When And How Did You First Start Playing The Guitar? How Did You Feel At That Time?

II Circo Strano booklet, 1998

I remember someone saying in the formus that Il Circo Strano was among the first recordings Malice Mizer ever released with Gackt, prior to "Voyage."

II Circo Strano~奇妙なサーカス〜

II Circo Strano is a 10-minute long track about a strange circus and its bizarre members. It was published as a special issue of Zappy Magazine that came with a CD. You can listen to an excerpt in the last slide.

Zappy Magazine, Novemeber 1998

Moi dix Mois

Welcome to the Strange Year End Party

Moi dix Mois' annual grand year end party, sandwiched between their signature dark live performances with a spectacular ending! This year as well Seth (Vo) appeared as the character "Umezawa Sesuo" performing the song "Yume Shibai," while Mana (G) displayed his brilliant drum and bass playing.

The evening's feast began with a comedic opening hosted by K (G, Voice) and included highlights such as the anime "Martin Theater," which evoked shouts of "kawaii!" from the audience. Of course when Moi dix Mois performed they swiftly shifted from the fun atmosphere to their signature coolness, impressing as always.

Now witness an entertainment show infused with the dark aesthetics that define Supreme Commander Mana.

Dis inferno Vol. IV LAST YEAR PARTY 2006.12.26, Shibuya O-East

The venue dimmed and the host K appeared on a small stage on the right side of the floor, announcing today's opening act. The band was called MANALEY CRUE (a play on the name Mötley Crüe). As the curtain opened to "Red Hot," Mana appeared first, wearing tight slim pants decorated with mesh and handcuffs in a very Mötley Crüe like outfit. For a moment, you could almost think you were witnessing the LA metal scene of the early '80s. As the other members appeared, their resemblance to the original band was quite impressive, especially Sugiya (G), whose appearance was strikingly similar to Mick Mars. It seemed like Mana's choice for sure.

After playing drums in the past, Mana took the double bass drum kit for this show, setting the tone for this two-year comeback event, Moi dix Mois' Last Year Party under the name Dis inferno. Though usually known for their serious live performances, on this night, it was all about fun, giving fans a rare glimpse into the band members' hidden talents and unique sides. As always, the central figure was Moi dix Mois' leader, Mana.

The band played "Looks That Kill" with enthusiasm continuing the Mötley Crüe tribute and series of covers. The next act saw a dazzling Seth take the stage as "Umezawa Iku," performing Umezawa Tomio's "Yume Shibai." Seth's performance was remarkable, fully immersing himself in the song's world. Hayato dressed as a stagehand, added manual effects like tossing confetti, making it a full-fledged show.

Following the metal and enka (Japanese ballad) performance, Fukuyama Kenji's "Squall" was performed with an acoustic guitar, not by K, but by Keiny-chan. Although casually dressed in a white shirt and jeans, his face was still decked out in the usual death/gothic makeup, with half of his hair braided and the other half spiked—an extreme look that added an eerie touch to the performance. Despite the visual contrast, his voice resonated powerfully.

Next up was "The King of Knowledge" Sugiya, who appeared as "Sugick" to perform... balloon art! Yes, twisting long balloons into shapes like animals and flowers in a street-performer style. In a short time, he created a parrot, leaving the audience exclaiming, "Amazing!"

Afterward, the atmosphere completely shifted as "Now the other side in blood" began, marked by the intense double bass drumming. The live performance by Moi dix Mois proper started, powerfully leading with "Front et Baiser." The band's signature sound, featuring crushing metal riffs, had the audience headbanging enthusiastically, creating an electric atmosphere.

During the break, an animated short, "Martin Theater," featuring Mana as a chibi character, was shown on the screen. The whole band appeared in super-deformed (SD) style in a cute and comical story, delighting the audience with its adorable depiction.

On this night, the setlist was built around particularly aggressive songs, driving the audience into a frenzy. The combination of metal riffs and fierce melodies, like in the nostalgic track "Lamentful Miss," echoed strongly through the venue. Moi dix Mois’ performances, such as "Ange," highlighted their unique style, combining intensity and a haunting beauty that remains true to their essence.

The visual spectacle also included Mana’s new guitar, "Jeune Fille X Bronze -Cross Ray-," which had a glowing blue cross in the center. He concluded his performance by collapsing dramatically on stage, leaving a lasting impression. This glimpse into the recording of their upcoming album, due in March, hinted that intensity would be a major theme.

