The official site of AK Akemi Kakihara (柿原朱美), Japanese Singer Songwriter, Producer. Universal Music Japan recording artist. Living in New York. AKNYC.com offers a biography, news, blog, music, videos, and photographs.
Countdown to 2017... Year 2016 was a truly wonderful year because of you! Thank you so much for your love and support always. You made my 2016 so warm & special, and I'm so grateful… Looking forward to seeing you in 2017. Wishing you a Happy New Year! love, AK
Finish! Sparkling! So beautiful...I'm so ready for the holidays.
完成！キラキラ！ とってもきれい、、、これでホリデーの準備OK。
I met Yukie a couple of years ago, a day before my Birthday, The big one - you know what I mean. :) So, I needed a big help, and searched all over in the city to find the right salon for me. Then I found Yukie's salon. As soon as I met her - beautiful Yukie, I knew right way that it would be so wonderful. I told her "I need a special power for my Birthday, and I need your help to choose the color with me".
Then surprise! Unbelievable, we choose the same color out of more than hundreds colors!!! It was amazing, it was fate. Since then, I've been a repeater for this salon, and Yukie became a very dear friend to me.
Yukie's gel nail and artwork has been featured in Time Out New York, New York Post, Spa Trends, Nailpro , and Good Morning America (ABC), and she recently did Lady Gaga's nail as well! Her salon is very popular, so I recommend to make an appointment. :)
All the Nailists are high level, and can do the latest trends and top-class treatment. And you are promised to have the most relaxed time in the warm, cutting-edge salon provides a unique blend of Japanese and American services in a spacious, pristine atmosphere.
December! The most beautiful time of the year in New York City. Twinkling everywhere! And here I am, The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree! This is my Birthday tradition. :)
So packed! Still, it wouldn't be Christmas in New York without the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. So, coming here and take a look Christmas tree became my annual "Must-do", and celebrate my Birthday (December 10th) and somehow I believe that my wish will come true. :)
Ice Skating On The Rink At Rockefeller Center. Just watching makes me happy…
スケートリンクもうっとり。眺めているだけでも幸せ、、、。
Photo by Romi Uchikawa
AK & Photographer Romi Uchikawa
Swarovski Snowflake Above 5th Avenue is also so beautiful… Even if it's very cold out, still it's a most wonderful time of the year. And I wish upon a star...
Dear my family and all my friends… Happy Thanksgiving! Every year when I cook turkey for thanksgiving, I think of my dear friends and family. You are the reason why my life is filled with love and smiles. Thank you so much always! I'm so grateful...
Beautiful sunrise with moon...quiet dawn. The sky is still pale pink, and it makes me calm… a day starts. Good morning New York! And I wish for peace on earth.
静かなニューヨークの夜明け。 ほんのりとピンクの空はあわく、月もまだ一緒です。 心が落ち着くひととき、、、。さぁ、はじまる。 今日もよい一日となりますように！ そして地球が穏やかで平和であることを願い。 love, AK
EN Japanese Brasserie, head chef, Hiroki Abe and AK
I had an amazing dinner at EN Japanese Brasserie! On top of that, head chef, Hiroki Abe gave us an exceptional treat. It was out of this world!
EN Japaneseで、この上なく美しく美味しいお料理をいただきました！ その上、料理長あべシェフ自らの極上のおもてなしをいただき、、、感動で胸がいっぱいでした！
There are so many Japanese restaurants in NY, but EN Japanese Brasserie is one of my most favorite restaurant. Opened in 2004. At that time, there was nothing around Tribeca, but the Japanese owner, Reika Yo started authentic "KAISEKI" - very sophisticated course menu. Since then, it's been a very popular place, and so many celebrities are the regulars.
We had "Omakase" which is chef's selection of the day. Several appetizers including matcha soy milk, hand made Karasumi, and shaved truffle. The freshest, best quality sea urchin, crab, lobster, and seasonal Japanese "matsutake", pine mushroom! Too beautiful to eat...
If someone asks me "Who is your favorite musician?" My answer will be "EUMIR DEODATO" with no hesitation, and I will say his album "PRELUDE" and "LOVE ISLAND" are my most favorite albums". In fact, I wrote my very first song in my life inspired by his album, when I was 8 years old, without knowing that one day I will meet Deodato!
The song I wrote was Bossa Nova, quite similar to his song "Carly and Carole". :) I was actulally already playing Electone back then and playing songs like "Man and Woman", "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" since I was 5, so it was quite natural. :)
I can't forget the vision I saw when I listened to the song, "Spirit Of Summer". The vision I saw was that a boy watching the sunset going down at the shore, leaning his back on the tree. It is middle of the hot summer, all you can hear is ocean waves. His body was just silhouette against sunset, and he is just keep watching sunset… it was quiet, but very emotional.
