Arigato Motherf***ers, a quick chat with Kentaro...

Kentaro, the Japanese 2002 DMC World winner, was in London in Oct 03 as part of his UK tour. He stopped by fabric, London's leading venue, for his London date where he put on an amazing show on 4 decks, 2 CDJs and a sampler. You can check a review of the night in our reviews section, and below is a quick chat we had with Kentaro by email while he was touring the country. Relatively unknown, as most Japanese artists are, to the rest of the world until his DMC win in 2002, Kentaro has since made a name for himself on the club scene with memorable sets that encompass all music genres and showcase his skills without losing the audience. He has also release a two volumes mixtape called My Favourite Songs last year. He's currently working on solo projects and tours regularly.

How long you have been DJing for? How did you get into turntablism?

Since I was thirteen. I have been DJing for 8 years. I got into turntablism from watching videos and stuff like that; I used to be just a club DJ.

What's your definition of turntablism?

Creating music using 2 turntables and a mixer, in the same way as any other instruments.

What was it like to win the DMC championships in 2002? Why did you decide not to defend your title this year?

I was just glad! It was the first time an Asian DJ had won it, so it was very crucial as well. I wasn't feeling confident enough to defend again this year, I did not think my new routines were better then the 2002 one. So that's why I didn't defend.

How did you prepare yourself for the competition?

Just lots of practicing and trying to enjoy it as much as possible, which I did!

Where do you find inspiration for your routines?

In all the music I hear and listen to.

Who really impresses you today in the turntablist scene? Who would you most like to work with, turntablism wise?

Everyone I thought had a chance to win this year at the DMC. Everybody is at a much higher level then ever. It would be cool to work with many DJs, but especially Craze, the Perverts and Dexta, who are my favourite people.

What would be your all-time top 3 DJs?

Craze, Mitsu the Beats and Mu-R from Japan

What has been the most enjoyable moment/best memory of your European tour?

The crowds and the communication between me and them and the way they would respond to my sets and explode when i was peaking. That was definitely the best thing about it !

What do you think of Final Scratch and CD Decks ? I know you use a CDJ in your live set, do you find a useful addition for your live sets ?

I think they are brilliant ! I am actually making a set using only CDJs at the minute. I find them very useful.

Can you give us your view/opinion of the turntablist scene in Japan?

Its getting very big now. There are very good tablists in Japan, so you all better check them out! Each DJ is getting more and more original, and coming with very interesting, original and dope stuff !

Can you give us some details about your production work in the studio and the album you are planning to release next year?

Basically at the minute all the work i have been doing has been mainly remixes. I'll be working on my own sounds as of next year, so i will be able to give you more info soon. It will all be stuff that i am really feeling though and my favourite influences put into production.

When you work on production do you find that you use a lot of your turntablist skills and knowledge in your production and vice-versa?

Yes definitely. Especially with cutting which can be very musical, and when i do that in production it comes from my turntablist experience. I want to talk with my fingers first !

What do you enjoy the most production or turntablism?

Right now it's around 50/50 but next year i'll be spending more time in the studio. I do love the UK though so i will hopefully come back as soon as possible!

Many thanks to Kentaro and his translator for their time and to Esther @ Pear Press for the hook up. You can check the October 2003 Turntable Radio shows (in the archive on the site) for a special set Kentaro did exclusively for the show:www.turntableradio.com.