gotcha, padahal pengen ngepost yg di Hawaii kemaren, tapi liat artikel di What's IN jadi pengen ngepost ini dulu deh...
en, seperti biasa, dapet dari sini
so, tanpa ba bi bu check it out !!!! >0<///
Quite a thoughtful interview from our favourite vocalist.
...London was your toughest opponent?! Well we enjoyed battling with you!!! ;D
************************************************
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 20th anniversary year must have been a year of new achievements and awakenings. HYDE says that the band’s activity this year has allowed him to discover the joys of singing. It is clearly visible that he now seems to be much more active and positive about openly expressing himself. If the entire of his potential to express himself as an artist became fully exposed, and he himself has indeed undergone a revelation, this would be extremely interesting yet at the same time almost frightening. This interview was held on the 24th May, 2 days before the “20th L’Anniversary WORLD TOUR 2012 THE FINAL” at the National Stadium. We wanted to capture what HYDE had himself achieved from the World Tour, and his thoughts on returning to VAMPS once again – the HYDE of the moment, as the artist behind L’Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS and ofcourse at the core, HYDE himself as an artist.
************************************************
Q: Previously, you told us “As much as the World Tour is our dream, it’s also the dream of our staff”. What exactly do you mean by ‘dream’?
H: I think that would depend on each person... but for me, I think Japan is still a very closed and conservative country. Like the Japanese people don’t have much interest in other countries.
Q: They have no interest?
H: They’ll go abroad for holidays, but it’s not like they want to do something, or achieve something there. Compared to other countries, I think Japan wants to keep to themselves. Because that was how it worked until now. But somewhere deep inside, everyone wishes for the international success of the Japanese. They want someone to play concerts overseas. And if possible, they want to get involved themselves. That’s why I think this tour was also the ‘dreams’ for each of the staff as well. Also for the various companies that were involved. It was like we were carrying with us the hopes and dreams of lots of different people, so after the final show, I think everyone felt proud of their own work. We were even told by members of the audience how happy they were as a Japanese person.
Q: What about yourself?
H: However big we become, bands like Mr. Children and Southern All Stars are always going to be the main stream in the Japanese music industry. And the bands like us, who wear make-up and stuff, will always be regarded as a ‘fancy’ (N.B. the Japanese word used here can also mean ‘alternative’ and ‘not mainstream’ aswell) band. But that’s probably why L’Arc~en~Ciel would be the only band who could pull off this World Tour, and the only band who could pull off a gig at Madison Square Garden. I hadn’t really thought about it initially, , but when I thought afterwards “then who else would be able to?”, I couldn’t think of anyone else. At least for a while now. Doing such things increases L’Arc~en~Ciel’s ‘existential value’, and if we are to continue with L’Arc~en~Ciel we need to be an increasingly stylish and cool band. Especially as a non-main stream band.
Q: What you call ‘existential value’ means that you want to become a band that is noticed and valued not only within Japan but more broadly, worldwide?
H: No, fundamentally I mean our value within Japan. We’ve still got a long way to go overseas, but the way the Japanese view us is now decided. I think the future of L’Arc~en~Ciel depends on changing this fixed view that they have of us.
Q: So it was almost like the World Tour was a means to increase the value of the band within Japan?
H: I guess you could say that. As much as it was indeed one of our aspirations to go on a World Tour, what you’ve just said was also an alternative goal. That made it even more important for us to do it. Overseas, we’re not categorised – it’s unbiased, and people don’t refer to us as *the T-shirt band* or “the make-up band”. We wanted the challenge of battling it out in a country where no one had any prejudices about us. And I think we won our battle. Everywhere we went, we played a great show – it was a tour that will really lead on to the future of L’Arc~en~Ciel.
Q: I guess if it was just to achieve your aspirations, you wouldn’t be thinking that you ‘won’.
H: Yes. If we did something un-cool, that would have meant that we lost the battle. That would be terrible.
Q: What do you mean by ‘un-cool’?
H: Basically a live that isn’t fun, or has no energy. But during this tour, I think at every live we played, we managed to reach out to the hearts of our fans. We could tell by their facial expressions.
Q: How sure were you that you were going to win before you went on tour?
H: We knew that there were fans everywhere around the world, so to some extent yes. But we couldn’t really judge the reality of it all. If we were playing in Japan we would be able to guess the size of the venue, or how many people would come, but overseas, we had no previous data.
Q: It’s hard to imagine anything about the MSG.
