December 27th

 

December 27th, 1994, at Meguro Rockmaykan, Tetsu performed for the last time as lead singer of MALICE MIZER.

1995 and 1996, MALICE MIZER held fan club events at ON AIR WEST.

December 27, 2008, Közi joined Mana on stage at Moi dix Mois' Dis inferno Vol.Ⅵ ~ Last Year Party ~ at Shibuya LIQUIDROOM. Songs included MALICE MIZER's Speed ​​of Desperate and Nps Ngs.

November 14th

 

November 14th, 2012, Közi, Yu~ki and Mana reunited as MALICE MIZER for Deep Sanctuary III at Osaka Muse. It was Chapter 7 of Mana's Moi dix Mois 10th anniversary ~fragments of philosophy~ tour. Közi's band ZIZ also performed. 

October 15th

 

October 2014, ESP Craft House held an exhibition of guitars of Mana and Közi, along with one of Mana's costumes. It ran from the 11th to the 26th. 

October 11th

 

October 11th, 2007, Moi dix Mois began their DIXANADU ~ Fated "raisond ' être "~ Europe Tour by playing at the Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland. Songs played included unmoved, neo pessimist

, forbidden, Xanadu, Lilac of Damnation, and deus ex machina. 

October 11th, 2014, Deep Sanctuary IV was held at the Akasaka Blitz. Featuring Közi's band ZIZ and Mana's band Moi dix Mois, the two MALICE MIZER members were joined on stage by the third member, Yu~ki. They performed S-Conscious and N.P.S.N.G.S. 

September 2nd

 

September 2nd, 2012, was the second reunion of the three MALICE MIZER members, Közi, Mana and Yu~ki. They rejoined again at Deep Sanctuary III, performing Hakai no hate and N.p.s N.g.s. This was one of Moi dix Mois" Fragments of Philosophy" ten year anniversary shows. 

August 7th

 

August 7th, 2016, Mana, Közi and Yu~ki reunited for Deep Sanctuary V at Akasaka BLITZ. Following performances by ZIZ and Moi dix Mois, the three performed MALICE MIZER songs "Transylvania", "Beast of Blood" and "N.p.s.N.g.s.". At the end "Au Revoir" was sung by the audience. The band members were at the side of the stage in the wing and could hear everyone. This inspired them to create the outstanding Deep Sanctuary VI a few years later.

August 1st

 

August 1992, guitarists Mana and Közi decided to create a new band. Along with drummer GAZ, singer Tetsu and bassist Yu~ki, they formed MALICE MIZER. The name was their answer to "what is human?". It is a portmanteau of "Nothing but a being of malice and misery." 

July 10th

 

July 10th, 2010, Moi dix Mois and Mana continued their Deep Sanctuary II tour at OSAKAMUSE. The special guest for the tour was fellow MALICE MIZER member Közi. 

July 3rd

 July 3rd, 2010, Moi dix Mois paired up with special guest Közi for their Deep Sanctuary II tour. The venue for this first date was HEAVEN'S ROCK Saitama-shintoshin. 

May 29th

 

May 29th is the birthday of musician and artist Közi. Co-founder of MALICE MIZER, Közi's career has spanned decades. Besides his solo work, he is a member of various bands including ZIZ, DALLE, and VAMQUET.

May 29th, 1998, MALICE MIZER performed at Sapporo-shi Kyouiku Bunka Kaikan on their  "merveilles ~Shûen to kisu~" tour. Songs included Bel Air ~kuuhaku no toki no naka de~, E-GE ~sugisarishi kaze to tomoni~,  Ju te veux, and ma chérie ~itoshii kimi e~. 

February 23rd

 

February 23rd, 1997, MALICE MIZER held a Fan Club event in Chichibu.

November 3rd

 

November 3rd, 1999, MALICE MIZER released the single Saikai no Chi to Bara『再会の血と薔薇』Reunion of Blood and Roses. It was the first single since the passing of Kami, reflecting their feelings of his loss. The song opened their concerts at Budokan and Deep Sanctuary VI

October 31st

October 31st, 1992, MALICE MIZER had their first live show at Meguro Rock May Kan. They gave out their first demo tape "SANS LOGIQUE" which featured "Temptation of widow" and "終幕への扉". Band members were Mana, Közi, Tetsu, Yu~ki and GAZ.

