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Jay Chou (traditional Chinese: 周杰倫; simplified Chinese: 周杰伦; pinyin: Zhōu Jiélún; Wade-Giles: Chou Chieh-lun; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Chiu Kia̍t-lûn) (born 18 January 1979) is a World Music Award-winning Taiwanese musician, singer, producer, actor and director. In 1998, he was discovered in a talent contest where he showcased his piano and song-writing skills. Over the next two years, he was hired to compose for popular Chinese singers. Trained in classical music, he combines Chinese and Western music styles to produce songs that fuse R&B, rock, and pop genres, covering issues such as domestic violence, war, and urbanization.
In 2000, he released his first album titled Jay under the record company Alfa Music. Since then, he has released one album per year, selling several million copies each. His music has gained recognition throughout Asia, most notably in countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and in overseas Chinese communities, winning more than 20 awards each year. He has sold over 25 millions albums worldwide. In 2007, he was named one of the 50-most influential people in China by the British think tank Chatham House. He starred in Initial D (2005) for which he won Best Newcomer Actor in Golden Horse Awards, and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in Curse of the Golden Flower (2006). His career now extends into directing and running his own record company JVR Music.
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Jay Chou grew up in the small town of Linkou, Taiwan. Both his parents were secondary school teachers: his mother Ye Hui Mei (traditional Chinese: 葉惠美; simplified Chinese: 叶惠美; pinyin: Yè Huìměi) taught fine arts while his father Zhou Yao Zhong (Chinese: 周耀中; pinyin: Zhōu Yàozhōng) was a biology instructor. His mother noticed his sensitivity to music and took him to piano lessons at the age of 4. During his childhood, he was fascinated with capturing sounds and songs with his tape recorder, something he carried everywhere with him. In the third grade, he became interested in music theory and also started cello lessons. As an only child, he enjoyed being the family\'s center of attention; he loved to play piano, imitate TV actors, and perform magic tricks. His parents divorced when he was 14; as a result, he became reclusive and introverted. Although he had friends, he often preferred to be alone listening to music, contemplating and daydreaming. At Dan Jiang Senior High School, he majored in piano and minored in cello. He showed talent for improvisation, became fond of pop music and began to write songs.(Chinese) Chou, Jay (2004-11-01). Grandeur de D Major (Book), China: Hua Ren Ban Tu, p.8, 12. ISBN 9572937146.
Chou graduated from high school with inadequate grades for university, so he prepared for military service, which was compulsory for all Taiwanese men at the age of 18. However, a sports injury triggered by an unexplainable and severe back pain eventually led to the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, a hereditary spine inflammation disease; as a result, he was exempted from conscription.(Chinese) "Jay Chou discusses the wonder of life in illness 二度造访心情电视 周杰伦谈病痛中的精彩人生" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2003-04-28. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "Jacky Wu: Jay Chou takes 12 painkillers 吴宗宪：周杰伦一度服12颗止痛药" (News article), zaobao.com, 2006-02-25. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Meanwhile, he found himself a job as a waiter. Without his knowing, his friend had entered both their names in a talent show called Super New Talent King. Chou played the piano accompaniment for his friend, whose singing was described as "lousy". Although they did not win, the show\'s host Jacky Wu—an influential character in Taiwan\'s entertainment business—happened to glance at Chou\'s music score and was impressed with its complexity. Wu hired him as a contract composer and paired him with the novice lyricist Vincent Fang (Chinese: 方文山; pinyin: Fāng Wénshān).
Over the next two years he wrote songs for Chinese pop artists, and also learned recording and sound mixing; his dedication was apparent as he even slept in the music studio. There were no plans to make him a singer because his mentor Wu thought he was too shy and not good-looking. Wu\'s music studio was later sold to Alfa Music, and the new manager Yang Jun Rong asked him to release his own album. Chou already had an arsenal of songs he wrote for others but had been rejected, so among those he chose 10 for his debut CD Jay that was released in 2000. The album established his reputation as a musically gifted singer-songwriter whose style is a fusion of R&B, rap, classical music, and yet distinctly Chinese. His fame spread quickly not only in Chinese-speaking regions, but in non-Chinese countries as well throughout Southeast Asia.(Chinese) King of the new generation 周杰伦：新声代之王 (Web article). sina.com.cn (2007-01-08). Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Since 2000, Chou has released one album per year, each selling several million copies (see Discography), and has been recognized with hundreds of awards. In 2003, he was the cover story of Time magazine (Asia version), acknowledging his influence on popular culture. He has held two world tours, "The One" (2002) and "Incomparable" (2004), performing in cities such as Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Vancouver. Unlike most singers, Chou has an enormous amount of creative control over his music. He is not only the songwriter but also the producer in all of his albums; since 2005 he is also the music director and also directs his own music videos.
