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.
Hibiya Outdoor Music Hall 2 DAYS Concert Sold Out on the Same Day!!
10.10 (Fri) Deuxième Anniversaire - Splendid Resurrection / 10.11 (Sat) Pays de merveilles - The Door to the Empty Moment
(Contact) Hot Staff Promotion 03-5720-9999
"A beautiful and sorrowful story that was once sealed and forgotten long ago is now being revived here. It's hard to distinguish what's reality and what's a dream as this vast and endless journey transcending time and space weaves a grand tapestry of life and death love in its many forms and contrasts all interwoven together. It could perhaps be seen as a grand tapestry of sorts.
The beginning of it all lies with their Malice Mizer's release of their July major debut single "Ver. Aile In the Empty Moment". From this point, they announced that they would express this grand tale in a three dimensional expansion of soundtracks, stage and film. Without a doubt the nationwide standing tour held during this summer, "Pays de merveilles - In the Empty Moment ~", was part of this initiative, and the video of "Ver. Aile In the Empty Moment de l'image" announced here is also the most pivotal point in this journey. Additionally they have decided to set the stage for this story in a medieval French castle shooting it in the style of a silent film. Therefore from mid to late June, they quietly embarked on bringing this story into form as a film in a deep forest in the outskirts of Paris.
The castle in question is truly like something from a fairy tale or a shoujo manga with noble heirs still living in this stone castle that dates back to the 12th century. The distance from the outer gates to the castle is over a kilometer and within the vast grounds are chapels and clock towers with ivy-clad castle walls adorned with red and white climbing roses. This magnificent setting became the perfect stage for the band who have always incorporated medieval European themes into their songs and live shows since their formation.
However for them, this was also the first time they had done full on acting for a film. Each member had to deeply understand their character’s inner world immerse themselves in it and express it directly through film, sometimes even playing dual roles (like Mana and Közi). While they are known as the "ultimate art collective," this was no easy task. Despite some struggles initially, with their efforts, the final result was a stunning set of visuals. The collaboration between the members' sensitivity and dedication, combined with the ideal setting and excellent staff work, resulted in profound, majestic, and beautiful images.
This video, "Ver. Aile In the Empty Moment de l'image", created on an unprecedented scale in the Japanese music industry is not merely a promotional video nor a film. It is a groundbreaking and innovative visual work. At the same time, it serves as a metaphor for the riddles and hints contained within the story that has unfolded through the three dimensional expansion. The relationships between the characters, the hidden intentions in the details, and the multi layered interpretations of the silent format are all things that you should savor while unraveling this work."
Yuki Sugie
Photo credit: Cantavanda
Vol. 2: Canned Coffee Edition
This is the "MAX Coffee" sold in Ibaraki, my birthplace and Chiba among other places. I've been drinking it since I was a child. The color and design have changed about four times evolving into its current form.
The taste can be summed up as 'sweet'!! Think of it more like a sweet coffee milk rather than a traditional canned coffee. When I moved to Tokyo, I naturally tried to buy MAX Coffee only to find... it wasn't available!
I wondered why and investigated, discovering that it seems to be sold only in Ibaraki and Chiba. When I mentioned this, I heard various rumors that it was sold in other places as well. This is why I instructed fans in the "Vicious" music magazine's Malice corner to investigate. According to fan reports (or investigators, as I like to call them), it’s primarily sold in Ibaraki, Chiba, and Tochigi. One excellent investigator even called the consumer consultation center to find out, which was great. Other information from investigators confirmed its presence outside these three prefectures, including Shizuoka, Kuki City in Saitama, and around Odaiba in Tokyo (closer to Chiba).
Come to think of it I remember seeing and drinking it about four years ago in a remote area of Saitama. I think it might be a regional exclusive so it could be stocked and sold in various places.
