Back in late July, we had the chance to sit down with Kanjosen Akubi (感情線あくび) from MAD JAMIE, who at the time had just performed at NärCon, Northern Europe’s largest anime convention. This marked MAD JAMIE’s first performance outside of Japan, and the experience was both exciting and heartwarming.

In our interview, Akubi discusses their unique blend of punk rock and idol culture, MAD JAMIE’s tagline “-Kawaii is Fxxk-“, and her passion for live performances. Akubi also delve into her fashion style, collaborations, and future aspirations for MAD JAMIE—both in Japan and internationally.

Read on to learn more about this dynamic artist’s journey and Akubi’s impression of her first time in a western country.

What was it like performing at NärCon, the largest anime convention in Northern Europe, just yesterday?

It was my first time being abroad and naturally, also my first time performing outside Japan. Because of this, I was very excited to see how I would be received by the Swedish and North European audiences.

When I actually started performing, I felt very much at home and everyone was very receptive.

It was truly moving and an incredible experience for me to realize that MAD JAMIE’s music transcends borders and resonates with people worldwide, not just in Japan. That was very moving, and a lot of fun for me.

That’s lovely to hear. Did you experience any distinct differences while performing, even though you felt at home?

In terms of the atmosphere, and how the stage and audience came together, there is not much difference. How the music was received and how the audience reacted felt pretty much the same as in Japan! Ultimately, I very much felt that people enjoyed the music and the show itself.

It’s great that you had such a positive experience. Did you get a similar intimate connection with fans while performing here, like you typically do in the smaller live houses in Japan?

Yes. Even though it was my first time meeting fans overseas, it didn’t feel like that at all! I felt the same kind of atmosphere as performing in Japan.

I was happy that I could really feel the passion from the audience. Likewise, I’m equally passionate about MAD JAMIE’s music, and I truly love it. It brings me joy to know that we have an audience who shares this passion for the music. This sense of connection, where language and nationality become irrelevant, makes me incredibly happy.

“The word ‘fuck’ can be used in elation and certainly not only as a negative connotation.” —Akubi

To rewind a bit, can you tell us about MAD JAMIE and its concept as a punk rock idol group?

The MAD JAMIE team and I share a deep love and appreciation for the roots of punk and punk rock. We have so many fans who also love punk rock, and we truly cherish that. However, I also have a deep appreciation for my origins in live performance as a traditional idol, and I hold that experience close to my heart.

Punk rock is known for its boldness and the spirit of doing whatever you want, living in the moment, and giving your all to the present without holding back. We deeply value this way of living.

To me, being an idol also means to give it your all, no matter what it is you’re doing, to treat everything as a challenge and to challenge everything.

Punk is to give everything to each moment, while in rock, it’s about maintaining steadfast beliefs and unwavering determination, to know clearly who you are and what your dreams and goals are.

That is what I think idol, punk, and rock, are to me.

Yet, idol punk rock itself is something that doesn’t yet exist in the world. Therefore, MAD JAMIE will create a new movement of idol punk rock that the world has not yet seen!

Our style is idol punk rock itself.

In that sense, what would be the differences between MAD JAMIE as a punk rock idol group compared to a traditional idol group?

In Japan, it’s common for idols to revere, reference, or admire others. However, MAD JAMIE stands out by staying true to ourselves and not following the same path as our predecessors–there is really no other group like that.

We very much respect the traditional ways of idol groups, and we conduct our activities with that in mind.

In any case, MAD JAMIE is passionate. We sweat, we scream, and our own emotions are embedded into everything we do and there is no such thing as lies, it’s “NONFICTION”, and that is where we may differ from traditional idol groups.

On the stage where everything can be seen, everything we do there is real.

You touched on the concept of “NONFICTION”, which is also a single. What was your goal with this work, and how does it relate to showing your transparent self?

With this single, I simply wanted to display everything I had, and I also wanted this work to catalog all the various different moments I had experienced with fans, like a non-fiction story.

