It's Mana's 『Elegant Gothic Fruit Paradise』 Sangria!

One of the fun things in the Moi-même-Moitié Salon is that Mana gives hints as to what the next cooking video will be. So it was perfect timing for the 『Elegant Gothic Fruit Paradise』 sangria. Because I had just bought a pineapple.

The first step in making Mana's sangria is to find as many different types of fruit that is out there. I was able to find everything that Mana used, except chunks of aloe vera. For the record, there was pineapple, lime, lemon, apple, kiwi, watermelon, melon, and two types of cherries. I went with Bing and Rainier cherries.

I was looking forward to making this sangria, because it reminded me of one I enjoyed at the Portland restaurant Ataula. So to honor that sangria, I added something extra. Pomegranate seeds. Because Pomegranate sangria is delicious.

I would guess that most people are familiar with red sangria. But white wine works very well with fruit. The above stated pomegranate sangria is a white wine sangria. As for what white wine, I think something a little sweet and less acid works well with Mana's sangria. As for me, I went with the Charles Shaw chardonnay. It was a good choice.

I will say, this is a labor intensive drink to make. First up I cut the pineapple. Not fancy like the video. Although I do think pineapple is pretty just as it is.

Something different, a yellow watermelon! Because of the pandemic, it's a little difficult to shop here. The store I went to did not have regular watermelon, but they did have these cute little yellow watermelon. So I went with this. And yes I gave into cutting out the pieces in hearts and flowers.

It's a simple recipe. All the fruit goes into a pitcher or container. After that, pour in as much honey that you want. It's a totally subjective measurement. 

I mixed the honey into the fruit and then poured in the wine. Then mixed some more.

I think serving it with ice is refreshing. The chilled liquid keeps the fruit fresh. 

Just one more photo of this fun festive Elegant Gothic Fruit Paradise. And for the record, I did make more pineapple version to go with Mana's pork curry. That was really good too!

That was a lot of fruit. I enjoyed eating some of it separately, with a little more honey and brown sugar. I also added a few blueberries.

Here is Mana's video for the sangria. You can watch it and all of the other Mana cooking videos at the Moi-même-Moitié YouTube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp24JyPNmvF0jPJoLLX-r2w

Cooking Mana's Elegant Gothic『The Excitement of Spices and "Splendid" Magic』

Because of the pandemic, cooking at home has become extremely popular. Someone who has been known for their skills in cooking, guitarist Mana, decided to make good use of the time and began filming cooking videos. Despite difficulties at times trying to get ingredients, I decided to try to make each of Mana's dishes. So, I'm going to document how that went with the last dish, Mana's 『The Excitement of Spices and "Splendid" Magic』

While I had many of the needed ingredients already, I still had to find a pineapple, curry powder, pink peppercorns and ground pork. Above are the spices I used. Because it is really difficult for me to digest bell pepper, aka paprika in Japan, I substituted ground paprika for it. I do like the smoked varieties of this.

After getting everything in place and chopping onion, (and bell pepper and hawk claw peppers if you are going to use them), it's time to heat olive oil at a low temperature. Crush garlic cloves and cardamom pods before putting in the oil. I happen to use the garlic cubes from Trader Joe's, which are really good quality. Since I was only cooking 1/2 pound of pork, the amounts I used were less than in Mana's video. This amount of pork, plus the rice, was enough to fill the pineapple bowl. Two crushed cardamom pods and three garlic cubes. One cube equals one clove. Sine I did not have hawk claw peppers (I've been searching for them) I used a bit of crushed red pepper. It's very similar. Since there are a number of types of pepper in this dish, I kept the amount of red pepper low. 

I used about 1/2 of an onion, which went into the pan next. At this point the bell pepper would be added. I sprinkled on a bit of paprika instead. No measurements, all by eye and experience. I'd say maybe about a teaspoon?

Onions and all were sautéed till slightly brown, to bring out a bit of caramelization flavor. I raised the heat under my pan to medium by this point.

And in goes the ground or minced pork. I had not bought meat in months, due to the poor situation at meat processing plants in the US. There is a butcher near me that sells products from farmers and ranchers here in Oregon. Oregon has been working with businesses here to make sure employees are safe, including giving them free face masks and more. A visit to Ponderosa Meats and I had pork, chicken and turkey. 

Season the pork with ground pepper, ground pink Himalayan salt, curry powder, chili powder and ground cayenne pepper. Of course sea salt could be substituted, but grinding peppercorns brings out a lot more flavor and scent so if possible, that is best to use. As for the curry powder, some places call it Indian curry powder. The distinction is it is not Oriental curry powder or garam masala. All of the spices in the recipe can be added in amounts according to your taste. If you like food hotter, add more.

Now comes the secret part of Mana's dry ground pork curry. Ketchup and Worchester sauce.