I also saw it being sold at Koiwa (Tokyo) and the neighboring Ichikawa (Chiba) stations. This coffee is quite something--don’t underestimate it... The "MAX" might refer to the amount of sugar being maxed out.
If anyone knows more details, please send me another report. I recall that when I was in middle and high school, there was just the regular MAX Coffee and also a MAX half-can with a slightly lighter taste. Then Georgia acquired it and it became Georgia MAX Coffee. At that time the design was quite amusing 1/4 Georgia and 3/4 MAX Coffee... so simple!
I don't know if it’s still sold, but there was a juice called "Hi-C" and I have a can of its tomato flavor stored at my family home. Also, though I’ve never seen it elsewhere, Georgia’s "Cafe au Lait" was sold in Osaka.
See you again...
It comes back around. That way we discover and grow together. We are also a mirror, and so are the people who come to watch. When you send out a signal, it doesn’t become one way.
The live tour "Ville de merveilles - Transparent Spiral" by MALICE MIZER at the end of last year had many surprising aspects. Among them fans who had previously associated them with a medieval image were amazed by the futuristic stage set and costumes, as well as the band's new side and the wide range of their concepts.
In this page we focus on the first half of the live show featuring a photo session with the debut of the futuristic costumes and move on to discussions about their vision of the near future from the live performance.
From the opening the two songs featuring synchronized dance by all the members were eye catching. Gackt, Mana and Közi stepped in a regular pattern while Kami and Yu~ki played the percussion wildly behind them.
Kami and Yu~ki joked, “We can do anything so it’s okay.”
It was a moment that reaffirmed that they are a group that can use any means of expression. First let’s discuss the concept behind each of their costumes.
Mana: “It was designed with the awareness of a near future era with something easy to move in.”
Közi: “Surreal and inorganic. I added a slit on the side to make it easier to move.”
Yu~ki: “I tried to incorporate my previous image with the top hat and tailcoat while adding a more inorganic feel.”
Kami: “...I forgot.”
Gackt: “I wanted to make sure it didn’t reflect too much light and liked the color scheme so i chose that material. I aimed for something androgynous that isn’t distinctly male or female and that’s how it turned out.”
Next, we’ll introduce their individual visions of the near future, not just as a band.
Gackt: “When asked what I would be like in 10 years i always give the same answer. It’s too bright to see. Some people might see it as positive others negative but in any case it’s too bright to see.”
Mana: “It’s a fine line between rosy and worst case scenarios.”
Közi: “I’ll swim. While scattering salt in the sulfur.”
Kami: “I’ll spread my wings. The end.”
Yu~ki: “I haven’t thought about it. I want to feel my current self and the thoughts of people so i want to live without worrying about it.”
Now, let’s talk about the concept of the stage. Mana explains:
“The stage set was a little different from the initial design. 'Ville de merveilles' means a mysterious city. To put it concretely, it’s a futuristic and mysterious city. The transparent spiral is a keyword. You remember the mark that was projected onto the stage at the opening, right? There’s a mystery hidden in that, but I can’t tell you its meaning. Actually there is an 'aha' moment.”
Klaha [MALICE MIZER]
●Klaha
“I'm not as delicate as everyone thinks. I've got pretty thick nerves.”
PROFILE
(From left): yu~ki (B), Mana (G), Klaha (Vo), Közi (G)
The band name, MALICE MIZER, holds the meaning of “malice and tragedy.” Their concept driven songs soaked in a medieval gothic atmosphere, and their live performances transcending mere “shows” are truly worth experiencing
“I've been influenced by the other members in a lot of ways.”
- Klaha who joined MALICE MIZER as their vocalist last summer had already known the members for some time before officially joining the band. But what led him to make the decision?
“I’ve never really been interested in the band scene. What I’ve always cared more about is simply wanting to sing. But I felt like, if it’s MALICE MIZER, they could help elevate my singing and that my singing might also deepen their musical expression. To me MALICE MIZER is a solitary presence radiating a unique, lonely aura that you can’t find anywhere else.”
