For nearly two decades, origami PRODUCTIONS has been reshaping Japan’s indie music scene, crafting a soundscape where R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop harmonize in a way few others have dared to explore. The label has cultivated a reputation for prioritizing groove and collaboration over conventional genre boundaries. This distinctive charm captivates everyone, drawing them into their music.
Now, the label is bringing its celebrated festival, Origami SAI, to Bangkok for the first time, marking a significant step in its global journey. Featuring the full lineup of origami artists, the two-day event promises exclusive performances, cross-cultural collaborations, and a showcase of Tokyo’s cutting-edge sound. Emphasizing the festival’s mission to connect Japanese artistry with music lovers worldwide.
Cosmos team had the opportunity to exchange emails with artists from Origami PRODUCTIONS about their first visit to Bangkok and their vision for the music scenes in both Thailand and Japan. Read all about it in this Space Invader column.
For those unfamiliar with origami PRODUCTIONS, how would you describe the label’s musical philosophy and its impact on the Japanese indie scene?
Yoshiaki Tsushima (CEO, Founder of origami PRODUCTIONS): Our label originated from the R&B, SOUL, JAZZ, and HIP-HOP jam session scene that took place in the 2000s, primarily in Shibuya, Tokyo. This scene was characterized by a style of free, improvisational sessions where musicians created various musical expressions on the spot. During a time when Japan’s music scene was largely dominated by rock and pop, it was rare to find musicians who incorporated jazz chords into HIP-HOP to create unique grooves.
While there were plenty of HIP-HOP and R&B artists, most leaned toward more aggressive rap, singer-DJ combinations rather than the laid-back, chill style we developed. Few bands in Japan produced sounds like ours.
Our music isn’t bound by genre. Rather than forcing a fast tempo to create energy, we prioritize groove and focus on a session style where instruments and voices engage in dialogue to bring the music to life.
It’s possible that Japan’s music scene would be as it is today even without us. Therefore, we can’t say exactly what impact our music has had on Japan’s indie scene. However, there are artists who have gone on to become professionals after being influenced by our style. If we’ve managed to make even a small positive impact on them, that’s something to be proud of.
We aim to encourage a diverse range of styles, hoping that audiences will embrace not only similar songs and artists but also something different. With our experience as producers, we have been able to produce music for numerous major artists. By infusing our groove into the backbone of big artists’ songs, we believe we’re offering music fans a unique groove they won’t find anywhere else.
What inspired origami PRODUCTIONS to bring the Origami SAI festival to Bangkok for the first time?
Katsuto Sano (Producer of origami SAI):We’ve been active in Japan with a desire to elevate Japanese music and share great music with people here. But as music is a universal language, we also feel strongly about helping music fans around the world appreciate the beauty of music created by Japanese artists.
Since COVID, many international artists have been able to visit Japan again, bringing incredible performances. In the same way, we want people in Bangkok—who, as fellow Asians, are geographically close—to experience our live music. It feels like a natural progression, and we’re confident that our music will resonate with people in Bangkok once they hear it live. That belief has given us the motivation to move forward with this performance.
origami SAI has been held in other countries before. What feedback or momentum have you seen in the international music scene for your label?
Katsuto Sano: We receive emails and messages almost daily from people in various countries. With listeners around the world enjoying our music through streaming services, we believe that connecting with them in person—sharing the same space, breathing the same air, and having them experience our live performances—is an invaluable way to connect.
These live interactions also allow our origami artists to connect with local musicians, opening the door for creative collaborations, like making music together, which can have a meaningful impact on future projects.
Previous origami SAI events didn’t feature a full lineup from the entire label like this one in Thailand. What made everyone come together in full force this time?
Yoshiaki Tsushima: Each artist has a unique style, yet there are many common threads among them. If you like even one artist from origami, chances are you’ll find yourself liking others as well. Our label has a sound you can almost hear when you hear the name, and this is exactly why it’s meaningful for us to come together as a team to hold events. It’s similar to labels like Blue Note Records, Motown, Epitaph, Def Jam, and Stones Throw.
