Fifteen years after Nujabes’ passing, a special event was held in his memory. With DJ Shota’s heartfelt set, it became a night to remember. Here’s a little look back.
DJ Shota
When I first heard DJ Shota, I was shocked and thought, “This is it!!” I’ve been a big fan ever since. It was in 2020 when I heard MELLOW WORKS.
In his hands, any original track is reborn, as if it’s been infused with a new soul. His scratching, fader techniques, impeccable timing, seamless transitions, and exquisite track selection — every element is executed at a god-like level. And on top of all that, he brings his signature mellow touch, gently seeping into the hearts of listeners. He treats music with such care, and even the seemingly casual silences are calculated, with every subtle detail imbued with spirit. Watching him work the turntables, you can’t help but feel he’s the embodiment of a true artisan.
Nujabes Memorial Event in Osaka
One of DJ Shota’s most beloved works is his mix of Nujabes tracks. While many DJs incorporate Nujabes into their sets, let’s be honest — DJ Shota’s sets are on a whole other level.
So when I heard that Shota would be performing at the 15th anniversary memorial event for Nujabes, I instantly thought, “I have to go — I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I miss this!” Out of the Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka shows, I chose the Osaka performance and quickly secured my ticket. To top it off, my friends in Japan said, “We’ll meet up there too!” — lucky me!
The Night
We arrived right as the venue opened, only to find a line already forming outside. It was a gathering place for people who love Nujabes, transcending age and borders. Just being surrounded by others who share the same love for his music gave me a quiet sense of comfort.
The four-hour event featured four DJs, each performing for about an hour, expressing Nujabes’ music in their own way. We found out that DJ Shota would be closing the night as the final act, so we decided to take it easy at first with a drink in hand. Standing the whole time would be a bit much, after all (haha).
While waiting, we chatted with people around me and asked, “Who are you here for?” Almost everyone said DJ Shota! No surprise there — he’s incredibly popular. A few were there simply because they loved Nujabes, which was great to hear too (based on my informal survey).
Having usually enjoyed Shota’s sets on Instagram and YouTube, my heart was racing with excitement at the thought of finally seeing him perform live again after such a long time!
Finally — DJ Shota takes the stage!
The moment Shota placed his hands on the turntables, the atmosphere shifted completely. As a Nujabes track began to flow quietly, the entire floor was instantly pulled into that world.
Each song blended into the next with care and perfect timing. Gentle beats and mellow melodies melted into the night air, enveloping us in the soothing vibes of Nujabes. It was the kind of space that made you want to simply drift with the rhythm. I think everyone there was quietly savoring both the sound of Nujabes and the story that Shota was weaving — each person wrapped in their own thoughts.
And then, the final moment: the floor fell silent, and a flawless transition from Ryuichi Sakamoto to Nujabes unfolded. No matter how many times I hear that flow, it still hits me right in the heart. His divine control of the decks left me breathless, completely mesmerized. There’s no one else who can create a space like that. He’s not just a DJ — he’s a true artist.
A fully immersive 45 minutes — I was left basking in a blissful afterglow, feeling as if the beat was still quietly pulsing inside me. Shota’s performance was so overwhelming, it took me a while to come back to reality from the world of Shota.
The 15th-year Nujabes memorial event was truly a once-in-a-lifetime night. Hearing the music of the beloved Nujabes brought to life, right here, live, by the one and only DJ Shota — I felt incredibly lucky to be there.
Across the ocean, across time, beyond borders — from California to Osaka, a journey of roughly 5,600 miles. I’m so glad I made the trip; it was all so worth it. Thank you, Nujabes. And thank you, DJ Shota — from the bottom of my heart.
My Favorite DJ Shota Collection
Here are some of my top recommendations —hope you enjoy them! You’re sure to become a fan in no time.
