Today we’d like to introduce you to Chika Takai.
Hi Chika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, my first love was dance. Growing up, I just loved to move and every day, non-stop, I would dance. Ever since I can remember I was dancing on a stage somewhere. My love of dance and performing grew into a deep appreciation, admiration and love of music as well. It was such a natural progression for me to combine those loves through DJing. I knew if I wanted to truly grow and challenge myself, I needed to go to the U.S. and collaborate with some of the best in the world at what they do.
In my teen years, I often dreamed about going to the U.S. I saw the U.S. as the major influencer and in many cases an originator in the world of music and entertainment. In addition, I wanted to be an example to other Japanese, especially young girls, that you can dream big and even with the odds stacked against you, it is possible to make your dreams come true. So with that, I came to the U.S. in 2014 and as far as I was concerned Atlanta was the only choice for me to live and pursue my dreams. Why Atlanta? It was essentially my main source of musical influence in my early years. While in Japan, I listened to all types of Atlanta inspired music non-stop, but I saw Atlanta as the epicenter of hip-hop music. Atlanta artists have had such a huge impact on all genres of music, and this could be felt all the way in Japan. There was no doubt in my mind that this is where I needed to be.
Once in Atlanta, my passion for dance led me to the Atlanta Hawks dance team for six seasons. As a member of the dance team, I was named Rookie of the Year, Veteran of the Year and I was Captain of the dance team for four seasons. One of my greatest honors was being the first native Japanese to be named Head Captain of an NBA Dance team. In addition to the Hawks, I also worked as a professional dancer, choreographer and dance instructor and even had the opportunity to perform with Ciara during the 2019 Super Bowl.
Although dance was keeping me extremely busy, I was DJing all types of nightlife, corporate and public events, with an occasional DJing opportunity with the Hawks. Upon retiring from the Hawks’ dance team, my goal was to focus my energy on music and DJing. In that same year, the Hawks asked me to expand my DJing role with the team. Ultimately this led to me becoming an official DJ for the Atlanta Hawks. It has been an unbelievable journey and I couldn’t have asked for a better result. In the U.S. and abroad, I have been able to thrive as a DJ and an entertainer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Was it difficult? Was there nervousness? Absolutely! Especially moving to Atlanta without knowing anyone and not being able to speak English. It was a struggle. Everyday living was hard. The most basic activities like shopping and transportation were a challenge. But an even more difficult task was navigating the Atlanta entertainment industry. When I was looking at the entertainment landscape while in Japan, I didn’t really see anyone that looked like me…an Asian female. The industry was so male dominated in Atlanta. I knew LA and NY may be more diverse with easier paths to success, but I decided to follow my heart and if I had to pave a new road in Atlanta as the underdog, that is what I was committed to do. Has it all been worth it? Definitely!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I strive to be an international entertainer in the truest sense of the word. I’m an international DJ who performs in many forums, including at NBA games as an official in-arena and special event DJ for the Atlanta Hawks and as a resident DJ for Atlanta’s live-work community Atlantic Station. I also perform at corporate events for clients that include Porsche and Bloomingdale’s and special event clients such as 1 Oak and CE LA VI. I’ve become known as the “dancing DJ”, a name that has grown on me over time, but I would say is most appropriate. Drawing from my roots as a dancer, I always try to make my performances visual as well as audio experiences. I strive to be more of an entertainer than a DJ with impromptu dance performances breaking out at any moment during my sets. I feed off the transference of energy between me and the audience. I jokingly say that no one in the audience should be sweating more than me! Although I have come a long way since the girl dancing around Tokyo, that will never change and that is what distinguishes me from other DJs. I would say that was the formula that helped me become the first native Japanese to be an NBA DJ and the first woman to be an official DJ for the Atlanta Hawks. Considering the odds stacked against me, I’m pretty proud of that and what it will mean for the next generation of women in this male-dominated industry.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Everything I do as an entertainer is so I can give back to other dreamers like me. I want to be an example, share my experiences, and make their journey easier than my own. Toward that end, I founded The Study Abroad Foundation of the Arts (SAFA), a nonprofit organization that was formed to create professionally, academically and culturally enriching study abroad experiences. I learned first-hand how difficult it can be to chase your dreams in a different country without truly knowing the language and culture. I truly feel that inspiring others through my experiences is payment for the success that I’ve been rewarded. SAFA is the platform to make this happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djchikatakai.com
- Instagram: @chika_takai
Image Credits:
Photos courtesy of Chika Takai
