Local People: エミエミ (Emi Emi)

by James Marsten

Policy officer by day, hyperpop artist by night. Hobart musician エミエミ (emi emi) launches her debut EP at Moonah Arts Centre on 16 October.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born in Launceston and then my family moved to Hobart when I was little, which is where I grew up and have lived ever since. In my twenties I’ve done occasional stints in Japan, where my dad is from – in Osaka, Fukuoka and Yokohama.

What do you do for work? During the day I work as a policy officer and project manager. Outside my day job I work as a musician and as a sound engineer, alongside other ad-hoc arts jobs and volunteer roles as they pop up.

You’re launching your EP. How would you describe your sound? It’s sort of a mash up of contemporary pop, J-pop, hyperpop, house and electronic music. We’ve played very early to children at family festivals and very late to adults in clubs, so we like to think there’s a bit of something for everyone in the music. Backseat Mafia said it’s “…like a blend of Hello Kitty and M83” which I think sums it up well.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? I’ve learned that so much of it is learning how to be your own business owner, and being proficient in marketing, PR, video and photo editing, project management, social media, so on – and that’s quite apart from writing, producing and performing the music. It can be an expensive exercise too; in terms of mixing, mastering, travel, etc. Up until releasing our EP recently I only had three songs out, and people would sometimes say “why don’t you have more music available online?” and I’d often think “because there’s only so many emails I can send in a day!”, haha.

Who do you admire? I really admire my parents – which feels like a generic answer, but it’s true! My mum is a pretty incredible woman – she lived in Japan and can speak fluent Japanese, is really smart and creative, has kindness in spades. My dad is a very gentle person and I’m inspired by his resilience – he moved to Tasmania when I was born, after a pretty successful business career in Japan, and his first job here was fruit picking – to get more stable work he learned to do massage which is what he’s still doing now (and is very good at!).

Favourite podcast or tv show? Ooh! I watch so much TV, it’s getting a bit out of control. But the show I could rewatch probably 100 times over and not get bored of is Please Like Me with Josh Thomas. I love the episode they shot in Cradle Mountain featuring just Josh and his on-screen mum. It was so beautifully shot, with a great script that makes you laugh and cry many times over in just a short 30 minutes.

Secret vice? Instant ramen with a poached egg, a slice of cheese and kewpie mayo on top. Probably like three days worth of sodium in one meal but it goes down a treat every time! Also listening to the Jonas Brothers…

What are you reading now? I am currently reading The Yield by Tara June Winch. It’s heartbreaking, but sprinkled with humorous and heartwarming moments and beautiful passages written in Wiradjuri language.

What was your first job? Working in Sush! I worked at their Falls Festival stalls, both of their takeaway shops and the sushi track, over about ten years. I made some great friends there and also acquired a pretty good sushi skillset.

What are your daily news/social media habits? On a good day I like catching up on national and global news stories on The Guardian app, and doing the NYT crossword. But on bad/ irresponsible/brain-rot days I spend a lot of time on TikTok and Instagram reels. I recently downloaded an app called Limit (not sponsored! just desperate!) to try and curb this habit, with let’s just say, well….mixed results! Though I will say, my mate and I have been learning a new TikTok dance every week, ever since we discovered it’s great mental and physical exercise. If you hate the gym go and learn the Midnight Sun choreography, I guarantee you’ll work up at least a bit of a sweat, and your brain will also hurt.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Giddy Up in Sandy Bay.

Lunch: Sawak Cafe.

Dinner: Bravo Taiwanese.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Evolo Escape Rooms. Went to one for a birthday party years ago then got hooked on them, and have since done other rooms in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Evolo still has some of the best rooms I’ve played! The Defusal one is a standout.

Parting words? Lutruwita/Tasmania has such an incredible creative arts scene. The next time you want to listen to music, read a book or see a show, look locally! There’s world-class creators on this island and they’re always cooking up something new, interesting, beautiful or inspiring.

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Hobart Happenings

by James Marten

Bits and Pieces – August 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits And Pieces – July 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!