UV, March 2005, Vol. 112

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 Please DO NOT publish my translations elsewhere without my permission.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 and his band members) entered the stadium! Read it like you will a normal sentence.
=xxx= = real brackets used in the interview


[Translator's note: Please note that “Love Letter LL” refers to the album, while “Love Letter” refers to the song.]


I: “Love Letter LL” album is much more touching than I expected it to be. The last two songs really got me.
G: Is that so? I think “Love Letter” =Last song in the album= is, to me, a perfect song. [1] I think it will be able to reach the listener. So much so that I even thought of releasing “Love Letter” as a single.
[1] 完成度が高い. Kansei means completion or has perfected. Do translates roughly to degree, and takai means high. “Degree of completion is high” But I think what he means is that Love Letter is an excellent song.


I: That will be great. I think the way this album is arranged is very smooth too.
G: Really?


I: The first three songs you hear are slow. As you move along, it becomes more emotional [1] and (grows until) it becomes even more touching towards the end.
[1] 盛り上げる moriageru: to pile up; to heap up; to stir up; to bring to a climax; to raise
G: Indeed. We’ve decided the arrangement of the album from early on, based on the image of the songs. And so, “Let’s make it this way, or put it that way,” we’ve thought those (over carefully). As for “Love Letter”, I felt very happy when it was completed because it was even better than I thought it would be. During the pre-production =preparation for production= phase, I thought “精一杯のサヨナラ” (seiipai no sayonara) was the best. But when it was completed, “Love Letter” is perfect and has a very gentle [1] feel as well... How should I say it? A pure expression of love that can be conveyed to the other party honestly. Each word, each phrase, carries a meaning. It is such a song to me. I think the words “I love you” have never been said in songs like this before. [2] Various artists have the words “I love you” in their lyrics, but I have never once felt that it has reached me as “I love you”. But even though I feel that the words “I love you” are shallow [3] when used in lyrics, it’s amazing how they fit my own song well. (Makes me) want to praise myself.
[1] やさしい: gentle; soft; kind; tender
[2] He used the verb 言う (iu), which actually means say.
[3] feels empty


I: You really feel that you can say “I love you” with all your heart [through the songs].
G: Something like that. Not the words of “I love you”, but the feeling of “I love you”. There are no other words which contain all of one’s feelings that can be used. [1]
[1] Literally, words that can be said which contain all of one’s feelings.


I: I see. But, the arrangement is really good, you can see the story just by listening to it once. When compared to the other albums, I feel that this one ranks quite high in that area.
G: I think the songs are also easy to understand. When you compare it to yourself, you can see your own love experiences and the images you have of love [in the songs]. Indeed, it was about my own love relationship when it went well, or when I was filled with regrets (because it didn't). When I succeeded [1]; when I failed... There are a lot of feelings. I also recall the periods of time when they occurred, because most of the songs were completed after going through these feelings again repeatedly. Like, “Those times were good~”
[1] Because he is using opposites here, I tweaked the words a bit. He used “よかった”, which can be used in many different contexts, the most common being “great” or “glad”. However, the other word he used in the sentence was “failed”, and so I decided to use “succeed” to show that they are opposites.


I: The songs can also let the listeners recall their past viewpoint (lit. senses) on love.
G: Like “I failed that time” or “I had such a view of love then”.


I: The main concept of the lyrics is that separation does not mean the end; it is definitely a beginning. I think that is the feeling you get from the songs.
G: Yes, to the next and the following after that. It’s like the passing of baton. But I do think that I can write it this way because the songs are about love which has passed. If I were to write a song about heart-breaks when I’m really going through one at that moment, I think it will become a terribly heart-breaking song. (bitter laugh) It will be really down. Actually, there was a song I wrote right when I was feeling heart-broken, a song from close to 12 years ago, “etude”.


I: Hoo! But singing it 12 years later, are there parts which you can view positively now? (lit. feel positive about)
G: As expected, it is different when you sing it now. I still have the tape from that time and I was really surprised when I listened to it.


I: Eh? It’s in your house?
G: It is.


