James Ji activities in Japan

[040156]

I suppose this one needs a separate thread since he'll be doing more stuff there.

As a recap, James had released a debut CD "James Jirayu" with two songs, his Japanese Cover of Loving You Too Much (originally by P'Bird Thongchai) and Kimi Dake I Love You, which is the Japanese title of Ruk Sud Rit, and the Japanese version of the song he sang for that Lakorn.

He likewise performed for the Thai Festival in Japan Last Year together with some other Thai Stars.

He appeared in a food and leisure show about the topic of Thai Rice (..... I'm sorry, the title evades me right now, but details are in the main James Ji thread, I think) but I just remembered it was shown on his birthday last year.

Also, the lakorn Ruk Sud Rit (Kimi Dake I Love You) is shown in Japan, every Sunday Night at TBS.

He also had Tabi Japan last year, which was shown in CH3 and was also a guest in a Japanese Idol Group BOYS AND MEN (Boymen) tv show where they ate some Thai food and visited some spots in Bangkok.

Now there is news of James being featured in a Tokusatsu or Special Effects Show in Japan. News of it appeared in his Japanese Website:

http://jamesjirayu.com/news/2017/01/18/特撮テレビシリーズ「アイドルx戦士-ミラクルち/

the translation is as follows:

Appearance in Tokusatsu Series “IDOL x Senshi MIRACLE TUNES!” (Idol x Miracle Tunes Warrior)


James Jirayu will appear in the Tokusatsu series, “IDOL x Senshi MIRACLE TUNES!”

It will be broadcast at TV TOKYO stating April (2017)

Takashi Miike, who is active in various genres such as comedy, “violence”, horror, etc., will take the helm as general manager.

Jirayu will appear in a “MAOU” (Demon King) role.

(Jirayu) shall take over an important, not to mention, challenging, key character in the story, so please definitely check it out!

-------------------------------

as for the appended news articles:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000023619.html

UNPRECEDENTED NEW LIVE ACTION TOKUSATSU SERIES! LIVE ACTION NEW TOKUSATSU HEROINE STORY [IDOL X SENSHI MIRACLE TUNES!] START OF BROADCAST (airing date) CONFIRMED

[MIRACLE TUNES!] Production Committee confirmed Broadcast start on April 2017 at TV TOKYO of the tokusatsu TV Series[IDOL X SENSHI MIRACLE TUNES!] which is a show aimed for primary school girls (Original Work/Copyright: Takara Tomi, OLM)


This work has the theme of Idol Warrior [Idol who specializes in dancing and singing powers to counter evil and protect the peace of the world, live action NEW Tokusatsu Heroine Story] equipped with the latest VFX (visual effects) which are used abundantly and freely in the tokusatsu tv drama series which is aimed at young primary school girls.


Sir Takashi Miike, who is the Director and General Manager of the show has released more than 80 works across various genres, including entertainment movies, animation for children which was received by a wide array of audiences.

The indispensable songs and dance numbers to be used by the Idol Warriors shall be handled by EXPG (Exile Professional Gym) while the series of toys to be released by Takara Tomi are featured in magazines such as [CHAO] [PUCCHIGUMI], etc. which are published by Shogakukan. These will complete the specialist collection media mix (Note: Memorabilia?) for the show.

Also, the leading roles were chosen from those who auditioned by sending entries in the [CHAO] and [PUCCHIGUMI] magazines.

STORY

(translation from Tokusatsu Network: http://tokusatsunetwork.com/2016/10/idol-senshi-miracle-tunes-coming-2017/) with minor edits - please give credit to Tokusatsu Network when reposting


The Land of Music is ruled by the Demon King. The king steals an item called the “Music Jewels” through magic, and turned the people of the land into evil called “Negative Jewels.”

The Land of Music’s Fairy Rhythms team up with a three person idol group called the “Miraclemiracles” (Note: Miracle^2) work together to bring us the Idol Senshi Miracle Tunes.

With the power of music, the Miracle Tunes purify the “Negative Jewels,” and revert them back into “Sound Jewels.” Can they defeat the Demon King and bring peace back to the Land of Music?