H: Regarding MSG, my first thoughts were that ‘It must be massive’. We obviously knew that it was a famous venue, so I guess it was both the joy of being able to play at such prestigious venue, as well as being a bit worried, like ‘Are we going to be ok?’. As a Japanese person, I think America is a tough opponent.
Q: What do you mean?
H: Countries like France are really friendly. The French listen to English songs, just like us Japanese do, so they’re used to listening to songs from lots of different countries. In other words, by default they’re willing to listening to music from overseas. South Korea is also like that. But the English-speaking countries pretty much only listen to English/American music. For a Japanese artist to play in a massive venue in a country like that and to play Japanese songs is difficult and tough. So to be honest, I wasn’t sure if we’d manage to fill the venue. But because of that, we were the most determined when we played at the MS. But fundamentally, it was going to be a live by L’Arc~en~Cie, so we just went there, as usual, as just the band that we are. But every time we were interviewed by the local media, we were referred to as ‘the first Asians’ and got asked things like ‘How do you feel to be the first Japanese to stand on the MSG stage’. And eventually we started to think ‘we’re doing this for the country too’. You know, we would constantly be reminded of the Japanese flag (laugh).
Q: Like the representatives of Japan (laugh).
H: Yes, just like that. Up until then we were thinking about how to play a successful concert, but soon our thoughts changed, and we were determined that we had to make them think “Wow, that live by that Japanese band was great” – otherwise we wouldn’t be able to face the Japanese people when we returned.
Q: Did you feel a lot of pressure?
H: Only the good sort of pressure. We practiced and rehearsed a lot, which we don’t usually do, and that worked out really well. I think one of the biggest personal achievements after this tour is that I no longer feel at all nervous. I don’t feel nervous even if I have to open the show with an a capella piece, so my voice is really stable. It was almost like breathing in the space. I felt ecstasy from everyone watching me whilst I sing (laugh). I would smile to myself – I was touched by what I was seeing. It felt wonderful, I was really happy. I no longer felt like “Gosh there are so many people, I mustn’t make any mistakes!”.
Q: That’s a massive achievement.
H: Actually, I still felt “I mustn’t make any mistakes” (laugh). I think just after the MSG show, it felt like I’d just finished an exam. It’s not like I was nervous, but almost like I was competing in a figure skating competition.
Q: Speaking of English speaking countries, how was London?
H: For me, I thought London was going to be the toughest opponent (laugh). But because the London venue was the size of a live house, it was really energetic and everyone was really into it. In Asia, Jakarta was really interesting. Because it’s a country where there are many Muslim people, there were lots of fans who were covering their faces with scarves – it was a scene I’d never experienced before. We’d seen fans of different nationalities before, but that was the first time that I’d felt “Now, we’re crossing the borders of religion”. But even so, the relationship between the fans and ourselves was the same wherever we went. We may look different, but everyone’s facial expressions and smiles were the same, just like the Japanese fans. Everyone looked so happy and joyous.
Q: That must have given you lots of power.
H: I think that’s why I never feel tired. Everyone gives me energy and power.
Q: What was it that you wanted to convey and express to the fans, standing on the stage of a country where not only the language is different, but the culture they grew up in?
H: It’s not like I have a particular thought behind what I want to express. But I felt overwhelmed when I realised that at that moment, all those people were crossing all the borders and singing the same song. There’s obviously a part of me which wishes for a world where there’s no conflict, and that’s something that is a major part of my thoughts and ideals, but that wasn’t the reason why we went to all those countries to play. But each time we played, we noticed because of the fans that we are actually capable of doing these amazing things. Not everyone has an opportunity to experience moments of such joy.
Q: And with no time to spare, VAMPS are back.
H: I know. I was obviously intending to do something with VAMPS this year, maybe around the summer. But I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon!
Q: Yes, I thought that too (laugh).
H: One of the reasons was because ZEPP SENDAI was going to close down, and they asked us to play there. To be honest I thought it was too soon, but we owe the venue a lot, and we hadn’t played in North East Japan since the quake. I’d always wanted to play there, so I’m happy we can do so.
Q: Since there isn’t much time between, how do you intend to switch from L’Arc~en~Ciel to VAMPS within yourself?
H: I guess what’ll happen will happen, it’s always been like that. I don’t have a clear distinction between the two. I go with the flow.
Q: Which means that L’Arc~en~Ciel’s HYDE is the same as VAMPS’ HYDE?
