One of the biggest icons in the world, Janet Jackson, is coming to Japan for four shows in June to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her Control album. LiFTED Japan caught up with her business partner and brother Randy Jackson to discuss the Jackson family history, Janet’s shows, her legacy, and the future of music.
The Jackson family had a very dramatic energy. What did you learn from being brought up in that environment?
The greatest influence was being a family, and it gave way naturally to music and entertainment. Because we didn't have television, we used to entertain ourselves. As we cleaned the house, we made music and sang out the cleaning and rhythm. A lot of kids in a small house created that energy. There was a natural ecosystem environment for creation. Some families had sports. Ours was music and dance, emulating our idols who we wanted to be like.
This year Janet Jackson’s Control album marks its 40th anniversary. The Japanese fans have a strong bond with her. Why did you decide to only play in Japan and not do a world tour?
Janet was here two years ago in 2024 and the reception was really good. I researched her history and she hadn't been in this part of the world for a long time. And we need to do more shows throughout Asia, particularly here, because our family has always been welcomed and Japanese audiences have always been very good to us.
I said, Janet, we got to go back to Japan. It's a great market. They really have a rich appreciation for American music and R&B music and things like that. We love the style, fashion, and dance in Japan.
Your family has always created cutting edge music, and it's always been at the forefront of the music scene. Did you have time to talk with Michael and Janet about new music trends?
Yeah. In terms of the new music trends, everything evolves. From digital to AI tools, music programs have changed a lot. I want to maintain and save true natural artistic creation. But it seems as though that's getting a little bit lost with digital stuff. Digital breeds a different kind of way of hearing music. That's good in a sense, but the best music for me is when it comes solely from inside and by people with musicianship training and things like that. That, to me, that's the best music. But ask a person younger, they probably would think otherwise. But, you know, we grew up, you know, learning instruments and how to create songs from that. So I think Janet and Michael, we always talked about, you know, we just want to keep the nostalgia of artistic creation alive from a natural perspective.
Do you know much about the Asian Hip Hop scene right now?
Yes,I think it's great because there was always a wall between American artists and Asian artists, but now that wall is coming down. Asian talent adds different flavors to Hip Hop because your cultural experience is different from ours.
For Japanese and Asian artists that are coming up, what would you like to say to them? What are the most important things they should keep in mind?
I enjoy looking and experiencing their interpretation of music shared through their own culture. My message would be that we are all influenced by each other. But at the same time, we have our own individual journeys. Asian culture is powerful in the details. So pay attention to details.
Get tickets for Janet Jackson’s Japan 2026 tour here.
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