Today we’d like to introduce you to Junpei Hamada
Hi Junpei, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From Self-Taught Dancer to Recognized Professional
In 2009, I learned of Michael Jackson’s passing, sparking my interest in his work and prompting me to start imitating his moves. My fascination eventually shifted towards street dance, but my instructors remained on YouTube.
At the age of 18, I received a request to choreograph and direct a flash mob at the One Direction(One Direction, often shortened to 1D, are an English-Irish pop boy band formed in London in 2010. They became one of the best selling boys band group of all time before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
As of 2020, the band have sold a total of 70 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. The band have won nearly 200 awards.)
Official merchandise store, marking the beginning of my career as a professional dancer. At 20, I was approached to join Kpop idol group U-KISS (U-KISS is a South Korean boy band formed in 2008. Their name is an acronym, standing for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star. The group has recorded and/or performed songs in Korean, Japanese, Chinese, English and Spanish. U-KISS has earned six entries on Billboard’s World Albums chart and has had 9 songs on the K-pop Hot 100 chart.)
as a main back-up dancer for member Kevin (Kevin Woo also known mononymously as Kevin, is a South Korean-American singer-songwriter and television host based as a Korean in New York City. He is primarily known as a former member of South Korean boy band U-KISSfrom 2008 until 2017, as well as a host of various programs such as After School Club.)
, solidifying my career. I participated in various tours, such as the U-KISS JAPAN “One Shot” LIVE TOUR (Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo) and U-KISS Kevin Solo Debut Japan Release Event Tour (Osaka, Kanagawa, Tokyo, Nagoya) as a back-up dancer.
Following these experiences, I went on to perform at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen(NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen “NHK Red and White Song Battle”, more commonly known simply as Kōhaku, is an annual New Year’s Eve television special produced by Japanese public broadcaster NHK. It is broadcast live simultaneously on television and radio, nationally and internationally by the NHK network and by some overseas (mainly cable) broadcasters who buy the program. The show ends shortly before midnight. Before the show began broadcasting on television in late 1953, the show was held on 3 January and only consisted of a radio broadcast.)
and various TV Asahi programs(TV Asahi Corporation, commonly abbreviated as Tere Asa , with the call sign JOEX-DTV (channel 5), is a Japanese television station subsidiary of certified broadcasting holding company TV Asahi Holdings Corporation,[b] itself controlled by The Asahi Shimbun Company serving as the flagship station of the All-Nippon News Network. Its studios are located in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo.).
I appeared as a back-up dancer at events like the Shibuya-ku Thai Festival 2016 with James Jirayu (Jirayu Tangsrisuk, also known as James Jirayu, is a Thai actor, singer and model. He is one of the most sought-after presenters/actors in Thailand.
In June 2016, James released his debut CD Album and first photo album (shot by himself) Kimi Dake I Love You in Japan.)
, and choreographed a movie for the Adobe Japan branch’s World Video Contest (received an honorable mention). (Adobe Inc, formerly Adobe Systems Incorporated, is an American computer software company based in San Jose, California.)
I also played the role of a pilot (dancer) in a musical flash mob at Haneda Airport’s “Haneda Theater.”(Haneda Airport, sometimes referred to as Tokyo-Haneda, is one of two international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the other one being Narita International Airport(NRT). It serves as the primary domestic base of Japan’s two largest airlines, Japan Airlines(Terminal 1) and All Nippon Airways (Terminal 2), as well as RegionalPlus Wings Corp.)
(Haneda Theater (Haneda Gekijyo) – In 2015 for one week in mid- April. Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that it will hold Haneda Gekijyo (Haneda Theater), a free event that will feature a mini musical and other performances. Departure lobbies at domestic terminals 1 and 2 transformed into theaters.)
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Based in Japan, I have worked as a back-up dancer for artists from Korea, Thailand, and the UK, expanding my activities worldwide. Starting from self-taught skills, my dance journey began with the influence of my idol, Michael Jackson. I have always admired Los Angeles, USA, and decided to move my base there. Despite the challenges faced in a foreign land, the pandemic, and the injustices caused by Asian hate violence, I aim to transcend being just a dancer and become a dance artist inspired by Michael Jackson.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have made numerous appearances at events and in the media, taking on back-up dancing, choreography, and directing roles. Additionally, I have conducted workshops and excelled in various fields such as modeling.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck, I believe, is something brought about by the strength of one’s spirit, passion, and feelings. There are moments when we must accept fate, but fundamentally, the most important thing is to continue believing that we are fortunate. It is because of this belief in good fortune that I am able to pursue my career as a healthy dancer and have reached this interview.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Image 1-5
By Takumi Sankyo (IG @sankyo_cam)
https://www.instagram.com/sankyo_cam?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Image 6,7
By Allie Costello (IG @costellocaptures)
http://www.costellocaptures.com
