Mari Sakurai on Berghain, Tokyo’s Club Scene, and Finding Sonic Inspiration
- Filip
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
This weekend, Berghain welcomes back one of Japan’s, now, most exciting DJs – Mari Sakurai. Known for her genre-fluid and high-energy sets, Sakurai has built a reputation for seamlessly blending techno, breakbeats, and unexpected sonic twists that keep dance floors on their toes.
After making her Berghain debut in June 2024, she returns on March 15, ready to push herself even further. We caught up with Mari to talk about her experience playing at one of the world’s most legendary clubs, how she curates her sets, and what makes Tokyo’s underground scene so unique.
Hi Mari, how’s 2025 treating you so far?
2025 has already been an exciting year. I’ve had more opportunities to play in new cities and clubs like Shanghai and Manila, which has helped me further deepen my style. At the same time, I made sure to take a break and travel to northern Japan, immersing myself in winter nature to recharge. Thanks to that, I feel fully refreshed, both mentally and physically. I have a feeling this year will bring even more exciting experiences than last year, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
You made your Berghain debut in June last year. Can you take us back to that evening? What did it mean to you?
That night is still vividly etched in my memory. Playing at Berghain was a truly special experience—the energy on the dance floor and the sense of connection with the crowd were overwhelming.
Even after my set, I went straight back to the floor and kept dancing until the very end. I remember looking at the DJ booth multiple times that night, wondering, Did I really just play there? Even now, I still feel that way sometimes (laughs).
While playing, I didn’t feel any pressure to make people dance or to perform perfectly. Instead, I simply surrendered to the moment and gave it my all. Despite being in front of so many people, it felt like an intimate moment of self-reflection—almost as if I was observing myself from both the inside and the outside at the same time. It was a completely new sensation for me, even after years of DJing.
You’re back at Berghain on March 15. What can we expect from your set this time?
I want to push myself even further this time and deliver a set that truly expresses my sound. I’m thinking about creating waves of energy, incorporating unexpected turns, and keeping the dance floor’s flow in mind.
That said, to be honest, I never really know what my set will be like until right before I play (laughs). No matter how much I prepare, everything can change the moment I step into the booth. The atmosphere of the venue and the energy of the dancers are my biggest inspirations, so I want to stay present and let that guide me.
Your sets are known for being genre-fluid and high-energy. How do you approach building a set for Berghain compared to other venues?
Before being a DJ, I consider myself a raver and a dancer. So when I build a set, I always ask myself, If I were on this dance floor, what kind of sound would I want to hear? From there, I start gathering tracks that match that vision.
For a club like Berghain, I pay extra attention to drama in the music. My sets always tell a story, but I like to weave in thrilling moments and romantic shifts to create a deeper sense of immersion. I want it to feel like we’re all going on a journey together.
Berlin and Tokyo have very different club cultures. What aspects of Tokyo’s scene do you wish more people knew about?
Tokyo’s scene isn’t as large as Berlin’s, but that’s what makes it unique—it’s a fusion of so many different subcultures. There are small underground parties with around 100 people and even smaller events in intimate venues, each with their own distinct atmosphere. I’d love for more people from overseas to experience that side of Tokyo.
One thing that stands out about Tokyo’s club scene is the emphasis on dialogue between the music and the dancers. Even if a globally renowned artist is playing an amazing set, if there’s no connection with the people in the room, the dance floor never truly opens up.
Another unique aspect is the diversity in how people engage with music. Some dance intensely, while others are deeply focused on listening. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect, allowing people to enjoy the space in different ways—that’s something I really appreciate about Tokyo’s scene.
You’ve played in a lot of different settings, from underground raves to major clubs. Do you have a favorite type of crowd or environment to play for?
I love being in spaces where the audience is open to sound—where they don’t have rigid expectations but instead immerse themselves in the moment. When I’m surrounded by people who surrender to the music without overanalyzing it, I feel freer as a DJ, and my sets naturally flow in a better direction.
As for the atmosphere, I’m always drawn to spaces with great acoustics and lighting or spatial design that complements the music. Whether it’s a club, an outdoor rave, or a DIY party, if the energy feels right, it’s an incredible experience.
Techno is always evolving. Are there any new sounds or artists that have been inspiring you lately?
Lately, I’ve been drawn to artists who blur the boundaries between techno and other genres. There’s something exciting about hearing classic elements reinterpreted in a fresh way.
I also get a lot of inspiration from Japanese DJs. Recently, I went to a deep, intimate party in a small venue in downtown Tokyo. The space could only fit around 50 people, but the sound system was incredibly well-designed. The experience of being fully immersed in such delicate, high-quality sound was unforgettable.
There are many parties like this in Tokyo, and they always give me fresh inspiration.
What’s your process when it comes to digging for new tracks? Any recent discoveries you’re excited about?
I have different methods—sometimes I dig online, sometimes I get recommendations from friends—but I always prioritize intuition. I don’t limit myself to specific genres or release dates; I check everything from older tracks to brand-new releases.
As for my latest favorite tracks… I kind of want to keep them a secret (laughs). But there are definitely a few I’m really excited to play soon!
Do you have any pre-set rituals or habits to get into the right mindset before playing?
I try to spend as much time as possible on the dance floor before my set. I always dance, soak in the sound, and open up my senses. I also take deep breaths to clear my mind of any unnecessary thoughts. That way, when I step into the booth, I’m fully prepared to connect with the floor and let everything flow naturally.