My Job Is to “Speak for” the Singers through Music
Guests of the RIHGA Royal Hotel:
Musician Hyadain
Hyadain, known for composing songs for a multitude of renowned singers, including Japanese idols, has recently ventured into new domains, all while maintaining his prolific output of music. However, he admits that he had consistently experienced a sense of not fitting in his surroundings since childhood. We conducted an interview with Hyadain to discuss his journey and the path he took to reach where he is now.
It has been 23 years since the tragic events of September 11. Back then, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life, but now I’ve found a way to sustain myself through music. I wish I could reassure my younger self, who was overwhelmed at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, that everything will be fine.
Witnessing the September 11 attacks changed the way I think about my future
From a young age, Hyadain had always had a sense of not fitting in. Even after entering the esteemed Kyoto University from a prestigious high school, he continued to feel like an outcast. Searching for a purpose and a sense of belonging, he embarked on a journey to New York City in his junior year of college. During his 2-week stay, he indulged in musicals every day until the eve of his departure, September 11, 2001.
“I was standing under the Brooklyn Bridge while the city was in complete chaos, and I thought, ‘I don’t know when I’m going to die. I want to make a living doing what I love.’ I thought about what I loved to do, and I realized it was music.”
After graduating from college, he moved to Tokyo and started to upload music on Nico Nico Douga, a video-sharing platform. Everything changed for him when one of his arrangements of a song from a video game became an internet sensation, opening doors to a world of opportunities in the music industry. He composed the theme song for the anime “One Piece,” sung by Tohoshinki, as well as a duet song by Koda Kumi and misono. Big jobs kept coming his way, and he kept working diligently at the task at hand, taking steps toward success one by one.
You don’t have to force yourself to work hard. It’s time to free ourselves from narrow-minded beliefs.
While at Kyoto University, Hyadain dyed his hair and wore earrings and was active in an a cappella circle
When it comes to creating music, Hyadain prioritizes getting to know the singers on a personal level by engaging in conversations with them and attending their live performances. By doing so, he aims to craft songs that truly showcase their talents and bring out their best qualities. He has recently worked on the single “Dopamine-mine Adrenaline-line” for the boy band THE SUPER FRUIT.
“They are of Generation Alpha, and ‘diversity’ has always been a familiar concept for them. They know that everyone is different. I wanted to create music that embodies such open-mindedness while also capturing their raw and authentic feelings, with the goal of reaching a wide audience.”
When asked, “Is there anything that you want to try in the future?” Hyadain responds nonchalantly: “I have never had anything like that, nor will I ever have anything like that (laughs).”
“I believe that my mission is to always give my all to the task before me and give it 120%. From a young age, Japanese people are constantly told that it is important to set goals and work hard towards them, but I think it’s time for us to break free from such narrow-minded beliefs. ‘You don’t have to force yourself to make goals, and you don’t have to work hard.’ This may be the basic philosophy of my creative work. If I put it directly, it might mean ‘I don’t want to work hard’ (laughs).”
Winning the hearts of people with a touch of fun
In May 2024, Hyadain created “MUSEKININ DE EEJANAIKA LOVE” for KAMIGATA BOYZ, a collaboration of three groups: “SUPER EIGHT,” “WEST.,” and “Naniwa Danshi.” The song is “a gift from Kansai,” he says. “It’s a song that is infectiously cheerful, and anyone can sing and dance to it.” We might be able to expect something special from Hyadain for the “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.”
Hyadain, an Osaka native, has used the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka several times.
“Yesterday I had the chance to dine at the French restaurant ‘THE RAY.’ It was impressive and imaginative in every way, from the popping of bubbles to the soup served in a tenmoku tea bowl. Chef Kurakazu’s enthusiasm and commitment to the message ‘Eating is fun!’ shone through every one of his creations. I, too, share his philosophy of ‘Let’s do something interesting.’ I would be delighted if my music could bring joy and comfort to others like his dishes do.”
Hyadain speaks mindfully with a smile, choosing words carefully. Regardless of age, his songs touch the hearts of today’s Japanese, who are tired of working hard.
Interview / Kori Mae
Photography / Kawasumi Tomoaki
Location / RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka Main Lounge
Hyadain (Maeyamada Kenichi)
Born in Osaka in 1980, Maeyamada Kenichi started playing the piano at the age of 3 and taught himself to write lyrics, compose, and arrange music. After graduating from Kyoto University, he began his music career in 2007. His arrangement of a song, which he uploaded on a video-sharing website using the name Hyadain, went viral and reached 1 million views. He also writes songs under his real name, two of which have topped the Oricon chart in a row. He creates wide genres of music for various singers, ranging from idols, J-POP, anime songs, and game music. He also performs and frequently appears on television.
