[NHK Culture] Last year's popular Tokyo performance finally comes to Nagoya! DEEN vocalist Shuichi Ikimori talks about "how to approach music" and "the charm of living with soba."

## DEEN Vocalist Shuichi Ikimori

Shuichi Ikimori is the vocalist for the band DEEN, which debuted on March 10, 1993, with "Kono mama kimi dake wo ubaisaritai." He has produced numerous million-selling hits, including "Hitomi sorasanaide," "Memories," "Tsubasa wo hirogete," and "Eien wo azukete kure," with total CD sales exceeding 15 million. He continues to perform these hits today.

Currently, he is also active as a "Soba Culinary Researcher," touring Japan to sample soba, and developing his own brand. Following a sold-out, highly successful lecture in Tokyo last year, Ikimori's Nagoya lecture has finally been scheduled. The event is divided into two parts: the first explores music, his core passion, and the second discusses the value of pursuing hobbies, such as soba, to the fullest.

## Part 1: "What it means to keep singing"

Having sung for over 30 years since his debut, Ikimori explores how he has faced music and polished his expression from the 90s to the present. He will delve into his "core" as an artist and what it means to "live with music," touching on ongoing activities such as his latest tour and April concert at the Nippon Budokan, through a dialogue with the interviewer.

## Part 2: "The pleasure of living with soba"

Having traveled across Japan to discover soba and share its charm, Ikimori explores why he is so deeply attracted to it. He will discuss travel episodes and the depth of soba culture, and share his unique perspective on how he balances his "main job" of music with his "other passion" of soba. This heartwarming talk will offer hints on how pursuing your passions to the fullest can enrich your life.

- Date: June 20, 2026 (Saturday)
- Format: In-person lecture (NHK Culture Nagoya Classroom)
- Fee: 6,710 JPY (tax included) per session