Vijuttoke Crazy Monsters Interview Translation

 I have been working hard this Halloween. Here is a treat. The Crazy Monsters interview from September 2024 Vijuttoke.

Crazy Monsters Interview [MSTR (Chisato) x Mana x Dancho]

--This year, "Crazy Monsters Halloween Party 2024" will be held again, but looking back, last year's Crazy Monsters was the first official event since the COVID-19 pandemic. As the organizer, MSTR, how have you been planning and progressing with the event so far, thinking about how to make Crazy Monsters, which has been safely restored, even more special this year?

MSTR: As the basic theme, we have in mind a Halloween event unique to visual kei… but we always let each person express themselves freely. One funny episode from last year was when KAMIJO-kun went out of his way to wear the Spongebob costume or headgear that Dancho wore on the first day during the encore session (LOL). I think that kind of thing is unique to Crazy Monsters, and it was an interesting moment where we saw a side of KAMIJO-kun that we don't usually see.

Dancho: It's exactly what they call a game of the gods (lol)

MSTR: (lol) Well, I thought that if you trace KAMIJO's lineage (roots), you would naturally find Mana-san there. So this year, I wanted the original Mana-san to appear, so I made an offer.

--Also, speaking of your connection with Mana-sama, you were wearing clothes from Moi-même-Moitié, the brand that Mana-sama presides over, when you performed at Crack6 at Crazy Monsters DAY-1 last year, right?

MSTR: That's right, last year I thought I might try a vampire-like outfit, so I wore Moi-même-Moitié clothing. It all started last year, I think? I had a conversation with Mana-san, and then I asked the staff at Moi-même-Moitiê for advice. And then this year I asked Mana-san to be at Crazy Monters. I want to act with courage, whether it's love or work, and nothing leads to success (lol), so when I asked him if he'd like to appear, I was glad that he readily accepted.

ーーBut it seems quite rare for Moi dix Mois, the band Mana-sama leads, to perform at an event live.

Mana: It's true that Moi dix Mois hasn't performed at many joint events up until now. But we've had a lot of contact with MSTR recently, and last year I went to see PENICILLIN perform at Shibuya Kokaido (LINE CUBE SHIBUYA), and I also went to eat yakiniku at a restaurant in Koenji (Shishimaru, run by MSTR's older brother). So, when they invited me, I said "yes."

ーーJust to be sure, did you hear anything from MSTR about the purpose of this event, Crazy Monsters?

Mana: I've heard that it's a Halloween event.

Dancho: Ah. If that's the case, that might be a serious lack of explanation (lol). The event, Crazy Monsters, is about how to get to the top.

MSTR: Every year, the event is called the Crazy Monsters Awards, and the MVP of the costume contest is decided by a vote of the audience.

Dancho: There are other awards, like the ** award, as well as the MVP.

Mana: Oh, so that's what it is. I see.

MSTR: I'm really interested to see what happens when Moi dix Mois is included in this Crazy Monsters event, and I think there will be some audience members who are seeing Moi dix Mois for the first time, so I think this Crazy Monsters will have a stronger impact than ever before. Oh, one thing to note… even if Ricky from DASEIN dresses up in some crazy outfit on the day, I hope Mana-san doesn't get too surprised (lol). He'll probably be there to win the MVP (lol).

--First of all, have you ever participated in a Halloween event?

Mana: I've never initiated one myself. Aside from Halloween, I have done a lot of different costumes for magazine shoots. For a personality interview, I wore a stuffed rabbit headdress that only showed my face (lol). I even went to a kindergarten and dressed up like the kindergarteners to take photos with the kids. I think that was Vicious.

MSTR: I feel like I've seen that kindergarten before (lol).

ーーApart from what direction you will take with the upcoming Crazy Monsters, this episode shows that Mana-sama has a lot of potential in terms of costumes. On the other hand, when you think about performing at an event live as Moi dix Mois, are you thinking of any strategies that are different from a solo performance?

Mana: I haven't thought about it that deeply or in detail yet, but as Moi dix Mois, we will be performing at an event that we have never performed before, so I hope we can do something interesting.

ーーAs MSTR, who is both the host and the one who will be welcoming us, what aspects of Crack6 do you plan to bring out with the upcoming Crazy Monsters?

MSTR: Not at all (lol). It's about time to think about it, and every year, I end up doing it at the last minute and the staff gets angry at me (bitter smile). But this year, I'm having Mana-san perform on the first day, so I think the atmosphere will be quite orthodox on that day. Ah, maybe it's better to say everyone except DASEIN (lol)

--DAY-1 has a great lineup of Crack6, Moi dix Mois, DASEIN, CASCADE, and XA-VAT.

Dancho: To be more precise, everyone except Ricky-san is orthodox (lol)

MSTR: XA-VAT is Hidehito-kun, formerly of SAKRUN's Cali=gari, and Közi-kun is there too.

Mana: Hidehito was a roadie for MALICE before SAKRUN.

MSTR: Oh yeah?! I had no idea there was such a connection.

--Have Moi dix Mois and XA-VAT ever been tied together before?

Mana: No. I think it's quite fresh and good.

Leader: This is pretty hot!!

MSTR: The MALICE family will be gathering on the first day, that's interesting. Mana-san, what about CASCADE?

Mana: I've known them since Youka. We did a tie-up in the early days of MALICE MIZER.

MSTR: Naruhado (lol)

Mana: I knew the early days of CASCADE, or rather, their predecessor band D.D.T. The vocalist there was not Tamamizu's later TAMA-kun, but the vocalist of Kneuklid Romance.

MSTR: What, I didn't know that.

Mana: Yukino and the keyboardist were the bassists of a band called Beyond the Rein Sight that Közi was in. That D.D.T transformed into CASCADE.

Leader: Wow, that's the first time I've heard that. I'm learning something new!

