CD Data January 2008 - Q & A

hyde

1. Please tell us about your first kiss memory
- It was with an older girl, in the car

2. What is the first thing you do after the live?
- Washing my head

3. Among the things In this world, please mention only one ** christmas present you wanna get
- Empire State Building

4. If you do a live overseas, where do you want it to be?
- Mars

5. Please mention a memory about Christmas
- Member's 生首回転 (Member's namakubi kaiten, Translator's Note: I don't know exactly what it means, gomen m(_ _)m)

6. What kind of Christmas party do you want to have?
- the gaudy one

7. How do usually pass your Christmas and New Year every year?
- Simple

8. It's almost Christmas now, if you were Santa Claus, from which you would enter a house?
- The house of pretty lady

9. What Christmas present would make you happy the most?
- Pants

10. Lately, what CD do you listen to?
- Nothing

11. Beside music, now, what kind of things that you concentrate the most?
- The layout of room

12. Beside music, what kind of things that you mostly do?
- Game

13. Beside music, please mention one thing that is keep continued.
- Heartbeat

14. When you think about the lyrics, is there a word that you want to reform the meaning?
- Death

15. When do you make songs? Is there any special place to do that? For example, like on the bed ...
- Sofa

16. For you, what does music means?
- Fate

17. What kind of profession do you want to give it a try once?
- Host

18. Lately, what kind of things that can make you feel refreshed?
- Reading

19. Is there anything you want to produce?
- AKB48 (Translator's Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AKB48)

20. What kind of things you do to keep the shape of your body?
- Not eating before sleep

21. If you can participate in a drama or movie, what kind of role do you want to play?
- Sadako (Translator's Note: the ghost in "The Ring" movie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadako_Yamamura)

22. When you're in such a mess, what do you do to reduce it?
- Smell fragrant

23. If you had a chance to meet and talk with someone, who would it be?
- Alien

24. When you were a child, what kind of things did you get as a New Year's gift?
- Savings

25. Things that you can't quit?
- Life

26. What time do you wake up? What time do you sleep?
- I'm sleeping late in the morning

27. If you went overseas (for travels or tours), what things that you must bring?
- Pajama

28. According to everybody, what kind of person is a cool person?
- Burt Reynolds (Translator's Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Reynolds)

29. What is the source of health?
- Medicine

30. If the weather is cold, what do you want to eat?
- Sake

31. What do you do to keep healthy?
- Reduce smoking

32. Please mention 3 manga characters you like most?
- Battoman, Kaneda's bike, Evangelion Shogoki

33. What kind of flowers do you like?
- Roses

34. What season do you like the most, and why?
- Winter, because it's cold

35. What number do you like the most, and why?
- 666, because it's devil's.

36. What clothing brands do you like?
- Roen, master mind, L.G.B

37. Now, what kind of food do you addicted to?
- pino (Translator's Note: I don't know what it is -_-, I just write it as it is)

38. Now, what are you looking for?
- Fur

39. From now, what kind of things do you want to fix?
- Wink

40. From now, if you can change your name, what would it be?
- 古畑任三郎 (Furuhata Ninzaburou)
(Translator's Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furuhata_Ninzaburo)

41. What things do you hear that's becoming now, what is your special skill?
- Back seam

42. After this, please mention new challenge you would have.
- Go to bed early and get up early

yukihiro

1. Please tell us about your first kiss memory
- I can't tell such thing like that.

2. What is the first thing you do after the live?
- Smoking

3. Among the things In this world, please mention only one ** christmas present you wanna get
- I think everything in this world is only one.

4. If you do a live overseas, where do you want it to be and why?
- England, that's my first aspiration.

5. Please mention a memory about Christmas
- Last year there was a company's event and New Year's party.

6. How do usually pass your Christmas and New Year every year?
- Playing with my friends

7. It's almost Christmas now, if you were Santa Claus, from which you would enter a house?
- Chimney

8. Lately, what CD do you listen to?
- House/Techno Mix CD

9. Beside music, what kind of things that you mostly do?
- Studying for examination

10. Beside music, please mention one thing that is keep continued.
- Life

11. When you think about the lyrics, is there a word that you want to reform the meaning?
- Yes

12. When do you make songs? Is there any special place to do that? For example, like on the bed ...
- when I think it's about the time to make songs.

13. For you, what does music means?
- When i think about that, it's when i gave up music, I think

14. What kind of profession do you want to give it a try once?
- F1 racer

15. Is there anything you want to produce?
- Cars

16. When you're in such a mess, what do you do to reduce it?
- Laugh

17. If you had a chance to meet and talk with someone, who would it be?
- Edison

18. When you were a child, what kind of things did you get as a New Year's gift?
- Savings

19. Things that you can't quit?
- Smoking

20. What time do you wake up? What time do you sleep?
- I sleep when fall asleep, I wake up when I open my eyes.

21. If you went overseas (for travels or tours), what things that you must bring?
- iPod

22. What is the source of health?
- Meal

23. If the weather is cold, what do you want to eat?
- Hot Pot

24. What do you do to keep healthy?
- Yoghurt and vegetable juice

25. Please mention 3 manga characters you like most?
- Devilman, Cyborg 009, Choujin Rock

26. What season do you like the most, and why?
- Winter, because it's no hot.

27. Now, what kind of food do you addicted to?
- Apples

28. Now, what are you looking for?
- Anything

29.From now, what kind of things do you want to fix?
- of course, my sense of sound

30. Lately, what things that make you cry?
- I cried when I watched movies

31. What movies that you watched lately, that you think it's interesting?
- Zodiac

32. Things you buy recently that you were disappointed at?
- CD

33. If you felt tired with your life or your works, what kind of things you do to raise your spirit?
- I haven't feel tired yet

34. Do you believe in fortune-telling? Do you have any recommendations for it, please tell us if you do.
- I don't believe it.

35. If you could go to one of the planets of the solar system, where would you go?
- Moon

36. The first thing you do after you get up in the morning?
- Drinking water

37. Please tell us what you do to recover from flu?
- Drinking medicine, then sleep

38. What do you do when you can't sleep?
- I don't sleep

ken

1. What is the first thing you do after the live?
- Because my energy overflows, I run until the next room.

2. Among the things In this world, please mention only one ** christmas present you wanna get
- A thing that wouldn't occupy too much space.

3. If you do a live overseas, where do you want it to be?
- In a space shuttle.

4. What kind of Christmas party do you want to have?
- Gathering 500 friends and have a party on a boat.

5. It's almost Christmas now, if you were Santa Claus, from which you would enter a house?
- Chimney. I would make one if the house didn't have it.

6. What Christmas present would make you happy the most?
- Cake.

7. Lately, what CD do you listen to?
- The things I listened to when I started playing guitar.

8. Beside music, what kind of things that you mostly do?
- Increasing my eyesight.

9. When do you make songs? Is there any special place to do that? For example, like on the bed ...
- When I can make songs, I'll make it immediately.

10. For you, what does music means?
- Joy

11. What kind of profession do you want to give it a try once?
- F1 driver. In really safe-driving mode.

12. Lately, what kind of things that can make you feel refreshed?
- Soup

13. Is there anything you want to produce?
- Myself, because I'm awkward.

14. What do you do to keep healthy?
- Jogging 30 km, swimming 3 km.

15. If you can participate in a drama or movie, what kind of role do you want to play?
- Asada Jirou (Translator's Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jir%C5%8D_Asada)

16. If you had a chance to meet and talk with someone, who would it be?
- Crayon Shinchan

17. When you were a child, what kind of things did you get as a New Year's gift?
- Maybe I was bought a plastic model?

18. Things that you can't quit?
- Guitar

19. What time do you wake up? What time do you sleep?
- I wake up at noon, sleep at 8 a.m.

20. If you went overseas (for travels or tours), what things that you must bring?
- Passport

21. What is the source of health?
- Spirit of inquiry

22. Please mention 3 manga characters you like most?
- Crayon Shinchan, Golgo 13, Shima Kosaku

23. What kind of flowers do you like?
- Things ~like a flower~ that grows wildly.

24. Lately, what kind of things that you can't help to be attracted by?
- Guitar

25. Lately, what things that make you cry?
- When I watched movies

26. If you felt tired with your life or your works, what kind of things you do to raise your spirit?
- Guitar

27. What kind of person do you think you were in your previous existence?
- I don't have any idea about that. Anybody please tell me.

