Thanks to the connections music has brought me, I’ve been gradually receiving opportunities for DJ performances.
I welcome inquiries for DJ sets, live performances, and music production.
I look forward to sharing musical experiences with you.
In the dead of night, a vinyl record begins to emit a faint glow. As the needle traces the grooves, the air trembles, transforming the room into an ocean of sound— a personal musical universe that once existed.
From the lost spaces of time, I have rescued thousands of records. Among them, tonight, I wish to share a particularly special one with you.
This time, I will write about “Zokkon! Barbecue” by BUBBLE-B—a promotional CD pressing, a non-commercial release, and a personal treasure that was given to me directly.
※Available at the hardcore techno specialty store GUHROOVY. We apologize for the previous mistake and have made the correction. Currently, both the physical and online stores are closed. GUHROOVY also operates as a music unit under the same name.
1. Resonance and Form—The Texture of Sound in This Record
The breath of an era told through its cover, the texture of the grooves on the record, and the world that expands the moment the needle touches down. I will explore the beauty and resonance of this unique piece.
2. The Coordinates of Memory—The Intersection Between This Record and Me
When, where, and how did I first encounter this record? And why could I never bring myself to part with it? Beyond my personal experience, I will reflect on the magnetic pull that music exerts over memory.
3. Sound and Human Connection—Experiences in Kesennuma
Music often leads us to unexpected places. This section will recount the connections forged through music, intertwined with the journey of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the role that music played in that process.
4. The Context of Sound—How This Record Lives Within a DJ Set
At what moment should this record be played within a mix? How does it resonate with the temperature of the dance floor and intertwine with other tracks to create new narratives?
Resonance and Form—The Texture of Sound in This Record
■Sound
“Zokkon! Barbecue” by BUBBLE-B exists in my collection as a rare non-commercial 7-inch record. Given to me directly by BUBBLE-B himself, this is more than just an irreplaceable record— it is a personal treasure.
Released in 2002, this track exemplifies the “golden formula” of BUBBLE-B’s composition style, which had already begun to take shape, as evidenced by the official YouTube music video uploaded in 2009— a time when few artists were utilizing YouTube so effectively.
The track samples “Mambo No. 5”, initially setting up an expectation of a Latin house arrangement. However, the underlying techno influences of BUBBLE-B reshape the rhythm into something harder and more precise— not quite Latin House, but rather something more akin to Latin Techno.
The SHEX remix takes this further, with sharper cut-ups of Mambo No. 5, weaving an intense and intricate beat.
Another version, by Smile Hunters, featuring Enjo-G (a frequent collaborator of BUBBLE-B), transforms the track into something dreamily trance-like, making it feel more like a complete recreation rather than a simple remix.
The Coordinates of Memory—The Intersection Between This Record and Me
When I first started DJing, I initially aimed to be a house DJ—that much is true. But before I fully immersed myself in house music, my earliest and most formative dance music experiences were rooted in the world of Nerdcore, which included Karatechno, a genre even featured in STUDIO VOICE.
That issue of STUDIO VOICE had a special feature titled “SPEED KING”, exploring questions like:
“Why do people crave speed?”
“Why is the fastest always the winner?”
“Why must things be fast?”
The magazine was packed with fascinating content—from classic cars introduced in a layout designed like plastic model boxes, to articles on planes and bullet trains as symbols of speed. It also delved into “high-speed music”, covering rave music and even Psyche Outs, one of my early musical influences.
It didn’t stop there. Even from a guitar shredding perspective, the magazine covered artists like Shakti & John McLaughlin and Charlie Parker, making for a thrilling read. The issue also featured interviews with the SPEED KING CREW, including Leopaldon, Karatechno, Sharpnel, and DAT Zoids—all legends in my eyes.
This same issue had an interview with Koji Kikkawa titled “Memories of Speed”, followed by an interview with Cymbals.
Film reviews covered Buffalo ’66, The Negotiator, and Run Lola Run, while music reviews featured Kirinji’s “47’45”. It was a beautiful blend of mainstream and subculture, an issue so densely packed with fresh content that even now, revisiting it makes me lose track of time.
It’s a shame that STUDIO VOICE eventually ceased publication. While web media and social media are indispensable today, I firmly believe that there is something unique and irreplaceable in flipping through the pages of a magazine, deeply absorbing its contents in a way that skimming digital articles simply can’t replicate.
Karatechno – The Origins of BUBBLE-B’s Sonic DNA
Bringing it back to music—Karatechno was a hardcore techno unit that blended techno with karate, and it was BUBBLE-B’s early project before launching his solo career.
At their live shows, actual karate practitioners would perform kata (forms) on stage, while BUBBLE-B controlled the music from behind—a wild and unprecedented performance style.
When BUBBLE-B began using his moniker, he carried over his Nerdcore spirit—his ability to take quirky, unconventional sources like TV commercials or show themes and transform them into techno and hardcore tracks. But more than that, he possessed solid track-making skills that never relied solely on the strength of the original samples.