The basics for okonomiyaki sauce and many sweet and sour sauces. I mixed 1/4 of a cup of each together, then added that to the pork. Seriously, do not leave this out. I would like to say, that this dish could also be made with beef, chicken or ground turkey for people who do not eat pork. Personally, I think ground turkey would be a good substitute. Although pork does give it a South Pacific vibe.

Right now is a good time to taste and add more of the different peppers if you think it needs it.

There is one more thing that I needed to cook. It's not in the video, but I will explain it here. It's simple yet delicious. Turmeric Butter Rice. Now, you can cook it with onions and stock, but since this is part of the whole dish, here is a simple way to make it.

If you can find Basmati rice, it makes this dish even better. You can use a pot or rice cooker. Just follow the directions for cooking your rice, but add in butter and turmeric. I think I went with one cup of rice, a teaspoon of turmeric and maybe two teaspoons of butter. It helps to mix the rice a couple times while it is cooking. Seriously this color and the fragrance, so amazing.

It really is gorgeous. You don't need a lot of turmeric, although it's a great spice both in taste and in health benefits.

So now comes the hard part. That pineapple in the first picture? I cut in half and scooped out the inner part. It helps to cut up the inside of the pineapple, remove the core and then scoop out the rest. I saved that for something else. A pineapple bowl isn't necessary for the dish, but it's fun to see and the flavor of pineapple adds to the curry. Since not everyone can find whole fresh pineapple, it might be enjoyable to add some pieces after plating, to eat with the curry.

In goes that wonderful rice. It would be a fun surprise for anyone to eat who didn't see this being cooked. 

Next is the dry curry and then pink peppercorns and chopped parsley for a festive appearance.

Since I did not use red bell pepper, the pink peppercorns add color to this.

So what did I do with that pineapple? I made more of Chef Mana's Elegant Gothic Fruit Paradise Sangria. This was more of a pineapple version and very refreshing. As to how I made Mana's sangria, perhaps that will be my next post.

And here is the result! As to how this curry tastes, it's very good. The addition of ketchup and Worchester sauce turns a regular spicy pork curry into something that reminded me of Hawaiian and Okinawan pork dishes. The flavor of the pineapple bowl seeped in the rice and pork, adding to the delicious flavor. I think these ingredients move the flavor up into something unique and fun. I did have a feeling of visiting South Pacific Islands. 

Here is Chef Mana's video from the Moi-même-Moitié YouTube channel. You can use the YouTube video settings to automatically translate the subtitles into your preferred language. I hope my post helps if anyone is wanting to cook this dish. If you have questions, please ask! And thank you for visiting my blog.

Since the video may not show up if you view this on your phone, here is the link to elegant gothic chef Mana's video https://youtu.be/rh3uHyws3TQ

MALICE MIZER Interview Translation from ROCK AND READ 83 Part 2

(photo from ROCK AND READ Twitter) 

Last year I translated for myself the MALICE MIZER interview with ROCK AND READ magazine. I decided, because of the safety restrictions everyone has had to go through, because of the virus, to clean up my translation and share it on the two year anniversary of the Deep Sanctuary VI shows. I'm not a trained translator, so it takes time and work to do this. If anyone reposts or shares this translation, I would appreciate it if you could first send me a message through here. And of course, give credit for my work.

So here is the second part of the interview with Közi, Mana and Yu~ki.

RR: When you made a major debut, you may have been told by various parties such as a record company. "Can't sell without lessening the makeup". But that didn't mean it was meaningless. It was strong to beat.

Mana: Looking back now, I think I was just saying ridiculous things. For example, I was asking to set up a stage set that was too complicated. I think I was saying quite a bit to people in the production company.

Közi: Can't say such things, now.

Mana: Now I already know how my world works, Even if I say it, I can say it while considering the circumstances. At that time, I would just say "I want you to do this" without considering anything.

Közi: Because you were young.

Yu ~ ki: That, I also think that is some kind of talent that Mana-chan has. Even if what said is messed up, on the other hand the reason that the surroundings follow firmly is because it is convincing,it's not just selfishness. "Believe in Mana-chan and follow him. I want to see the future." I think because it has charm. That's why, didn't everyone follow MALICE MIZER?

Mana: .... Good story.

Közi: It's cohesive!

Yu ~ ki: Although, when I was looking at it, I said ""Don't say that, it's so cool"(lol). I myself had many thoughts, "Eh, redo this again?", I think the people around me were tough (lol). Even so I think it was great that the members always had a lot of discussions with each other. There were a lot of pains, what I wanted to say was rather contradictory. Especially in the early days we used to gather in Mana-chan's room and talk. Including frivolous things.

Közi: While eating curry.

Yu~ki: We talked all over the place, going to all-you-can-eat yakiniku, in the equipment car. There were times when I was mentally unstable, but I think that while doing that kind of thing (talking), each member made a good balance by building a relationship of trust.