--By contrast, DAY-2 will feature Crack6, THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S, Metronome, CLOSE, Little Vampire, Neu:NOIZ, and VAMPIRE ROSE, the band of Vampire Rose, who is also the owner of the restaurant where we're interviewing. not able to read the kanji after this

MSTR: The lineup on day 2 is pretty chaotic (lol). THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S are the usual group so I look forward to them every year, Metronome has Fukusuke, and before they became Neu:NOIZ, NOIZ even won the grand prize with some weird costume of "everyone dressed as Chisato" (lol). It's been a while since we've seen CLOSE. My JIRO also had a great reaction to Little Vampire, who was making a limited comeback on this day, and they were also quite nostalgic. Mana-san, do you know Little Vampire?

Mana: I knew them in the past. I remember them often performing at Ichikawa Club GIO and Omiya Freaks.

Dancho: Anyway, the lineup for both days is amazing, and it's a combination that you definitely won't find anywhere else. This casting, which is impossible for Shindo, is a must-see!!

MSTR: I think Ricky will probably stand out on the first day (lol)

Dancho: It's okay, I'm the one who stands out (lol)

--However, Dancho-san has also performed MALICE MIZER's "Gekka no Yasōkyoku" in a lively radio orchestra performance at "Do you know V-kei? Powered by MARVERIC DC GROUP" in 2022, to thunderous applause. I'm sure he'll once again show off his talents as a vocalist, not just as a host, at the upcoming Crazy Monster.

Dancho: By the way, the first time I ever performed at the Budokan was to sing karaoke, but the title of the event was "Do you know V-kei?", so I had to sing a famous Visual Kei song! I had a strong sense of mission, so I sang the first song, "Gekka no Yasōkyoku", very seriously and without any jokes. Even so, some people laughed a little, and I was like, "Why??" (bitter laugh)

MSTER: That just shows how excited the crowd was.

Dancho: The "Kyaa!" cheers when the intro started were especially amazing. I really felt the power of the song. In the end, from our perspective, MSTR and Mana-sama are such great beings that we would say, "If it weren't for our brothers, we wouldn't be in a band now," so I'm very grateful and really happy to be in a position to watch "Gods' Play" up close this year.

--As the facilitator, you will likely be talking with each band member on stage, but how will you communicate with Mana-sama, who doesn't speak in public?

Mana: I think there will be an interpreter on the day.

Dancho: Through the interpreter, I will of course ask Mana-sama about the key points of his costume, and I think it will be my important role to dig deep and bring out sides of him that we don't normally see. Leave it to me!

--I'd also like to see an encore session for Crazy Monsters.

Mana: Seriously? There's something like that?! I hadn't heard about that (lol)

Dancho: MSTR, you really didn't explain a lot of things (lol)

MSTR: That's right, there is. There's a session at the end.

--As Mana-sama, would you be okay with a lively session? ?

Mana: Ah, this time the event itself is conceptual. I think that's okay in itself.

MSTR: It's fine if Mana-san is just there as a symbol. Dancho and I will take care of the rest (lol)

(from M_d_M_official Twitter account)

Concerto~Aesthetic Bloodline~ by JVM Roses Blood Symphony My Translation

The sound of the bell     Signaled the end of the night

A road wet with night dew     Let's start walking

Even without words     The palm of your hand

If you place over     A melody that resonates painfully

The bad omen of the end pollutes the earth     It shocked even the ancient countries

Honor and pride of the rulers of the round table     Fight for the one you love

Leave you behind     Because can't walk

Clasp it     Pull the reins hard

Ah...Beautiful world is forever      Flowing upon the chest

Ah...Beautiful world is forever     Red drops

Ah...Beautiful world is forever

Each person's decisions and thoughts     Overlapping

Under us     Roses gathering together     Sing with the blood of indulgence

Run around the world     Beyond time     Sound of Roses Blood Symphony

Call your real name     At the castle on the rock

Shallow sleep     Invite to the garden

A gathering of lights     So won't be trapped in this darkness again

Now     Illuminating the future     The brilliance of life

Ah...Beautiful world is forever     A noble oath

Ah...Beautiful world is forever     Raise the sword

Ah...Beautiful world is forever

An unbreakable bond     High to the sky

Under us     Roses gathering together     Sing with the blood of indulgence

Run around the world     Beyond time     Sound of Roses Blood Symphony

Beyond a long history     We draw     Beautiful Concerto

With that beautiful blood     Ah, aesthetic bloodline     Echo forever

(Just my personal English translation of the song. I am sure there are other translations out there)

MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary 25 Questions for Mana

 

And finally, from five years ago, here are the 25 questions for Mana. 

1. What do you think of that many fans still crave MALICE MIZER? 

I am happy to be honest. I often go to overseas events in recent years,  people were excited by the topic of DSVI even locally. This time I have heard many voices "I will go to Japan for the live".

2. Of the songs of MALICE MIZER, what song is the one that has a feeling of honor? 

Is it the first demo tape (Temptation of Widow)． Although it is instrumental, the prototype of MALICE MIZER was made. A beautifully sad twin guitar melody. But now when I look back, what a title (smile).

3. Please tell us what you felt was good as MALICE MIZER

Being able to challenge all possibilities that were impossible with other bands. Anyway I was filled with stimulation and had a good experience.

4. What if you dare to give one regret during the activities of MALICE MIZER?

During a live - the silver fastener on the back of the costume burst and flew apart quite dangerously. . . . . It was not regret but an accident, but if you are a girl, and as a girl you are saying "no it is (regretful)".

5. What work remains in your impressions of the MALICE MIZER era other than music activities? 

I am a game hard collector & retrogame specialist, so be serialized in a game magazine seemed like a dream from childhood. I think that it was a good experience to talk with people who were great game creators.

6. Among the many photo shoots you went to during the MALICE MIZER era, which one did you like the most, which site shot is it?

In the early years, I did not have any money so I went to a foreign cemetery (Aoyama) many times, desperately staging death in Europe.

7. Can you tell me now, please tell me a secret of the Malice Mizer activity period.

Actually, I spoke out loud too carelessly several times. Pays de merveilles, on the last day of the tour, I was instigated by a member of staff "Tour-it's the end so don't talk", so I talked with momentum, but now I regret it (smile).