 

October 30th

 

October 30th, 2001, MALICE MIZER released the single Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku (真夜中に交わした約束), Promise Made at Midnight. It included three instrumental tracks, of the title song, Seinaru Toki Eien no Inori, and Chikasuimyaku no Meiro, plus a dvd promo video.

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)?

Deep Sanctuary VI MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Book Translation

For several years, former band members Mana and Közi have held joint concerts. Every two years their respective bands, Moi dix Mois and ZIZ, would get together and perform. For the third part of the show they would reunite with the third founding band member Yu~ki and perform some of their MALICE MIZER songs.

In 2018, for two days, the three put on very special shows. With the addition of singers, who were former roadies of the band, the MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Special was created. To commemorate this, a video and book were published. Since the book is no longer available, I decided to attempt to translate the words of the three singers and drummer Sakura written on the pages of the book. So here they are.

MALICE MIZER Memorable Day

Sharing the same time with the members on the same stage

I felt very honored

Next time    From the floor    From the same perspective as all the blood relatives

I will watch the live of MALICE MIZER    Listen to it

I look forward to it

Shuji

Thank you for (allowing me to) participate on the special stage called the 25th anniversary performance.

The excitement of singing an important song is a treasure of a lifetime.

MALICE MIZER was my dream, it was a place for learning.

Of course music, (and) because they showed me the attitude to stick with all things in front of me, now I can say that. I am sincerely grateful.

I will continue to chase the backs of all members.

I will always come to carry the equipment so please call me (lol)

And I'm looking forward to the future of MALICE MIZER as a fan!

KAMIJO

When I was on the side watching MALICE MIZER,
their world view that changed the atmosphere of the venue in an instant,

I loved the sharpness of individuality that no one could match.

I want to be unique with my own band, This thing that I've been particular about is, 

undoubtedly, I think that it is because I have inherited the blood of MALICE MIZER.

Being involved in MALICE MIZER again at Toyosu Pit, carrying the crown together

Setting up on stage was something special in my music career.

And I felt strongly. Even after a long time, they are still the most important band to this scene.

Can we meet again? At that time, I was a roadie but it is okay, so please get involved.

I also want to be part of the sharpness.

Hitomi

In the summer of 2016, Kami contacted me.　

Apparently he went to see Deep Sanctuary V.

(Sakura-san, are you busy in the summer of 2018?)

(I don't know yet in two years. The schedule is open so far)

(3 man, Mana-chan, Kozi, Yu~ki-chan, are doing a lot of fun.)

(Ho)

(Uh... the words I exchanged with the fans 19 years ago was "Let's meet at the next live".)

(Oh, yes it was)

(Deep Sanctuary in 2018 probably marks the 25th anniversary of the formation of MALICE MIZER...)

Kami is superior and very concerned about me, so the language is not always clear.

(I understand what you want to say. Two years later stop working in the sugar cane fields, make sure to get a good rest.)

(Oh, yes)

(Because it is a request of none other than Kami... My body, you can use it as you like.) 

On September 8th and 9th, 2018,
I worked the MALICE MIZER drums with Sakura and Kami.

Sakura

(just a note about Sakura's comments. It is a conversational exchange between him and Kami)

Visiting Country House Windsor

There were rainy days during my last visit to Japan. So I had to plan accordingly. Some days were more cloudy. Along with needed to be out of my room a couple days for cleaning. So I used one of those days to head to Saitama. Minami in Kuki to be exact. 

I found myself at Kuki Station. A suburb like many of the suburbs around Tokyo. 

It was a walk from the station to where I wanted to go, but I was doing it. Despite many newer buildings along the way, there were a few older traditional places.

Interesting roof tiles. And the weather was getting better too. 

Enough to brighten the day. Plus it was nice to see people doing their best to add some color to where they live and work. 