CAST

Suzuka Adachi as Mai Kanzaki

Asaka Uchida as Kanon Ichinose

Yubaha Ada as Fuuka Tachibana


*Notes: Each Miracle Warrior has a sort of mascot, from the summary they are the "Fairy Rhythms" I don’t know what they are exactly, but here are the main ones:

Poppon (“Pop Music”)

Rokkon (“Rock Music”)

Kuranosuke (*Classical Music”)


OTHER CAST

MAOU – James Jirayu


*Note: The succeeding portion lists the rest of the cast, including the voice actors of the mascots or whatever they are. I’m sorry, I don’t know what they are hahaha I also did not translate the other cast members because I am afraid I might get the kanji of their names wrong hahaha sorry.

*Note: the next section lists the production staff. Plus a background of their notable works. Takashi Miike is listed as the “General Manager” because apart from him, other directors shall likewise direct some episodes, although Takashi Miike is the head. Many of the production staff worked previously with Takashi Miike in his movies such as Yatterman, Terra Formars, Lesson of the Evil, Mole Song, etc.

Note: The list likewise states the entrance music and ending music which shall be sung by the girls. It is not stated if James will do any songs.

---------------------------------------------
The Yahoo Article http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170118-00000030-it_nlab-ent is almost the same as the article above, but shorter AND has a paragraph for James Ji:


“The role of MAOU is from Thailand, who not only appeared in Doramas but also appeared in TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION and PARIS MENS COLLECTION, and had released a CD Debut “James Jirayu”.


-----------------

the trailer of the said project may be found here:

Cr: MIRACLE TUNES OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://miracletunes.jp/
http://miracletunes.jp/common/movie/movie01.mp4

 

[Mayji]

thanks you N'Greta

I suppose this one needs a separate thread since he'll be doing more stuff there.

As a recap, James had released a debut CD "James Jirayu" with two songs, his Japanese Cover of Loving You Too Much (originally by P'Bird Thongchai) and Kimi Dake I Love You, which is the Japanese title of Ruk Sud Rit, and the Japanese version of the song he sang for that Lakorn.

He likewise performed for the Thai Festival in Japan Last Year together with some other Thai Stars.

He appeared in a food and leisure show about the topic of Thai Rice (..... I'm sorry, the title evades me right now, but details are in the main James Ji thread, I think) but I just remembered it was shown on his birthday last year.

Also, the lakorn Ruk Sud Rit (Kimi Dake I Love You) is shown in Japan, every Sunday Night at TBS.

He also had Tabi Japan last year, which was shown in CH3 and was also a guest in a Japanese Idol Group BOYS AND MEN (Boymen) tv show where they ate some Thai food and visited some spots in Bangkok.

Now there is news of James being featured in a Tokusatsu or Special Effects Show in Japan. News of it appeared in his Japanese Website:

http://jamesjirayu.com/news/2017/01/18/特撮テレビシリーズ「アイドルx戦士-ミラクルち/

the translation is as follows:

Appearance in Tokusatsu Series “IDOL x Senshi MIRACLE TUNES!” (Idol x Miracle Tunes Warrior)


James Jirayu will appear in the Tokusatsu series, “IDOL x Senshi MIRACLE TUNES!”

It will be broadcast at TV TOKYO stating April (2017)

Takashi Miike, who is active in various genres such as comedy, “violence”, horror, etc., will take the helm as general manager.

Jirayu will appear in a “MAOU” (Demon King) role.

(Jirayu) shall take over an important, not to mention, challenging, key character in the story, so please definitely check it out!

-------------------------------

as for the appended news articles:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000023619.html

UNPRECEDENTED NEW LIVE ACTION TOKUSATSU SERIES! LIVE ACTION NEW TOKUSATSU HEROINE STORY [IDOL X SENSHI MIRACLE TUNES!] START OF BROADCAST (airing date) CONFIRMED

[MIRACLE TUNES!] Production Committee confirmed Broadcast start on April 2017 at TV TOKYO of the tokusatsu TV Series[IDOL X SENSHI MIRACLE TUNES!] which is a show aimed for primary school girls (Original Work/Copyright: Takara Tomi, OLM)


This work has the theme of Idol Warrior [Idol who specializes in dancing and singing powers to counter evil and protect the peace of the world, live action NEW Tokusatsu Heroine Story] equipped with the latest VFX (visual effects) which are used abundantly and freely in the tokusatsu tv drama series which is aimed at young primary school girls.


