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. 

September 9th

 

September 9th, 2018, was the second night of Deep Sanctuary VI. Billed as the MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary, the show was filmed. The MALICE MIZER portion consisted of several recreated songs to the delight of fans. Kami's drum kit was also recreated by drummer Sakura.

September 8th

 

September 8th, 2018, the first night of Deep Sanctuary VI is held. Besides ZIZ and Moi dix Mois performing, it was the biennial reunion for MALICE MIZER members Mana, Közi and Yu~ki. Performing with them were drummer Sakura, and singers Shuji, KAMIJO and Hitomi. 

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. 

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 Special Part I

So now I reach the point of attempting to write up the experience of the MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary concert. As I wrote earlier, there were two shows. My ticket was for the second night, September 9th, so I tried to avoid anything that might give away details from the first night show. I am grateful that the band members also kept a lid on details in the days prior. Only mentioning visits to have new costumes made and band rehearsals, and hints of instruments that would be played.

So excitement was high and so was the temperatures that day. I had plans for one outfit, but realized less layers would be better. Still, wearing black in Tokyo in the summer...I hung in there because not a typhoon or heat stroke would keep me from making it to the Toyosu Pit, the venue where the concert was happening.

I attended the last Deep Sanctuary where the majority of the concert was sets by ZIZ and Moi dix Mois with a couple of songs performed by the three MALICE MIZER members. This time, they added three guest vocalists and a drummer for the MALICE MIZER set. The feeling was that this show would be a lot more than a couple of MALICE MIZER songs.

I made it to Toyosu Pit before the doors opened and received my ticket. Except it wasn't my ticket so I had to go back and get the right ticket. We were let in without having to pay the drink fee. Part of the front section benefits I guess. Vendors of band goods were both outside and inside. Unfortunately some of the new MALICE MIZER goods had not made it to the concert so instead I ended up getting the latest Moi dix Mois white dolman and blue tote bag, along with the pamphlet for the show. The bag ended up being really helpful. I checked out ZIZ's table where I picked up the Közi photo book ΔRISOMATA for someone. While I was there an older couple came up and the sales people were very deferential to them so I couldn't help but wonder if they were Közi's parents. Cute couple.

photo from Kamijo's site

Also out in the lobby were flower stands from fans and fellow entertainers and businesses, along with a number of vintage MALICE MIZER posters. Kamijo was not out there but you can see some of the posters in his photograph. Since it was so hot I grabbed a soda and something to eat while I was looking at everything. Finally I decided to go find my seat. Walking down the darkened hall I did not see that there was a slight indentation, for the doors to swing out, in the concrete floor. It was not clearly marked. So I fell. I hit just below my right knee first. Despite pain in both my legs, I forced myself up because no one came over to help. I looked at the staff and none of them said a word. I realized that if I asked for medical attention I would most likely miss the concert. So I limped to my seat.

The venue was set up with three sections. At the very back were spaces for standing. In between the spaces was a platform with a camera. In front of that was the middle set of two sections of seats. The very front was a section of only five rows of seats. It was originally six, but the first row was removed for camera people, since they were filming the performances that night. I had a ticket for the fifth row, which was actually the fourth row. Even better was that my seat was next to an aisle and there was a walk way in front of me. So I didn't have to try to step over anyone and I had space to put my legs how I needed to without bothering anyone. At first I had hoped for a seat stage left but then I realized stage right might be better. So lucky me to end up stage right with a clear view up the aisle to the stage.

photo from Moi dix Mois site

While we waited, instrumental music from the band Goblin and other groups played. There was a curtain across the stage so nothing could be seen. The night before the band ZIZ opened the show but I had a feeling this night it would be Moi dix Mois. House lights went down and lights from the back of the stage showed darkened figures while "En Lumiere" played. The curtains opened and it was Moi dix Mois on stage. Dressed in white like the outfits in the above photograph with Mana wearing one of his jeweled crosses, they began playing "Dialogue Symphony". This is a great song that gets the crowd going and it worked. The band was in their usual places with Mana stage left, lead singer Seth in the middle, Hayato the drummer in the back, bassist Sugiya in the back near stage right, and guitarist and vocalist Ryux stage right in the front.

I mention this because my seat was also stage right. Besides having a good view of the stage when I stood, I was able to see clearly anyone who was stage right thanks to the aisle right there. So when Ryux hit a bad note at the end of "Dialogue Symphony", sounding like a string broke, I was able to see him look at his guitar to make sure everything was okay, and then look upwards as if to say something to K, Moi dix Mois guitarist who passed away. 