8. Have you ever had any significant changes since your days in MALICE MIZER?

Especially I feel like I have not changed much. . . If I can say, now with Moi dix Mois I play guitar on all the songs! 

9. Conversely please tell me what you haven't changed here at all

Make-up is not different at all. I never have stood on the stage with natural makeup. It seems like the world changes as the age changes, but I do not feel like changing this style!

10. What if you were to talk to yourself during the Malice Mizer era? (looking back)

If I could speak during the early days, what I dreamed of, that I can make a more advanced performance by building a medieval European stage set!

11. Now what are you doing when you are blissful?

When touching nature. Because the majority of work is staggering (a lot) with computers. . . It goes without saying that it is also the time of being able to meet fans as well.

12. What is the most annoying event?

I missed recording the Southern Indian curry (show) that was broadcast on BS.

13. Recently you are addicted, what would you like to recommend to fans, please tell me the items?

I'm from Hiroshima, so how about Lemosco? Make sure to use it as an accent for cooking!

14. Please let me know what work that remained (thought of) in your mind recently? 

Not recently, but the movie "Inception". I got into the deeper layer consciousness in my dream, the dream had a hierarchy. . . . I thought about writing such a scenario.　　

15. Recently, please tell us what music you thought was nice

In this Deep Sanctuary VI, I copied and revised MALICE songs and thought again that MALICE songs are good  (self praising !!!)

16. What do you see Közi as? 

Very flexible. Even if I make a strange request "I will do anything!" I think that the point is that he is a rocker in a sense.

17. What do you see Yu~ki as?

His artistry is exceptionally high. He is a man of few words, but he holds his opinions in his mind and thinks carefully before giving accurate remarks. It can be said that he is MALICE MIZER's secret leader.

18. What do you see Kami as?

He was a wonderful hard worker. Anyway, the amount of practice of the drum was amazing! Because he went to a dry river bed and practiced. When he joined, I was a little worried about MALICE's strange time signature, but he was improving himself. It improved so much and Malice's songs became more advanced songs. He always wanted to play for a long time.

19. What do you see Tetsu as?

He's a rocker. I think that he was a very good match because it was MALICE's early band sound. Crazy singing and intricate classical melody were fused into independence.

20. What do you see Gackt as?

Because he was not a rocker, he was beyond the framework of the general art band that MALICE was trying to challenge. I think that there are not many vocalists that say that they want to fly when you first meet them.

21. What do you see Klaha as?

A gentle gentleman. He was truly a jet black noblesse (nobility). Bara no Seidou certainly could not have been completed without him. Once the night of Bara no Seidou that painted the world of perfect darkness had come to an end, we wanted to express more in the sunny new world.

22 What do you see Gaz as?

Anyway he was innocent. Because he joined after saying "The drummer of MALICE is me!" (Smile). He cared about MALICE very much. Since the initial activities including the first live were Gaz's stuff, he is there, so I am very grateful that it is connected to the subsequent MALICE.

23. Please tell us what is the theme of what you want to challenge such things from now on?

I want to let the world know about MALICE MIZER, Moi dix Mois, and Mana, the arts that Japan is proud of.

24. Please tell us the current answer to the proposition that MALICE MIZER had raised? 

It seems like there is time, but it is short. Fate doesn't happen whether you have it or not. MALICE MIZER 25th anniversary. . . . . There are many things in life that I'm sure of, but I feel like it's too early to talk about them now. I want to keep it hidden in my heart until I have time to talk about it again.

25. Finally, what is MALICE MIZER to Mana?

The one that awakened the essence that was sleeping under consciousness.

MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary 25 Questions for Közi

 

30 years ago, musicians in Japan got together and decided to start a band. Not just any band, but a band that would bring to fans a world of fantasy and imagination. And five years ago they gave those fans a concert of a lifetime. So here are Közi's 25 answers from the pamphlet for that concert.

1. What do you think of that many fans still crave MALICE MIZER? 

I am very pleased.

2. Of the songs of MALICE MIZER, what song is the one that has a feeling of honor? 

Blood and roses of reunion Saikai No Chi To Bara (memories or flashbacks are instantaneously too big too hear so much)

3. Please tell us what you felt was good as MALICE MIZER.

It was something that I could rest in malice and tragedy, still in the middle.

4. What if you dared to give one regret during the activities of MALICE MIZER?

I will not regret it.

5. What work remains in your impressions of the MALICE MIZER era other than music activities? 

Except music activities? Do you talk about water trade?

6. Among the many photo shoots you went to during the MALICE MIZER era, which one did you like the most, which site shot is it?

I thought that the best shot, "Oh, heartless". Shooting was fun every time and I think that a good picture was taken.

7. Can you tell me now, please tell me a secret of the Malice Mizer activity period

Such a thing. Can I say that!　Cyuu no.

8. Have you ever had any significant changes since your days in Malice Mizer?

Would you like weight gain and a deeply carved line. . .

(wrinkles)

9. Conversely, please tell me what you haven't changed here at all.

I feel relaxed and quietly drifting, is that okay?

10. What if you were to talk to yoursef during the MALICE MIZER era? (looking back)

All right! It will be liked! Go anywhere!

11. Now what are you doing when you are blissful?

It's a gig! Gig!

12. What is the most annoying event?

I wonder what it was, but I forgot.

13. Recently you are addicted, you would like to recommend to fans, please tell me the items?

Manuka Honey.

14. Please let me know what work that remained (thought of) in your mind recently? 

Scary picture books.

15. Recently, please tell me what music you thought was nice?

New ZIZ-san. The songs of. Super E!

16. What is Mana-sama seen as?

Mana-sama is Mana-chan.

17. What is Yuki seen as? 

Yuki san is Yuki-chan.

18. What is Kami seen as?

Kami-san is Kami.

19. What is Mr. Tetsu seen as ?

Tetsu-san is Tetsu.