Sir Takashi Miike, who is the Director and General Manager of the show has released more than 80 works across various genres, including entertainment movies, animation for children which was received by a wide array of audiences.

The indispensable songs and dance numbers to be used by the Idol Warriors shall be handled by EXPG (Exile Professional Gym) while the series of toys to be released by Takara Tomi are featured in magazines such as [CHAO] [PUCCHIGUMI], etc. which are published by Shogakukan. These will complete the specialist collection media mix (Note: Memorabilia?) for the show.

Also, the leading roles were chosen from those who auditioned by sending entries in the [CHAO] and [PUCCHIGUMI] magazines.

STORY

(translation from Tokusatsu Network: http://tokusatsunetwork.com/2016/10/idol-senshi-miracle-tunes-coming-2017/) with minor edits - please give credit to Tokusatsu Network when reposting


The Land of Music is ruled by the Demon King. The king steals an item called the “Music Jewels” through magic, and turned the people of the land into evil called “Negative Jewels.”

The Land of Music’s Fairy Rhythms team up with a three person idol group called the “Miraclemiracles” (Note: Miracle^2) work together to bring us the Idol Senshi Miracle Tunes.

With the power of music, the Miracle Tunes purify the “Negative Jewels,” and revert them back into “Sound Jewels.” Can they defeat the Demon King and bring peace back to the Land of Music?


CAST

Suzuka Adachi as Mai Kanzaki

Asaka Uchida as Kanon Ichinose

Yubaha Ada as Fuuka Tachibana


*Notes: Each Miracle Warrior has a sort of mascot, from the summary they are the "Fairy Rhythms" I don’t know what they are exactly, but here are the main ones:

Poppon (“Pop Music”)

Rokkon (“Rock Music”)

Kuranosuke (*Classical Music”)


OTHER CAST

MAOU – James Jirayu


*Note: The succeeding portion lists the rest of the cast, including the voice actors of the mascots or whatever they are. I’m sorry, I don’t know what they are hahaha I also did not translate the other cast members because I am afraid I might get the kanji of their names wrong hahaha sorry.

*Note: the next section lists the production staff. Plus a background of their notable works. Takashi Miike is listed as the “General Manager” because apart from him, other directors shall likewise direct some episodes, although Takashi Miike is the head. Many of the production staff worked previously with Takashi Miike in his movies such as Yatterman, Terra Formars, Lesson of the Evil, Mole Song, etc.

Note: The list likewise states the entrance music and ending music which shall be sung by the girls. It is not stated if James will do any songs.

---------------------------------------------
The Yahoo Article http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170118-00000030-it_nlab-ent is almost the same as the article above, but shorter AND has a paragraph for James Ji:


“The role of MAOU is from Thailand, who not only appeared in Doramas but also appeared in TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION and PARIS MENS COLLECTION, and had released a CD Debut “James Jirayu”.


-----------------

the trailer of the said project may be found here:

Cr: MIRACLE TUNES OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://miracletunes.jp/
http://miracletunes.jp/common/movie/movie01.mp4

Thanks you N'Greta hihihi

 

[040156]

thanks you N'Greta

Thanks you N'Greta hihihi

Hi P' @Mayji , sorry for the late reply. My mom was in the hospital again, but we are both ok now! You are welcome, and you do more work for translating news than I do, so thank YOU! haha! More power to you.

I hope to see more of James's activities in Japan soon. It's so exciting.

 

[040156]

The mechanics for getting a ticket to the Miracle Tunes Event for March 2o, 2017 in Tokyo has been announced in the Miracle Tunes official website. There is no info however if James Ji will be in the said 1 hour event. Nevertheless, here is the translation of the page for those who might be interested:

http://miracletunes.jp/event/

"New Program [Idol x Senshi Miracle Tunes!] Special Advance Screening for a group of 100 people (3 seats per group); 300 seats invitation"
*get the permission of your guardians when applying for invites ok?

(Note: Considering the event is for young girls, as is the target market of the show, the guests are expected to have their guardians with them and they are supposed to get consent from their guardians before applying since they are minors)

We invite you to a special advance screening of [Miracle Tunes] which shall be on air on April at TV Tokyo.