While continuing to release an album yearly, he also entered the movie business with his debut role as the lead actor in Initial D, for which he won Best Newcomer at the Golden Horse Awards in 2005."People: Jay Chou, Pete Doherty, Penélope Cruz" (News article), International Herald Tribune, 2006-01-12. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. The following year, Chou was cast as a supporting character in the world-wide release of Curse of the Golden Flower, starring international Chinese stars Chow Yun-Fat and Gong Li, giving Chou his brief but formal introduction to North American audiences. In February 2007, he finally fulfilled his childhood dream of being a director in Secret, in which he also played the main character. "Jay Chou directs his first movie" (News article), china.org.cn, 2007-02-15. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. In March 2007, his 8-year contract with Alfa Music ended. Chou, his manager Yang Jun Rong, and lyricist Vincent Fang co-founded a new record company, JVR Music (which is an acronym for Jay, Vincent, Jun Rong) through which Chou will continue his music career and fulfill his goal of fostering new singing talent.(Chinese) "Jay Chou is certain of his direction/ Establishes his entertainment kingdom 周杰倫動向確定 欲打造娛樂全方位王國", www.epochtimes.com, 2007-04-04. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Chou, Jay (2004-11-01). Grandeur de D Major (Book), China: Hua Ren Ban Tu, p.92. ISBN 9572937146.
For album information, see Discography.
See also: List of songs written and performed by Jay Chou.
Audio samples of Jay Chou songs
| "Chrysanthemum Terrace" (菊花台) | |
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| An example of Chou using "China Wind." | |
| "Nunchucks" (雙截棍) | |
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| A combination of "China Wind" and rap. | |
Chou\'s compositions are loosely categorized as pop music. While many of his works fall into contemporary R&B, rap, and rock genres, the term "Chou Style" (traditional Chinese: 周氏風格; simplified Chinese: 周氏风格; pinyin: zhōu shì fēnggé)(Chinese) ""Still Fantasy" Two million albums sold recognized for Jay Chou 《依然范特西》两百万销量力证周董", www.ccwb.net, 2006-10-11. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "Jay Chou Still "Fantasy"/How much longer will he dream on? 周杰伦依然"范特西" 周董还会梦幻多久", East Day, 2006-09-05. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. has been popularized to describe his trademark cross-cultural music and his insistence on singing with relaxed enunciation. Taipei Times once described the meaning of "Chou Style": "In what has become the archetypal Chou style, Taiwan\'s favorite son blends pop, rap, blues and a smorgasbord of esthetic elements of world music to create his dream-like never-never land…"Phipps, Gavin (2004-08-29). CD Reviews. Taipei Times. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. He regularly fuses traditional Chinese instruments and styles with R&B or rock to form a new genre called "Zhongguo feng" (traditional Chinese: 中國風; simplified Chinese: 中国风; pinyin: Zhōngguó fēng; literally "China wind"),[a] some of which are written in the Pentatonic Scale as opposed to the normal seven-note scale (Diatonic Scale) to accentuate an oriental style. Besides his own culture, he also incorporated Spanish guitar in "Red Imitation" (traditional Chinese: 紅模仿; simplified Chinese: 红模仿; pinyin: hóng mófǎng), American techno/electronica in "Herbalist\'s Manual" (traditional Chinese: 本草綱目; simplified Chinese: 本草纲目; pinyin: Běncǎo Gāngmù), rap with subtle classical music undertones in "Reverse Scales" (traditional Chinese: 逆鱗; simplified Chinese: 逆鳞; pinyin: nìlín), and Bossanova style in "Rosemary" (Chinese: 迷迭香; pinyin: mídiéxiāng), to name a few. Sound effects from everyday life are frequently weaved into his music, such as bouncing ping pong balls, touch tone phone dialing, helicopter blades, dripping rain, and radio static noise.[b] His formal musical training is evident by the use of classical textures in his compositions. For example, counterpoint was used in "Perfection" (traditional Chinese: 完美主義; simplified Chinese: 完美主义; pinyin: wánměizhǔyì) and "Sorry" (traditional Chinese: 對不起; simplified Chinese: 对不起; pinyin: duìbuqǐ), while polyphony can be found in "The Wound That Ends War" (traditional Chinese: 止戰之殤; simplified Chinese: 止战之殇; pinyin: zhǐ zhàn zhī shāng) and "Twilight\'s Chapter Seven" (Chinese: 夜的第七章; pinyin: yè de dì-qī zhāng).
