Raised by records, Junki Inoue brings a personal reading of dance music history.

Born in Tokyo and shaped by years of deep digging, his approach to music feels less like revival and more like interpretation: personal, curious, and quietly precise.

As he continues to build Saisei into a platform for his musical vision, Junki remains focused on the long game: understanding history, trusting instinct, and letting rooms reveal themselves in time. We caught up with him to talk about where his head is at right now, what still excites him, and why certain places and certain crowds matter more than others.

How would you describe your current headspace, musically and personally?

I’ve been busy on tour, but I’m really excited about where things are right now. Going to local record shops in London regularly keeps everything feeling fresh, and I’m lucky enough to receive beautiful promos as well. I still try to make time to check record shops wherever I travel. Digging in Japan is always great!

SAISEI has become an important part of your output. How is it evolving right now?

Honestly, the release pace has slowed down a bit, but there are some really exciting projects coming up this year.

The next release will be a reissue of a cult, sought-after Argentine record from the early 2000s, which is literally my favourite deep house track of all time. A good old friend of mine, who is a brilliant artist, is now putting a lot of love into the remix.

What still excites you about DJing today?

It’s the energy around the parties I’m part of, especially Cartulis. I’m constantly inspired by up-and-coming artists as well as our heroes and fellow residents, which keeps me sharp and curious.

What do you find most challenging at this stage of your journey?

Resetting every week and staying motivated isn’t always easy, so I’m still figuring things out as I go. Good days and tough days come and go, but life keeps moving forward – I’m grateful for the people who always believe in me and support me.

Are there particular places or crowds that bring out something special in you?

Late-night and after-hours rooms bring out something special in me, like the deep hours at GH or the afters at Starlane, where I can play more patiently and take people on a deeper journey.

You’re playing at Club Guesthouse during its 15th year. What draws you to this space?

It reminds me of the clubbing experiences I had when I lived in Japan. The sound system is comfortable for long sessions, the crowd listens deeply, and you lose track of time in the music. It brings back the pure feeling of why I fell in love with club culture. It’s a really special space for me.

When you think about the future, what do you want to protect in your relationship with music?

I want to stay true to what I love while still growing. Last year I saw My Bloody Valentine live for the first time in 18 years and it was incredible. This year I’m also really excited to see Happy Mondays again after 20 years, since Fuji Rock 2006. Moments like these remind me why I fell in love with music in the first place, and I want to keep making space for experiences like that in my life.

What do you hope people take away from your set at Guesthouse?

I hope it feels like a good journey that carries into the next day, and if it inspires someone to create their own art, that would make me happiest.