Date and Time: March 20 (Monday) Starting admissions at 14:30; program start at 15:00 and scheduled to end at 16:00

Venue: Hamarikyu Asahi Hall (5-3-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku Tokyo)

Program Contents: Miracle Tunes Promotion, Advance Screening of Episode 1. Chance to experience/view the toys before release (to the market) The Cast of Miracle Tunes such as the Rhythms (mascots) will also appear! Pretty souvenirs too!

[How to get an Invite/Rules]

Via Postcard
1. Representative (Guardian's) Zip Code, Address
2. Name (all the participants, maximum of 3 people)
3. Age (of all the participants)
4. Please also include the telephone number of one of those persons who would be attending the event

Up to 3 people can be eligible for 1 invite card. Please be accompanied by a guardian.

[Address]
Shimakakukan Marketing Department Magazine SP Room 2-3-1 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8001 Tokyo
(Idol x Senshi Miracle Tunes! Advance Screening Staff)

[Deadline]
March 2, 2017, Postcards with stamps marked on that day

[Announcement of Winners]
The winners will be decided strictly by drawing and winners will be announced by sending of the invitation cards
(Invites will be mailed by March 10, 2017)

* Opening hours and event contents may change.
* Please note that we can not respond to inquiries about the drawing of winners.
* It is possible that the event will have media coverage.
* According to the magazine fair competition agreement, those who were able to get invites through the February issue of "Puchigumi" (1/14 release), "Chao" March issue (released 2/3), "Yochien" March Issue (2/3 release), you are no longer eligble for tickets through this draw.

Copyright: TOMY/OLM Miracle Tunes Production Committee, TV Tokyo

 

[040156]

To celebrate the success of James's Fan Meeting in Cambodia, I've decided to translate some excerpts of his Japanese Photo Book "James Jirayu, Photographs: I Love Only You"

The segment/Chapter is entitled:

Everything is to Fascinate All of the Fans.

すべてのフアンを魅了するために

(For the sake of fascinating all of the fans)

芸能界とは？そしてエンターテインメントとは？人を喜ばせることに全カを傾けるジラユの哲学、その一端に触れる。

What is the world of Show business? And what is entertainment? Jirayu’s Philosophy of pouring his whole energy into pleasing (entertaining) people, that touching one end of it.
​

First Part (page 93)

芸能デビュー当初のジラユ

The beginning of Jirayu’s Show business Debut
​

“Dad, in the past, used to go to various events with people dancing waltz. Prospectively, it is not a remote possibility that Jirayu would also have an opportunity to dance in those dancing events himself. That is why I took dancing lessons.” (Jirayu)

His activities as a singer, actor, model, among others, cover a lot of ground (diverse), as though he can be called “Entertainment’s heaven sent child”. However, he was just an ordinary young man in Thailand a few years ago.

In 2011, Thai Business Manager, Mr. Pik, by chance, had a young man capturing his gaze in Facebook, thus the story began. For many years, Mr. Pik who has established himself in the Thai Entertainment Industry, felt that there is an infinite potential in youth who publish selfies in SNS (Social Network Sites?), so he immediately moved to act. He immediately jumped to Phichit Province where Jirayu lived and scouted him.

“It was destiny. I never would have thought that the Company President Pik would ever come to Phichit Province.”(Jirayu) Jirayu speaks about looking back at that time. Since starting to be aware of being called a “Star” nowadays, there is room for him to feel and have the bearing (attitude) of being one. But in the beginning of his debut, he could not get used to the world of show business, and you can say that he felt like someone who is lost and confused.

“(At that time I first appeared in a Dorama), I was nervous. When entering the scene, the actors that I used to watch on TV were lining up (“swoosh” out in line). I was repeating in my head the introductory line “nice to meet you.” But when another actor finished speaking his words and it was my turn, I was too nervous and could not say my lines.” (Jirayu)


Page 104

Great efforts lead him to become the best entertainer

すべてはエンタータイナーになるために

Everything is for the sake of becoming an Entertainer
​

“This time, I went to Japan in order to improve my skills. I want to grow by having various lessons in singing and dancing, stage practice, guitar, musical instrument, etc. For that purpose, I am now trying to learn Japanese language which I have not learned before, so that I can communicate with Japanese people. From here on, with more words and also performances, and likewise polishing my skills, I would like to go on a concert for Japanese fans.”

