When you're listening to a number of your favorite anime shows, you're probably hearing the music that has been created by Tetsuro Oda - composer, artist, producer, and guitarist. In addition to his love of anime and being a soloist, he is also a huge fan of J-Pop and created a group to continue playing this genre of music and how Rock & Roll is an endangered species in Japan. We took a moment to chat about all of this prior to his tour with his band, Roll B Dinosaur.
ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into music and how has your journey been in becoming an artist, composer and producer?
TESTURO ODA: I was like kid who played any instruments like toys. I had been listening to music from radio every day.
AM: How did you become an anime composer and why do you like creating music for this genre?
TO: I think, I've been blessed with opportunities. As a result of taking the offers inspiring me, I have created numbers of anime songs.
I feel motivation to join in anime, because giving me a precious opportunity to compel people to enlarge their joys, excitements and memories with my songs.
AM: What has been your favorite anime show that you have composed?
TO: The theme song of SLAMDUNK: “Sekai ga owarumade ha - Until the world ends”.
AM: You have composed for a number of J-Pop bands, how is this different than creating music for anime shows?
TO: There are basically 2 cases when I am offered for composing anime songs. One is to create songs along the views of anime, another is to create songs upon the characters of singers.
I prioritize, how my songs can complement the anime when I originally compose new songs for anime programs.
AM: How would you describe J-Pop?
TO: J-Pop, to me is like “Makunouchi Bento”, which is Japanese tradition style lunch box containing rice and a variety of side dishes.
It seems deliciously decollated genre featuring “Tasty dishes” regardless of either western foods or Japanese one.
AM: Tell us about Roll B Dinosaur - how did this group come together, are you working on a new album and will you be touring?
TO: Rock’n Roll is now sort of “endangered spices” in Japan. So this “Roll-B Dinosaur” is preservation activity of “Rock’n Roll”. “It’s only rock’n’roll but I like it!” My initial dates for our upcoming shows are Billboard Osaka (Jan 18, 2019) and Nagoya Bluenote (Jan 19, 2019).
AM: When you're not performing or making music, where do you enjoy eating lunch or dinner, do you work out and if so - where and where do you enjoy shopping for clothes?
TO: I mainly enjoy eating dishes in Shibuya, Tokyo near my own studio. I do daily exercise after waking up. Currently, shopping either in Shibuya, or at Amazon.
TWITTER @Tetsuro_Oda
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Rock on with Testuro Oda in mag.