20. What is Gackt seen as?

Gackt-san is Gakuto　

21. What is Klaha seen as? 

Klaha san is Kuraha-kun.

22 What is Mr. Gaz seen as?

Tatsuaki (タツアキ)

23. Please tell us what is the theme of what you want to challenge such things from now on?

No way! Just go anywhere, until it disappears.

24. Please tell us the current answer to the proposition that MALICE MIZER had raised? 

Don't say that. (perhaps he didn't want to answer?)

25 Finally, what is MALICE MIZER for?

Things that become blood and become meat and continue staying without thinking within Közi.

MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary 25 Questions for Yu~ki

 

 

Five years ago I was able to experience something that I never thought would be possible. A concert of a lifetime. Given to us by three musicians who have put their all into the band that they created, MALICE MIZER. Being able to experience their world was a dream come true. That experience was Deep Sanctuary VI. And now that it is 30 years from when they started that world, I present something from the pamphlet from that concert. 

25 Questions for Yu~ki 

1. What do you think of that many fans still crave MALICE MIZER? 

Honor of honors. 

2. Of the songs of MALICE MIZER, what song is the one that has a feeling of honor? 

A story of malice and tragedy that intersects as many as the number of melodies. (Bara ni Irodora Reta Akui to Higeki no Makuake)

3. Please tell us what you felt was good as MALICE MIZER.

One view of the world.

4. What if you dared to give one regret during the activities of MALICE MIZER?

All the chaos and confusion into the fog of time.

5. What work remains in your impressions of the MALICE MIZER era other than music activities? 

Illness of family members.

6. Among the many photo shoots you went to during the MALICE MIZER era, which one did you like the most, which site shot is it?

Eroticism dyed in fresh blood.

7. Can you tell me now, please tell me a secret of the MALICE MIZER activity period?

Yu~ki in emptyness.

8. Have you ever had any significant changes since your days in MALICE MIZER?

My adaptation to this world.

9. Conversely, please tell me what you haven't changed here at all.

My self-quest.

10. What if you were to talk to yoursef during the MALICE MIZER era? (looking back)

It is an eternal moment.

11. Now what are you doing when you are blissful? 

I'm between delusion and reality.

12. What is the most annoying event?

An act as a justifiable act.

13. Recently you are addicted, you would like to recommend to fans, please tell me the items?

Moonlight baths.

14. Please let me know what work that remained (thought of) in your mind recently? 

Plastic surgery.

15. Recently, please tell us what music you thought was nice.

Heart sound.

16. What do you see Mana as?

Genius.

17. What is Közi seen as?

Que sera sera.

18. What is Kami seen as?

Emotion.

19. What is Tetsu seen as?

Intelligence.

20. What is Gackt seen as?

Belief.

21. What is Klaha seen as? 

Lyrics.

22. What is Gaz seen as?

(He was) active.

23. Please tell us what is the theme of what you want to challenge such things from now on?

Ground of sadness.

24. Please tell us the current answer to the proposition that MALICE MIZER had raised? 

Love ~Labyrinth to regression~ 

25. Finally, what is MALICE MIZER for?

Fate ~The sight I saw someday~

Mana Sweat!! File 1

 

It's Mana's birthday time and so I'm sharing a translation I did from photos of an interview in Vicious 1998 volume 12. It's the first of a series of articles with members of MALICE MIZER. A few things were a little difficult to read, but I did my best. So here is Motorcycle Mana-sama from the past, for your enjoyment.

††††††††††††††††††

Basically masculine in everyday life, it's sketchy.

Starting this month, it's the start of planning MALICE MIZER's personal feature!! 

We will deliver PHOTO & interview with the theme of a hobby that makes you sweat.

The first is the appearance of Sweet Sexy Pretty Angel Mana-sama. Feeling "masculinity" from him, who is a little different from usual, with a motorcycle, my heart throbs a little.

"I'm sitting in the passenger seat of the car, and we are starting to roll.

I thought I was going to die.. This is the biggest cold sweat break in my life"

ーWhat time does Mana-chan break a sweat outside of live performances?

“Yes. Sauna or something…”

- Huh. Do you go often?

"Well, I don't go out very often, but I'm always careful about my body shape because of my job, so I'm always on a diet or something. So, if you sweat, you'll lose weight, right? That's why I go to the sauna. I always pay attention to my body shape, but when I'm on a diet, I go crazy, so I focus on going to the sauna at that time. I only eat one apple a day, and all I can think about is losing weight, so I go to the sauna every day. When I'm on a diet, when I get on the scale and lose even a little bit, I look forward to it, so I obstinately try to lose weight."

-So, do you have a favorite sauna?

``There was a favorite, but it collapsed (laughs)''

－Did it go bankrupt due to the recession?

“Hmm, it was a sauna that no one knew about.”

- How long have you been in the sauna?

"Ah... I really want to lose weight, so I read books all the time (in the sauna), and when I get out, I get on the scale again, and if I don't change much, I go back in, and I repeat that, and in the end, I end up spending 2-3 hours. Do you feel like you are there?”

- Does it feel good to sweat at such times?

``No, it's painful (laughs).

ーCome to think of it, you also run marathons.

"Oh, I run lightly. It doesn't have anything to do with diet.

- Do you like running?

"I don't really like it (laughs)"

ー(laughs) So, is that too painful?

"Yeah. It's painful (laughs)"  Because I'm already desperate. I don't think I'm going to collapse."

- It's a lot of hard work.

“Well, but I was just running on the nearby riverbed, so it wasn't that big of a deal.”

-There are rumors that you run in heels.

"Yeah, yeah. I don't have sneakers. I don't have a T-shirt either...I dress like I usually do. The marathon was, of course, scheduled every morning. 

About a year and a half ago, in the morning, the bells of a place that seemed to be scheduled in my neighborhood rang, and it became a habit to listen to them. Also, I could see Mt. Fuji from the rooftop of my apartment on a clear day, so I was looking forward to seeing the view and hearing the church bells... I used to do healthy things like that a lot for a while, but lately I've been so busy that I can't do it regularly.”

