MALICE MIZER "Bel Air In The Blank Moment De L'image"

- WHAT's IN? Pictorial ワッツインピクトリアル 1998年7月

All the photo credits to kamitribute

I did a translation on this magazine. If you'd like to correct me please feel free! I hope you enjoy!

"I want you to open your heart and feel. I believe that as humans, there are moments when we can feel something and change ourselves due to unexpected triggers..."

MALICE MIZER

Human Science High Sciety Syndrome

— I’ve lived this way. That’s why, after entering society and starting MALICE MIZER, I feel like I began to think about humanity. The more I think about it, the more negative I feel. Yuki, you’ve had a bit of experience as a salaryman, right?

Yu~ki: Ah, but at that time, I was surrounded by really good people, so I was very fortunate. I feel like my life has always been supported by wonderful people. However, once I entered society, I started to feel the difference between the adult world I envisioned as a child and reality. While I understand that people have their own circumstances, there were times I became almost socially anxious with each encounter. But with MALICE MIZER, there are moments when closing myself off from the world allows for better expression.

— Being blessed by people, does that mainly refer to the members?

Yu~ki: That’s right, of course.

— What about you, Kozi?

Ko: I’m very grateful. As a child, I liked sci-fi manga, and I was thinking of talking about that. However, I recently realized that the reason I started pondering questions like, "What is humanity?" is rooted in something different. It’s about dreams.

— You mean the dreams you have while sleeping?

Ko: Yes, yes. I keep having dreams with similar scenarios, so I started to wonder why. I believe dreams make us conscious of what lies in our subconscious. What exists in our subconscious is likely suppressed by our daily lives. For example, as a baby, I would cry when I was hungry, unable to suppress my desires. But as I grew older, I learned to control myself. I think that the raw essence of my consciousness is suppressed and exists in the unconscious.

— By the way, Kozi, you mentioned that you were attention-seeking in elementary school, right?

Ko: Yes, I wanted to be the star of the school play. I was also the sports committee president (laughs). I think over the years, I became more suppressed and turned into a darker person.

— In MALICE MIZER, do you think you’re trying to liberate that suppressed unconscious?

Ko: Perhaps that aspect is there. — Lastly, I’d like to reflect on the history of MALICE MIZER's performances in terms of expressing " What is humanity?"

— What kind of discussions did you have among the members?

M: Things like the flow of time—past, present, future. Is destiny predetermined? Where is the end of the universe? That sort of thing.

Ko: We used to talk about these things naturally back then.

M: Yeah, it wasn’t like, "Shall we discuss this?

— Were there expressions of "What is humanity?" in your indie-era stage performances? Perhaps in the opening?

M: Hmm, yes, in the live shows...

Ko: I put my heart into the openings (laughs). In the early days, everyone was still playing their instruments properly, so there was only the opening where we would come out empty-handed.

M: When we performed at Shinjuku Loft (a live house), in the opening, the three of us, Kozi, Kami and Yu~ki came on stage suddenly and started fighting. Of course, there was music playing in the background.

— What were you specifically trying to express with that?

M: That’s a really difficult question. Just try to imagine it (laughs).

— I kind of get it...

M: Also, in the opening, I would pull Yu~ki, who was chained, onto the stage and whip him. Yu~ki looked cold and frightened, like a doll.

— That sounds like SM play.

M: We expressed "What is humanity?" in the world of SM. At that time, we didn’t really have any happy performances. The name MALICE MIZER...

— It comes from malice and tragedy, right?

M: So, we’re trying to express the malice and tragedy that lurks deep within humanity, which is why there are many cruel elements.

— Chains were one of your signature techniques, right?

M: Also blood (laughs). In the early days, we used paint for that, but it evolved over time. We were constantly experimenting with detailed performances, setups, and stage designs from our indie days, leading to the wonderful stages of MALICE MIZER today.

Ko: It’s true that our past is what brought us to where we are now, but we’re still in the middle of experimentation. Our attitude of always trying to create something new will continue.

