Have you ever looked out the aeroplane window, just moments before descent? If everything aligns perfectly — the flight path, the settling dusk, the first glow of moonlight — the city below dissolves into a constellation. From that height, every dot of light looks the same, yet each one is an entirely different life: families, different routines, different dreams unfolding in parallel. It is a poignant sight, and one that always conjures thoughts of home. Not a specific address, nor any one person in particular, but fragments of memory, like the scent of an all-too-familiar after-school hangout spot, or the sounds of distant fireworks on a humid August Saturday that barely registered back then.

Somehow, these are the memories that quietly become home. The mundane, everyday routines are important in shaping our identity — arguably, even more so than those big, life-altering occasions. Long before he stepped onto the path that would take him towards becoming a member of &TEAM, MAKI was a boy who would first discover his love for music in the city. “I think the beginnings of MAKI started in Singapore,” the 20-year-old said on how the city has shaped him. It was here that he watched his first concert perched on his father’s shoulders, and where carefree days with his family would later become some of his most treasured memories. The 20-year-old grew up in Singapore, trained in Japan and Korea, and currently promotes all around the world with his global group, &TEAM. Which is why, for him, home is not defined by any set coordinates on the world map. “I think home means a place where I can be myself,” MAKI said. “Whether that means being myself as an artist or a person.” But it’s wherever you feel unafraid to express yourself and be who you are; and where you can be surrounded by the people you love.”

Close to a decade after leaving in pursuit of his dreams, MAKI is returning to Singapore for a homecoming concert with the 2026 &TEAM Concert Tour ‘BLAZE THE WAY’. And although reunions are branded as happy occasions, MAKI wonders how much of the Singapore he knew exists beyond memory. “It’s a whole mix of emotions,” he said. “I’m excited to see what’s different, but I’m also afraid that some of the places I remember won’t be there any more.” The ideas of home, after all, are ever-changing, and it is more than certain that MAKI’s story is in evolution. Men’s Folio speaks to MAKI about the city that shaped him, the memories that have stayed with him, and why home has become something far greater than a place on a map.

MEN’S FOLIO HAS ALWAYS CENTRED ITS AUGUST EDITION AROUND THE IDEA OF HOME, IN LINE WITH SINGAPORE’S NATIONAL DAY. IN A WAY, THIS IS ALSO A HOMECOMING FOR YOU AS YOU’RE SET TO RETURN 10 YEARS AFTER YOU LEFT SINGAPORE. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT ALL?

First of all, I would never have thought that being the cover star of a magazine — a Singapore magazine — would be something that I’d be able to achieve this year. And it means a lot to me because [Singapore is] where I had my most vivid childhood memories. I’m super excited to come back to Singapore for our concert! I feel like I’m going to get really emotional when I visit the places I used to go to, especially since Singapore has changed so much over the last 10 years. It’s a whole mix of emotions. I’m excited to see what’s different, but I’m also afraid that some of the places I remember won’t be there any more.

IF YOU HAD A FULL WEEK BACK IN SINGAPORE, WHAT ARE THREE FOODS YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO EAT?

Definitely chicken rice.

ROASTED OR STEAMED?

Oh my God… [laughs] that’s diffIcult. I want to try both. But growing up, I ate steamed chicken rice more often because my mum used to make it that way. I don’t think I’ve ever tried roasted chicken rice with the crispy skin, but it always looks so good.

WHAT ABOUT PLACES TO VISIT?

If we have time, I’m definitely taking the members to Universal Studios Singapore. And if we have more time, I think we’re gonna go to the beach. My family and I used to go to Sentosa a lot, and I remember that there’s all sorts of parts that you can go to swim. I remember there was a beach club that we frequented a lot, the one with a pool.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORIES OF SINGAPORE THAT YOU FEEL PARTICULARLY SENTIMENTAL ABOUT?

I remember going to the Botanic Gardens as a family. There’s a place you can walk around in the middle of the gardens; we would get dinner there, and I remember running around with my siblings. There’s this one picture that my mum took of my sister and me fighting. [Laughs] I’m yelling at my sister in the photo. I don’t know, it’s like those little things that get you emotional when you think about them.

HOW DID GROWING UP IN SINGAPORE INFLUENCE THE MAKI OF TODAY?

I lived in Singapore from the time I was four until I was 10, and I think those are the years that really shape you as a person. They were such important years in my life, and growing up in Singapore definitely had a big impact on me. It shaped a huge part of who I am as a person — my personality and even my vibe.

WHEN DID MUSIC FIRST BECOME A PART OF YOUR LIFE? WAS THAT SOMETHING THAT BEGAN IN SINGAPORE?

I think the beginnings of “MAKI” started in Singapore. It’s where I first started singing and began taking an interest in music. I’m most passionate about singing now, and all that started when I was in first or second grade. So yes, Singapore definitely shaped me as an artist too.

WERE THERE PARTICULAR SIGHTS, SOUNDS OR EXPERIENCES IN SINGAPORE THAT SHAPED YOU AS AN ARTIST?

As a kid, I loved Maroon 5. I listened to them all the time, especially the album V. They came to Singapore once, and that was actually the first concert I ever attended. I remember being so small, and feeling the venue was so big. There were adults everywhere, and I couldn’t see anything, but my dad picked me up and put me on his shoulders, and then I finally saw Maroon 5 performing — not on the big screen, but with my own eyes. That moment really moved me. After that, my dream became kind of fuzzy. I did all sorts of other things, and then I finally decided to become an artist.

