Mana Sama - Blog Posts

MALICE MIZER

After leaving the audience in suspense, Kami took the microphone and in a surprise twist the members reappeared, intensifying the final moments. In response to the huge cheers the encore saw the five members take the stage in military uniforms, waving a naval ensign. It’s rare to see a band that can pull off such a wide variety of costumes... I couldn’t help but think how much fun they must be having as I was completely overwhelmed by their high energy stage presence and performance.

The following day, on the 11th, they performed on a stage titled The Door of the Blank Moment. The show began explosively, with special effects firing off immediately at the start, and the band, dressed in glossy enamel costumes, launched into an aggressive and high-energy performance, reminiscent of the later half of a set. I was once again stunned, realizing that this was yet another way to kick off a show. I had heard that the two days would be completely different... but I didn’t expect them to be this different.

The second song, ILLUMINATI, began with a shout of "Come at me!" and during the song, Gackt shoved Mana onto a sofa? The sight of Mana and Közi's suspiciously close interactions elicited screams, leaving everyone fixated on their movements.

While Yu~ki didn’t display any flashy movements, his intricate rhythms and occasional melodies shone through. In the fourth song, Le Ciel, he descended from the stage set to perform front and center. Every little movement from them was captivating, and during the middle of the set, each member had their own moment to shine, pulling the audience into their individual worlds.

Just like the previous day, Gackt’s highly charged MC led the show into its second half. Sweet, yet somehow melancholic melodies... these enchanting songs brought color to the latter part of the concert.

The encore that day was especially memorable. The members appeared one by one, dressed as the characters from the video Bel Air, each stepping out in their respective roles. It was a surreal sensation, as if the fictional story in the video and the real-life story unfolding on stage were blending together. The five of them gathered on stage in those costumes and, as a parting gift to the audience, performed the final number, of course, Bel Air.

Their stage was a world filled with countless elements: beautiful things, grotesque things, pure things, mysterious things, frightening things, nostalgic things, new things... an endless variety of wonders. It was a world that transcended conventional concepts and couldn’t be confined within the usual boundaries of a live performance. For those two days, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in their unique world.

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.

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.”

MALICE MIZER "Bel Air In the Blank Moment de l'image"

Premiere Screening

1997.9.18, Osaka Kosei Nenkin Kaikan, Middle Hall

A video screening event presented by the “art collective” Malice Mizer.

"It was just supposed to be a simple video screening yet they brought in an entire 1 ton truck full of sets. At first i thought i could go in with a casual mindset but after hearing that from the event organizer i knew i couldn't take this lightly. Malice Mizer known as an 'art collective,' has always used rock as a medium to express themselves in a conceptual manner. This 'premiere screening' was held as a pre release event for the video work Bel Air ~In the Blank Moment de l’image (de l'Image) which they filmed entirely on location in France. Of course even though it was 'just' a video screening it was full of the unique expression typical of them.

Right from the start we were surprised when the MC greeted the audience with a casual, 'Good evening, everyone!' instantly grabbing everyone’s attention... or rather drawing laughter. The host was none other than Koeda an unexpectedly unconventional choice. As expected of Malice Mizer they never do anything ordinary. Even Koeda himself seemed rather nervous, asking, 'Are we really okay here?' as the screening began.

Then as the lights dimmed a grand noble looking set appeared adorned with the light of numerous candles flickering in the background resembling the atmosphere of a royal chamber. On the chairs set on stage sat the members, dressed as the characters they played in the video. Ah, this must be why they needed a whole truck for the set.

The conversation between the MC and the members soon turned to behind the scenes stories from their time in France which were introduced one by one along with off shot footage. Throughout the night Mana remained completely silent. Apparently, he claimed to only understand French so Kozi took the liberty of speaking on his behalf.

After the video screening of Bel Air, the members gave their final greetings.

'We were able to create a great work, so I hope you’ll watch it not just once, but many times' (Gackt).

'I hope it sparks all kinds of imagination' (Kami).

In the middle of their comments Kozi mentioned the upcoming tour in December saying, 'We hope you’ll experience the new world of Malice Mizer.'

Their words combined with the fact that they brought in a 1 ton truck full of sets just for a screening, dressed in character from the video, and even chose such an unconventional MC, made it clear that their large-scale live show would be something truly special. It left many in the audience with high expectations for the upcoming live performances. There's no doubt they will deliver something beyond anything we've ever seen before.

What kind of new world will Malice Mizer reveal next?

MALICE MIZER

"Rest of the aristocrats! Fans capture exclusive photos!! A new charm brimming in their post-concert appearance.

Please take a look at their rare unseen moments of rest.

The photo was given to me by a friend who used to follow Malice around back then. It’s from when i was just getting to know Malice so i couldn’t tell who was who without makeup. I even wrote their names on the back of the photo (lol). Looking back i realize how incredibly rude that was."

When and how did you first start playing the guitar? How did you feel at that time?

I was captivated by the heavy distortion sound of 44MAGNUM and Mötley Crüe.

Why did you decide to become a guitarist?

When I strummed the guitar through a beat-up 10W amp with an Arion distortion pedal, the cool sound made me think, "This is it!"

Have you liked music since you were young? How were your grades in music class during your school days?

I liked music, but I hated music classes.

Have you ever played any other instruments besides the guitar? If yes, which ones?

Yes, I’ve played vocals, bass, and drums—just kind of ended up doing it.

If you were to play another part besides guitar, what would it be and why?

Vocals. I'd like to express myself through singing.

Do you think there are any advantages or disadvantages of playing guitar compared to other parts?

None.

Which guitarists have influenced you?

Yngwie Malmsteen, Carcassi, and Sor.

Are there any guitarists you respect or aspire to be like?

I’m a guitarist, but I’m not aiming to be someone else.

Who do you consider your rival guitarist?

Sanzo.

What sets you apart from other guitarists?

I don't limit myself to expressing myself through just the guitar.

What do you always do before going on stage?

Think and imagine.

What do you focus on when it comes to your stage performance?

How to bring the best out of the songs.

What inspires you in your musical activities?

Everything, it’s too hard to sum up in a word.

What's the most important thing for a guitarist?

Feeling. Also, treating the guitar as if it were my lover.

What do you currently need as a guitarist?

More finger technique.

Do you want to keep playing guitar for your entire life?

No, I don’t really feel tied to the guitar.

What does playing guitar mean to you?

It has no specific meaning.

LIVE Schedule: 1/6 ON AIR WEST

Bucket list

Real name: Mana

Date of birth: March 19

Height/Weight: 173 cm, 49 kg

Hobbies/Special skills: Cooking, night walks

Albums I’m listening to lately: None in particular

Recent events/news that caught my attention: —

Things I want as a present: Treatment bags, spring water, toys

Message to the fans: Be afraid.

Mana

MALICE MIZER

-As usual when i interview MALICE MIZER my mind starts to dry up a bit (laughs).

Gackt: If you don’t get caught up in rigid notions or long held beliefs i think a lot can be understood. People attach years to the concept of time for clarity but that’s just a human made record for our convenience, not a true representation of time itself.

- Is it that before crossing or not crossing the sky, it was never something that was defined in the first place?

Gackt: I wonder? Also, within this album, various characters and shapes come to light but i believe it’s important to note that everything is linked in some form.

-However, this album really delves deeply into everything from the concepts to the sounds.

Gackt: The sound is so rich that we didn’t have enough channels. Even in parts of the songs we didn’t touch on in this interview there're various mechanisms woven into the fabric.

Gackt: Rather than mechanisms everything is inevitably included.

-It’s quite a niche no, a freaky endeavor, isn’t it?

Kozi: That’s MALICE MIZER’s characteristic after all.

Gackt: It can’t be helped. The people creating this are all quite freaky. After working on this album i realized something: discussions about MALICE MIZER often tend to concentrate on visual performances.

Mana: That might be true. But it’s more than that. It’s not limited to visual aspects; we aim to enhance our world in every way possible through all the elements we can use to create. This album made that very clear.

Gackt: Absolutely. Well, since our appearance is what it is i can understand why people would focus on visuals whether they say it’s impressive or over the top. However for MALICE MIZER we want to express our thoughts through sound and stage in all aspects, so if they can understand that it’s great. Of course i believe that in this album the individual growth and evolution as a collective are clearly represented. Given that it’s natural for the quality to rise.

