A Young Sensation Takes the Stage: Haruki’s Remarkable Journey as a DJ
At just 12 years old, Haruki has become a rising star in the music world, captivating judges and audiences alike at the 2026 DMC Singapore DJ Competition held on September 6. Working the decks at Rasa Space in Republic Plaza, he showcased his immense talent to a crowd of over 200, including music enthusiasts and veteran DJs eager to see the burgeoning talent of the next generation.
A Journey That Began Early
Haruki’s journey into the world of DJing commenced at the tender age of 8. His father, Tomoki Kaihotsu, enrolled him in parent-and-child DJ lessons at ShowNing DJ Lab, a renowned music school in Lavender that specializes in DJing. What started as an exploratory endeavor soon transformed into a passionate pursuit, with Haruki quickly developing his skills and honing his craft.
In fact, he placed fourth in the last DJ competition held in Singapore back in 2010 — a mere four years before he was even born. This statistical backdrop underscores the remarkable trajectory of his young career, clearly hinting at a promising future.
Learning and Growth in Real-Time
Leading up to the DMC competition, Haruki remained dedicated to his growth as a DJ. In an interview, he shared, “I still go for weekly lessons,” reinforcing his commitment to mastering the art of DJing. Practicing at home before performances and competitions has become a vital part of his routine.
He draws inspiration from genres such as pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM), and idolizes DJs like DJ toMW (his teacher) and the late Avicii. Reflecting on his performances, he mentioned, “I like mixing songs because it is fun.”
Despite the nerves that accompany performing in front of an audience, he expressed excitement about his first DJ competition, revealing an eagerness to learn from the experience and from the skilled DJs present.
Support from Family
Haruki’s father, Tomoki, has been a staunch supporter of his son’s musical aspirations. Tomoki noted that Haruki has always had a strong affinity for music, which intensified after they started attending DJ lessons together. “We originally joined the DJ school because I thought it might be something interesting for him to try. But he improved very quickly,” Tomoki explained, highlighting the rapid growth of Haruki’s skills.
With a dream of becoming a world-famous DJ someday, Haruki’s dedication to improvement is evident. The encouraging response from the competition judges and audience only fuels this dream.
The Judges Acknowledge Talent
The judges at the DMC competition were notably impressed by Haruki’s performance. Kavan Spruyt, the founder and owner of Rasa Space, praised the young DJ, stating, “He worked the crowd, and he is technically solid.” While acknowledging that he was not the best yet, Spruyt emphasized that Haruki has ample time to refine his talents. He even drew a parallel between Haruki and A-Trak, the Canadian DJ who made headlines in 1997 as the youngest winner of the DMC World DJ Championship at age 15.
Other judges, including Australian DJ Beast Mode, who won the 2025 DMC Open World DJ Championship, expressed similar sentiments. “That kid, Haruki, he is the next champion,” he remarked. DJ Rattle, a two-time DMC Singapore champion, agreed, commending Haruki’s ability to deliver a clean and energetic set while managing to keep his nerves in check.
A Bright Future Ahead
Haruki’s narrowly missing the podium in his first competition at just 12 years old signals bright prospects for his future in DJing. With encouragement from his father and the community, he is on a well-defined path toward realizing his aspirations. Tomoki reiterated his support, stating, “As long as he enjoys it and wants to keep improving, I would like to continue supporting him.”
Kicking off a new era for the DMC competition, DJ KoFlow, the branch manager of DMC Singapore, believes in nurturing young talent. He maintains that children as young as five or six can begin learning the art of DJing, emphasizing the boundless opportunities that lie ahead for aspiring DJs.
The rejuvenation of the competition after a 16-year hiatus aims to inspire both seasoned and new DJs, promoting musical growth and innovation in Singapore’s vibrant entertainment scene. Ultimately, KoFlow points out, it’s not solely about winning; it’s about setting personal goals and pushing recreational limits, allowing each DJ to grow within the competitive landscape.
In the electrifying world of DJing, Haruki’s journey just begins, and music enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly watching as he works towards his dream of being a world-famous DJ.