Chou\'s albums have been noted for the lack of change compared to his earlier works, yet he firmly stated that he will not alter his style: "They say I\'ve been standing still … but this is the music I want, and I don\'t see what I want by moving ahead." To demonstrate his point, he named his 2006 album Still Fantasy after his 2001 album Fantasy. His use of relaxed enunciation has been criticized as "mumbling"(Chinese) "Jay Chou does not pronounce clearly, resulting in a request for a clearer version of "Dragon Fist" 周杰伦咬字不清被退货《龙拳》要出清晰版" (News article), people.com.cn, 2003-12-26. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. which he also insisted will not change;(Chinese) "Vincent Fang discusses music/ Revealed that Jay Chou intentionally enunciates poorly 方文山畅聊音乐 透露周杰伦唱歌故意咬字不清" (News article), music.tom.com, 2007-03-15. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. however, recently he has adopted clearer pronunciation for certain songs, such as "Faraway" (Chinese: 千里之外; pinyin: qiānlǐ zhīwài) and "Chrysanthemum Terrace" (traditional Chinese: 菊花臺; simplified Chinese: 菊花台; pinyin: júhuā tái).(Chinese) Jay Chou interview/ Being a director gives a greater sense of personal achievement than music 周杰伦接受专访全交代 称做导演比音乐有成就感 (Interview). cnnb.com.cn (2006-09-20). Retrieved on 2007-06-02.
Strictly speaking, Chou is more often a singer-composer than a lyricist. Several "regulars" write the lyrics for most of his music, but the content and style is unified with his own personality and image, covering a diverse range of topics and ideas. Vincent Fang accounts for more than half of the lyrics in his albums, helping to establish an important element in Chou\'s music: the use of meaningful, imagery- and emotionally-rich lyrics, sometimes written in the form of ancient Chinese poetry with reference to Chinese history or folklore.[c] In addition to writing romantic hits,[d] he also broaches on war, the Bible, sports, and martial arts.[e] Vivian Hsu is a singer herself and has helped with Chou\'s earlier hits,[f] while Huang Jun Lang (traditional Chinese: 黃俊郎; simplified Chinese: 黄俊郎; pinyin: Huáng Jùnláng) is noted for his work surrounding unusual themes (such as a detective story and chess game).[g] Chou himself has written lyrics for many love ballads,[h] but has also discussed societal ills such as drug addiction in "Coward" (Chinese: 懦夫; pinyin: nuòfū) and loss of the rural countryside to urbanization in "Terrace fields" (Chinese: 梯田; pinyin: tītián). Domestic violence discussed in "Dad, I am back" (traditional Chinese: 爸,我回來了; simplified Chinese: 爸,我回来了; pinyin: bà, wǒ huílai le) received a great deal of commotion since he was the first to bring up this taboo subject in Chinese music,"Aiyo, Aiyo, Jay Chou 唉唷，唉唷，周杰倫", www.chinatimes.com, Mass-age, 2007-02-28. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. which helped solidify his status as a pioneer and a unique pop singer capable of approaching serious issues. In the songs "Maternal grandmother" (Chinese: 外婆; pinyin: wàipó) and "Listen to your mother" (traditional Chinese: 聽媽媽的話; simplified Chinese: 听妈妈的话; pinyin: tīng māma de huà), he voiced his high regard for family values. He addressed personal issues about his failure to enter university in "Split" (Chinese: 分裂; pinyin: fēnliè), his resentment towards the paparazzi in "Besieged From All Sides" (Chinese: 四面楚歌; pinyin: sìmiànchǔgē), and preached the importance of individuality in "Popular Imitation" (traditional Chinese: 紅模仿; simplified Chinese: 红模仿; pinyin: hóng mófǎng).