My Introduction to Nerdcore and the Impact of Karatechno
Back in my university music club days, some of my seniors were hyped about Nerdcore music and would excitedly introduce me to it.
“There are some absolute mad geniuses out there.”
“You have to check out this insane act called Karatechno.”
At the time, I wasn’t into singing in public, nor was I actively creating original music. I played guitar, but that was about it. Going to clubs wasn’t something I was drawn to either.
But then, I discovered Nerdcore—and amidst its chaotic, high-energy world, there were tracks that cut through my apathy and struck me deep.
“Music can be this free?”
“There are people out there making music this purely for fun?”
That realization shattered my preconceived notions of music.
Fast-forward over a decade later, and in March 2013, I was given the incredible opportunity to perform alongside BUBBLE-B at the MOGRA event “Kegani”.
Being part of the legendary “two-character events” at MOGRA was a thrilling experience in itself. I never imagined that years later, I would not only be sharing a stage with BUBBLE-B, but also visiting his booth at Comiket and building a personal connection with him over time.
Sound and Human Connection—Experiences in Kesennuma
As I write this, 14 years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
My first trip to Kesennuma was thanks to BUBBLE-B’s invitation— he asked me to come and check out the event “Yokocho Rising” at the Kesennuma Yokocho Revival Market. I boarded a large bus alongside other performers, not as a musician, but as someone there to eat, drink, and enjoy live music.
Even though years had passed since the earthquake, rubble and the wreckage of stranded ships still remained, a shocking sight that left a deep impression on me. At the same time, I also remember the warmth of the people, the amazing local food— from fresh seafood to Kesennuma’s famous “Midori Horumon”— and the lively festival atmosphere.
That first visit led to something unexpected: from the next event onward, I was invited to perform live, becoming a regular participant in Yokocho Rising.
Beyond music, BUBBLE-B is also a food writer, and his travels took him not just across Japan, but even overseas. Whether through music events or culinary experiences, he built strong bonds with local communities. His approach was not just about performing— it reflected a deep appreciation for people, culture, and connection.
The Return to Kesennuma – BAR PRISM and a New Chapter
Five years after the last Yokocho Rising, in 2021, I found myself returning to Kesennuma once again.
This time, the connection was through Yushi Onodera, the former director of Kesennuma Yokocho, who had since opened a bar called BAR PRISM. BUBBLE-B was commissioned to create the bar’s official website and asked me to take the photographs for it.
Visit BAR PRISM →
The photos I took are still featured on the website today.
The Kesennuma Yokocho Revival Market officially closed in March 2017, having completed its role as a temporary shopping district. However, in 2019, BAR PRISM opened nearby in the newly developed “Mishione Yokocho”, a vibrant space filled with trailer-style restaurants and bars.
When I had visited for Yokocho Rising, the pace of Kesennuma’s recovery still felt uncertain. But by the time I returned for the photo shoot, the transformation was unbelievable— the city had come alive again, filled with energy and optimism. Seeing that change firsthand was deeply moving.
Looking back, I realize that even these moments of connection beyond music were made possible by BUBBLE-B. The gratitude I feel is immeasurable.
Sometimes, a record doesn’t just hold musical memories— it holds the story of the people we’ve met, the challenges we’ve faced, and the light of hope that guides us through difficult times.
The Context of Sound—How This Record Lives Within a DJ Set
“Zokkon! Barbecue” incorporates the iconic “Mambo No.5” as its core sample, yet BUBBLE-B’s inherent techno DNA transforms the beat into something much harder and more structured. As a result, instead of seamlessly blending into Latin or samba house tracks, it surprisingly pairs well with Green Velvet and similar hard-edged, experimental sounds.
What makes this track truly compelling is how it transcends the realm of a “novelty” or gimmick track. It breaks down existing genre conventions and forges a new sonic landscape, embodying the spirit of Nerdcore at its finest.
The Uncompromising Spirit of BUBBLE-B
BUBBLE-B is not just a musician—his talents extend far beyond music. He crafts festival anthems and high-energy tracks for extraordinary experiences, yet at the same time, he meticulously explores everyday culture, even authoring books about chain restaurants and food culture.
At the heart of all his work lies a simple but profound philosophy—to fully and deeply enjoy everything. “Zokkon! Barbecue” is a perfect embodiment of that mindset.
Why This Record Is Irreplaceable
The reason I can never let go of this record is not just its rarity—the fact that it’s a non-commercial promo release.
It’s about the history behind it—BUBBLE-B personally gave me this record, knowing that I wasn’t just a CD DJ, but someone who actively played vinyl. This track represents a foundational moment in the evolution of his style, marking an important chapter in his creative journey.
And above all, it’s about gratitude—gratitude to BUBBLE-B for showing me the boundless joy and freedom that music can bring.
The Sound That Stays With You
Thank you for reading until the end.
In your life, too, there may be sounds you can never let go of—
Timeless echoes that shine brightly within your deepest memories, like stars that never fade.
May that eternal resonance gently illuminate your tomorrow.