H: Of course. Although the way I do things is different. It’s like going to work, and then coming home to your hobby. There isn’t a clear switchover. I don’t think that ‘working’ is uncool – in fact I think a man shines the most when he’s working – and it’s not like I’m being more myself when I’m ‘playing’. I can’t separate which of L’Arc~en~Ciel and VAMPS is ‘work’ and ‘play’. I guess VAMPS seems more like ‘play’ because we’re free to do more things. I just want to light-heartedly do some cool stuff.
Q: Do you have a particular vision?
H: Not a vision per se, but maybe to beat L’Arc (laugh)?
Q: beat in what way?
Q: Maybe the size of the audience (laugh)? I know it’s difficult, but why not aim high? I think VAMPS is an innovative rock band with an extremely “free” style.
Q: I’ve also felt it today, but recently it feels like you are expressing yourself as ‘HYDE, the artist’, both for L’Arc~en~Ciel and for VAMPS.
H: Maybe. Because I’ve recently been able to do the things that I want as part of L’Arc~en~Ciel, I feel more stable. Especially since this time we played a lot of lives – I do most of the planning for the lives, so it felt similar to what I do with VAMPS. I no longer feel they’re separate – there’s some overlap inside of me. Although VAMPS is a little bit closer to myself. But before I felt that they were completely different entities.
Q: You’re enjoying expressing yourself with everything you do?
H: Yeah, that’s it. I guess I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough with L’Arc~en~Ciel (NB I want to be careful when translating this – I think he means that he somehow feels like he’s gotten over the worries/concerns he had with L’Arc, for the better). I used to focus a lot on how everything had to be in 4 equal pieces – that I shouldn’t stand out too much. But that wasn’t cool, and I thought to myself that I should really give everything that I’ve got. Since then I think my vocal style has changed too. Sometimes I do end up standing out too much, but that’s inevitable. If that makes the band better/more cool/attractive, each of us should give everything that we’ve got – there’s not need to restrict ourselves. In that sense, L’Arc~en~Ciel have gone through many changes in this 20th anniversary year. I think we’re the most cool/attaractive than we’ve ever been.
Q: Finally, what do you visualise for the future, as ‘HYDE, the artist’?
H: I guess it’s how I can express myself in the given circumstances. For example, we managed our world tour because there were fans all over the world. That’s one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s qualities. I think I’ll continue to express my own ‘art’ as an individual, whilst stoically judging what it is that I can achieve in my own environment in the given circumstances.
************************************************
QUESTIONS for HYDE
We requested our followers via twitter to send in questions for HYDE, and received plenty of responses. We carefully selected 5 questions and asked HYDE to answer them!
Q: Tell us a secret about yourself.
H: I know we’ve played it many times, but I’m still not sure when to come in at the beginning of ‘READY STEADY GO’ (everyone laughs). There’s so much fill-in that I get worried where I should start singing (laugh). I always think, ‘huh? When?’.
Q: What has recently made your heart throb?
H: (to his manager) can you think of anything?
Q: You’re asking someone else what made YOUR heart throb?
H: I forget these things straight away. Can you think of something that made me happy?
Manager: The roller coaster?
H: Ah yes, that did make me a little happy (laugh). There was a joint-project with Universal Studio Japan, where you could ride the “Hollywood Dream The Ride” roller coaster whilst listening to ‘CHASE’. It matched brilliantly, and I thought ‘COOL!’.
Q: How do you get over difficult times?
H: Alcohol I guess? Drink, feel merry and then sleep, that’s the best. I think time is important. If you can allow time to pass, things usually work out. If you stay awake and think about it, you only get swallowed up by your problems. If you stop thinking and sleep, about 8 hours would have passed when you wake up.
Q: So you think it’s important for 8 hours of time to physically pass?
H: Exactly. It’s also good to watch a film or something. When time passes, you can look back calmly and will probably find a solution.
Q: Is there something you want to do before you die?
H: I want to go and see the wonders of the world – like the aurora, or the pyramids. Having said that I missed seeing the annular solar eclipse (laugh).
Q: What do you do to get over your nerves?
H: I take a deep breath. Also, I try not to think of people as people. I imagine they’re stones.
Q: Can you really do that?
H: Not really (laugh). OK, so maybe not stones, but if you think they’re all children, it makes you less nervous. I think you get nervous if you think that there’s someone above you watching you. But I think the most important thing is to be on top form. You get nervous because you’re worried or anxious.
Q: That can be difficult though... It’s difficult to know what it means to be on ‘top form’.
