AXON: “Japan’s Unique Cultural Identity Makes the Local Scene Really Special”

Japanese DJ and producer AXON spun up a This Is Home mix and chatted with us about his musical journey from Tokyo to Los Angeles.

Japanese DJ and producer AXON‘s journey is defined by his relentless pursuit of experimentation and deep passion for music. His creative endeavors revolve around discovering his unique sound and identity. Born in Tokyo and now based in Los Angeles, AXON has quickly made a name for himself in the tech house and bass house scenes with his blistering, high-energy mashups and explosive productions.

AXON’s upbringing has had a profound impact on his musical roots. He said, “Growing up in Tokyo definitely had a big influence on me. I was exposed to video game soundtracks from a young age, and those sounds really shaped my roots in electronic music. I also love peaceful and spiritual places like temples, which are easy to access in Tokyo, and I often draw inspiration from those kinds of relaxing environments.”

While the unique blend of influences in Japan helped him craft music that is both introspective and high energy, AXON acknowledges that tech house remains a relatively niche genre in his home country.

Despite the rich and diverse music scene back home, tech house has not achieved the same mainstream recognition as it has in the US and Europe. AXON said, “Most DJs here are more like resident club DJs rather than song-producing artists. I think there’s a strong club culture, and the artist-driven scene still has room to grow.”

That disconnect has thus become a driving force in AXON’s journey. While Japan provided the foundation for his artistic identity, he soon realized that he had to immerse himself in the community of the music he loved. He needed to be where the tech house scene was thriving in order to grow in his career.

With that mindset, he made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles. He shared, “The bass-heavy tech house sound I’m passionate about is really blowing up in LA right now. It felt like the right move to be closer to the scene and community that truly embraces that style.”

The move from Japan to LA placed AXON at the hub of one of the world’s most bustling musical scenes and allowed him to collaborate more closely with other artists. But it also required more than just a change of location. AXON had to adapt to an entirely different culture and lifestyle. He candidly shared, “There are way too few public restrooms [Laughs]. And the cost of living is definitely higher. But on the flip side, people here are incredibly free-spirited, and I love that.”

Tokyo has a very calm and grounded vibe in some ways, and I think that’s reflected in the music. Many artists here incorporate traditional Japanese sounds — there’s a unique cultural identity that makes the local scene really special.
AXON

Despite his international success, AXON remains connected to his hometown and holds a strong appreciation for the local scene. He believes in its tight-knit community and cultural heritage, which continues to provide a vital source of inspiration for him. When asked about his favorite activities for a night out, he recommended a wild night out at ZEROTOKYO, one of the premier clubs at the heart of Shinjuku, followed by a creative music-making session at his home studio.

True to his passion, AXON follows his heart and lets his music speak for itself. With support from industry heavyweights such as Don Diablo, Matroda, and Yellow Claw, his forward-thinking sounds have also captivated audiences at major festivals like S2O Japan, Ultra Japan, and Into the Horizon in recent years.

AXON’s latest mix for our This Is Home series reflects his creative process, and the influences from both his Asian roots and experiences in the US. He shared, “This mix was created exclusively. It blends my signature tech house sound with some deep bass elements and a few melodic touches that reflect both Tokyo and LA energy. It’s a journey through my influences and where I’m headed as an artist.”

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