FRISK’s project “Words to Deliver to the Jibuns of Those Days,” supporting professionals and students embarking on new challenges, collaborates with the radio program “GRAND MARQUEE” in the segment “FRISK DEAR ME.”
Appearing on the fourth day was Aile The Shota. We spoke with Shota, who fulfilled childhood dreams, about songs inspired by letters addressed to their younger selves, written during the struggle to achieve those dreams. These songs delve into the “curse” of dreams and transforming dreams into reality.
※NiEW has compiled an article including content that was not broadcast on the show.
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Navigating Dreams Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Takano (MC): In your letter, you wrote that your only dream since you were a child was to become an artist.
To my past self, who completed university without securing employment and wrestled with aspirations
From as far back as you can remember, there’s been one singular dream: becoming an artist. Through high school and university, that dream never wavers. Despite lacking any solid foundation, you persist in believing and tirelessly laboring at jobs you have no passion for, all in pursuit of making it a reality.
Preface to the letter. The full text of the handwritten letter by Aile The Shota will be exhibited at the FRISK “Words to Deliver to the Jibuns of Those Days” exhibition held at BONUS TRACK in Shimokitazawa starting from Thursday, April 11th. (Here for details).
Aile The Shota： Since I was in elementary school, I have been watching music programs on TV, and I realized that I was determined to be a singer on the other side of TV. It’s a strange feeling, but it was like this is definitely what I was going to do.
Takano: In elementary school, I have the impression that most of the kids around you want to be soccer players.
Aile The Shota: I played soccer too, but I didn’t learn anything for music, but just watching TV and listening to music, I always had the feeling that I would be on this side of the world.
Celeina (MC): When did you take the first step toward realizing this dream of becoming an artist?
Aile The Shota： I had thought about auditioning when I went from junior high school to high school, but the audition I took in high school led to me attending a school to study singer-songwriter for about a year. That was when I made up my mind. My parents helped me out, and I felt that I had made up my mind that this was the path for me.
Celeina： You wrote in your letter, “I couldn’t give up on my dream even though I saw my friends getting jobs and becoming respectable members of society, and I called it a ‘curse’ in the name of a dream. Did you ever feel afraid of making the decision to continue pursuing your dream?
Aile The Shota: Yes, I did. I went to a normal university for four years and was allowed to graduate, but I had decided on music as what I wanted to do. My friends from the dance club I was in at the time were also getting jobs, and although I was scared, I believed that this was probably the only way for me, so I didn’t even go job hunting once. I was pushing myself into situations that scared me.
Takano: When you say in this letter that you were “struggling with your dreams,” do you mean the period of time between graduating from college and becoming an artist?
Aile The Shota: Yes, I wrote it for the one year period after I graduated, which was the year of the Corona Disaster in 2020 or so.
Takano: These times of year, you think about a lot of things, don’t you?
Aile The Shota: Yes, that’s right. Socially, the flow of time was slowing down, or rather, everyone was at a standstill. On the other hand, the world being at a standstill made it easier for me to work on my dreams, but it also made me feel that it was a very long time. I was also making various kinds of music and organizing events, but it was hard to get moving. I think it was a time when I was just facing things alone, like starting to write songs properly.
Takano: In your letter, you mention a part-time job.
Aile The Shota: When we entered university, we all started working part-time at a restaurant together, but while everyone else quit after graduation, I was the only one working part-time for the fifth year. It was pretty tough. But looking back on it now, I think it was a good experience, like thinking about lyrics while washing dishes.
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Conversations with Friends: The Curse Known as Dreams
Takano: In your letter, you wrote, “I’m causing trouble for my family, I’m not getting any results, and my works are not selling. What made you keep this unfounded confidence?
Aile The Shota： It’s an extension of my childhood determination, but my friends and family, the people closest to me, praised and believed in me, and I turned that, including the pressure, into confidence. I was able to turn that into confidence, even under pressure.
Takano: Words from people you trust like that are incredibly reassuring. And as you say, “You respect yourself,” I would like to know about your own sense of self-worth that you valued, if you don’t mind me asking.
Your confidence, it’s actually spot on. Keep honoring yourself, cherishing yourself, appreciating those around you, and maintaining kindness. As you navigate that invisible path, light will emerge. One day, you’ll confidently assert that having unwavering self-belief is truly foundational.
Excerpt from Aile The Shota’s letter (“Words to Deliver to the Jibuns of Those Days” presented by FRISK)
Aile The Shota: I think it is important not to stray from what you think is cool. I think it is one of the things that makes me unique, that I never change what I think is different from the currents, trends, and peer pressure. Also, I always try to live with love. Even if it is not 100 points, I try to live with love, and I think it is a part of who I am because it has continued up to this point.
Takano: But it is an important word, isn’t it? Music is only possible when there are people who listen to it. It is very important to express gratitude and love to those people.
Celeina: The last line of the letter, “Love, be grateful to those around you, love, and don’t forget to be kind,” really stuck with me. I think kindness is difficult. Giving compliments is not the only way to be kind. What do you think of “kindness” in your own way?
Aile The Shota：If you start thinking about it, there is no end to it. I think it is kindness to be kind to others after considering whether the kindness I am thinking of now is really love or ego. If you can do that with confidence, I think you are being kind enough. I think it is hard to be pushy, or maybe I can put a cushion between the two. I started thinking this way when I was in college.