As we were aiming to produce a non-fiction work, we decided to call it “NONFICTION”.

Authenticity is undeniably a core theme in your music. Speaking of which, MAD JAMIE has shifted from a four-member group to a solo project. Has this change fundamentally impacted the music and concept?

Musically speaking, there is a noticeable difference between songs created for a four-person group and those designed for a solo performer. This can be observed in elements like the overall mood and the quantity of lyrics.

Nevertheless, the essence of MAD JAMIE’s music remains and will not change whether there are four members or just one.

That’s reassuring to hear. Notably, MAD JAMIE uses the tagline “-Kawaii is Fxxk-”. What is the intention with having such a strong tagline?

[Big laughter] Certainly, there is a concept of it being the opposite to “kawaii” or cuteness. At the same time, the word “fuck” can be used in elation and certainly not only as a negative connotation. Since there is a duality to it, we make sure to use it while carrying a sense of respect behind it.

The concept of “kawaii” holds significance within the culture of idol groups. However, just because it is so revered, makes it all the more reason to challenge it, and to change it, otherwise, that very thing might come to an end.

So while there is a bit of rebellious intention behind it, it’s certainly not a negative one.

“These clothes I’m wearing now, and also my performance wardrobe, are all made by myself!” —Akubi

It’s an intriguing and interesting perspective. Live performances seem to be a crucial part of MAD JAMIE’s identity. Why do you think they play such a vital role, and how do they contribute to your music?

I think that the atmosphere of a live concert is unique when compared to everyday life.

It is a time and place where you can get away from your everyday life and release your pent-up stress and emotions, by doing irregular things, such as [gesturing with middle finger] putting up your middle fingers and scream “fuck”!

[Laughs] That’s a fantastic way to describe your shows! On a more personal note, could you share how music has played a role in your life?

In my life so far, there are many times and experiences where I felt music had really saved me. Throughout everyday life, there are many good times and also bad times and stressful times, and I hope that people who choose to listen to our music or attend our performances, are able to find hope in it.

We hope so, too. So far, we talked a lot about your live shows, but we want to also highlight your unique fashion style. It is very bold and chaotic. How do you usually approach creating the fashion that represents MAD JAMIE?

I really love fashion, and these clothes I’m wearing now, and also my performance wardrobe, are all made by myself!

Wow, really?

That’s right! At home, I source all the materials and come up with the designs and then produce the clothing.

The concept behind these designs is “idol punk rock”, and I make sure to include various elements and characteristics from these three individual worlds in each design. This is in order to show how each facet of idol punk rock is important to me!

示したくてデザインしたヨ❤️‍🔥

MAD JAMIEカラーの赤や黒がベースで
紫チックな部分は初期衝動のイメージでグラフィティアートのデザインをお願いして作ってもらって強い心の内面や精神がグランジに仕上がってるヨ、
PUNK ROCK ファッションの象徴的なスタッズ、鋲、ハトメはMAD JAMIEや自分が大切に pic.twitter.com/XdrjfexdT1

— 感情線あくび(MAD JAMIE) (@akubi_k_mdjm) April 6, 2023

今回MAD JAMIEの新衣装を製作させていただいたヨ⭕
コンセプトは「IDOL PUNK ROCK」でMAD JAMIEが今までみんなと一緒に大切にしてきた想いや精神、作ってきた色、そしてSEX PISTOLSやJAMIE REID、Vivienne Westwoodなどが創り上げたPUNK ROCK ファッションも全部大事にして、新しいPUNK ROCK Styleを提 pic.twitter.com/q0OZxmhY1C

— 感情線あくび(MAD JAMIE) (@akubi_k_mdjm) April 6, 2023

That’s really impressive! Shifting gears a bit, if we were looking forward to a new album, what would it be like?

I’m not even sure what kind of album it would turn out to be! [Laughs] Neither the team nor I are even sure. Yet, what we do know for sure is that this will be the very best, the coolest, and greatest album for sure! We’re eagerly anticipating it.

