A Single Album As A Grand Picture Story

Vol. 2: Canned Coffee Edition

This is the "MAX Coffee" sold in Ibaraki, my birthplace and Chiba among other places. I've been drinking it since I was a child. The color and design have changed about four times evolving into its current form.

The taste can be summed up as 'sweet'!! Think of it more like a sweet coffee milk rather than a traditional canned coffee. When I moved to Tokyo, I naturally tried to buy MAX Coffee only to find... it wasn't available!

I wondered why and investigated, discovering that it seems to be sold only in Ibaraki and Chiba. When I mentioned this, I heard various rumors that it was sold in other places as well. This is why I instructed fans in the "Vicious" music magazine's Malice corner to investigate. According to fan reports (or investigators, as I like to call them), it’s primarily sold in Ibaraki, Chiba, and Tochigi. One excellent investigator even called the consumer consultation center to find out, which was great. Other information from investigators confirmed its presence outside these three prefectures, including Shizuoka, Kuki City in Saitama, and around Odaiba in Tokyo (closer to Chiba).

Come to think of it I remember seeing and drinking it about four years ago in a remote area of Saitama. I think it might be a regional exclusive so it could be stocked and sold in various places.

I also saw it being sold at Koiwa (Tokyo) and the neighboring Ichikawa (Chiba) stations. This coffee is quite something--don’t underestimate it... The "MAX" might refer to the amount of sugar being maxed out.

If anyone knows more details, please send me another report. I recall that when I was in middle and high school, there was just the regular MAX Coffee and also a MAX half-can with a slightly lighter taste. Then Georgia acquired it and it became Georgia MAX Coffee. At that time the design was quite amusing 1/4 Georgia and 3/4 MAX Coffee... so simple!

I don't know if it’s still sold, but there was a juice called "Hi-C" and I have a can of its tomato flavor stored at my family home. Also, though I’ve never seen it elsewhere, Georgia’s "Cafe au Lait" was sold in Osaka.

See you again...

Malice Mizer Vicious 11 // November 1998

Scans done by manieravitium on twitter and @additionalsorrow on tumblr

YU-KI (B.)

1) August 8

2) Blood Type: A

3) Height: 175 cm, Weight: 58 kg

4) Shoe Size: 26.5 cm

5) Lark (Cigarettes)

6) Basically, can't drink

7) Likes sweets

8) Mushroom Family

9) Prefers people with beautiful hair, fair skin, distinct facial features, and those who are not too gentle

10) Interests: Clothes, etc. Cigarettes, clothes, etc.

T: MANA chan has a shortcoming! He never stops at the stop line. He stops right in the middle of the crosswalk (laughs).

Y: My shortcoming is that when I start thinking, I overthink endlessly. I get completely absorbed. My strength is that I’m usually calm and might not be thinking about anything at all (laughs). But I think I’m a pretty calm person. Though it doesn’t really mean anything in particular (laughs).

T: You're not listening, are you? (laughs). When we’re all talking together, I sometimes wonder if you’re seriously listening... I think, "Maybe Yu~ki chan will sum it up," but when I ask, "What do you think, Yu~ki chan?" you respond with "Huh?" like you weren’t listening at all (laughs).

K: My strength is that I don't overthink things. I quickly forget unpleasant things! That might be my strength. My weakness is that I'm lazy.

T: My shortcoming is that I talk too much and am noisy. But sometimes that weakness turns out to be a good thing, so it might be a strength too.

Q: Have there been any incidents around you lately?

T: When we went to Osaka, there was something we called the "Box Riding Incident" (laughs).

Q: Was that with the equipment vehicle? (laughs)

T: No, it was with a Benz.

K: A 560SEL (laughs).

T: And then our support member Yukyo-kun was zooming through the streets of Minami in Osaka, shouting "Yukyo!" (laughs).

K: That was a major incident, right? (laughs).

T: It was seriously a huge incident! We laughed so hard (laughs).

Q: Can you boast about yourself within the group?

T: Among the members, I’m the weakest and only have about two good days a year.

Y: Among the members, I’m the strongest. You can call me the "luggage carrying captain" (laughs).

K: I’m the most twisted among the members. My belly button is crooked and the crooked end is withered (laughs). What am I even saying? (laughs)

M: Well, I’m probably the most knowledgeable about horror videos. I’m a collector (laughs).

K: Yeah, you have tons of videos. Almost as many as a video rental shop (laughs).

Q: What’s next for Malice Mizer?