"In Japan, I do not know my future potential if I can be a good actor, a good singer, my being a comedian also seems to be difficult. (laughs) But whatever I am to do, it does not matter if the outcome is good or bad.


What I want more than anything is to make everyone happy.

I, as an entertainer, want to make everyone happy.

I want to become the best entertainer.


And let the Thai People know more about Japan. Further, I also want the Japanese People to learn more about Thailand" (Jirayu)

 

[040156]

Hello everybody! It's been a while, I finally came around to translating James's Interview with Ure.Pia last June 2, 2017 for the Thai Festival in Yoyogi Park Tokyo. The article may be found here:
http://ure.pia.co.jp/articles/-/75036

【イケメン】日タイ親善大使ジェームス・ジラユが選んだ「日本のお気に入り」5選＆タイの穴場観光スポット

[Ikemen] Japan-Thailand Friendship Ambassador, James Jirayu names 5 picks for his Japanese favorites and Thailand’s hole-in-the-wall spots.

By 黒豆 直樹 (Kuromame Naoki ?)

Thailand’s young National Star, James Jirayu, who was chosen as the Japan and Thai Friendship Ambassador, selects his five picks for Japanese Favorites, and speaks about places in Thailand with an unexpected and not-commonly-known charm.

Thailand’s young national star, who, in the recent year appeared in Tokyo Girls’ Collection, released a Japanese Debut Single [Loving You Too Much] and Photobook [Kimi Dake I Love You], and further, plays the role of “Maou” (Demon King) in [Idol x Senshi Miracle Tunes!] on air since April , draws attention even in Japan for showing that he is multi-talented.

As such, on this occasion, he was appointed as the Japan and Thai Friendship Ambassador.

The other day, I was able to take the decisive action to interview James, who participated in the Thai Festival 2017 at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.

In addition to his many upcoming activities, we also talked about his Japanese Favorites and had a conversation about the Goodwill Ambassador’s recommended sightseeing points in Thailand.

(caption on photos: "See more photos of the “ikemen” Goodwill Ambassador, James Jirayu") (*note "Ikemen" refers to a "Good looking man")

Interviewer: First of all, congratulations on your inauguration as a Goodwill Ambassador in commemoration of the 130th anniversary of Japan-Thai Friendship day. (note: hereafter, print in bold letters refer to the Interviewer)

James: Thank you. I am deeply honored with this appointment. I began my career in the entertainment business in 2011 and later in the year 2015, when I commenced my professional activities in Japan I gave my greetings to the Thai Ambassador to Japan at the embassy and said “From here on, I will do my best, please take care of me (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu).” That is why at this time such appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador connecting Japan and Thailand brings me great joy.

You have also been studying Japanese Language (Nihongo) etc, becoming a complete *Nihontsuu (a person knowledgeable about Japan); before you started working here, based on your past influence, what impression do you have of Japan?

James: Back when I was a child, I always loved watching Japanese anime such as Dragon Ball and Doraemon. However I could not easily travel to Japan to go sightseeing because it was necessary to get a visa. Practically all of those who arrived from Japan spoke about how “it’s pretty and exciting, the food is also delicious,” and so I yearned to go too.

After you actually came to Japan, what was your impression?

James: The first time had my heart pumping and trembling (*note:“Dokidoki” is used to describe the sound of the heart palpitating, and “Wakuwaku” is the sound for trembling. So the description of his feeling is cute in a fanboy kind of way. ^__^) I was listening to the sound of them speaking, the roads and also the streets are very beautiful, and the people are kind. When I first started working I saw firsthand the Japanese style of working, seriousness in proper courtesy, and that aspect that you can rest assured that a person would work earnestly and do his best in his job amazed me.

Now that you go to Japan to work, where do you go shopping for your personal things?

James: I often go to Daikanyamacho (Shibuya) such as the side streets of Omotesando. I like local brands and a little casual fashion.

I would like to know James-san’s five (5) points of Japanese favorite things (Nihon no Okiniri)!

Japanese Favorite No. 1: Onsen (Hot Springs)

James: First of all are hot springs (laugh).