And we look forward to that as well. We also assume KNOTman would partake, considering his extensive involvement with MAD JAMIE’s music so far. Can you tell us about your experience working together?

KNOTman produces great music that I feel passionate about, and it also complements my singing voice.

He gives me a lot of advice regarding the melodies and lyrics, how I can express my emotions through them, and how to optimize for live performances.

During recording sessions, he provides me with valuable advice, assists with vocal training, and offers tips to enhance expressiveness. We collaborate closely to shape our sound.

As a solo artist, what are some of the recent challenges that MAD JAMIE has faced, and how did you overcome them?

I’ve faced numerous challenges, especially since it’s my seventh year as an idol, and my second year with MAD JAMIE. Throughout those seven years, I’ve never had to perform or sing solo, so everything I’m doing now is completely new to me.

It’s been quite challenging to sing songs originally meant for four people on my own. In Japan, we usually perform with a backup band, and initially, it was a bit tough to adapt to singing alongside them. However, I’ve been putting in a lot of effort to practice and improve in this area!

Do you think you will continue as a solo artist in the future as well?

Right now, I haven’t considered pursuing a solo career.

I really love and cherish MAD JAMIE, and even though we were active as a group, I’m willing to continue as a solo performer if it means keeping MAD JAMIE alive and going.

I’m really not sure what the future holds, but for now, I would like to keep going as MAD JAMIE for as long as I can.

What are the long-term goals and aspirations for MAD JAMIE, both in Japan and internationally?

Well, in Japan, I would first and foremost love to perform at the Nippon Budokan arena. That’s the primary goal right now, and from that point on, I hope to perform for even bigger audiences, in bigger arenas and even stadiums.

Internationally, it’s my first time performing overseas, but it had been my goal since before. I’m also striving for people all around the world to say, “MAD JAMIE is the best”!

So before rounding off, please share a bit more about your experience here in Sweden. Have you tried any Swedish food yet?

No, I actually haven’t tried any Swedish food yet, but I did eat at the Swedish burger chain “Max Burgers” [laughs], it was so delicious! Besides that, well, we also had some meat, sausages, and potatoes from food trucks in and around NärCon! Very delicious!

ランチはスウェーデンではポピュラーらしいMAX HAMBURGERを食べた🍔#スウェーデンJAMIE #Narcon #MADJAMIE最高 pic.twitter.com/QAUoYuv0gP

— 感情線あくび(MAD JAMIE) (@akubi_k_mdjm) July 27, 2023

Nevertheless, we’re glad you enjoyed the food. Considering this was your first time abroad, what was your first impression when entering a western country?

One thing that comes to mind is how the colors in Sweden were different from Japan. It is cute!

I felt like the shades of violet and blue here were very pretty, which was intriguing. Also, the sky feels much closer than it does in Japan, as well as the shapes of clouds felt different, which was quite interesting! [Laughs]

Perhaps it’s because in Sweden, there aren’t as many tall buildings as in Japan?

That might be it. It almost feels like I could reach it [laughs].

So what are some things you would like to try abroad in general?

I want to perform more around the world and be able to interact with many people globally.

There are many unique experiences to be had overseas that you simply can’t encounter in Japan, and I believe these experiences are worth pursuing through travel and international performances.

Since I’ve really only been to the Linköping area in Sweden, there’s still a lot more I would like to see.

As for other countries, I would love to just experience them in person, and of course, perform there!

Lastly, please share a message to our international readers.

This was my first time performing live in Sweden, and because it was so much fun, I would love to come again!

I also hope that fans from Sweden and all over the world have the opportunity to visit Japan, our home base, as it’s an incredible and beautiful place!

I wish for us to maintain our borderless connection through music, regardless of our countries, nationalities, and languages!

It was a pleasure to connect with Kanjosen Akubi from MAD JAMIE, who truly glows with enthusiasm and passion for all of the aspects surrounding MAD JAMIE—from music to fashion and the essence of “idol punk rock”. Special thanks to SJPA for making this interview happen!