Singer-songwriter and actor Jin Akanishi 
is a true Japanese idol, one of his country’s most recognized 
and popular personalities. Since 2006, he’s been a member 
of the pop group KAT-TUN, scoring an impressive 11 consecutive 
number one singles and four consecutive number one albums 
on the Japanese charts. As an actor, he’s appeared in numerous 
Japanese television programs and contributed voiceover work 
to the Japanese language version of the 2008 film Speed Racer.

Akanishi has found success as a solo artist as well. 
He’s recently embarked on his first U.S. tour, dubbed “YOU & JIN U.S.A.,” 
which includes stops in many major U.S. cities. In his stage show, 
he sings and plays many instruments, and he uses Roland’s V-Drums 
in a prominent and dramatic way. Roland Insider recently caught up 
with him for a brief discussion before his 2010 U.S. concert 
debut at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

Have you been to Los Angeles before?

Yes, three or four years ago. I love Los Angeles, 
because the weather is good and the people are nice. I love it.

Are you excited to be playing at Club Nokia?

Yes, but I’m kind of nervous. But it’s also kind of fun.

How will the show at Club Nokia be different from the shows you do in Japan?

I have three new songs, and I’ve also included [elements of] 
Japanese culture into the show, because I want to expose 
Americans to the Japanese culture.

You play many different musical instruments in your stage show. 
What would you say is your main instrument?

I love guitars. I also have a section [of the show where I play] 
drums—Roland V-Drums.

What is your inspiration for writing your songs?

I love composing music, so I write a lot of stuff and just pick the good ones.

Where do you compose your songs?

I have a little studio at my house. I usually write songs [there] 
and then improve them in the [big studios where I record my albums].

Does live performance influence the way you compose your songs?

Yes. When writing songs, I imagine myself on the stage performing them.

You play Roland V-Drums on stage. How did that come about?

On the song called “Christmas Morning,” I used a lot of drum sounds. 
[The idea to perform it onstage with V-Drums] just popped into my mind.

In a video of the song, I saw how you were hitting the drums along 
with lights to create a very dramatic effect. Is there anything that 
you particularly like about the V-Drums?

I like all aspects. When I was looking for drums, Roland drums 
caught my eye. They sound great.

 
At this point in the interview, Jin is given a first look at the 
Roland Lucina AX-09 Synthesizer in the new Black Sparkle finish.

Here’s the new Lucina AX-09. It’s great for performing on stage, 
because you can play it standing up, like a guitar.

Oh, really? That’s cool!

Do have any plans for using more electronic musical instruments 
in the future, such as the Lucina AX-09?

I don’t know. I’m a pretty spontaneous person, so it depends on the songs. 
But if I write songs where they will work, I will.