I: By the way, are there a lot of songs in the album which were written in the past?
G: Some of them are quite old. Half of the songs compiled is new, while the other half was written some six or eight years ago. The oldest is “etude” though. I wasn’t planning on including this song... But before pre-production, I let everyone listen to the demo =temporary recording=, and the demo tape of “etude” in cassette form.


I: A cassette from 12 years ago!?
G: Yes. We needed to find a tape recorder first because it was a cassette tape, and we had a hard time doing that. (laughs) At first, I sang it briefly but I couldn’t remember (how the whole song goes). When I listened to the tape, I was surprised at how bad it was. When I let Chacha listen to it, he said, “Gaku’s singing has improved.” Well, of course! [1] (laughs) Because “etude” is the first song I wrote.
[1] He used Kansai ben here.


I: (laughs) Come to think of it, I feel like I’ve heard that tone in “サクラソウ” (sakurasou) before, the one which resembles the tone of a musical box.
G: It does sound a little like Malice. But that was the last song I wrote for the album. Wrote it by the poolside. It was nighttime and I couldn’t sleep; I thought, “Isn’t there anything I can do?” Well, I had a lot of tings to do though. (bitter laugh)


I: You, you mean, there is a pool in your house?
G: No, no (laughs) It was in a hotel. I think it was around 4 to 5 in the morning. It is a good song, isn’t it?


I: Yes, “サクラソウ” and “Love Letter” are a must for me. Maybe it was because my emotions have reached its peak by the time I come to the end of the album.
G: Finding a new (lit. good) love after a certain relationship has passed. I try to create something like that.


I: It does have such a feel to it. The first three gives a strong heart-broken feel, while the rest is about overcoming that.
G: That’s right. As if you are saved by “Love Letter”. I would like guys to sing “Love Letter” to the girls they love. I hope people can sing this song when they want to convey or express their feelings. There are people who aren’t used to conveying their feelings to the ones they love, right? Some of these people would express it by bringing them to the karaoke (and singing to them). There are times when I go for karaoke and I would feel like expressing my feelings to the girl I like or pretty girls [1] through songs as well. But there aren’t any songs which I can use to express my feelings, songs which are gentle yet sad. Albeit, the songs I know are limited. The songs I like are only those about heart-breaks. (laughs) The relationship hasn’t even begun, yet you are singing about broken hearts...
[1] かわいい: cute; pretty; lovely; charming


I: And Gackt-san yourself didn’t have such songs in your own collection, right?
G: No, I don’t. If you want one with a fast beat, there is “君のためにできること”[1], but I don’t really want to sing my own song. [2] (laughs)
[1] Kimi no tame ni dekiru koto
[2] Never thought of wanting to sing my own song


I: Just as I thought (bitter laugh)
G: But someone would definitely sing it when I go to karaoke with them.


I: “君のためにできること”!?
G: It’s very embarrassing! When they go, “いっつまでもお～”... (itsumademooo~) Who (do you think) you are singing it to? (laughs)


I: (bursts into laughter) Like, “Even if you sing it to me...!”
G: But “君のため” is very positive and full of energy. “Love Letter”, on the other hand, flows with gentleness. It is quite different.


I: Well then, if you were to go for karaoke with a great [1] woman in the future, will you sing your own song?
[1] ステキ: wonderful; amazing; great
G: I think I’ll probably sing “Love Letter”. But only if there is a girl whom I want to express my feelings to. The lyrics are straightforward, and even though there are words like “I love you” in it which can make one turn beet-red, if we look at the other person’s face while singing it, I think we will be able to convey our feelings honestly to the other person.


I: But do be careful.
G: Eh, of?


I: Based on the syllabary order [1], the next song after “Love Letter” on the karaoke song list is “lu:na”. You’ll have to dance if you press the wrong number.
[1] There are 50 in total in Japanese Language.
G: (bursts into laughter) I won’t do something like that!


I: That, that’s right too. I would like to sing “Love Letter” as well.
G: Do practice because I would like those who are married to sing it to their wives as well. It is very difficult (to sing), so I’ve been practicing as well recently. (laughs) Even though it’s my own song. Actually, I was planning to sing during a friend’s wedding ceremony recently. But I wanted to make it a surprise present, so first I told them I cannot come because I have work to do. But I felt extremely nervous. Wedding ceremony is a very important event, isn’t it? I thought it would be great if it can really make that friend happy, but I was also worried that it would fail.