H: That’s true. For us, we’re often in such situations so we get used to it, but for normal people, it isn’t often that happens. So in that case, think they’re stones! (laugh)
en, seperti biasa, dapet dari sini
so, tanpa ba bi bu check it out !!!! >0<///
[HYDE] TRANSLATION: WHAT's IN? Interview
by L'Arc~en~ciel UK Fans Unite (English Street Team) on Friday, 22 June 2012 at 05:59 ·
...London was your toughest opponent?! Well we enjoyed battling with you!!! ;D
************************************************
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 20th anniversary year must have been a year of new achievements and awakenings. HYDE says that the band’s activity this year has allowed him to discover the joys of singing. It is clearly visible that he now seems to be much more active and positive about openly expressing himself. If the entire of his potential to express himself as an artist became fully exposed, and he himself has indeed undergone a revelation, this would be extremely interesting yet at the same time almost frightening. This interview was held on the 24th May, 2 days before the “20th L’Anniversary WORLD TOUR 2012 THE FINAL” at the National Stadium. We wanted to capture what HYDE had himself achieved from the World Tour, and his thoughts on returning to VAMPS once again – the HYDE of the moment, as the artist behind L’Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS and ofcourse at the core, HYDE himself as an artist.
************************************************
Q: Previously, you told us “As much as the World Tour is our dream, it’s also the dream of our staff”. What exactly do you mean by ‘dream’?
H: I think that would depend on each person... but for me, I think Japan is still a very closed and conservative country. Like the Japanese people don’t have much interest in other countries.
Q: They have no interest?
H: They’ll go abroad for holidays, but it’s not like they want to do something, or achieve something there. Compared to other countries, I think Japan wants to keep to themselves. Because that was how it worked until now. But somewhere deep inside, everyone wishes for the international success of the Japanese. They want someone to play concerts overseas. And if possible, they want to get involved themselves. That’s why I think this tour was also the ‘dreams’ for each of the staff as well. Also for the various companies that were involved. It was like we were carrying with us the hopes and dreams of lots of different people, so after the final show, I think everyone felt proud of their own work. We were even told by members of the audience how happy they were as a Japanese person.
Q: What about yourself?
H: However big we become, bands like Mr. Children and Southern All Stars are always going to be the main stream in the Japanese music industry. And the bands like us, who wear make-up and stuff, will always be regarded as a ‘fancy’ (N.B. the Japanese word used here can also mean ‘alternative’ and ‘not mainstream’ aswell) band. But that’s probably why L’Arc~en~Ciel would be the only band who could pull off this World Tour, and the only band who could pull off a gig at Madison Square Garden. I hadn’t really thought about it initially, , but when I thought afterwards “then who else would be able to?”, I couldn’t think of anyone else. At least for a while now. Doing such things increases L’Arc~en~Ciel’s ‘existential value’, and if we are to continue with L’Arc~en~Ciel we need to be an increasingly stylish and cool band. Especially as a non-main stream band.
Q: What you call ‘existential value’ means that you want to become a band that is noticed and valued not only within Japan but more broadly, worldwide?
H: No, fundamentally I mean our value within Japan. We’ve still got a long way to go overseas, but the way the Japanese view us is now decided. I think the future of L’Arc~en~Ciel depends on changing this fixed view that they have of us.
Q: So it was almost like the World Tour was a means to increase the value of the band within Japan?
H: I guess you could say that. As much as it was indeed one of our aspirations to go on a World Tour, what you’ve just said was also an alternative goal. That made it even more important for us to do it. Overseas, we’re not categorised – it’s unbiased, and people don’t refer to us as *the T-shirt band* or “the make-up band”. We wanted the challenge of battling it out in a country where no one had any prejudices about us. And I think we won our battle. Everywhere we went, we played a great show – it was a tour that will really lead on to the future of L’Arc~en~Ciel.
Q: I guess if it was just to achieve your aspirations, you wouldn’t be thinking that you ‘won’.
H: Yes. If we did something un-cool, that would have meant that we lost the battle. That would be terrible.
Q: What do you mean by ‘un-cool’?
H: Basically a live that isn’t fun, or has no energy. But during this tour, I think at every live we played, we managed to reach out to the hearts of our fans. We could tell by their facial expressions.
Q: How sure were you that you were going to win before you went on tour?
H: We knew that there were fans everywhere around the world, so to some extent yes. But we couldn’t really judge the reality of it all. If we were playing in Japan we would be able to guess the size of the venue, or how many people would come, but overseas, we had no previous data.
Q: It’s hard to imagine anything about the MSG.
