DJ YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U on Global Domination, Artistic Philosophy, and the Enduring Power of Music

Billboard JAPAN’s "MONTHLY FEATURE" series continues to spotlight artists and works that capture its attention, and this month, the publication turns its focus to Tokyo-based DJ YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U. Known for his globe-trotting performances and genre-bending sets, YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U has emerged as a significant figure in the international electronic music scene, captivating audiences both in Japan and abroad with his unique mixing sensibilities and eclectic musical selections. This in-depth interview, conducted remotely while the artist was in Colombia, offers a compelling look into his rise to global prominence, his artistic philosophy, and his vision for the future of DJing.

The Ascent of a Japanese DJ on the World Stage

In recent years, Japan has witnessed a burgeoning wave of DJs and producers making substantial inroads into the global festival and club circuits. YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U stands as a prominent icon of this trend. His distinctive play style, which fluidly navigates between diverse genres and historical eras, coupled with his innovative mixing techniques, has garnered him a dedicated following worldwide. A pivotal moment in his international ascent was his performance for Boiler Room, a globally influential live-streaming platform renowned for showcasing local club cultures. In just over a year, the YouTube recording of his Boiler Room: Tokyo set has amassed an astonishing 18 million views, a clear indicator of the significant accolades he has received from the global club scene.

This surge in international recognition has translated into significant performance opportunities. YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U recently graced the stage at Coachella 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals, and has embarked on extensive tours across South America, including performances at Lollapalooza. Billboard JAPAN seized the opportunity to interview him while he was on tour in Colombia, delving into the catalysts that propelled him into the international arena and the core philosophy underpinning his musical endeavors.

Charting a Course Through South America: A DJ’s Debut

Billboard JAPAN: You’re currently in Colombia. Is this your first tour of South America?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Yes, it’s my first time here on tour. Last year marked my inaugural tour of the United States as well. Thus far on this South American tour, I’ve already had the privilege of performing at Lollapalooza events in both Argentina and Chile. I vividly recall reading about Lollapalooza in magazines during my high school years, so to be able to participate in it now is a profoundly fulfilling experience.

Billboard JAPAN: What have the reactions from South American audiences been like?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: The festivals here are immense, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see a substantial number of people attending my sets. The enthusiasm of the fans is palpable; they engage with the music through what sound like passionate soccer cheers and by calling out my name. In Chile, when I played a track by Skrillex, the energy in the crowd erupted into a mosh pit. This vibrant reception underscores the universal language of music and the shared passion for electronic dance music across continents.

The Boiler Room Phenomenon: A Catalyst for Global Recognition

Billboard JAPAN: Your Boiler Room: Tokyo set undeniably played a crucial role in your emergence as a global artist. The YouTube video now boasts over 18 million views.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: I am immensely grateful for that. My intention was to reach a broad and diverse audience, so I meticulously planned that set. The fact that it has resonated with so many people is a source of great satisfaction. While I felt the performance itself was strong, I never anticipated it would achieve this level of viewership. In my recent sets, I’ve been curating playlists with a wide range of BPMs, allowing me to seamlessly transition from preceding DJs, regardless of their style, and maintain a cohesive flow. I often draw from these selections and improvise extensively. However, for the Boiler Room: Tokyo set, I knew I had a specific one-hour window. When I perceive a set as a critical, make-or-break opportunity, I approach its design with extreme care and precision.

The Boiler Room platform has become a significant conduit for artists to showcase their talent to a global audience. Its unpretentious, intimate setting often fosters a raw and authentic performance, which can deeply connect with viewers. The viral success of YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U’s set can be attributed to its masterful blend of technical skill, diverse musical curation, and a palpable energy that transcends geographical boundaries. This digital reach has democratized exposure for artists, allowing them to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with fans worldwide.

Billboard JAPAN: I often revisit your Boiler Room set and discover new nuances with each viewing. It was a truly remarkable performance.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Hearing that makes me incredibly happy. I have a deep appreciation for cinema, and much like rewatching a film can reveal entirely new layers and interpretations, I hope my sets offer a similar depth. The experience of a performance, much like a cinematic narrative, can evolve with repeated engagement.

Cinematic Influences and the Art of Layered Sound

Billboard JAPAN: You previously mentioned watching Shinji Aoyama’s film EUREKA multiple times.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Recently, I saw Sho Miyae’s Two Seasons, Two Strangers in theaters approximately three times. Each viewing offered a distinct impression. I found myself noticing different details, or perceiving a sense of profound underlying activity beneath seemingly calm surface events. It’s a truly wonderful film. Additionally, One Battle After Another is a powerfully impactful film. Upon a second viewing, its character and narrative impact shift considerably. While providing a concise explanation of these subtle yet significant differences would be challenging, the evolving reception speaks to the film’s complexity.