After the show closed with a powerful and flawless performance, the grand year-end party concluded with the entire Moi dix Mois band plus K performing a massive singalong to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," with giant balloons floating through the crowd, bringing the festive night to a spectacular finish.

Vol. 2: Canned Coffee Edition

This is the "MAX Coffee" sold in Ibaraki, my birthplace and Chiba among other places. I've been drinking it since I was a child. The color and design have changed about four times evolving into its current form.

The taste can be summed up as 'sweet'!! Think of it more like a sweet coffee milk rather than a traditional canned coffee. When I moved to Tokyo, I naturally tried to buy MAX Coffee only to find... it wasn't available!

I wondered why and investigated, discovering that it seems to be sold only in Ibaraki and Chiba. When I mentioned this, I heard various rumors that it was sold in other places as well. This is why I instructed fans in the "Vicious" music magazine's Malice corner to investigate. According to fan reports (or investigators, as I like to call them), it’s primarily sold in Ibaraki, Chiba, and Tochigi. One excellent investigator even called the consumer consultation center to find out, which was great. Other information from investigators confirmed its presence outside these three prefectures, including Shizuoka, Kuki City in Saitama, and around Odaiba in Tokyo (closer to Chiba).

Come to think of it I remember seeing and drinking it about four years ago in a remote area of Saitama. I think it might be a regional exclusive so it could be stocked and sold in various places.

I also saw it being sold at Koiwa (Tokyo) and the neighboring Ichikawa (Chiba) stations. This coffee is quite something--don’t underestimate it... The "MAX" might refer to the amount of sugar being maxed out.

If anyone knows more details, please send me another report. I recall that when I was in middle and high school, there was just the regular MAX Coffee and also a MAX half-can with a slightly lighter taste. Then Georgia acquired it and it became Georgia MAX Coffee. At that time the design was quite amusing 1/4 Georgia and 3/4 MAX Coffee... so simple!

I don't know if it’s still sold, but there was a juice called "Hi-C" and I have a can of its tomato flavor stored at my family home. Also, though I’ve never seen it elsewhere, Georgia’s "Cafe au Lait" was sold in Osaka.

See you again...

Artist Q&A File63-MALICE MIZER || Translation in english

yu-ki (b)

Q1. Date of birth, blood type, height, weight, shoe size, vision?

August 8th, Type A, 175cm, 54kg, 26cm shoe size, both eyes 8.8.

Q2. Hobby?

Being alone in the dark.

Q3. Habit?

Staring off into the distance.

Q4. The CD you like the most right now?

(Answer not provided)

Q5. When you drink alcohol, what do you drink, how much, and with whom?

I don't drink much.

Q6. If you smoke, what do you smoke and how much?

GITANES (CAPORAL), two packs a day.

Q7. Favorite form of gambling?

None.

Q8. The kind of present you'd be happy to receive?

Something suspicious.

Q9. Your ideal type of woman (if you had to compare her to a celebrity)?

Trish Goff.

Q10. Pickup line for women?

Words aren’t necessary.

Q11. Where do you mainly write lyrics or compose music?

In a dark room.

Q13. The most memorable song from your own music?

"Kioku to Sora" (Memory and Sky).

Q14. A mistake you’ve made during a live performance?

I often forget to turn off the bypass switch, so the sound doesn’t come out.

Q15. What type of women catch your eye during live shows?

Those who are enjoying themselves.

Q16. How do you decide what to wear on stage?

It depends on the concept at that time.

Q17. The last thing you do before a show starts?

Have a smoke.

Q18. The first thing you do after a show ends?

Have five smokes.

Q19. A song you'd like to play as an intro during a live show?

A song I composed myself.

Q20. The most memorable live performance you’ve had, where and when?

The last indie live at Shibuya Public Hall.

Q21. If you could collaborate with someone outside of the band, who would it be?

Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance.

Q22. If one of your band's songs became a drama theme song, which would you choose?

It depends on the story…

Q23. If you had to describe the current state of the band with a color, what would it be?

Colorless.

Q24. Lastly, any message to the fans?

Please feel it.

kami(dr)

Q1. Date of birth, blood type, height, weight, shoe size, vision?

February 1st, 199X, Type A, about 180cm, average weight, 25.0cm shoe size, left eye: gray 2.0 / right eye: purple 2.0.

Q2. Hobby?

