Sound Engineering, in addition to my role as a DJ.
In summary, I am a Composer, Performer, Music Producer, Event Organizer, Music Director, and Sound Engineer. This diverse range of experiences equips me with a unique perspective when approaching  music events or composition work. I can quickly assess potential risks and preemptively address them, avoiding major setbacks. Effective communication with organizers and producers beforehand aids in efficient work management. My approach to composition and performance encompasses both creative brilliance and contingency planning. This multi-faceted perspective is the  cornerstone of my strength.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have one goal I want to achieve before I die: to host a Japanese version of the Grammy Awards in my home country, Japan. Unlike the Recording Academy that operates the Grammy Awards, there is no large organization in Japan consisting of music industry professionals, and there is no major music ceremony chosen solely by music professionals unrelated to existing media. The significant ceremonies and events in Japan mainly focus on popular music, each catering to specific music genres. Japan is home to many amazing creators and engineers – craftsmen who make musical instruments, programmers for electronic devices, composers crafting game music, recording engineers, mix engineers, and mastering engineers who create the finest sounds. Additionally, traditional musicians, performers, and directors preserve Japan’s traditions through forms like Kabuki and Kyogen. The country is brimming with wonderful ‘Made in Japan’ creations. Even the invention of MIDI was by a Japanese individual. Unfortunately, the world remains unaware and ignorant of these achievements and cultural values. Most Japanese people themselves are not even aware. If one is not actively involved in music, opportunities to learn about the individuals mentioned above are rare. 
To raise awareness about these remarkable individuals, one of my significant goals as a musician is to either establish a Japanese version of the Grammy Awards, determined by music professionals, or to support the organizers and groups involved in such an event in the future. By providing more opportunities for skilled craftsmen and exceptional performers to showcase their talents, we can expect the emergence of more successors in the future. I am committed to making even a small contribution to ensure the continuation of these wonderful traditions.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Art has the power to stir people’s hearts. It can serve as a pillar of emotional support and a driving force for life. Art is a wonderful thing that enriches people’s hearts, although its impact varies for each individual. For instance, even with the same piece of music, some may find it incredibly splendid, while others perceive it as mere noise. Furthermore, there are exceptionally rare cases where people have absolutely no interest in music. I once met a person who said, ‘It doesn’t matter whether any art exists, as I’m not interested in it at all.’ He mentioned feeling sleepy and unable to concentrate on anything when he listens to music, so he avoids it. I was completely shocked to hear that. However, I understand that he has no ill intentions; he was simply expressing his opinion. Of course, this is a rare case. An important thing to note is that even if you find something amazing, it doesn’t necessarily mean others will feel the same way. Different perspectives exist for a single piece of art. That’s why we shouldn’t impose our views of art on others. Yet, for those who may benefit from it even a little, for those who hold it as a pillar of their hearts, it’s essential to create opportunities for them to engage with it. I believe that’s what society should aim for in the future.
While a hundred people might admire a single piece of work, there can also be that one person who finds the music uncomfortable and unsettling. However, for those who want to engage with art, they should always have the chance to touch it, see it, and experience it. An environment with accessible art galleries and theaters can enable people to do so whenever they wish, fostering a society I believe to be ideal.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.yuisensational.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuisensational/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuisensational
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aWbrObQbh59BECBqX2Qow
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yuisensational