J Pop Exchange Logo Sakura Heading Photo Courtesy of Sawa

SAWA Exvlusive Radio Interview on The J-Pop Exchange

SAWA
J-Pop Exchange
Exclusive Radio Interview

Click Here to Listen to the Full Radio Interview


Questions:

A short while ago, you composed / created songs for the Nintendo DS game The World Ends With You.   How did this opportunity come about?  What impact has it had for you and your career?

How and when did the band form?—and does the name SAWA, have a particular meaning for the band?  That is, aside from the fact that your leader’s name is Sawa, does the word also have a specific meaning that has special significance for you, perhaps providing some special inspiration?

Let us take a look back for a moment.  Would you mind sharing with us what it was like growing up in Japan?  Where did you grow up?  Was it in a small town or a larger town?

I noticed on your MySpace page you commented on the recent earthquake in Italy and its tragic impact and the association that it brought up in your mind with experiencing earthquakes while growing up in Japan.  What was that like for you?  How did experiencing these earthquakes affect your life?

I also notice that your experience with earthquakes in Japan has left you with awareness and appreciation for the strength of the human spirit to rise to meet such tragedies— and the hope that such rising-up provides.  Would you care to comment further on this?

Please tell us about your early musical experiences and training.

What instruments do you play and what is your favorite?

Who are your musical influences?

What music do you like to listen to?

And what led you to want to pursue a career in music? 

Can you give us some insight into your creative process?  How do you go about writing a song?

Can you tell us something about your inspiration and/or motivation for your songs doo and Stay Away –Unplugged?

I notice that all the lyrics to your songs are sung in English.  Is this coincidence or is it intentional? 

You recently shared with me that you were previously aware of our radio station, WVCR 88.3 FM, and also, for a time, you were a regular listener—this was truly fascinating to learn!  Please tell us more about this …

Also, I get the impression that you have stayed in the United States more than once and perhaps have even studied in the United States?  Can you tell us about this?

What were your impressions of the United States?  And do you think that the time you spent here has impacted your music?

Would you ever consider touring in the USA?

How can fans contact you to learn more about your music?

Do you have any current or upcoming projects that you’d like to talk about?

In conclusion, is there anything you’d like to talk about / mention that we haven’t discussed thus far?