What's In?, June 2005

Translated by: Sweiled

1. Please DO NOT take my translations and use them for whatever reason, without my permission.
2. Please DO NOT publish my translations elsewhere without my permission. Please kindly link back if you want, but DO NOT copy and paste them.


[number] = more explanation of the sentence below
xxx = more detailed explanations
[xxx] = what I felt a certain part of the sentence meant
(xxx) = other meanings of the word or literal translations or missing word/words not specifically mentioned. For e.g. The fans screamed when (Gackt) entered the stadium! Read it like you will a normal sentence.
=xxx= = real brackets used in the interview


I: Gackt-san, have you ever been obsessed with Gundam before?
G: I became obsessed (only) after I grew up. I was anti-Gundam before that.


I: Why is that so?
G: We weren't allowed to watch television back home [1] and so, I was unable to follow the talk regarding Gundam. Towards those kids who sing (Gundam's) theme songs and bring Gundam plastic models (to school), I was, "Are they idiots? ザクってなんだよ、ザクって！(Zakutte　nandayo, zakutte!)"[2]
[1] In "Jihaku" (Gackt's biography), he said that he had a strict upbringing and his parents did not allow him to watch television. In fact, he did not know about "rock" until much later during his teenage life.
[2] I asked a lot of people and nobody had any clue what zaku/zakutte means, even my Japanese teachers. @@ So if any of you know the meaning, I would really appreciate the help. ^^;
Thanks to japonais who gave gekka_no_neko the inspiration/idea, and gekka_no_neko has also kindly provided some pictures which you can view here http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds//uc/msg/mechanics/ms_zakuchar.html) and here http://www.scififantmodmadrealm.com/PGZakuGundamOOBR.html.


I: Hahaha (laughs).
G: Those kids who watched (Gundam) would make their own communities [1], wouldn't they? That's why I felt alienated and as a child, I gradually became anti(-Gundam). Towards all anime which talks about heroism or good (lit. justice) and bad, I was all, "Stupid! Kiddies! [2]" After I grew up, a friend of mine who likes movies said to me, "Gundam is good." And I was, "Hee~ It's anime." I had such a totally stupid attitude.
[1] Written in katakana, it could mean literally, communities. But in this context, it means groups of children who hang out together.
[2] Kudaranai: worthless, stupid, trashy, foolish. Gaki: brats, kids


I: And so you decided to try watching it?
G: When I realized, I had already watched it hundreds of times.


I: So many times? (lit: to such an extent?)
G: I was completely obsessed.


I: But the reason Gackt-san is obsessed is different from those young teenagers, isn't it?
G: Yes, I think the children do not know the reason why when they first start obsessing. At first it was because they thought the mobile suit is very cool. But when you watch the repeat telecast over and over again, you don't just see the coolness of the mobile suits or battle scenes (anymore), you slowly get drawn into the story as well, right? As we mature slowly, we become able to grasp the meaning of the story. (lit: recognize what the story is trying to tell us.) I think that's amazing.


I: There are some parts which are closely linked together in Gundam's world and Gackt san's world, right?
G: That's because the original creator, Tomino-san's, theme overlaps with the theme from one part of my story. I did not write this song as an anime soundtrack. Because I think music is something you create which allows the listener to imagine (lit. let the image expand). That's why I told Tomino-san, "You don't have to use (the song) if you don't like it." But when he told me, "I liked it very much.", I felt happy.


I: Gackt-san is (like) the character Char [1].
[1] Char Aznable is one of Gackt's favourite character from Gundam. For those interested in finding out more about him, you can go here http://www.escaflowneonline.com/gundam/character/organization/neozeon/#aznablechar.
G: Why do you say so?


I: From your bearing. (物腰 mono goshi: bearing, manner, demeanour)
G: But Char says, "~~na no da yo" [1], you know?
[1] One of the ways to end a sentence. Kind of feels like, " ~~, you know?" Something like that. ^^;


I: Indeed! (laughs)
G; I can remember (lit. say) almost all of Gundam's lines.


I: Eeh? That's amazing.
G: I can imitate close to 8 characters, but Gundam has a lot of good (lit. touching) phrases. Even though I practice Char's lines as well, his is uniquely different. Like, "=turn completely= Your father is evil da yo!"


I: You sound like him (laughs)
G: =gets more excited...= "That is what you call war na no da yo!" From what era did you come from da yo!" It is very difficult. =using Char's tone= I cannot become Char...... (as in imitate him)


I: Who can you imitate (lit. become) then?
G: Anyone other than Char. (laughs) I practiced quite often in the toilet.


I: Why the toilet!?
G: Well, because there is nothing you can do in the toilet (other than) reading a book or talking to yourself. I practiced Gundam's lines in earnest (一生懸命 isshoukenmei: very hard; with utmost effort; with all one's might; for dear life). But, the reason I'm captivated with the lines is because of the power of words. The (type of) people who can convey (what they want to say) most effectively are those who don't use much words and don't speak much. Those people leave a strong impression through the lines (they say) and their abilities are evaluated from there. That's why those people who talk a lot are really...... (laughs)


I: You'll go, 'and?'[1]
G: The speaker himself becomes unsure of what he is saying as well. (laughs) That's why I study the (character's) lines.
[1] Hmmz, there are instances where people talk a lot and in circles, and so people get confused and after they end the sentences, you just want to say to them "And? Your point being?" Kind of like what I'm doing now. :p


I: I see...... And (what are your thoughts about) this single "Metamorphoze ～メタモルフォーゼ～"? (laughs)
G: Un, I would like you to watch the movie. I think it will be useful somehow. [1]
[1] I think he meant that watching the Gundam movie might help us speak in a more effective way because it did help him.