Onsen?!

James: The first time I went to Japan, I really did not have the courage to enter (strained laugh) But then I had a travel program where I had to go around travel spots in Tohoku and visit various hot springs there. Each hot spring had a different benefit (healing point) and feature. I entered and saw these hot springs and was totally impressed and saw how wonderful they were.

There are no hot springs in Thailand?

James: There are. But Thailand is a country with hot climate so not a lot of people go to the hot springs.

I see. So the second one?

Japanese Favorite No. 2. Electric Train

James: It’s the Japanese train. In Tokyo, there are many trains and the railway is complex. During my first time here, I got on the wrong side and got lost about five times (strained laugh) However, it is very convenient to go anywhere by train. The first time I stayed for 2 months, I always traveled by train. Right now, it’s sad that I go around mostly by car.

Japanese Favorite No. 3. Sashimi

Next, what is the third one?

James: It’s Sashimi! From the start I have always loved Japanese cuisine. Japanese fish are fresh and very tasty. My favorite is Tuna. I watched the auction (bidding) at Tsukiji market, I was very impressed!

I never knew the actual size of the tuna from where the tuna I eat came from, I only knew when I went to Tsukiji market and saw it! I was surprised.

the way to eat raw fish in Thailand…?

James: None. However the first time I ate (Japanese Cuisine) sashimi was when I was still in Thailand but I do not remember it as it was a long time ago. But since that time I had that image that it is “delicious!” There has never been any repulsion for it on my part.


Well then, please give us the fourth one.

Japanese Favorite No. 4: Nature

James: It is the beauty of nature and Sightseeing spots. For work, I visited Tohoku, Hokkaido, Kyoto and Okinawa – all of them are truly beautiful. Many tourists visit places, for one because they are scrupulously cleaned and beautiful; everyone in Japan gives importance to thinking consciously of protecting nature.

Particularly, in what place you visited recently were you greatly impressed?

James: Ummm… It was wonderful wherever I went so it’s hard to make a choice… but the autumn colors when in season in Tohoku is really very beautiful. In winter I visited Hokkaido and went skiing. I enjoyed a lot.

So what is the last and fifth point?

Japanese favorite No. 5: Japanese People


James: It’s the Japanese People. Truly everyone is kind. The women are cute for one. (Laugh) Previously, I did not know where to go and I asked the station attendant, who came along with me to the right platform and told me where to transfer.

Everyone who sees you off at work would have proper courtesy and after work would say “Otsukaresama-desu!” (literally: You worked hard/You must be tired! Said to mean “Good job!”) and wait until your car could no longer be seen as it drives away. As such I love everyone in Japan.

How do you find Studying Japanese language?

James: To speak, there are some words that cannot be pronounced in Thai Language that is why it is difficult. Writing is also very difficult. It’s considerably hard. (bitter smile)

We also asked tips about Thailand’s not-commonly known tourist spots

James’s Recommended Thailand’s Not-commonly-known tourist spots

Next, as goodwill ambassador, we wish to know James-san’s recommended attractions in Thailand that the Japanese people do not know about. Many Japanese tourists commonly go sightseeing in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is there any other recommended city or spot to visit?

James: Oh that’s right, Thailand is rich in mountains and good natural hiking spots for one, going south, the sea is also beautiful. Near the city of Bangkok, there is also a tiger’s zoo in a town called Chonburi.

A bit further, near Myanmar’s border is Rachaburi where refreshing natural scenery is abundant.

In the north, there is Chiang Mai’s suburbs, Chiang Rai with nature and streets that are beautiful.

James-san’s birthplace?

James: My hometown is Phichit, in the north of Bangkok. This town is… a very quiet town (Laugh). For instance, People who are to become Buddhist priests go there, you would come across the Buddhist Monks while walking in the streets. During the festival season though, there is a boat competition.

On June you would also appear in the short film “Home Away from Home” set in Tokyo which will be shown in the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2017, do you have any other upcoming activities in Japan, what vision do you have (What do you have in mind)?

James: Idol x Miracle Tunes! Is also on air and also still filming. Hereafter, I wish to steadily work in movies and fashion related works. Working in Japan is extremely enjoyable. If there is a chance I would like to try various things.