Getting closer to my goal, I was surprised to see this expatriate. I don't know if there are many Bob's Big Boys left in the US. I remembered how I would go there as a kid. Always got a cheese burger and a chocolate shake. Looking at their menu in Kuki, those items were not being served there. It was all about steak.

However, that was not my goal. This was.

Country House Windsor. A place used for years for magazine photos, shows and music videos. And in case that front door looks familiar...

Country House Windsor was used by MALICE MIZER for their video for "月下の夜想曲", "Gekka no Yasoukyoku". The band members revisited the location for a Hot Wave video interview and photos for advertising and a Fool's Mate magazine article. Here is drummer Kami's Fool's Mate photo. In the music video you can see singer Gackt levitating in front of this door.

It was interesting to see the outside of this building. It's been called Victorian styled architecture, but with less molding and decorative details, it's more Edwardian. It does stand out from the surrounding homes.  

It is not open to the public but a person can reserve it for photography of the inside. Even without that, it's still possible to imagine what it must look like inside. 

You can get an idea from browsing the website for the house. Or by the MALICE MIZER photos. Like this one of guitarist Közi sitting at those windows. 

Round towers in houses in Japan are unusual. This house has two, along with balconies and stained glass windows. These long windows are also unusual, but also probably easier to create for this round tower room.

Which was the location for guitarist Mana's photo for the April, 1998, Fool's Mate magazine.

While it's not possible to see all of the outside of the building, parts of it are visible from outside the grounds. Like some of the stained glass windows. I was a little surprised by all the vines.

From photos, there is more stained glass inside the house, like in this photo of bassist Yu~ki. A photo of these doors is on the house's website also.

If you want to see more of Country House Windsor, their website is here http://www.windsor.ne.jp/ I'm not sure how much of the information is current since it's been some time since the site was updated. It is fun to see what the inside looks like.

Deep Sanctuary VI MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Special Part II

Image from Barks Magazine Twitter

If you read my previous post, this is the second part about the September 9th, 2018 Deep Sanctuary VI concert. It celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the band MALICE MIZER. Even though they stopped being active as a band in December, 2001, they still have many loyal fans even to this day. Along with new fans who discovered the band in the subsequent years. Many of them were in the Toyosu Pit venue that night. Some, like me, were able to purchase tickets provided by Mana through Moi-même-Moitié, the fashion company that Mana built. Some, like me, traveled a long way to be there. And this was the moment we all were waiting for. It was time for the onstage reunion of three founding members of MALICE MIZER.

We did not have long to wait. The curtains pulled back to reveal Yu~ki, Mana and Közi standing at the front of the stage. In their hands, a single red rose, while the music of "Saikai no Chi to Bara" (再会の血と薔薇; The Blood and Rose of Reunion) played. Recreating the opening of the legendary Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake (薔薇に彩られた悪意と悲劇の幕開け) concert, the image was astonishing. If I could pick one concert out of all of them that I could have been at, it was that concert. And now it was happening right before my eyes. I noticed each members' hands with the rose. Yu~ki's were still, Közi's were shaking a little and Mana's hands, were shaking a lot. This concert was his creation that he had been working on since Deep Sanctuary V, over two years ago. There was nothing to worry about, the moment was perfect.

Photo from Mana's Twitter

It wasn't just the image of the three of them standing together at the front of the stage. This was the first Deep Sanctuary event that they had new costumes created by long time MALICE MIZER designer Yukari Ohba. I will do a post later about the details of the costumes and a little bit about how they were created, but for now I just want to mention my impressions at the show. First was guitarist Mana's gorgeous crystal bead strewn regal outfit. I remember thinking how it combined both Mana's MALICE MIZER look with the current Moi dix Mois look. Watching Mana move in it was a joy to see. On Twitter Mana wrote that it was heavy, but I didn't see any problems. It was beautiful.

photo from Yu~ki's Twitter

Bassist Yu~ki's costume seemed to combine his favorite vampire looks with steam punk. Splashed with bright yellow paint on his coat and hat, it was like his yellow character exploded all over it. It too had the feeling of royalty and of an age long ago.

