6-year-old Illumi is the world’s youngest DJ!

By day, Illumi Maeda is an ordinary 6-year-old from Japan who goes to school, does her homework and plays with her friends.

By night, she’s a record-breaking DJ who fearlessly performs at clubs in front of large crowds!

Her DJing journey started when she was only 3 years old and, at the age of 6 years and 99 days, she became the world’s youngest female club DJ.

To break the record, Illumi performed for over an hour at a club in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

When we asked her about her experience, she told us: “It was a very hectic day, and we had some problems with the equipment. I felt nervous, but I’m really glad I managed to do it!”

Now, she dreams of performing for much larger crowds and turning her passion into an amazing career. “I’d love to DJ at different festivals around the world,” she explained, “and try for another Guinness World Records title in a new DJ-related category. I also want to open an ice cream shop and DJ there too!”

Yummy ice cream and fantastic music? Count us in!

So how did she start experimenting with DJing?

“My family has always loved music of all kinds,” she explained. “One unforgettable memory is dancing to classical music with my great-grandpa and great-grandma. My mum has always played lots of different genres at home and in the car, so I’ve grown up surrounded by music.

“[…] [My mum] loves dancing and listening to music while doing things around the house. Our home has always had a party atmosphere, which is probably a little unusual in Japan! Mum often invited friends from different countries over, so parties and music were a normal part of my life.

“When I felt low or didn’t have much energy, listening to Avicii would lift my spirits. That made me realize how powerful and important music can be. I got into DJing when some of my mum’s DJ friends started teaching me little by little!”

Do you like music? Who’s your favourite artist?

Illumi explained to us why she loves DJing so much…

“I love seeing everyone get into the music, dance, and have fun,” she said. “I think people should feel free to express themselves. I also love it when the sounds blend together beautifully, or when I follow my instincts and the mix turns out really well. I think I’ll discover more challenges as I keep learning!”

Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

Illumi believes in the healing powers of music and hopes to use her talent to help people around her: “I want to become a DJ who makes music that lifts people’s spirits, brings them comfort, and helps them through difficult times, wherever they are in the world.”

Do you agree that music helps make us happier?

Illumi told us that it still hasn’t really sunk in that she just broke a world record and that, although she’s very happy, she also feels a little pressure to keep working hard and getting better.

We believe in you, Illumi!

Of course, when she’s not playing music or breaking records, Illumi’s life isn’t all that different to that of any kid her age: “I go to an international school, and after school I do my homework, listen to music, dance, and enjoy DJing.”

Besides music, she also loves dancing, maths, snowboarding, snorkelling, and travelling.

Do you have any of the same hobbies?

But if there is one thing she can’t live without, it’s a good party: “If there’s a party, I want to be there – wherever it is!”

What record do you think she’ll try to break next?

Congratulations, Illumi, you are Officially Amazing!