T: We haven't decided on a drummer yet, but once we do, we’ll let everyone know, especially our fans.

K: Once we have a drummer, we’ll start working hard. This year, we’re aiming to have our own solo concerts!

T: For now, we’ve done about 10 lives in March and April, so from around June, we’ll slow down to about 2-3 lives a month.

K: During that time, we’ll be planning various things.

Q: Any plans for a tour?

T: We’d like to go on tour around summer. We hope to visit Osaka, Nagoya, and if possible, the Tohoku region as well.

Q: Finally, do you have a message for your fans?

M: We’re putting everything into the music, so please listen with your whole body.

Y: Please come to our lives.

T: Listen to the beautiful, sorrowful Malice sound!!

K: Eat Yoshinoya’s Tokumori (extra-large beef bowl)!!

T&K: Très bien!

NOTE: T is for Tetsu and K is for Közi since this interview was back in Malice Mizer Tetsu era. I hope you enjoyed it xxx

I did a little translation on Mana's personal interview. Corrections are very welcome! Thank you so much in advance!

The dark-themed works that were released in the early days. I was captivated by these eerie and unsettling creations, which were far from being considered suitable for children.

I had the opportunity to have a discussion with the person in charge of producing that series of dark games.

All of those games were illustrated by a single designer. That designer had an aura about him and would immerse himself in work for about a month, isolated, to complete the projects. The resulting works had a unique sense of fear, and I was told they even went to Asakusa Shrine for a purification ritual before the games were released. I heard various behind-the-scenes stories like that.

Another memorable discussion was with Konami’s director, Yakushiji. I’ve always been a big fan of the "Castlevania" series since the Famicom days, and I had completed all the previous versions, including the Disk System and PC Engine versions. Our discussion took place around the release of the N64 version, "Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness."

"Legacy of Darkness" was the first 3D installment, breaking away from the traditional side-scrolling action format of the series. Yakushiji asked me, "Did you feel any discomfort with the transition to 3D?" I remember getting quite passionate and responding, "I was deeply moved by the experience of navigating the 3D space in that iconic Castlevania world, which was originally in 2D!"

A landmark encounter that marked the final installment: A conversation with Koichi Sugiyama.

The final interview in this series brought me to visit the home of Koichi Sugiyama, a pioneer of game music. Sugiyama is also a collector of game hardware, and he showed me various rare consoles like the "Intellivision," which surprised me. His collection room was truly a treasure trove for me.

Including the previous interview with Eno-san, my column for "Jugemu" brought me many valuable encounters. Sugiyama, who integrated classical music into game soundtracks and revolutionized game music, had a dramatic and theatrical approach to sound. It’s no exaggeration to say he sparked a revolution in game music. As a musician who also incorporates classical elements into my work, we had many conversations about music. I learned a lot that benefited my own musical activities, and I remember how educational the discussions were.

The world I express in my work was born from the inspiration I received from various games. Though it was only a short period of a year, the experiences I had talking to people involved in game development have become a great treasure to me.

“People used to say we were heretical or something.”

“Rock is freedom.”

“Maybe Malice Mizer is pure rock in the sense that it breaks definitions.”

— So, you guys really got criticized a lot, huh?

Közi: Oh yeah, it was intense.

Mana: I often heard rumors like, “He hasn’t played guitar recently? Isn’t that kind of dangerous?”

Közi: And I’d be like, what exactly is so dangerous about that?

Mana: Rock is supposed to be about freedom, right? I mean, as long as it's for the sake of expression, I think it's fine to do anything. So the fact that people even think that’s “dangerous” I find that mentality itself kind of dangerous.

Közi: Exactly. So in that sense, what people call “rock” sometimes isn’t rock at all. Even if there’s something out there saying “this is what rock is,” I think real rock is about breaking that definition. That’s why I think Malice Mizer might actually be pure rock.

— Yeah, definitely in spirit.

Mana: Seriously, the feedback from live show surveys used to be so harsh. Like, “He doesn’t even play guitar anymore, he’s just happy wearing dresses, right?” I got told stuff like that. A lot.

— Whoa, that’s really rude.

Közi: Yeah, and when people who thought like that left, we didn’t try to stop them. But it was sad to be judged on just that one thing.

Mana: But who knows, maybe that same person who left back then is re-evaluating things now (lol).

Közi: Honestly, people tend to have such a narrow view of things , not just with music, but with everything.

— But at the time, you were desperately trying to express something through music. Still very much musicians then (lol). So, was the concept Mana had in mind back then already the foundation for Malice Mizer?