Photo from Közi's Twitter

Guitarist Közi's costume recalled his days wearing various harlequin outfits. Decorated with stiff ruffles which serpentined down the left side of his body, it had the appearance of half of the costume going crazy. All three costumes had a dark appearance and the use of black vinyl was reminiscent of some of the edgier MALICE MIZER costumes.

With the music of "Saikai no Chi to Bara" concluding, the three threw their roses into the audience and moved to their places on stage. Közi stage left, Yu~ki near the back and Mana stage right. Which is why I was so happy as to where my seat was. I realized that both Mana and Közi had their synth drums set up and I recognized the piano intro that began playing. The feelings I had overwhelmed me as I realized they were going to perform "Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi" (虚無の中での遊戯; Amusement in Nihilism). Last year when Mana asked people on Twitter what songs they would like to be performed at Deep Sanctuary, most replied with popular songs like "Beast of Blood" and "Baroque". I had to be the odd ball and suggest "Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi" but I also wrote that I knew it was impossible. Well, I am very happy to say that I was wrong. As much as I love MALICE MIZER's songs, this is the song I've admired since the first time I heard it years ago. I can not put into words how it makes me feel. So yes, I cried a bit when it began to play.

Mana and Közi hit their drums with riding crops while Yu~ki played bass. They moved about the stage recreating their moves from the Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake concert, including the posing and shining flashing spot lights on the audience. The high point for me was when Mana placed his arm on top of the microphone and repeated that line of the song, just as was done at that concert.

Photo from Sakura's Instagram.

The song ended and the special drummer for the night came on stage. Sakura was a mentor for Kami, MALICE MIZER's long time drummer. Kami passed away in 1999 and the band never replaced him. But for this show, they asked Sakura to play. Not only did that happen, but Sakura actively repaired and recreated Kami's drum kit. It sat up on a riser, in the manner that Kami was placed in the original MALICE MIZER concerts. Sakura came on stage and, if I remember correctly, said a few words with the band members. From what I could find online, he mentioned how he was just lending a physical body to Kami. He had also dyed his hair red to match Kami's long flowing locks. I noticed that during this moment, as at other points, background music from past MALICE MIZER shows played. This time I think it was music by Madredeus. 

Photo from Shuji's Twitter

The first of the guest vocalists was introduced as "De Memoire" played. Since the original vocalists were either too busy or not available to be contacted, three active singers were called on for the job. All three worked as MALICE MIZER roadies at one time. The first was Shuji, singer of cali≠gari and GOATBED. With a hairstyle reminiscent of first MALICE MIZER lead singer Tetsu, the much loved song "Kioku to Sora" (記憶と空, Memory and Sky) was performed. Shuji's vocals were spot on. 

Photo from Mana's Twitter

Following this was the song "Illuminati". Mana has mentioned on Twitter that a classic guitar would make an appearance. Sure enough, the Jeune fille II, that was used back when "Illuminati" was performed on stage, made an appearance. Mana brought it out and played it during the song. It has a unique appearance, almost fragile. Besides this, the dance poses performed at past concerts were also recreated. I could see from my angle that while Shuji appeared to be holding Mana, his hands were some distance from Mana. Same with the standing/kneeling poses. It still was a very effective rendition of the song and the crowd loved it.

Photo from Közi's Twitter

After the two songs Shuji was introduced by Közi and Yu~ki asked him to say something about his impressions of each member. He said that Yu~ki was so kind from the time they met. This made Yu~ki happy, he said thank you. Közi said that Shuji's impressions of Yuki and Kami were gentle, but what about him and Mana-chan? Shuji asked if he could talk with Mana, said he was getting nervous. That he heard the music Mana suggested and he liked it, that he made Mylene Farmer famous in Gunma. Meanwhile Közi continued trying to get Shuji to say something about him. There was a story about Közi inviting Shuji to go drink and then stay overnight, something about karaoke and Kami. He went on about Közi and Kami (and I guess him) going to a hot spring that had a slide inside it, and Kami hit the back of his head but everything ended okay. Közi thanked him for the story. 