IS THERE ONE THING ABOUT LIVING IN SINGAPORE THAT YOU THINK MOST PEOPLE WHO COME HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME WOULDN’T UNDERSTAND?

The streets are really clean and littering gum may be heavily fined. Is it still?

IT IS.

I was living in Singapore, and even I couldn’t believe it at first. So I think anyone coming to Singapore for the first time would be surprised by that. [Laughs] What else? Another thing is that Singapore doesn’t really have a singular local language. It’s this mix of so many Asian languages and cultures, which makes it uniquely “Singaporean”. I think people will find that pretty interesting too.

INTERESTINGLY, YOU MENTIONED DIFFERENT CULTURES, BECAUSE YOU’RE ESSENTIALLY SOMEONE WHO’S GROWN UP IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS. HOW HAS THAT IMPACTED YOU?

It makes you appreciate how diverse the world is. I grew up around people from different countries and cultures who spoke different languages, and that really taught me that everyone’s unique in their own way. It helps you to broaden your perspective of the world.

WHAT DOES HOME MEAN TO YOU THEN?

I think home means a place where I can be myself, whether that means being myself as an artist, being myself as a person, or simply being myself. But it’s wherever you feel unafraid to express yourself and be who you are; and where you can be surrounded by the people you love.

SPEAKING OF THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE, WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR FANS?

It’s a really special relationship that not everyone gets to experience, and I think that makes it even more precious. I love that they love us no matter what. They support us for who we are; they love our music and what we do, but they also respect us as people. We can always count on them to be there for us, and I hope they know we’ll always be there for them too. It’s something I really want to cherish.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT EXPRESSING YOURSELF THROUGH MUSIC AND PERFORMING THAT APPEALS TO YOU?

I feel I’m not really good at expressing my thoughts through words. Sometimes I know exactly what I’m feeling, but I can’t find the right words for it. But I think music gives you another voice to express what you’re feeling. Even if the lyrics aren’t exactly what I’m feeling, the way I sing — the tone, delivery, and emotion — can express things words sometimes can’t. That’s why I think music is such an interesting and natural way for me to express myself.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU WANT YOUR MUSIC TO PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

Coming across music was probably the best thing that could ever happen to me. I mean, I was bound to discover music one way or another, but the fact that I got so attached to it and that I now enjoy not only singing, but making music as well… I hope it never gets taken away from me. I want it to be a part of every single day of my life. I don’t think there’s ever been a day that I don’t sing, even for a little bit, even if it’s humming, whistling, or mumbling. I hope it’s a part of my life forever.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU HOPE YOUR MUSIC PLAYS IN YOUR FANS’ LIVES?

[Laughs] I thought you meant my life! Then I hope our music can move them in whatever way they need it to. If they’re feeling down, I hope it makes them happy. If they’re working towards something, I hope it encourages them. If they’re struggling, I hope it helps them get through those moments. More than anything, I hope our music can make people a little happier, one way or another.

ON THE SUBJECT OF YOUR LIFE — YOU JUST TURNED 20! DOES IT FEEL ANY DIFFERENT FROM BEING 19?

I was super excited to turn 20 this year. I don’t think ageing really determines how much you’ve matured, so I don’t know if I had ever felt the need to grow up quickly. It’s more of the thought processes and experiences you have [that shape your maturity]. Now, because I’m closer to being a quote-unquote “adult”, I do feel more included in the world and society, and I’m taken more seriously than I was at 19. Not that anyone has looked down on me for being that age. [Laughs]

IF YOU COULD TURN BACK THE CLOCK AND GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO 10-YEAR-OLD MAKI?

Start playing instruments. I’ve been practising the guitar a little lately because it’s cool, and I’ve always admired people who can play it. I wish I’d started a bit earlier. I’d probably also tell myself to expect the unexpected. When I was 10, I dreamt of becoming a handball player, but obviously that didn’t happen. It’s not that I don’t dream big — I expect the unexpected. Even if things don’t go the way I thought they would, I try to see everything as a new opportunity, a chance to try all sorts of different things.

&TEAM’S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY IS COMING UP SOON. HOW DO YOU THINK THE GROUP HAS MATURED?

I think we’ve grown to respect and understand the members well, much more than when we first debuted. And because you spend a lot of time with your members, they become like family — which means you have to learn to understand them. When we first started living together, it was quite a struggle, but our relationship has grown stronger, and I think we’ve overcome it. It’s made us better at teamwork, and it feels like we’ve built a very strong bond.

AND HOW ABOUT YOURSELF, AS THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE GROUP?

I’ve become more passionate about music and performing, and that’s made me more confident on stage. I used to be unsure about a lot of things. I’d wonder, “Will our fans be happy if I do this?” or, “Would I look cool if I do that?” I’d second-guess myself a lot. I trust myself more now. I have confidence in what I do, and I take pride in it. I think that’s one of the biggest ways I’ve matured.

Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Photography Vyvian Goh
Interview Charmaine Tan
Executive Producer Manfred Lu
Production  Shokupan Inc.
Grooming Takagi Sae
Hair Togashi Sae

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