Takano: Since we are also in the music business, I understand what you said in your letter about a “curse in the name of dreams. We have this feeling, don’t we?
Aile The Shota: That’s right. At the time. There were friends of mine who also did not find a job, so the three of us were having dinner and talking about what we were going to do, and I remember saying to myself, “Lately, I’ve come to think of it as a curse. I remember saying to myself, “Lately I’ve even come to think of it as a curse,” as an extension of our conversation over dinner. I remember saying the word “curse” to myself, so I incorporated it into this letter.
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Musical Reflections of a Dreamlike Reality
Takano: Do you still think back to those days?
Aile The Shota: Yes, I do. I was with my best friend most of the time during that period, cycling because I had nothing to do, and I was still with him yesterday. My best friend hasn’t changed in a long time, so I feel like I’m reminded of him every time I see him. It keeps me fresh all the time.
Takano: It’s a really precious time, isn’t it? Now, we asked Shota to choose a song of his own that he would like to give to himself these days. What song would it be?
Aile The Shota: I would like to present a song called “J-POPSTAR,” which is a realistic description of the dreams I have fulfilled since I became Aile The Shota.
Takano：When we listen to the song together with this letter, it will be very touching for us.
Celeina: Do you feel encouraged when you listen to “J-POPSTAR” yourself?
Aile The Shota: Yes, I do. I wrote the song as my reality, which is like a dream from when I was struggling. When I listen to this song while remembering my best friends and the past, I feel confident that Aile The Shota is really great now, and it makes me want to work even harder.
Celeina：It ‘s an important feeling. Lastly, do you have a message for those who are at a crossroads in their career and life, just like you were back then?
Aile The Shota： I think the feeling of liking something is very strong, so even if you don’t have any dreams or don’t have any likes, I think it is one key to find something you like or to face the feeling of liking within yourself.
#WordsToMyYoungerSelf presented by FRISK
FRISK is championing positive strides and ventures with its “#WordsIWantToSendToMyselfFromBackThen” campaign. Here, 11 artists, talents, and creators have penned letters to their former selves, encouraging them to embark on new paths and embrace challenges. Expect interviews and discussions on the letter contents across platforms like CINRA, J-WAVE, me and you, Natalie, NiEW, and QJWeb. The handwritten letters in full will be showcased at the FRISK exhibition titled “Words I Want to Send to Myself from Back Then,” commencing April 11th (Thursday) at BONUS TRACK in Shimokitazawa. (Details here).
#WordsIWantToSendToMyself
Eleven groups of leading artists will present “Words I Wish I Could Deliver to Myself Back Then”. The exhibition features handwritten letters written to their former selves who were once troubled by problems. This exhibition is a gift to all those who will start a new life this spring.
Venue: BONUS TRACK GALLERY, Shimokitazawa (2-36-12 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Dates: April 11 (Thu) – 17 (Wed), 2024, 11:00 – 20:00 (common for all days) *Opening hours are subject to change.
Participating artists: Sekai Kan Ozaki (Creep Hype), Ayuni D, Boru Juku (Tomoka Tanabe, Hope Sakayori, Anri, Haruka Kiriya), SIRUP, imase, Megane, Ameko Kodama, TENDRE, Kento Nagatsuka (WONK), Aile The Shota, Masaya Mifune (ROTH BART BARON)
Organized by NiEW Supported by FRISK
A special talk show featuring Ayuni D. and Ameiko Kodama x Megane will also be held!
In addition to the exhibition, we will hold a special talk show featuring Ms. Ayuni D., Ms. Ameko Kodama, and Mr. Megane, who have contributed messages to this project, on the stage. Talk show will be held.
Location: BONUS TRACK LOUNGE (2F BONUS TRACK central building tenant 2-36-15 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Date & Time:
Talk show by Ameiko Kodama and Megane-san” April 11 (Thu) 19:30-20:30 (doors open at 19:00)
Talk show by Ayuni D.” April 14 (Sun.) 14:00-15:00 (doors open at 13:30)
Seating at the venue is limited, so if you wish to attend, please register via the link below. Only winners will be notified after a drawing will be held. (Please set “@niew.jp” as a designated domain to receive emails.)
→Please check the NiEW special page for details.
Aile The Shota
Debuted under the BMSG label in January 2022 with “AURORA TOKIO”. Songs produced with Shin Sakiura, A.G.O, tofubeats, Soulflex, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai have earned top rankings on various streaming platforms and heavy rotation on media stations. Highly regarded by artists and producers like Kalassy Nikoff, MATZ, GANMI, with over 20 song collaborations, their momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Renowned for their euphoric live performances, their inaugural nationwide tour in 2023 sold out, with appearances at major festivals lined up. Spearheading the new generation of music and dance culture, they annually organize their own events. Concluding the prologue of their career with four EP releases, they announced the release of their 1st album as the first chapter and a solo live performance at Tokyo Garden Theater in 2025, declaring their path to becoming the next J-POPSTAR. They captivate listeners with a silky voice blending seamlessly into lyrics crafted by their aesthetic eye and melodies painted with sensation. While rooted in dance and inclined towards black music, they possess a unique musicality with high compatibility with J-POP, defining themselves as an artist whose existence transcends genres, whose existence is music itself.
https://ailetheshota.tokyo/