アルバムに入っている"Spirit Of Summer"を聴いた時、あるビジョンが目に浮かんだことが忘れられません。ひとりの少年が海辺で背中を木にもたれて、ただじっと夕陽が海に沈むのを見つめているシーン。静かな真夏。波の音だけが聞こえる海辺。夕陽に照らされて見えるのは彼の体のシルエットのみ。静けさの中にも、狂おしいほどのエモーションが潜むことを生まれて初めて感じた瞬間でした。
Eumir Deodato and AK Akemi Kakihara
Ever since then, I had been a big fan of Eumir Deodato. And miracle happened...I met him in Japan. I told him how much I love his songs, but he told me it's impossible for me to be a fan of him, because I was too young (well, I was 8 when I listened to his songs), so I sang his entire solo in front of him. He was amazed and believed me finally, and to my surprise, he came to my apartment and played piano for me!
He told me that "I haven't played piano for someone for a long time. You made me want to play it again." I can't tell you how much I was touched. He told me that "If you need any help, just call me". Since then, we have been a great friends.
AK Album "YES" recording in London 1998. Piano by Eumir Deodato.
The opportunity came when I produced album "YES". It was a London recording. He came to London from New York, and we did the session together for the first time, it was magical...
My beloved DJ Danny Krivit's resident party 718 Sessions celebrated 14th Anniversary! Dance floor was filled with happy energy, smiles, music & dance lovers! I'm so happy to be a part of this, one and only, open to anyone, full of love party for 14 years!
愛するDJ Danny Krivitのニューヨークでのレジデントパーティ 718 Sessionsが14周年を迎えました！
Breathtaking sunset…from brand new rooftop bar Westlight at The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg. They just opened a week ago! As their name goes, the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline with west light…my favorite twilight, it was a true magical hour.
息を飲むほど美しいサンセットに出会いました。 ウイリアムズバーグに１週間前にオープンしたばかりのThe William Vale Hotel、22階にあるルーフトップバーWestlightから！Westlightという名前通り、イーストリバーの向こうに広がるマンハッタンのスカイラインは西に沈む夕陽の光の中。エンパイアも、クライスラーも、ブルックリンブリッジも。私の大好きなTwilight、マジカルアワー。
Photo by AK Akemi Kakihara
Photo by AK Akemi Kakihara
I was walking around Williamsburg with my photographer, then noticed that the William Vale is finally opened! I just wanted to see the lobby but soon as I entered, the receptionist told me that I should check out the rooftop. So went up without any expectations...then, OMG!
撮影のロケハンで、フォトグラファーとウイリアムズバーグを散策していたところ。Wythe Hotel、Outputの斜め向かいにある、The William Valeはずっと建設中だったのですがついにオープン！ふらっと立寄ったら、レセプショニストに”ルーフトップにぜひ行って”と言われ、なにも期待せずにルーフに着いてびっくり！
Photo by AK Akemi Kakihara
Photo by AK Akemi Kakihara
So gorgeous, couldn't leave, so the break became the dinner. :)
あまりの素敵さにブレイクがディナーに。笑
Photo by Romi Uchikawa
The food was really good too! I simply told our waiter about it, then surprise! The executive chef Anthony Ricco came to our table, and gave us a tour of the kitchen! We couldn't believe it... and discovered that he was a former chef for Jean Georges' Spice Market. No wonder!
September is precious month to me. 15 years ago, today, September 10th in 2001 was the day I moved in New York and started living in New York. So today is my 15th anniversary!
And 9.11 happened very next day… it was quite tough start not having any friends, but New Yorker helped me regardless of where I'm from. I was so touched and loved New York immediately.
15 years later, I have friends and beloved family. And New York became my HOME.
I still feel the same about New York, fresh everyday, very exciting, there is nothing you can't do. The most Inspiring city.... I love New York!
Nantucket is off the coast of Massachusetts, tiny island filled with natural beauty. Danny has spent summer in Nantucket every year with his family since he was little. His mother moved to Nantucket several years ago, so we have been visiting her every year, and Nantucket is absolutely my favorite island in the whole world.
It is almost impossible to describe how beautiful Nantucket is… Hundreds of feet of fine sand reaching from you to the ocean, and the sea is shallow to a distance from the shore gently away from the water's edge.
島の美しさは言葉にできないほど、、、。 見渡す限り広がる真っ白な砂浜と、どこまでも遠浅の青い海。
Simple wood houses, encounter rabbits and deer in the garden. Wake up with the birds singing. A walk dirt trail though low-lying vegetation, bayberry, little blue stem, and scrub oak... Big blue sky… My heart opens up as time slowly flows by…
Nantucket used to be the whaling island. The houses on the pictures are the classic style house of Nantucket. They often have the white balcony called "Widow's Walk", where a wife waited for her husband’s safe return from sea. The next sail to top the horizon may well carry her husband, gone to sea...
Many houses in Nantucket are filled with flowers like British garden. I used to have my own flower garden, so I love flowers so much. My most favorite flower shop in the world is here in Nantucket. (F.L.O.W.E.R.S)
AK's favorite flower shop in Nantucket: F.L.O.W.E.R.S
There are so many lovely shops in town, too. The pharmacies are still old-world charms with soda fountains & ice cream bar. Cute goods stores, boutique and bakeries, it is fun just walking in town.