-By the way, will there be any continued performances of "Bois de merveilles" in the future?

Mana: Who knows? (laughs)

Kozi: It’s too precious to just give away (laughs). I think there might be a performance around the next show though.

Gackt: I can’t say anything just yet.

Kozi: Plus performing the songs from this album live requires extensive preparation. They’re so intricate!

Gackt: Regardless MALICE MIZER inherently has the characteristic of deliberately taking a perplexing path.

- I think this has been discussed many times before but can you share your thoughts heading toward the final performance?

Gackt: Just remember that beginnings and endings are always back to back.

Mana: That’s right, everyone, please give it your all and feel it.

Yu~ki: Look forward to it.

Kozi: Absolutely!

Mana: What’s that in reference to?

Kozi: Well...

Gackt: What should I do? If it’s to myself (laughs).

M (Mana): I really want to wear blue jeans, a T-shirt and no makeup but the other members don’t allow it so i have no choice but to dress like this.

T (Tetsu): That’s awful~ (laughs). But I think it suits the songs. Since we’re playing a European sound you have to dress accordingly. I’m casual but i try to give off a noble vibe...

Y (Yuki): I try to express as much individuality as I can, but there’s a limit to makeup and clothes so that’s my biggest concern right now.

K (Közi): For me it’s divine inspiration.

T: Apparently it arrives in the mail while he’s sleeping. “Wear this today!!” (laughs).

K&T: “From God!!” (laughs).

– Future goals?

T: I want to improve my expressive abilities during live shows. Also, I want to get better and write more songs.

M: Let’s speak seriously! Through the sound we create, I want to bring sorrow to as many people as possible.

T: To all of humanity, with this sound...

M:We’ll move people through music.

K: Feel the craziness of the song and dance with drunkenness! (laughs).

– What is your ideal as Malice Mizer?

M: To pursue music that moves everyone!!

K: And wait for the day we become gods!! (laughs).

– Regarding the fans, what’s the demographic like?

T: A lot of them seem really young, don’t they?

M: As for me, I’d like people from kindergarten to grandmothers to listen widely.

K: Men and women of all ages!!

M: Our music has no age limit, whether you’re young or old, it can move you. That’s the kind of music we aim to create, and I want all kinds of people to come to our shows.

– What do you expect from your fans?

M: Listen to our music!! Right now, come back to this thrilling sound (laughs).

T: Yeah, I’d like them to stick with us and not get tired of the current state because things will keep changing.

M: Ladies, listen with your whole body. Gentlemen, come to our live shows first and listen to our music. And then copy us by ear!

K: Don’t look at the fretboard during the live shows. Don’t copy by sight (laughs).

T: Listen with your ears... You see, we were rock kids ourselves (laughs). When guys come to the shows, I’d like to win them over with sound, not looks.

M: One day, I’d like them to form a cover band.

T: The other day when we went to Osaka, there was a survey where someone said they wanted to start a band like Malice Mizer (laughs).

Y: Fans crushing each other!!

– What do you want fans to stop doing?

K: Ah, it seems like there are cliques.

M: Everyone, please get along.

T: Please stop taking photos during the afterparties. If we’re photographed during the afterparty, we’re done for.

KOZI (MALICE MIZER) ASTAN - 2005 Vol.21

Translated by my cousin (corrections are always welcome)

Malice Mizer: MALICE (MALEVOLENCE) AND MIZERE (TRAGEDY)

A comprehensive biography of this band, which is second only to X-Japan in importance within J-Rock or Visual Kei, would be too extensive. Here, we will focus on the period starting with Gackt's entry into the band.

Malice Mizer was founded in August 1992 by Mana and Közi (Kouji). After several line-up changes, the band consisted of: Gackt (vocals, piano), Mana (guitar, keyboards), Közi (guitar, violin), Kami (drums), and Yu-ki (bass) starting in August 1995.

Shortly thereafter, the group released their second album, "Voyage (sans retour)," marking a first step toward superstardom. The musicians' popularity steadily increased, attracting the attention of major record labels. Thus in 1997, MM signed with Columbia in Japan. Their first single, "Bel Air kuhaku no toki no naka de," was released followed by TV appearances and radio shows as well as the famous concert at Nihon Budokan.

In 1998, "Merveilles" was released. Malice Mizer was at the peak of their career, embodying everything associated with superstardom. Fan displays overshadowed anything conceivable, and Gackt could undoubtedly be referred to as the most popular Japanese show star at the time. The concerts were elaborate events, with costumes and staging that surpassed everything seen before. However, the fractures within the band were unmistakable. While Gackt seemed to thrive in the J-Pop Olympus the remaining members were striving for artistic quality. Disputes ensued, resulting in Gackt leaving the band in January 1999. As if that weren’t enough, drummer Kami passed away later that year due to an arterial brain hemorrhage. Following Kami's death, on September 21 1999 the band decided to take a hiatus.

Their fourth album, "bara no seidō," was released in August 2000 under an indie label, Midi:NetteM+M which was the newly established label owned by the band. The album "bara no seidō" is an epic work, heavily influenced by German classical music. Choral passages and long instrumental sections elevate this work to classic status. The trio of Mana, Közi, and Yu-ki experimented on this album without a fixed singer or drummer. This is undoubtedly the most impressive and monumental work by MM, although its reception from the audience could have been better. Perhaps under this impression, the band decided to recruit a new singer, Klaha, in August 2000. The sound shifted towards an epic and darker rock sound. With Klaha, MM returned to catchy melodies, though they were far removed from the J-Pop of the Gackt years. In my opinion, this is the best, albeit temporarily concluding, chapter of the group.

A few singles were released afterward. The last tour took place in July 2001, after which the band disbanded. Klaha began his solo career, Közi is currently active as a solo artist and as a member of Eve Of Destiny, while Mana has become a well-known figure in Japan with his own fashion line and Gothic Lolita shops. He continues to be active as a musician in his band MDM. Yu-ki is no longer prominently involved in music.

It’s also essential to look into the successor bands of Malice Mizer. I can't find anything appealing in Gackt and Klaha's solo works. I really enjoy Eve Of Destiny, as well as everything Mana releases to the public. EOD is an industrial goth band; Mana is much heavier but also more classical in orientation. Közi's solo work sounds very relaxed and somewhat French, although he writes in English.

I have met Közi several times and found him to be a somewhat shy and introverted man. However, he is a very nice guy. But that’s just a side note. What fascinates me is the band's fluctuating musical trajectory. By the time Gackt joined, the typical "growing pains" of any group had settled, and a first creative peak was reached with Gackt. The time with Gackt was the commercially most successful period, and the concerts were a dream visual event. The costumes changed multiple times during the show, and the staging would be compared to German theatrical productions.

Part 2

Groups like Rammstein would turn green with envy. Musically i find Gackt quite uninteresting. He knew how to present himself well in the spotlight but that’s about it. Gackt after Malice Mizer is nothing more than slimy, sweet-and-sour J-Pop. A nod to Herr Rohlen. Artistically an MM album like "bara no seido" is much more impressive. Some elements remind me that both Mana and Közi are great admirers of the German composer Bach. This influence is unmistakable. These influences, combined with Közi's and Mana's magnificent guitar playing, elevate "bara no seido" to a masterpiece for this group. The musicality of Malice Mizer is one of the outstanding characteristics of the Japanese band. The range of instruments spans from the standard instruments of a rock band to very European instruments such as clavichord, spinet, violin, or accordion. One might think that nothing catchy could emerge from this, but that is precisely one of the band's strengths.

Each song is assigned a style and a color. Mana represents the color blue, in which his clothing is designed. Mana is an imposing figure who can only be described as beautiful. When I first saw a video by MM, I thought the guitarist looked quite good. Not to mention, the guitarist is a male. In Japanese tradition, it is not so unusual for a man to appear feminine. Mana gives few interviews and hardly speaks in public, yet he is the creative mind behind Malice Mizer. He has perfected the Gothic Lolita style and can be understood as the counterpart to Gackt. Gackt does not wear white makeup and is considered by a large part of the female MM fans to be the quintessential fairy tale prince.