28. Do you have any special rule for yourself? And also the things you want to start from this year?
- When I play guitar, I wipe my hand.

29. If you have to choose an animal that represent yourself, what would it be and why?
- Koala, because it's mellow.

30. Please mention an episode about snow if you have it.
- When I missed a plane.

31. The first thing you do after you get up in the morning?
- Drinking water

32. If you have to bring one thing to an unpopulated island, what will you bring?
- A convenient store

tetsu

1. Please tell us about your first kiss memory
- When I was a baby, I got kissed by my parents.

2. How do you decide the amount of bananas you throw in live?
- I have decided it must be no more than 300 yen.

3. What is the first thing you do after the live?
- Free hug

4. Among the things In this world, please mention only one ** christmas present you wanna get
- Land certificate

5. If you do a live overseas, where do you want it to be?
- Great Britain until the north part of Ireland, the monarchy countries. Because I like it.

6. Please mention a memory about Christmas
- When Miyata Kazuya-san were drunk and sang "White Christmas"

7. What kind of Christmas party do you want to have?
- In the NOVA's director's room, accompanied by chairman Origuchi

8. How do usually pass your Christmas and New Year every year?
- The performer likes Hawaii (Translator's Note: it's actually written 芸能人は ハワイ好き, I just translate as it is, don't know what the connection between the question and the answer >_<)

9. It's almost Christmas now, if you were Santa Claus, from which you would enter a house?
- Ladies dressroom

10. What Christmas present would make you happy the most?
- Rolls Royce

11. Lately, what CD do you listen to?
- BEST OF YUJI ODA

12. Beside music, now, what kind of things that you concentrate the most?
- Abdominal muscles

13. Beside music, what kind of things that you mostly do?
- Stretch

14. Beside music, please mention one thing that is keep continued.
- Trying the food at various restaurants

15. When you think about the lyrics, is there a word that you want to reform the meaning?
- I only use words that I know the meaning

16. For you, what does music means?
- NO MUSIC, NO LIFE

17. What kind of profession do you want to give it a try once?
- tetsu's manager

18. Lately, if there's anything you do for refreshing, please tell us.
- Take a walk

19. Is there anything you want to produce?
- Mansion

20. What kind of things you do to keep the shape of your body?
- Body building

21. If you can participate in a drama or movie, what kind of role do you want to play?
- A little role

22. When you're in such a mess, what do you do to reduce it?
- Clay shooting

23. If you had a chance to meet and talk with someone, who would it be?
- Vito Corleone (Translator's Note: fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vito_Corleone)

24. When you were a child, what kind of things did you get as a New Year's gift?
- stump of tree

25. Things that you can't quit?
- Sleeping two times

26. What time do you wake up? What time do you sleep?
- Three shifts system

27. If you went overseas (for travels or tours), what things that you must bring?
- Passport

28. According to everybody, what kind of person is a cool person?
- 前田浩志 (Maeda Kouji)

29. What is the source of health?
- めざにゆー? (Mezaniyuu) (Translator's Note: I don't know what it is, gomen >_<)

thx to matsu-san for the wonderful scans ^^
thx to Nashi Awaji-san and Shiro-san for additional info ^^

What's In? Hodangaho OUTLET 3 - ken

K: WHAT'S IN editor
R: ken's manager
ken: "Hodangaho" master
O: writer

After the atmosphere of "Happy New Year" ended, we go back to our usual daily activities. This magazine will talk about Christmas celebration, beginning with that, the topic changed when arise a question from ken about "women feeling". This month, this is the outlet to answer ken's questions!

But, there are some women that if they are facing with happening, they'll lose their temper, right?

ken: For women, why do they like big events?

R: Of course because of the excitement feeling. I also like those sorts of things so I can understand the feeling.

O: For ken-san, what kind of event that makes you have that excitement feeling?

ken: I like festivals. But, because I only like that glittery feeling, it's better if I watch it from far away. If I enter inside the festival, I can get squeezed by the others.

O: Don't you think it's fun?

ken: If I get squeezed, I can't buy takoyaki. I can't shoot with my toy pistols. Even in catching gold fish, I will only get one.

K: Hey, it sounds like rap! (laugh)

ken: So about that festival thing, I'd rather say NOT A-GA-IN (laugh)

O: Isn't the excitement feeling coming up when you celebrate the new year?

ken: Though it's a sacred feeling. I don't think it's an excitement, ne.

K: On friend's birthday?

ken: It's not coming up naa. Sou sou. So, on the contrary, in my birthday I try hard to celebrate it, "Even with doing this, if I still don't get anything, am I OK?" I thought (laugh)

O: For R-san, doing the job as manager, you really like do various plans, ne.

R: Yes, it is. It's similar with moving with tour car, though the site of departure and the site of arrival have been decided, a little adlib in the middle of the way could be fun.

K: It's fun to be in such kind of thrilling, ne.

ken: But, there are some women that if they are facing with happening, they'll lose their temper, right?

K: Aa, there is, ne.

ken: In that case, what's good to do?

O: ken-san, you're not too good at planning things, are you?

ken: Actually, no, I'm not that bad. It's either one of them; either I plan perfectly and finish everything from the beginning till the end, or just do something once in a while.

R: The same topic came up again the other day, and it's sort of like recording. Either we know how the recording's going to proceed, or we just go ahead anyway eventhough we're not too sure of what's going on (laugh).

ken: I don't like it when something's done only half-way. Because when you think indecisively, you always end up thinking "Damn. I should have picked the other way"

R: For women, it's good if they could happy together in such happening.

K: Sou sou. In such condition, because women often make happiness plan, they will oppose things that can make them not getting their happiness.

ken: Eeh, things like that?

R: Yes. In eventwise, the ones who can help women to get their happiness are men, right?

K: It's basically like that, ne.

ken: I didn't think about that at all (laugh).

Because this time, there's only a few things I don't understand about that, I think I only have to learn about that only a little bit more.

ken: If a boyfriend like me don't care about that sort of things, O-san, can you forgive?

O: For me, it will be fine, but I have a friend that is a "You got to prove that you really love me" person.

ken: What does it mean?

O: Well, in my case, though I wasn't asked to accompany him in holiday, when he came home, at least I want him to say "I'm home" with calmness.

K: For a woman, at least she will send one mail daily, or going together to a trip on a holiday, there should be at least that "one" thing.

O: Sou sou.

ken: I see, ne. For example, what kind of "one" thing is that?

O: I have a friend as an example, though she's OK if she can't hang out everyday, only in Sunday, she really wants to hang out, so if she only meets her boyfriend once a week it's OK to her, but she's a kind of person that you should reply to her immediately if she sends you a mail.

ken: So its like a thing you shouldn't neglect?

O: Opposite with that, if you can't do that there's a lot of case that could forgive you.

ken: U~n, it's like that. It's complicated ne (laugh).

R: Things like "You've got to prove it" or that kind of long-lasting feeling are mysteries.

K: So to deal with such feeling, in my generation, you should understand things related with mobile phones.

ken: Mail is complicated, ne. Because, we have to answer a mail from a friend, don't we. Then, we'll receive another reply. Then, we should reply it. So when does it end?! I think like that ne (laugh).

R: So, it's like that (laugh). An ending like "Mata ne", "Jaa ne" is good isn't it?

ken: Aah! Sou ka. Because this time, there's only a few things I don't understand about that, I think I only have to learn about that only a little bit more.

thx so much to Dolce-san for helping in translating this. ^__^

TETSU69 - Music Fighter 18.03.2005

t: tetsu
h: host
a: Aoki
s: Samantha (the astrologer)

This night guest is.. TETSU69

h: we're happy to receive presents from tetsu-san tonight

t: ah, this is tenmusu. (give the presents to everyone)

a: ah, tenmusu?

t: when i came home to Osaka, i ate this in the shinkansen

h: oh, in the shinkansen..

a: eeeh

h: do the other members (of L'Arc) eat that too?

t: maybe they eat too. in the shinkansen, i don't smoke, ne.

h: ah, you don't smoke?

t: actually, the other three smoke and i'm the only one who don't smoke. it feels like i'm separated from the others.

h: it's a little bit lonely, ne. it's delicious!

t: here, try it too.

woman behind aoki: thank you!

a: no need! (4x)

woman behind aoki: chief, it is OK to receive this?

a: ee, if you think you can eat it, just eat it then!

