Takaya Nagase is a Japanese-born, New York–based DJ, producer whose deep connection to the city’s underground music culture has shaped a distinctive and wide-ranging approach to sound. For over a decade, he has been a core member of the influential NYC party JOY, founded alongside friends from the legendary The Loft community. From sound system culture to genre-crossing selections, Takaya has played an essential role in cultivating JOY’s immersive musical experience.

Following residencies at iconic New York venues Shelter and Output, Takaya has become a regular presence at leading clubs and listening spaces including Le Bain, Good Room, Nowadays, Public Records, and Nightmoves, while continuing to tour internationally. Through his monthly show “World Galaxy” on The Lot Radio, Exploring soulful, spiritual, and forward thinking sounds from around the world and beyond.

As a producer, Takaya is one half of the duo Hapa, known for blending deep rhythmic sensibilities with organic textures and dance floor energy. His collaborative project Domo Domo gained international attention with its rework of the Happening In The Streets by the Voltage Brothers, earning support from DJs and dancers worldwide.

Earlier in his career, Takaya worked as an A&R, producer, and remixer for Soundmen On Wax, collaborating with a wide range of artists across the New York house music scene. With decades of experience spanning clubs, radio, production, and sound system culture, Takaya Nagase continues to build bridges between generations and genres through an instinctive, deeply personal approach to music.

Courtesy of AUTEC

FREE SUSHI will be served courtesy of AUTEC and Takayuki Tanaka, President of AUTEC Inc., a company helping redefine how sushi culture is experienced in North America. With roots connected to Audio-Technica’s innovation heritage, AUTEC has spent the past 25 years supporting the growth of sushi culture through technology, creativity, and community. From restaurants to cultural events, AUTEC continues to explore new ways Japanese food culture can connect with younger and more global audiences.