Közi represents the color red. He appears quite androgynous as an MM member. At the same time, he is aloof, reserved, and doll like fragile. Kami represents the color purple and Yu-ki represents yellow and/or orange. Noteworthy about him is his occasionally drawn-on occasionally real beard. Klaha’s color is either black or white. He later takes on Gackt's role but is much more masculine and less boyish than Gackt.

The look of this group. Malice Mizer seems to change costumes like others change underwear. It’s incredible how tastefully and stylishly Malice Mizer dressed and presented themselves. The staging on stage and in the videos is trendsetting and has not been achieved by any group known to me before or since. The transition from a metal band to a VK group and ultimately to a heavily Gothic-influenced act is marked by significant breaks. Yet, one can always recognize Malice Mizer's typical sound. For anyone who is now curious, I strongly recommend checking out the live DVDs or the group’s videos. Personally, I really enjoy the videos and music from the time with Klaha. The videos with Gackt are more colorful, vibrant and playful. I can recommend all DVDs from Malice Mizer.

The End

By Mana-sama

Nostalgic Game Inferno

The Xbox, which I will be discussing this time, made a striking impression with its beautiful, green-glowing icon that was visible beyond the earth sliced by an "X."

When the announcement of a new hardware invasion from America came i was excited back in 2002. At the time of the Xbox's arrival, the gaming market had seen Sega's Dreamcast defeated, while Nintendo's N64 and GameCube were struggling. The market had become a stronghold for Sony, led by the PS2.

Speaking of the PS2, it had a significant advantage with its DVD playback function. Even though the DVD market wasn’t established yet, the ability to play games and watch DVDs was quite impressive… Sony’s strategy was ahead of its time. Then, Microsoft which had dominated the global PC market launched an attack on the firmly established PS2 empire from across the sea! "Microsoft's game entry with immense wealth. They must be a terrifying enemy for Sony," I shivered at the thought.

The reason I felt this way was due to my encounter with the "ATARI 2600" from the American company Atari. I recall when I was still a young child. At a time when even the Famicom hadn’t been born yet I was familiar with games through a system at toy stores where I could play for a few minutes by inserting 50 yen. Despite being in such an era, the price of the ATARI 2600 was around 60,000 yen. It was an astonishingly expensive item for a child, and of course, I couldn’t get one. In the midst of this, the infamous "Atari Shock" occurred leading to Atari's downfall! This created a dark history in the gaming market with its collapse.

Now, back to the Xbox's invasion of Japan. The advertising campaign was tremendous. Leading up to its release, Shibuya was dyed in Xbox colors, creating a huge buzz! My first encounter with the actual Xbox was during an interview with Famitsu about the Xbox. I visited the Famitsu editorial department to be interviewed and got to see the console before its release!

As a result, the first American attempt at entering Japan ended in failure. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t the first attempt, but let’s leave it at that for now.Then, in 2002, a time leap occurred, marking the start of America’s third attempt at entering Japan with the black ship Xbox.

Why is it the third attempt? Because the 3DO, which I love dearly and discussed in the first installment of this series, attempted its second entry in 1994. Some might think it’s a Japanese-made game console since it was released by Matsushita Electric Industrial in Japan, but in reality, the 3DO is American-made. Japanese companies had licensing agreements with the "3DO standard."

Now, getting a bit sidetracked—my first impression of that black, square object was striking. It felt substantial, and a line forming an X ran across the middle. Inside it was a semi-transparent green dome of the Xbox, which gave it a presence that made me think, "This is really cool!" and I couldn’t help but shout that in my heart.

The only disappointment was that the green dome didn’t light up. If it had lit up, it would have been perfect. That said, the original Xbox is one of my favorite consoles.

Kami's Monologue

Vol. 1 #Mu

This time i thought i would introduce a treasure of mine thati haven’t shown to many people. Actually, i collect various things like old candy and juice cans.

Recently, when i happened to go to a convenience store i saw… to my surprise, coffee gum has made a splendid comeback…!! So let me introduce part of my treasure: the history of Lotte gum.

This is Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum which is very, very sweet... However, the blend of various fruits is exquisite… It’s no longer sold but I’m sure it will make a comeback (as of June 6).

The green gum, this is Fresh Mint Chewing Gum. I remember seeing this gum in my childhood, but I never had it. However the reason I have this gum now is a secret. The taste is a bit like a lighter version of green gum. It has a refreshing flavor and is quite nice.

The white gum, Spearmint Gum. This one has a minty, cool feeling but is a sweet flavor that I really like.

The pink gum , Bonnie Ume Gum. It truly has the taste of ume (plum). It doesn’t taste like pickled plum but has a plum like flavor. This is also one of my favorite sweet gums.

The brown gum… Coffee Chewing Gum. This gum has splendidly made a comeback recently after disappearing once about ten years ago. I was very sad about that. This is also sweet, with a sweet coffee flavor.

The newly revived version has slightly different packaging. The flavor is a bit lighter, but it has been beautifully recreated.

The blue gum… Grapefruit Chewing Gum. I have a memory of being bought this when I was a child, and I was so impressed by how delicious it was. A few years later, it disappeared.

The reason I have this gum now is a secret! I was shocked when a gum I really liked disappeared, but it miraculously came back as a 1/5 commemorative edition, which also moved me. It has changed its name to "Sweety Gum"...

In reality, the flavor was not very well recreated. The taste is actually more profound and sweet, similar to the flavor of grapefruit chewing gum. It is wonderful that things from the past can make a comeback. It truly shows that “history repeats itself.”

There are also Green Gum, Tarl Mint Gum, and others, but there is actually one gum that I don’t have. It’s called Quick Quench Gum. There’s a picture of a person playing sports on the yellow packaging. The taste is lemon-flavored, with a slightly sporty feeling, like a mix of Pocari Sweat and Gatorade... I really liked it, but for some reason, chewing this gum made my teeth hurt, which I hated. When you eat lemon, your teeth might hurt, right...? It’s just like that...

There are other perfumes like "Yves" and "Donna." There used to be many delicious and wonderful things. I hope more things will make a comeback.

15 Autumn 1999

Mana and Kami, capturing precious memories with their adorable photos from years ago such as posing in front of the Statue of Hachiko or in Shibuya in the Hachiko Family Mural.

Enjoy 💜💙

Zapping CD Track 24: Interview!

Gackt

"This time, the PV is based on the story of the song’s world."

15:58 - Gackt makes a magnificent entrance through the grasslands.

17:44 - Gackt gives direction to Jasmine, saying, "Relax and entrust your heart and body to me."

18:16 - A playful scene during filming for the engine shot.

"This song was originally created last year when I went to France to shoot a video. I was zoning out on top of a hill when the world of 'Le ciel' suddenly came to me. The version in the album and this version aren’t about which is correct; I think people will feel our emotions and the expanded worldview in this single. And for this promotional video, we wanted to portray the song’s world as a story. We spent a huge amount of time on the storyboard, and I think it changed about 14 or 15 times. By the way, Nagano is really a wonderful place, right? I’m having fun, and it’s been relaxing to film here."

17:03 - During a shoot for this magazine, Gackt asks, "Is this photo an extension of the PV or something separate?" showing his attention to detail.

16:04 - After checking the eyeline, they started the test. Five test takes, two main takes, and it was a wrap.

We enjoyed nature, including the various bird calls, but almost all of the staff were bitten by insects…

MALICE MIZER

Day 2

6:30 - 18:30 Filming in a pasture in Nagano was purely magical!

At 6:30 AM, the staff gathered at a certain location in Tokyo and headed to a ranch in Nagano. The scene was shot in a pasture where ordinary people are not allowed. That day, it was just Gackt and Jasmine appearing again. The two blended so beautifully into the landscape that it seemed almost surreal. On this day, they shot 20 scenes and 48 takes. After each take, they checked the monitor and discussed the subtle expressions and movements with director Muto. The attention to detail and the commitment to refining every shot was a testament to their passion as creators.

At 16:25, Gackt continued holding Jasmine, smiling wryly as he said, "I'm starting to sweat."

