Disc Jockey Day

What Is Disc Jockey Day?

December 28 is "Disc Jockey Day," a day dedicated to celebrating the profession and culture of the disc jockey (DJ) — the person who plays music to set the mood at radio stations, clubs, and events. The name "disc jockey" literally describes someone who "rides" (jockeys) records (discs), and this day honors the artistry and skill involved in delivering music to an audience.

The History of the DJ

• 1935: The concept of the radio DJ — the original "disc jockey" — emerges in the United States
• 1970s: Hip-hop DJs emerge from block parties in New York, and scratching techniques develop
• 1990s onward: Club DJs become central to the music scene as house, techno, and trance music spread
• Today: DJ software (such as Serato and Pioneer DJ) and CDJ/PCDJ setups have lowered the barrier to entry for aspiring DJs

DJ and Club Culture in Japan

• Many well-known Japanese DJs have made their mark, including DJ KOO (of TRF), DJ OZMA, and DJ Matsunaga (of Creepy Nuts)
• Club scenes have flourished in areas like Shibuya, Nishi-Azabu, Osaka, and Sapporo
• DJ battles: Competitions testing scratching and mixing skills have helped produce world-class Japanese DJs

Getting Started as a DJ

• Entry-level gear: Beginner-friendly controllers like the Pioneer DDJ-200 and DDJ-400 start in the range of roughly 20,000–50,000 yen
• Free software: Free versions of VirtualDJ and rekordbox let you practice the basics
• DJ schools and trial lessons: Many cities offer short, intensive courses at dedicated DJ schools