Friend & Friend

I did a translation of this interview. I hope you enjoy 🦋

Gackt: "You know, I can look someone in the eye and say, 'You're beautiful' (in a deep voice like Gackt's) even if it's the first time we're meeting (laughs)."

KO: "That's a very foreigner-like attitude."

Y: "Exactly. The way he delivers his lines perfectly fits his character. In a way, he's a dangerous person... ah, so scary, so scary (laughs)."

Everyone: (bursting out in laughter)

Y: "Honestly, I'm jealous. How many more encounters would I have if I could start conversations like that? I'll try my best."

M: "Well, isn't he the guy who gives off the most seductive male pheromones? (laughs). In fact, when I'm on stage with him, I'm just mesmerized. 'Ah, so this is the pheromone he's emitting...' (laughs)."

KO: "You both seem to be mesmerized by each other (laughs)."

M: "He just makes you feel all sorts of things. You're practically ravished with his eyes. I totally get why women are so taken with him. ♪I want to hold you tight and sleep♪ I experience it firsthand when I'm hugged on stage (laughs)."

Y: "Next time, let's sell Gackt's pheromone-infused perfume (laughs). We could advertise it in magazines with a tagline like, 'This will attract women to you,' and it would be a hit (←completely convinced)."

KO: "Hahahahahaha!! (bursting out in laughter)"

KA: "He always stays calm and gives answers that hit the mark. I always think that's amazing. I'm also envious of how he can do anything. I think he feels a sense of aesthetics in creating himself through every gesture. But if I were to point out one thing, it's that if you keep saying 'thank you' over and over it might be hard to tell which one is sincere. That's the risk."

Gackt: "I'm always grateful, though (laughs)."

KO: "He's quick-witted, and like KAMI said, he can handle pretty much anything. He can even ravish a woman with his eyes."

Gackt: (laughs)

KO: "That's why I try not to make too much eye contact with him, or I'll turn to stone (laughs). There's something strangely persuasive about his eyes and words. His daily life is quite mysterious (laughs)."

Interviewer: "So, what is the common ground between these five unique individuals?"

Gackt: "A sense of uniqueness, loneliness, creativity, a strong desire not to lose..."

KA: "Including all of that, I think it's destiny. The five of us are the 'chosen ones'..."

Gackt: "The chosen ones? (laughs)"

KO: "KAMI is actually a god (laughs)! (←Note: this is where you laugh)"

~ End ~

MALICE MIZER

“Merveilles” The End and the Return TOUR '98 / 7.22 Yokohama Arena

A dangerous drug that captivates those who see it

Text: Roku Ono

Photo: Miwa Oya

"Starting around 4 PM i t began to drizzle which soon turned into a downpour. Even with umbrellas it was only a slight comfort against the incredible intensity of the rain. In the midst of it, girls, filled with thoughts of Malice Mizer and a desire to get as close to them as possible, gathered while desperately lifting the hems of their dresses and cloaks.

On July 2nd at Yokohama Arena. Fans gathered for the final of Malice Mizer’s concert tour “merveilles" The End and the Return~TOUR '98," forming a long line from Shin Yokohama Station. Commuters completely unaware of what was happening, passed by with looks of sympathy and curiosity at the girls dressed in the most inappropriate outfits for the rain. But they didn’t care about that. Ignoring the rain, the fans gathered..."

STYLE MALICE MIZER

The act of "expression" is not something exclusive to a specialized field. For artists and creators involved in music if we were to put it simply, it is a means of offering hints and proposals that are deeply rooted in one’s personal sensibilities.

This series serves as a method to refine and cultivate those sensibilities in other words, it is a means of expression itself. Life itself is a style.

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Photography = Yohsuke Komatsu (印), Saori Tsuji (◇印)

Featuring MALICE MIZER

Guest = MALICE MIZER

Text by Kazumi Kanoh

Composition = Kazumi Kanoh

Photographs by Yohsuke Komatsu, Saori Tsuji

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ADDITIONAL SORROW

At first glance with their extravagant costumes and makeup, they may appear to be a theatrical troupe. At their live performance at Nippon Seinenkan in January of this year the stage was set in a medieval European aesthetic, reminiscent of a scene from a play.

The performance they delivered far exceeded the confines of a traditional rock band. With a spectacle that was breathtakingly opulent, MALICE MIZER has now drawn attention from various fields.

What do they think?

Where are they headed?

While retracing their past and present, we explore the "STYLE" that is uniquely theirs.

[ORIGIN]

Mana: "MALICE MIZER was formed in August 1992, with Kozi and me at the core. From the very beginning our concept was based on an image of medieval Europe. Nowadays we’ve started incorporating more pop elements but back then, we were fully immersed in Baroque and Gothic influences. We also incorporated a significant amount of classical music elements."