- Oh, I guess so.

“Also, I used to like taking a shower at night and going for a run with my hair wet. Something that felt good. But lately, I've been unable to take such bold actions..."

-Will they find you?

``I don't know where I'm being targeted by the world anymore (LOL). I don't know where people are watching.”

- It's a bit inconvenient.

"It's a little inconvenient"

ーAnd you mentioned that you usually sweat, like dancing in clubs.

"Umm, hey (laughs). You can't touch that (laughs)"

ーSo, moving on to the subject, how about taking a bath? Do you like taking hot baths?

``Hmm, too hot is not good.  Add hot water, add bath salts, and make it dark.”

- Make it dark?

``Basically, the living space has to be dark. The bath has a dark red light, and it has a moody feeling.

- Huh. Then, long bath?

``No, it's not that long. But after getting out of the bath, I don't feel like doing anything anymore.

- Isn't that a long bath? (laughs)

"But I'm longing for a very large bath. Outlook for the bath! (laughs). That's why I want to design a house as soon as possible. I already have a blueprint for a bath in my head. Huh? Dumping (water by hand into the) bath? Dumping is no good (laughs). Hot water will come out of a lion's mouth (laughs).”

ーWell then, I would like you to look back on your past and tell us about your memories related to sweat.

Hmm... Oh! I have cold sweats. I've been in a few accidents, but once when we were driving over a mountain pass, I was sitting in the passenger seat and wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Then, when they couldn't turn a curve on a mountain road and broke through the guardrail, the car spun three or four times, and at that time I felt death. I wasn't wearing a seatbelt, so the car rolled around and all the glass was scattered around. In the end, the car went up while I was lying down, and I didn't get seriously injured."

ーDid you have broken bones?

"No, just scratches. Well, I thought I might die when it was spinning. It was a sight to see, and it felt like I was dreaming when it was spinning. The car was completely destroyed on all sides, but it was midnight, so there was no one on the roadway. So we all managed to escape and start the car, but it was in such a state, we could only get the speed up to about 10 kilometers. The tires were also stuck in a strange way... So, we couldn't help it, so we headed out onto the national highway for the time being. Somehow, a tire fell off (laughs). There were about 4 people in the car, and we all pushed the car (laughs)."

-When did it happen?

“It was a long time ago, when I was in my hometown.”

-I can't believe you didn't wear a seatbelt and got away with only a scratch.

“Yeah. That's why it might have been better to roll around like a ball (laughs). At that time, I was sitting in the passenger seat cross legged. Maybe that's why it was good that I rolled around in that posture (laughs). I rolled naturally like a ball, I'm sure (laughs)"

ーSo, that was the incident that made you sweat the most in your life.

“Yeah. In the case of an accident, that would be my turn. Also, I sometimes go skiing, and the moment I reach the top and think ``Let's go down,'' the slope is about 90 degrees, so I break out in a cold sweat and ask, ``How can I get down from here? I think it's fine (laughs). So, after thinking about it, I roll and fall.”

- (laughs) Are you spinning again?

"Yeah, I really want to go to the top. But I can't do it with my technique, so I regret it after climbing up.”

-Maybe you repeat that every time you go skiing?

"Yes (laughs). Since you are going all the way here, don't you hate going home without knowing the summit? "

~Skiing - does it feel good to sweat a lot?" (laughs). 

"No, sweating in ski clothes doesn't feel so good (laughs)."

-By the way, this time it's a different image than usual. Why did you decide to shoot with a motorcycle?

"Yeah, I like motorcycles. I used to ride them when I was little. Childhood days (laughs). Isn't it nice to ride a motorcycle while cutting through the wind? When I was in Osaka I used to travel a lot on a motorcycle. Unlike a car, you can turn around in a small circle, can't you? A car is the worst going uphill, but a motorcycle can get you out of narrow alleys, right? I loved exploring.”

－Is there a shape of a bike that you are fascinated by?

"Oh, I don't know. I don't really like the American type."

－The BMW classic type used in this shoot has a beautiful form.

"Oh, it's pretty good. I like simplicity in everything. I like the black body. I like everything simple. Something elegant and gothic would be nice. I don't like things that are painted. (some motorcycles have painted images or designs on them) If I have the chance, I'd like to ride a motorcycle again, but wearing a helmet is a bit of a pain. My hair gets messed up. My make-up rubs off if I wear a full face helmet (laughs). That's why, if I'm going to ride, wear no helmet and have perfect make-up, and run with my hair flowing! ”

ーWell, even if you fall down, Mana-san has a spinning technique (laughs).

“That's right! Gothic and cool! Basically, I like cars that are chic.

That's why. Emphasis on silhouette! ”

- You don't like motorcycle gangs, do you?

"(laughs) Ah, first of all, group action is no good (laughs)"

ーHowever, was the photo you took with the bike fresh for you?

“Yeah. I did it in a very masculine way for this shoot."

-Eh? Hobbies, for example?

``Yeah, I have a lot of that part. I want to express that there is a pretty feminine image in the world... I tend to be very rough around the edges, and although I'm very particular about gothic things, other than that, I'm pretty rough with regards to everyday life in Japan.”

ー(laughs) What is normal Japanese life like?

``(laughs) No, I don't know how to do laundry (laughs). It is like throwing it into the washing machine with a bang, throwing detergent into the clothing, and not folding it even after it's dried (laughs). Or, I can't keep things tidy. But when it comes to the gothic decoration of the room, I can't allow even a 1 mm gap (laughs). But the inside of the dresser looks like a mess (laughs)"

- Huh. Are you rough, compared to other members?

"Because I'm the only type 0 (laughs). "Haven't all the photos been properly filed in the album?" I put them all in a box. I think you're right."

ーSo, this time, I wonder if this is a page that reveals a little-known masculine side.

“Hmm, I haven't had the chance to put that out before, so this time it feels like I got the chance.”