(last year christmas, in nippon budokan's stage)
(budokan danger backstage)

What kind of private relation is it actually?

h: is it a good private relationship?

a: it's okay to talk about that?

h: let's listen to them!

a: there's a rumour among the fans that we seem to have a relationship

t: aa, you ever said you can have it with ken-chan too, did you?

a: it's last year, right?

TETSU69 and Aoki Sayaka, do they match?
This night, we also invite Samantha, an astrologer, who will see do TETSU69 and Aoki Sayaka are really match from their date of birth.

h: please, welcome, samantha-sensei

TETSU69's characteristics according to the horoscope

1. He has innate of _______

t: ee, i have family name as my innate

answer: He has innate of good voice

s: ah, when i look to tetsu-san's birth zodiac, it's like a diamond, i think that he's given a nice voice

t: is it true? (whispers)

s: though he doesn't perform, people can still recognize his voice

t: i wonder if the people in the recording company listening to this now

2. seems ________ outside but the inside is _________

a: seems cool outside, but the inside is really cool!

answer: seems obedient outside, but the inside is strong

s: he seems like a kind person, but actually he's really strong

h: isn't it a compliment?

s: maybe it's a little

h: jaa, move to the next question

3. People sees him really ______ recently he ______

answer: People sees him really cute recently he ______

t: recently... oo.. i don't have any idea..

answer: People sees him really cute recently he backs to his nature

s: if he's polished more and more, he'll be shining and more lovely

t: the people in my office should hear this

4. ________ are needed

a: it's about lover, right?

h: is it about lover?

s: no, it's not about that

answer: Skillful staffs are needed.

s: if he becomes a company president, if he's the director, he would need that.

h: oh, how about L'Arc~en~Ciel-san?

t: etto... sou desu ne... so the other three are ordinary employee? if i have employees like them, i'll feel there's nothing to worry, ne.

s: this kind of people, even if they are alone, they can do incredible things

h: i see, it's also needed for being his girlfriend, ne

a: is there nothing about his expected girlfriend? though if he has a girlfriend, doesn't he have an image of ideal girlfriend? is it a thing that couldn't be told to otther people? and also, does ...

h: shut up!

Aoki Sayaka's characteristics according to the horoscope

1. like _________ very much.

a: it must be P'UNK~EN~CIEL and mah-jongg!!

h: tetsu-san, what do you think about it?

t: it's disgusting, isn't it?

a: but, i like them!

h: things that are seen?

answer: like showy/catchy things very much.

a: ah, it's right.

(picture note: when she was in the junior high, Aoki Sayaka joined the swimming club, so she had dark skin)

h: born under the cloud, ne

it's under the stars!

2. With the high _______, she can disclose _________

a: I know!

h: You know? OK, let's say it together, one, two ...

(together)
a: Salary!
h: Pride!

h: Do you really want higher salary?

a: It's not bad, isn't it? I can have my own business then. ii yoku ne, ano eigyou to kai iwareru

answer: With the high pride, she can disclose her dependence

s: She's not a person who likes to say, "I can't do it" or "I don't know about it". So she's really an independent woman.

a: If you are 30 years old, you can't depend to another too much. Is it okay to say this?

3. needs ______ for balance

h: Isn't it nutrition?

answer: Needs body and soul balance

s: Sometimes she needs to calm down, so she needs body and soul balance.

5. It comes to balance when TETSU69 is _______ and Aoki Sayaka is _______

a: TETSU69 below, Aoki Sayaka on the top

h: Stop it! stop it!

answer: it comes to balance when TETSU69 is giving and Aoki Sayaka is receiving

s: Because TETSU69 has a strong personality, he had a tendency to give, so it comes to balance when he's giving and Sayaka-san is receiving.

h: So the partner that TETSU69 should give is Aoki Sayaka?

s: exactly!

So the result is?
Affinity between them is really great!
TETSU69 and Aoki Sayaka are great partners!

a: REALLY?!!

s: TETSU69-san, you don't have to be doubtful anymore (about Sayaka-san)

t: me?

h: so tetsu-san, you should change your view toward Aoki Sayaka san

a: i feel like that too

h: what does that expression mean!?
h: it's like gorilla who delivers its baby

h: nee, tetsu-san, the best partner for you is aoki sayaka-san.

t: aa, really?

h: it completely ruins this program!

Now, talking about TETSU69 participation in LOVE FOR NANA!

t: A friend asked me to participate in this and i was really into it then.

h: so it's included in "LOVE FOR NANA Only 1 Tribute", right?

t: yes

h: yazawa ai-san also wants you to participate, right?

t: yes

a: is it true?

t: yes

a: great! i like "NANA" very much so i eager to hear the song!!

h: how's your feeling?

t: i'm happy, because that is the manga I like

h: recently, you're about to finish L'Arc~en~Ciel new song, aren't you?

t: it's already done!!

h: really?!!

t: yes. nee, it will come out on 6th April, New World.

h: how about the coupling?

t: the coupling this time is also by P'UNK~EN~CIEL

a: so, let's collaborate again...

t: ...

h: the recording has finished, hasn't it?

t: it's finished, ne!

Note:
manga = Japanese comic

thx to tanyus-san from DiveToBlue forum who send me this video ^_^

What's In? Hodangaho OUTLET 2 - ken

K: WHAT'S IN editor
R: ken's manager
ken: "Hodangaho" master
O: A writer

Held on 25-26 November in Tokyo Dome, in the second day of "15th L'Anniversary Live", there's a birthday surprise for ken who celebrates his birthday on 28 November. "Hodangaho" team also congratulates for his birthday and has prepared a cake, "You can't perform as great as hyde!" the happy ken said with laughing. But, before the surprise, there seemed to be a worry in him... We'll uncover it in this outlet!

Actually, when I was standing on stage, I forgot about my birthday. Really, I was surprised, ne.

ken: Honestly, I'm really happy with the celebration in the Dome.

R: About birthday surprise for ken-san, we;re really worrying about the timing. It's really a hard work, ne.

ken: De sa, there's also lots of great thing I heard.

K: What's that?

ken: When hyde sang Happy Birthday for the first time, fans must be surprised, right? It's a thing everybody knows. How was that?

R: We put announcement for 'Let's do ken-chan's birthday surprise'

ken: What do you write?

R: With the sign from hyde, everybody, please sing together. Until that, make sure ken knows nothing.

ken: I see!

O: When we held celebration for yukihiro-san on the day before, don't you think about yours too?

ken: I also think about that. If there's a celebration for yukki, there should be a celebration for me too. But, because yukki's birthday is a day before the live, and mine is 2 days after the live, I thought maybe there will be no celebration for me. Felt that nobody would not celebrating it, the pain feeling was like echoing in live. But suddenly, everyone appeared with grin face, I think it still remains on photo.

O: You felt that far (laugh)

ken: But, when I was standing on the stage I completely forgot about that birthday thing, when I heard hyde said "Recently, singing becomes the thing I like, na", I think it's a good MC. Then, Happy Birthday. I was really surprised ne.

Manager H: Staff was really working hard to make ken-san doesn't notice it.

ken: Eeh! You also know that?

Manager H: It was me wh ordered a guitar-formed cake (the form of the birthday surprise cake was guitar).

Everyone doesn't understand. My feeling of being abandoned by 50.000 people

ken: Ano ne, actually, when I rode the mini car that run through the narrow road from stage to stage, I thought I won't have an eye contact with everyone. On the first day, tehre were fans who yelled "ken-chan" or "Happy birthday", but on the second day they seemed ignore me.

R: It's not true (laugh)

ken: No, it's true! There's only a man who quite far away waving his hand and yelled "ken-chan!" (laugh)

O: For fans, they must realize it if they had an eye contact, ne.

ken: Certainly. Was the cake brought out when we rode the mini car?

R: A, sou ka. Though we know the timing to bring it out, we couldn't tell the meaning to fans, ne.

ken: Everyone doesn't understand. My feeling of being abandoned by 50.000 people.