H: Regarding MSG, my first thoughts were that ‘It must be massive’. We obviously knew that it was a famous venue, so I guess it was both the joy of being able to play at such prestigious venue, as well as being a bit worried, like ‘Are we going to be ok?’. As a Japanese person, I think America is a tough opponent.
Q: What do you mean?
H: Countries like France are really friendly. The French listen to English songs, just like us Japanese do, so they’re used to listening to songs from lots of different countries. In other words, by default they’re willing to listening to music from overseas. South Korea is also like that. But the English-speaking countries pretty much only listen to English/American music. For a Japanese artist to play in a massive venue in a country like that and to play Japanese songs is difficult and tough. So to be honest, I wasn’t sure if we’d manage to fill the venue. But because of that, we were the most determined when we played at the MS. But fundamentally, it was going to be a live by L’Arc~en~Cie, so we just went there, as usual, as just the band that we are. But every time we were interviewed by the local media, we were referred to as ‘the first Asians’ and got asked things like ‘How do you feel to be the first Japanese to stand on the MSG stage’. And eventually we started to think ‘we’re doing this for the country too’. You know, we would constantly be reminded of the Japanese flag (laugh).
Q: Like the representatives of Japan (laugh).
H: Yes, just like that. Up until then we were thinking about how to play a successful concert, but soon our thoughts changed, and we were determined that we had to make them think “Wow, that live by that Japanese band was great” – otherwise we wouldn’t be able to face the Japanese people when we returned.
Q: Did you feel a lot of pressure?
H: Only the good sort of pressure. We practiced and rehearsed a lot, which we don’t usually do, and that worked out really well. I think one of the biggest personal achievements after this tour is that I no longer feel at all nervous. I don’t feel nervous even if I have to open the show with an a capella piece, so my voice is really stable. It was almost like breathing in the space. I felt ecstasy from everyone watching me whilst I sing (laugh). I would smile to myself – I was touched by what I was seeing. It felt wonderful, I was really happy. I no longer felt like “Gosh there are so many people, I mustn’t make any mistakes!”.
Q: That’s a massive achievement.
H: Actually, I still felt “I mustn’t make any mistakes” (laugh). I think just after the MSG show, it felt like I’d just finished an exam. It’s not like I was nervous, but almost like I was competing in a figure skating competition.
Q: Speaking of English speaking countries, how was London?
H: For me, I thought London was going to be the toughest opponent (laugh). But because the London venue was the size of a live house, it was really energetic and everyone was really into it. In Asia, Jakarta was really interesting. Because it’s a country where there are many Muslim people, there were lots of fans who were covering their faces with scarves – it was a scene I’d never experienced before. We’d seen fans of different nationalities before, but that was the first time that I’d felt “Now, we’re crossing the borders of religion”. But even so, the relationship between the fans and ourselves was the same wherever we went. We may look different, but everyone’s facial expressions and smiles were the same, just like the Japanese fans. Everyone looked so happy and joyous.
Q: That must have given you lots of power.
H: I think that’s why I never feel tired. Everyone gives me energy and power.
Q: What was it that you wanted to convey and express to the fans, standing on the stage of a country where not only the language is different, but the culture they grew up in?
H: It’s not like I have a particular thought behind what I want to express. But I felt overwhelmed when I realised that at that moment, all those people were crossing all the borders and singing the same song. There’s obviously a part of me which wishes for a world where there’s no conflict, and that’s something that is a major part of my thoughts and ideals, but that wasn’t the reason why we went to all those countries to play. But each time we played, we noticed because of the fans that we are actually capable of doing these amazing things. Not everyone has an opportunity to experience moments of such joy.
Q: And with no time to spare, VAMPS are back.
H: I know. I was obviously intending to do something with VAMPS this year, maybe around the summer. But I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon!
Q: Yes, I thought that too (laugh).
H: One of the reasons was because ZEPP SENDAI was going to close down, and they asked us to play there. To be honest I thought it was too soon, but we owe the venue a lot, and we hadn’t played in North East Japan since the quake. I’d always wanted to play there, so I’m happy we can do so.
Q: Since there isn’t much time between, how do you intend to switch from L’Arc~en~Ciel to VAMPS within yourself?
H: I guess what’ll happen will happen, it’s always been like that. I don’t have a clear distinction between the two. I go with the flow.
Q: Which means that L’Arc~en~Ciel’s HYDE is the same as VAMPS’ HYDE?
