After a six-year world tour, Jay Chou stepped away from the spotlight to find the peace and quiet where his creativity takes root. A quarter of a century after his debut, he has a clearer vision of what he wants to convey and what he&#39;s ready to reinvent. A new album, another tour, and a wave of fresh ideas are already taking shape for 2026…

Photograph by Paul Styling by TAKAFUMI KAWASAKI

In <a href="https://www.lofficiel.com/industry-trends/rimowa-celebre-l-art-du-voyage-avec-rose-lewis-hamilton-et-jay-chou" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jay Chou</a> &#39;s world, music has never been just a job. It&#39;s his way of connecting with life. It links him to memories, family, cities, travel… and to an entire generation that grew up with him. With Carnival—a six-year tour across countless cities—finally coming to an end, he returns to his studio and time spent with his family, letting inspiration flow freely. Three years after his last release, a new album is taking shape. A world tour is even already planned for 2026. <a href="https://www.lofficiel.com/hommes/conversations-autour-d-un-caf-jay-chou-parle-de-souvenirs-de-paris-dior-rencontre-kim-jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jay Chou</a> opens up about inspiration, fatherhood, directing, and how his mindset has evolved after a quarter of a century in the spotlight.

L&#39;OFFICIEL HOMMES: The last date of your Carnival tour, in Shanghai, concluded a marathon of 110 concerts. What moment with the audience stood out the most for you? <a href="https://www.lofficiel.com/industry-trends/jay-chou-est-nomme-ambassadeur-mondial-rimowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JAY CHOU</a> : What touches me most is when fans in the audience request a particular song. You realize that a certain song, at some point in their lives, really meant something to them. Some fans have been listening to me since they were teenagers and now come with their children. Seeing this passing down of the torch is incredibly moving.

OH: You inaugurated the new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong with three concerts. Did the energy of the audience exceed your expectations? JC: Hong Kong always has that intensity, but the power of the choirs really surprised me! Many friends and figures from the scene also came backstage. That warmth, night after night, deeply moved me. Music transcends all borders.

OH: For your 2026 tour, which coincides with your 25th anniversary in the business, you have announced a new approach. JC: Yes, each city will have its own concert title. I&#39;ve written a lot of songs around colors – Black Humour, White Windmill, Blue Storm, Pink Ocean, Golden Armour, Moulin Rouge … Like a rainbow. I believe each city has its own unique color. It&#39;s a way to make each date unique, almost like a personalized souvenir.

OH: Three years have passed since your last album. What can we expect? JC: I prefer to keep a little mystery. But while recording, some childhood memories come flooding back: afternoons spent practicing at the piano while the others played outside. I remember that frustration very well (laughs) . Looking back , I&#39;m grateful for my mother&#39;s strictness: she taught me that all success requires constant effort.

OH: What fuels your inspiration? JC: Never any pressure. Inspiration comes when I relax. J-Style Trip (a variety show in which Jay Chou travels around the world with his friends) really broadened my horizons : traveling, laughing with friends, seeing beautiful landscapes… You naturally want to capture them. And when I think about filming, I need music. So I start writing. The scene inspires the melody.

L&#39;OH: How to reconcile career, filming, albums… and family life? JC: The older I get, the more family becomes the heart of everything. It doesn&#39;t extinguish my creativity, but the balance has changed. There are days when 24 hours aren&#39;t enough (laughs).

OH: Jay&#39;s way of unwinding? JC: Tennis! After a day cooped up recording, I need to move. But on one condition: I have to win. If I lose, it&#39;s not relaxing at all (laughs). Even on vacation , part of me is already thinking about new songs and the next tour. That&#39;s the perfectionist in me.

OH: After twenty-five years, what has changed the most for you? JC: My temperament. Music remains subjective, and in the past I paid no attention to criticism. Over time, I listen more – even if I don&#39;t always agree (laughs). My standards, however, have never wavered. I&#39;ve simply gained in nuance.

OH: The public is also waiting for your return to the cinema, especially after the remarkable new release of the film Initial D. JC: Filmmaking came naturally after directing music videos. It&#39;s been a long time since I&#39;ve directed anything, and I really want to get back into it. I&#39;d like to make a film with real artistic merit, a film that could even be considered for awards.

OH: What goals would you like to achieve in 2026? JC: To release an album that everyone will enjoy listening to . Many of my early fans are parents now. I&#39;d like their children, the new generation, to be able to see themselves in my songs too.

PRODUCER Dr. Calvin Choi CO-PRODUCER Giampietro Baudo PRODUCTION Aileen Soh, Angel Fong and Carlos Mangubat Emily Lin&#39;s Hair A-Do MAKEUP TAILORS Anna Lee Zang and Gretchen Geoghegan PHOTO ASSISTANTS Harry Burmeister and Samuel Davis Styling Assistants: Maddie Lim and Joelle Chai

Jay Chou: "Music transcends all borders"

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