O: That 50.000 people congratulated you! (laugh)

ken: Before I was told that fans already knew about my birthday, I think everyone hates me.

Manager H: Actually, about yukihiro-san's surprise on the day before, I want to discuss about ken-san's birthday surprise too, but before i talked about that, hyde-san said, "Of course we'll talk about that too", he said exactly what I got in my mind.

ken: Right! A smart talk again! Since talking about that, there are parts that I didn't keep in mind. It can be read from your face, ne (laugh). But, when did you discuss it? When you me hyde and I wasn't there?

R: In the interval of Dome rehearsal, we discussed it (laugh).

ken: When I met anybody who gathered around and talked about me, I thought they mus be talking bad things about me!

K: It's so negative (laugh).

ken: It's really because our eyes met! When I remember the ignorance I got, it's a painful memory.

R: But, everyone congratulates you.

ken: Maa, ne. I was really really happy, ne. Because there's a lot of things I just knew in this month's talk, I feel so fresh. I'm glad people don't hate me (laugh).

thx to Meiko-san from JDorama forum for What's In? link ^__^

What's IN Web November 2006 - ken

k: ken

From this time, in this magazine's chat, we'll talk about such style of buying the things with the feeling that is put in it. It's the first time this time, ken-chan, in the super oseibo corner had bought a high-class Konbu Maki for us. In that time, actually, from the conversation, ken doesn't know about Tokyo meika (special cookies), outlet!

Why that "Hiyoko"? It's about its logo ka na

k: That famous Bunmeido CM, I have never seen it, ne.
K: Eee!! "(sing) Castella ichiban ~ Denwa wa niban ~," you don't know that?
k: Sou Sou. Of course, I've ever heard about that, things like story from Tokyo people, there's people who laugh in it, I know there's such kind of things. But beside Tokyo meika, is there another thing?
R: Actually, I think the most famous in Tokyo is Nabona more than Bunmeido, ne.
k: Nabona, cookies for the king of home run?
K: sou sou.
k: I wonder, how delicious the cookies for the home run king?
O: Because the one who made it is a famous director, it's enough to attract isn't it?
k: A -, I see.
O: There's also "Tokyo meika Hiyoko"
k: Now, I only have heard that name, I don't have any idea how delicious it is.
K: The form of Hiyoko, inside of castella, there's white an (Translator's Note: I don't know what an is, so I wrote as the katakana written) that is put in it.
k: N - Nande? (Why?)
R: If you ask us about that weird form "Why?", we also don't have any clue for that (laugh).
k: (laugh) No, it's not like that, I mean, there's a lot of known hato from Tokyo, but I wonder why Hiyoko's logo also use that.
R: About using hato, I think it's the symbol of peace, so Hiyoko simply used it.
O: It also affects the form, ne.
k: Unexpectedly, there's no reason for that, ne.
K: By the way, that Konbu Maki is really good, ne. Especially the Nishin one is really delicious.
k: Nee, nee, Nishin shusseuo?
R: How is it.. I don't know if Hamachi can be Buri, I also didn't know about Nishin, I'll check it on the internet then (in this conversation, the answer of ken's questions is exactly appeared every time it's looked up in the internet) ... Fish that becomes Buri, there's different way to call it according to the region, ne.
k: A, so it's like that. There's various ways to say it, but in the end, the main of Buri is shusseuo, ne. It's interesting the shusse name changes a lot.
O: For you, ken-san, do you want to change names like that shusse?
k: I don't want to be like that.
O: Do you think you will change your perform-name someday?
k: I don't think so ...

When I was a child, honestly, I don't want to be anything, ne.

R: By the way, ken-san, in your signature, what feeling is brought?
k: At first, I wanna write it with kind of feeling that it can be read or can't be read as ken (laugh)
O: Do you think about the sign yourself?
k: Yes, of course. Do you guys not think about your own sign?
O: There's some people like that (laugh). Girls, once they admire their idol, in entire school they'll make sign like that.
k: Becomes like the idol?
O: For now, it's Morning Musume. Many girls want to be like them .. Because only know about the world inside the TV, they only think about the beautiful things.
k: Hee! Ja, the boys don't have any idols to admire.
K: As the substitute, the soccer athlete, baseball athlete, become the target, ne.
k: I don't have any idol I admire, K, do you have one?
K: Yes. When I was in elementary school, I want to be a baseball athlete.
k: Then you gave up to be like tha?>
K: First being a baseball player, I think that';s impossible for me to be the pro one, ne.
O: For you, ken-san, when you were a child, what would you like to be?
k: Well, to say about that, honestly, I don't want to be anything. I've thought about that from elementary school until junior high school. If I saw people who worked, seemed like they didn't have time to rest. If I became adult I thought I won't have any spare time
R: That's a good reason (laugh)
K: What kind of profession do you think is good?
k: Detective, ka naa. Well, it's from Matsuda Yusaku's "Tantei Monogatari", ne. I think being a detective will have a lot of spare time.
K: For musician, the time for rest is only a little, except that, it's really a busy time.
k: That's right. It's beyond imagination (laugh)
R: But, sometimes there's a thought of changing job.
k: I'll find a lot of difficulties if I do that. Up to now, I don't have any will to change my profession. (laugh)

Note:
shusseuo: fish that are called by different names as they grow larger

thx to Meiko-san for the link! ^_^

RnR Newsmaker December 2006 - Sakura

With his attention to the Tokyo band scene since 80's generation, he officially entered L'Arc~en~Ciel in 1993. Though he retreated from Laruku in 1997, he continued his activities in various bands like ZIGZO, SONS OF ALL PUSSYS, Lion Heads (as guitarist), then he also becomes arranger/producer, I remember he was startled when he was asked to explain about his carreer "One person, as who!?". Drum . Sakura . This time with him here, he'll explain anything about "In Tokyo band scene there is this kind of person" and what made him chose this carreer until now.

There's a record in my brother's room that I searched all over

When the most important festival in Rock history "Woodstock" was held in 1969, Sakura was born in Tokyo. He has a brother that 7 years older than him, and a sister that a year older than him, so he was the next son. With the neighborhood that "compared with it, maybe we have a house that looks richer", and being the next son, he grew with wide thought.
Though my brother went to tuition and my sister learnt ballet and electone, I think I'm quite different with them, ne (laugh). I've taken a private lesson once, but then I didn't want to take it anymore! After that suddenly I was like awaken. My brother was kinda raised strictly, I waas really glad I wasn't raised that way. I remember when I was a kid... I went to the elem entary school by bike, I also reached until Sunshine 60. There, if I continued move up until the top, would I find money there? I don't know about such things, I only went school and went home after school. At that time, I like stone-carving, ne. I'm looking for soft stone that waas the materials for wall, and I carved Gaikotsu (Translator's Note: I don't know what it is, so I write it exactly as the katakana written), then I buried it into a hole. If I think again about that now, why I did that? ... Around the backyard of my parents' house, maybe I also buried that."

The first time Sakura became interested in music was when he's in the 6th grade of elementary school. It was started with "Best Hit USA". The program that was started in 1981 about the latest hit chart and video clips. At that time, that program brought a new and fresh concept that gave a really big influence for youngsters. Also to Sakura.
Though my brother was in folk generation, he always checks Best Hit USA, and records it properly. "This week in the first position is Police with "mitsumeteitai". I guessed the record is in my brother's room" with that kind of feeling I searched through my brother's room. Inside that there's also Led Zeppelin's "Four Symbols" (The masterpiece that ever recorded in Rock 'n Roll "Stairway to Heaven"). At that time Zeppelin was written everywhere. How frequent? Well, the feeling was like I was dragging out listening to their song. At that time the one that gave me a big shock was Frankie goes to Hollywood. Among the band that entered the hit chart, that artist was really different, I really like their song. Well, that's really a surprising memory. I also like Duran Duran and Culture Club, ne. Even if I listened to Culture Club now, it still gives great impression. At that time, I can't play any music instruments. My brother had a folk guitar, I learnt to press the chord one by one, C chord, F chord, I have a feeling like "Where should I press?", that's when I was in elementary school. My fingers were getting hurt.