- For Klaha joining the band didn’t just affect him musically it also had a major impact on his fashion sense.
“We actually go shopping together sometimes (laughs). Before that, I always wore all black like, even in summer I’d be wearing long sleeves, sometimes even a coat. But after joining that started to change thanks to the other members. These days I’m into more natural styles. Since MALICE MIZER delves into such a fantastical world, I think it's more interesting to keep things natural in daily life. The contrast feels really refreshing.”
- Klaha is currently exploring a fashion style he’d never embraced before. Naturally, that comes with some missteps…
“When I only wore black i could tell what suited me without even trying it on. But now, even when I’m sure something looks good I’ll try it on at home and the collar will look weird or something. I mess up a lot now (laughs).”
- What about his hair styling habits?
“Well i put some styling lotion in and wrap the ends of my hair around my fingers to give it a wavy look, like natural curls. But if I zone out, I end up curling it the wrong way inward instead of outward. When that happens, I just spray more lotion, run my fingers through it and mess it up like, ‘Whatever, good enough!’ Honestly, I can’t even draw a decent circle, I’m that clumsy. So if it’s not working out, I just give up and move on (laughs).”
- A great cook and athletic too. But a bit of an airhead!? Tall, slender and quiet, he might come across as delicate and highly sensitive. But Klaha’s real personality is surprisingly relaxed and easygoing.
“People assume I’m terrible at sports, but actually I’ve got pretty good reflexes. If there were a sports festival for visual kei bands, I’d totally want to join (laughs).”
- One of his talents is cooking—he says he can make almost anything without even looking at a recipe.
“I haven’t cooked for the other members or staff yet, so they’re all kind of skeptical about it. But what really gets to me is when people say I’m an airhead. They say the way I talk is kind of offbeat, but I’m like. What exactly about it is off? As far as I’m concerned, I’m explaining things logically. It all makes perfect sense to me totally perfect, actually (laughs).”
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.
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
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
Drifting into the Mysterious Space of the Future
In June, Malice Mizer will release their first-ever video work, "sans retour Voyage 'dernière' encore une fois." This piece, labeled as a digest version of their final indie live performance at Shibuya Public Hall on April 1st, serves as the subject of this interview. Additionally, we will explore the truth behind their upcoming summer standing tour, "Pays de merveilles."
Interview & Text by Yuki Sugie
— Some time has passed, but how was the final performance of "sans retour Voyage dernière encore une fois" at Shibuya Public Hall for you as members?
Mana: Shibuko (Shibuya Public Hall) has about twice the capacity of Seinenkan (Japan Youth Hall), but surprisingly, it didn’t feel that much bigger. One thing I do remember clearly, though, is that during my solo dance corner, I wore platform heels for the first time in a while, and it was a real struggle.
— Walking in them is hard enough, but dancing in them must have been nearly impossible, right?
Közi: In Osaka, I kept falling over by myself multiple times.
Mana: Here I was, striking a perfect pose, looking all cool, and then right next to me, Közi kept rolling around on the floor.
Camui Gackt: (From the stage, visually, it did look a bit small.)
Mana: I heard that because the building is old, the seating arrangement is much tighter than in modern venues, which makes it feel smaller.
Gackt: Even the stage itself felt pretty cramped when standing on it. But still, I had the real sense that we had moved forward compared to our Seinenkan live. That said, it’s already in the past. Right now, I can only think about what’s ahead. We have to keep improving and pushing forward. After all, if we finish a live and think, “Ah, that was great,” and feel completely satisfied, isn’t that the end?
Közi: Wait, does that mean we’re already done? (laughs)
Kami: Apparently so. (laughs)
Well, each member probably has their own way of interpreting things.