Director Hiroyuki Muto

"There's no one more interesting than them."

We held three full meetings with everyone involved. While respecting the vision of Gackt, who wrote the lyrics, we discussed everything as a team and created the storyboard. The challenge was to maintain the unity of the group while highlighting each individual member. Their concept is always clear, so it’s fun to shoot each time.

This is the third time that director Muto, who usually works in television drama, has filmed a PV for MALICE MIZER.

A completely new arrangement of "Le ciel Beyond the Blank Space"

Since their major debut in July of last year, MALICE MIZER has built a world of "merveilles" (which means "wonders"). To conclude the concept of this album, they’ve released this song. While the song was already included in the album "merveilles," this single features a completely new arrangement, making it even more dramatic. The track begins with a bass drum beat (with each beat at a different pitch) and has been meticulously crafted. From the beginning to its shocking ending, it’s a song meant to be played at high volume. (Released by Nippon Columbia CODA-16178, priced at 1,400 yen, released on 9/30.)

A studio where the entire set was completely rearranged in one night.

Yu-ki’s prop was a staff adorned with a crystal ball.

Day 4

9:00 - 22:00 Finally, the entire cast appeared, and it was simply breathtaking!

On the final day, the filming proceeded with Jasmine, followed by Kami. Initially, Kami was unsure of how to move, but gradually, his poses came together, and he finished within two hours. Then, at 16:26, the entire cast appeared. This was the only scene in the video where all the members appeared together, and the tension of the final scene made everyone assume it would take a long time to get an OK take (meaning the end time was undetermined). Surprisingly, though, it was completed in about 40 minutes with just six takes. Afterward, Gackt was filmed alone, marking the end of all shooting.

→ After filming, Kami took Jasmine out for a stroll in this very outfit to a convenience store.

13th Day, 20:56 - Yu-ki checking the oboe fingerings.

Interview!

Yu-ki

Even the other members were surprised.

"At 20:44 on the 13th, I was instructed by Director Muto to take on the image of a 'bad fairy.'"

"I’m trying to surprise everyone."

"It’s not just an ordinary promotional video. I want to capture the world of the song in a concrete way through the visuals, so I’m putting in a lot of effort. Regarding the costumes, this time, for the first time, we used 'white' as a theme, and each of us brought in our own ideas, trying to surprise even the other members. I think everyone had that feeling. I made my own headpiece, but I didn’t have any initial image for the makeup. As I was drawing, it just ended up like this (laughs)."

→ At 20:39 on the 13th, he checks his position during a makeup touch-up.

14th Day, 19:07 - Only two scenes left!

At 1:27 on the 14th, the director instructed, "Don’t forget your affection for her."

Yu-ki’s look was highly praised among the staff. On the 3rd day, he shot three scenes with five takes.

14th Day, 13:54 - Kami shows off a daring move, playing the sitar with a bow.

This song has the most emotion packed into the interlude.

Gackt appeared at 16:26 on the 14th day. The scene of breaking the flower was symbolic.

→ Even just standing still, Kami looks like a picture.

"This was the hardest shoot for me. There was so little movement (laughs). During 'Gekka no Yasoukyoku,' there was quite a bit of movement. Somehow, the movements feel forced. As for 'Le ciel Beyond the Blank Space,' I focused on the pacing, especially in the interlude. We mixed four types of drums, and for me, that part is packed with the most emotion. Some sounds don’t even seem like they’re from drums. In this interlude, I wanted it to feel like the emotions of all five members were clashing. Time off? None (decisively). We’re destined to keep running (laughs)."

Kami teaching Jasmine how to play the sitar.

Filming completed! Time for a commemorative photo!!

After the unexpectedly quick conclusion of the full-cast scene, at 18:38, the staff joined in, and they took a commemorative photo. Some covered their faces, and some turned their backs, but in any case, great job, everyone!

I did a little translation on Mana's personal interview. Corrections are very welcome! Thank you so much in advance!

The dark-themed works that were released in the early days. I was captivated by these eerie and unsettling creations, which were far from being considered suitable for children.

I had the opportunity to have a discussion with the person in charge of producing that series of dark games.

All of those games were illustrated by a single designer. That designer had an aura about him and would immerse himself in work for about a month, isolated, to complete the projects. The resulting works had a unique sense of fear, and I was told they even went to Asakusa Shrine for a purification ritual before the games were released. I heard various behind-the-scenes stories like that.

Another memorable discussion was with Konami’s director, Yakushiji. I’ve always been a big fan of the "Castlevania" series since the Famicom days, and I had completed all the previous versions, including the Disk System and PC Engine versions. Our discussion took place around the release of the N64 version, "Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness."

"Legacy of Darkness" was the first 3D installment, breaking away from the traditional side-scrolling action format of the series. Yakushiji asked me, "Did you feel any discomfort with the transition to 3D?" I remember getting quite passionate and responding, "I was deeply moved by the experience of navigating the 3D space in that iconic Castlevania world, which was originally in 2D!"

A landmark encounter that marked the final installment: A conversation with Koichi Sugiyama.

The final interview in this series brought me to visit the home of Koichi Sugiyama, a pioneer of game music. Sugiyama is also a collector of game hardware, and he showed me various rare consoles like the "Intellivision," which surprised me. His collection room was truly a treasure trove for me.

Including the previous interview with Eno-san, my column for "Jugemu" brought me many valuable encounters. Sugiyama, who integrated classical music into game soundtracks and revolutionized game music, had a dramatic and theatrical approach to sound. It’s no exaggeration to say he sparked a revolution in game music. As a musician who also incorporates classical elements into my work, we had many conversations about music. I learned a lot that benefited my own musical activities, and I remember how educational the discussions were.

The world I express in my work was born from the inspiration I received from various games. Though it was only a short period of a year, the experiences I had talking to people involved in game development have become a great treasure to me.

QUARTER MAZE

Beauty Hair Encyclopedia

MANA (G)

(Malice Mizer)

Favorite Products

Shampoo & Conditioner: Pantene

Treatment: Split-end treatment from the hair salon (Wella)

Styling Products: Finesse mousse

- How long have you been growing your hair?

About 5 years, I think? During that time, I’ve cut it a little.

-How often and where do you get your hair cut?

About once every three years. I have wavy hair, so I don’t get perms. I'm currently in the process of growing it out, so if I think the ends are looking a bit messy, I go get a trim. Any hair salon is fine. I just find a stylish, modern salon while walking around town.

-What do you do after washing your hair?

Basically, because my hair is long, it’s tough to dry (laughs), so I let it air dry. But it tangles quite a bit, so sometimes I do dry it properly with a hairdryer, making it about half and half.

-Do you usually tie your hair up or leave it down?

I tie it back in a ponytail.

-If you dye your hair, what do you use?

Powder hair rinse. The colors I use are blue or platinum.

-Advice for your stage hairstyle.

The way I curl my hair for the stage is something I’ve developed on my own. There’s a trick to the way I curl it so if you want to try practice it. Master your own curling method! The key is to use a curling iron. You definitely can’t do it with curlers (laughs).

-Hair Care Message

Hair is a long-time friend. For a woman, hair is life (laughs). Hair that smells good is the best!!

YU~KI (B)

(Malice Mizer)

Favorite Products

Shampoo & Conditioner: LUX Super Rich

Treatment: V05 Wave Hair Treatment

Styling Products: Anything. I use what I get.

-How long have you been growing your hair?

About 4 to 5 years, I guess? But I sometimes cut my bangs and the sides myself.

-How often and where do you get your hair cut?

I go to the salon when I get a perm, but otherwise, I do everything myself. I cut it whenever it starts to bother me.

-Reason for getting a perm.

I didn’t want to use spray to make my hair stand up, so I got a perm.

-What do you do after washing your hair?

I towel dry it well and try not to use the hairdryer too much. It damages the hair you know. Then I just apply some light mousse and that’s it.

-Do you usually tie your hair up or leave it down?

I tie it up because I have a lot of work. On my days off i leave it down though.After all you shouldn't tighten your hair (laughs)!

-If you dye your hair what do you use?

I bleach it and drop it to blonde before using hair dye. A long time ago, I used to put in red, but as I dyed it black over time, it naturally turned into the right shade...