M: There’s no end to it. The audience is also a part of creating our stage. So I want them to open their hearts and watch and feel. I believe there are moments when people can feel something and change themselves due to unexpected triggers. I, too, didn’t know what I should do as a teenager, but I was able to change because of a certain trigger, and I sometimes receive letters from fans saying the same. I would be happy if MALICE MIZER’s CDs or live shows could serve as that trigger."

I did a translation of this interview. I hope you enjoy 🦋

Gackt: "You know, I can look someone in the eye and say, 'You're beautiful' (in a deep voice like Gackt's) even if it's the first time we're meeting (laughs)."

KO: "That's a very foreigner-like attitude."

Y: "Exactly. The way he delivers his lines perfectly fits his character. In a way, he's a dangerous person... ah, so scary, so scary (laughs)."

Everyone: (bursting out in laughter)

Y: "Honestly, I'm jealous. How many more encounters would I have if I could start conversations like that? I'll try my best."

M: "Well, isn't he the guy who gives off the most seductive male pheromones? (laughs). In fact, when I'm on stage with him, I'm just mesmerized. 'Ah, so this is the pheromone he's emitting...' (laughs)."

KO: "You both seem to be mesmerized by each other (laughs)."

M: "He just makes you feel all sorts of things. You're practically ravished with his eyes. I totally get why women are so taken with him. ♪I want to hold you tight and sleep♪ I experience it firsthand when I'm hugged on stage (laughs)."

Y: "Next time, let's sell Gackt's pheromone-infused perfume (laughs). We could advertise it in magazines with a tagline like, 'This will attract women to you,' and it would be a hit (←completely convinced)."

KO: "Hahahahahaha!! (bursting out in laughter)"

KA: "He always stays calm and gives answers that hit the mark. I always think that's amazing. I'm also envious of how he can do anything. I think he feels a sense of aesthetics in creating himself through every gesture. But if I were to point out one thing, it's that if you keep saying 'thank you' over and over it might be hard to tell which one is sincere. That's the risk."

Gackt: "I'm always grateful, though (laughs)."

KO: "He's quick-witted, and like KAMI said, he can handle pretty much anything. He can even ravish a woman with his eyes."

Gackt: (laughs)

KO: "That's why I try not to make too much eye contact with him, or I'll turn to stone (laughs). There's something strangely persuasive about his eyes and words. His daily life is quite mysterious (laughs)."

Interviewer: "So, what is the common ground between these five unique individuals?"

Gackt: "A sense of uniqueness, loneliness, creativity, a strong desire not to lose..."

KA: "Including all of that, I think it's destiny. The five of us are the 'chosen ones'..."

Gackt: "The chosen ones? (laughs)"

KO: "KAMI is actually a god (laughs)! (←Note: this is where you laugh)"

~ End ~

Kami's Monologue

Vol. 1 #Mu

This time i thought i would introduce a treasure of mine thati haven’t shown to many people. Actually, i collect various things like old candy and juice cans.

Recently, when i happened to go to a convenience store i saw… to my surprise, coffee gum has made a splendid comeback…!! So let me introduce part of my treasure: the history of Lotte gum.

This is Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum which is very, very sweet... However, the blend of various fruits is exquisite… It’s no longer sold but I’m sure it will make a comeback (as of June 6).

The green gum, this is Fresh Mint Chewing Gum. I remember seeing this gum in my childhood, but I never had it. However the reason I have this gum now is a secret. The taste is a bit like a lighter version of green gum. It has a refreshing flavor and is quite nice.

The white gum, Spearmint Gum. This one has a minty, cool feeling but is a sweet flavor that I really like.

The pink gum , Bonnie Ume Gum. It truly has the taste of ume (plum). It doesn’t taste like pickled plum but has a plum like flavor. This is also one of my favorite sweet gums.

The brown gum… Coffee Chewing Gum. This gum has splendidly made a comeback recently after disappearing once about ten years ago. I was very sad about that. This is also sweet, with a sweet coffee flavor.

The newly revived version has slightly different packaging. The flavor is a bit lighter, but it has been beautifully recreated.

