Gackt's Mac Story

Translated by: Gekka

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09/22/2005

Asia's Gackt! Simultaneous release of the new album. 

It was learned on the 21st that popular singer Gackt (ガクト=age unannounced) will release his new album “Diabolos” in Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Gackt is enormously popular in Asia, and his album released in Korea this past June was a big hit. “I want to deepen the ties between Japan and all Asian nations, not as a Japanese, but as an Asian, ” was Gackt's intent behind the decision for the release.

It was decided that Gackt's 8th album, “Diabolos (ディアボロス=meaning devil in Latin)” would be released in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the plan is to have it in their stores at the end of this month. In Japan, the album was released on the 21st. It is unprecedented for a Japanese artist's album to be simultaneously released in Asia. 

The origin of this project was Gackt's success in Korea. The Korean version of the hit song “Juunigatsu No Love Song” was recorded for the album released in Korea in December of 2004, and it was a bit hit. The ballad album “Love Letter” was simultaneously released in Japan and Korea this past February. In June, a Korean version of the same album was released. On the “Hot Tracks” charts, which compiles rankings from Korea's biggest record chains, Gackt held the number 1 and number 2 positions in CD rankings (Japanese artists section) for the first half of this year. Including singles, Gackt has six CDs ranked in the top 20.

This June, when Gackt made a promotional visit to Korea, he was given an enthusiastic welcome. He was mobbed by fans at Kimpo Airport, and more than 500 fans eagerly waited at the TV program recording. Gackt says, “Closing the distance between the hearts of Japan and Asia starts with cultural exchange. Facing opposing countries with respect is what's important.” It is the first time he is releasing a CD in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and he is aiming for the same success as he has had in Korea.

Also, the nationwide tour will start on the 23rd, beginning at Toda-shi Bunka Kaikan, Saitama. The nationwide 26-city, 36-performance tour will go forward until the performance at Tokyo Dome on December 24.

Source: Nikkansports.com (September 22, 2005)

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