- Advice for your stage hairstyle.

If you grow your hair and get a perm, you’ll get my hairstyle.

- Hair Care Message

Hair is a woman’s life. No matter how beautiful your face is, if your hair is damaged, I can’t handle it (laughs). Having beautiful hair is a pretty high point for me (laughs)!!

THE END

Atra Winter 2007 // Klaha

As you can tell from his profile Atra kun is still very much a child. Everything he sees is new to him and he’s full of curiosity thinking everything is his toy. If you're careless and leave things on a table or somewhere within his reach, by the time you realize it, they’ll be hidden somewhere. For example, under the sofa or the bed... You might think you've completely lost something, only to find it one day by chance under the sofa or bed. Such troublesome events happen often. But it’s this mischievous and lively personality that makes him so charming.

However, the thing that's troubling me the most with Atra right now is his eating habits. The problem is he won’t eat unless I’m right beside him constantly stirring his food with my fingers. And in the end unless i place the remaining small amount of food in my palm and feed him by hand he won’t finish his meal.

The root cause is of course that I’ve spoiled him too much. But on days when I have to leave early for a photoshoot or something it’s difficult to always be there to feed him. Not to mention, he eats slowly and tends to eat his meal in several sittings.

So about his eating habits... By the way when Atra kun is in such a troublesome state if I try to leave without indulging him, he will inevitably start making strange, incomprehensible noises like 'Oh, no!!' while jumping at me in desperation.

Of course he also acts spoiled at times. For example, when I'm getting ready to leave, Atra will start pouncing on me as if to say, 'Don’t leave me!' He makes such cute sounds that I can’t help but think, 'How adorable!' It's always a cycle of him calling for me when he wants to eat and us playing chase.

When I can’t help but follow him, he’ll suddenly look back as if to say, 'Are you coming?' Sometimes we swap roles and I have to chase him while he pretends to run away and hide behind doors or other places. We play like this, almost as if we were prince and servant, with him always making me follow him around the house.

Then, when he finally gets sleepy and starts to doze off, he lets out a small, happy squeal, and somehow, all my tiredness disappears. As if by magic, I feel refreshed, as though his presence alone is enough to heal me.

Talking about Atra kun makes me feel like a total doting parent. There's so much more I want to share about him, but I’ll stop here for now. I’ll tell more stories about Atra kun in this section later. It might be boring for people who don’t like animals, but... well. Next time I plan to go somewhere nice. Where that will be, you’ll have to wait and see!

...when I start talking about Atra kun i feel like a total doting parent. There’s still so much more I want to say, but I think I’ll wrap it up here for now. I’d like to share more stories about Atra kun in this section later. It might be boring for people who don’t like animals, though...

Now then, I plan to go somewhere nice next time. Where that will be, you’ll have to wait and see!

- WHAT's IN? Pictorial ワッツインピクトリアル 1998年7月

All the photo credits to kamitribute

I did a translation on this magazine. If you'd like to correct me please feel free! I hope you enjoy!

"I want you to open your heart and feel. I believe that as humans, there are moments when we can feel something and change ourselves due to unexpected triggers..."

MALICE MIZER

Human Science High Sciety Syndrome

— I’ve lived this way. That’s why, after entering society and starting MALICE MIZER, I feel like I began to think about humanity. The more I think about it, the more negative I feel. Yuki, you’ve had a bit of experience as a salaryman, right?

Yu~ki: Ah, but at that time, I was surrounded by really good people, so I was very fortunate. I feel like my life has always been supported by wonderful people. However, once I entered society, I started to feel the difference between the adult world I envisioned as a child and reality. While I understand that people have their own circumstances, there were times I became almost socially anxious with each encounter. But with MALICE MIZER, there are moments when closing myself off from the world allows for better expression.

— Being blessed by people, does that mainly refer to the members?

Yu~ki: That’s right, of course.

— What about you, Kozi?

Ko: I’m very grateful. As a child, I liked sci-fi manga, and I was thinking of talking about that. However, I recently realized that the reason I started pondering questions like, "What is humanity?" is rooted in something different. It’s about dreams.

— You mean the dreams you have while sleeping?

Ko: Yes, yes. I keep having dreams with similar scenarios, so I started to wonder why. I believe dreams make us conscious of what lies in our subconscious. What exists in our subconscious is likely suppressed by our daily lives. For example, as a baby, I would cry when I was hungry, unable to suppress my desires. But as I grew older, I learned to control myself. I think that the raw essence of my consciousness is suppressed and exists in the unconscious.

— By the way, Kozi, you mentioned that you were attention-seeking in elementary school, right?

Ko: Yes, I wanted to be the star of the school play. I was also the sports committee president (laughs). I think over the years, I became more suppressed and turned into a darker person.

— In MALICE MIZER, do you think you’re trying to liberate that suppressed unconscious?

Ko: Perhaps that aspect is there. — Lastly, I’d like to reflect on the history of MALICE MIZER's performances in terms of expressing " What is humanity?"

— What kind of discussions did you have among the members?

M: Things like the flow of time—past, present, future. Is destiny predetermined? Where is the end of the universe? That sort of thing.

Ko: We used to talk about these things naturally back then.

M: Yeah, it wasn’t like, "Shall we discuss this?

— Were there expressions of "What is humanity?" in your indie-era stage performances? Perhaps in the opening?

M: Hmm, yes, in the live shows...

Ko: I put my heart into the openings (laughs). In the early days, everyone was still playing their instruments properly, so there was only the opening where we would come out empty-handed.

M: When we performed at Shinjuku Loft (a live house), in the opening, the three of us, Kozi, Kami and Yu~ki came on stage suddenly and started fighting. Of course, there was music playing in the background.

— What were you specifically trying to express with that?

M: That’s a really difficult question. Just try to imagine it (laughs).

— I kind of get it...

M: Also, in the opening, I would pull Yu~ki, who was chained, onto the stage and whip him. Yu~ki looked cold and frightened, like a doll.

— That sounds like SM play.

M: We expressed "What is humanity?" in the world of SM. At that time, we didn’t really have any happy performances. The name MALICE MIZER...

— It comes from malice and tragedy, right?

M: So, we’re trying to express the malice and tragedy that lurks deep within humanity, which is why there are many cruel elements.

— Chains were one of your signature techniques, right?

M: Also blood (laughs). In the early days, we used paint for that, but it evolved over time. We were constantly experimenting with detailed performances, setups, and stage designs from our indie days, leading to the wonderful stages of MALICE MIZER today.

Ko: It’s true that our past is what brought us to where we are now, but we’re still in the middle of experimentation. Our attitude of always trying to create something new will continue.

M: There’s no end to it. The audience is also a part of creating our stage. So I want them to open their hearts and watch and feel. I believe there are moments when people can feel something and change themselves due to unexpected triggers. I, too, didn’t know what I should do as a teenager, but I was able to change because of a certain trigger, and I sometimes receive letters from fans saying the same. I would be happy if MALICE MIZER’s CDs or live shows could serve as that trigger."

“There are many things to do when returning to love. While we dive underground and study you all feel various things at home! So when we meet again, please look forward to what MALICE MIZER will be like. I am truly happy to have met you all in this arena!”

“Brise” and then, “au revoir.” The stage was illuminated with blue lighting, creating a beautiful scene. The last number was “ma cherie.” The audience joined in singing the call and response of “Ma Cherie.” KAMI, who had been relentlessly playing the drums, surprisingly engaged with the audience from the stage and at his signal the grand chorus of “Ma Cherie” erupted once again. Silver streamers burst from both sides of the stage and the main performance concluded with a united front of the audience and the five members.

And then the encore. The encore was a grand performance that decorated the finale of this tour. KAMI, YU~KI, KOZI and MANA appeared one after the other, each adorned with large wings. Their gorgeous costumes were worth seeing on their own. And then, at the end, Gackt spread his black wings and descended from above the set. It was breathtaking! The song was “Le ciel,” a single scheduled for release on September 30. Finally, in the center of the stage, Gackt spread his arms and looked up to the heavens, causing the star sphere set high above the stage to shine all at once across the entire width of the hall. Oh! It was truly a star filled sky! The dynamic ending evoked a wave of emotion. I felt like giving a tremendous round of applause to the members as they quietly disappeared from the stage.