I want to be like this person," that's what I thought, in a sudden, in a roadie

The first time Sakura met with drum was when he was in the third yeaar of junior high school. He who continued his study to boys high school, when he saw his senpai (senior) in the brass club hitting the drum, he felt like "A, that's cool. I think this is good for me".
When I was in junior high school, I joined the judo club. Because I've joined judo club when I was in junior high, I don't want to join the same club again in high school. I tried to avoid that, that's what I thought that time, through my friends I want to play music together for the first time. Well, what kind of music instrument will I play, I thought, then I wanted to join the brass club. In that club, I met my senpai who played the drum. It was the start. Suddenly he said "Here, try this". But I can play it well for the first time when I was 17 years old, ne. When I entered high school, I was practising bass - I copied the bassline of Duran Duran's John Taylor - I played the bass alone, but don't know why, where's no "get" feeling? Well, I really enjoyed when I played drum

"Hit since the beginning," then Sakura's natural gift was felt, he actually developed a lot, his existence was known in various bands. He of course joined the school band, anw when he's in the third grade of high school, he also participated in the other bands.
The peak time was when in a week I spent 5, 6 days in studio

That's when he's nearing the pro label.
It felt like Rental Studio musician, ne. From my father's relations, there's a chance of becoming pro musician, from that person I knew a lot of people. I was participating in various bands. I also often in and out the Urawa Narciss livehouse. Though it started from my relation's band, I was getting used to play the drum, the feeling was really fit in me, so it's like going there everyday. Being roadie, being PA, set the lighting, then also handling the ticket. De, meanwhile, "Could you be DEAD END's roadie?" there's came such talking.

With the powerful vocalist that really had a charisma, Morrie, DEAD END was really an important band in Rock scene at that time. They had a brilliat performance technique, their music seemed to be the only one with lyrics in gothic view. Kiyoharu, SUGIZO, as rock stars at that time, they really gave great influence to him.
DEAD END's drummer was Minato Masafumi, when he was in Saber Tiger in Sapporo, from that time, "He's really great. I want to be like that person," I though. Then suddenly "Could you be the roadie?". It's a great circle, "How come? This is really the power of fate," I felt like that. Though it's not proper if I talk about Minato-san, I really learnt a lot from him, I got a lot of influence. Please teach me to play drum, though there's also that kind of line I asked to him, " It is not like that. You can learn by watching me play. So though the lesson you obtained is like stealing from me, but that's fine," he said. When I looked the music sheet, "Uh-huh, I see," I said, then I paid attention a lot, ne. "Umm, how to play this phrase..." there's also that kind of question. You can't do that like that, "When you face this song, what kind of image you draw on your mind?" or "what kind of image you get?" from such kind of conversation, it really answered my questions. The biggest thing in my live is meeting with DEAD END. I can get connect with my favourite drummer, Minato-san. I really improved a lot. From that point and on, I made a decision to do music.

Then, Sakura was accepted in the higher school (His marks were good, there's a time when he was in top five of the students), but seems to be guided by fate, he walked with his strong will toward the music path.
In the third grade of high school, I got my driving license, so I can drive cars. Then I got a lot of directions from my counselling teacher. Maybe for the person had that kind of position, I thought they would talk about kind of deviation value a lot, but that teacher is different. "You are a person who keeps paying attention to the one whom you talk, and you also listen to the others' saying very well, and you could understand it. So, anything you have decided, as long as you think it's good for you, ganbare (keep up doing it)," he said. My teacher in brass club was also like a parent for me. That person was a sax player before, so he had passed through difficult ways in music and really understand about that, "If you enter a proper university, that's also good," he said. Are those people I met are gifts? Maybe. I'm just like a child who carve on a stone, ne

In the end, after he graduated from high school, he entered music school. But because he had gotten a lot of experience in "the real place", the lesson in that school was really boring for him.
When I did PA, I had recording engineer's course. I thought that it's not good if I only learnt drum, I also had to know various methods of sounds producing. I've learnt a lot, ne. Things regarding PA, I've quite known it in livehouse, MTR's direction of use, I also understand about that. The difference between the lesson and binary number system was interesting, ka na. According to the lesson, "In 1 atm, 20 Celcius degrees, the speed of sound is 340 m/s," such kind of things, while in binary number system it's using "0, 1, 0, 1" digital counting. I like to learn like that. But, ... Of course, the methods used outside the school is really interesting, ne.

I think there's no such person that his existence as a pro player can be considered as God.

Two years later, when Sakura was 20 years old, DEAD END was disbanded. He stopped being roadie and started to earn living by being a pro drummer.
I joined "Hako Ban" in Yokohama cabaret. At first we played "Uta chino", it sounded like jazz. I've played many things except reggae, maybe. In doing our performance, sometimes there's also stripper. We had the preparation for 10 minutes, then "Sa, let's do it". A person who had the ability to know the note when he watched music performance was searched. "The tempo is like this," there's such saying "with BPM it can be said like this," I said as a consideration before the real rhythm came out. I learnt a lot about those meanings, but then I stopped it after half a year. When I went from Yokohama with car, it took 3 hours long, I arrived at my house on 2.30 A.M. I thought, though I've collected a lot of money, I didn't have time to play, 'I thought "No, I won't do it anymore". I've influenced a lot in Hako Ban, seemed like my feeling as a drummer had decreased in value.

But, the existence of Sakura was very well-known in Tokyo live scene, he hasn't focused in one band, but he continued being supporting player and stunts in variious bands. Let's listen to his reason for that, he'll answer it.
Nanka ne, I don't want to be bandman, I want to be a pro drummer. I talked to myself, even if I did not much only hitting the drum, I still got a lot of admirer... At that time maybe I'm such being modest to people surrounding, I don't wanna see a separation in a band. To complete uncompleted things. I thiink there's no such person that his existence as a pro player can be considered as God. At that time, instead of being a 'God' musician, I felt like "What else that good?" It depended on the person about the way to get the feeling. Now, I have different way of thinking, "Let's do it with full of spirit," I think, but that time, such thought as "I want to do it together with these people," I didn't have that kind of thinking. Until I met L'Arc~en~Ciel members

In the end of 1992, Sakura was destined to meet the members of L'Arc~en~Ciel. In the next yeaar, January 1993, a week after the recording of 1st indies album "DUNE", he officially joined Laruku. It's the first time that Sakura, with his own will being an official member of a band after some years, then his existence is well-known until now.

Comment on the photo:
A piece of photo about a memory of child time. This is a picture of Sakura with his sister that a year older. The boy, with his smiling face, made gaikotsu by carving a stone.

Note:
Roadie = road crew. More info can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_crew



CHRONICLE of Sakura:

1969
One day on 17.09, he was born in Nerima, Tokyo

1985
First time hitting drum in brass club

1986
Start to play drum seriously / first time listening to DEAD END

1987
First time being in-and-out in Urawa Narciss / participated in some bands

1988
Continued his study to the higher school that is a music school / start being the DEAD END's roadie

1990~1992
When DEAD END is disbanded, he started to earn living with being Dr. of Hako Ban / doing the activity of Dr. in various bands such as The HALEM Q, DIE-KUSSE, etc.
December -> met the member of L'Arc~en~Ciel

1993
January -> officially entered L'Arc~en~Ciel
April -> 1st AL 'DUNE' released
June~August -> 'Close by DUNE' (all 10 locations 10 public performaces), 'Close by DUNE FINAL' (Nissin Power Station)

1994
April -> 'Nostalgia no yokan' (all 3 locations 3 public performances)
July -> Media Debut with Video SG 'Nemuri ni yosete' / 2nd AL 'Tierra' released
July~August -> 'Sense of Time '94' (all 7 locations 8 public performances)
October -> 1st SG 'Blurry Eyes' released

1995
May~June -> 'in CLUB '95' (all 19 locations 20 public performances)
September -> 3rd AL 'heavenly' released
September~October -> 'heavenly '96' (all 8 locations 9 public performances)
December 'The other side of heavenly '95' (all 3 locations 3 public performances), 'TOUR heavenly '95 final' (Nippon Budokan)

1996
April~May -> 'kiss me deadly heavenly '96' (all 23 locations 24 public performances), 'kiss me deadly heavenly '96 REVENGE' (Tokyo Bay NK Hall)
August~September -> 'BIG CITY NIGHTS ROUND AROUND '96' (all 3 locations 5 public performances)
December -> 4th AL 'True' released
December~January -> 'FRESH LIGHT presents TOUR '96-97 "Carnival of True" (all 8 locations 10 performances)