I: Come to think of it, there are, surprisingly, quite a number of artists who feel more nervous singing in wedding ceremonies than in live (concerts). Quite a few have said so.
G: Totally nervous. With lives, you get into it as soon as it starts and you keep focusing on singing after that. But in wedding ceremonies, you start only after the host has introduced you. “And now, let’s invite Gackt, a friend (of xxx),” for example. (laughs)


I: Hahahaha, you have sung in wedding ceremonies before?
G: Two times. Once for an old friend and another for a staff. For the staff, it was a surprise. They didn’t think I would come because it was held in Nagoya and before that they had (already) played a video with a message from me congratulating them. I think they thought I was an impostor when I stepped into the room. I expressed my congratulations to them [1] again before I sang and the groom cried. I became emotional as well, and I thought I would not be able to sing. You [2] was with me too, but he was nervous and started playing the tune of “君のためにできること” by mistake. (laughs) We told the staff that “Love Letter” is the masterpiece of the君series. [3] There are a few of them, such as, “君のためにできること”, “君が追いかけた夢”, “君が待っているから”, “君に会いたくて”. [4] “Love Letter” doesn’t have the word “君” in the title, but it is the last of the 君series.
[1] I think it’s more of a speech than a quick congratulation. Literally, it goes “said a congratulatory message.”
[2] Gackt’s guitarist, member of GacktJob
[3] Kimi, it means “you”
[4] Kimi no tame ni dekiru koto, Kimi ga oikaketa yume, Kimi ga matteiru kara, Kimi ni aitakute


I: I see. It is a great expression.
G: When I asked, “Can I withdraw then?” they said no. (bitter laugh)


I: Talking about series, is the re-recording of “dears” as “Dears ~LLV~” part of the album’s main draw? (lit. characteristic; feature)
G: It’s (a way of showing) my feelings towards the fans.


I: Why is the first letter of the word capitalized?
G: In the diary of my HP (Home Page) or when I type mails to the fans, I would definitely write ‘Dear’. It’s my habit, that’s all.


I: The release of this album marks the end of the “GIFT” concept. So how do you feel right now?
G: Like I could finally move on to the next step. I’ve been doing acoustic arrangements and simple sounds continuously, right? Such suppressive work makes me feel “I want to add more sound [1]” very strongly, and that stress I feel is passed on to the next album. Passionately [2], hard, almost like a maniac.
[1] I believe he meant putting in more variety of sounds, make it more rich and “full”. And that is true as well, if you look at BLACK STONE and Metamorphoze. The different sounds and instruments you hear in Meta is the result of this ‘stress’, I guess. ^^;;
[2] I’m using the feeling associated with the word “ikeike”, than the actual meaning itself. Ikeike is something you’ll say when you are cheering something on. Like “Go! Go!” Or when you are feeling passionate about something.


I: You’ve said previously that the next album will be mostly “rock”. But I was listening to “Love Letter” before this and, unexpectedly, I felt “rock” in it.
G: Hnnn, is that so? [1]
[1] >.> erm, it’s more like heeee... Somewhat difficult to explain. I think the closest action/words associated with hee is “I see~”


I: I didn’t think so when I was listening to the individual singles. But when the whole album is taken as a whole, (one can tell) that you have perfected your vocal and singing method. You’ve been searching for (the suitable) singing method since last spring and I think you’ve truly achieved the position of “rock” and carry its persuasive power [1] .
[1] “ロックな定位と説得力をもったな。” This one threw me off completely, but here’s what gekka_no_neko said, “In rock music, the songs are often aimed at challenging, or sometimes attacking, social conventions. Because of that, rock music has the ability to change your personal views, whether political, social, or ideological, because of the subject matter in their lyrics. If you listen to the lyrics of a song enough times, your thoughts may eventually become similar to the thoughts expressed in the song. That's why rock is such a persuasive art form. Think of any Gackt song and how it made you think differently about yourself or the world around you.” I think she said it best, don’t you think? :D Thank you very much!
G: That makes me very happy.