†††††††††††††††

The photo shoot location was at a place in Tokyo that is now called the Cruise Club

Interview with Alice Kobayashi, KERA Magazine 26, November 2000

 

Since there has been recent interest in fashion designer Alice Kobayashi, I thought I would translate this interview with her. It is from KERA Magazine issue 26, from November 2000. 

＋＋＋

"When I was 17, 18 years old... I already specialized in design when I was in junior high school."

Since she had decided to go to school, she had no worries. She went to clubs and she encountered a lot of fashion and music. She was thinking about what she needed to do to become a designer. While working a part-time job selling clothes, she studied for the National Examination, and also attended a dressmaker's office and an English school.

Career: Dropped out of high school → Sales at NICE CLAP (NICE CLAUP) for a year and a half (in addition, selling children's clothing, part-time job at a flower shop, etc.) → After passing the exam, she entered Vantan Design Institute. While she was still in school, she made costumes for Koitsukihime dolls. → Joined Midi:Nette after graduation. She was involved from the launch of Moi-même-Moitié.

(Koitsukihimi dolls were known to Mana and featured in the MALICE MIZER Gardenia video and cover of their CD single)

 

How you got into your current job: Since I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a designer, but I couldn't think of it. For me, making clothes is the only way to express myself, and I am a clumsy person who can only do that...

If you hadn't been on this job: I can't imagine.

Job Description: All designs and patterns from clothes to accessories for Moitié's EGL department. When they first launched the brand, I started by buying irons and sewing machines, and really did anything. I used to walk around Shibuya with a lot of luggage.

What would you say to someone who wants to get this job? And, whether it's music, painting, or fashion, pursue whatever you like. As you do so, you can clearly see what you can do and what you should express. If you want to be a designer, playing is also important. Meet a lot of people and things, come into contact with a variety of ideas and sensibilities, and improve yourself. If you do that, you will be able to carve out a future and a dream with the friends you meet and your own efforts and energy!

Future goals: I hope to be able to do a show in the near future. I want to improve my skills and sensibilities, and create products that will make people even happier. I want to keep making them until I die.

＋＋＋

・Company structure of Midi:Nette Co., Ltd.

Including Producer Mana-sama, there are 2 Designers & Patterners, 1 Production Control & Patterner, 1 Small Product Production Control, and 5 shop staff, for a total of 10 people. We each have our own responsibilities, but when we are short of hands, we work together to make up for each other.

eta: I thought I would add a little information about Alice's career. She joined Moitié after graduating so it was her first job designing clothes for people. Moi-même-Moitié launched in 1999 but did not have a full line-up of items. In 2003, Alice began Fairywish, her own fashion company. So her time with Moitié was only a few years.

Mana's Showa 50 Male Interview

Just for Mana's birthday, I've translated another interview. This time it is the article that appeared in Showa 50 Male, Vol.011, released June 11, 2021 (昭和50年男Vol.011). I decided to only translate the main body of the article. I believe most of the text in the purple boxes is informational, about Mana's career. As I've stated before, I'm not a trained translator so please pardon any typo's. And now, the interview.

♱♱♱♱♱♱♱♱♱♱

An unprecedented visual kei boom has arrived!

Mana talks

The truth of the band that overturned common sense

A visual kei that shocked the music scene in the latter half of the 90's with a gorgeous look that transcended the boundaries of men and women. I was there. We approach the break situation.

Interview / text: Tetsuo Yamaguchi

Before the category "Visual Kei" (V Kei) was born, the "makeup band" culture that was underground.

The support base had been expanding since the early 1990s, and popular bands in the indie world such as PENICILLIN, ROUAGE, and Laputa made their major debut in 1996, and they became an over-ground presence. And in 1997, MALICE MIZER, Fanatic Crisis, La'cryma Christi, and SHAZNA, who will be called "Visual Four Heavenly Kings", became major players.

SHAZNA's major debut single "Melty Love" recorded a huge hit with sales of 880,000 copies, and V-kei developed into a social phenomenon. By the way, GLAY's best of album "REVIEW-BEST OF GLAY" won the 1st place in the Oricon annual album ranking of this year. There are probably many men in 1975 who bought a CD and sang at karaoke.

Among the four V-kei heavenly kings who swept the scene in 1997, MALICE MIZER was the most original. Hard rock and heavy metal were the royal road lines in the V-kei at that time, and it was a fairly rigid world, including fierce action on the stage.

Under such circumstances, Malice Mizer emerged as a distinctly different existence in the scene at that time, such as Gothic and aesthetic visual images and songs reminiscent of medieval Europe, and gorgeous stage sets. Therefore, they were called "Ultimate Visual Kei" and "The Ultimate Visual Kei". Like many people, the author, who was a student at the time, was the one who was surprised to hear "What the hell!!" when he first saw MALICE MIZER.

I told Mana, the guitarist who led MALICE MIZER, about that, and he said with a soft smile, " I was shocked by that".

"MALICE MIZER had the theme of breaking the concept of rock. I wanted to do something new in music and visuals, so if I was trapped there, nothing would start. That's why it was formed with the consciousness of an art group rather than a band. Until then, the visual scene was a sports club, but MALICE MIZER was a literary one. I didn't often hang out with anyone. That's partly because I didn't have that kind of constitution (laughs) "

Aiming to be a group of artists who are not bound by the concept of Rock

First of all, we look back on 1997, which is the theme of this time (for the magazine issue) and the year when they made their major debut. "I think I went to shoot a promotional video for the French major debut single for about a week. I think I was busy starting from there, but going to the majors didn't change the flow suddenly. That's because it was a major (label) after making a run-up in indie music. It was a well-established theory that when you go to a major (label), there are various instructions from the record company, but in the case of MALICE MIZER, all of our opinions passed. "

MALICE MIZER had a completely self-produced music video that was rare at that time. Mana was the leader and held the wheel, but at the root of it was a thorough DIY spirit. 

"In the indie era, when taking an artist photo, we searched for a location by ourselves, and when we put an advertisement in a magazine, we did the block copy without asking the designer. I basically didn't have the idea to leave it to others".