Kami: For me, performing at Shibuko was something I had wanted to do for a long time. But once the live started, I became so immersed in the performance itself that I didn’t even think about it. Also, personally, I wasn’t satisfied with the Osaka show at all because of various mental struggles at the time. But at Shibuko, I was able to overcome that, so in that sense, I felt good about it. Of course, performance-wise, I still have a long way to go, but mentally, it was a big improvement for me.
Gackt: That day, Kami had an amazing expression on his face. His intensity was on another level.
Kami: Yeah, by the end, I was really moved. Since my drum set was on the second level of the stage, I was at eye level with the second-floor audience. Towards the end, when the lights illuminated the audience and I could see their faces clearly, I got a little emotional.
— I see. Also, during your drum solo, the glowing drumsticks made their first appearance, right?
Kami: Yeah, that was great! …Wait, they actually glowed well?
— Yes, they shined very brightly.
Kami: Oh, really? (laughs)
— And Közi, how was it for you?
Közi: It was such a long time ago that I’ve already started forgetting things. (laughs)
(Everyone laughs.)
Mana: In that scene where we were expressing the “eros of a confined space,” if you had fallen over, it would have been a disaster. (laughs)
— But you managed to stay on your feet at Shibuko, right?
Közi: It was really difficult, though.
— Speaking of difficult things, Yuki, you had a flying scene that day (as mentioned in last month’s live report). Wasn’t that scary?
Yu~ki: I’m not really a fan of heights. We did it in both Osaka and Tokyo, but since I wasn’t used to it, my stomach was in knots the whole time.
— I can imagine! That sounds intense. (laughs)
Yu~ki: I was in a “Hurry up and lower me down!” state. You know, it felt kind of like those pirate ship rides at amusement parks.
— Like Flying Pirates or Viking rides?
Yu~ki: Exactly! Those things make me super nervous.
Gackt: Ah, so it felt like the excitement of a first love?
— Uh… I think that’s a different kind of nervousness. (laughs)
Gackt: Oh, it’s different? Hmm. But for me, riding roller coasters brings back memories of my first love.
— What kind of first love did you have, Gackt?! (laughs)
Gackt: Well, when you’re on those rides, doesn’t it feel amazing? Is that weird?
Yu~ki: I can’t handle them at all. I’m the type who turns pale and breaks into a cold sweat after getting off. (laughs)
— And yet, you still decided to fly on stage at Shibuko?
Yu~ki: Yeah… Somehow, before I knew it, it was just happening. (laughs) But really, everyone worked hard that day.
February 23, 1997, Clear skies
FC (Fan Club) Exclusive Event
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAMI - 17,432 Days Left Until Extinction Commemoration
Strawberry Picking and Hato Bus Tour
So, we went on the Hato Bus Tour. It's a bit late, but here's a report on the event. The schedule was:
8:00 AM: Meet in Shinjuku
8:40 AM: Departure
Trip to Nagatoro Town in Saitama Prefecture, where we visited Hodosan to view the plum blossoms (we took the ropeway).
Lunch at Seibu Nagatoro Hotel.
Then, we went strawberry picking in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.
We returned to Shinjuku at 6:00 PM.
Of course Kami and all the members seemed to have a great time. As for everyone who participated… there's no need to say anything more, right? Now, please enjoy along with the photos.
Here’s the ropeway we rode that day (edited by Közi). It’s called "Monkey No. 1". It was super comfortable (Kami). - Photo 1 top left
Yes, everyone, this is the Ume Hyakka-en (Plum Hundred Flowers Garden). Please don’t lag behind and follow along! (Mana) - Photo 2 top right
To my beloved…MaCheri - Photo 4 bottom right
In front of MaCheri - Photo 3 bottom left
As you can see from the two photos above, the “MaCheri” part of the tour name was somehow changed to "MaSeri", which gave us a big laugh. This happened at the hotel where we had lunch (even though the name on the bus was correct...).
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
Malice Mizer 🕷️Translating interviews so everyone will have the chance to enjoy MM 🦋🫶🏻
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