The blue gum… Grapefruit Chewing Gum. I have a memory of being bought this when I was a child, and I was so impressed by how delicious it was. A few years later, it disappeared.

The reason I have this gum now is a secret! I was shocked when a gum I really liked disappeared, but it miraculously came back as a 1/5 commemorative edition, which also moved me. It has changed its name to "Sweety Gum"...

In reality, the flavor was not very well recreated. The taste is actually more profound and sweet, similar to the flavor of grapefruit chewing gum. It is wonderful that things from the past can make a comeback. It truly shows that “history repeats itself.”

There are also Green Gum, Tarl Mint Gum, and others, but there is actually one gum that I don’t have. It’s called Quick Quench Gum. There’s a picture of a person playing sports on the yellow packaging. The taste is lemon-flavored, with a slightly sporty feeling, like a mix of Pocari Sweat and Gatorade... I really liked it, but for some reason, chewing this gum made my teeth hurt, which I hated. When you eat lemon, your teeth might hurt, right...? It’s just like that...

There are other perfumes like "Yves" and "Donna." There used to be many delicious and wonderful things. I hope more things will make a comeback.

15 Autumn 1999

Atra Winter 2007 // Klaha

As you can tell from his profile Atra kun is still very much a child. Everything he sees is new to him and he’s full of curiosity thinking everything is his toy. If you're careless and leave things on a table or somewhere within his reach, by the time you realize it, they’ll be hidden somewhere. For example, under the sofa or the bed... You might think you've completely lost something, only to find it one day by chance under the sofa or bed. Such troublesome events happen often. But it’s this mischievous and lively personality that makes him so charming.

However, the thing that's troubling me the most with Atra right now is his eating habits. The problem is he won’t eat unless I’m right beside him constantly stirring his food with my fingers. And in the end unless i place the remaining small amount of food in my palm and feed him by hand he won’t finish his meal.

The root cause is of course that I’ve spoiled him too much. But on days when I have to leave early for a photoshoot or something it’s difficult to always be there to feed him. Not to mention, he eats slowly and tends to eat his meal in several sittings.

So about his eating habits... By the way when Atra kun is in such a troublesome state if I try to leave without indulging him, he will inevitably start making strange, incomprehensible noises like 'Oh, no!!' while jumping at me in desperation.

Of course he also acts spoiled at times. For example, when I'm getting ready to leave, Atra will start pouncing on me as if to say, 'Don’t leave me!' He makes such cute sounds that I can’t help but think, 'How adorable!' It's always a cycle of him calling for me when he wants to eat and us playing chase.

When I can’t help but follow him, he’ll suddenly look back as if to say, 'Are you coming?' Sometimes we swap roles and I have to chase him while he pretends to run away and hide behind doors or other places. We play like this, almost as if we were prince and servant, with him always making me follow him around the house.

Then, when he finally gets sleepy and starts to doze off, he lets out a small, happy squeal, and somehow, all my tiredness disappears. As if by magic, I feel refreshed, as though his presence alone is enough to heal me.

Talking about Atra kun makes me feel like a total doting parent. There's so much more I want to share about him, but I’ll stop here for now. I’ll tell more stories about Atra kun in this section later. It might be boring for people who don’t like animals, but... well. Next time I plan to go somewhere nice. Where that will be, you’ll have to wait and see!

...when I start talking about Atra kun i feel like a total doting parent. There’s still so much more I want to say, but I think I’ll wrap it up here for now. I’d like to share more stories about Atra kun in this section later. It might be boring for people who don’t like animals, though...

Now then, I plan to go somewhere nice next time. Where that will be, you’ll have to wait and see!

KOZI (MALICE MIZER) ASTAN - 2005 Vol.21

Translated by my cousin (corrections are always welcome)

Malice Mizer: MALICE (MALEVOLENCE) AND MIZERE (TRAGEDY)

A comprehensive biography of this band, which is second only to X-Japan in importance within J-Rock or Visual Kei, would be too extensive. Here, we will focus on the period starting with Gackt's entry into the band.