"For example, a three-band battle against a band, everyone hates top batters. But then, I wanted to do our match first. We were preparing the set ourselves, so we had a reverse rehearsal (rehearsal was in the reverse order of performing, so MALICE MIZER would rehearse last and play first). Then, you can set it during the rehearsal. So I put the pillars of the Parthenon Temple, the trees, the chairs of the European gardening set, etc. I carried all the (stage) sets by myself, so the tour was divided into two high ace units. One for equipment and one for (stage) set. "

The indie era when the uniqueness was immediately accepted was not so (did not happen immediately). 

"If they tried (wanted) to listen to rock music, I think there was rejection. But I didn't want to worry about that kind of opinion. When I do something new, criticism always happens. Someone who thinks strangely. I was confused because I wanted to invite people who thought that they had never seen such a world to a world of fantasy and extraordinary life. "

The light and shadow of the unprecedented boom felt by the final weapon of V-kei

In 1997, the name "Visual Kei" entered the living room. But, as always, it's a big boom and at the same time it's distorted. Let's touch the light and shadow that Mana felt in the unprecedented Visual Kei boom.

"At MALICE MIZER Lives, I used to say 'Cosplay is welcome'. Cosplay has become global thing now, but at that time both were underground. I had a desire to do it. Along with that, I also wanted to make Gothic culture take root in Japan. Instead of just wearing flashy costumes, I also added fashion culture to it. I wanted to, so in 1999 I launched a brand called Moi-même-Moitié and launched Gothic & Lolita. As a result, I thought it would take root. "

The V-kei break connected all cultures and the people who gathered there, and became a big movement. Against such light, It seems that Mana has no negative thoughts, that the shadow part does not come to mind.

Only - this was upended. "When I was in high school, I was in a punk band, wearing a red mohawk and a studded leather jacket. As soon as I graduated from high school, I left my hometown, so people knew me at the time. From the point of view of those people, seeing me dressed as a woman to express the world view of MALICE MIZER, 'What?' they probably thought. Various speculations spread, 'Son, what happened ...?' It seems that my parents were confused in various ways (LOL). Was that the only problem? When my band was born, there was a feeling that V-kei had become established as a culture. Many bands were still in turmoil, and some of them are bands that performed live at Nippon Budokan. However, it was a lonely situation, that we (MALICE MIZER) had not been reached (by other bands) by the end of 90's.

"From that time, I thought that there would be no band that exceeds MALICE MIZER in the future. Since we came out, who were proud of being the 'ultimate weapon of Visual Kei', that a band that exceeds that impact would (also) come out. I wonder if it can't be helped that it hasn't been done. "

(I believe Mana was talking about there wasn't a major band in the same vein as MALICE MIZER. X-Japan, and other bands like them were major bands but they did not create a performance on stage.)

During Mana's in-debut, Mana repeatedly said, "I don't really care about things around me." This was Mana's apology, which included Mana's self, but in the world today, it may be too buzzing, how many likes, and the opinions and reactions around Mana. .. The Japanese may have a habit of following to the right for a long time, but there may be places where the Internet society where everything is visualized is accelerating it. That's why Mana, who can thoroughly persevere in what Mana likes and what Mana believes, looks strong and beautiful.

"I'm still wearing dark makeup, blue lipstick, and what I'm doing hasn't changed for 30 years, and I'm not going to change it. It's my favorite thing, so I feel like I'm doing it forever." 

Mana's Pop Beat 08-1998 Interview Translated

 For a very long time, I have wanted to translate this interview. I have not seen a translation online. Maybe because some of the subject matter might have been though of as controversial? (Personally I don't think so, but others may have)  Unfortunately the images were not clear enough. But finally, thanks to a very kind person who provided me photos, I have been able to to translate Mana's 1998 interview with Pop Beat.

So let's return to the world of 1998, Japan. Mana's answers are in quotation marks. All other is Pop Beat. I've put a few explanations in parentheses, for clarification. Please pardon any errors, I'm not a trained translator.

Male or female?

Mana's sexuality

Mana finds out why she exists, and even her current style. Why he is her.

His reason for being her. 

The first MALICE MIZER personal project that started this month is Mana-san, who is in a good mood. The theme was "man and woman", but Mana was shooting in Mana's own clothes. .. .. Are both like women? (lol) Gentle flared pants, punky and hard clothes, both look good (the legs are also beautiful!), And the interview goes from "Mana-san's theory of men and women" to a deep story. .. .. Are you thrilled by the radical content of the explosive remarks?

Today's outfit is your own?

"Yes. "I'm a transvestite enthusiast (lol)". I mean, it's the clothes I usually wear. When I go to a party or a secret playground, I dress like this and wear make up there. When I go, there are a lot of flashy people, so this is normal. "

Do you not mind how it appears to other people? 

"I don't care. I don't really care about how other people see it, I don't care. Fashion is my way of life. Generally, Japanese people are too suitable (uniform) for others. No matter how germane (being appropriate) is popular, I don't think so. When I thought about it because it was popular, I wasn't myself. Wear the clothes you want to wear, if you don't do what you want to do, there's no point in living."

But why are you wearing women's clothes?

"I like women's clothing better. The waist is narrowed and the shoulders are flashy. Whether it's clothes or buildings, I was interested in designing anything, there aren't many types of men's clothing designs, right? I started to buy women's products that are fun in design by nature. .. .. ”

When did it start?

"At the end of my teen years. The trigger was, I needed it when in a plastic band (may be a reference to the Bubble Era/New Wave type music in Japan. Plastics were a very popular band at that time). Plus, by seeing the reason for my existence, my way of life and clothes gradually changed. I've said that I had come to understand what suits me and how to maximize my personality. When I was a teenager, I was influenced by various things that I saw and imitated them, but when I was in my late teens, I started to see my ego (self). At that time, I realized that I was not a hard man. I left being the hard side of the man to stubborn people (lol), after thinking of pursuing something that only I can give. I'm going to be a woman with a core, a woman who is confident in her way of life (lol). I mean, in my life, I have to do that (lol)."