1997
April -> retreated from L'Arc~en~Ciel

1999
April -> ZIGZO, live debut
July -> 1st SG 'chi to ase to namida no uragawa no happy' released
August -> 'The 1st Scene ZIGZO' (all 2 locations 2 public performances)
October -> 1st AL 'MONSTER MUSIC' released
November~December -> 'It's a Wonderful Day' (all 8 locations 8 public performances)

2000
April~May -> 'all standing "GET A SPLASH!" tour' (all 20 locations 21 public performances)
August -> 'all standing "GET A SPLASH!" tour special in 9 Provinces' (all 4 locations 4 public performances)
September -> 2nd AL 'Add9 Suicide' released
October -> 'Add9 Suicide YAON!!' (in Hibiya Yagai Ongakudou)
November~December -> '"Add9 Suicide" tour' (all 8 locations 12 public performances)

2001
April~May -> 'TOUR THE WORLD INTRODUCTION' (all 16 locations 19 public performances)
November~December -> 'TOUR 2001 "HOLIDAYS IN CHELSEA"' (all 8 locations 9 public performances)
From this year and on, start to get involved in producing MUCC

2002
January -> best AL 'Gol"S" and dis-Star ~Best of ZIGZO~' released
March -> 'THE LAST SCEAN ZIGZO' (all 6 locations 6 public performances) / on the last day ZIGZO officially disbanded in Akasaka BLITZ
December -> performed as S.O.A.P in 'DANGER' (Club Citta Kawasaki)

2003
February -> 1st AL (mini) 'GRACE released / 'BUBBLE FESTiVAL' (all 3 locations 3 public performances)
April -> 2nd AL (mini) 'gimme A guitar' released
April~May -> BUBBLE FESTiVAL (Summer 2003)' (all 6 locations 10 public performances)
August -> performed in 'SUMMER SONIC03' / 'SUPER JUMBO BUBBLE FESTiVAL' (Akasaka BLITZ)
November -> 'Overseas. Asia Festival' performed in overseas Century Park Music Hall / 'First Time of SHANGHAI BUBBLE FESTiVAL' (overseas Xitiandi ARK) / 3rd AL (mini) 'high' released
December -> performed in 'DANGER II' (Nippon Budokan)

2004
February~March -> 'BUBBLE FESTiVAL "Winter Shogun 2004"' (all 13 locations 14 public performances)
July -> 1st SG 'Paradise' released
August -> 'SUPER SUMMER JUMBO BUBBLE FESTiVAL' (Nippon Budokan)
December -> performed as S.O.A.P in 'DANGER III' (Nippon Budokan)
From this year and on, start to get involved in producing SID

2005
October -> held Lion Heads event (Shibuya O-West)
December -> performed as S.O.A.P in 'DANGER IV' (Nippon Budokan)
This year, got involved in producing Sokoban

2006
August -> Lion Heads 1st AL 'Shiro, Kuro, Ao, Aka.' released
October -> 'Lion Heads 2006 in overseas ARK' (overseas . Xitiandi ARK)
December -> performed as S.O.A.P and Lion Heads in 'DANGER V' (Nippon Budokan
From this year and on, start to get invloved in producing Girugamesh, 176BIZ

thx to matsu-san for the article scans!! ^_^

RnR Newsmaker October 2006: tetsu x sakura Interview

L'Arc~en~Ciel. It's not necessary to write it to know that it's the band of hyde, ken, tetsu, and yukihiro.
But, in their major debut era, maybe it's little known that the one who hit the drum is sakura.
In year 1997 he walked in different pathway, he who has spent his time with L'Arc~en~Ciel chose his way alone.
Many people still haven't known about the time of 'Early L'Arc~en~Ciel'.
tetsu and sakura.
In their faces that sparkle when they talk about memories of 'that time' still reamin their signs of youth from their smiling face.

I: Interviewer
s: sakura
t: tetsu

I: How did both of you first meet?
s: I was holding two or more positions concurrently in various amateur bands. At that time, suddenly I got a phone. In my house. From a guy named tetsu
t: Who called to your house? That's me.
s: "You got a phone call from 'tetsu from Osaka', you know that guy?", my mom said. "No, I don't know him", I replied. Then, "It's related with Danger Crue (Maverick) office. You know about that?" "No, I don't", I said.
I: So it's suddenly from the office.
s: Though I knew that name, I thought "Could it be"
t: I looked for sakura's contact, I was looking for it on and on. I didn't know what I saw in sakura, sakura did various things that time, and I thought he's good. Then?
s: When I got the phone call, I didn't know about tetsu's band. Ma, when I did supporting things, there were times I want to become an official member of a band (bitter laugh).
I: sakura's existence has been known.
t: Of course it's known. From lots of support he did, he seemed like he didn't want to be consistent in one band, if I came to his house, maybe there's a possibility he would join my band, with that thought and that interest, then I looked for how to contact sakura, and then I contacted him.
s: In the end, we came up with "Let's meet". At that time, the band which I support went to Osaka for a tour, on 20 December... it's around Crhistmas. There, hyde, ken-chan, and tetsu came to see that live.
I: Do you remember what kind of conversation you made?
t: Which kind of conversation? At the first time we met? At that time we talked about round, triangle, and rectangle.
s: At that time I haven't talked with ken-chan.
I: n???
s: No, no, it's like round music note is better than rectangle music note. Maybe if it being remembered, there's a '?' sign that appear in everyone's mind. ken-chan then join our chat.
t: Maybe it's a conversation of Tokyo people that can't be understood.
s: I remember that time, at that time, we ordered pork kakuni, ne. In Isakaya, a common restaurant.
t: No no no! It's a quite good shop. At that time, with our economic capability it can be considered in a quite good level.
s: That's true. We ordered pork kakuni. While we ordered the pork kakuni, the conversation became more fun, we've talked for quite long, but the pork kakuni hadn't came up yet, what happen, I wondered "Excuse me! How is the pork kakuni?", I asked , "We've delivered it", they answered. While I thought how come it be, hyde had eaten it all. He showed kinda reluctant face (laugh).

I: sakura, that's the first time you met tetsu.
s: Yes, that's also the first time I met tetsu.
t: Before that, we've talked in phoine right?
s: Yes, we've talked.
t: At that time I knew his house phone number, so I made a call once. "It's L'Arc~en~Ciel", I said, sakura then said "I don't know you!" (laugh)
I: He certain didn't know because it's Tokyo and Osaka.
t: No no no! We have appeared in magazine. In Osaka we're quite known (laugh). From Tokyo.. there's LOFT ka naa.
s: There's La Mama too?
t: Right. La Mama, Kuroyume too. That made L'Arc~en~Ciel seemed not in it. The one who knows would know and said "I know it's a band!" (laugh)
s: I didn't read magazines (laugh)
I: So in that Isakaya, you said "We'll do it together?" frankly.
s: No, but on the next day we went to the studio together.
I: On the next day, when performing in the studio, what kind of impression you've got?
t: It's perfect! I never thought about going to the studio together, so it's really a good feeling.
s: It's 2 hours or 3 hours long ka na. I, at that time, facing the band that was in same generation as me, I wanna know what they could do. I think about what kind of songs decided that can be played by them. But, at that time, thought it's a usual tone that came up, when they did the phrase and the session to build those tones as a song, I got a really deep impression. At that time, a, because there are such people like them,I must be careful in judging people, I think.
I: From that, you want to join that band.
s: I've a lot of interest. Even I have a thought of "I'll join, I'll join" (laugh).