Malice Mizer was founded in August 1992 by Mana and Közi (Kouji). After several line-up changes, the band consisted of: Gackt (vocals, piano), Mana (guitar, keyboards), Közi (guitar, violin), Kami (drums), and Yu-ki (bass) starting in August 1995.

Shortly thereafter, the group released their second album, "Voyage (sans retour)," marking a first step toward superstardom. The musicians' popularity steadily increased, attracting the attention of major record labels. Thus in 1997, MM signed with Columbia in Japan. Their first single, "Bel Air kuhaku no toki no naka de," was released followed by TV appearances and radio shows as well as the famous concert at Nihon Budokan.

In 1998, "Merveilles" was released. Malice Mizer was at the peak of their career, embodying everything associated with superstardom. Fan displays overshadowed anything conceivable, and Gackt could undoubtedly be referred to as the most popular Japanese show star at the time. The concerts were elaborate events, with costumes and staging that surpassed everything seen before. However, the fractures within the band were unmistakable. While Gackt seemed to thrive in the J-Pop Olympus the remaining members were striving for artistic quality. Disputes ensued, resulting in Gackt leaving the band in January 1999. As if that weren’t enough, drummer Kami passed away later that year due to an arterial brain hemorrhage. Following Kami's death, on September 21 1999 the band decided to take a hiatus.

Their fourth album, "bara no seidō," was released in August 2000 under an indie label, Midi:NetteM+M which was the newly established label owned by the band. The album "bara no seidō" is an epic work, heavily influenced by German classical music. Choral passages and long instrumental sections elevate this work to classic status. The trio of Mana, Közi, and Yu-ki experimented on this album without a fixed singer or drummer. This is undoubtedly the most impressive and monumental work by MM, although its reception from the audience could have been better. Perhaps under this impression, the band decided to recruit a new singer, Klaha, in August 2000. The sound shifted towards an epic and darker rock sound. With Klaha, MM returned to catchy melodies, though they were far removed from the J-Pop of the Gackt years. In my opinion, this is the best, albeit temporarily concluding, chapter of the group.

A few singles were released afterward. The last tour took place in July 2001, after which the band disbanded. Klaha began his solo career, Közi is currently active as a solo artist and as a member of Eve Of Destiny, while Mana has become a well-known figure in Japan with his own fashion line and Gothic Lolita shops. He continues to be active as a musician in his band MDM. Yu-ki is no longer prominently involved in music.

It’s also essential to look into the successor bands of Malice Mizer. I can't find anything appealing in Gackt and Klaha's solo works. I really enjoy Eve Of Destiny, as well as everything Mana releases to the public. EOD is an industrial goth band; Mana is much heavier but also more classical in orientation. Közi's solo work sounds very relaxed and somewhat French, although he writes in English.

I have met Közi several times and found him to be a somewhat shy and introverted man. However, he is a very nice guy. But that’s just a side note. What fascinates me is the band's fluctuating musical trajectory. By the time Gackt joined, the typical "growing pains" of any group had settled, and a first creative peak was reached with Gackt. The time with Gackt was the commercially most successful period, and the concerts were a dream visual event. The costumes changed multiple times during the show, and the staging would be compared to German theatrical productions.

Part 2

Groups like Rammstein would turn green with envy. Musically i find Gackt quite uninteresting. He knew how to present himself well in the spotlight but that’s about it. Gackt after Malice Mizer is nothing more than slimy, sweet-and-sour J-Pop. A nod to Herr Rohlen. Artistically an MM album like "bara no seido" is much more impressive. Some elements remind me that both Mana and Közi are great admirers of the German composer Bach. This influence is unmistakable. These influences, combined with Közi's and Mana's magnificent guitar playing, elevate "bara no seido" to a masterpiece for this group. The musicality of Malice Mizer is one of the outstanding characteristics of the Japanese band. The range of instruments spans from the standard instruments of a rock band to very European instruments such as clavichord, spinet, violin, or accordion. One might think that nothing catchy could emerge from this, but that is precisely one of the band's strengths.

