INDEX
Nodoka: “I want it to be something that sparks participants to begin their own creative expressions.”
The free-flowing vibe at Bonna Pot really hit me on the final day, during Scott Zacharias’s set. At most rave parties, the last day is often marked by people unwilling to let go, dancing until they’re drenched in sweat and disheveled. Sometimes, it even feels like they’re on the verge of being swallowed up by the party, unable to return to reality.
But that day felt different. As Scott played, I saw people on the dancefloor, laughing and enjoying the music, while children ran around joyfully.
Fujita reflects, “I finally felt like I was able to share what I’ve been chasing in my party life with everyone. There’s a real sense of accomplishment in that.” He then speaks about the responsibility he feels in organizing Bonna Pot.
Fujita: I feel like we’ve finally reached the ideal outcome this time. Over the course of my musical journey, I’ve learned just how crucial it is for an event to have a proper conclusion. If it doesn’t, people leave with their spirits still lingering, untethered. I’ve always felt a strong sense of responsibility to close things out properly—it’s almost a duty for those of us organizing the event.
Nodoka nods in agreement, adding, Scott really tied everything together.
Kazu: It wasn’t just about ending beautifully; it felt like the beginning of something new was on the horizon. Someone shared on social media that it was like ‘ending while beginning,’ and that truly captured the essence of the set. It was a creative journey that seemed to connect not only to our everyday lives but to what lies beyond.
While making sure everyone enjoys Bonna Pot is a key goal, I also want it to ignite something in participants, encouraging them to begin sharing their own creativity. I hope it serves as a spark—providing the motivation and inspiration for individuals to express their unique perspectives, which can lead to personal creativity and active innovation.
As both of them pointed out, the essence of Bonna Pot wasn’t just the allure of escaping from everyday life—it was the sense of actively engaging with the world around us. The dance floor was alive with soothing sounds, conversations unfolded effortlessly between attendees, and the scattered art installations sparked creative energy. Each element seemed to ignite a sense of vitality, inspiring people to infuse their own daily lives with color.
Nodoka： The DJs we admire are those whose sets speak volumes about their deep love for music. They play with passion, and their ability to truly ‘listen’ to the music they’re playing is extraordinary.”
“When we put together Bonna Pot, we focused on the importance of listening with respect, love, and gratitude for all voices around us. This includes everyone—from the staff, performers, and participants to nature itself and the wisdom passed down through generations. By embracing this approach, we believe we can create a space that nurtures a harmonious community.
Fujita: What we’re trying to share isn’t just about the party; it’s about everything around us—the entire planet. If it can provide strength for living tomorrow, then we’ve done our job.
Nodoka Shimazu
The mastermind behind Bonna Pot and the force behind NUSIC, he navigates the music industry as an agent, promoter, and talent booker, working across both underground and mainstream scenes. His love for outdoor parties and festivals took root in his mid-teens, leading him to immerse himself in the professional music world while still in high school. A key figure at Hot Staff Promotion (Japan’s largest concert promoter) from 2009 to 2012, he contributed to the creation and execution of massive events like Fuji Rock Festival and Asagiri Jam. With 25 years of experience in outdoor music event production, he’s relentlessly pursued new musical experiences and undiscovered artists, having lived in over 40 countries over 12 years. His career has seen him bring cult DJs and artists to Japan, including for Bonna Pot. Among his greatest musical moments was seeing Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) perform at a festival in Southern California in 2016, a memory that remains etched in his heart.
Koji Fujita
The visionary behind Bonna Pot and the founder of Hiranya Access Co., Ltd., he is a soundscape designer with a rich history as a PA and sound engineer specializing in dance music. Beyond his work as an engineer, he has shaped the acoustics of everything from retail spaces to custom solar-powered sound systems, even designing SR speakers.
His journey into sound design began in the early 2000s, and over time, he realized that the essence of a performance hinges on the quality of the sound environment. This insight led him to pursue environments that are not just technically flawless but emotionally engaging — from high-energy festivals to intimate private settings.
In the late 2000s, alongside his PA work, he expanded into designing sound systems for spaces like the Micro Office (predecessor to DOMMUNE), the Omotesando club VENT / WALL&WALL, the Nihonbashi hotel K5 (B), and the Ebisu music venue Blue Note Place. His design work has become renowned for creating spaces that are both sonically rich and atmospherically comfortable, earning recognition across Japan, with over 200 facilities designed and built.
In the wake of the 2011 earthquake, he co-founded “RA – energy design” with the late Kazunori Taguchi, developing solar-powered sound systems that brought solar-powered events to life, including the Nakatsugawa The Solar Budokan festival, which expanded to accommodate 5,000 people. Currently, he’s preparing to push the boundaries of immersive sound with projects like Dolby Atmos, and is in the process of building a studio to explore new dimensions of sound.
Bonna Pot
November 8 (Friday) – 10 (Sunday), 2024
Venue: Auto Camp Ginga, Nishi-Izu
Music by:
Abiu
AKIRAM EN
ALICIA CARRERA
An-i
CHIDA
CS + Kreme -LIVE-
∈Y∋
鏡民
nø¡R
O/Y -LIVE-
Scott Zacharias
Shhhhh
Sunju Hargun
THOMASH -LIVE&DJ HYBRID-
Toshio “BING” Kajiwara
7e
Sound Space: HIRANYA ACCESS
Speaker System: TAGUCHI
Lighting, Deco & Structure:
Forie
Hikariasobi Club
Keisuke Yago
密林東京 (Mitsurin Tokyo)
RGB
SHINOBU HASHIMOTO
Stretch Tent Company
Uno Yoshihiko
Food, Drink & Market:
MANGOSTEEN
Nishi-Izu Shokudo (Nishi-Izu local Japanese food)
Ramen Matatabi (Additive-free Ramen)
FermenCo. (Wood-fired pizza)
Vimana Curry (South Indian cuisine / Veggie options)
Korean Cuisine Yugyong
Kona-ya (Supplements)
Tiny Bird Coffee Service
TOKYO KAN KAN
Raw Chocolate by Grrrden
SoundCloud: Bonna Pot
Instagram: @bonnapot_nusic
X: @Bonna_Pot