"For example, when you decided to "do a woman" did you lose interest in women? .. .. ..

"No, I like women (lol), even now."

Is the woman you like also a woman with a core like what Mana-san does?

"It's close to the woman I want to be ... that I feel like (lol). Basically mysterious, I like mysterious women."

The ideal female image for Mana-san. .. ..

"Women like those in shojo manga"

What would you say more specifically?

"The point is to be more feminine. I don't think it's feminine if you're Burikko (contrived femininity, pretend cuteness) or if you feign a woman's sex appeal. I wonder if someone can produce an invisible femininity. There are some gestures, but it's a messy place ... For example, the expression of casual words makes me feel surprised, or I can be a little attentive. No matter how beautiful a person is, if I can't do that, I think it's useless. And women must be mysterious and bold (everyone laughs). Boldness is necessary. Being only modest is not a woman. I want you to show boldly where you show it boldly. Don't always be passive. The balance is important, that is, there is also an offensive (lol)."

What should I apply to that statement? .. .. (lol). On the contrary, what is the imaginary male image that you wanted to be like?

"Hmm ... I wanted to be a man who appears in shojo manga. He had long limbs, and as a fantasy, he was tall. Rare for the gender, about 185 cm. I admire the world of shojo manga "

Is it the world of shojo manga again? (lol)

"I'm not an adult yet. I'm pursuing the world of shojo manga, and I can't see reality (lol)."

Was there a man you longed to be when you were little?

"Well, when I think about it, I am not longing for it now. Some rock musicians I liked, but now that I'm expressing it, the influence hasn't come to an end. What I liked was Shibugakitai (1980's boy band) (lol). It was cool at that time. The song they sang is written as "virgin shock"” shojo-teki shōgeki” and read as "virgin shock"” vu~ājin shokku", so the sense was cool (lol). I'm a fan, but it's interesting that each of the three dances differently isn't it (lol)? For a while, I was aiming to be the 4th Shibugakitai. For example dance practice (lol). "

Has Mana-san been dressed as a woman since you went to Osaka and started a band?

"I was a woman, that was the way I lived. Apart from that, I'm not going to be a transvestite in the future, and I'm not pursuing transvestites, but I have my own music, a world view, and costumes on top of that. It s not just that I want to make a difference as a woman, I'm expressing my view of this world in fashion. So, in my case, rather than playing a woman, at that time, because I am suppose to be (a woman)."

Do you mean you're a woman?

"As well as a woman, also as a Yōsei (alluring spirits, fae). When I am a woman, even if I look like a woman, I have a man in my kokoro (heart, soul, inner self). This is dangerous (lol). I see a man looking at me, or a woman in the mirror, but the spirit is a man. Then I'm trying to do something I shouldn't do ... "

Should not do???　　

"Yes (lol). Is this story difficult?"

Yeah.

"To put it simply ... I wonder if I want to experiment in different ways (lol)."

After experimenting, if you take off your clothes, the body there is a man, isn't it? .. .. Maybe (lol).

"Yes (lol). That "maybe"(lol), maybe (lol)."

Hey, uh?

"Yeah yeah, I'm kidding (much laughing). I don't want to be a woman. Somehow, I am a man, no matter how hard I try, so I can't be a woman, right? That side feels good. With an erotic and violent feeling (lol)."

Do you feel like you are enjoying your life twice?

"I enjoy it. It's about going between men and women."

After all, if you wear a skirt, can you enjoy yourself differently?

"It feels good to wear a miniskirt, doesn't it? It's absolutely appealing for women to wear short skirts, so wearing a skirt will increase it (lol)."

What? (lol)

"No (lol). With trousers, the "invisible fashion (undergarments)" are blocked. By wearing a skirt, you can't usually see it, but sometimes you can see it. That tension (lol). Then as a woman, I think I'll try various fashions that can't be seen. I'm still fashionable according to the concept of clothes (lol)."

Amazing!!! (lol)

"Of course, Because it would be strange if Lupine III's trunks were under the frilly clothes that I wore in that shooting for a separate volume of Pop Beat (Editor's note, sold on July 4th). The underwear was also Aozukin-chan's specification　(Little Blue Riding Hood) (lol). When wearing black clothes, I like black underwear. After all, don't do it half-hearted. Depending on the concept, various underwear is used properly, so the drawers are colorful (lol)." 

Mana as Aozukin-chan

Underwear thief looks happy (lol). I would like to ask Mana-san, who lives such a wonderful way, the definition of masculinity and femininity.

"Hmm, that's right ... "likeness" is difficult. Basically, it's a difference in body. With mentality, I don't think there's a difference between being a man and a woman. Rather than that, myself, born on earth, what if I could find my existence? It's not that I have to be masculine because I'm a man, but that person himself explains the reason for his existence. I think it would be nice if I could find it, so in that sense, I think it's better to be independent of gender, such as men and women."

Do you mean that human beings shouldn't worry about their gender in their lives?

"Really. Mostly, I don't know who decided the common sense and preconceived ideas that are overflowing in the world now, but it is doubtful whether it is correct in itself. If that is the case, I think it's better to create your own common sense within yourself. I believe that what is right is right, and I am walking my way now, but when I realize the reason for my existence and see the way to go, it is strange to the world. Even if you think about it, you can be proud of yourself and you will not be scared. "

It's a courageous remark (lol). But isn't the public wind strong?

"It's strong and natural. On the contrary, it's better to be strong. Without that kind of thing, nothing is born. I'm boring, so in this way, I've been developing new things myself. I'm a human being who must always seek stimulus. So it's a little bad for my parents, but I'm going to dress up as I like (lol). Parents, and teachers, I'm a really hard person (lol). "

In other words, for Mana-san, there is no definition of masculinity and femininity.

"Yes. Before that, what is important to humans is the mind and soul. There is a place to return to that soul, and there is only one place for men and women. Well, that is MALICE MIZER. You might know if you look at the stage, ha ha ha... "

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.