I: It depends on the listener’s view (lit. feeling) of rock but it does give me such an image.
G: I feel like I’ve finally found my singing method (after searching) for one year. And because the songs in the album are recorded at different times, you can tell when you listen, “This was the voice I used to sing just a while ago.” Chacha said the same thing as well. I feel like I’ve finally reached here, that I’ve finally found it during this period of time from “THE SIXTH DAY~” to “Love Letter”.


I: “Love Letter” was the last song you recorded, so you can feel that it is quite different from those recorded first.
G: That’s right. You can tell when you compare them.


I: You aren’t referring to the technical aspect when you say, “I’ve found a new singing method.” Rather, it is because of the accumulation of singing experiences...... [1]
[1] Accumulation or the piling of acts of singing. It’s not really experience per se, but I interpreted it as the nuances and different ways of expressing something through a song.
G: Yes, something like that. (Sometimes) when you are really focused on singing, you’ll suddenly feel, “Ah, this is it!” and become obsessed wih it. Not with the technique but the feelings. Can (my feelings) be conveyed through the songs? When you’ve found the right method. Although there are times when you can’t convey your feelings very well the first time, you’ll (still) catch it eventually though.


I: And one more thing, I think how you reveal your own past love experiences is also very like “rock” [1]. Because it shows all of the real Gackt, right?
[1] If you look at gekka_no_neko's explanations of “rock” again, I think you’ll be able to understand this. How it oftens challenges social conventions. It’s like being honest and having the courage to confront issues, so in a way that is like “rock” as well... Of course it depends on your own definition of “rock” too. ^^;
G: Well, I wonder if this kind of album is good (enough) for now. (bitter laugh) Recording this album was hard too.


I: It took a fair bit of time too, didn’t it?
G: There are some parts which I did slowly. Because the release date was postponed, I did not rush it and completed it slowly. But even so, it was still diffiult. I think a line up of ballads like this is pretty intense. Normally one will grow sick of a collection of ballads only, right?


I: I was concerned about that as well.
G: I was worried too. I was particular (lit. sensitive) about arranging, as a whole, the mood and feelings of each song in such a way that people will not grow sick of it. It was really tough. But in the end, I think it turned out great. When it was completed, everybody said, “It’s a good album.” But if I ask them, “Let’s make another such album,” I think they will say, “Definitely no!” The stress will be too much to bear, unless we do it maybe once every three years or so.


I: I see. And “ありったけの愛で” (arittake no ai de) video is (your way of) releasing that stress. It was interesting!
G: Were you surprised?


I: I wondered if it’s all right (for you) to do something like that.
G: Hahahahaha (bursts into laughter) I told them from the start (lit. planning phase), “This is the last chance we have to do something silly.” We can always do cool PVs anytime – and we will be doing that kind of image from the next work onwards – but if we miss this timing, we won’t be able to make something like this till a long time. Something so silly that it makes one go “Such an idiot.” It’s like “It will be a waste if we don’t make something silly. Well then, let’s make one!” (laughs)


I: You must have been the one who suggested that storyline (lit. content) during the planning phase.
G: Yes, B-grade suspense......


I: It should be comedy, right? (laughs)
G: (laughs) B-grade suspense comedy.


I: Simply “Interesting!” will not do.
G: It is a really funny video, isn’t it?


I: It is. By the way, you’ve said before that if you were to perform the songs in “Love Letter LL”, you want it to be a fan-club only live. Is that right?
G: Indeed. Right now I don’t have any plans to do a tour based on this album (alone). Even if I do, it will be for the fanclub only. I think the first performance will be during the Fan Club Trip. [1] I’ll be going to Australia in April.
[1] He did perform a couple of songs from the album during the 夜想会Ⅳ～月と闇～ 2005 Fan Club Trip. He did “etude”, “精一杯のサヨナラ” (seiipai no sayonara), “ありったけの愛で～LLV～” (arittake no ai de), “Ｄears～LLV～” and “Love Letter”. The only song not from “Love Letter” album that he performed was “Mirror”.