Közi: Yeah, it was. And that concept hasn’t really changed, even now. The name “Malice Mizer” comes from the idea of “malice and misery” , expressing the malice that lies deep within humans, theatricality, and the unpredictability of life.

Back then, we hadn’t developed the kind of staging we do now. We were closer to a traditional band, really. The music had classical influences, and we had twin guitars. Gradually we added in more theatrical elements. Even now, we’re still experimental , but back then, it was all trial and error.

— Were there any other bands at the time expressing themselves in such a comprehensive, theatrical way?

Mana: Well, we were part of the visual kei scene, sure, but I don’t think there were any others doing it quite like us. Probably not. There’s often this idea of “this is what a band should be,” but we really wanted to break that and create something new.

— So that was your youth…

Mana: Then I moved to Tokyo and became a madam (laughs).

— And that’s when you met Közi, during your “madam era.”

Közi: Yeah, Mana already had a well-defined style. I just kind of slipped into it. I thought, “Hey maybe we can create something really intricate together.”

— Did you listen to demo tapes back then?

Közi: Yeah. I also saw a video of Mana’s old band in Osaka. He was playing guitar like a rock , totally still (laughs).

Mana: Back then, it was all about the playing. I was still pretty inexperienced. I didn’t have any concept of staging or performance , it was just about the sound.

ESP Jeune Fille J:F-450

The model name is French for “young girl.” Its striking see-through blue finish matched beautifully with the elegant dresses it was paired with. From the logo on the headstock to the detailed position markers, every element reflects thoughtful design.

ESP Aka-Uzu-kun AW-550

With a see-through red finish that evokes the passion of youthful blood, this model features intricate inlays that seem to wrap around the body, and a swirling motif that gives it a sense of refined elegance. The name “Aka-Uzu-kun” carries a distinctly Japanese charm.

GIGS 1998

Zapping CD Track 24: Interview!

Gackt

"This time, the PV is based on the story of the song’s world."

15:58 - Gackt makes a magnificent entrance through the grasslands.

17:44 - Gackt gives direction to Jasmine, saying, "Relax and entrust your heart and body to me."

18:16 - A playful scene during filming for the engine shot.

"This song was originally created last year when I went to France to shoot a video. I was zoning out on top of a hill when the world of 'Le ciel' suddenly came to me. The version in the album and this version aren’t about which is correct; I think people will feel our emotions and the expanded worldview in this single. And for this promotional video, we wanted to portray the song’s world as a story. We spent a huge amount of time on the storyboard, and I think it changed about 14 or 15 times. By the way, Nagano is really a wonderful place, right? I’m having fun, and it’s been relaxing to film here."

17:03 - During a shoot for this magazine, Gackt asks, "Is this photo an extension of the PV or something separate?" showing his attention to detail.

16:04 - After checking the eyeline, they started the test. Five test takes, two main takes, and it was a wrap.

We enjoyed nature, including the various bird calls, but almost all of the staff were bitten by insects…

MALICE MIZER

Day 2

6:30 - 18:30 Filming in a pasture in Nagano was purely magical!

At 6:30 AM, the staff gathered at a certain location in Tokyo and headed to a ranch in Nagano. The scene was shot in a pasture where ordinary people are not allowed. That day, it was just Gackt and Jasmine appearing again. The two blended so beautifully into the landscape that it seemed almost surreal. On this day, they shot 20 scenes and 48 takes. After each take, they checked the monitor and discussed the subtle expressions and movements with director Muto. The attention to detail and the commitment to refining every shot was a testament to their passion as creators.

At 16:25, Gackt continued holding Jasmine, smiling wryly as he said, "I'm starting to sweat."

Director Hiroyuki Muto

"There's no one more interesting than them."

We held three full meetings with everyone involved. While respecting the vision of Gackt, who wrote the lyrics, we discussed everything as a team and created the storyboard. The challenge was to maintain the unity of the group while highlighting each individual member. Their concept is always clear, so it’s fun to shoot each time.

This is the third time that director Muto, who usually works in television drama, has filmed a PV for MALICE MIZER.

A completely new arrangement of "Le ciel Beyond the Blank Space"

Since their major debut in July of last year, MALICE MIZER has built a world of "merveilles" (which means "wonders"). To conclude the concept of this album, they’ve released this song. While the song was already included in the album "merveilles," this single features a completely new arrangement, making it even more dramatic. The track begins with a bass drum beat (with each beat at a different pitch) and has been meticulously crafted. From the beginning to its shocking ending, it’s a song meant to be played at high volume. (Released by Nippon Columbia CODA-16178, priced at 1,400 yen, released on 9/30.)

