The Intersection of PARCO and Culture: A Dialogue with Nariaki Obukuro

Memories at Urawa PARCO

Celeina (MC): Welcome to J-WAVE’s GRAND MARQUEE. Today, as part of the PARCO 55th anniversary project, we have Nariaki Obukuro as our guest.

Obukuro: It is true; it might be the first time we’re talking directly. You’re joining us remotely from London today. How is the autumn season there?

Celeina：It is true that this may be the first time for us to talk in person. You are speaking to us remotely from London today. How is autumn in London?

Note: Nariaki Obukuro leads FLIP SIDE PLANET, which has a segment within GRAND MARQUEE.

Obukuro: London is already in winter. Right now, it’s 9°C, and it’s expected to reach 12°C later, but the skies remain cloudy. No matter how many years pass, I never get used to this cold.

Takano (MC): How long have you been living in London now?

Obukuro: It’s almost been six years, so it’s been a while since I last spoke Japanese.

Takano: Today, I’d like to talk a lot with you, Mr. Obukuro, focusing on PARCO as our key theme. Thank you for joining us.

Celeina: When did you first visit PARCO?

Obukuro: There was a PARCO in front of my hometown station, Urawa, and I started to become aware of it in high school. When I began commuting by train, PARCO became a symbol of the nearest station. I would stop by Tower Records or go to watch movies.

Celeina：What kind of movies did you watch back then?

Obukuro： I can’t really remember. Recently, I went to see Shin Evangelion: The Movie, especially since I worked on a remix of Utada’s famous song “Beautiful World (Da Capo Version),” which was used in the film’s ending.

Takano: With movie theaters and performance venues, PARCO is definitely a hub for culture.

Obukuro: The Urawa PARCO also has a library, so I often borrowed books there. (※)

※Editor’s Note: The Saitama City Central Library is located on the 8th floor of Comnal, the station building where Urawa PARCO is situated.

Takano: That’s wonderful. When I was in high school, I used to go to the PARCO in Kichijoji. I bought things like miscellaneous goods and clothes, and they even had a flea market on the rooftop. It was always fun to watch.

Celeina: For me, I think my first experience was going to the Shibuya PARCO when I was in upper elementary school.

Takano: It’s clear that PARCO is an integral part of the city.

Obukuro: Each store has its own regional character, too.

Takano: It would be interesting to compare them across different cities.

Nariaki Obukuro’s Link to Ikebukuro and Shibuya PARCO

Takano: So, I heard that after starting your career as an artist, you’ve been involved in various creative projects with PARCO.

Celeina: In 2019, you worked on the music for the campaign movie celebrating Ikebukuro PARCO’s 50th anniversary. Did you used to visit Ikebukuro PARCO?

Obukuro: I used to commute to university using Ikebukuro Station, so I visited there quite often. I mostly just wandered around, but that was the most enjoyable part.

Celeina: Since you used Ikebukuro PARCO during your student days, it must have been quite meaningful for you to be involved with the campaign movie.

Obukuro: I was really happy that the opportunity came my way. It was very touching to have been remembered since my debut, and I’m very grateful for that.

Takano: By the way, Ikebukuro PARCO is said to be the flagship store of PARCO.

Obukuro: Oh, so Ikebukuro is the flagship store.

Takano: Considering that, it seems like a perfect match for you to have been involved in the 50th anniversary campaign after using Ikebukuro PARCO.

Celeina: And in 2023, you also curated the in-store BGM for Shibuya PARCO. The reason you took on that role was because of your involvement with the program “FLIP SIDE PLANET,” which is familiar to listeners of “GRAND MARQUEE,” right?

Obukuro: That’s right. As a member of “FLIP SIDE PLANET,” I created playlists for the in-store music and had them played for a year.

Celeina： What were the key points you focused on when creating this playlist?

Obukuro: I believe the areas where music is most audible are the restrooms, smoking areas, and escalators. People who frequent PARCO are often highly attuned to music, so I wanted to create moments where they would notice, even just for a second, that “music is playing properly.” Instead of well-known hits, I chose hidden gems, like tracks found as the seventh song on an album.

Takano: That’s great. Having had the chance to air “FLIP SIDE PLANET,” I was really impressed by the breadth of your musical selections. When you played a song by Motoharu Sano, it was truly moving.

Obukuro: Thank you. Since “FLIP SIDE PLANET” is pre-recorded in London and broadcasted, I don’t get the direct feedback that comes with live shows. So, I rarely have a chance to hear how people are listening to the show. For eight years, it felt like broadcasting into the void, so hearing feedback like this is really rewarding [laughs].

Celeina： I imagine you’re constantly taking in new music. How do you go about discovering new sounds?

Obukuro: Lately, I’ve been digging through records a lot. Of course, I use streaming services too, but I find that I come across a lot of great music through records.

Celeina： Do you have any favorite record spots in London?

Obukuro： There are many great record stores, and I’m part of a DJ community that plays records, where we often exchange information.

Takano: I’d love to come check it out sometime.