Shinjiro Atae – Fun Forever

By starrymag | April 25, 2024

By: Malasha Parker

 

 

Q) Who is Shinjiro Atae, the idol, to you?

 

A) To me, I consider Shinjiro Atae to be an artist who tries to bring positivity and happiness into the world. I hope that through his artist activities, he can inspire and uplift people.

 

Q) How did you originally get interested in music and dance?

 

A) When I was ten years old, I saw an ad for a dance studio. At that studio I took a hip-hop dance class, and it changed my life. Before I started to dance, I used to play baseball, but I didn’t really enjoy it. However, when I started to dance, I really felt a sense of joy in my heart. I realized at that moment that this is something I would like to continue to do. Being in those dance classes introduced me to a lot of Western music. I felt motivated to pursue this newfound interest.

 

Q) How has this new moment in your life changed the way you make music?

 

A) Now I feel that I can put my real emotions and experiences into the music I make. It has made the process of making music a lot more memorable for me. I feel more connected to the music that I make now.

 

Q) “Fun Forever” is an upbeat song with a 90s style beat. You said it was about how you are starting a new beginning. Explain how this new song expresses the new beginning you’re wanting to show everyone.

 

A) Leading up to my experience coming out to the public, I had to work on accepting myself. I was able to get through this process with the support of others. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without them. This made me realize that it’s important to have a community of support. Moving forward in this new chapter in life I felt that I wanted to further embrace the people around me. I wanted this song to uplift listeners. Whenever they’re feeling alone, I want them to be able to turn to this song in order to feel like they can take on anything.

 

Q) In what ways does the choreography for “Fun Forever” express the message you’re wanting to convey to fans?

 

A) I really wanted to dance for the “FUN FOREVER” music video. I wanted there to be a lot of energy in the choreography. My hope is that people feel energized when they see me dance. I want them to dance to the song.

 

Q) What is it about “Fun Forever” that sets the stage for the new music you have coming out in the future?

 

A) Moving forward, I want to continue to express my thoughts and experiences without any restriction. I want to be open about myself to the world.

 

Q) The lyrics “We changed the game now, No rules everybody, Ain’t got no shame now” give listeners a small view of how you’re feeling after being able to fully present yourself as an idol to the world with nothing holding you back. What was the process like when writing this song?

 

A) After coming out, there was a lot of positive support, but I also received some negative comments as well. I felt really sad about receiving hate from people even though I was doing nothing wrong. Through this experience, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to move forward in my life if I got caught up with the haters. This experience inspired me to make a song in order to talk about this experience and a way for me to move forward with my life.

 

Q) How does being an idol and dancer feel now after the announcement and mental hardships that came with it?

 

A) After I came out to the public, I experienced some of the toughest three months of my life. I felt that I burnt out and couldn’t find motivation in my life. However, I turned to my friends, family, staff and fans who have shown their continuous support for me. Turning to these people really helped me realign myself. They made me feel loved and appreciated for who I really am. As an artist, I now feel that I want to continue to surround myself with love and do things that I love and bring joy in my life.

 

Q) What can fans expect to see from your shows while you are out on tour?

 

A) The venues that I’ll be touring will be a lot more intimate than the venues I’ve toured in the past. Through this intimacy, I hope that fans can accept my true self and feel more connected with me through these smaller venues.

 

Q) What does it mean to you to that you were nominated for “Breakout Musical Artist” at the Queerties?

 

A) Before I came out, I didn’t even expect to be nominated for an award, especially in the US. In the past, I never really patted myself on the back for different accomplishments I’ve had in my career. However, being nominated for this award gave me a moment to reflect. I realized that maybe what I did really did leave a lasting impression on the world. I gave myself permission to celebrate this accomplishment.

 

Q) What advice do you have for those who are living in places that have similar restrictions on LGBTQ+ culture and media and want to enter the idol or entertainment industry?

 

A) Although it might be a tough process, it’s important to find people who love and accept you for who you are. You don’t have to come out to everybody, but I think it’s important to find people that you can rely on.

 

Q) How do you hope your music impacts your listeners?

 

A) Through my music, I hope that people can feel more positive about their lives. I want people to feel that they are not alone in this life. I hope that people are inspired to step out of their comfort zone through my music.

 

Q) What can you tease about the documentary you are working on with Academy-award winning Peter Farrelly and Fisher Stevens?

 

A) I’m still shocked that I’ve had the opportunity to work with such successful people. There isn’t too much I can tease at this time, but I think they’re both amazing storytellers and I trust them to produce a documentary that’ll leave a lasting impression on viewers.

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of you and your music?

 

A) Even after coming out, I feel so grateful for the continuous support many fans have shown me. I have so many sweet fans. I hope that all of them can live happy lives just like I have been able to thanks to them.

 

 

Watch The Video For Fun Forever

 

Watch The Video For Upside Down