I: Then, sakura became an official member in January 1993, then the first recording started. 1st album 'DUNE'. How was it, do you still remember about that time?
t: I remember. Though sakura is a Tokyo person, me, ken-chan, and hyde lived in Osaka, so in Tokyo we live in a weekly mansion.
s: When we met face to face in Chinese food restaurant, everyone were eating nasubi (aubergine) miso na.
t: Aa -, it was in Shinagawa, when we had a recording, we also went to Nakano Shinbashi, ne.
s: We also went to Egota weekly mansion
I: Weekly mansion, it's a hard life, ne.
t: To Otsuka also
s: There's old woman there who said, "So you're a band member? Please give me your signature"
I: How old were you that time?
s: 23
I: That's young naa.
t: Recording, we did it in Shinjuku ne. For that, we stayed in weekly mansion in Shinagawa. It's really far (laugh). Now do you think that's really torturing?
s: Sure.
t: Because our priority is L'Arc. So we should go to the studio altogether. The heavy traffic could take about 1 hour long, I think.
I: At that time, you guys had already in Danger Crue, right?
s: But when we went to the studio, we didn't see any adult's shadow at all. It's mysterious, I thought, but when we went to the studio in the fourth day, the director came up. That's our first meeting.
t: Really?
s: "Who's the engineer?" he said "It's me", I replied.
I: That year, there's the first tour (TOUR 'Close by DUne')
s: Right. That's our first tour. There's one time when I had to live in Osaka.
I: It's in May 1993?
s: After the May event (Rock'n fPRESENTS 'Subliminal Vision') finished, one morning, everyone went home to Osaka, then I decided to stay in Osaka too. Until I got some stuff, I stayed at tetsu's house ne.
t: Maa, that's not for a long time. sakura always played guitar in his room.
I: For how long did sakura stay in Osaka?
s: Actually, for a half year. But, thought it's nice to stay there, in January, we have 2 weeks in Tokyo "Well, for collecting data, photo session, discussing the preparation", so we spent a half month in Tokyo.
t: When we're doing Tokyo-Osaka trip, it's in 1993 which L'Arc~en~Ciel really develop in Tokyo. Because "Sakura comes!" too.
s: It's definitely I must went back to Tokyo when I went to Osaka, but I didn't want to buy TV at all.
t: Usually it's the opposite, ne. "We, 3 people, let's go to Tokyo", we said. So, ne! That's the majority decision.
s: It's democracy.
t: But, we really came ne. I think it's quite great. I was really touched.
s: Together with tetsu, I came to a house broker. We went around together. I learnt various things. Because I can't get a proper stuff, he said, "to know whether it's good or not, sakura naa. Beside the information written on the stuff, they are all lies naa. It's only a trick for getting the customer na. We can't really get it". When we go to buy some electronic stuffs, ken-chan also said "it can be bargained"
I: It's unbelievable. People like you guys looking for a cheap stuff (laugh).
t: No, no! it's not cheap that we looked for, we're looking for a stuff that good enough.
s: I almost didn't believe it. There's a lot of useless things we bought.
t: Ano, at that time, what kind of house do you want to buy? I really didn't think about that at all.
s: With Auto-lock. As usual.
t: We're kinda "hard work that really a hard work" (laugh)
I: When you were in Osaka, do you went for a recreation?
t: Yes, we did, we went to Kenkou Land ne (laugh).
s: Yeah, right, when I went to Osaka, the welcome party was Kenkou Land (laugh).
I: Ahahahaha, what did you do in Kenkou Land?
t: Well, we went to onsen, to sauna, we did a nude socialization (laugh)
s: Beside taking a bath in Kenkou Land, what else? Ah! We also took some pictures in Kenkou Land.
t: That's when we wore casual outfits.
s: That photos also weren't published ne. Maybe we'll keep them until we died.
t: That 1993 tour is the first tour. Until that we haven't reach other area except Osaka and side of Kanto. Because we only used a limited transportation.
s: We went by microbus na.
t: Right. With one microbus. It's enough with a microbus. The back part for the equipment loads. The front part for the member and the manager. But there were still some remaining seats. It still spacious.
s: So around the tour, naturally, automatically everybody knew where to sit on.
I: hyde had mentioned that also.
s: Once, hyde was practising with clarinet. Inside of the car he always played it pi-pi-pi-pi "Why?", I heard "No, I think to start playing sax", he said.
t: The final is in the power station (Nisshin power station)
s: In that power station's big screen (13 August) there's a text came up "Next is Nihon Seinenkan!" The audiences were excited, we're getting excited too (laugh). But how come it be Seinenkan, we didn't know. "Ee-!" we said. No one knew the answer, ne.
t: Really? No, I knew that (laugh)
s: Member were surprised how come that be (laugh).
t: Because I was the leader, I knew everything, ne. This is the first time I heard that you don't know about that (laugh).
s: No, no, maybe ken-chan also didin't know about hat (laugh).
t: Is he?!!
s: We both look on each other face (laugh) and goes "really?!"
t: Hahahaha. Sorry, naa. I think sakura maybe, also didn't know if that was debut time when we did debut. (laugh).

t: Speaking personally, I never had a family trip. I also never went to anywhere.
I: Outside Kansai?
t: Yep.. The first time I went to Tokyo is also the first time for L'Arc, that's for L'Arc's 1st single mastering. I went alone (laugh). So for the person who came alone, that tour is my first trip. To Hakata, Kanazawa, Niigata, Sendai, Aomori, Yokohama.
I: That's bad to say it as 'The first trip', though.
t: No, it's like a trip. Beside, it's not a part with microbus hi-ace, I felt a little bit 'rich' feeling.
I: There's a deep impression of "In CLUB '95" in 1995 inside me. National tour with car. In Kumamoto livehouse Django (13 June) there's an incident when tetsu left the stage and back to the member room.
t: In Hakodate also. In Hakodate, it was a small place, so the stage and the audience was really near. There was a kid that hold my bass' head and pulled it, naturally, the tuning went wrong. We can't perform well. So, there was a bass part that I skipped.
s: For musician, that's a little painful ne.
t: Because we can't perform, ne. Sometimes the audiences had bad manners. For example, the kid I talked before. I really wanted to handcuff him one on my side, one on hyde.
s: A, at that tour, I arranged tetsu's hair.
t: A, that's right. At that time, because the hairmake-san and stylist-san couldn't go to the tour with us, so sakura made up my hair.
s: The braided cord is really detailed.
t: It's really tiring in the backstage.
s: Yeah, right, ne. I did my own hair also, put make-up on my face, did tetsu's braided cord, stood up my hair.
t: It also had to be maintained.
s: Yup. There's also Dura time na.
t: Yeah, there was.
I: Dura!?
s: If I got to arrange the hair style everytime, it's really tiring. So, I thought of using it to tetsu.
t: I thought it won't be revealed. It seems like sakura's responsibility, so he made Dura. My standing form hair was using Dura (laugh).
s: I made it seriously.
t: I also used Dura, sakura also used Dura, it's perfect! ... that's what I thought while we're moving during the live, our hair weren't changed ne.
I: How about on stage?
t: We could do that with it (laugh)
I: For how many performances?
t: 1 performance (laugh). It's the first day in Osaka Malepark Hall.
s: For the next tomorrow, we're still used it (laugh)
I: It's Malepark in 15 July 1994.
t: That's a precious live yo.
I: But it's not recorded in video?
s: Maybe we'll find it if we search it.
t: Where that Dura go, I wonder (laugh)
s: I think it's in somewhere.
t: I want to put it in L'Arcafe na (laugh)