RR: In the 90's boom of visual bands, many adults were quiet on most bands, including major entertainment companies. Complete self-production may have been uncommon, was there anything particular about that as well?

Mana: I had never thought of getting someone to take us on. Since we were developing activities by being able to complete it ourselves, we were able to go around by ourselves.
RR: It is MALICE MIZER's greatness to be able to say that such a scale and concept can be saide to be "completed by ourselves". It may not be well known that it was because of the concentration of communication that the members had a lot of discussions. .. .. ..

Yu ~ ki: I think the relationship between the members was good. We frequently went to eat curry.

Közi: Clam ramen and so on.

Yu ~ ki: Mana-chan's invitation is "Let's go eat". I was asked "Don't you want to eat curry?" so I had to say "I want to eat it" (lol). However, the shops that were recommend to me were really delicious and I used to go there a lot.

Mana: I did not lock the house I lived at that time, so some members came in and out. It was a time when there were no mobile phones, so I came in without a foreboding. Roadies also came as well. KAMIJO (Versailles), who also talked at MC at“Deep Sanctuary VI",  as a roady lived within a 5-minute walk of my house.

RR: You mentioned that the house of Kamijo-san, 25th anniversary live guest vocalist, was behind Mana-san's house. However, Mana-san, was not careful to lock the house.

Mana: I think it's really unwise when I think about it now, there were also some people who did it.

Közi: We also had staff.

RR: So it was in a free state (lol). Mana-san visually looks nervous, was it actually open?

Mana: I can't think right now (lol). The members came on their own, there were no shelters and and they didn't have their own private homes. It wasn't too large in the 1K room, and I am impressed that I had lived like that.

Közi: Could not sleep because of someone's snoring, and the landlord was sitting physical education style (arms around bent up knees) in one corner. It was a octopus room (lol).

RR: Eh (lol) “Deep Sanctuary VI” MC, is it right that former vocalists said "Mana-san's house was gothic and had a great atmosphere"?

Mana: The decoration was European. . . . . I also had the stage set in my room, so I could bring the set out every time we would perform. Inside the room was messy.

RR: Even though the decor is Gothic and decorative, it was not an elegant life (lol).

Mana: It was not. It is said that everyone gathered around one kotatsu.

Yu ~ ki: (imagewise) Can you say kotatsu?

Mana: Ah. . . (lol)

Közi: But, the furniture style of the kotatsu?

Mana: At first I asked Yukari Oba-san, who was in charge of costumes, to make a velvet cover.

Közi: It was black.

RR: A wonderful sight that young band men were crawling like potatoes around such a beautiful kotatsu.

Közi: It was exactly what a clubroom was like.

RR: Since MALICE MIZER is a band that is now legendary, I think that there are many fans who don't know the realistic appearance of those days, including such rough episodes. Have you ever wanted to re-perform that at “Deep Sanctuary VI” "I would like to show this part of MALICE MIZER after protecting it now"?

Mana: This time, we wanted to reproduce that time as much as possible.

RR: ... You wanted to reproduce that time rather than doing new things.

Yu ~ ki: This time, there was a direction of "festival" as a major premise. We wanted to make it a stage that everyone can enjoy, even for those who have never seen MALICE MIZER.

Mana: That's because I felt that I wanted to let people see what they would like to see. I'm pursuing myself as a guitarist in Moi dix Mois, so I used to play guitar in the MALICE MIZER sessions in the previous "Deep Sancturies".

RR ... without dancing.

Mana: That's right. At that time (of previous Deep Sanctuaries), I was converting the sound that was being keyed in without playing the guitar, into playing the guitar, and slid (moved) the performance into playing (guitar). But this time, I was conscious of the stage as it would be when everyone would have been seen the (performance) videos many times.

RR: ... Did you look back at the video and check the performances?

Mana: I guess you remember it. However, there was a little conflict in reproducing. . . . .

RR: Conflict?

Mana: I, would be tangled with vocalists during the performance. "ILLUMINATI" where the body is stroked, "Madrigal" I am held. When I thought I would do that with a roady,I was in conflict....(lol)

RR: When it comes to dealing with a different person from those days, partially embarrassed, it seems (lol).  However, it did not feel uncomfortable to watch.

Közi: I completely forgot about playing (lol).

Yu ~ ki: I forgot completely. To approach the atmosphere of the time to some extent, I copied my bass and played that.

RR: There was no score left?

Mana: In the first place we, had tablature but we didn't use sheet music. That is why I reproduced it with play by ear copying.  However, since MALICE MIZER has guitar phrases with extremely close fingering, I would like to ask myself from that time "Why did you make this score?". For example, in the flow of thinking that I wanted to play comfortably, for a reason the tone goes down. What it is just unthinkable phrases. But, I did not arrange it so that I can play it now, I tried to reproduce the phrases of those days.

RR: In the sense of reproduction, Sakura-san (ZIGZO, ggg, Rayflower) I could only see as the image of Kami-san. . . .

