I am a musician from beginning to end.

His most admired artist is John Mayer, a world-renowned singer whose guitar technique is universally recognized. When Mayer visited Japan in 2014, Ozaki himself toured the country with him, receiving guidance from him firsthand. He is so dedicated to studying music theory and technique that he says, "If I had the time, I'd like to seclude myself and immerse myself in songwriting." He also completed a short-term program at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, which has produced many famous musicians.

"I think I was about five years old. From a young age, I vaguely longed to be involved in music. If possible, I wanted to become a musician. I was always playing the guitar, but there was a period when I couldn't write songs, so I knocked on the door of Berklee College of Music. It was a two-week short program, but I was determined to write a song in those two weeks. There was an instructor named Pat Pattison, who John Mayer had also studied with, and I took his class. What he told me was, 'Write fearlessly.' And that's how the song 'Road' was born, which I often play live."

He doesn't particularly care about being compared to his father. "I live by my own standards," he says proudly.


"Our musical styles are different, and I intend to do what I think is cool. I don't think it's a bad thing to be compared to him. He's someone I admire, so I'm actually happy when people say we're similar. I take it positively."

What sets him apart from other artists is his background. He attended graduate school, where he studied business management for social contribution. He has a solid background in music, but he also has a deep understanding of social entrepreneurs who are active around the world. That's why his music and poetry are imbued with both genuine kindness and a powerful, altruistic spirit.

"When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to hear a lecture by John Wood (a global social entrepreneur known for his 'Room to Read' project, which donates books to developing countries), and I thought, 'I wish I could do something that big.' I realized that it's not about being selfish, but about being able to have a big impact on society. So I went on to university, and there I met so many people who genuinely wanted to make the world a better place and change the world, and I was very inspired."

Of course, music is at the heart of it all.

"I consider myself a musician from beginning to end. I've aspired to be a musician since I was five years old. So, I think my contribution to society will also be related to music in some way. Paradoxically, I think that expanding the capacity that music possesses will directly contribute to the happiness of society as a whole. I don't have anything specific in mind yet, but for example, activities that shorten the distance between fans and artists, or creating a platform where artists' ideas can be intuitively realized. I hope to be able to do something like that in the future."

Perhaps in a few years he'll be traveling the world. But his Martin guitar will still be by his side, and his surroundings will be filled with music and smiles.

Text: Morishita Ryuta
Photo: Ozawa Tatsuya

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