The blend of musicality, theatricality, and various elements at different moments is what makes their stage interesting. If not done well, it could easily turn into a jumbled and unmanageable situation, but MALICE MIZER skillfully connected the delicate pieces, showing a unique space. And what they will show us next is completely unpredictable. That’s why you absolutely want to see what comes next. Yes, MALICE MIZER is quite dangerous.

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

I did a little translation of Yu~ki's interview. Feel free to correct me in my mistakes.

Interviewer: This outfit is your personal clothing, right? Is it for a party?

Yu~ki: It’s casual clothing for going out. My pants are showing a bit (laughs), it’s a little too much (laughs).

Interviewer: Are you planning to attend a Christmas party like this?

Yu~ki: Yes, I am.

Interviewer: So, what comes to mind when you think of Christmas?

Yu~ki: Nothing much really. I’m happy because I get to eat cake, that’s about it. ...Though, it’s like, "you can eat cake anytime!" (laughs).

Interviewer: The lights are beautiful, right?

Yu~ki: Yes, they’re definitely beautiful.

Interviewer: Or maybe it’s about getting a lot of presents?

Yu~ki: I guess presents do arrive.

Interviewer: Do you have any positive impressions of Christmas?

Yu~ki: Well, not really. I don’t have any plans for this year either. It’ll probably be over before I even notice (laughs). The cold wind blows, the leaves fall, it’s a lonely season that makes you miss people. And since I look like Dracula in this outfit, maybe I should just go around sucking blood (laughs). But, yeah, it does kind of make you feel excited in a way.

Interviewer: It feels like we’re making you say that... (laughs). What’s a memorable Christmas for you?

Yu~ki: There was someone whose birthday was close to Christmas, so we had a party with a bunch of close friends. We exchanged gifts but it was all guys.

Interviewer: What about sweet memories with a girl?

Yu~ki: Memories with a girl... I can’t say there aren’t any.

Interviewer: Come on!

Yu~ki: I mean, I do have some, but they’re not sweet at all (laughs). Actually, now that I think about it, there really aren’t any interesting stories (laughs).

Interviewer: Until when did you believe in Santa Claus?

Yu~ki: Probably until I entered elementary school. My parents would always leave presents by my pillow, and maybe I pretended to believe for their sake. I’ve always been the type to look at things realistically from a young age (laughs).

Interviewer: That’s not very cute! So, what’s your ideal way to spend Christmas?

Yu~ki: Cake. ...Well, I don’t really care, to be honest (laughs). As long as it’s fun, that’s good enough, right? But is it normal for people to have plans for Christmas?

Interviewer: Even though your fans usually call out, "Yu~ki ♥," on Christmas...

Yu~ki: I hope everyone listens to a CD and eats cake alone. ...That’s what I’ll be doing! While thinking of my fans!!

Malice Mizer Magazines

(Part 2/6)

All the photo credits to voulerie on tumblr

Photos of Mana-sama at the International Nail Expo 1999

All the scanning credits to yurisubtext on twitter

Mana's Favorite Outfit

1997 at NIHON SEINENKAN & SHIBUYA KOKAIDO

Hair Accessory: An elaborate hairpiece featuring blue and black feathers, matching the outfit.

Collar: A luxurious design reminiscent of nobility, adorned with a gold brooch at the center of the ribbon.

Sleeves: Detailed with fine pleats to create a flared effect.

Skirt: An over-skirt with black feathers, giving the outfit a streamlined appearance.

Mana (from Stylist)

This outfit was inspired by the image of Queen Elizabeth. Despite being a dress the mini skirt element adds a unique touch. The over-skirt flutters beautifully when moving. It's rare to see a mini skirt on a dress, and I wanted to maintain a sense of elegance while showing some leg. The combination of a dress with visible legs adds a certain eroticism. It was especially memorable for me as it was worn on a major stage for the first time at the Nihon Seinenkan and Shibuya Kokaido.

Moi Dix Mois

Emperor of Darkness Stands in Europe

Have you already watched the live DVD DIXANADU Fated 'raison d'être' Europe Tour 2007 which captures the scenes from the European tour in October 2007? Focusing primarily on the final performance in France this work also features the atmosphere of the tour that visited eight locations in six countries. It gives insight into Moi dix Mois' popularity in the region and the 'heat' of the live performances can be felt through the screen. We spoke with the leader, Mana (G), about the contents of the DVD and his impressions of the various European countries he experienced firsthand.

― As we look back on the European tour let's talk about the live DVD DIXANADU Fated 'raison d'être Europe Tour 2007 which captures those moments. This tour took place in October last year and it was the first time you did something so extensive in Europe, right?"

"Yes, that's right. We went to six countries and performed in eight locations. Along the way the staff often mentioned how equipment would frequently break at the various venues. Apparently, that’s considered 'normal' over there. There were plenty of small issues like that but i’ve come to realize that if you let those things bother you, you won’t be able to tour in Europe or abroad. So recently, i’ve gotten used to it. I go with the mindset that something’s bound to happen (laughs)."

― So, I’d like to hear your impressions of each country you visited. Let's start with Finland, the first stop in Helsinki. It's a country that's also booming in the rock scene, right?

"Finland is home to bands like Children of Bodom and Hanoi Rocks, right? It was our first time there and i was struck by how rock is integrated into their culture. After the show, we saw a news program and they aired a special on rock music with footage from our concert."

― Wow, they featured Moi dix Mois on a regular news show?

"Yeah, that’s right. The cold, crisp atmosphere of Finland also left an impression. (laughs) We arrived late at night, so we didn’t have time for any sightseeing. That’s the biggest thing that stuck with me but the audience reaction was incredible."

― Finland’s government seems to be quite supportive of rock music, even promoting it as part of their culture, right?

"Ah...! Maybe that’s why. We were interviewed for TV, and they aired it during the night on a standard news program. I was surprised to see footage from our show being included in a regular news broadcast. But after hearing what you said, it kind of makes sense now."

― Next was Sweden, known as a haven for Nordic metal and melodic death metal. What were your thoughts before going?

"Before going, I had a strong image of Yngwie Malmsteen (laughs). I also had this vague image of beautiful scenery and a place I felt connected to. This was the only time we flew during the tour, and since we arrived during the day, the local promoter took us sightseeing. The area around our hotel was in the city center, and Stockholm was really lively. But if you walked a little further, the buildings and scenery were breathtakingly beautiful."

Friend & Friend

kami Tama (MALICE MIZER) (CASCADE)

— You went to the beach, right? On the MALICE MIZER boat, right? — Tama

Tama: And then we stayed at some weird kind of pension.

kami: Yeah, it was like a strange pension-type place.

— Has it been a long time since you last saw Tama?

kami: It's been a while. We used to meet up often.

Tama: Yeah, it’s not like we planned it, but we used to run into each other a lot.

kami: We used to do nothing but bad things (laughs).

Tama: Right? (laughs)

— What kind of bad things?

kami: I can't say (laughs).

Tama: Can't say (laughs).

— It’s fine, the statute of limitations is up by now (laughs)!

Tama: We smoked incense (laughs).

kami: Yeah, we smoked incense (laughs).

— Incense!?

Tama: There was some kind of incense from India or somewhere...

— Real incense?

Tama: Yeah. We were like, "If we smoke this, we can trip, right?!" and we all smoked it (laughs).

kami: Yeah, yeah (laughs).

Tama: But all it did was make our throats hurt, we couldn’t trip at all (laughs).

— That’s obvious (laughs)!

Tama: And then we went to the beach, right?

kami: We did!

— Who did you go with?

kami: With Tama-chan, közi, me, and Kou...

Tama: Back then, we had a friend named Kou.

— Did you suddenly decide to go after drinking?

kami: No, Tama-chan arranged everything for us.

Tama: Yeah, we went on the MALICE MIZER boat.

kami: And we stayed at some weird pension-type place.

Tama: It was more like a lodge than a pension, though (laughs). But the dinner was delicious, right?

kami: It was great!