Közi: I was completely haunted.

Yu ~ ki: I was surprised at the time of rehearsal. When I was in the studio, there was a stray person in the center. He put orange extensions in his hair and wore his cap backwards as Kami did as well. That was Sakura-kun.

Közi: I was facing backwards, so I couldn't see his face at first, but I looked over my back (turned my head) and said "That's Kami-chan".

Yu ~ ki: I think I probably saw Sakura-kun about 100 times in the rehearsal on that day. Because when he hit the drums, his hair was very soft. (I think Yu~ki was referring to how Kami's hair would move when drumming, and Sakura's hair was also like this) I could only see him as Kami. . . . During the rehearsal, it was working.

RR: From the look and eyes to the playing style, from gestures, everything was Kami-san. Sakura-san, I think really researched for the live.

Mana: I think maybe. I was not asking for something "We want it this way" from us. There were a lot of suggestions from Sakura-kun, and, for example, the chorus mic, also he said that he wanted to reproduce the way of Kami.

RR:... When you enter the chorus part, the arm with the microphone moves and the microphone is set at the mouth. That's also Kami-san's style.

Mana: I didn't think he would do all that. We didn't even say that the hair color should be orange. So, I was shocked at the time of rehearsals, it's guitar in Moi dix Mois, but isn't it entertainment in MALICE MIZER? From there, I can see Yu~ki-chan and Kami in the back. Seeing the scenery, I recalled various things like flashbacks. I felt like I went back 20 years ago, and Sakura-kun was so similar to Kami. I was confused.

Közi: The drum settings and tuning were completely the same as Kami's.

Mana: We also used Kami's drum set.

RR: The purple drum set, you seemed to be able bring it with Sakura-san from Kami-san's hometown in Ibaraki.

Közi: That's right. The drum set, I went to Kami's alma mater to borrow.

RR: I was surprised to read an interview with Sakura-san that was on Pearl's website. The episode of the time with Kami-san was very detailed. . .

Yu~ki: We were surprised too. What Sakura was talking about at the MC on the day of the live, it was a tentative thing that we didn't know. I didn't know that those two men had such a deep love of brother and brother, and I was not able to measure how much thought Sakura had put into the songs. I was able to play comfortably just because I really appreciated it.

Közi: Sakura's love for Kami is really great. "I'm going to give a day off to Kami today". I think that I was really looking at that kind of awareness. It was also a suggestion from Sakura to post an article on Pearl's homepage and to make Kami's drum sticks and put them for sale. And in fact, it moved towards realization.

RR: As Yu ~ ki said at the beginning, MALICE MIZER is really everyone's thing, isn't it? Such is MALICE MIZER, but after this second time was over, from now on  it is blank paper, right?

Mana: We did everything we could at this stage.

RR: ...What you did not do, have you ever thought about that?

Yu ~ ki: As a former director, I had a unique world view of MALICE MIZER. There was a feeling that I wanted to show. I wanted to fly and fly (lol).

Közi: Fly away from the stage. "Thank you!" What? (lol).

Yu ~ ki: But this time it was just a festival. It was a direction of having roadies sing and having fun playing old songs.

RR: The MC of Kozi and Yu ~ ki was also surprising. At that time, non-vocal members had little talk on the stage.

Yu~ki: There was a struggle, but it was a festival (lol).

Közi: It was hard! We talked about doing our best (lol)!

Yu ~ ki: The roadies, I thought spoke well regardless of their current positions.

Közi: They prepared a lot of episodes. But one thing I thought was that the roadies were telling good episodes of Mana and Yu ~ ki. Even though for me, there was no good story (lol).

Mana: I think it was good because I could hear quite a few secret stories that only the roadies knew. I did not ask them what they would talk in advance.

RR: Different stories appeared for the two days. So not informed in advance what kind of episodes would come out.

Mana: Yes. So, I also heard many for the first time, there were a lot of surprises during the shows.

Közi: I also didn't feel like I was doing better. . . .

Yu ~ ki: That was unsightly (lol).

RR: It was a mischievous episode, but it was a lovely episode of Kozi-san, though (lol). Because the success of the "Deep Sanctuary VI", the DVD (Blu-Ray) will be released on the day of Kami's last year.

Mana: The design for the final day was almost untouched, but in fact the video shot was only on the final day. I had no plan to take pictures, so on the first day I didn't make room for the camera. I mean, I really didn't want to have two days.

RR: Why was that?

Mana: I wanted to make it a one night legend. After all, when it comes to two days, the contents you did on the first day will be spoiled. Because of that, I felt strongly that I wanted to do "the 25th anniversary one night impact". . . However, I heard that many people who participated in the lottery, so  I did it for two days. As a result, it was good to do it for two days. Many people came from afar.

RR: There were also attendees from overseas. Did you make any changes from the configuration you originally thought of by having two days?

Mana: At first, "ma chêrie~" was not planned.

