A singer may be born from Waseda University in this April. Yui Nakayama, a junior majoring in social science, was only Japanese elected one of 12 finalists of Voice of McDonald’s(VoM). Voice of McDonald’s is the singing contest that McDonalds began in 2006 and recruit participants from 120 nations once every two years. This year, for the first time, participation will not be limited to just McDonalds employees. Over 14000 people entered in Japan this time. It is supported by Sony Music and become one of the biggest singing contests in Japan.
Guardian: What caused you to enter Voice of McDonald’s?Nakayama：I have worked at McDonald since I was a freshman and knew it was held in Japan last year. McDonald’s crews encouraged me to join because they knew I had singing experience.
G: When did you start performing?
N：I was 10 years old when I first performed on stage. Some friends of my father were in a band, and I supported their keyboard player. I started a band when I was a junior high school student, and become a soloist in high school. Since that time, I began to enter music contests like Teens’ Music Festival, and advanced to the national contest from Tokushima prefecture.
Yui Nakayama sings wearing dress hand-made for her by her mother.
She told us she has sung songs since she was four years old.
G: You are famous in Tokushima, aren’t you?
N： It may be a little. I have been covered by local media and appeared in four radio advertisements. I even sang for an ad for family Buddhist altar.
G: Was it difficult for you to choose to come to Tokyo?
N: Yes, it is unusual for my friends to come to Tokyo. However I wanted to continue music at a university and sing in Tokyo. The reason I entered Waseda was that I did not want other people to think “all she has tried hard is singing,” and I thought I could use Admission Office examination to bolster my credentials.
Nakayama sent this promotional film McDonalds for VoM.
G: How do you feel about Tokyo?
N: It was hard and I was lonely. In Tokushima, clubs were full of familiar faces. However, nobody knows me in Tokyo. Moreover I wonder if I have put myself at a disadvantage to other music school students because I can devote less time to music than them.
G：Do you regret coming to Tokyo?
N: No, I do not. Tokyo is the center of Japan and gives me many chances. If I did not live in Tokyo, I would never have entered the VoM. Tokyo has many high-level musicians. I think people in Tokyo crave the limelight. When music teacher ask “Does anyone want to sing?” they immediately raise their hands.
G：Do your family and friends support you?
N: Yes. All of my friends support me. In Tokushima, the teachers of my alma mater lead school to cheer me in the web vote of VoM. My parents had said “Try to find another job,” but when I was selected as a finalist they were pleased and cheered “You must hang on to this chance.” I am supported by many good people and wonder I have the power to draw good one. For example, it was TV personality having covered me in high school that has been introduced me to the clubs in Tokyo, and it was an acquaintance at an audition that introduced me to Sony Music. The friendships give me the chance.
G: Are you looking for an additional job like most of Waseda’s junior class?
N: No, not in the least. Because if I were hunting for a job, both would be mediocre. Of course I am anxious about my future. Even if I win the prize at VoM, it would not be a definite promise that I would get to debut. However, I want to turn to myself as “Singing Yui Nakayama.” And people around me are pleased with my success. When my joy makes other people happy too, it encourages me greatly.
Yui Nakayama
Born at Tokushima in 1988. She is a Waseda student studying social science. On February 17th, she opened for the concert of BACKSTREET BOYS.