Each song is assigned a style and a color. Mana represents the color blue, in which his clothing is designed. Mana is an imposing figure who can only be described as beautiful. When I first saw a video by MM, I thought the guitarist looked quite good. Not to mention, the guitarist is a male. In Japanese tradition, it is not so unusual for a man to appear feminine. Mana gives few interviews and hardly speaks in public, yet he is the creative mind behind Malice Mizer. He has perfected the Gothic Lolita style and can be understood as the counterpart to Gackt. Gackt does not wear white makeup and is considered by a large part of the female MM fans to be the quintessential fairy tale prince.

Közi represents the color red. He appears quite androgynous as an MM member. At the same time, he is aloof, reserved, and doll like fragile. Kami represents the color purple and Yu-ki represents yellow and/or orange. Noteworthy about him is his occasionally drawn-on occasionally real beard. Klaha’s color is either black or white. He later takes on Gackt's role but is much more masculine and less boyish than Gackt.

The look of this group. Malice Mizer seems to change costumes like others change underwear. It’s incredible how tastefully and stylishly Malice Mizer dressed and presented themselves. The staging on stage and in the videos is trendsetting and has not been achieved by any group known to me before or since. The transition from a metal band to a VK group and ultimately to a heavily Gothic-influenced act is marked by significant breaks. Yet, one can always recognize Malice Mizer's typical sound. For anyone who is now curious, I strongly recommend checking out the live DVDs or the group’s videos. Personally, I really enjoy the videos and music from the time with Klaha. The videos with Gackt are more colorful, vibrant and playful. I can recommend all DVDs from Malice Mizer.

The End

Közi

Since the major debut the pace of life has become very fast. I find a lot of solace in fan letters that ease my daily life.

There was indeed a group of three girls who were idols. They didn’t become a huge topic of conversation, but of course, Mana said, “Of course I know (laughs),” with a cynical smile. It seems he’s knowledgeable not just about horror, games, anime, and curry, but also about idols?

In any case, if you think about it, it’s true that many idols from the '80s had oddly inorganic characters, as the writer with experience in idol magazines thinks (laughs).

In the “Ville de merveilles: Transparent Spiral” stage, there was a solo corner for Mana, Közi, and Yu~ki as the fifth song. Amidst overflowing noise, Mana gave a performance like some kind of ritual. Combined with the concerto by Gackt and Kami that followed, it was one of the major highlights of the live show.

Mana’s costume was aptly described as a white ceremonial robe, with sleeves styled like a furisode.

Mana said, “This is also from the '80s. You get it, right?” with a knowing smile. Most readers probably don’t know, but once upon a time, a singer had a big hit with such a costume (laughs).

Anyone who has seen MALICE MIZER live knows that they have quite a sense of humor, but even during interviews, their humor sometimes comes through. However, they often tread the fine line between seriousness and humor, which is what makes it interesting, but sometimes it makes you wonder, “Is this something I shouldn’t be laughing at?”

In any case, while they are extremely sincere in their expression, it’s worth noting that they have this side as well.

Regarding his solo work, Mana said, “I feel like it has a lot of meaning. There was something spiritual about it this time,” leaving a mystery. Közi also said, “It seemed like there was something we couldn’t see,” deepening the mystery.

Symbolic marks, near-future, transparent butterflies, spiritual… Reflecting on their various words.

Their live performances are very entertaining and enjoyable, but it’s clear that they’re more than that. It’s not just the writer who feels a religious undertone in their expressions, as they always talk about pursuing “what it means to be human.” When the question was directed there, Közi laughed and said, “Everything gets encoded.”

He added, “It might sound scary. We can’t talk about much, but it might be related to that. Look forward to the day it will be revealed.”

Mana again makes a mysterious statement, but Gackt comments.

Mana and Kami, capturing precious memories with their adorable photos from years ago such as posing in front of the Statue of Hachiko or in Shibuya in the Hachiko Family Mural.