The next song, "Beast Side", was played with no problems. Seth's vocals were in great form and he made use of his megaphone for the song. Next was Solitude, a beautiful song which he handled well. There was a bit of talking and then the band played their first MALICE MIZER song, "Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku", (Promise Made at Midnight, 真夜中に交わした約束).

This was followed by another MALICE MIZER song, "Gardenia". Both songs, music and lyrics written by Mana, received a new treatment which featured more guitar work and gave them a Moi dix Mois feeling. With a camera far stage left, Mana spent a good amount of time playing while facing it. Gardenia was the last song they played. En Lumiere began to play and the band members left the stage. While I would have liked to hear more, I was actually a little worried because the area below my right knee had swelled up a lot and I was having trouble bending my knee, let alone standing. I limped out to the concession stand where I bought a bottle of cold water.

Next up was Közi's band ZIZ. Since Közi is very active in live music in Japan, he has a good following and a lot of his fans were in the front section. ZIZ's set was high energy with a nice ballad at one point. Since all but one song was from their new cd LIQUID STUNT FLAVOR, I was not familiar with any of them. Their set list was AWaWA, 瑪瑙ピ工口, GLITTER WAVER, colors, FLOAT, and GI to DA. As fun as the music was, I remained seated with the bottle of cold water on the swollen place below my knee. I could still see most of Közi and the band and and fully see whoever stood stage right, which was Yugami most of the time and Közi and JIRO at other times. 

The final song for ZIZ was Seraph, one of the first MALICE MIZER songs, music written by Közi. Since he is lead singer for ZIZ, he also sang Seraph and the audience loved it. Their set over, the band members waved to the audience and drummer Chargeeeeee threw the front skin of his kick drum way up in the air where it sailed over our heads and one lucky fan caught it.

photo from Chargeeeeee's Twitter

Since photos were not allowed during the concert and there aren't any official ones online for ZIZ, here's a photo of ZIZ drummer Chargeeeeee, Moi dix Mois drummer Hayato, and the final drummer for the night, Sakura. Behind them, the resurrected drums that belonged to MALICE MIZER drummer Kami. Which Sakura would be playing that night. And since this blog post is so long, that part of the concert will be in my next blog post.

Deep Sanctuary V

So now I get to the main reason for going to Japan in the middle of summer. August 7th I headed out to what would be my second big concert in Tokyo. Previously I saw the reunion of Japan X back in 2008 at Tokyo Dome. This time the concert was at Akasaka Blitz.

Where to start with this? Some time ago I started listening to Malice Mizer and watching their videos, especially Bara no Seidou. I kept wishing I could have been there for that concert, it was so amazing. Sadly Malice Mizer went on hiatus a year or two before this and were no longer performing. Two of the members began their solo careers while the bassist, Yu~ki, pretty much retired from music. Guitarist Közi has done well with various different music projects including his band ZIZ. Mana, Malice Mizer's other guitarist, also has quite a fan following with his band Moi dix Mois and his fashion line Moi meme Moitie.

In 2008 Közi performed on stage with Mana at a Moi dix Mois concert and the next year they created the first Deep Sanctuary live where he performed again with Mana. 2010 Yu~ki joined them for Deep Sanctuary II where they performed a couple Malice Mizer songs. Every couple of years since then there has been a Deep Sanctuary concert where they performed a few songs together.

So back in March this year they announced a new Deep Sanctuary concert. Personally I really needed something to look forward to since things were not going well for me. Being able to see the one band I wished I could have seen when they were together? That would help. Along with my finally returning to Japan after being there during the Great Touhoku Disaster. I didn't realize how much that kept me from returning prior to this.

However if you are not actually in Japan, it's almost impossible to get tickets to concerts there. It's bad because it actually hurts Japanese musicians and performers. With the Olympics coming they really need to change this situation. Also wonder how much more tourist dollars they would get from people traveling to Japan to see their favorite musicians in concert? Without the help of a friend living in Tokyo I would not have been able to go to this concert. I really appreciate that she did this for me. For five months after that I was frugal and saved money.

So August 8th found me at Akasaka Blitz with a lot of other people wearing all kinds of outfits despite the heat.

