Why not England? Why not America?

This is a common question asked the first time anyone hears about an English person who has chosen to start his career in Japan.
I could give a straight forward answer and simply say "Why not?" but that hardly answers this intriguing question.

My first ever encounter with Japans culture came like most foreigners at the time not in the shape of something human, but more so in the form of something else. In this case its name was Godzilla (then an unknown name in England). Shortly after which a more familiar looking shape popped up in the form of Ultraman. I was enamored by these creations and desired to know exactly where they came from. Soon after, I learned that the Video Games I had so loved playing (and still do) came from the same country. This was my first experience of the musical movements within Japan.

Unlike most people I would often focus my attention on the music of the games rather than see how many punches or fireballs I could throw at Ken. I was amazed as time and time again these wonderful melodies managed to transport me into a whirlpool of emotions. The theme songs from Mario, Street Fighter II, Final Fantasy and many more are still fresh in my mind even to this day.

Later on, Japans animated works started to appear in the UK (albeit on a very small scale). Once again I was immediately captivated by this world where anything is possible. No more rules such as gravity to stop ones own desire to fly, cats could be made to resemble buses and not since The Beatles Yellow Submarine had colours looked so beautiful on screen. From Ghibli movies to manga adapted animations, I was struck with awe at this amazing countries ability to conjure up such magical themes.

At the age of 21 I decided that in order to fully understand any of this admired creativity, I would ultimately, have to learn its native tongue. With this idea fresh in my mind I started my new hobby of learning Japanese in my free time. By the year 2006 I had been writing songs for 11 years. At that time I felt compelled to bridge the gap between my country and Japan. It had given me so much inspiration throughout the years that I found myself wanting to give something back.

Because of this I made the conscience decision to start writing songs in Japanese. From then on my studies became less of a hobby and more so an addition to my everyday life. I thought of how Japan made me feel and thus Hotto Suru was born.

Since making this decision I have been overwhelmed by all the positive feedback and attention my music has received from local residents in Japan thus far.
It fills me with joy to know I am able to give something back to this country that stole my heart all those years ago.