Közi: "At first there were no French influences like there are now. At that time there weren’t many bands focusing on twin guitar arrangements, so we wanted to feature guitar driven music."

Mana: "All of our songs were dark in tone."

Kami: "But even back then, we experimented a lot with unexpected elements."

Mana: "Our vocalist and drummer were different back then as well. In May 1993, Kami joined, and from that point on, we started playing more live shows. At that time, we didn’t have the money to advertise so the only way for people to learn about us was through live performances. So we decided to perform wherever we could. At that time, our concept was still very medieval Europe."

Kami: "We were already doing a lot with the stage back when I joined."

Közi: "We’d incorporate something special into our openings. We never made a typical rock band entrance."

Mana: "Back then, everyone was playing their instruments for the entire set, so the opening was the only moment we had to do something unique. But that was also the most exciting moment, so we wanted to make an impact right from the start. We started incorporating stage sets after we began doing one man shows but even before that, we tried our best to recreate our envisioned aesthetic in live houses. Before we became a one-man act we often opened for other bands during tours and even though we couldn’t build a full set we still decorated the stage. We wrapped it in vines, gathered tree branches from the forest, and placed them on stage."

Közi: "Yeah we’d wake up in the morning and start cutting branches (laughs)."

Mana: "Exactly (laughs). We also organized a series of events called "Tragic Banquet", hosted by MALICE MIZER, where bands like PENICILLIN and SIAM SHADE also performed. At the time, many band-led events were happening in Osaka and Yokohama, but we felt like someone needed to take the lead in Tokyo too so we took the initiative (laughs)."

- Fool's Mate 090

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."

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Could you elaborate on that?"

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

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

Mana:

At the final stage of merveilles i felt like I saw a light within myself. Or rather i sensed it. I thought that might be an easier way to express it. But in reality... You’d think it came across clearly.

Gackt:

When it comes to live performances, ones that are carefully constructed, i sometimes wonder is that really okay? Of course it's not like it’s 100% perfect. Also you're always aware of the camera. I'd like to try using it more intentionally. Definitely.

Back during the live video Voyage, there were parts I just couldn’t be satisfied with. It wasn’t like we were consciously shaping the footage ourselves. You can really tell the difference between when you're aware of the camera and when you're not. Compared to that, this time we had more cameras and various new elements.

Actually, when it comes to balance, that one buffer, how we manage that, really matters. Promotion video technology has come a long way too. But honestly, I think it might be better to break the whole concept a little more. That’s just my personal view.

There's this assumption that everything is going to be captured on camera. But if I were allowed, I'd like to try breaking away from that. I wonder if that would really be okay. Still it’s not that easy.

The current situation with MALICE MIZER makes it even harder. To capture their live performances, we really have to think about where to put the cameras and how many to use. There are people who can’t see MALICE MIZER live. For them, video becomes the only window in.

So as a way to give them that experience, I’d love to just place cameras and film a live. Without overthinking it, maybe even using 200 cameras. But in the end, what we always struggle with is how to shoot the stage without interfering with it. Maybe we didn’t fully utilize some of the camera angles either. Fundamentally, there are things that cameras simply aren’t meant to capture.

Malice Mizer

"Let’s Play with Wax Figures!!!"

February 24, 2000 – Tokyo Tower Wax Museum

Mana sama dressed in a new black outfit from Moi-même-Moitié (the brand by none other than Mana-sama himself) and i ventured to the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum. The last time i visited here was in elementary school. I vaguely recall being terrified of the "Western Torture Room." Well guess what, it’s still here! This room set up to prevent people from forgetting the horrors humans once inflicted on each other is full of grotesque displays. The background music is ominous enhancing the sense of dread. Ten minutes in here and you’d go mad! As i felt my spirits sinking i glanced over at Mana-sama, who was completely unfazed. I asked, "Doesn’t this make you feel sick?" Mana sama replied calmly, "Not at all." "I've been interested in things like this since i was young and i used to read books like The Encyclopedia of Torture." (Mana)… The Encyclopedia of Torture! There really are all kinds of books in this world.

Aside from the torture chamber the museum is packed with wax figures of rock musicians and movie stars. When i suggested, "Maybe it would be fun to take some rock inspired photos," Mana sama even tried to climb over the railing to pose with the figure of Deep Purple (a British hard rock band active mainly in the 1970s). Suddenly… BEEP! An alarm went off! Mana sama also took photos with Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator. For “unreleased” photos he posed with Venus and Bacchus. Mana sama you naughty thing! …Or so i thought but Mana sama was quick to say, "Make sure to mention that I wasn’t actually touching her chest!" to avoid any misunderstanding.

Malice Mizer Vicious 11 // November 1998

Scans done by manieravitium on twitter and @additionalsorrow on tumblr