RR: The representative song played at the end of that day.

Mana: "In fact, it was planned to end with "au revoir", which we did before "ma chêrie~". Two years ago, the audience was moved in response to the excitement of the chorus of "au revoir", so I was thinking of closing with "au revoir". At first, I thought that "au revoir" would also have singing."

RR: Actually it was an (instrumental) performance.

Mana: On the day I entered the studio with Közi and Sakura, while aligning the sequence and checking for problems, I put together songs one after another. At that time, I did not get excited about an image for the song "au revoir". So I quickly decided to make it vocal-less. Other than that, I had many ideas at the rehearsal stage.

RR: For example?

Mana: During "au revoir", we might have streamed a live video at the Yokohama Arena on the back screen. At first it was not on the schedule. If you watched Közi and Sakura playing in a rehearsal, I really want to link a special song for us "au revoir" with Kami. So, I thought that I wanted to synchronize the live performance with the video that Kami is playing at the Yokohama Arena. Then the production side became hectic and disordered. . . .

RR: ... because the schedule had suddenly changed.

Mana: When synchronizing the sound and video, the originally planned time changed. Well, that's when the sequence team was "Seriously!". . . .

RR:... young spirit, again (lol).

Mana: The old habit came out (wry smile). However, the result worked well, and I thought it was good to have that direction.

Yu ~ ki: When I think about that kind of thing, I felt that there is an MALICE MIZER only when supported by many people, again. Everyone's power, it's MALICE MIZER that everyone's thought. On the day I did that live, "MALICE MIZER" was first in Yahoo's search word, or that would happen in 2018.

Közi: Red to be on the cover!

RR: You moved it, the world.

Yu~ki: As I mentioned earlier, I personally wanted to do more. However, even without any of the words, from those who said "I was able to see MALICE MIZER for the first time", whatever the report, they were glad that they was able to see MALICE MIZER. I did not know whether it was the best form or not, but I think that it was possible that the current members could do at that time, and it was just with gratitude.

RR: Yu~ki-san, what is your future activity?

Yu~ki: The desire to express is at the root. It was true from that time, but it was not limited to music. . . .

Közi: Yu~ki-chan is making art works. It's all left at home, big works.

RR: What is your plan for exhibition?

Yu~ki: I think that it would be nice if there is a chance to have people look at it in the future, but at this stage it is not something that I want to have someone look at. It's also about looking at yourself, and it's just what I am trying to do to shape my mind. After all, if I live for a long time, is there anything that can be done? Point or point becomes a line, it comes out to be understood now. Now, I am making things, thinking that it would be good if I could put that thought into shape.

RR: I look forward to the day when I can see the work. Közi-san, what are your thoughts and future prospects for that day?

Közi: I think we had a really good live, I think it was good to do it. We could use Kami's drums, I had the feeling it was one break. If there's a next, I think it's an anniversary for 30th anniversary (lol).

RR: Közi-san himself is developing various tremors including ZIZ.

Közi: There aren't so many plans to do this from now on. No, I have nothing to do. . . Since there are many things that I am doing at the same time, I feel like it would be nice to be able to enjoy each form.

RR: Even though there are various forms, all of them are music activities.

Közi: Right now. I'm interested in modeling things like Yu~ki, but in the case of me, I bought materials and finished. I collected the materials in a row and finished with "Yoshi!". Do not start kneading (lol). However, it is possible that music can continue without exception, people who have always supported MALICE MIZER, new customers, because it is because there are such people, thank you. I think it is health first and I wish I could do it from now on.

RR: Közi-san, who is developing music activities in a great variety of styles, is dexterous? Or maybe. . . .

Közi: Is it clumsy? It is a ragged result from doing it, I guess.

RR: Do you like being busy?

Közi: No, I want to take a break. But it may be good with this because it is de M (lol).

RR: How about Mana-san?

Mana: In my mind, I think I was able to do something at the present stage as the 25th anniversary. It may be that it was quite big that the drum of Kami was usable. The last stage on which Kami stood was a fan club event. Because it was over, I still felt that I wanted to see more of Kami who was a musician. What I could do live with the sound of Kami was so great that I was convinced, and I was quite able to digest (take into) myself.

RR: In the case of Mana-san, The solo project of Moi dix Mois has been around longer than MALICE MIZER. . . . What is your outlook for the future?

Mana: That? Was that so? Because Moi dix Mois is from 2002. . . . Oh, that is definitely long. I don't mind (lol). Moi dix Mois is significantly different from MALICE MIZER, I'm standing on the stage as a complete (guitar) player. Now I have a moment to find a pleasant sound by playing the guitar on the stage, but when I was in MALICE MIZER I was playing the guitar and I didn't feel so good. If anything, I used a guitar as one of the expression methods to create a world view.

RR: Mana-san,who is also a guitarist of Moi dix Mois, stood on the stage with MALICE MIZER again and felt that it was clearly different from that time?