Enjoying being alone.

Q3. Habit?

If I knew, I wouldn’t need to worry about it.

Q4. The CD you like the most right now?

There are too many…

Q5. When you drink alcohol, what do you drink, how much, and with whom?

Kalua milk.

Q6. If you smoke, what do you smoke and how much?

Just a puff of smoke each time.

Q7. Favorite form of gambling?

Casino.

Q8. The kind of present you'd be happy to receive?

Cigarettes or CD vouchers.

Q9. Your ideal type of woman (if you had to compare her to a celebrity)?

Someone with piercing eyes and hair longer than mine. Like Maetel.

Q10. Pickup line for women?

You’re beautiful.

Q11. Where do you mainly write lyrics or compose music?

At home.

Q12. How do you compose—do melodies come to you first, or do you build from riffs and chords?

By humming.

Q13. The most memorable song from your own music?

"Bel air ~In the Moment of Blankness…" from MALICE MIZER

Q14. A mistake you’ve made during a live performance?

(Answer not provided)

Q15. What type of women catch your eye during live shows?

A little chubby and in cosplay, hahaha.

Q16. How do you decide what to wear on stage?

We have our own costumes, you know…

Q17. The last thing you do before a show starts?

Smoke a cigarette.

Q18. The first thing you do after a show ends?

Drink water.

Q19. A song you'd like to play as an intro during a live show?

We even compose our own SE (sound effects)...

Q20. The most memorable live performance you’ve had, where and when?

January 10th, at Nihon Seinenkan. I couldn’t stop crying.

Q21. If you could collaborate with someone outside of the band, who would it be?

There are many people.

Q22. If one of your band's songs became a drama theme song, which would you choose?

The song that fits the drama…

Q23. If you had to describe the current state of the band with a color, what would it be?

Five people, five colors.

Q24. Lastly, any message to the fans?

We will keep doing things beyond your imagination, so please grow with us and be able to keep up. Even mistakes are part of the performance!

The end!

MALICE MIZER - M-Gazette - November 1998 Vol.21

“Merveilles” Tour Final 98.7.22 Yokohama Arena

There was a castle, on stage, as if time was flowing backward only there… A scene encountered in the distant memories of a faraway past, evoking such an illusion… Is that place truly a part of the real world?

Does MALICE MIZER truly exist in reality?

In the world of collective imagination, where the unreliable five senses of humans mistakenly perceive, is it all a dream? Standing by the seaside where a gentle breeze flows or walking cautiously through a dark forest with no lights, always aware of what’s behind… In that instant a stage existed that could transform the scenery dramatically like the lighting that thundered fiercely in the dark night. And from above, no, as if sent from a different dimension their figures appeared in that space. And through sound, vibration, and light… everything about MALICE MIZER began to flow into our brains through every sensory organ.

“An integrated arts group,” MALICE MIZER.

Artists have their limits, musicians have their limits, directors have their limits. However, what need is there for “chic” in conveying things, events, emotions, and the world to people? “Is this a false space created by them? Are they false on stage?” Such trivial thoughts almost arise, but there is a world there. Yet, it is perhaps just showing what they can express. They have the authority over the “time” of this world.

And the lights in the castle began to fade, revealing a night sky adorned with countless stars… And the door to that space closed, while outside, the rain poured down heavily. Too many things unfolded in that brief moment and remained.

On the way back. “There’s no rain like this in a storm… maybe it’s still continuing from that place earlier.” I thought about such things as if I were running over a river in the car.

Text: Nobue Ishibashi

M GAZETTE Original MALICE MIZER Card-Type Calendar

50 readers will receive a gift.

50 readers will receive a 6-piece set of the M GAZETTE Original “MALICE MIZER Card-Type Calendar.” For details, please refer to the “Treasure Release” section on page 112.

“merveilles” — The End and Return ~TOUR-98 7.22 Yokohama Arena SET LIST

S.E. Bois de merveilles (instrumental)

M1. S-concious

M2. ILLUMINATI

M3. Np.s Ngs

M4. mana közi/Solo

M5. Gackt kami/Solo

M6. Syunikiss ~ The Second Mourning ~

M7. Nocturne Under the Moon

M8. Vel Air ~ In the Moment of Emptiness ~

M9. Dance of Death

M10. Aegean ~ With the Wind that Passed ~

M11. yu-ki/Solo

M12. Je te veux

M13. Madorigal

M14. Brise

M15. au revoir

M16. ma cherie

en. Le ciel

It comes back around. That way we discover and grow together. We are also a mirror, and so are the people who come to watch. When you send out a signal, it doesn’t become one way.