Photo from Kamijo's Official Website

Shuji left the stage and "Apres Midi" (hide version)" began playing as Kamijo was introduced. Of the three singers, Kamijo is the most known, so the audience was very enthusiastic when he appeared. He attempted to get us to say "bonjour" a few times. He then sang "Apres Midi". Since I had a clear view of Mana, I couldn't help but laugh a little when Kamijo walked over, acted like he was hitting on Mana, and Mana responded by rolling his eyes.

Then Bel Air "Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka De~" (ヴェル・エール ～空白の瞬間ときの中で～; Within Moments of Nothingness) began. Really interesting video graphics played on the back screen, at one point, roses burned. The lighting and video really meshed well, the look with the performance and music was so vivid! I was quickly looking back and forth at Mana and Kozi, because it was amazing to see them play this together live. It is too bad no one ever did a split screen of them playing their dual guitar pieces. It would be wonderful to see this.

Introduced by Közi, Kamijo's talking part began. I was actually okay with these sections, it gave me a chance to sit down and massage where my right leg was injured. Kamijo said bonjour again and let's bring you all together with Paris tonight. Közi reminded him that they were in Toyosu. Kamijo said that it was Paris named Toyosu and that here you have Mana-sama. He then talked about his time with MALICE MIZER, when he was doing the loading as a roadie. He mentioned the car they used at that time, a white Toyota Hiace van. He went on about the name of the car and where everyone sat. Mana's seat was behind the driver, which Kamijo accidentally sat there once, not knowing that. Sadly he did not say if there was a penalty for this transgression. Yu~ki would sit with Mana. Kamijo ended up between Kami, who was driving, and Közi who was in the passenger seat. Since there wasn't much room to sit in the middle, Kamijo said he tried not to kill Közi by falling on him.

Kamijo then congratulated everyone on the 25th anniversary and all the fans. He said spoke why he chose "Apres Midi". That it was written by Közi and that he really liked Közi's pop and fashion sense. Sakura chimed in that he was working in radio at that time and Kami brought the song to him so he played it on air before others did. Kamijo said he chose "Bel Air" because it reflected the way Mana feels the darkness, but then you can see the light ahead of the darkness (or after?) That he loves Yu~ki's "Syunikiss" and wanted to do it also but this time he chose "Bel Air".

Photo from Hitomi's Twitter

Kamijo left the stage as "~Zenchō~" (～前兆～; Omen) began to play. The last vocalist of the night, Hitomi, appeared. While Hitomi might not be as well known as the other two singers, he has a wonderful voice and I really looked forward to hearing him sing. The first song was "Madrigal". It is a playful tune and Mana chose to have video of MALICE MIZER's Yokohama Arena performance concert footage play in the background on the big screen. As the video played, Mana moved around the stage doing the same actions as in the video, putting flowers in instruments and dancing with Hitomi. It was a lot of fun.

When the song ended Hitomi gave his congratulations and then said he was worried if he could speak since Shuji and Kamijo were talking a lot. Yu~ki told him that he was cute and that all he had to do was smile and he would be fine. Hitomi thanked him and then mentioned that he never gets angry except for once. He began talking about Winona Rider in "Edward Scissorhands". He said that Yu~ki didn't like her. Hitomi said he wondered why Winona was not good since she was also in Coppola's "Dracula". Mentioning that he loves movies, he talked about the one time Mana-sama asked him to find a movie called "Bloody Tombstone" (known outside of Japan as "Satan's Mask" or "Black Sunday" and may have been an inspiration for the mask sequence during the Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake concert). Hitomi could not find it. So he thought as a roadie he had to search for it but did not have any luck. He then asked if Mana had been able to find the movie? Mana then spoke into Yu~ki's ear, who spoke for him saying that he has the dvd (of course). Yu~ki then says that he saw the movie and that the picture was in color, it was beautiful! Mana then spoke to Yu~ki again. Yu~ki apologized and said that the film seemed to be black and white (it is).