Mana: There were quite a few songs in MALICE MIZER that I performed without playing the guitar. Unlike Moi dix Mois, I think it's been a while since I've had a performance-oriented stage. At the same time, I also thought that MALICE MIZER was making a lot of songs to build the worldview. I don't make that now. .. .. .. I mean, I have nothing to make, but I'll think a little more about it (lol). Actually, I didn't study music theory, so I still don't understand the theory, but I am starting to understand it. So, that is why I came to know music as a sensory experience. At MALICE MIZER, it was still under development, so I felt like I was making the songs as I wanted. Maybe it was the goodness of MALICE MIZER.

RR: That's because there was that era.

Mana: That's right. So I think it's good to be able to do a live as MALICE MIZER in Deep Sanctuary VI this time. Many of the fans responded "They didn't think they could see MALICE MIZER in 2018", and there were many who were impressed by the reunion. I was also very happy.

Közi: If I can say, thank you for everything.

Yu ~ ki: I wore the costume I made for Deep Sanctuary VI for the shooting of this "Rock & Read", but I did not think that I would be photographed again in this costume. But, it is a magazine cover. As this costume was made by meeting with Oba-san many times, I was very happy to be able to leave in this way again. With regard to this live, I think that it was possible to have the best stage only because these members including the support musicians. The stage of MALICE MIZER that everyone envisions is the world that was constructed after having a grand theme. I have a feeling that there is not something like this with me. As a director, it would be nice if I could create more shows someday. . . . . what am I thinking.

MALICE MIZER Interview Translation from ROCK AND READ 83 Part 1

(Photo from ROCK AND READ Twitter)

Last year I translated for myself the MALICE MIZER interview with ROCK AND READ magazine. I decided, because of the safety restrictions that have happened because of the virus, to clean up my translation and share it on the two year anniversary of the Deep Sanctuary VI shows. I'm not a trained translator, so it takes time and work to do this. If anyone reposts or shares this translation, I would appreciate it if you could first send me a message through here. And of course, give credit for my work.

Here is the first part of the interview. RR is short for the ROCK AND READ interviewer. And of course the three being interviewed are known to many. There were a couple small things I was not sure about, like the van donation. But I tried to keep this close to what was being said by all four people.

RR: Mana-san's appearance in this magazine is the first time in a year.

Mana: That's right, it was exactly one year because it was last March (2018).

RR: At that time we talked about the process leading up to "Deep Sanctuary VI"  "The reality of 26th year". Közi is the first time in nine years since 2010, Yu ~ ki is the first visit, in fact once before Yu~ki was also been asked to take part in an interview.

Yu~ki: Is that right? I do not remember much. . .　

RR: Yu ~ ki-san participated in the "Deep Sanctuary II" in 2010, and I asked to cover it after thinking that I would like to hear about the feeling of standing on the stage for the first time in a long time since MALICE MIZER's movement stopped. But you declined because you were not doing music now.

Yu ~ ki: I had nothing to talk about. So, it was so bad to get a magazine interview like that.

Közi: Well then, if you couldn't get him to talk!

RR: Doing an interview with the magazine as MALICE MIZER itself is the first time in 18 years, since the suspension of activity.

Közi: I was surprised. "Hmm, why this timing!?" Last year, we did the 25th anniversary live and are releasing it on DVD (Blu-ray), but it wasn't like we were "Having a revival!".

Yu~ki: Although we did the live at the milestone of the 25th anniversary, we have been suspended for a long time. I never thought that I could tell you the story for the interview, but I was really thankful and happy.

RR: Following the talk with Mana-san a year ago, now that “Deep Sanctuary VI” is over, I hope that all three of you will be able to share the background and the story behind the event. What were the stance and feelings of Közi-san and Yu ~ ki-san about this event?

Yu ~ ki: At first, did I receive an email from Mana-chan? First of all, Mana-chan likes anniversaries, so I had a feeling that we would do something in the 25th anniversary. . .

Mana: When Yu~ki-chan told me "You like anniversary", I thought "Ah, that's right" for the first time (lol). When I think about it, I think I'm sure that I don't do anything that is like an anniversary....

RR: Actually there was a plan to do something at the timing of the 20th anniversary. It seems that it did not happen due to various circumstances.

Yu ~ ki: Yes Yes. That's why I was fidgeting a little that there will be some 25th anniversary. Then I got the email.

Közi: After all, it looked like it (lol).

Yu ~ ki: At first, it was a proposal that was still skeletal, and it was a feeling like "I wondered what shape it would proceed in".

RR: ...When did that happen?

Mana: I did Deep Sanctuary V in August of 2016. “Deep Sanctuary" was originally held at a pace of once every two years as a sponsorship event of Moi dix Mois, so there is a regular section of doing MALICE MIZER sessions there. It was the fifth time in 2016, but the finale looked different. It is said that the event at that time influenced the 25th anniversary project at "Deep Sanctuary VI". Should I talk about that?