H: Of course. Although the way I do things is different. It’s like going to work, and then coming home to your hobby. There isn’t a clear switchover. I don’t think that ‘working’ is uncool – in fact I think a man shines the most when he’s working – and it’s not like I’m being more myself when I’m ‘playing’. I can’t separate which of L’Arc~en~Ciel and VAMPS is ‘work’ and ‘play’. I guess VAMPS seems more like ‘play’ because we’re free to do more things. I just want to light-heartedly do some cool stuff.
Q: Do you have a particular vision?
H: Not a vision per se, but maybe to beat L’Arc (laugh)?
Q: beat in what way?
Q: Maybe the size of the audience (laugh)? I know it’s difficult, but why not aim high? I think VAMPS is an innovative rock band with an extremely “free” style.
Q: I’ve also felt it today, but recently it feels like you are expressing yourself as ‘HYDE, the artist’, both for L’Arc~en~Ciel and for VAMPS.
H: Maybe. Because I’ve recently been able to do the things that I want as part of L’Arc~en~Ciel, I feel more stable. Especially since this time we played a lot of lives – I do most of the planning for the lives, so it felt similar to what I do with VAMPS. I no longer feel they’re separate – there’s some overlap inside of me. Although VAMPS is a little bit closer to myself. But before I felt that they were completely different entities.
Q: You’re enjoying expressing yourself with everything you do?
H: Yeah, that’s it. I guess I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough with L’Arc~en~Ciel (NB I want to be careful when translating this – I think he means that he somehow feels like he’s gotten over the worries/concerns he had with L’Arc, for the better). I used to focus a lot on how everything had to be in 4 equal pieces – that I shouldn’t stand out too much. But that wasn’t cool, and I thought to myself that I should really give everything that I’ve got. Since then I think my vocal style has changed too. Sometimes I do end up standing out too much, but that’s inevitable. If that makes the band better/more cool/attractive, each of us should give everything that we’ve got – there’s not need to restrict ourselves. In that sense, L’Arc~en~Ciel have gone through many changes in this 20th anniversary year. I think we’re the most cool/attaractive than we’ve ever been.
Q: Finally, what do you visualise for the future, as ‘HYDE, the artist’?
H: I guess it’s how I can express myself in the given circumstances. For example, we managed our world tour because there were fans all over the world. That’s one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s qualities. I think I’ll continue to express my own ‘art’ as an individual, whilst stoically judging what it is that I can achieve in my own environment in the given circumstances.
************************************************
QUESTIONS for HYDE
We requested our followers via twitter to send in questions for HYDE, and received plenty of responses. We carefully selected 5 questions and asked HYDE to answer them!
Q: Tell us a secret about yourself.
H: I know we’ve played it many times, but I’m still not sure when to come in at the beginning of ‘READY STEADY GO’ (everyone laughs). There’s so much fill-in that I get worried where I should start singing (laugh). I always think, ‘huh? When?’.
Q: What has recently made your heart throb?
H: (to his manager) can you think of anything?
Q: You’re asking someone else what made YOUR heart throb?
H: I forget these things straight away. Can you think of something that made me happy?
Manager: The roller coaster?
H: Ah yes, that did make me a little happy (laugh). There was a joint-project with Universal Studio Japan, where you could ride the “Hollywood Dream The Ride” roller coaster whilst listening to ‘CHASE’. It matched brilliantly, and I thought ‘COOL!’.
Q: How do you get over difficult times?
H: Alcohol I guess? Drink, feel merry and then sleep, that’s the best. I think time is important. If you can allow time to pass, things usually work out. If you stay awake and think about it, you only get swallowed up by your problems. If you stop thinking and sleep, about 8 hours would have passed when you wake up.
Q: So you think it’s important for 8 hours of time to physically pass?
H: Exactly. It’s also good to watch a film or something. When time passes, you can look back calmly and will probably find a solution.
Q: Is there something you want to do before you die?
H: I want to go and see the wonders of the world – like the aurora, or the pyramids. Having said that I missed seeing the annular solar eclipse (laugh).
Q: What do you do to get over your nerves?
H: I take a deep breath. Also, I try not to think of people as people. I imagine they’re stones.
Q: Can you really do that?
H: Not really (laugh). OK, so maybe not stones, but if you think they’re all children, it makes you less nervous. I think you get nervous if you think that there’s someone above you watching you. But I think the most important thing is to be on top form. You get nervous because you’re worried or anxious.
Q: That can be difficult though... It’s difficult to know what it means to be on ‘top form’.
H: That’s true. For us, we’re often in such situations so we get used to it, but for normal people, it isn’t often that happens. So in that case, think they’re stones! (laugh)
