Aisho Nakajima, a prominent queer artist, shines uniquely at 9 PM, rivaling the neon streets of Ikebukuro. Having released “Made Him Cry” in April this year, why does Aisho continue to sing? Delve into 13 questions exploring inspiration, driving forces, and future prospects.
Homeschooled Until Age 9
At the age of 9, I started attending elementary school after being homeschooled. Both my parents are Japanese, but I was raised in English through homeschooling, so I learned Japanese for the first time at school. Starting school, I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t understand typical group behavior or social skills, but thanks to homeschooling, I can now speak English and write English lyrics.
Born in 1997. Singer-songwriter. After graduating from high school, moved to Australia. Upon returning home, began music activities based in Tokyo, debuting in 2020. Released new single “Made him cry” in April 2024.
Introduction to Music: Mariah Carey and Celine Dion
When I was young, I only knew Christian music, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion. It was really shocking when I heard Mariah Carey and Celine Dion’s songs and thought, “Music is amazing.” Around the fifth grade, I started listening to Avril Lavigne’s songs too.
Developing Self-love was a Gradual Process
In junior high school, there were hardly any queer people around, or rather, I didn’t even know of their existence. It bothered me that even on TV, everything seemed to be about “J-POP” or conforming to certain genres, and it felt like you had to fit into those molds to be part of entertainment. So, I used to think, “People like me…” People like me would have to hide forever. If I had known queer people back then, my perspective at the time would have definitely changed. I would have realized much sooner that it’s okay to do what I like. It took me a really long time to love myself, so what I’m singing now is also for that past self of mine. I’m creating what that past self wanted to see and hear.
The Song Embodies Life Itself
I’m crazy about groups like Fifth Harmony, Little Mix, and K-pop girl groups. What I love about girl groups is that they always incorporate dance. The reason I started making dance music is because I wanted to dance. I wanted to create a show where I could not only sing but also dance and perform. But a show isn’t complete with just dance music. That’s why I have ballads, intense tracks, dance tracks—I want to infuse various emotions into one show.
Intuition is the Source of My Creativity
I’ve always loved doing creative things. When I think, “I want to make this!” I just have to make it, right? I value intuition and act on it immediately when I’m inspired. Intuition gets me excited.
Staying True to Oneself: Aisho Nakajima’s Approach
In my daily life, whether I’m feeling happy, frustrated, or experiencing any other emotion, I find my true self through all the ups and downs. This holds true when I’m writing lyrics, recording, creating music videos, or in any part of the creative process.
Aisho’s Approach to Mental Health
No need to think about anything, happiness comes at bedtime and mealtime.
Feeling No Need for Coming Out
I always thought I was lying to myself. I came out at 17 because I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore, but I don’t feel like coming out is necessary. In today’s society, I think there are fewer options to just “come out” or not. Back in high school, whenever my friends talked about relationships, I felt scared and stressed because I couldn’t talk about it. But I also understand that some people don’t feel that stress, and if you don’t want to come out, you shouldn’t have to. I understand the pain of wanting to but not being able to. Sexuality isn’t just one thing, and I hope that LGBTQ+ becomes more recognized, and ideally, the concept of “coming out” could disappear altogether.
Dream Collaboration: Working with Other Queer Artists
I often get called a queer icon, but I think it’s because there aren’t many other queer artists out there. I want more queer artists to come forward, and I’d love to collaborate with them someday.
Drawing Inspiration from Heisei Gyaru Culture
I think recently I’ve been inspired by Heisei Gyaru culture. Not the current Gyaru culture, but rather the culture of the gals back when I was part of the Gyaru scene in Nagoya.
Places Catching Aisho’s Eye Now:
At the moment, I’m fascinated by serene spots with natural landscapes and rice paddies, far from the urban hustle and bustle.
Demonstrating to My Former Self.
After spending about two years in Australia from the age of 19, I returned to Japan. However, I want to challenge music production abroad, so I’d like to go to the United States or the United Kingdom next. But since I haven’t been to either yet, I want to find a place I want to live by the next three years. Someday, I would be happy if I could prove to my past self how far I’ve come, known globally, and become a source of inspiration for young people today.
Anticipating Future Projects
Recently, I have been releasing dance music like “Gangbang,” but I have also been working on ballads as well. I just released a new song “Made him cry,” which I wanted to put out this spring. I have almost all of the songs ready that I will be releasing this year and I also have a song that I participated in as a featured artist, so please look forward to the release of this year’s songs.
