Bridging Worlds: SIRUP and Ayumu Imazu Tackle Social Issues

The Difference Between My Artistic Self and My Everyday Self

Ayumu： I want to reduce the distance between my self as an artist and my everyday self. I value not putting on a different persona when I step onto the stage. That’s why I believe it’s important to start by thinking clearly about my daily life and habits, not just my role as an artist.

SIRUP：Ayumu’s dance is his life work, so I envy how seamlessly he transitions from MC to dancing.

Ayumu: I’m not the type to hype up the crowd with MCs like other artists do. I speak as myself even during MCs.

SIRUP: Since I’ve started performing on stage as my true self, I feel that my presence has become more convincing. Of course, you need to perform to captivate the audience to some extent, but it feels like our performance is reaching people more directly.

Some artists say they live their daily lives with the mindset that they’re always being filmed, in order to bridge the gap between the stage and everyday life.

SIRUP: I think that’s true. I also consider fan interactions carefully. Even when I meet fans on the street, I talk to them normally [laughs].

To wrap up, what are your expectations for each other’s work and what would you like to collaborate on in the future?

SIRUP: Ayumu has everything it takes as someone who is currently gaining momentum and seems to be carving his own path naturally. I’d love to see him further showcase his work in the Japanese music scene. Even in this interview, it’s impressive how clearly and thoughtfully he answers questions, which is quite rare. So in the end… I’d really like to create music together!

Ayumu: Let’s make it happen! I’m very excited about live performances and find these message-driven events quite refreshing, so I’m genuinely looking forward to it.