Celebrating Women's History Month at SNS Tokyo

Women's History Month is held in March every year but is less well-known in Japan than countries such as the US and the UK. To introduce this important cultural event to Japan, SNS has picked out next-generation female influencers active in male-dominated industries.

For the first feature, we linked up with DJ Adriana King, who is at the forefront of the music scene in Tokyo and has selected her favorite three sneakers.

Adriana King was born in Kawasaki on February 9, 1998, and has a Brazilian and Filipino background. She began DJing at 18 and is known for her unique mix of international genres, focusing on hip-hop and R&B.

She is an up-and-coming female DJ in the Tokyo scene; she is currently the official live DJ for female rapper "MaRI" and is booked around the country for club gigs. She is also a back DJ for Ayo&Teo, and has many connections to foreign artists.

As two women working in the sneaker and music industries - both typically associated with a very male-dominant image - MJ from SNS TOKYO spoke with Adriana, who is a long-time acquaintance of hers.

MJ : Hey, long time no see! Is this your first time at SNS TOKYO?

AD : Yeah, I didn't think there was such a big store in Daikanyama!

MJ : So, what have you been up to lately?

AD : Mostly working at clubs and lounges in Tokyo. I'm a regular DJ at hip hop clubs Harlem and 1Oak, where I do weekend peak hour slots. It’s pretty intense but I enjoy it. I also perform as a back DJ for rapper Mari at clubs all over the country.

*MJ *: Your sneakers are so cute!

*AD *: I got these Air Max 1 Shima Shimas because I wore out my old Air Max 1s and this model’s a reissue. They're easy to match and comfy to wear, so I can use them for work. Standing up for hours DJing can is tiring! Plus, I thought something that mixes Western sneaker culture with Japanese culture is perfect for me. Japanese fashion is good at mixing different things, you know!

MJ : Are there any other sneakers that caught your eye?

AD : adidas has always had a special presence in the hip-hop scene and they’re a must for me. I often see adidas Campus 00s in the club scene, but I really like these Forum 84 Lows. I love the retro vibe, probably because my mom always played R&B and hip hop from the 80s and 90s when I was little, so I'm drawn to that fashion and sneaker style.

MJ : I love that! What are your impressions of the SNS TOKYO Store?

AD : The store has a great vibe. The interior feels really nice and upscale but still has a relaxed, homey feel where you want to take your time browsing and trying on sneakers you wouldn't normally wear. It’s really fashion-forward, and I like that there are various styles of apparel to match your sneakers.

MJ : Thank you!

AD : Even though it was my first time meeting everybody, they have all been so friendly and easy to talk to, and it feels like we've known each other for a long time. It's a great place where locals and newcomers can connect and have a good time. In today's world where everything is online, it's important to cherish real-life connections and spaces like this. I’ll be back again for sure.

MJ : At each SNS store around the world we really try to look after our local community, so I’m so happy you said that. You ended up getting a pair of New Balances?

AD : There’s this really strong image that Nike = hip-hop, but all the guys at the club seem to be wearing New Balances. Personally, I've got a thing for basketball shoes, so the New Balance 650 caught my eye. And purple is my favorite color. I originally thought I’d pick a low-top, but as someone who wears a lot of baggy pants it had to be a high-top. This is a model that I don't see many people wearing out and about!

MJ : Lastly, what are your thoughts on Women's History Month, and the challenges and motivation you face in male-dominated industries like DJing? Any other female DJs you look up to?

AD : I look up to DJs like RINA, who won the 2017 Red Bull 3Style championship. She plays mainly hip-hop and is a really skilled scratch DJ, and is really amazing all round. She’s also a DJ instructor. You’d think it's really tough to get far in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry like DJing, and it can be hard. But I do believe that working as a DJ can earn you proper respect regardless of gender .

MJ : Finally, tell me about your future aspirations.

AD : In the future, I'm thinking about setting up a studio and trying my hand at mastering for artists. Of course, my achievements as a DJ are important, but supporting other creators is also a dream of mine. If I can be the one to control the setup and the equipment myself, I feel I can create a cool and friendly environment for all, where anyone can focus on making music. As a DJ, I try to believe in myself and my style, and make sure I don't forget why I got into this!

DJ Adriana King @xadrianakingx Photographer: Masahiko Watanabe

International Women's Day was established by the UN on March 8, 1975, following the 1904 women's suffrage demonstration in New York. It's important to honor women's courage and achievements and to promote full participation and leadership of women in the future.