Billboard JAPAN: It’s a film that manages to be both heavy and humorous.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Precisely. There’s a lingering lightness that provides a unique balance. It’s a testament to well-crafted entertainment that can engage on multiple emotional and intellectual levels.

Billboard JAPAN: That duality is also evident in your own music. Your one-hour sets possess numerous facets, demonstrating an extraordinary level of multifaceted artistry.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: While I don’t personally perceive a strong element of humor in my set, I’m delighted that you feel that way. My intention is to inject humor where appropriate, but often the sheer volume of musical elements I’m incorporating leaves little room. I tend to prioritize impact and emotional resonance. However, if you perceive humor within it, then perhaps it exists. Consider films by Paul Thomas Anderson; humor often arises not from an explicit attempt at comedy, but from the inherent comedic nature of his characters’ lives. This is also true of an actor like Leonardo DiCaprio, whose portrayals can contain an intrinsic, often unintentional, humor.

The connection between YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U’s DJ sets and cinematic storytelling is a recurring theme. This parallels the modern understanding of DJing not merely as playing records, but as a form of curation and performance that evokes moods, narratives, and emotional arcs. The ability to create layers of sound, much like cinematic layers of imagery and dialogue, allows for a richer and more engaging audience experience.

Billboard JAPAN: It’s interesting that you’ve mentioned Ryuichi Sakamoto as an influence, and he, along with Alva Noto, composed the score for The Revenant.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: I have always been an ardent admirer of Ryuichi Sakamoto. I’ve seen most of the films he has contributed to musically. It’s somewhat challenging to articulate the precise nature of his influence on me, however.

Billboard JAPAN: I sense a significant influence, particularly in the way your music is layered.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Ah, I understand. That might indeed be the case. I do feel that my proficiency in equalization has improved as I’ve progressed in my mixing. Perhaps his influence is discernible in that aspect. Through dedicated practice and a considerable number of performances, I believe I’ve become more adept. Performing in diverse venues has provided me with a keen understanding of how the environment influences the sound and audience response. I’ve learned to anticipate and navigate the challenges that arise, and through these experiences, I’ve developed effective strategies for addressing them. Experience has been an invaluable teacher.

The Discipline of Practice and the Art of Recovery

Billboard JAPAN: So, you actively practice your craft?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Absolutely. I dedicate time to practicing the transition between two songs. Occasionally, during these practice sessions, I discover truly remarkable mixes. I view practice as an essential component of my work. I am constantly exploring new approaches rather than adhering to a repetitive routine. There are instances where things don’t go as planned. When performing for an audience, errors can occur. I strive to mitigate these by mixing as effectively as possible, but some songs simply don’t harmonize. Even with two excellent tracks, their melodies might clash, or they may not complement each other. I feel I’ve become more adept at identifying these potential mismatches in advance, though occasional mistakes are still inevitable. The mixer is typically divided into three or four frequency bands. The melody usually resides in the mid-range. I will often lower the mid-band, gradually decreasing the volume so that the melody is less prominent, until I feel, "I believe I can introduce the next track around this point." This technique allows me to cover up such mistakes (laughs).

With increased experience, I’ve noticed an improvement in my ability to think and act quickly. When DJing, one’s mind is constantly engaged in a rapid sequence of thoughts. The nature of the performance also varies significantly depending on the event. For instance, if I’m playing in Australia, I might incorporate AC/DC. Given my performance at Lollapalooza, I would consider including a track by Jane’s Addiction, whose frontman, Perry Farrell, is the founder of Lollapalooza. The overarching theme for Boiler Room: Tokyo was world peace, so I concluded my set with a piece that conveyed that sentiment. When selecting music, I carefully consider the atmosphere set by other performers and DJs, as well as the ethos of the label involved.

The DJ’s ability to recover from mistakes is a hallmark of a seasoned professional. YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U’s detailed explanation of using the mixer’s frequency bands to mask transitions highlights the technical expertise and quick thinking required in live performance. This demonstrates that DJing is not simply about playing music, but about actively shaping and controlling the sonic landscape in real-time.

Billboard JAPAN: You are truly dedicated to entertainment and providing the audience with an exceptional experience. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Zone Unknown, the event you organize in Osaka. Do you feel that over the past decade, you’ve cultivated an even stronger entertainer’s mentality?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: I believe so. I’ve always held the conviction that a DJ is not only an artist but also an entertainer. With every performance, I endeavor to offer the audience something memorable that they can take away with them. My broad appreciation for all genres of music has undoubtedly influenced this approach.