RR:...Sorry?

Mana: To sum it up, we played the MALICE MIZER "au revoir" instrumental at the finale. Then Közi-chan said "motto" (more). . .

RR: "Motto" was the one phrase サビ/sabi (solo, solitary voice) before entering the "au revoir" big chorus that happens.

Mana: Then there was a great chorus of "au revoir" from there.

Közi: The live was over, and three of us, me, Mana-chan and Yu ~ ki-chan were on the stage for a curtain call. Just when it was time to go back and forth, the solitary voice of "au revoir" flowed. At that time, there was a microphone in front of me. Then I suddenly said "motto", got off the stage and the big chorus happened.

Mana: As Közi said, it was not prepared for, it was a coincidence.

Yu ~ ki: Everyone sang "au revoir", the three of us together listening from the side sleeve (wing) of the stage. . . . It was certain that hot feelings had started to grow at that time. I had a feeling of saying "I want to live up to everyone's expectations" and "Is this okay?". It was a suggestion from Mana-chan that had such a background, but there was no reason to refuse it "that's right".

RR: Specifically, what kind of feelings did you think "is it OK as this is"?

Yu ~ ki: That's a complicated feeling, isn't it? How do you communicate it well? . . . Umm. It's difficult.

Mana: Three people will feel differently, though. . . Until then, I had been doing a MALICE MIZER session in "Deep Sanctuary", but I was like "If it is fun to do it would be fine". The number of songs was about two songs. But when I heard the big chorus of "au revoir", I was in serious mode. The feeling that "I want to deliver MALICE MIZER in a proper form" had sprouted.

RR: The choir of the audience had the power to move the hearts of the members.

Mana: The chorus echoed all the way to the (stage) backyard. Because, I remembered the difficult lyrics. He told me "Please remember me" in advance.

Közi: Everything started from my "motto" (lol). The chorus was sung from there, entered the second A melody and sang as it is. Even I didn't remember the lyrics, but it was amazing.

Yu ~ ki: I could not move from the stage sleeve anymore. I was lined up with three people while shaking their shoulders (lol).

RR: Without that happening, would there have been a big MALICE MIZER reenactment at the 25th anniversary tie-in?

Mana: That's right. It might not have moved on the scale up there.

Közi: With that event, the timing of the "25th anniversary", which was very good for anniversary lovers, fit together.

Mana: Actually, 2018 was the 26th anniversary of the formation （lol)

Közi: Yes, formed in 1992. But it was forced back one year to the 25th anniversary (lol)

RR: It was the day when various elements were intermingled.

Yu ~ ki: That's right. So what I really thought was that "MALICE MIZER is not your own. It was MALICE MIZER that everyone supported".

RR: Did you not think that "MALICE MIZER is for everyone" back then?

Yu ~ ki: Of course, I knew that it was a music activity supported by many people, I was allowed to do whatever I wanted. Especially me and Közi-chan, did what we wanted to do among the members, Perhaps it was more in the way our thoughts came before rather than "for everyone".

Közi: I was doing my best to do what I do, I don't think there was allowance at that time.

Yu ~ ki: How do you make a new thing, I think that "leader" Mana-chan had professional ideas of Mana-chan. But Mana told me "Közi-chan and Yu~ki-chan are fine artists. Do what you want to do".

Közi:. . . . Mana-chan, having a pin up face. Not remembering so well (lol)?

Mana: I don't remember if I said it the way Yu ~ ki-chan said it or not (lol). Because each member had a specialty field. I thought it would be good if I could get a good balance with a band while making use of it.　

RR: As a result of freely expressing that idea, the unique world view, the one and only view of the world unique to MALICE MIZER spread.

Yu ~ ki: I had the idea that I didn't think I would get into the mould because I thought too much. Myself, I use to get close to the line of good bad, "If you do this you will be burned" while pulling that line it was fun to think about various things, wasn't it. Ultimately, I also had the feeling that it would be nice if people who understand could understand me, because I was allowed to do it, I think something new was born.

RR: Was it your idea Yu ~ ki-san, flying in the air at the Shibuya Public Hall performance just before the major debut?

Yu ~ ki: That's right. I was also in charge of theatrics, so I made a lot of effort in directing.

RR: Even though Mana-chan asked you to do whatever you wanted, did Mana-san stop the idea of ​​the members "it's a little different" as Mana-sane proceeded with the overall production?

Mana: I don't think I've ever said "Isn't it different?"

RR: Didn't you say "Isn't it too quick?"

Mana: I wanted them to overdo, so I think I didn't regulate too much

Közi: Each of us was thinking about "let's go in a more interesting direction", and we were doing so while trying not to get outside of the MALICE MIZER frame. But one time, Mana-chan said, "I am not sure about Közi's song" when I started playing the song.

Mana: Maybe I said. . . .

