Even as K-pop threatens to sweep away all before it, one rocker has proven to be an enduring example of the J-rock wave that crashed into Thailand's music scene a decade ago. That man is Makoto Koshinaka, the frontman of the rock band Lucifer, a solo artist and sometime actor who has cemented a deep bond with Thai fans over the years.
During his latest visit to the country late last month, Makoto thrilled fans as a reformed Lucifer took to the stage at Impact Arena for the Tofu music festival and filmed a promotional video for his latest Japan-Thailand cross-cultural venture. He is starring in Fin Sugoi, a romantic comedy with a cast that includes some of Thailand's most promising actors.
"This trip marks my 34th visit here," Makoto explains. "They have all been about work so I haven't had a chance to explore the country much. But I guess I can count myself as an expert when it comes to Bangkok," he says as a crafty smile comes across his face.
The band has an unusual concept: It is the real-life version of the band in Mayu Shinjo's popular 1990s Japanese romance manga Sensual Phrase. Think the cartoon band Gorillaz, only opposite.
Between 1999 and 2003, Lucifer exploded across the Asian music scene as part of the J-rock wave with their combination of musical talent and straight-from-anime aesthetic. They have reformed several times since disbanding, including for last month's concert as part of a 15th anniversary tour, but Makoto has maintained prominence in music and acting in his own right. Seen on Japanese film and television, he can also be heard as the frontman of metal band Trick.
But it was for a dose of nostalgia that fans flocked to Impact Arena late last month. They rolled out hits like Datenshi Blue, Regret, Midnight Crow and See You, even winning over those who had gone to see other bands.
"The concert was not just a typical reunion, but also the celebration of Lucifer's 15th anniversary," he said. "We took that opportunity to thank our fans who have been with us for a long time through our performance. It was a great memory for us and I did enjoy the show a lot."
Thailand has been good for Makoto and he is keen to reciprocate. While being far from fluent in Thai, he is keen to show his enthusiasm for the fans here.
"When I wish to communicate with fans through Twitter or Instagram, I ask one of my Thai friends who is fluent in Japanese to translate the messages for me."
One of his strongest memories from his many visits was fairly recent — 2011's Big Mountain Festival. Being a fan of such acts as Bodyslam and Palmy, the festival was a thrill for a music lover as well as a performer.
"It was the first time I sang a Thai song in front of a crowd. The atmosphere was really nice, and the after-party was immensely fun. I couldn't forget it."
This latest trip combined the concert with a series of media commitments and filming a promotional music video for Fin Sugoi. The rom-com also stars Apinya "Saiparn" Sakuljaroensuk, Suppanart "Tina" Jittaleela, Setthapong "Tao" Piangpor or Tao AF8 and Nawapol "Guy" Lampoon. While it's hardly the singer's first foray into acting, it is his first Thai collaboration. But the acting won't be too much of a stretch — he'll be playing himself.
"It's totally different from the typical teen movies you see. I'm quite straightforward when it comes to criticising. If I find a movie bad then I would just criticise it, frankly. This applies to music as well. If the songs I made didn't come out as good as I expected, I would admit it. But this movie really is enjoyable and will certainly make you laugh. I was actually laughing a lot when I watched it for the first time."
Having premiered at the Osaka Film Festival, Fin Sugoi is set to be in Thai cinemas from Sept 25. It tells the story of Noona (Apinya), a devoted Makoto fan who gets to live out her dream when she is cast as his love interest in a music video. Things get tangled when Noona's boyfriend Sua Krong (Tao AF8) feels disturbed by the intimacy between Noona and Makoto. To add to the drama, Mooham's (Suppanart) unrequited love for Noona that has been kept secret for years also starts to unfold.
"The movie is the gathering of hard-working actors and staff. My fellow cast members were really great at conveying emotions so it made me feel at ease working with them. The locations were both in Thailand and Japan, so we got to film at some of the most beautiful landmarks in Japan such as Shibuya, Asakusa, and Nikko," Makoto says. >>
"I remembered seeing the parents of Saiparn, Tao and Tina with them and I could see how they were such filial kids. Even though they are still young, I've learned a lot from them."
From the making of the film, one particular moment sticks in his mind — having a kissing scene with Saiparn in front of a surprise guest.
"At the very moment when we were going to kiss, my eyes accidentally met Saiparn's boyfriend who — for the first time since filming started — came to see her at the set. I couldn't help but get a little bit stunned by that," he laughed, and then added: "So when the director said cut I rushed to apologise to him right away.
"One of the most memorable scenes for me is where my Trick band mates and I perform a live show together."
Indeed, there are parallels between the Makoto in the movie and the Makoto in reality. There have been times when fans' admiration has gone overboard.
"Actually, I experienced a much more serious case than the one presented in the movie. There was a time a girl rang the bell in front of my house in the middle of the night and asked to see me. She was insistent to the point that I needed to pretend like I was going to call the police so she would leave," he explained.
Perhaps it is hard to imagine, but the 34-year-old who has long been loved for his smouldering looks and outgoing personality is not yet taken.
"Some friends of mine in Japan have been asking me if I am secretly dating anyone in Thailand since I come here frequently. I wish I could say I am, but I'm not. My private life is so ordinary. Too ordinary, in fact. I've never even once held a girl's hand in public. Most of my paparazzi photos are of me having meals with male friends or leisurely sitting in the park looking like an old man," he laughed.
"The times I get closest to girls is when I go out and grab a drink.
"But then, all I can do is just listen to the girls' complaints about her boyfriend quietly and nothing more.
"It would be interesting if there is a headline about me dating a Thai girl one day. I'm looking forward to the moment I stand before journalists and answer their questions about who I'm dating, saying something like 'Oh, we are just friends,' " his spot-on imitation of Thai celebrities prompting a burst of laughter.
Away from the star image, Makoto is a regular guy who enjoys taking photos and spending time with friends. And the only secret to his youthful appearance is mingling with young people.
"Honestly, I don't really have beauty secrets nor use any high-end products. I only apply Nivea cream prior to bed. I think, if anything, the reason why I look younger than my actual age is because I usually hang out with young friends. Friends at my age are mostly so busy with their office work or domestic life that I don't get to see them often, so I tend to hang around with teens who don't really have many engagements instead. Being with them also alerts me to what's in and what's not." n