But I love most in Nantucket is beauty of nature. ocean and blue sky. The time spending only with wind and light. Nostalgic views. A sky full of stars at night. Nantucket...tiny island where the time flows slowly. Thank you for the unforgettable memories for this summer again.
でも私がナンタケット島で一番好きなのは、やっぱり自然の美しさ。 海と空。 風と光だけで過ごす時間。ノスタルジックになる風景。 夜は満天の星。 ナンタケット、、、ゆったりと時が流れる小さな島。 今年の夏も忘れられない想い出をありがとう。 love, AK
AK Akemi Kakihara & Danny Krivit, Nantucket Summer 2016
The plan changed. It's getting closer to the Birthday party, started getting panic, but no option to give up since this is very important her "big 5" Birthday!
So I came up with the new idea, "how about melt marshmallow, and make bunny? Challenge.... it's very sticky when marshmallow is melted, so I added powder sugar and tried my best to make bunny! This is the best I could do for this time, hope she loves this bunny!
By the way, this is a strawberry short cake, 4 layers! Lots of strawberries inside. :) Actually, this is my first time making strawberry short cake all by myself, so it was quite challenge but the cake was so soft, moist and fluffy! Not to sweet. Yummy! But, spreading the whipped cream was real challenge, because you can't spread again and again, only once specially the top! I think making cake is basically very intense. lol
AK Akemi Kakihara hand made bunny strawberry short cake
Those wood log bunnies are there too as her friends! :)
俵のうさぎちゃんもお友達で登場！笑
My heart was jumping bringing my cake, but as soon as Renka saw the cake, she said "So cute!", I hugged her so tight!! She said "Yummy!". That made my day, I was just so happy. Thank you Renka!
Danny Krivit and AK Akemi Kakiara: Photo by Hayato Foto
The party was incredible! Love & Joy, Great vibes all around. What an amazing special time that was. He is a true legend. Thank you Danny and Congratulations!
私の愛するDJ Danny KrivitのDJ45周年記念パーティ＠OUTPUTは、最高のグルーブと愛に溢れた素晴らしい時間でした！来てくださった方ありがとう！ダニーDJ４５周年本当におめでとう！
All Photos by AK Akemi Kakihara, except Danny & AK photos by Hayato Foto
I couldn't stop taking pictures! Not only from NY but so many fan and friends gathered from all over the world to celebrate Danny's 45th Anniversary of DJing! OUTPUT was packed with love & joy! Danny's smiling. :)
100% 7" 45 SET! It was true rare experience but on top of that Danny played so many groovy special songs non stop, we are all hands in the air with joy!
AK Akemi Kakihara, Midtown, New York, NY, Summer 2016
Very hot summer day in New York. Currently 96 F, 35 C. Officially announced as feels like 106 F, 42C! Still I love summer. Wishing you a wonderful summer too! X AK
今年のNYの夏はとっても暑い日が続いています。今日も35度。なんと体感温度は42度を記録！NYでもこんなに暑い夏は久しぶり。でもやっぱり夏が好き。みなさんも素敵な夏を！love, AK
My beloved DJ Danny Krivit is celebrating his 45th Anniversary of DJing this year. For this celebration, Danny is going to play 100% 7" 45 SET 6-10pm on August 18th at Output, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. The detail is below. I've been watching Danny so close that his deeply devoted passion and love to music, so I'm very happy for him too. He would be very happy if you can join & celebrate with him. Supported by GIANT STEP and MOBILE MONDAYS. It will be video/photo shooting as well. Hope to see you on 8/18!
私の愛する尊敬してやまないDJ Danny Krivitが今年でDJ45周年を迎えました。そしてその特別な45周年のお祝いに、100% 7" 45回転のドーナツ盤のみのDJ SETをDannyがブルックリンのウイリアムズバーグにあるOUTPUTで８月１８日（木）6pm-10pmに行います。 いつもダニーのそばで彼の音楽に対する真摯な姿勢と情熱と、絶えない愛を見ているだけに、この45周年のお祝いは、私も感激で胸がいっぱいです。 この特別なお祝いにぜひ来ていただけたらダニーもきっと喜ぶと思います。 GIANT STEP and MOBILE MONDAYSが協賛、当日はフィルム撮影なども入る予定です。詳細は下記。 かなり貴重なイベントとなることは間違いないと思います。 私は最初の６時から１０時最後までいます。 ぜひ一緒にお祝いできますように！ love, AK
Thursday August 18th 6PM to 10PM. DANNY KRIVIT CELEBRATES 45 YEARS OF DJING 100% 7" 45 SET @ OUTPUT, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 74 Wythe Ave. (N 12th St), Brooklyn, NY Supported by GIANT STEP and MOBILE MONDAYS