Hitomi spoke about going to Mana's house and how it was really gothic. He refered to the white drapes over the stage. Hitomi then said he went to Közi's house and he also had white drapes like Mana. Hitomi wondered if everyone in MALICE MIZER was like that so he also put up white drapes. Next he said something about seeing Sakura at rehearsal and mentioned the crest or markings on his face. Sakura said that when MALICE MIZER started, Kami did it (Sakura appeared to have some sort of black markings on his face during the concert). Hitomi wanted to say something about Közi. About how he was loading a car with Közi, and he ended up stuck between a wall and the car when it backed up. They took him to a hospital but it was not a big deal. He ended by saying he chose "Madrigal" because he loves it. Then he and Közi introduced "N.p.s N.g.s" (N·p·s N·g·s; No Pains No Gains). 

The energy in the venue was high. The crowd was really into the song, shouting back "Die Game" along with Hitomi's singing. Mana would go up to the front playing guitar as everyone moved about the stage. Streams of fog shot up to the ceiling. This was vintage MALICE MIZER. The song ended and Hitomi and the band left the stage. But the concert wasn't over yet.

The big screen in the back lit up as Kami's song "Unmei no Deai" (運命の出会い; Meeting with Fate) began to play. Photos from Kami's days in MALICE MIZER were shown on the big screen. Many had not been seen before. Some were outtakes from known photo shoots, like one where Kami was laying in the road wearing the 60's styled outfit from this magazine. 

Then the band returned and began playing "Au Revoir". There was no vocalist. This was notable since it was at Deep Sanctuary V when the audience began singing the song as the instrumental version played at the end of the concert. I was there and it was amazing to hear. I had wondered if Közi, Yu~ki and Mana had heard us singing. Recently they did say that they had been in the stage wing listening. It was very emotional for them, and they realized they needed to try to have another concert. It was the inspiration for this anniversary show. So to honor that, they decided to play the song live and have us, the audience, be the singers. It was a wonderful feeling.

The three vocalists returned to the stage and sang "ma chérie 〜愛しい君へ〜". This song was previously covered by the three original MALICE MIZER singers at each period. So having Shuji, Kamijo and Hitomi sing the song together was a nod to the former singers and a bringing together of all parts of MALICE MIZER. At the end of the song colored streamers shot from canons on the stage. Cue mad scramble by the audience for these souvenirs. I had a lot fall around me, including the cap of one of the canons which ended up at my feet.

The instrumental version of "ma chérie 〜愛しい君へ〜" played as the singers and band members took their bows. At one point the audience yelled out for Kami. It was hard for me to look, I was sad that the concert was over. Finally the three, Közi, Yu~ki and Mana took their bows and walked off stage with Mana in the middle. He had his arms around both, but then he moved his arms and waved to the crowd as they left the stage.

Finally a message from MALICE MIZER was shown on the big screen at the back of the stage. Since it was in Japanese, for some of us, we were unable to read it. From what I could find online, the band wrote that they were delighted with the reunion with the fans. And that some day, somewhere... 

I don't know more than this. It would be great if this message could be put on the MALICE MIZER website so the overseas audience members could translate it.

Photo from Yu~ki's Twitter

Then the house lights came up with stage lights on Kami's drums and an announcement was made that people could take photos. For us in the front section, we were able to redeem the red ticket we were given when we first entered the venue. Part of the price of our ticket was for a special gift.

We were each handed a black bag. Inside the bag was a black box containing the wine goblet. Also inside the bag was a drink stirrer, soap, handkerchief and ticket. Sadly my soap was dented inside my suitcase during my flight home. The handkerchief is amusing because I had commented to Mana on Twitter that everyone will need to bring a handkerchief to the concerts because seeing Kami's drums will make us cry. As for the ticket, I wonder if there is a future use for it...

Photo from Mana's Twitter

As to summing up this concert, I can't. I had so many feelings during the show and after. Even now while I write this I feel emotional. It was one of those few times where it was a moment of overwhelming happiness and joy. And it was over too soon. But it was perfect.