By organizing showcases as a unified group, we can highlight our distinct character and create opportunities to connect with like-minded local artists. In Japan, music from other Asian countries still doesn’t get as much exposure (listeners here tend to focus on Japanese, American, and British artists). So, by collaborating with artists from different countries—such as releasing songs together—we also hope to introduce their work to Japanese audiences.
What kind of show has each artist prepared to surprise their Thai fans?
Shingo Suzuki: We’ve made a setlist that will allow us to enjoy the show as one with the venue, so stay tuned!
mabanua: Although it will be a short performance, mabanua’s solo set is something I rarely does even in Japan, so I’m really excited to bring it to Thailand. As for the second day with Ovall, we plan to incorporate special elements not seen in our live shows in Japan. At the end of each day, we’ll have a special session with a unique arrangement that you can only see on that day!
Shingo Sekiguchi: We’ll be coming straight from our Japan tour, so I believe we’ll be in our best form to deliver an amazing performance. There may also be some exciting collaborations, so look forward to it!
Kan Sano: This time, I will perform both with a band set and a solo set. The band set will be groovy and fun, while the solo set will have a jazzy, more sophisticated vibe. I’d be thrilled if you could enjoy both performances over the two days!
Hiro-a-key／Nenashi: I’ve prepared a show with a new song and guest??? It’ll be an exclusive set so please come have fun with me!!!
Michael Kaneko: We’re getting everything ready! Please look forward to it!
How exciting are Max Jenmana and temp. that they earned a spot in this lineup?
Shingo Sekiguchi: I became a fan of his vocals after collaborating on a track with the Japanese artist Ryu Matsuyama a few years ago. I had hoped to meet him when I visited Thailand, but I’m so happy that we will be able to perform at the same event! I’m really looking forward to hearing his live performance.
Michael Kaneko: I’ve always enjoyed listening to “temp.” for a long time. So I’m really looking forward to it! I’m excited to see temp.’s live performance.
Do you think the cultural exchange between Japan and other countries through events like Origami SAI will influence the music in your label?
Katsuto Sano: I believe there’s a great possibility. It could influence both the musicality of our artists and the activities of the label.On the other hand, I also hope it has a positive impact on the people in Bangkok as well.
How do you see the international appeal of Japanese indie music evolving over the next few years, especially as more artists are gaining global recognition?
Yoshiaki Tsushima: Japanese music has incredible “depth.” With a rich history and a large population of musicians, it stands out even on a global scale. The country is full of live houses, well-equipped recording studios, and countless record shops.
Rather than relying only on social media tactics or promotional battles, Japan has built up a foundation that continues to produce amazing music from the past to the present. If given the chance to be seen and heard, people would recognize the exceptional quality of Japanese music.
In terms of global recognition, we may have fallen behind in recent years, but Japan’s originality wasn’t built overnight. By bringing events like origami SAI to audiences abroad, we believe we can attract many new fans around the world.
Any message for those who haven’t bought their tickets to Origami SAI yet?
Shingo Suzuki: Please come and experience our very first live show in Thailand! We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
mabanua: For many years, origami PRODUCTIONS has been actively involved in a wide range of projects in Japan, from the mainstream to the underground. Now, with our very first show in Thailand, we’re thrilled to bring the vibes we’ve cultivated in Japan and hope you’ll feel it with us at this rare event!
Shingo Sekiguchi: This will be the first live show in Bangkok for both origami and myself, and having a 2-day event featuring the whole label is a pretty rare opportunity. Don’t miss it—come and join us!
Kan Sano: This is a special event featuring all the artists from origami PRODUCTIONS coming together. It’s only the second time we’re hosting it abroad, so don’t miss out!
Hiro-a-key／Nenashi: Nenashi’s 1st ever show in Bangkok !!! I’ll be singing a bit in Thai so don’t miss it.
Michael Kaneko: It’s been a year since our last live in Thailand, and we’re excited to bring lots of nice grooves from our new album “Daydreams”!
Origami SAI 2024 Live in Bangkok takes place on 14-15 December at Blueprint Livehouse. If you love hip-hop, jazz, R&B, or soul, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Get your ticket here: https://www.ticketmelon.com/blueprint/origami-sai-bkk
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