The general manager of Idol x Miracle Tunes! Is the director, Takashi Miike.

James: I love Takashi Miike’s Crows ZERO. Oh! I would also like to perform in action like that! (Laugh)

 

[040156]

I failed to translate one of James Ji's interviews last year, before his CD Debut. This one is from Entertainment Station in Japan. You may find the original interview here:
https://entertainmentstation.jp/27409

they have another article about James re: Thai Festival in 2016 where he performed. But let's leave that for another day *sweatdrop* hehe. without further ado here it is:

ジェームス・ジラユ
タイの国民的スーパースターが描く日本との架け橋


James Jirayu
Bridge drawn by Thai National Superstar to Japan


James Jirayu, who originates from the Kingdom of Thailand, is an actor, singer and model. Within Thailand, he has been selected to appear in CM (Commercials) for “Nikkei Kigyou” (Japanese brands that are active abroad), showing a deep relationship with Japan. Last month, he also appeared in “Tokyo Girls Collection 2016, Spring/Summer”, the number of his domestic Japanese fans is rapidly increasing.

As he debuts with Universal Music (Japan) it has also been decided that his Dorama “Kimi Dake I Love You” which was shown in Thailand in 2013, will also be broadcasted in BS on April.

We interviewed James Jirayu who had prospective full-scale activities in Japan.

From here on, let us look out for his upcoming activities as he draws the “bridge between Thailand and Japan”

インタビュー・文 / 大窪由香　撮影 / 森崎純子

Interview. Writer. Okubo Yuuka
Photographer . Morisaki Junko

Please introduce yourself.

James Jirayu desu, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Yoroshiku onegashimasu. To begin, let’s explore and take a look at Jirayu-san’s personal section (note: In contrast to his “work” section). What is Jirayu-san’s strong point?

My strong point is….. studying is something I like. In addition, I am very patient in various things.

As for studying which you mentioned you like, what are you studying?

Right now I am studying Management at a University.

Jirayu-san, what inspired you to enter the world of show business?

In 2011, I was scouted by the current president of my management office who saw me by chance and that was the start of my debut as an actor.

Oh really. Did you hesitate to enter the world of show business?

There was no hesitation. I lived by the countryside since my senior high school graduation. I did not think too deeply about it, I simply felt that I wanted to go to Bangkok. (Laughs)

(Laugh) What was the reaction of your parents at that time?

From the start, my mother is very interested in the entertainment industry and wanted me to be an actor. My father was very worried at the outset. But now that he has seen me in various Dorama, CM and stage performances, he now has peace of mind.

From the time you were scouted up to the time you debuted, what kind of studying did you do?

I did Walking (note: I guess this is modelling), vocalization, dance and acting.

Your debut was in a tv dorama (lakorn). Was it difficult to perform acting?

In my first experience acting, we were shooting scenes almost everyday. Up to now I am still nervous when co-starring with actors who I have been watching on TV. Fumbling with my lines, by no means delivering it smoothly, there were many mistakes, but then I experienced a lot.

At that time, what kind of effort was done (what did you do)?

Discuss acting with the producer, receiving advice from senior actors (Note: they used the word “Sempai no yakusha-san” which is cute and honorific at the same time J), After that I practiced many times and made the role my own. At the beginning, I kept on making mistakes, but as I was able to do acting, I got drawn by its charm and now I am enjoying it very much and I love it.

You also sing songs now, from the beginning, did you like music?

I like it. I began playing bass guitar when I was in 1st year Junior High School.

Did you start a band?

That’s right. We like Heavy Metal and Rock and did covers of Metallica and Dream Theater.

I would like to listen someday for sure (laugh). So, what kind of image did you have of Japan before you went here for the first time?

Thai People love Japan. The atmosphere is beautiful, the streets are also beautiful. The food is also delicious, So I had that kind of image (of Japan). Also, there is Anime. I listened to JPOP from Anime.

In this connection, what anime do you like?

Doreamon Naruto, One Piece … and Sailor Moon (Laugh)

The same as those popular in Japan. We heard that you went to Japan two years ago to shoot a photobook. Did your impression (of Japan) change when you finally came to Japan?

It was the same as the Image that I thought of. The Japanese people are kind. When you get lost in the streets, you can ask someone (for directions) and they will kindly give instructions.