Chou began as a songwriter for other singers and continued this area of work even after he debuted his own career in singing. He has composed frequently for Jolin Tsai, Landy Wen, and occasionally for other Taiwanese singers such as Coco Lee, S.H.E, Vivian Hsu, Lee-Hom Wang, Will Liu, Valen Hsu, and Hong Kong pop stars Edmond Leung, Gigi Leung, Jordan Chan, Edison Chen, Karen Mok, Leo Ku, Eason Chan, and Joey Yung. He has also written for singers outside of his generation—over one dozen songs for his mentor Jacky Wu, later also for Taiwanese singer Jody Chiang (Chinese: 江惠; pinyin: Jiāng Huì), and Hong Kong singers Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Lui Fong (traditional Chinese: 呂方; simplified Chinese: 吕方; pinyin: Lǚ Fāng), Aaron Kwok, and Kenny Bee.(Chinese) Chou, Jay (2004-11-01). Grandeur de D Major (Book), China: Hua Ren Ban Tu, 204–211. ISBN 9572937146. (Chinese) "Kenny Bee prepares new album/ Jay Chou writes "A Ghost\'s Love Poem" 钟镇涛筹备新专辑 周杰伦献曲《魔鬼的情诗》" (News article), tom.com, 2006-12-11. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "梁咏琪谈感情心情愉快 声称要感谢周杰伦" (News article), ent.qq.com, 2007-01-08. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "Jay Chou and Vincent Fang writes song for Joey Yung/King and queen collaborate for the first time 周杰伦方文山为容祖儿写歌 天王天后首度合作" (News article), Eastday, 2007-05-17. Retrieved on 2007-06-28. He initiated the band Nan Quan Mama in 2004, selecting band members and overseeing their album production. The group has been noted for sounding too similar to their mentor;(Chinese) "南拳媽媽：一個周杰倫和四個小周杰倫的夏天" (Review), people.com.cn, 2004-05-31. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. as a result, Chou has reduced his involvement in the band,(Chinese) "南拳妈妈“驱逐”周杰伦 新专辑体现自己风格" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2006-08-03. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. but continues to help increase their exposure to mass audiences by inviting them as guests performers for his own concerts and music videos.(Chinese) ""Jay Chou and Friends" April concert in Chongqing Olympic Sports Centre "周杰伦和他的朋友们”四月唱响重庆奥体" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2007-03-05. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Jay 2004 Incomparable Live DVD. In Jay 2004 Incomparable Live DVD無與倫比演唱會 [DVD liner notes] (2004). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd.Maltose Candy 麥芽糖. In Huo Yuan Jia 霍元甲 [DVD liner notes] (2006). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd.Twilight’s Chapter Seven 夜的第七章. In Golden Armor 黄金甲 [DVD liner notes] (2006). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd. He has performed live duets with Landy Wen, Jolin Tsai,(Chinese) "Beautiful Jolin Tsai/ Jay Chou and his father attends concert 美豔蔡依林 周董父子搶著看" (News article), Epoch Times, 2004-11-21. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. and former girlfriend news anchor Patty Hou,(Chinese) "Patty Hou versus Jolin Tsai/ Who makes Jay Chou happier 侯佩岑Vs蔡依林 誰更能討得“周董”歡心" (News article), people.com.cn, 2005-02-23. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. but only two studio recordings have been formally placed in his own albums: "Coral Sea" (Chinese: 珊瑚海; pinyin: shānhú hǎi) in 2005 with Lara Veronin (of Nan Quan Mama) Coral Sea 珊瑚海. In November\'s Chopin 十一月的蕭邦 [CD liner notes] (2005). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd. and "Faraway" (Chinese: 千里之外; pinyin: qiānlǐ zhīwài) in 2006 with Fei Yu-Ching, who began his career in the 1970s. Faraway 千里之外. In Still Fantasy 依然范特西 [CD liner notes] (2006). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd. Besides working with singers, Chou\'s longest-running collaboration is with lyricist Vincent Fang, as they both started their careers in the music field in 1998. The compilation album Partners (traditional Chinese: 拍檔; simplified Chinese: 拍档; pinyin: pāidàng) featured 12 songs, each consisting of Chou\'s musical and Fang\'s lyrical compositions.Partners. In Partners 拍檔 [CD liner notes] (2002). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd. Fang has written the words to than more 40 of Chou\'s songs, acted as the chief editor of his book Grandeur de D Major (traditional Chinese: D調的華麗; simplified Chinese: D调的华丽; pinyin: D diào de huálì), and together are now business partners (with Chou\'s manager JR Yang) for the record company JVR Music.(Chinese) "Lyrics-music partners (part 1) Jay Chou Vincent Fang 詞曲黃金拍檔（上）周杰倫 方文山寫出創作4部曲" (Interview), showbiz.chinatimes.com, 2006-09-27. Retrieved on 2007-06-02.