Billboard JAPAN: A decade ago, you underwent surgery for brain cancer and were in critical condition.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: That’s correct. Over the past ten years, I’ve consistently strived to do my utmost, progressing steadily. The Boiler Room: Tokyo set achieved viral status and garnered widespread attention, but it represents a continuation of what I have always done. My aspiration is to continuously improve, incrementally, both as a DJ and as an individual.

The personal narrative of overcoming a life-threatening illness adds a profound layer to YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U’s artistic journey. His resilience and dedication to his craft in the face of adversity are inspiring. This experience likely informs his "joy in living" and the cathartic quality of his music, as he himself suggests.

The Evolving Soundscape: Power, Delicacy, and Impact

Billboard JAPAN: Has the emphasis you place on the feel and power of your sound remained consistent over the past decade?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: That’s an excellent question. Over the past ten years, I’ve been exposed to a vast array of new music, and I believe my own musical sensibilities have broadened significantly. However, I’ve always been drawn to strength and impact, while simultaneously appreciating deeply delicate music. Powerful music often facilitates easier dancing for the audience. I immerse myself in diverse genres daily, but I do find that the music I select tends to carry a sense of power.

Billboard JAPAN: Yet, your sets also incorporate ambient and post-classical music. It seems you expertly combine the hard and the soft, resulting in a sound with remarkable durability. This is what contributes to the exquisite layering of your sound.

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Hmm, I see your point. Sometimes, when I’m mixing two original tracks, listeners inquire about the remix they’re hearing. When I’m equalizing, I’m essentially balancing the highs, mids, and lows using the mixer. I play what feels right to me, and perhaps this process subtly alters the music. Conversely, there are occasions when, during a live performance, these adjustments don’t yield the desired results, and the situation can become challenging. However, I don’t retain a precise memory of the high, mid, and low knob positions for each transition. I simply focus on finding what sounds best in the moment.

The interplay between powerful, danceable tracks and more ambient or introspective pieces is a hallmark of sophisticated DJ sets. YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U’s ability to seamlessly weave these disparate elements together creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience, demonstrating a deep understanding of musical texture and emotional progression.

A Message of Hope in a World of Turmoil

Billboard JAPAN: Your sets truly reflect a joy for life and a profound sense of catharsis about existence. Your recovery from brain surgery undoubtedly plays a significant role in this. However, I also sense that recent societal and global shifts are contributing factors. Do you feel this yourself?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Yes, I do. I consciously attempt to reflect these changes, but at times, I believe they manifest unconsciously. My consistent hope is that my sets provide listeners with an additional reservoir of strength they can draw upon in their lives, offering encouragement to carry with them after the show concludes. The world is increasingly becoming a more challenging and darker place, and I don’t foresee this trend reversing. Misery seems pervasive. Therefore, my hope is that when people listen to my sets, they experience a sense of upliftment. It’s also important to acknowledge that many individuals are unable to attend my live performances. This presents a difficult situation. Nevertheless, I am committed to contributing to making the world a better place in any capacity I can. I don’t believe I’ve fully achieved this goal yet, however.

I feel profoundly fulfilled, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate. My international performances are managed by a substantial company, ensuring that all logistical aspects, from visa acquisition to country entry, have proceeded smoothly. I’ve been dedicated to this profession for twenty years, and it feels as though my hard work is beginning to yield tangible results. Despite this, I don’t feel I’ve received a commensurate level of recognition within Japan. I identify strongly as Japanese, through and through, and I have no intention of relocating overseas. For instance, when it comes to cuisine, I have a particular fondness for eel on rice (laughs). Japan remains a pleasant place to reside. The supermarkets and record shops I frequent are all located here. I often visit Disk Union and Tower Records.

The artist’s profound connection to his homeland, despite his global success, is a notable aspect of his identity. This grounding in Japanese culture likely informs his unique perspective and artistic expression, even as he engages with international audiences.

Billboard JAPAN: You’ll be performing at Coachella for the first time soon, correct?

YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U: Yes, that’s right. I was overjoyed when I received the invitation. I invest my complete effort into every event, but for Coachella, I am planning to deliver a set that carries a message of peace. The opportunity to perform at Coachella as a DJ is a remarkable achievement. I view myself as a DJ, and there remains a vast amount of untapped potential within the DJing profession. I don’t believe this potential will ever be fully exhausted. The sheer volume of music already released is immense, making it impossible to explore it all. On top of that, new music is constantly being produced. This continuous influx of new material further expands the horizons for DJs.

The upcoming performance at Coachella, a festival known for its cultural impact and diverse artistic showcases, represents a significant milestone. YU$UK ¥UK1MAT$U’s intention to convey a message of peace through his set at such a prominent global platform underscores his desire to use his artistry for a greater good, resonating with his earlier statement about making the world a better place. His perspective on the boundless potential of DJing, fueled by the ever-expanding universe of music, is an optimistic outlook on the future of the art form.