— You were deeply into dance when you were younger. What made you shift to record digging?

In 1997, I went to Colorado, and then in 2000, I visited Los Angeles. Seeing the incredible level of dancers there was a real shock. After returning to Japan, I kept dancing while working and even won battles. But injuries were frequent, and even when I won, there was no prize money or recognition. That forced me to rethink my path.

I had always loved music, so I naturally gravitated toward digging for records—the sounds that had fueled my passion all along. I was already spending a lot of money every month on records, so I figured, why not just go straight to the source? That’s when I started traveling to the U.S. in 2001 to buy records.

— Did you start selling the records and CDs you brought back right away?

Yeah. At first, I sold them at flea markets in parks, but most of my sales happened in family restaurant parking lots around Yokohama. I’d contact friends who were into that kind of music and sell directly to them.

— You officially opened this store in 2009. Were you always operating like that before?

Pretty much. In 2007, I launched an online store, but I had a strong desire to actually meet my customers, thank them in person, and share the experiences I had in the U.S.. So in 2009, I rented the space next to this shop—now my studio—and officially opened IITIGHT MUSIC.

— How has it been since opening the store?

I've met so many people. For example, one of the customers here today has been coming since the very beginning. Being able to talk face-to-face with people is something really important to me. Texting is efficient, sure, but it kills the vibe—it’s like the fire slowly goes out. I always feel like, Man, there’s so much more I want to say.

— What’s the concept behind your store?

It’s inspired by those Black-owned family-run CD shops that used to be all over the hoods in America. Unfortunately some them don’t exist anymore, but I remember seeing shops where the posters on the walls would tear over time, and locals would drop by to dig for music, drink beer, and just hang out. That kind of vibe isn’t something you can force—it just naturally comes together. But that’s what makes it so cool. It’s got that deep "umami"—a rich, unspoken flavor that lingers.

Watching those stores, I realized something: you can’t just sell what’s trendy or popular. If you’re running a shop like this, you need to be the kind of person that makes people think, Damn, this guy's got that umami. Otherwise, the store won’t have real soul.

-What has been the most memorable event at your store so far?

For me, it’s always the customers. I’m incredibly grateful they take the time to visit the store. Even though I’m expanding my horizons, it’s their reactions that truly move me. Another memorable moment is when the artists from the states I’ve organized come to Japan. It’s exciting to see them creating music in my studio, and they get so excited when I show them my collection of the products I have at the store.

-How did you start organizing the shows?

When you meet and talk with the artists, they often say, "Take me to Japan" After hearing that many times, I started to feel the desire to bring them over. The music they create is their soul, and my role is to share it with people who will appreciate it. I’m especially thrilled by the idea of bringing two passionate individuals together—it feels like the ultimate experience.

-What are some memorable or happy moments from the shows you’ve organized so far?

It’s always emotional when the artist I’ve listened to thousands of times comes to an event I’ve organized. Seeing them performing and watching the audience’s excitement is thrilling. One of the most memorable moments was when Battlecat came to Japan. He’s also a DJ, but not widely known here. I proposed him holding an event where he’d play the classics he produced, and he agreed. I was anxious, wondering if he’d actually come, but he did. The audience was so moved by his show that some of them cried, and I couldn’t help but shed a few tears too. Later, at the hotel, he told me, "You really love music". It was a moment that made me realize that when you’re open and fully committed, that passion will come back to you.