Chou formally entered the film industry in 2005 with the release of the movie Initial D (頭文字Ｄ). He has since acted in three other movies, directed one film and more than a dozen music videos. Chou, who once said "I live because of music",(Chinese) Chou, Jay (2004). Grandeur de D Major. Hua Ren Ban Tu, p.109. ISBN 957-29371-4-6. ventured into movies because he felt the need for a new challenge. As fans have grown concerned that movies will compromise his music career, Chou has repeatedly reassured that movies are a source of inspiration and not a distraction; at the same time, he realizes the need to balance both careers and maintain his place in the music field to garner the continued support of fans.(Chinese) Jay Chou on the director’s road周杰倫攻陷導演路 (Interview). Mingpao (2007-01-07). Retrieved on 2007-06-02.(Chinese) "Plans to slowly distance from movies and "other occupations"/ Jay Chou will return to music 規划逐漸遠离電影等"副業" 周杰倫要回歸音樂" (News article), 時代商報/Sohu, 2007-03-29. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "Jay Chou: the joy in filming cannot be found in music anymore 周杰倫:拍電影的興奮感在做音樂時已經找不回來" (News article), Epoch Times, 2006-04-10. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) The invincible Jay Chou: it’s good to be number one 無可匹敵周杰倫：保持第一的感覺非常好 (Interview). ent.tom.com (2006-12-14). Retrieved on 2007-06-02.
Entry into acting was an unexpected move for Chou. His high school English teacher thought he was capable of very few facial expressions, and the director of Hidden Track (2003, a movie in which Chou had a cameo role) said that his strong individualistic personality will not make him a good actor.(Chinese) "Director Lin Ai Wah: Jay Chou\'s individual style is too strong/ Not a good actor导演林爱华：周杰伦个人风格太强烈 不是好演员" (News article), ent.anhuinews.com, 2003-11-25. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. In 2005, Chou’s first role as the lead actor in Initial D served two purposes: to launch his acting debut, and to increase his exposure to Japanese audiences. "Jay Chou promotes film "Initial D" in Japan" (News article), People\'s Daily, 2005-08-29. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. This film is based on the Japanese manga Initial D, where Chou played Takumi Fujiwara, a gifted touge racer who is quiet and rarely shows expression. Some reviewers criticized his bland acting Elley, Derek (2005-07-28). Initial D (Movie review). Variety. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. while others felt he performed naturally, but only because the character’s personality closely mirrored his own. Chyn, Stina (2005-09-21). Initial D (Movie review). Film Threat. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Initial D [2005] (Movie review). Beyond Hollywood (2005-07-06). Retrieved on 2007-06-02. His performance in Initial D won him Best Newcomer Actor in Golden Horse Awards and Hong Kong Film Awards. "Jay Chou impresses Zhang Yimou" (News article), chinadaily.com.cn, 2006-03-22. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. "25th Hong Kong Film Awards Unveiled" (News article), crienglish.com, 2006-04-08. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Chou’s second film was Curse of the Golden Flower (2006). As a supporting character, he drew much of the attention from the Chinese reporters; Chou’s involvement in this movie was announced in its own press conference,(Chinese) "Zhang Yimou compliments the directing potential of Jay Chou: will surpass me in the future 张艺谋赞周杰伦有导演潜质：将来会超过我" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2006-03-22. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. separate from the meeting held for Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, and the other actors. Chou portrayed Prince Jai, the ambitious second eldest prince and general of the Imperial army whose personality epitomizes Xiao (孝), the Chinese virtue of filial piety. In this internationally-released film, North American audiences see Chou for the first time. According to Chinese movie critics, comments about his acting ranged from "lacks complexity"(Chinese) "滿城盡帶黃金甲 " (Movie review), KingNet, 2006-12-22. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. to "acceptable,"(Chinese) "《满城尽带黄金甲》：金玉其外，败絮其中" (Movie review), thebeijingnews.com, 2006-12-16. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "《满城尽带黄金甲》：没什么可说的" (Movie review), sina.com.cn, 2006-12-15. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. but was critically praised by Western reviewers. Molayeme, Ester (2006-12-04). Film Review: CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (Movie review). IndependentFilm.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Berardinelli, James (2006-12-22). Curse of the Golden Flower (Movie review). Reelviews. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Wilmington, Michael (2006-12-22). Movie review: \'Curse of the Golden Flower\' (Movie review). metromix.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Hilbrenner, Jill (2006-12-22). Curse of the Golden Flower (Movie review). LondonNet. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Hall, Phil (2006-12-22). Curse of the Golden Flower (Movie review). Film Threat. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. His performance in Curse of the Golden Flower was nominated Best Supporting Actor in the Hong Kong Film Awards.(Chinese) "Exclusive: 26th annual Hong Kong Film Awards nominee list 独家：第26届香港电影金像奖完全提名名单揭晓" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2007-02-01. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. For his third movie, he is the lead actor and director for Secret. Another movie, Kung Fu Dunk is also to be released in 2008.
