Could you tell us about your profession?

I'm an illustrator and artist.

In what kind of environment or moment do you usually find yourself listening to music?

Most often while working, driving, or running.

I recently started trail running, so I've been listening a lot through open-back headphones out on the trails.

Could you tell us the track you'd like to introduce for this feature?

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by NIRVANA.

How and when did you first encounter this song?

I was in my first year of high school — 16 years old.

Is there a memory or episode connected to this song that stands out to you?

There was a guy in my class named Matsumoto who was in a band. One day he invited me to come watch them play, so I went. Their band was basically a NIRVANA cover band, and that day they played several NIRVANA songs.

The moment "Smells Like Teen Spirit" started, it hit me like a punch to the head. It was so cool I nearly lost it on the spot.

Being the eldest child, I wasn't the type of kid who listened to music that was ahead of his time. I'd never watched MTV, and I'd had almost no exposure to Western music. So what I felt in that moment was, for me, a completely new experience.

How do you feel this song has influenced who you are today?

As they say, the things that shape you during adolescence tend to stay with you for a long time.

That "whatever" feeling at the heart of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" — even now, with a career and a family, I feel it quietly sitting somewhere at my core.

Is there any music or artist you've been into recently?

Lately I've been listening to Surprise Chef, Deftones, The Lemon Twigs, Triple Fire, and STUTS.

Is there anything you try to value in your everyday life or lifestyle?

Lately, I've been coming to realize — maybe a little late — that gratitude might be one of the most important things.

What does it actually mean to be grateful? It sounds like such a basic question, but I'm starting to feel like I need to think about it more seriously.

Do you have any upcoming shows or announcements you'd like to share?

This year I'll be participating in several group exhibitions both in Japan and abroad, and I have a few illustration projects in the works as well. My Instagram is the best place to stay up to date, so feel free to check it out.

PROFILE

JUN OSON

Artist and illustrator. JUN OSON has held solo exhibitions across the United States, Europe, and Asia, while working on a wide range of projects worldwide — including advertising, animation, book design, and merchandise. He continues to move fluidly between the worlds of commerce and fine art on a global stage.