DAIJIRO SAMURAI TALK: Daijiro x Ken Ayugai—Exploring the Evolution of Music Scenes and the Future of Festivals

This article is an interview project by Daijiro, the Executive Committee Chair of 'SAMURAI SONIC,' a new sensation music festival themed around 'redefining rock.' As a newcomer to the music industry, Daijiro invites leading experts, performing artists, and professionals who shape festivals to dive deep into untold stories and industry trends.

The guest for the first installment is Ken Ayugai, a prominent MC and narrator known for his work on numerous music and sports programs, who has observed the Japanese music scene from the front lines for years. He shared everything from the origins of his career and the early days of festivals in the 90s to the current evolution of the scene and anecdotes about international artists.

### Behind the Scenes of 'Junk SPORTS' and Band Origins in America

Ken Ayugai (Ken): 'Junk SPORTS' started as a late-night show before moving to golden time. Honestly, when it moved to golden time, I thought it might end in about a year, but I ended up doing it for 10 years. After that, we continued with special episodes for about five years.

Daijiro: It's fascinating how you reached your current path in narration and MCing! By the way, where are you from?

Ken: I was born in Tokyo, but moved to the US due to my father's work. I spent my early childhood there, and then when I was entering high school—actually, I had been in Japan since 3rd grade—my father was transferred again just as I started high school. I decided to stay in Japan for my education, moving between relatives' houses. During that time, I went back to the US for a year to be with my family. My brother was in a band there, and he let me join.

Daijiro: So your band activity started in America.

Ken: Yes, we formed a band with all Japanese members. After returning to Japan, I played in various copy bands. This was the mid-80s, covering Bon Jovi, KISS, and so on.

Daijiro: That sounds awesome!

### From MTV Auditions to the Path of MC and Narrator

Ken: There was so much Western rock back then. After returning to Japan, I continued band activities aiming for a record deal. During a period of trial and error, someone approached me on a train, which led to an audition for MTV Japan. Initially, I was on standby, but the American staff liked my vibe. From there, it led to starting a program at J-WAVE, and then directly to 'Junk SPORTS' and 'JAPAN COUNTDOWN.'

Daijiro: So you've been working as a narrator or MC throughout your professional life.

Ken: I continued music and band activities on the side, though that has remained a smaller part of my work.

Daijiro: You're very close with Marty Friedman (co-star on 'ROCK FUJIYAMA'), right?

Ken: It was around 2005. Square Enix was releasing a game called 'Heavy Metal Thunder,' and a show called 'Hebimeta-san' was created to promote it. It started with myself, Yoko Kumada, and Marty Friedman. Initially a game promotion show, the production company felt it had great potential and planned a relaunch. Six months later, it returned to terrestrial TV as 'ROCK FUJIYAMA.' That phase ended after about a year, but during the COVID pandemic, Marty's manager contacted me saying he wanted to do 'FUJIYAMA' again. So, we're doing it now on YouTube. Currently, it's Marty, ROLLY, and myself. Since the other two are artists, they get so excited that they forget about the program flow. They needed someone for traffic control, so I took that role. Since I also do music, the three of us have made CDs together and participated in Masahiko Kondo's tribute album.

Daijiro: That's incredible! Best luck!

(Daijiro laughing heartily)

### The Growth of 'ROCK FUJIYAMA' and the Missing 'Soramimi Hour' Appearance

Daijiro: You've been doing 'Soramimi Hour' for a long time too, right?

Ken: Actually, I haven't appeared on that! But it was the same production company. The director and producer were the same, so I kept saying 'I definitely want to appear on Tamori Club'...