Chou\'s acquired his first directing experience in 2004 through music videos. He initially experimented with a song by the group Nan Quan Mama titled "Home" (Chinese: 家; pinyin: jiā) where he was involved throughout the entire process from research to editing. After learning the difficulties of being a director, he refused to direct again even at the request of his record company.(Chinese) Chou, Jay (2004). Grandeur de D Major. Hua Ren Ban Tu, p.106. ISBN 957-29371-4-6. However, his interest resurfaced again as he directed music videos for 4 of the 12 songs in own album November\'s Chopin in 2005, Huo Yuan Chia. In Huo Yuan Chia 霍元甲 [DVD liner notes] (2006). Taipei, Taiwan [R.O.C.]: Alfa Music International Co., Ltd. and later television advertisements. "Jay Chou ready to direct again" (News article), youth.cn, 2006-05-10. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "Jay Chou gives advice for eye health 周杰伦闪亮护眼心得大揭密 四招全搞定" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2007-03-20. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. By 2006, he had taken responsibility for the storyboard, directing, and editing of music videos for all his songs. It is unclear how the public appraises his work, since music videos are rarely the subject of critical review; however, director Zhang Yimou said that Chou\'s directing abilities may surpass his own in the future, after viewing several of Chou\'s music videos. "Jay Chou impresses Zhang Yimou" (News article), Xinhua, 2006-03-22. Retrieved on 2007-06-02.
In February 2007, Chou finally directed his first movie Secret. The story he wrote is based loosely on his relationship with a high school girlfriend, with a plot focused on music, love, and family.(Chinese) "Jay Chou directs for the first time/ "The Secret That Cannot Be Told" filmed in his high school 周杰伦首次执导 《不能说的秘密》回母校取景" (News article), sina.com.cn, 2007-02-23. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. He stars as the lead actor of the film with Kwai Lun-Mei as the female lead, and Hong Kong veteran actor Anthony Wong as Chou’s father. Despite previous experience in filming music videos, Chou admits that movies are comparatively more challenging due to storyline and time constraints. This movie was released in July 2007."Singer Jay Chou\'s directorial debut to be released in late July" (News article), Associated Press, 2007-06-08. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.
Chou published his first book titled Grandeur de D Major (traditional Chinese: D調的華麗; simplified Chinese: D调的华丽; pinyin: D diào de huálì) on November 25, 2004.[k] This 200-page book features a prologue written by his family, friends, and co-workers; the main section is a compilation of his personal attitudes, philosophies, and recollections of childhood experiences along with pictures from his music videos, many of which have never been released; and lastly, a list of the artist\'s major awards, musical and lyrical compositions, and discography. For the usually low-profile singer, this book revealed his personality and convictions that has served as the basis of his musical and public image. He demonstrated a strong appreciation of family values with an especially deep connection with his mother and maternal grandmother. His confidence and dedication towards music is evident as he dedicated 2 out of 7 chapters to music: the current state of the industry, his composition methodology, and the importance of individualism to his success in music. This pride is contrasted against his modesty and self-assessed naivety about many aspects in life, particularly regarding relationships and marriage.