Enjoy 💜💙

Living

Loving

MALICE MIZER

The Glamorous Curtain Rises on Their Comeback October 10, Shibuya On Air West

This performance became a must see event of the year. Malice Mizer brought pride to the scene weaving stories into their theatrical artistry. Transitioning from tango to chanson and bossa nova they seamlessly integrated diverse genres and theatrical elements captivating the audience. The show began with an avant garde use of programmed music and strobe lights as the five members took the stage in a grand entrance.

In the third act which marked a few beautiful minutes of art, the memory of December 2 from the previous year lingered as Malice Mizer expressed love on stage. Ten months had passed since then, and though Gackt commented, "We play for the history of Malice Mizer," I still found myself unable to let go of this memory.

The new Malice Mizer live experience was exhilarating though it felt bittersweet to some fans who were deeply attached to their past work. As I walked toward the venue, the place already filled with a captivated crowd i felt the emotions building within me.

The second act, too, brought a different energy, with strobe lights flashing and familiar yet transformed melodies emerging. Malice Mizer appeared with a renewed artistic focus. The members, including Gackt, who stood brightly at the center of the stage brought a fresh and refined elegance. The serene sound of the fretless bass played by Yu~ki and Kami’s natural drumming provided a contrast to the usual highly staged performance of Mana and Közi.

When "Seraph" played during the encore Gackt sang with an emotional intensity that made his voice resonate deeply. Through this show a new era for Malice Mizer had undoubtedly begun. Their artistry had evolved, inviting fans into a world rich with passion and poised for continued growth.

(Text by Ichikawa Kazumi)

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

KAMI: When you go on tour i think the tour finale is the culmination of how much you’ve grown during the process. For now, i want to make this tour something great and take it on as a challenge. Touring is such a valuable learning experience and i'm always thinking about how best to express myself as i go through it.

- Previously, Mana mentioned that recent stage performances are completely different from those a year ago. Does the way you present yourselves change as the venues grow larger?

MANA: It’s completely different. For example, when performing at a large hall like Shibuya Public Hall versus a live house there’s a significant difference in the distance between us and the audience. Back in the day we used to incorporate theatrical elements but in larger halls, those details can’t really be seen. That’s why we adjust our presentation and stage direction to suit the venue.

- At your recent performance at Akasaka BLITZ, I felt that while your image evokes dreams and illusions, there seems to be a stark reality behind that. Is that intentional?"

MANA: Yeah, you’ve touched on something pretty important. I think we give off a very fantastical image but at the core we’re actually expressing raw, visceral human emotions. If people can pick up on that contrast, I think that’s ideal.

- Alright, Gackt we’ll wrap up with you. Could you tell us about the significance of the upcoming 'Deuxième Anniversaire ~ The Magnificent Revival' performance on the 10th?"

Gackt: The 10th is a very meaningful day for Malice Mizer. As the name suggests, it’s a resurrection, a rebirth of sorts. It’s also an opportunity for those who have never seen Malice Mizer before to witness us. It might sound misleading, but Malice Mizer is Malice Mizer no matter the occasion. I often say that we are ever-changing but even if the way we express ourselves changes, the core remains the same. We are changing, yet unchanged. I want people to feel that duality. Additionally, the meaning of the 'Blank Moments' in the 'Pays de Merveilies ~ Blank Moments'... I personally felt those blank moments during the 'Voyage ~ Vérité' tour. I want to express that."

- Could you elaborate on that?"

Gackt: On July 20th, during the BLITZ performance, my dog, who had been my only family for over 20 years, collapsed just before the live. While I was performing, they were undergoing surgery. By the time I rushed over after the show, they had already passed away. I don’t know if that was the reason, but everything that day was utterly chaotic. I revisited the metaphorical 'door of blank moments,' and i came to realize that everything starts from that point. That’s why i want to present something meaningful every single day. During the first half of the tour, i was in a slump, but in the second half i want to get even a step closer to the ideal version of myself. I want to remain positive in all aspects, convey that to people and hope they can feel it.

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