Guy Perryman Interviews

A conversation with Morgan Fisher - keyboardist who had a number one hit at the age of 18 with the band Love Affair; has a lifetime of rock’n’roll stories with artists including Mott The Hoople, David Bowie, Queen, Yoko Ono and more; has released a number of solo music projects; is a visual artist; and has lived in Japan for more than half of his life. Morgan shares his stories and personal though...

A conversation with Sarah Macdonald - stage/screen actress and TV host who has been based in Japan for a number of years with a successful career and is about to embark on an acting adventure to the UK. Sarah shares behind the scenes experiences of her craft, working in showbiz in Japan and even recites a couple of theatrical quotes.

A conversation with Mark Johnson - co-founder of Playing For Change, a foundation and global collective of musicians who offer creative opportunities through the power of music. Mark talks passionately about their mission to "re-invent how people see the world through the lens of music".

A conversation with Mark Gardener and Andy Bell from Ride - 90’s Brit-rock legends who were in Japan for sold out live shows and DJ sets in April 2023. The two talk candidly about breaking up and making up, creating album and DJ music lists, and the power of music frequencies.

A conversation with New Hope Club - brit-pop band with a positive message in the music who were back in Japan after four years for live shows. Cheerful chaps George and Reece chat about what inspires the band and their music, and loving Japanese fashion.

A conversation with Kyle Vincent - smooth pop singer-songwriter who was in Japan in April 2023 for fan arranged live events. Kyle talks with humour about his "cult without success career" and shares stories of being a jazz child prodigy and one-time Bay City Roller.

A conversation with Leo - koto player who is performing and recording with the traditional Japanese instrument in very cool contemporary ways. Leo joined me live on air on my InterFM radio show broadcast from Tokyo in April 2023 and talks about his just released his sixth album, reinterpreting classical and contemporary composers works and his conversations with Ryuichi Sakamoto.

A conversation with Monty - organiser of The Ring Party, an iconic event for the Tokyo gay community since 1993, and the official after party of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023. Monty talks openly about how he overcame discrimination in Japan, staying sunny in dark times and bringing on the new Roaring 20's.

A conversation with Jonas Blue - globetrotting DJ and dance music producer who was in Japan for live shows in March 2023, traveling with his mama. From one Guy to another Blue shares with us why Japan is his second home, stories from behind the decks and his secret after show drink.

A conversation with Maisie Peters - singer, songwriter, TV series soundtrack contributor, Ed Sheeran tour opening artist, and book lover who was in Japan for live shows in March 2023 just in time for the start of the cherry blossom season. Peters' sparkling personality matched the Spring sunshine as she shares what she loves about words , music and Tokyo.

A conversation with Remo Anzovino - pianist and composer for theatre, TV, silent film, and movie soundtracks who is known for performing live in unique settings including temples and beaches, and at special times of day like dawn. The maestro, who was in Japan for live recitals in February 2023 talks (and sings) passionately about his love of music, being inspired by Japan and which composer he&ap...

A conversation with Braeden Lemasters, Dylan Minnette and Cole Preston - all three members of Wallows, alternative rock pop group who were in Tokyo in February 2023 for one live show at Ebisu Garden Hall on their 100 plus date global tour. The three talk about growing up in the world of music and acting, being on the road for a long time, share some favourite music and an in-flight app!

A conversation with Tom Coll, drummer of Fontaines D.C. - whose album Skinty Fia went to number one on the Irish and British charts in 2022. The interview took place in Tokyo one week after the band won Best International Group at the Brit Awards in February 2023, and Tom talks about the band's Irish roots inspiring  more than just their music, and why he likes being the one not dancing on st...

A conversation with Andrew Levy and Simon Bartholomew of The Brand New Heavies - the acid jazz funksters who were back in Japan in February 2023 for sold out live shows at the Blue Note Tokyo. A quick catch-up backstage between shows the dynamic duo talk about  their long history together, what they love about Japan and share a couple of all-time favourite tunes.  

A conversation with Tom Constantine - action actor, stuntman, games translator, and expert of Tokusatsu - the Japanese live action special effects and superhero film and TV genre. Constantine takes us behind the scenes of  showbiz unique to Japan and shares intimate life stories.

A conversation with Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty - all three members of Chvrches who were in Japan for live shows in January 2023. The three share stories of  creating electro pop,  being in awe of Robert Smith of The Cure, and how to reflect on life, all with a wee round of Glaswegian humour.  

A conversation with Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham - founders of Klein Dytham Architecture and two of the coolest people in Japan who have designed some of the coolest buildings in Japan including Ginza Place at one of Tokyo’s most iconic crossroads and T-Site lifestyle retail spot in Daikanyama; not to mention creators of PechaKucha presentation format which has spread to hundreds of cities around...

A conversation with Crystal Kay - soulful superstar who in 2022 returned in the Leading Player role for the second Japan season of the stage musical Pippin, released new solo songs, and performed a series of live shows at Billboard Live Tokyo. Kay talks openly about the family, fun and fears in showbiz.

A conversation with Ratko Backo - fashion executive, artist, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, who in November 2022 had an exhibition of spectacular oil paintings in Tokyo. Ratko shares behind the scenes stories of the Japanese fashion industry and how he wants you to look twice at what he's really painting.

A conversation with Kathleen Reilly - metal worker, artist and artisan who creates some incredibly imaginative pieces to look at, think about and even eat with; and recipient of the Study UK Alumni of the Year award at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) British Business Awards 2022. Kathleen talks about combining the British creative spirit with the Japanese attention to detail to fin...

A conversation with Monday Michiru - singer, songwriter and flautist who was a big part of the acid jazz scene in Tokyo in the early 1990’s and was in Japan in November 2022 for live shows to celebrate the release of her album Enso with crossover jazz, soulful, spoken word, orchestral and Brazilian vibes. Monday talks with reverence about the people who have shaped and shared her musical life.

A conversation with Chris Broad - Abroad in Japan YouTuber with over 400 million views, giving travel tips and cheeky insight into a range of Japanese topics. Chris shares stories of his adventurous journey so far with his favourite tunes too.

A conversation with Olly Alexander - singer of global chart-topping pop group, now solo project Years & Years, actor on stage and screen including multi award winning TV series It’s a Sin set in 80’s AIDS crisis Britain, and vocal advocate of gay equality. Alexander talks about the impact his first trip to Japan had on him when he was seventeen years old plus thoughts on life , music and who h...

A conversation with Shuya Okino - club and radio DJ, remixer, music producer, event producer, café and bar owner, together with his brother Yoshihiro founding member of crossover jazz group Kyoto Jazz Massive and overall soulful music lover. Chatting at his café and music bar The Room in Shibuya, Tokyo, Shuya talks passionately about his love of music past, present and future.

A conversation with Hina Nagase, secretary, and Etsuko Nozaka, overseas supervisor, from the International Kamishibai Association of Japan - who want to introduce kamishibai - the Japanese form of storytelling with mini portable theatres, to people around the world. Discover the history of kamishibai from the streets of Tokyo, how to perform your own story and celebrate World Kamishibai Day on 7 D...