A Long-Awaited National Tour. What Are His Hopes for His First Sapporo Solo Show?

PinocchioP 2024 TOUR MONSTRO

――This is your first national tour in five years, and it's your largest tour ever. Could you tell us how it came about?

I started performing live when I was with a music agency, but after I went independent in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and it was difficult to make it happen. However, Mr. Miyajima, a staff member who helped me at my former agency (now with HIKE Co., Ltd.), reached out and asked, 'Why don't we do a live show?' He's actually here with me for this interview. Without Mr. Miyajima, this tour wouldn't have been possible. I'm truly grateful.

――Mr. Miyajima, could you tell us what prompted you to contact PinocchioP?

Mr. Miyajima: I had worked with Pino-san (PinocchioP) for a long time, even after I changed jobs from my previous agency. We had a show scheduled at Asakusa Hana Gekijo in 2020, but it had to be held without an audience due to COVID. After that, Pino-san went independent, and I changed jobs, but when the pandemic started to settle down, I happened to find out about an opening at Asakusa Hana Gekijo. I thought, 'We can finally do the show with an audience that we couldn't do back then!' and I contacted Pino-san with the desire to have a 'revenge match' for the canceled show. That's how the solo live show 'Parallel Egg' (held in 2022) came to be.

A scene from 'Parallel Egg'

――This is your first solo show in Sapporo. Are you nervous?

I'm nervous in the sense that I want the show to be great and for everything to go smoothly, but my happiness outweighs that! I can finally go and see everyone all over the country.

The tour title, 'MONSTRO,' is named after the giant whale from Pinocchio. To mark my 15th anniversary, I wanted to return to the roots of my name, 'Pinocchio,' and the title also reflects the fact that this is my biggest tour yet, playing in larger venues.

――Many people will be seeing you for the first time. What kind of show will it be?

Since it's my 15th anniversary, the stage will be a mix of everything from my old songs to my recent ones. It should be enjoyable for both first-timers and long-time fans. Some people come alone, others come with their families, so it's a peaceful atmosphere where you can relax and have fun.

For my early songs that were programmed with a band sound in mind, I've re-programmed them to have more of a live feel, and I've created remixes that are great for getting into the groove at a concert. I think there will be songs that even long-time fans can enjoy in a fresh way.

――You mentioned families attend your shows, so you're loved across generations.

I think many parents become fans after hearing their children listen to my music. My lyrics often depict emotions that don't change with the times, and I believe it's because I include these universal scenes and messages that people of all generations can enjoy them.

――I heard a rumor that you throw a stag beetle into the audience during your shows...?

I have a song called 'Matsuri da Heikamon,' and it's become a tradition to throw an inflatable vinyl stag beetle during the song. At first, I used to throw a small paper omikoshi (portable shrine), but I thought that might be a bit sacrilegious... (laughs). I was looking for something else with a summer feel, and I landed on the stag beetle. As for what it will be this time... please look forward to it.

'Matsuri da Heikamon' Live Video

――In your livestream on April 23rd, you mentioned you were working on a new song for the tour. How is that coming along?

The song is already finished, and we're currently producing the music video. It will be released before the tour starts, so I hope you'll check it out. It's a pretty weird song that I just made on a whim, though.

The song he was talking about, 'YouTuber feat. Hatsune Miku,' was released on July 19th.

――Oh, a weird song right before the tour? (laughs)

I get restless and antsy if four months go by without posting a new song. The idea for the song itself came about around January, and its release just happened to coincide with the timing of the tour. Making music is, in a way, part of my daily routine, or maybe like a biological function (laughs).

――By the way, besides the concert, is there anything you're looking forward to in Sapporo?

Definitely the food. Seafood, soup curry... I want to eat a lot of things, but what really surprised me last time was the zangi from 'Hotei.' Even though it's fried, it's not heavy at all, and I felt like I could eat it forever.

――Personally, I also recommend Hotei's 'mabo-men' (mapo tofu ramen). You should definitely get it as a set with the zangi!

That sounds great, I'll make sure to go with an empty stomach and try it (laughs). I've also gotten into saunas recently, so I'd like to find a good one in Sapporo.

――Finally, please share your enthusiasm for your first solo show in Sapporo.

It's the first stop of the tour, my first solo show in Sapporo, and on top of that, it's a concert in the land where Crypton, the creator of Hatsune Miku, is located! I'm deeply moved, and I'm going to give it my all! It's going to be a festival-like show, so I'd be thrilled if you could come. And above all, please take care of your health!

PinocchioP

PinocchioP began his activities in 2009 by releasing songs using VOCALOID on a video-sharing site. Since then, he has been energetically releasing original music while also being active in various fields such as creating illustrations and music videos, and providing music for other artists. In his live performances, he focuses on the collaboration and fusion of electronics and the physical body, performing in a band setup with support members on drums and scratch/sampler.

PinocchioP 2024 TOUR MONSTRO

Date: Sunday, July 28th | Doors open 17:00, Show starts 18:00
Venue: Zepp Sapporo (Minami 9-jo Nishi 4-chome 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Price: Standing ¥5,500, Reserved Seating ¥6,600
Ticket Purchase: https://eplus.jp/pinocchiop/ (e+)
Bonus for attendees: MONSTRO sticker
Inquiries: 050-3504-8700 (Mount Alive)

(Interview and text by Kyohei Yamashita)