We’re looking forward to introducing you to Justin Watanabe. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Justin , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes me lose track of time is working on my music. When I’m creating, it’s as if all my worries fade away, and I feel like I’m making real progress—both in my career and in my mental health. It’s an incredible feeling to have an outlet that allows me to escape the stress of everyday life. Music helps me discover who I am and teaches me things about myself I never realized before. I feel truly fortunate to be able to do what I love—it’s a blessing I don’t take for granted.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yo yo yo it’s JNabe hotter than wasabi the half-Japanese half-Vietnamese legend. I’m best known for my collaborations with other artists across the music industry. My sound ranges from hip-hop to dancehall, and I take pride in bringing versatility to every project. One thing I’m especially proud of is the quality of my music videos—I’m a firm believer that strong visuals are just as important as the music itself. Right now, I’m focused on organizing unreleased content and past work, making sure everything is in order as I prepare for the next phase of my career. It’s all about aligning the pieces to keep pushing forward.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mentor, Nawlage 2k5, recognized my potential as a music artist long before I ever did. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, he brought a wealth of knowledge and believed I had what it takes to succeed. At the time, it was hard for me to imagine achieving anything in music—but he saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. I’m still learning to build that same belief in myself, and every day I work on strengthening my self-confidence and living up to the vision he had for me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I’d definitely say that the fear of failure is one of the biggest challenges. Putting your art out into the world takes a lot of mental preparation—it’s not always easy to share something so personal and hope it resonates. Releasing music can feel like a leap of faith. What’s tricky is that “failure” means something different to every artist. That’s why I think it’s so important to define success and failure for yourself. Understanding your own goals helps you stay grounded and focused, even when things feel uncertain.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’d say the public version of myself is definitely an extension of who I am. I’m naturally outgoing and love expressing myself, especially through music. But there’s also a quieter side of me—someone who enjoys staying in, unwinding with a good book, and just taking time to recharge. I truly love the life I’ve built as an artist, but I’ve learned how important it is to find balance. Being able to embrace both sides of myself makes the journey even more fulfilling and exciting.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
In my music career, I’ve always been told that true success can take up to a decade to build. Music isn’t something that usually pays off overnight—sometimes it takes months, even years, for the seeds you plant to finally bloom. All you can do is show up consistently, water those seeds every day, and trust the process. It’s also crucial to keep planting new ones along the way, giving yourself more opportunities for growth. The more seeds you nurture, the more chances you create for something to take root and flourish. That’s how long-term success in the music industry is built—through patience, persistence, and belief.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jnabeofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjnabe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealjnabe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealjnabe
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jnabe
Image Credits
Fady Matta
Justlive Prod
Jackie Flores
Zmax
