In Japan there is a quick flow of trends
Every time a new culture is introduced style is affected
In the 80s and 90s, Rockabilly culture was booming
Then younger people started picking up new styles
forgetting about Rock 'n' Roll
There is a slowly decreasing number of us left
Ladies and gentleman, I'm Johnny
Let's Rock 'n' Roll
When I was 15
my uncle gave me the guitarist Tomoyasu Hotel's CD
Listening to his music influenced me
Around then I started getting interested in Rock 'n' Roll culture
But I didn't know things like how to do the hairstyle
I searched online and found a store called Jack's
Jumpin’ Jacks, world famous Rockabilly Jack's
He came in my store, high school boy, maybe ten years ago
I taught him Grease boy styles, Rockabilly style, and ’50s style
When I walk around in my get-up in public
I get a lot of people staring at me
I really didn't like it in the beginning
I think I am used to it now
Japanese people want U.S. culture, U.S. ’50s culture, oh yes!
I produce many kinds of ’50s clothing
but more rocking, Rockabilly style
I produce my pomade— chocolate, coconut
Elvis chocolate pomade!
Mmmmm… chocolate! Ooooh… good smell!
Ahh! I've kept my style for 20 years but it's very, very difficult
because customers change, styles change
Thirty-five years ago, so many people started Rock 'n' Roll style
Now, not many
In Japan, the supporters of Rockabilly culture
are getting older
so I feel like I have a responsibility
to keep the tradition alive
Shibamata Taishakuten is my favorite temple
Whenever my soul is tired, I go there and meditate
It's a very important place for me
As a singer, I have about 20 gigs a month
and I sing “oldies” and ‘50s songs as my job
classics by the likes of Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochram
I go to sing in different cities and venues
I have fans that come to every show
My goal is to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people
and sing
For me, Rock 'n' Roll and Rockabilly have passed the stage of being a hobby
it is my lifestyle
Being a Rock 'n' Roll star is my destiny