I: I see, ne. This time, how it feels to look back to the 'Early L'Arc~en~Ciel' era, for each of you? Now, in what kind of existence are you?
s: .... how to say that, I'm not the member of L'Arc anymore. It's 15 years old now, with that count, I'm in it for 5 years long, am I? So that will be 1/3 of it.
t: That's right, ne.
s: From that point, if L'Arc keeps continue, that 1/3 part will be decreased, become 1/4, 1/5, ..... But in my life, that time is really a precious memory, ne. Because for tetsu that is real time, I think the nuance is different.
I: But in the early times, to spend such valuable time is not everyone's experience, I think.
s: ... Imagine it further, if it's said in a proudness, maybe I can say that now L'Arc~en~Ciel has jumped to the upper class. Now, I also participate in various young band creation, and facing various concepts from them. If I have a chat with 23, 24 years old young men, I'll think "In that age, what kind of things in my mind? Was it little different?" But "A, now, there's such kind of new concept", sometimes there's such kind of answer. That time, ken-chan was also playing phrase like this, it's also like tetsu's bass. Band should be like this. hyde's sense of beauty, his singing, his lyrics, his songs, I think band should also have things like that, with all of thoughts like that, I think L'Arc~en~Ciel has really jumped to the upper class.
t: With sakura, above thoughts of arranging a song, I've learned a lot, ne. About arranging a song, if I can't think what would it be next after a part, sakura can think about it. Then, I can understand.
s: He--, I didn't think that you thought like that.
t: "A - I see", I said. Even now, about arranging things, I really want to say about that to sakura, so he will say, "A, let's arrange with that kind of style".
I: At that time, you say it to the related person?
t: No, I don't say it.
s: So that's why I didn't know about Nihon Seinenkan (laugh)
I: From such word we've just heard, Nihon Seinenkan had a special memory (laugh)
t: Basically, the core of the band and the music was established in year 1994, 1995. Now, it's really related with that time, I think. Now, the things that should be considered are the song making, the tour, the live. It's established this time.
I: So, for the last, now when you both walk on the different pathways, if you send a message to each other, what kind of words will you send?
s: When I was in L'Arc, among the three people, the one I chat with least was tetsu. But the time we spent together was quite long. Maybe the point is, resemble with what I think. It's just our direction we face which are different. So, from the difference of direction, we could know the plus, minus, for each of our goals so we can always feel like facing the plus side. So though our directions are different, if we meet again someday, ma, we can have a nice little chat about what usual thing we've done.
I: How about you, tetsu?
t: With sakura that produces various junior bands in office, I'll say "Ganbatte". A re? How about sakura's Lion Heads album?
s: Finally it's released.
t: I think, sakura is playing guitar now, what next? I really like guitar solo, but I never play guitar solo only.
s: For me, I only play the guitar for the backing. The backing spirit is burning. By the way, what do you do recently, tetsu?
t: Recently, making songs. Though I have a feeling of making songs, actually there aren't yet. Because for the demo, I play the guitar solo seriously ne (laugh).
s: Jaa, let's have a guitar battle next.

Note

• Dura/Zura = wig (according to Japanese slang http://www.e-japanese.jp/slangs4.htm)
• Autolock = a door that will be automatically opened if the key is entered to the lock

thx a lot to matsu-san for the article scans ^_^
and thx to Frans who had helped me with difficult words ^^

RnR Newsmaker June 2006 - acid android Interview

I: Interviewer
y: yukihiro

acid android's 2nd album 'purification' finally released. Industrial is definitely the main element of it, gothic and hard & pop dance also in it. The tune range from heavy rock to ambient, there are various dynamic sounds. The last song in 'purification' is a beautiful love song. Here, we would discover the inner side of yukihiro-san. There are also two new songs composed in collaboration. Now we will ask some questions.

I: After finishing this album, what is the impression you get?
y: Maa, it was a challenge. This time maybe there's a big difference in how we work. It's a new experiment.

I: Please give the concrete example.
y: If I can get involve in studio like this, I think it's amazing.Though there were a lot of works, this time there were also a lot of things hat make me moved.

I: You put a lot of live drum in it?
y: I think it makes the most difference in the way we work now. I want the drum part sounds natural now.

I: This time, you think it will be good if you put the live drum. What's the reason for that?
y: In the previous album there is a challenge for it. But I think the drum in the previous album is good that way.

I: At that time did you have a strong feeling to put the machine's sound?
y: Yes, it's true. That time I still used industrial. My impression toward body beat hadn't really strong.

I: Though In your previous works you only pushed the 'cool' side, but now, beside putting the live drum into, you also add the singing feel, it makes this entire album more rock.
y: Yes, indeed.

I: What is your satisfaction point?
y: In my previous work, my satisfaction point was simply when I finally finish my works by myself. But now, it's also up to the others' satisfation standard.

I: Now, there are songs that you made with the band members, kishi-san and antz-san, ne.
y: But, the biggest thing is doing the mix. This time, I couldn't do the mix by myself. What would my works be, there was no plan for it.

I: If that's so, mixing of your previous work takes a lot of time, right?
y: So this time I went Berlin (laugh). (In my previous work) when I made a song, I must got the rhythm before the day after.

I: This 'purification' title is beautiful. What is the theme of this album?
y: This is, the love song, ne.

I: What's your thought in putting the tittle 'purification'?
y: I wrote the lyrics about being purified, when the perfection is really accomplished, that image were a lot. The things left are about being purified. By chance, when I was thinking about the song's title and used my computer translation software, what Japanese word I entered, it was the output.

I: It's just a coincidence?
y: Yup, when I input the words, that's the output. What word I input I don't remember. But it's a good word, I think.

I: Do you remember when you felt like your mind becomes white/purified when you made the songs?
y: It's when I was writing the words. The focus of the words was that huge feeling. What should I say. I feel like being purified, ne.

I: Do you have any dormancy desire like that?
y: ... ka naa. What's good to say? For example, in the 10th song 'a lull in the rain' everything seems to be purified by the rain, that's the point. I wonder if there's a thing like that.

I: Do you remember any feeling of being purified related with sounds?
y: Though it's not being purified, when I concentrate, it's like writing my thought. I must be able to find the way to concentrate, therefore it's like being purified. I don't like to be in time like that.

I: When I watch acid live, I have a feeling like falling into white out. Though the sounds are very hard, I can imagine the scene.
y: About being like that, being in such situation, that kind of feeling is really strong, ne. So I like the scecne like that situation. Unexpected and natural things.

I: You like the inside of woods?
y: Yes, yes (laugh)

I: The song 'a lull in the rain' is about 10 minutes long, right? There are rain sound, footstep sound, and another nature sounds, then it continued to hard melody, and when it is listened until end, there are a feeling like being purified.
y: At the beginning the song is 50 minutes long.

I: It's like a soundtrack, isn't it?
y: When I thought about releasing the album CD with 1 song in 1 copy, I've made a song that time. At the beginning it was 52 minutes long. To make it not being DAT, I must reduce the sounds. That's a song I've made more than 10 years ago, from that, I erased the piano phrase only, and I did shuffle on it. So, at the beginning, it's more cheer out, an ambient song.

I: I would like to listen to the long-version someday, ne.
y: KLF released the song that took about 50 minutes in 1 copy of CD, didn't they? That's the song I made that time. I thought of releasing it someday.

I: It was 10 years ago?
y: It was when I was in DIE IN CRIES. We were asked to make BGM.

I: In your previous work, it was Toni Haliday as the feature artist in 'faults'. Now, there is also a duet song with female vocal.
y: She was the one who made the English version from my Japanese lyrics. She lived in America. This one who compose the song wth me (mica asakawa) is a different person.

I: How can you collaborate woth asakawa-san?
y: The song I've made required female vocal, the Bristol one. I also need a person to sing the song. At the beginning, it's asakawa-san who sang it. But th first version is a totally different melody, I've changed the tempo a bit.

I: Is the album title 'purification' the first thing you're thinking about?
y: No, it is the last, when I was in Berlin. It was the only tittle that haven't been decided though the others have. So, the title was deecided in Berlin.

I: Do you think the mix in Berlin was good?
y: There are some good parts, because I've worked in Japanese way, I think maybe that made the mix finished faster. If I worked it all in Japan, maybe it haven't finished yet. (laugh)

I: You will have 2 days live overseas on April, right?
y: L'Arc have done it, so if it's acid who go, won't it be interesting? the staff said then discussed the schedule.

I: Finally, acid android develops overseas, ne.
y: Is it OK? (laugh) I don't understand the music situation there, but it's a pleasure they accept our music, ne.

I: Maybe it's the first time for Chinese people to hear the 'industrial' music.
y: I really don't know that. The fact is, maybe there are people who like it. I think some clubs in China also have techno music, the industrial genre also, so I think there are people who like it. It's out of our mind, isn't it?

I: Audience who enjoy the music become stand up. It's a great impact, right?
y: That kind of way is interesting, ne.

I: All of your national tour is 34 times, what do you expect from that amount of tour?
y: I wish I can give the whole. I hope I can really use the time to do my best. After all, there are some intervals I can use to think about what to do next.

I: You feel special thing about Meguro Rokumeikan (laugh).
y: It's a pleasure. Because we're not performing in Rokumeikan for many days (laugh). It's what I expected ne. It's from Zi Kill time.

I: The hot summer have come, ne. Enjoy!

thx to matsu-san who provide the article scan! ^_^

Note:

• Information about DAT : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Audio_Tape
• Information about KLF : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_KLF