Közi: I think it was around the third period. When I introduced a sampler, it became fun to put in sound effects.

Mana: I remember. It is a time when Közi worked with the Akai's S6000 sampler. I think it was really late, as it was in the time of "Bara no Seidou", I think I didn't say that before I got my hands on it.

Közi: I thought, "Oh no I have to work on this." (lol)?

Mana: No, I thought it was great. The PCM sound source, which was mainstream at the time as a device to approach other sounds, has a feeling that it must be "a sound that is close to a raw sound". I also felt that I could be obsessed with a sampler that can reproduce realistic sounds.

Közi: The song itself was a bit boring, but the sound of the strings was really nice.

Mana: You were too obsessed with the sampler, that was also the reason you were sneaking in too many various sounds.

Közi: (The sound source at that time) has not been listened to recently, but if I listen to it now, I might think "What is this?" (lol).

Mana: After that, I introduced a sample later, but Közi was quite quicker.

RR: Közi-san was the type who liked new things, certainly.

Yu ~ ki: That's right.

Közi: Mana-chan was the other way around, he refused to be a solid Mac (computer user).

Mana: My usage history of Mac is probably the shortest among band members.

RR: It is surprising. Mana-san is also curious, so it feels like Mana-san would have been trying various things.

Közi: Even though I used it later, the introduction of the sequencer was also introduced late.

Mana: Közi was already using a PC when he was in MALICE MIER. Until the middle of Moi dix Mois, I worked hard on the Yamaha QY700 (sequencer) (lol).

Yu ~ ki: Közi was the earliest person to use image processing in Photoshop. I was influenced by it, too, and made images for the newsletter.

Mana: Even when the photos digitally processed by Közi and Yu~ki were posted in the newsletter, I didn't understand any of using it at all. (lol)　

RR: Returning to the story, Közi-san said earlier, "I was trying to keep from going outside of the frame of MALICE MIZER", but in the case of MALICE MIZER, the frame is very wide. In the first place, it was a wicked way as a band to dance without playing an instrument. Meanwhile, did you think "Let's protect only here as MALICE MIZER"?

Yu ~ ki: From that time on, there was the concept of "a stage like a movie scene." There was a strong commitment to "showing" from the beginning. Visa versa, I think there was no particular focus on musicality. While the classic elements are in the base, we also did bossa nova and French pop, anything.

Közi: Be flexible.

Yu~ki: Közi, especially always let me blow a new wind. The reason I didn't think "I can't do this", Perhaps it was because the favorite thing that the core of all the members was close.

RR: There was an episode in the previous interview with Mana-san, it seems in the early days there opposition to a van being donated by customers. Did Közi-san and Yu~ki-san feel swayed by the reaction?

Yu ~ ki: I'm not influenced by people either for good or for bad. I was recognized as a bassist for MALICE MIZER in the world, actually, I wasn't playing the bass very much. I just played the bass as one of my expressions, and it was a way to do what I wanted to do. For our stance like that, I was often told "wrong" by people around me. But, I did not care.

RR: In the first place, how did Yu~ki-san get started with the bass?

Yu~ki: When I was a student, I think that it happened to be that the position was open.

RR: If the band wanted to do it and was looking for a companion, was the bass (position) vacant?

Yu~ki: No, it doesn't mean that the band wanted to do it. I was just invited by good friends and started. Besides that, from long ago I always liked to draw a picture from old days. I have always liked to express myself while creating something. Bands and bass, it was just one way for me. So, even when doing makeup with MALICE MIZER, I made my face a canvas, I had the feeling that I was expressing what I wanted to do. But, really, at the early lives I did it as a scene.

Közi: From the beginning I did also did dramatic, there were no noisy customers.

Yu ~ ki: However, the flash of the camera was amazing.

Közi: I see "It's a photo shoot".

Mana: When I was an indie, I decided to take some live photos. I think the strobe light that was produced, it certainly dazzled.

RR: To take a step back, did the customers take photos because photos were rare?

Mana: That might be true.

RR: Közi-san also, did the reaction around you shake you?

Közi: On the contrary, I want more reaction like "Eh !?". Isn't it better to think that way, whether you're good or bad? Rather than to be told nothing, I thought it was good there were various reactions. When I put on"strawberry head" for the first time, I remember being laughed at the moment I went out to the bandmen. . . . (lol).

Mana: I also remember. A shiny glow, ordinary bandmen absolutely wouldn't shake  this headgear the first time.

Közi: To put it simply, it's a control. I thought it was tough at that time (lol). I heard my voice and I culd see the amazed faces of the customers. But that's what I have now!

RR: If you think so, MALICE MIZER members were all strong mentors. The young children of today, in the modern sense, will break as soon as they meet "disrespect".

Közi: Basically, all three people were De M. Is it strong to be hit. . . . Do you like being hit?

Mana: No. . . .

Közi: Oh, different (lol)?