WCS Music around the world - Tokyo, Japan - with Okacchi
- Tana Abeni
- Sep 7, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 9, 2023
When it comes to WCS music, we probably all know that there is a set of rules that help us figure out if a track's going to be a hit on the dance floor, or if it may need placed in the meh folder. But here's a question we often ask ourselves: does WCS music have the same vibe worldwide?
Today, we're about to dive into Tokyo's West Coast Swing scene! Meet its leader, Okada Masatoshi, or as most people call him, Okacchi. He's been running the show – teaching, organizing workshops, and running social dancing events locally for quite a while.
There is no single Westie who visited Tokyo in the past years without being warmly welcomed by this amazing community! It is slowly, but steadily growing, and we can't wait to see how beautifully they will keep developing.
But we're here to discuss music, right?
As DJs, we understand that building a set is not based on some fixed formula; it's more like this code that everyone cracks in their own unique way. Local flavors, cultural spins, and personal preferences all come into play, making each spot groove to its own rhythm.
Okacchi is going to walk us through how Tokyo's West Coast Swing vibes with music, how they add their own flavor to WCS playlists, and how the culture shapes their dancing. This conversation will show you how music and traditions blend to create a fresh West Coast Swing style, no matter where you are in the globe.
Okacchi, welcome to Westie DJs Guild’s blog! Tell us about you: When did you start West Coast Swing, and what made you start? What is your dance background?
Thank you, Tana, for your invitation to Westie DJs Guild’s blog! I’m honored to have this chance to tell you about me and my community.
Well, I used to be a breakdancer since I was a high school student. After a while, I started working for Arthur Murray Dance Studio as an instructor, where I learned the basics of West Coast Swing. So basically my inspiration for dancing is coming from them… streetdance and ballroom dance.
One day I had a chance to join John Kirkconnell and Alyssa Glanville’s workshops that were held in Japan… I was totally astonished and fascinated to see their amazing connection and musicality! With their super encouraging words and support, I had no other choice than to start working on this dance seriously! It’s been 7 years since I met them… they are still my biggest inspiration.
Let’s get to know your Community better: what are the options in Tokyo to learn, improve and practice West Coast Swing?
I, together with my wife Haruka and my business assistant Aya, are organizing many lessons and events.
For example, I have an all-level class twice a month that is open to everybody, and I take turns with another Instructor, Yuki, in teaching this class. I also have closed classes every week that are held with fixed members, aiming to surely improve their skills, and I also offer private lessons when I don’t have these classes.
I organize social events and international dancers' workshops regularly and irregularly.
In September 2023, we invited Leo Lorenzo from France for the workshops. We are super excited!
You are also the main DJ of your social sets! How did you start DJing, and what type of music do you prefer playing?
Yes, I am! I had to be the DJ because there is no one else who could do this and who had been to as many events as I did. But our community is still very small, I have to dance with people as a leader without really DJing while checking the floor. So I usually make a playlist that is well-balanced and random in terms of the type of the music, so that people won’t get bored. Mostly my playlist consists of pop, K-Pop, acoustic, R&B and so on.
How much swung music (Blues, soul, R&B) is incorporated in your sets?
Sometimes 1 in 5 songs, sometimes zero. I usually set a concept at each event, so according to the concept of the event of that day, I change the ratio of the swung music. For example, this week’s playlist is focused on current popular songs, next week’s playlist is focused on R&B… and so on. I’ve even made a playlist that is focused on black (Hip-Hop) music, too!
Is there a music style you feel that your community prefers over others?
In my eyes, most members in my community seem to find it difficult to keep up with fast songs as many of the members are the elderly or young & new, so I usually play songs that are slow or medium tempo so that they can enjoy and practice at the same time. I also try to include music that is often used in overseas socials or competitions, as our community loves such music a lot. Pop music is always the most popular one, but sometimes people want fast songs and Blues too, so I try to include them too!
How do you feel like Japanese culture influences your sets?
In my opinion, most of the current J-POP are a bit too fast for dancing West Coast Swing. Check the current Japanese Hit Chart, and please give me your opinion!
I haven’t been able to include many Japanese songs to my playlist yet. As you know, we are famous for anime and manga, but those songs are usually too fast.
But sometimes, I intentionally use Japanese songs at events as a fun trial, like famous pops or rocks and do some fun spotlight. We enjoy it a lot!
Give us some inspiration! Can you share with us 5 Japanese songs that you recommend other DJs around the world to start playing as well?
I recommended this song to the organizer of Asia Open, and they played this song at Pro J&J! It was exciting to see Sean McKeever and Mia Primavera dancing to this beautiful song.
Many Korean artists danced to this song and put their videos on social media, and this song got really popular in a surprisingly short time.
Milet is famous for her songs sung in both English and Japanese.
This group, GReeeen, is famous for its anonymity. They never show up to any media. This group consists of 4 dentists and they keep anonymous in order to make it possible to keep working as dentists too.
I really like the melody and the lyrics of this song. The genre of their songs are called Jawaiian Reggae. It’s danceable and melodious.
Tell us more about future projects for you, and your community!
I’d like to expand the community more and more. I believe that organizing Pro’s Workshops is very effective, so I’d like to invite more pros from now on.
It’s been my dream to hold the Japan Open someday. In order to make it come true, I’d like to get people more interested in this dance and let them know how exciting this dance is. I believe that dancing in couples in general has an amazing influence on our mental health. In Japan, there are not so many people who enjoy dancing in couples. I sincerely hope that many more people in Japan start partner dancing and have more fruitful lives!
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