Tama: We ate until we were stuffed. And back then, I still had long hair, so I coolly jumped into the ocean and played beach volleyball with some gals.

kami: Yeah, you did! And then Kou, that friend of ours, was doing this thing called the “Kou-bar Head Kick!” It was hilarious (laughs).

Tama: I don’t think the people around us thought it was funny at all (laughs). But it was a good memory. At one point, when everyone was partying and making noise at night, I went outside and disappeared for about two hours.

— What were you doing?

Tama: What was I doing? I was probably staring at the sea. It was around the time I had just left my previous band, so I was probably caught up in self-loathing, thinking, “What am I doing with my life?” But since my hair was long, I kept getting hit on by all kinds of people (laughs).

kami: We should go again!

Tama: We were saying, "Let’s go again next year!" and making plans.

— Let’s make it happen this summer! Vicious can cover the cost (laughs).

(Vicious: Sure! By Vicious)

kami: Oh yeah, remember we drank at Shinjuku West Gate Park? It was me, the members of CASCADE, and közi.

Tama: Oh yeah, we did!

— Why were you drinking in the park?

Tama: Back when CASCADE still didn’t have much of an audience, kami and közi came to one of our shows, and we had the afterparty in Shinjuku West Gate Park. That’s when I handed over our demo tape.

kami: And that's when I learned the song "KILL ME STOP."

Tama: That song's pretty good, right?

kami: Yeah. I thought it was really interesting.

— Did you have a feeling back then that "this band is going to make it"?

kami: There were two songs on the demo tape, and while it was different from Tama-chan's previous band, I definitely had a feeling about it.

Tama: Come on (laughs)!

kami: It’s true! I was happy when I saw you doing well on "Ebisu Onsen" (a music show that served as a stepping stone for new bands; CASCADE made their debut thanks to it).

— Hold on! The conversation is starting to get serious (laughs)!

kami: What’s wrong with that?

— This isn't that kind of corner (laughs). So, how are things with the ladies lately?

kami: Ahahahaha (laughs).

Tama: Kami is pretty proactive, isn’t he?

kami: You think so?

Tama: More like animalistic than proactive (laughs). But that’s what I like about you (laughs).

— That’s not what you said during your previous interview with SHUSE (laughs)!

kami: Well, going major made me a bit more negative.

Tama: So you’ve been thinking negatively about a lot of things?

kami: Yeah, recently.

Tama: When you debut as a major artist, you tend to become mentally unstable. I went through that too.

kami: It’s not so much instability. When you're indie, the band feels like home, but when it turns into a job, it becomes something different.

— I see.

kami: I started thinking, "Where is my home now?"

— Well, it’s obviously in a girl's chest (laughs)!

Tama: Speaking of that, how's your relationship with your high school girlfriend?

— We broke up! And two days before Valentine’s Day, no less!

Tama: That’s because you were cheating all the time (laughs)!

— Shut up (laughs)! Tama-chan, are you the type who gets dumped?

Tama: I haven’t been dumped much.

— So are you the one who does the dumping?

Tama: Not really that either. It’s more like things just naturally fizzle out.

kami: Same here!

Tama: It sounds terrible to say you’re just waiting for the right time, but you can kind of tell, right?

— You both start feeling like, "It’s probably about time"?

Tama: Yeah, you wait for that moment.

— That’s awful (laughs)!

Tama: Yeah, I guess I’m awful (laughs)! But in my school days, I used to get dumped all the time.

— Were you always going after girls who were out of your league?

Tama: Not at all, I’ve always had a really wide strike zone.

kami: Ahahahaha (laughs)!

Tama: My first experience was with someone quite a bit older.

kami: Really?

Tama: Really.

— How old were you?

Tama: I was 17.

— And the other person?

Tama: She was quite a bit older.

— In a way, that’s kind of enviable!

Tama: When was your first time, kami?

kami: I was 17 too. But mine was with a girl a year younger than me.

— I was also 17, and she was a year younger than me.

kami: We’re the same then!

— Want to hear about it?

kami: What is it?

— I used to commute by train, and one day, this girl suddenly gave me a love letter.

kami: That’s great!

Tama: Was she cute?

— She was super cute!

kami: That’s really great!

— So we started dating, and I gave her my virginity. But after a while, she suddenly said, “I’m getting married,” and when I told her, “I’m not ready for that yet,” she said, “It’s not you. I’ve been seeing someone else too.” I was like, "Gah!"

kami: Oh no!

— Turns out she had been dating a 23-year-old guy, and about a week later, she quit school and really got married.

kami: Oh no!

— I want my virginity back!

kami: Ahahahaha (laughs)!

Tama: That must’ve been a shock, right?

— It was a huge shock!

Tama: The first girl I dated also cheated on me. Her name was Miki. You can write that down!

kami: Ahahahaha (laughs)!

Tama: Miki cheated on me. We started dating when I was in the second year of middle school, and she was my first kiss, but she’d also been dating this guy since the fourth grade. His name was Tanabe!

kami: Ahahahaha (laughs)!

Tama: You know how, in middle school, when you start dating someone, rumors spread fast? So my friends started saying, “Hey, I heard she has a boyfriend. They’ve been dating since the fourth grade!” So I asked her directly.

— You asked Miki (laughs)?

Tama: Yeah, I asked her, “Miki, do you like me?” “I do.” “Do you like Tanabe?” “I do.” “So, who do you like more, me or Tanabe?” “Tanabe.” (laughs).

kami: Gya-hahaha (laughs)!

Tama: Right after that, we went on a school trip, but for me, it was a heartbroken trip.

kami: Gya-hahaha (laughs)!

— When was your first kiss, kami?

kami: I was really focused on my band until my first year of high school. I didn’t even look at girls; I was just drumming all the time. But in my second year, I started paying attention to the opposite sex and ended up dating someone.

— What was her name?

kami: Maki (laughs).

Tama: Was she cute?

kami: Yeah, she was cute. But, to be honest, she was kind of a delinquent. She had a lot of guy friends, and I couldn’t trust her, so we broke up.

Tama: You seem to like delinquent girls, right? The ones with brown hair and a bit rebellious?

kami: I like Nanase Aikawa (laughs). I once dated a full-on delinquent girl. A friend of mine brought her to one of our live shows, and I guess she liked me because she called me up and asked, “Would you go out with me?” I couldn’t say no, so I said, “Sure!” (laughs). Then I went to her house, and there were all these gang flags and tons of pictures of motorcycles. I thought, “Nope, this isn’t for me!” and broke up with her right away (laughs).

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!

MALICE MIZER LIVE merveilles ~ The End and Fate ~ in NIPPON BUDOKAN 1998.4.1

Photograph: Hiroyuki Yoshihama

Report: Aya Yokomori

Translation:

I had heard rumors that MALICE MIZER's live performances were incredible. I had also watched a video of the live they held at Shibuya Public Hall on April 1, 1997. However, the Budokan live I witnessed in person far exceeded any expectations I had based on that prior knowledge — it was a shocking performance beyond my imagination.

As soon as I entered Budokan, my eyes widened in surprise. The stage was set like a room in a white palace, a massive two-story structure. And the music flowing through the venue was classical — I felt like shouting, “Where am I?!” Moreover, the audience was filled with people in MALICE MIZER cosplay and makeup, transforming the venue into something like a masquerade ball. At 7:18 PM the lights dimmed.

When the palace set lit up, it began to feel even more like a real mansion. That alone was enough to get my heart racing, but then the band made their grand entrance, rising from below the stage! It was so cool!! The theatrical flair of their entrance made my adrenaline surge. Furthermore, the opening featured eight real violinists. Starting the show with the sound of strings was such a sophisticated arrangement that the audience couldn't help but voice their admiration.

Of course, the lighting enhanced the drama of the performance. From the soft, classical projections cast onto the white palace, to the flashes of red and blue lights darting across the stage, each song had its own lighting scheme. For instance, during "With the Evil That Has Passed Away," the stage was bathed in a calm turquoise blue, adapting seamlessly to the mood of each song.

Amidst all the set design and stage effects, the person radiating an even stronger energy was Gackt. At times, he contorted his face in anguish, held his head in his hands or sang as though praying to a god. His vocals, filled with soul, felt like a hammer blow — I felt as though I’d been punched. His focus and intensity were astonishing fully immersing himself in the music. Gackt also treated us to his signature piano solo letting the notes soar through the vast space of Budokan.