Did anything leave an impression to you that time of shooting (the photobook)?

In order to see the bidding at Tsukiji Market, I had to wait in line at three a.m. in the morning, I also went around in various places in Japan and saw various cultures, I enjoyed very much.

At that time, you were the one being filmed, but Jirayu-san likes to take pictures as a hobby. Is there a place in Japan you want to take pictures of?

More and more I want to visit and see various places in japan. Taking a train, I was able to view the scenery of Japan and met people from various regions and took pictures of them. I want to take my time (note: without haste, at a leisurely pace) travelling around Japan. I also want to see cherry blossoms this season.

Speaking of traveling, for a Thai tv program, you travelled to six prefectures of Tohoku. What impression did that leave you?

The nature in Tohoku is very beautiful. Because there were plenty of simple directions and maps for tourists, I though it is tourist-friendly. I was able to experience how each place had a traditional culture, for food I was able to eat local delicacies, it was very fulfilling to travel through the six Tohoku prefectures.

Is there any food that particularly left an impression?

It’s Yakiniku (roast beef) (Laugh).

Such as Sendai’s beef tongue, Tohoku region has a lot of delicious things. You like meat?

Right now, I love shabu shabu, also sukiyaki (laugh).

That’s nice (laugh). And then last November you had a CONVENTION LIVE in Japan, how was it like to sing before Japanese fans?

At first I was very nervous. Because I was to sing in Japanese, I was anxious if it would be conveyed to everyone. But then as the performance went on, everyone’s reaction was pleasant/good, I am so happy to have had such a good experience.

Beginning April, Jirayu-san’s Dorama where you play a starring role, “Kiimi dake I Love you” will be shown. Please let us know more about this dorama.


Although it seems to be only a love story from the title, it also has comedy, various episodes incorporate a story that will make your heart go doki doki (note: sound of heart thumping, i.e. exciting/make you go fiiiinnn!). It’s a story that everyone in Japan would be able to relate to. So I wish for everyone to please check it out.

With your CD Debut announcement, you will have increasing activities in Japan. From here on, please let us know what kind of activities or work you would like to engage in (in Japan).


From April, the Dorama Kimi Dake I Love you will be on air. The CD Debut has also been decided. I’ll be singing in Japanese I definitely wish you could listen to it.


Thank you very much!

 

[040156]

Barfout Issue No. 244 January 2016

(this is an old magazine, but I only grabbed a copy today! haha!)

James Jirayu - Visitor

This crowded (full house) place, Shibuya VISION. The lighting dimmed down and it was John Legend’s song “PDA (We Just Don’t Care)” that was sung.

What a sweet and very smooth vocal, don’t you agree! Standing on stage is the 22-year old Thai Super Star, James Jirayu.

In 2013, he debuted on a TV Dorama and instantly had a big break. He also appeared in several commercials of Japanese Companies such as Seven Eleven, and Uniqlo. He also starred in a movie, TIMELINE, released last February, which was shot at Saga Prefecture and this fall, he has expanded his base to Japan is taking more activities here and he is now preparing for his musical debut in Japan for next year. He has been busy going back and forth between Japan and Thailand.

“I listen to various genres of music but I especially like R&B, rock and pop.”

In addition to listening to Japanese songs, he also sung Fukuyama Masaharu-san’s “Sakurazaka” in his live performance.

"Before going up the stage, I was very excited (“doki doki”- lit: palpitating heart) and all sorts of things were going through my mind. “Will the Japanese people be able to understand (me)?” (*Note that a respectful tone is used for this sentence*) and I prepared various Japanese words (to say) but I cannot remember (laugh). But then when I waved my hands on stage, the audience also waved back.
I was able to have "communication" with the audience, I was very happy."


"In Japan, the autumn leaves are very beautiful this season, and Tokyo has very little garbage so it is refreshing. Also I am having a connection with the Japanese Language that it feels cool to listen to it
But actually it is difficult to sing (in Japanese) (Laugh)"

How do you see yourself 10 years from now?:

"I really have no idea. I don’t know what is to become of next month or the months after that. (Laugh)
Right now I am at a point where I am searching for myself. Right now I am thinking that I wish to be a bridge between Thailand and Japan. "