A studio where the entire set was completely rearranged in one night.

Yu-ki’s prop was a staff adorned with a crystal ball.

Day 4

9:00 - 22:00 Finally, the entire cast appeared, and it was simply breathtaking!

On the final day, the filming proceeded with Jasmine, followed by Kami. Initially, Kami was unsure of how to move, but gradually, his poses came together, and he finished within two hours. Then, at 16:26, the entire cast appeared. This was the only scene in the video where all the members appeared together, and the tension of the final scene made everyone assume it would take a long time to get an OK take (meaning the end time was undetermined). Surprisingly, though, it was completed in about 40 minutes with just six takes. Afterward, Gackt was filmed alone, marking the end of all shooting.

→ After filming, Kami took Jasmine out for a stroll in this very outfit to a convenience store.

13th Day, 20:56 - Yu-ki checking the oboe fingerings.

Interview!

Yu-ki

Even the other members were surprised.

"At 20:44 on the 13th, I was instructed by Director Muto to take on the image of a 'bad fairy.'"

"I’m trying to surprise everyone."

"It’s not just an ordinary promotional video. I want to capture the world of the song in a concrete way through the visuals, so I’m putting in a lot of effort. Regarding the costumes, this time, for the first time, we used 'white' as a theme, and each of us brought in our own ideas, trying to surprise even the other members. I think everyone had that feeling. I made my own headpiece, but I didn’t have any initial image for the makeup. As I was drawing, it just ended up like this (laughs)."

→ At 20:39 on the 13th, he checks his position during a makeup touch-up.

14th Day, 19:07 - Only two scenes left!

At 1:27 on the 14th, the director instructed, "Don’t forget your affection for her."

Yu-ki’s look was highly praised among the staff. On the 3rd day, he shot three scenes with five takes.

14th Day, 13:54 - Kami shows off a daring move, playing the sitar with a bow.

This song has the most emotion packed into the interlude.

Gackt appeared at 16:26 on the 14th day. The scene of breaking the flower was symbolic.

→ Even just standing still, Kami looks like a picture.

"This was the hardest shoot for me. There was so little movement (laughs). During 'Gekka no Yasoukyoku,' there was quite a bit of movement. Somehow, the movements feel forced. As for 'Le ciel Beyond the Blank Space,' I focused on the pacing, especially in the interlude. We mixed four types of drums, and for me, that part is packed with the most emotion. Some sounds don’t even seem like they’re from drums. In this interlude, I wanted it to feel like the emotions of all five members were clashing. Time off? None (decisively). We’re destined to keep running (laughs)."

Kami teaching Jasmine how to play the sitar.

Filming completed! Time for a commemorative photo!!

After the unexpectedly quick conclusion of the full-cast scene, at 18:38, the staff joined in, and they took a commemorative photo. Some covered their faces, and some turned their backs, but in any case, great job, everyone!

February 23, 1997, Clear skies

FC (Fan Club) Exclusive Event

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAMI - 17,432 Days Left Until Extinction Commemoration

Strawberry Picking and Hato Bus Tour

So, we went on the Hato Bus Tour. It's a bit late, but here's a report on the event. The schedule was:

8:00 AM: Meet in Shinjuku

8:40 AM: Departure

Trip to Nagatoro Town in Saitama Prefecture, where we visited Hodosan to view the plum blossoms (we took the ropeway).

Lunch at Seibu Nagatoro Hotel.

Then, we went strawberry picking in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.

We returned to Shinjuku at 6:00 PM.

Of course Kami and all the members seemed to have a great time. As for everyone who participated… there's no need to say anything more, right? Now, please enjoy along with the photos.

Here’s the ropeway we rode that day (edited by Közi). It’s called "Monkey No. 1". It was super comfortable (Kami). - Photo 1 top left

Yes, everyone, this is the Ume Hyakka-en (Plum Hundred Flowers Garden). Please don’t lag behind and follow along! (Mana) - Photo 2 top right

To my beloved…MaCheri - Photo 4 bottom right

In front of MaCheri - Photo 3 bottom left

As you can see from the two photos above, the “MaCheri” part of the tour name was somehow changed to "MaSeri", which gave us a big laugh. This happened at the hotel where we had lunch (even though the name on the bus was correct...).