The live tour "Ville de merveilles - Transparent Spiral" by MALICE MIZER at the end of last year had many surprising aspects. Among them fans who had previously associated them with a medieval image were amazed by the futuristic stage set and costumes, as well as the band's new side and the wide range of their concepts.

In this page we focus on the first half of the live show featuring a photo session with the debut of the futuristic costumes and move on to discussions about their vision of the near future from the live performance.

From the opening the two songs featuring synchronized dance by all the members were eye catching. Gackt, Mana and Közi stepped in a regular pattern while Kami and Yu~ki played the percussion wildly behind them.

Kami and Yu~ki joked, “We can do anything so it’s okay.”

It was a moment that reaffirmed that they are a group that can use any means of expression. First let’s discuss the concept behind each of their costumes.

Mana: “It was designed with the awareness of a near future era with something easy to move in.”

Közi: “Surreal and inorganic. I added a slit on the side to make it easier to move.”

Yu~ki: “I tried to incorporate my previous image with the top hat and tailcoat while adding a more inorganic feel.”

Kami: “...I forgot.”

Gackt: “I wanted to make sure it didn’t reflect too much light and liked the color scheme so i chose that material. I aimed for something androgynous that isn’t distinctly male or female and that’s how it turned out.”

Next, we’ll introduce their individual visions of the near future, not just as a band.

Gackt: “When asked what I would be like in 10 years i always give the same answer. It’s too bright to see. Some people might see it as positive others negative but in any case it’s too bright to see.”

Mana: “It’s a fine line between rosy and worst case scenarios.”

Közi: “I’ll swim. While scattering salt in the sulfur.”

Kami: “I’ll spread my wings. The end.”

Yu~ki: “I haven’t thought about it. I want to feel my current self and the thoughts of people so i want to live without worrying about it.”

Now, let’s talk about the concept of the stage. Mana explains:

“The stage set was a little different from the initial design. 'Ville de merveilles' means a mysterious city. To put it concretely, it’s a futuristic and mysterious city. The transparent spiral is a keyword. You remember the mark that was projected onto the stage at the opening, right? There’s a mystery hidden in that, but I can’t tell you its meaning. Actually there is an 'aha' moment.”

Mana

"When I receive letters from fans, it makes me feel saved. I live each day in fear, trembling as I go about my life."

The symbolic mark that represents the keyword "transparent spiral" could indeed be seen on stage. Now that I think about it, hasn't Malice already incorporated similarly enigmatic and symbolic elements in the past? I feel like that might be the case.

"It’s true that we’ve lightly dabbled in that before," said Mana.

The mystery, left as a mystery being able to enjoy asking, "What could it possibly mean?" feels like a test of the audience's sensibilities. The abundant mysteries in their expressions are a significant part of their charm and exploring them is an enjoyable experience.

It isn’t necessarily anything overly occult or niche. The ability to enjoy a sense of mystery is something many people naturally possess. That’s precisely why they’ve managed to gather so many fans and captivate them. After all even someone with no prior knowledge simply seeing their photos would undoubtedly find them quite mysterious. One could even say they are overwhelmingly enigmatic.

At that point whether someone leaves it at “Oh, so there are people like this” or becomes curious enough to dive into their expressions saying “I want to hear and see more,” depends on the individual’s disposition. The fact that so many people are willing to explore further is what’s driving their growing popularity. In other words, it’s proof that the number of people capable of enjoying a sense of mystery is immeasurable.

However, I’d like to delve a bit deeper into the keyword “transparent spiral.” A spiral… a spiral staircase, perhaps?

"I think many people might say 'spiral staircase,' but that’s not it," said Közi.

Then perhaps it relates to genetics, DNA…?

"Oh, that’s sharp of you. It’s somewhat along those lines, like something intertwined. But I think it’s better to leave it up to individual interpretation from here on out," said Mana. He then added the following:

"The concept for incorporating dance into the opening stage revolves around the theme of a spiral that aligns with the first song, Je te veux."

This song, Je te veux, is a new track included on the album merveilles, set to release on March 18. The music was composed by Közi. According to him:

"It has a kind of ’80s new romantic vibe (lol)."