I don't have many photos since that wasn't allowed in the venue. But here are a couple of the fans outside. People even cosplayed various band members in Malice Mizer outfits. The majority of people there were female.

Along with people wearing Moi meme Moitie outfits. As for me, I was wearing a Moi meme Moitie long skirt with a Kambriel velvet camisole and a h.NAOTO lightweight cardigan with lace. Finding things that would look good that could handle long distance travel along with not being super hot in that weather was a challenge. Thus the mixing of brands. It worked.

After getting into the venue I decided to purchase a t-shirt in case they sold out. Along with using my drink ticket which in the heat was actually a good thing. Went into the theater to find it pretty full. It was standing only and I ended up in the back on the floor. There was a bit of a wait for the concert to start. I began to regret my choice of boots because I started to have some pain from standing. I really need to find a pair with foam platform soles or something. Would help with being able to see over people too.

Instead of this being a review of the concert, I'm going to make this more of a recounting of the experience. There are a few reviews online both in Japanese and English. Because even now Malice Mizer and the band members have a lot of fans.

First up was Közi and ZIZ. I'm so use to American concerts where the audience goes crazy when the band appears, yelling and clapping. However in Japan that isn't the case. It was so quiet when ZIZ came out and started to perform. Which was even stranger because they have so much energy! I would define their music as New Wave/Euro Dance and it is very relatable and fun. I so wanted to dance but there was no room and everyone was just standing in place. Don't get me wrong, the crowd was into the performance, they did applaud and more at the end of songs. It's just in Japan people tend to be polite at concerts.

For me, I really enjoyed ZIZ. Közi is a great performer and handled the vocals really well. I enjoy his recorded music but the live performance was even better. So here is the ZIZ set list:

1.JEEZ

2. PEEKABOON

3. DOPE

4. SO8

5. DOVE

6. SPIEGEL WELT

7. SIGN

8. SUPERBSAW 

Most of the songs were new ones. Spiegel Welt is a song Közi did with his friend Ken Morioka. Morioka-san passed away this year and there was a lot of emotion on that stage during the song. ZIZ ended with my favorite song SUPERBSAW and it was great! I really hope I can see ZIZ perform live again some day. So much fun, totally exceeded my expectations.

Roadies cleared ZIZ's equipment from the stage and moved in the drum set and more for Moi dix Mois. Another break but it wasn't too long. This would be an interesting set for me because I could have seen Moi dix Mois in Seattle at their only live performance ever in North America. But I had just moved so didn't do it. Mana's use of costumes and never speaking in public during his musical career has made him seem almost like a fictional character and not a real person. Could I bridge this cognitive dissidence that could happen with seeing him in person?

The crowd was starting to get into the concert more by the time Moi dix Mois took the stage. Very strong performance and great vocals by lead singer Seth. All dressed in black the band members were very much in sync. You would not know they haven't performed live that often since the sad passing of their guitarist K. He was remembered by the audience and band members including guitarist Ryux touching mimed tribute to K at the end of their performance.

Here is the Moi dix Mois set list:

SE. Sacred Lake

1. Metaphysical

2. Front et Baiser

3. Beast Side

4. Solitude

5. Tentation

6. Immortal Madness

7. Dead Scape

8. Material Death (new song)

9. Ange - D side holy wings -

10. Je l'aime

SE. En Lumière

They played a bit longer than ZIZ and the crowd was really getting worked up. I know I saw some head banging going on. The songs were mostly hard rock/visual kei with classical influences and while the band was working very hard they also were more animated than many of their videos show. Everything was on cue and the only thing that seemed to be a problem, at least for me in the back of the audience, was the kick drums on Tentation were so loud it made it hard to hear Seth's singing. It was like they were fighting with each other. I don't know if it was because the drummer Hayato uses two kick drums and both were happening in the song or if it was a problem at the sound board where they should have pulled the fader down on them (Sound engineer experience happening here). Other that that Moi dix Mois was really impressive and I was totally blow away by Mana's guitar playing. I look forward to new music from them and if we are lucky they will tour not just in Japan in the near future.

Another break while equipment was moved around. Then the fog machines kicked in and the lights went down. It was time for what everyone came for. The return of The Earl and Malice Mizer.