Malice Mizer has a grand theme centered around the question, "What does it mean to be human?" The band's very name, which translates to "Malice and Misery," originates from the depths of the human psyche. Their activities as a band can be likened to a journey undertaken alongside their audience in pursuit of answers to this question. Without keeping this context in mind, it would be difficult to truly grasp Malice Mizer's essence.

The theme comes first. To explore and partially highlight this theme, the core of their expressions is always rooted in a concept. For example until shortly before their major debut, they adopted the concept of "Voyage," based on their unique vampire inspired narrative. They released an album titled Voyage and conducted live performances that brought this concept vividly to life.

After their major debut, as is well known, they embraced the concept of "merveilles." Under this concept they released works and performed live, eventually reaching a point where they concluded that chapter of the concept.

The CD releases and live performances up to this point can be seen as keys to understanding and contemplating "merveilles" while approaching the grander theme of what it means to be human. CDs can be regarded as fragments of "merveilles" designed to appeal to the auditory senses while live performances are fragments that appeal to both visual and auditory senses. Even after the release of the album merveilles they continued to release reworked singles of songs from the album. This effort to emphasize fragments of their concept underscores the seriousness of their commitment.

It follows that the live video being released this time featuring tracks from merveilles as well as songs performed exclusively at live events is a natural extension of their concept. Everything they do is grounded in a unified concept.

Although they are sincere in their expression, their live performances are not merely rigid exercises in conceptual work. First time attendees are often stunned by the remarkable balance of artistry and entertainment which reaches levels far beyond what one might expect from any other band's performances. Similar to experiencing the works of progressive rock bands of the past, one does not need to dwell on the concept to thoroughly enjoy the show. "Enchanting noblemen are singing and dancing how wonderful!" That is enough to captivate. However the more you watch the more you find yourself drawn into pondering the concept as if a trap has been set. This depth of enjoyment is one of the secrets to Malice Mizer's popularity which this video release will likely help elucidate.

That said, this video should not be regarded as merely a fragment of a single concept but rather as a record positioned after the conclusion and resolution of a chapter. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the trail of these men, sincere to the point of being breathtaking, and their artistic pursuit. A fitting end before embarking on a new voyage.

September 1998, Mitsuru Hirose merveilles Shūen to Kisū (merveilles: The End and the Return)

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

Even for those who pride themselves on being Malice Mizer experts there might still be a lot you don’t know... So we’ve come up with these questions.

This survey painstakingly created overnight by this magazine’s Malice Mizer correspondent was so well received by the members that they even said, “What an interesting set of questions!” (lol). Now what kind of answers did the members of Malice Mizer give?

Gackt (vo)

Q. Favorite food:

Anything spicy.

Q. Least favorite food:

All sweet foods in general.

Q. Favorite drink:

Volvic (water), vodka, wine.

Q. Least favorite drink:

Sweet drinks that feel sugary in the throat.

Q. Favorite scent:

A faintly sweet shampoo fragrance.

Q. Least favorite scent:

The body odor of someone with armpit odor.

Q. Favorite scenery:

The sea at night.

Q. You are allowed to cry only three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What are the other two occasions?

When I meet someone I can truly love, and when I lose that person I love.

Q. If you could use a time machine, where would you go, to what era, and what would you do (past or future is OK)?

I would go back to the past to atone for all of humanity’s sins by erasing the existence of humans from this world by exterminating the creatures that would become human ancestors.

Q. If you were a hitman, what weapon would you use and why?

Since I’m still an active hitman, I’d prefer not to talk about work...

Q. You have an unlimited budget. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of film would you make?

A story about my birth 457 years ago and all the women I’ve met since then.

Q. What is the ultimate “moment” for you?

When I’m naked and sharing love.

Kami (ds)

Q. Favorite food:

Meat-based dishes.

Q. Least favorite food:

Tofu and potatoes.

Q. Favorite drink:

Melon milk.

Q. Least favorite drink:

Sake, whiskey, etc.

Q. Favorite scent:

Sweet scents.

Q. Least favorite scent:

Anything generally considered a bad smell.

Q. Favorite scenery:

Not night views, but the view from a high place during the day, looking down.

Q. You are allowed to cry only three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What are the other two occasions?

When someone important to me dies and tears of deep emotion.

Q. If you could use a time machine, where would you go, to what era, and what would you do (past or future is OK)?

Since this is hypothetical, I can’t answer.

Q. If you were a hitman, what weapon would you use and why?

A ray gun that goes “pew pew...”

