Visions - Winter/Spring 2017 - 16

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

Hotei

Japanese Guitar Legend

he musician known as Hotei (full name Tomoyasu Hotei) is a genuine superstar in his
native Japan, where his powerful guitar style has helped him sell more than 40 million
records over the past 30 years. Most Americans know Hotei from his bombastic anthem
"Battle Without Honor or Humanity," featured in the Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill. His newest
album, Strangers, released in the U.S. this past July, is Hotei's first international album release.
This amazing masterwork features an array of musical guests including Emigrate/Rammstein's
Richard Z. Kruspe, Bullet For My Valentine's Matt Tuck, Noko from UK electronic band pioneers
Apollo 440, and acclaimed Texan singer Shea Seger, alongside the godfather of punk, Iggy Pop.
2016 also marked Hotei's 35th anniversary in music. To celebrate this milestone, Hotei has been
touring Japan extensively to include over 50 live dates ranging from intimate club shows to a free
open-air concert in his hometown in front of 25,000 fans. He ended the year with his 40th performance
at the world famous Budokan in Tokyo on December 30, with a very special fan request show. We
asked Hotei a few questions about music, life, and playing with a genuine American rock legend.
What does it mean to you to
be able to work with a rock
icon like Iggy Pop?
Iggy Pop is a rock icon,
like David Bowie and the
Rolling Stones. I always
wanted to make music with
him. I first met Iggy at Berlin
Tegel Airport in 1985. He was
on the same flight from Tokyo.
Having my idol in front of me,
I was a bit hesitant to ask for
his autograph, but he made
his way up to me and asked
for mine, asking if I was that
famous guitarist from Japan!
So I said 'yes', then he
continued, 'Can I get your
autograph for my wife?' Can you believe it? When I reunited
with him in Miami when I was there to record his vocals, I
mentioned the story, and he remembered! 'That was you!'.
The world is very small. He absolutely loved my demo-as a
guitarist's album, it was very simple yet full of impact. I'm so
looking forward to have an opportunity to stand on the same
stage together one day. When I saw him backstage at the
Royal Albert Hall after his show, he promised to make that
happen someday.
It was a dream come true, working with Iggy Pop in Miami,
and watching him losing himself in the groove as he was
recording his vocals on the track! He's such a smart gentleman. There's bottomless genius in his eyes. For a legendary
artist like him to agree to offer his support with his vocals
from an unknown Japanese artist's challenge, there's not
enough words to express my appreciation. When I went to
see him at Royal Albert Hall, it surely was one of the best
shows I've ever seen in my life. I caught up with him backstage after the show, and I found out that he was a massive
fan of [American surf guitar band] the Ventures!
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Winter | Spring

2017

How did your song "Battle without Honor and Humanity"
end up in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill ?
I had written this song for a Yakuza movie in Japan. When
Tarantino came through with this movie, he loved this song
and sent his offer to my agent. I was so thrilled and offered to
write a new song, but he insisted that he wanted this song.
I have a great appreciation for Quentin Tarantino. No words
can describe it. Because of that happy coincidence, my door
to the world opened.
In 2014, you joined the Rolling Stones on stage in Japan.
What do you recall from that experience?
I think there is less of a chance to play
with the Rolling Stones than there is
going to Mars on the Space Shuttle?! A member of their staff loved my
show in London and decided to invite
me for their Japan show. Then I was
back in the studio in London working,
and received a call from my manager
saying 'Mick's asking for you. Can you
go back to Tokyo right away?' Then I
thought, 'Which Mick?' Who would've
guessed it was Mick Jagger??? You
can imagine my reaction was 'OMG!'.
Totally speechless. I left the following
day, and went straight to the venue where I was greeted by
them. I exchanged guitar solos with Ronnie and Keith and
shared a microphone with Mick. It was such an overwhelming experience. They were all loud and groovy on stage, and
true gentlemen. I must be the luckiest guy in the world to
have played with superstars I respected in my youth.
You are currently celebrating your 35th year of creating music.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned along the way?
Don't stop. Keep running forward. Be yourself, and stay
yourself. If you drink alcohol, drink water! (smile)
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Visions - Winter/Spring 2017