In contrast to the United States where a negative connotation is placed on celebrities who endorse commercial products ("selling out"), in Asia, acquiring endorsement contracts with major brands are positive testaments of star-status. "…there is no Japanese word for \'sell out.\' … an actor … has finally achieved celebrity status when he or she is big enough to appear in a television ad, famous enough to represent a brand-name product." How US stars sell Japan to the Japanese (Web article). Salon.com (2000-06-29). Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Branding and Celebrity Endorsements (Web article). Venture Republic. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Chou has been a spokesperson for popular brands such as Pepsi (2002–2007), Panasonic (2001–2005), Motorola (since 2006), M-Zone/China Mobile (since 2003), Levi\'s (2004–2005), Deerhui (sporting goods, since 2003), and Metersbonwe (casual wear, since 2003), Colgate (2004–2005), popular computer game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002), science and nature magazine National Geographic (2005).(Chinese) "Asia king Jay Chou is the spokesperson for National Geographic 亞洲天王周杰倫代言國家地理風雲榜" (News article), www.epochtimes.com, 2005-11-03. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) "National Geographic and Jay Chou\'s music, classics are worth considering! (…) 國家地理頻道和周杰倫的音樂，經典值得考驗！ 亞洲天王周董自我詮釋代言國家地理風雲榜超屌" (News article), National Geographic (Taiwan), 2005-11-04. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. To maximize the celebrity branding effect, advertisements are nearly always linked to his music and TV commercials are occasionally directed by him. He acted as the tourism ambassador for Malaysia in 2003. "Now to woo back tourists" (News article), Straits times, 2003-06-04. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. (Chinese) Endorsements (under Profile) (Jay Chou Official Website). www.jay2u.com.
Despite living under continual media scrutiny, Chou\'s public image has changed little over the years as he emphasizes individuality as his "personal philosophy"."Taiwan singer Jay Chou looks East to crack the West" (News article (PDF file)), Reuters/Epoch Times, 2005-06-27. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. Drake, Kate (2003-03-03). Cool Jay (Web article). Time (Asia). Retrieved on 2007-06-02. In his music, this is also evident as he fuses Chinese and Western styles and explores topics unconventional for a pop singer, which have been described as "authentic" and "revolutionary."Chung, Oscar (2005-01-10). The Stars of East Asia Rising (Web article). Government Information Office, Republic of China (Taiwan). Retrieved on 2007-06-02.Jay—A Revolutionary Musician (Web article). china.org.cn (2005-11-04). Retrieved on 2007-06-02. The media describes a hard-working"Jay Chou Encourages Young Hopefuls" (News article), china.org.cn, 2004-06-14. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. perfectionist with clear self-direction"Mandarin R&B Singer Hits It Big" (News article), china.org.cn/China Daily, 2003-09-09. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. who is occasionally regarded as competitive"The Ice King Thaws" (Magazine article), V Mag (Malaysia), 2004-12-28. "I love competing with myself because I feel that this will force me to improve as a singer. For one, I would definitely love to win more awards" and a "control freak". His nickname "President Chou" (Chinese: 周董; pinyin: Zhōu dǒng) is used by both the press and fans to underscore his domineering personality and impact on Asian music,Taylor, Chris (2004-01-05). An Industry on the Edge (Web article). Taiwan Review. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. but also points at his musical talent since the Chinese word for president is a homonym of knowledge. His neologism "diao" (Chinese: 屌; pinyin: diǎo), which literally means penis, is slang for "outrageous" or "cool". Outside of music, Chou is reported as shy, quiet,Woodworth, Max. "All Hail Jay", Taipei Times, 2004-10-01. Retrieved on 2007-06-02. modest, and views filial piety as "the most important thing".""Jay Chou says he\'s still a mommy\'s boy" (News article), Associated Press/China Daily, 2006-02-13. In-line with his aim to present a positive image,Taiwan\'s performing artists feed Asia\'s appetite for pop (Web article). Taipei City Government (2004-11-15). Retrieved on 2007-06-02. he is a non-smoker, non-drinker, and does not go to nightclubs.Chou, Jay (2004-11-01). Grandeur de D Major (Book) (in Chinese), China: Hua Ren Ban Tu, p.10. ISBN 9572937146. Government officials and educators in Asia have awarded him for his exemplary behaviour,"Emulate Singer Jay Chou" (News article), New Straits Times, 2005-01-28. designated him a spokesperson in the youth-empowerment project "Young Voice" in 2005 and an anti-depression campaign in 2007,(Chinese) "Jay Chou is the spokesperson for Young Voice/ Encourages youths to express their opinions 周杰伦代言青少年网 鼓励青少年发表观点" (News article), ent.163.com, 2005-10-08. Retrieved on
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