Q. You have an unlimited budget. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of film would you make?

A movie about a person who rises to power in the Warring States period, with an actual castle built for the production.

Q. What is the ultimate “moment” for you?

Probably when I’ve given my best at a live performance.

MALICE MIZER

● Special Supplement ●

Personal Imagination

Artist Q&A File63-MALICE MIZER || Translation in english

yu-ki (b)

Q1. Date of birth, blood type, height, weight, shoe size, vision?

August 8th, Type A, 175cm, 54kg, 26cm shoe size, both eyes 8.8.

Q2. Hobby?

Being alone in the dark.

Q3. Habit?

Staring off into the distance.

Q4. The CD you like the most right now?

(Answer not provided)

Q5. When you drink alcohol, what do you drink, how much, and with whom?

I don't drink much.

Q6. If you smoke, what do you smoke and how much?

GITANES (CAPORAL), two packs a day.

Q7. Favorite form of gambling?

None.

Q8. The kind of present you'd be happy to receive?

Something suspicious.

Q9. Your ideal type of woman (if you had to compare her to a celebrity)?

Trish Goff.

Q10. Pickup line for women?

Words aren’t necessary.

Q11. Where do you mainly write lyrics or compose music?

In a dark room.

Q13. The most memorable song from your own music?

"Kioku to Sora" (Memory and Sky).

Q14. A mistake you’ve made during a live performance?

I often forget to turn off the bypass switch, so the sound doesn’t come out.

Q15. What type of women catch your eye during live shows?

Those who are enjoying themselves.

Q16. How do you decide what to wear on stage?

It depends on the concept at that time.

Q17. The last thing you do before a show starts?

Have a smoke.

Q18. The first thing you do after a show ends?

Have five smokes.

Q19. A song you'd like to play as an intro during a live show?

A song I composed myself.

Q20. The most memorable live performance you’ve had, where and when?

The last indie live at Shibuya Public Hall.

Q21. If you could collaborate with someone outside of the band, who would it be?

Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance.

Q22. If one of your band's songs became a drama theme song, which would you choose?

It depends on the story…

Q23. If you had to describe the current state of the band with a color, what would it be?

Colorless.

Q24. Lastly, any message to the fans?

Please feel it.

kami(dr)

Q1. Date of birth, blood type, height, weight, shoe size, vision?

February 1st, 199X, Type A, about 180cm, average weight, 25.0cm shoe size, left eye: gray 2.0 / right eye: purple 2.0.

Q2. Hobby?

Enjoying being alone.

Q3. Habit?

If I knew, I wouldn’t need to worry about it.

Q4. The CD you like the most right now?

There are too many…

Q5. When you drink alcohol, what do you drink, how much, and with whom?

Kalua milk.

Q6. If you smoke, what do you smoke and how much?

Just a puff of smoke each time.

Q7. Favorite form of gambling?

Casino.

Q8. The kind of present you'd be happy to receive?

Cigarettes or CD vouchers.

Q9. Your ideal type of woman (if you had to compare her to a celebrity)?

Someone with piercing eyes and hair longer than mine. Like Maetel.

Q10. Pickup line for women?

You’re beautiful.

Q11. Where do you mainly write lyrics or compose music?

At home.

Q12. How do you compose—do melodies come to you first, or do you build from riffs and chords?

By humming.

Q13. The most memorable song from your own music?

"Bel air ~In the Moment of Blankness…" from MALICE MIZER

Q14. A mistake you’ve made during a live performance?

(Answer not provided)

Q15. What type of women catch your eye during live shows?

A little chubby and in cosplay, hahaha.

Q16. How do you decide what to wear on stage?

We have our own costumes, you know…

Q17. The last thing you do before a show starts?

Smoke a cigarette.

Q18. The first thing you do after a show ends?

Drink water.

Q19. A song you'd like to play as an intro during a live show?

We even compose our own SE (sound effects)...

Q20. The most memorable live performance you’ve had, where and when?

January 10th, at Nihon Seinenkan. I couldn’t stop crying.

Q21. If you could collaborate with someone outside of the band, who would it be?

There are many people.

Q22. If one of your band's songs became a drama theme song, which would you choose?

The song that fits the drama…

Q23. If you had to describe the current state of the band with a color, what would it be?

Five people, five colors.

Q24. Lastly, any message to the fans?

We will keep doing things beyond your imagination, so please grow with us and be able to keep up. Even mistakes are part of the performance!

The end!