It’s a danceable song, but by listening to it and reading the lyrics, one might catch a glimpse of the concept of the spiral.

Ah, I mustn’t forget, Mana’s mention of the opening dance. Közi had previously said:

"We decided to make it like something MAX-level (a reference to a Japanese dance group), so we practiced a ton."

But what exactly is Mana’s concept?

"An image of a B-grade idol from space in the 1980s. Probably not something most people know about (lol)."

Speaking of which, around 1981, there was talk about idols said to have come from space...

V's Break Out

"On July 19th Malice Mizer will make their major debut with the single 'Bel Air In the Moment of Emptiness.'

'Bel Air'—a French term meaning 'green wings' or 'clear air.' It’s a beautiful melody that would suit a European landscape filled with silence and melancholy, capturing the rise and fall of emotions. The lyricist, Gackt, and the composer, Mana, share the story behind this song.

Photograph: Hideaki Yajima

Costume: Yukari Ohba (Midi: Nette)

Interview by Hiroko Yamamoto"

―Your first major release, "Bel Air In the Moment of Emptiness," is about to come out. When you two work together to create songs, how does it usually go?

Gackt: It depends on the case. Often, we have the prototype of the song first, and then we go into the studio to shape it together.

Mana: This song, in particular, kept evolving. At first, I had an image of Scandinavia.

―Did you picture the Scandinavian landscape?

Mana: No, it was more Scandinavian metal (laughs). I imagined a beautiful guitar melody. I didn’t really picture a specific scene.

―Did you expect it to become your debut single?

Mana: I wasn’t really conscious of that. I feel like people look at Malice Mizer and think, “What are they?” But this song focuses on the sound of the five members, so I thought it was a track that could convey that the band is the core. Even though it’s our debut, we didn’t aim to make a pop song. The time signatures are irregular, and the tempo changes constantly, but the melody in the chorus is easy to listen to. It felt very much like us.

―Did you feel like you had created a masterpiece?

Gackt: Usually, I’d ask, “What’s the theme of this song?” But this time it was the opposite—Mana asked me, “What kind of lyrics are you going to write?” So I told him what I wanted to express with “Bel Air.”

Mana: On the other hand when it comes to songs where i can picture a scene, I’ll explain in detail, even to the point of being persistent. For example, while working on “Transylvania,” i constantly had the story of a Dracula movie in mind. But this time there wasn’t a specific scene, just emotions like sadness and melancholy.

Mana: Yes, with the harmonized twin guitars typical of Scandinavian metal, they’re beautifully melancholic, right? From the intro to the end i wanted both guitars to play harmonized parts non stop. Nowadays, in many bands, one guitarist does rhythm while the other plays the solo, so I thought having both play like that was kind of unique.

―So, did you communicate this song’s concept to Gackt?

Mana: Did I say “Scandinavian metal” (laughs)?

Gackt: I didn’t hear that (laughs).

Mana: I remember telling Közi, but I don’t recall how I explained it.

Gackt: I think you didn’t explain anything (laughs). Usually, there’s some kind of theme, but maybe that’s why you didn’t say anything this time.

―The lyrics bring to mind a tragic love story, don’t they?

Gackt: Hmm… I’m sure a lot of people would imagine a negative scene when they hear these lyrics, but I don’t generally write such lyrics. The events in this song are indeed sad and painful, but I wrote the lyrics with great importance on taking a step forward from that. The last part of the lyrics doesn’t have a subject or conclusion, and I wanted people to interpret it through their own experiences.

―Is it about losing someone you loved?

Gackt: Yes, that’s right. When I first heard this song, the word “Bel Air” came to mind. But since it had irregular time signatures and many transitions, I hit a wall and couldn’t finish the lyrics. Then I heard the news that someone close to me had passed away. After thinking about many things at home, the remaining melody and lyrics finally came to me. That’s why I have such a deep attachment to this song.

―The phrase “floating while swaying” is particularly striking.

Gackt: Yes, that phrase is key to this song.

―The transitions in the song seem to represent the passage of time. It’s very profound.

Gackt: “Emptiness” can mean many things. Sometimes, just five minutes can feel like a year or two. I think I was able to express the moment when you suddenly snap back to reality after a period of emptiness.

―By the way, this release comes with a video, right?

Mana: Yes, it does. We’re releasing the video in September. The video included with the single is just a small part of the footage shot in France, but the September release will be more like a movie. Malice Mizer is a band with a three-dimensional concept, so we use various stage performances to bring our songs to life. Visuals are an essential part of our expression.

