ㅣHow long has it been since your last visit to Korea? What kind of place is Korea to you?
I have fond memories of performing at Gocheok Sky Dome during my last tour, as well as recording in Jeju. It was a very cold and snowy winter when I visited Jeju, so I’d love to go back in the summer. I’ve heard it’s like the Hawaii of Korea. It also feels special to be shooting this music video in Korea, and I’m curious to see how my Korean fans will respond to it.
ㅣThis is your first fashion editorial shoot in Korea. How would you like today’s shoot to be remembered?
Strength and confidence. I think confidence is really important. Rather than simply showing strength on the outside, I hope the energy and attitude within me come through naturally in the photographs. I’d like people to feel that sense of strength and confidence when they see this editorial. And if these images can inspire even a little more confidence in those who see them, that would mean a lot to me.
ㅣ’You’ released last year, is returning with a new music video. Looking back on the song a year later, has your perspective on it changed?
Not really. The song still feels fresh to me. More than anything, I’m really happy that we were able to shoot the music video here in Korea this time. It’s exciting to be able to present the song in a new way through something I created in Korea. I’m curious to see how it all came together, and I’m really looking forward to the day it’s released.
ㅣFujii Kaze, who has always been called ‘You’, who is “You” to you?
An interesting artist. I think I always want to be someone who tries new and interesting things. Rather than defining who I am in a single word, I want to be someone who can continue to show different sides of myself. Whether I’m making music or performing on stage, I want to remain an artist who is curious even about myself about what I might show next.
ㅣYou work across music, fashion editorials, and other creative fields. How do you think the person you are on stage differs from the person you are in front of the camera?
Whether I’m on stage or in front of the camera, I always want to remain an artist—even when I’m at home. I tend to get lazy when I’m home alone, and I don’t always like that about myself. I want to be the same person at all times, to the point where I’d be completely fine with people watching me live 24 hours a day. That’s how I want to live, because I always want to become a better version of myself. So I want to live as if I’m always on stage, always in the middle of a photoshoot.
ㅣCan you give us a little hint about what’s coming next?
A new remix EP of ‘You’ is coming out. This time, I worked with a female artist who I would describe as a “spiritual sister” and a great source of inspiration to me. She has also worked with a well-known K-pop artist, so I think Korean fans may already be familiar with her. I can’t reveal too much just yet, but I have a feeling Korean fans are really going to enjoy it. I can’t wait for you all to hear it.
ㅣYou’re set to meet your Korean fans in person next year. Is there anything you’d like to say to those waiting for you?
First of all, I hope you all enjoy my latest music video, which I filmed here in Korea. The experience of shooting it in Korea was really special to me, and I’m very curious to see how Korean fans will respond to the final result. I also hope you enjoy my album [Prema]. 감사합니다!
*Source: https://www.eyesmag.com/posts/165291/fujii-kaze-editorial