Mana has been super kind and uploaded the opening music for this online. He remade Yami no Kanata he~ for the concert. I'd think this is could be though of actual new Malice Mizer music.  Imagine this with Közi standing on the left and Mana standing on the right. If you are thinking this sounds rather vampirish, well it is. Malice Mizer shows weren't just music concerts, they were theater with various members playing parts. Acting out vampire stories was part of that. They even made a vampire horror film. So it was so Malice Mizer to start their set this way and to have Yu~ki recreate his favorite character The Earl.

Set List for Malice Mizer:

SE 闇の彼方へ〜 (Yami no Kanata he~)  2016  long version

1. Transylvania

 2. Apres Midi E-Type (recorded instrumental)

3. Beast of Blood

4. N.p.s.N.g.s.

5. Au Revoir (recorded instrumental)

As the opening notes for Transylvania began with Mana on guitar and Közi playing Yu~ki's bass, The Earl Yu~ki appeared wearing a top had and swirling his cape. The crowd went nuts, screaming and shouting. Not only did Yu~ki sing the lead (which he never did when Malice Mizer was active except one cosplay concert) he also recited the speaking parts which are from Interview with the Vampire. It was amazing.

There was a monologue, or MC, after this between Közi and Yu~ki where he spoke of how many times Mana emailed him asking him to sing Transylvania. They were so animated while they spoke. Even though I understood very little of what was being said their body language and voices showed they were very happy to be there and with each other.

Meanwhile Mana had snuck off stage. He returned wearing a white ruffled apron and was pushing a cart with a birthday cake on it.  So many lit candles! The reason why the concert was being held in the middle of deathly hot August was to celebrate Yu~ki's birthday. More chatting, Közi attempted to get Mana to speak but Mana instead put his head down. Yu~ki stuck his finger in his cake to taste it and then tried to get Mana to dab his face with a napkin. It was vintage Malice Mizer being played out before us. And it was great.

Közi lead the audience in singing Happy Birthday Yu~ki-chan which we all happily obliged. Mana somehow changed out of his apron, got his guitar, Yu~ki picked up his bass and Közi took center stage to sing the song Beast of Blood. Nice moment was when he leaned on Mana near the end of the song.

Közi then got his guitar and they began playing N.p.s. N.g.s (No Pains No Gains). Both this song and Beast of Blood are really great songs for concerts and the audience members were singing along and waving their arms. For me it was like traveling back in time, being in the middle of one of their concert videos.

 The members left the stage only to return once a recording of the instrumental Au Revoir began playing. Közi and Yu~ki walked out while Mana rolled out on a Razor type scooter. They threw balls into the audience. I have no idea what was in them since I was so far back there was no way any of them would get to us. The music continued to play while the three remaining Malice Mizer band members took their bows, hugged each other and I swear there were tears happening. At one point Közi grabbed a mic and sang out "Motto!" which was part of Au Revoir's lyrics. This went on for a bit while the audience started singing to Au Revoir. The singing continued long after they left the stage and the house lights went up. It truly was magic. I had hoped the band members could hear it and from what they wrote afterwards they did.

Just a couple notes from the concert. Moi dix Mois drummer Hayato played for Malice Mizer also. Malice Mizer's drummer Kami passed away in 1999 and he was never replaced. Instead he is thought of as an eternal blood member and even at the concert everyone was thinking of him. Another band member did double duty. Sugiya plays bass for both ZIZ and Moi dix Mois so it was fun to see him perform with two different types of bands. Something else I noticed was the number of younger people at the show that were clearly there for Malice Mizer. Most of them would have been children when the band was active so this is really remarkable.  

While I wished they could have played a lot more songs, I was happy because they did more than they had in prior Deep Sanctuary concerts and all the extra parts including Mana recreating Yami no Kanata he~ just for this concert showed they put their all into this. It really meant a lot to the fans that were there.

So it was over and I gingerly walked out on my sore feet. I wanted to show my appreciation for ZIZ so I bought a ZIZ shirt and also their new EP. I think the only size was this really large one. Funny since everything in Japan tends to run small.

This is the Deep Sanctuary V shirt. I wish I had also bought the dress style then. I thought I might get it online but they sold out at the concert. I like the angel design and choice of colors on this.

I could write so much more about the concert, Mana, Malice Mizer...but I will instead say that I'm very glad I had the chance to go to this concert. And now I want to see ZIZ and Moi dix Mois again. So I'm scrimping and saving and looking into how a ticket could be bought in the future if it means going back to Japan. Which I will do even if there isn't a concert. 

Thanks for reading this really long post. I swear the rest of them for my trip will have more photos.