Gackt: So, it won’t be just a typical music video; it will be something that embodies the feelings behind “Bel Air.”

ARENA 37°C (アリーナサーティーセブン) Vol.181 1997年10月

KAMI: When you go on tour i think the tour finale is the culmination of how much you’ve grown during the process. For now, i want to make this tour something great and take it on as a challenge. Touring is such a valuable learning experience and i'm always thinking about how best to express myself as i go through it.

- Previously, Mana mentioned that recent stage performances are completely different from those a year ago. Does the way you present yourselves change as the venues grow larger?

MANA: It’s completely different. For example, when performing at a large hall like Shibuya Public Hall versus a live house there’s a significant difference in the distance between us and the audience. Back in the day we used to incorporate theatrical elements but in larger halls, those details can’t really be seen. That’s why we adjust our presentation and stage direction to suit the venue.

- At your recent performance at Akasaka BLITZ, I felt that while your image evokes dreams and illusions, there seems to be a stark reality behind that. Is that intentional?"

MANA: Yeah, you’ve touched on something pretty important. I think we give off a very fantastical image but at the core we’re actually expressing raw, visceral human emotions. If people can pick up on that contrast, I think that’s ideal.

- Alright, Gackt we’ll wrap up with you. Could you tell us about the significance of the upcoming 'Deuxième Anniversaire ~ The Magnificent Revival' performance on the 10th?"

Gackt: The 10th is a very meaningful day for Malice Mizer. As the name suggests, it’s a resurrection, a rebirth of sorts. It’s also an opportunity for those who have never seen Malice Mizer before to witness us. It might sound misleading, but Malice Mizer is Malice Mizer no matter the occasion. I often say that we are ever-changing but even if the way we express ourselves changes, the core remains the same. We are changing, yet unchanged. I want people to feel that duality. Additionally, the meaning of the 'Blank Moments' in the 'Pays de Merveilies ~ Blank Moments'... I personally felt those blank moments during the 'Voyage ~ Vérité' tour. I want to express that."

- Could you elaborate on that?"

Gackt: On July 20th, during the BLITZ performance, my dog, who had been my only family for over 20 years, collapsed just before the live. While I was performing, they were undergoing surgery. By the time I rushed over after the show, they had already passed away. I don’t know if that was the reason, but everything that day was utterly chaotic. I revisited the metaphorical 'door of blank moments,' and i came to realize that everything starts from that point. That’s why i want to present something meaningful every single day. During the first half of the tour, i was in a slump, but in the second half i want to get even a step closer to the ideal version of myself. I want to remain positive in all aspects, convey that to people and hope they can feel it.

Most games tend to have a clear objective for the players to follow as the story unfolds. However, "MYST," with its completely different gameplay style, was a controversial masterpiece. Personally, I was drawn to its supreme graphics and was greatly impressed by the stunning CG, so naturally, i was a fan.

While the difficulty level of the game is extremely high, the sheer beauty of it is enough to captivate people. Despite stumbling through the game, I found solace in the mesmerizing world it presented, often getting lost in its enchanting visuals. "MYST" brought a fresh perspective to adventure games through its innovative approach, making it a monumental piece of work.

We're fortunate to live in an era where we can enjoy games with incredibly beautiful polygon graphics. Recently, I was engrossed in playing "Oblivion" on PS3, which gave me a similar sensation to "MYST." It's a game set in a medieval European-inspired open world, allowing players to freely explore its vast landscapes.

The world depicted in polygons is so visually stunning that it's almost indistinguishable from reality. The swaying grass and rippling water surfaces create an illusion of actually being in that world. Of course, "Oblivion" has its own objectives as a game, but my primary desire was simply to explore the vast world it offered. I even sacrificed sleep during the New Year's holiday a few years ago just to keep playing.

The evolution of gaming graphics in recent years is truly astounding, and it's astonishing to see how far we've come from the past. While I may have become accustomed to revolutionary games like those on high-spec machines in recent years, I believe that it's this connection to the past, such as with "MYST," that has shaped my gaming experience. It might seem outdated now, but delving back into that unique world of "MYST" brings back a sense of nostalgia.

"MYST" holds a special place in my heart, and I feel like I could approach it with a fresh perspective now. Plus, there are sequels I have yet to play, so that's definitely on my to-do list!