From Vicious ヴィシャス 1998年6月

Vicious magazine June 1998

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!

YU-KI (B.)

1) August 8

2) Blood Type: A

3) Height: 175 cm, Weight: 58 kg

4) Shoe Size: 26.5 cm

5) Lark (Cigarettes)

6) Basically, can't drink

7) Likes sweets

8) Mushroom Family

9) Prefers people with beautiful hair, fair skin, distinct facial features, and those who are not too gentle

10) Interests: Clothes, etc. Cigarettes, clothes, etc.

T: MANA chan has a shortcoming! He never stops at the stop line. He stops right in the middle of the crosswalk (laughs).

Y: My shortcoming is that when I start thinking, I overthink endlessly. I get completely absorbed. My strength is that I’m usually calm and might not be thinking about anything at all (laughs). But I think I’m a pretty calm person. Though it doesn’t really mean anything in particular (laughs).

T: You're not listening, are you? (laughs). When we’re all talking together, I sometimes wonder if you’re seriously listening... I think, "Maybe Yu~ki chan will sum it up," but when I ask, "What do you think, Yu~ki chan?" you respond with "Huh?" like you weren’t listening at all (laughs).

K: My strength is that I don't overthink things. I quickly forget unpleasant things! That might be my strength. My weakness is that I'm lazy.

T: My shortcoming is that I talk too much and am noisy. But sometimes that weakness turns out to be a good thing, so it might be a strength too.

Q: Have there been any incidents around you lately?

T: When we went to Osaka, there was something we called the "Box Riding Incident" (laughs).

Q: Was that with the equipment vehicle? (laughs)

T: No, it was with a Benz.

K: A 560SEL (laughs).

T: And then our support member Yukyo-kun was zooming through the streets of Minami in Osaka, shouting "Yukyo!" (laughs).

K: That was a major incident, right? (laughs).

T: It was seriously a huge incident! We laughed so hard (laughs).

Q: Can you boast about yourself within the group?

T: Among the members, I’m the weakest and only have about two good days a year.

Y: Among the members, I’m the strongest. You can call me the "luggage carrying captain" (laughs).

K: I’m the most twisted among the members. My belly button is crooked and the crooked end is withered (laughs). What am I even saying? (laughs)

M: Well, I’m probably the most knowledgeable about horror videos. I’m a collector (laughs).

K: Yeah, you have tons of videos. Almost as many as a video rental shop (laughs).

Q: What’s next for Malice Mizer?

T: We haven't decided on a drummer yet, but once we do, we’ll let everyone know, especially our fans.

K: Once we have a drummer, we’ll start working hard. This year, we’re aiming to have our own solo concerts!

T: For now, we’ve done about 10 lives in March and April, so from around June, we’ll slow down to about 2-3 lives a month.

K: During that time, we’ll be planning various things.

Q: Any plans for a tour?

T: We’d like to go on tour around summer. We hope to visit Osaka, Nagoya, and if possible, the Tohoku region as well.

Q: Finally, do you have a message for your fans?

M: We’re putting everything into the music, so please listen with your whole body.

Y: Please come to our lives.

T: Listen to the beautiful, sorrowful Malice sound!!

K: Eat Yoshinoya’s Tokumori (extra-large beef bowl)!!

T&K: Très bien!

NOTE: T is for Tetsu and K is for Közi since this interview was back in Malice Mizer Tetsu era. I hope you enjoyed it xxx

Kami

"On stage, I enter an unrealistic world, so sometimes when I see the audience, my excitement can drop, but I don't mean anything by it. By playing catch with the fans, we experience various things together to explore what it means to be human. Fans and Malice are like liquids, and in that, a formal relationship cannot be established.

From the 'transparent field' of 'Ville de Merveilles,' we are exploring one side of them but to be straightforward i try to ask Gackt about the meaning of the overall concept of the live performance. He often says that we get asked about the meaning of the concept but it would get confusing to talk about the answer if you don't understand the problems we are presenting. There's a time lag in our live performances and i think if you watch the performance you will understand what kind of problems we were presenting. Therefore, if you watch the next Budokan performance you will understand what it was last time. There, even if we don’t present the answer you may understand what the theme was. It might be something that you can’t grasp, because it depends on how a person feels. It's not just about watching the live performance having fun and that’s the end of it.

Mana also continues the conversation. 'There might be secrets on the top floor of Budokan. Malice is linked in various places...'

In fact, after this interview ended, Gackt asked me, 'Do we say too many things we can't say?' That might be true but conversely there may not be any other band that provides this much enjoyment in unraveling the mysteries. It could be said that they offer the joy of thinking together with them.

They have held the same unchanging theme of 'what it means to be human' since their formation, but i think they are trying to approach this grand theme from different angles in each part of their activities. If we compare it to a role playing game, if the mysteries scattered around the map were too easy to solve the game wouldn't work. The important thing is to think together with them, to send back the ripple as a mirror and the answer will come later.

In the album 'mer・veillea,' which will be released on March 18 various waves are included and the abundance of 80's electro pop style arrangements caught my attention. When i asked Mana who frequently mentioned the term '80s' this time , about it he responded, 'There is a bit of meaning in the number 80.'

This also allows the listener to imagine more. Finally, I will record a few more words from Gackt to stir even more imagination:

'Ville de Merveilles' is not just something futuristic. The beginning and the end are always back to back.'"

Check Out the Fashion of the Stars!

Vol. 5

Mana (MALICE MIZER)

Paying Attention to Invisible Style

Finally, the long awaited MALICE MIZER is here! This time we talked mainly about the costumes for their new song “The Blood and Roses of Reunion,” which will be released on November 3rd. Use it as a reference for cosplay. Also look forward to Közi in the issue coming out on November 1st and Yu~ki in the issue coming out on November 29th!

What About This Time’s Costume?

Mana: It’s inspired by “The Bloodline,” and we’ve unified the costumes for the three members. My role hasn’t changed. It’s supposed to be unclear whether I’m alive or dead...

Any Particular Details You Focused On?

Mana: The flouncy part of the mini skirt is a focus. This time, I wanted to create a sense of heaviness overall, so the fabric is relatively heavy, but the skirt is fluffy. Also, since the song is “The Blood and Roses of Reunion,” we’ve placed the emblem on each member's chest as a focal point. The color is blue, and I’ve also used a slightly darker lipstick than usual. And the knee-high socks—they’re worn over stockings. The color matches the blue theme. Even if they aren’t visible? It’s important to be stylish!

The Hair Roll Looks Great Too.

Mana: This time, setting the roll higher is key. Start by creating rolls at the roots, then curl them up and pin them. The number of rolls depends on the mood of the moment. The trick is to avoid making them too thick or too thin; use the curling iron carefully for each one. Straight hair is fine, but using the curling iron is tricky, so it takes practice. If you’re not used to it, it won’t curl easily. It’s better not to use too strong a hairspray; if it’s too hard it loses its natural softness.

It Won’t Show, You Know (laughs). This time all the lace parts of the costume are made from the same fabric and the headpiece is also made from the same lace.

You’ve Slimmed Down a Lot, Haven’t You?

Mana: I’m opening an original fashion brand shop (“Moi-même Moitie”), so the owner can’t be overweight (laughs). Plus gothic fashion doesn’t suit someone who isn’t slim. I’ve lost a few kilograms for that reason.

Are the Accessories for the Costume Store Products?

Mana: They aren’t store products; they were made specifically for this occasion. The earrings, rings, and necklace are all crosses, and they have a specific meaning. In “The Blood and Roses of Reunion,” the cross represents “spiritual communion.”

Regarding Mana’s Look...

Mana: It hasn’t changed; it’s the same (costume) (laughs). There are a lot of skirts. The points of style are mysterious, alluring, elegant, and extreme. The hairstyle is also carefully adjusted to match the occasion. It feels like “mysterious gothic horror,” right?

Any Future Challenges You Want to Try?

Mana: Maybe a pompadour. I really like pompadours. A big pompadour. It looks cool. I might incorporate that into a costume.