I: And I’m really curious about your schedule for the rest of the year.
G: The tour will start this autumn and I think that is the last I have planned for this year. I am scheduled to perform in Tokyo Dome...... And I don’t intend to use projectors =for video= (laughs)


I: You’ve always been one to not use projectors, but you still don’t plan to use it even though it’s in Tokyo Dome?
G: (Audiences will go) “We can’t see anything.” [1] (laughs) I’ve never thought of using projectors to screen the concert. I think it will be great if there are some other ways to do it.
[1] Kansai ben again


I: So the tour will be based on the next album?
G: Yes


I: You’ve said before that the concept of the next album will be a story called “DARTS” and a continuation of “MOON”.
G: There are parts which are still not clear yet. I’ve been wondering if I should do “MOON” one more time as well. “DARTS” may not be ready in time...... Maybe it will be something like “MOON 2”. I cannot see the complete picture yet, so I can’t say much for now. But there will definitely be a lot of up-tempo songs and songs with a heavy middle [1].
[1] I’m not sure what this means. ミドルのヘヴィな曲 I think it is something technical?


I: And what about “Metamorphoze ～メタモルフォーゼ～” = the theme song of the movie “機動戦士 Zガンダム星を継ぐ者”=?
G: It will be included in the album...... The recording for the next album will start soon, but before that I need to record the Korean version of “Love Letter LL” first.


I: Eh? They did mention that, but isn’t it going to be very tiring [1]?
[1] 大変 taihen: serious; grave; dreadful; terrible; difficult; hard
G: This year is spent mostly on doing recording again. (laughs) Really, I keep doing recordings. I think most of my life is probably spent in a recording studio.


I: Try to calculate the total time spent and rental fee of the the studio next time.
G: I should. I think it will be better to buy a studio if this is the case. (laughs)


I: By releasing a Korean version of “Love~”, does it mean that you intend to break into the Korean market?
G: Nothing like that, I have the whole of Asia in mind. Actually, I want to release a Chinese (Mandarin) version as well. But in terms of market, China is difficult (to break) because there is piracy problem. (lit. copying) For Korea though, the market is stable and I already have a record company in there. That is why I’m releasing that first.


I: Recently you went to Korea twice, right? The response there was really good. How do you think the Korean fans view you?
G: Hmm, maybe something like, “This dangerous rock guy has come” or “Darksider”.


I: Is the information content [1] the same as in Japan’s?
[1] Literal meaning of情報量 (jyouhouryou). But I think it means more like merchandises or goods released in Korea.
G: It’s the same. There are Korean subtitles included in the DVDs (concert) as well, starting from “上弦の月” [1], and everybody watched it. Nobody else in Asia holds a concert the way I do, so the staff in Korea often ask me, “Why is it that Gackt-san can do such a (large-)scale concert? Can you cover the costs?”
[1] “上弦の月” (Jyougen no Tsuki, waxing moon) tour started on 4th May 2003 and ended on 6th July. It is the second part of the MOON concert, the first being “下弦の月” (Kagen no Tsuki, waning moon) tour.


I: And how did you answer them?
G: I said I can’t. (smiles) I don’t take profits and the like into consideration when (planning) concerts; it’s fine even if the numbers are in the red. [1] And so, all the numbers are in red. But I do not mind because there is a greater meaning in leaving your work behind. That’s what I told them.
[1] Make losses


I: I see. It was the “GIFT” before this, so is there any keyword or something like a theme for your next work?
G: Hmmm, if I create “MOON 2”, the concept of “MOON” will be re-opened. I want to write a book or make a movie, and even a game, if it’s possible.


I: And last, a message to the fans regarding your plans for the year 2005 please.
G: Anyway, I’ve always wanted to do all that I can. [1] At last, the gentle me and slow songs have ended this time. The next is like, “You’ve been waiting and waiting,” and “Sorry to keep you waiting, I’ll change form right about now.” (laughs) Only those people with spirit should come. Like, “If you are not careful, you’ll trip over.”
[1] Literally it goes “I want to walk to all the places that I can.”


I: You mean, “I won’t just let you feel touched by “Love Letter LL” only”
G: Hahahahaha, I won’t say it to such an extent; but I want to make an album which says, “This is rock” next. There are fewer and fewer bands as well, so I want to make something which says, “This is the music of a band.”

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