Q: Last time there was a bet (among you and) the staff, and (today) I was surprised when (you) were made to do push-ups as soon as (you) arrived in the studio.[2]
A: Right now, the tour staff, members and all the dancers have put together teams, and before the start of every live they do a quota[3] of 300 pull-ups each on the pull-up machine. So right now they are in a competition. At first, everyone couldn't do it, but it's the fighting spirit[4], you know. Now, everyone can do it. For me, my quota[3] for one day is 150 pull-ups, but when it comes to the dancers, there are some who can do 300. There's a punishment game[5], so they're desperate[6].
Q: But with so many people, it seems fun!
A: I wonder. This kind of thing can be done merely because it's fun. If you think it's painful or difficult, then it will become that way. But for us, our attitude is that we can remember it is as a means to have fun despite the pain. So the difficult[7] tour can become fun. Because I'm a genius at directing (things) in a fun way, you know. Don't you get the impression that (our) life is fun and strange, and that (we) live hard and recklessly[8]?
Q: In the album "DIABOLOS", there are finally a good number of hard songs, aren't there.
A: This album was (thought of as) "a work filled with sounds." In the last two albums, "Love Letter" and "The Seventh Night ~Unplugged", the sounds were decreased, and the works were created simply and with fewer sounds. That was a way to study a part of our musical technique by taking a fresh new look at it. It's something I've thought about-- the fact that I've come this far with that period of time living (within me). It's not just a matter of mindlessly[8] putting sounds in; we fill it with the sounds that we've chosen, piling them one on top of another. The thickness of the sound deepens, and the shape becomes more profound. Well, that's in technical terms, you know. I think it's become an album that can be enjoyed.
Q: What kinds of things do you do when you are camped together[9] to make the album?
A: It's basically a physical training camp, so we also train. The reason we call it "gasshuku"[9] is because when staying in Tokyo, (we're) busy doing other work, and there's no time to create songs. So, by venturing out to another location, we can create a period of time in which to be engaged in just that work (of creating songs). (We) create the time in which to live by just thinking about songs, but we call it "gasshuku" and that's all it is every day. I hardly ever leave my room, other than when I take a walk or go running. The whole time is spent inside my room making songs. I make songs in my room, but I go outside to write lyrics, so I often write while hiking.
Q: This work ("DIABOLOS") was released simultaneously in Korea, China and Taiwan, and you were able to go to Korea this past June.
A: I go to Korea a lot, you know. Well, I go to Taiwan a lot too. But lately I haven't been going to Hong Kong. There really aren't any artists in Asia who can speak the languages of all those countries. I can speak Korean, Chinese and Japanese, so with that in mind, I don't feel like I'm going there just for promotional purposes. Indeed, I hold within myself the feeling that I am an Asian artist, and so those people that are on the receiving side (who accept me into their country) have that feeling as well. They welcomed me with the feeling that I had finally come for them, and I wonder if there was also the feeling that I was like one of their own artists. Because in me, there are no borders.
Q: Gackt's songs are (about) loss, (things) beyond reach and feelings that are in conflict; it's romantic love[10] isn't it.
A: Because I am honest[11]. I am more honest[11] than you would expect, even as you see me like this. I am more straightforward than you would expect. We'll, I've been in some good love relationships[10], you know.
Q: I'm envious.
A: Really? Go have a good love relationship[10].
Q: I do have such feelings, you know.
A: No no no no, it's no good just having such feelings. The most important thing is your actions[12]. It's like, "Take a chance!"[13] In any case, no matter how many times you fail[14], and it seems that all is lost, something new will be borne from that (experience). You know, everyone spends too much time imagining failure[14] before it even occurs.
Q: (We) think too much with our minds.
A: That's right. I wonder how many people have failed[14] after really going all out. I think it's good to go on and fail[14] right to the very end. It seems that, whether in matters of love, or work, their own dreams, or anything, there are many people who do things only half-way. I think (people) should find methods that move them forward, by being more reckless[8]; by acting first before thinking, and then planning (the next step) according to the result of those actions. The mind is too theoretical, (and you start to think) won't I fail in this way, won't it have a dramatic effect in this way, won't it cause trouble in this way, won't that cause me unhappiness, won't I get hurt. All of that is just guessing. Well, coming from me though, I'm an amateur. Isn't it just a matter of seriously going all out?
Q: For next year, plans for full scale activities in countries other than Japan have come into sight. What kind of year do you think it will be?
A: We're planning a tour, starting with Korea and including Taiwan, China and other countries. It's been roughly determined now. And from there, we're preparing a wonderful present for everyone once again. I think the first half of next year will be quite busy. And after that, our activities are still a secret.
Q: But we can wait and look forward to it!
A: Of course.
Q: Please send a message to the fans in Hokkaido and to all the listeners.
A: If you hesitate as you take each step forward, you will undoubtedly have regrets. So, carry your footsteps to (the Christmas eve live) at Tokyo Dome. And, for those who cannot make it to Tokyo Dome, I promise to return to Hokkaido next year. Until then, please experience my world through the dvd, the next album, and other various works. You will definitely be deeply moved.
Notes:
[1] Blood type.
[2] Because the interviewer left out the subject, it was a little confusing who made the bet with whom, and who was doing the pushups. It could be the interviewer, the staff or Gackt. But after discussing with sweiled, and looking at the following answer, I think it's safe to say Gackt lost a bet to his staff and his punishment was to do the pushups.
[3] "noruma": 'noruma' actually comes from the Russian word 'norma', and in Japanese, it means an amount of work divided and assigned to a given person (in a group). It also infers that other people in the same group have the same amount of work assigned to them, thus it's a work quota.
[4] "kiai": spirit; fight.
[5] "bachi ge-mu": the loser has to be punished.
[6] "hisshi": inevitable death; desperate; frantic.
[7] "kakoku": severe; hard; harsh; grim.
[8] "gamushara": reckless; impetuous; intensely energetic.
[9] "gasshuku": lodge together; go into camp (for training).
[10] "ren'ai": the word "ren'ai" (??) is actually an artificial word that was created after the Meiji period (1867-1912). It expresses the kind of love, usually between a man and a woman, that is felt deeply with the soul. In other words, "koi" and "ai", which both mean "love", treat the heart and body as one matter, whereas "ren'ai" emphasizes the soul in particular. So, I translated it simply as "love relationship" but keep in mind the use of this word, ren'ai. And thanks to sweiled for all the discussion on this part.
[11] "majime": serious; steady; honest; faithful.
[12] "kodou": behavior; action; conduct; movement.
[13] "atatte kudake chire": the phrase "atatte kudake" by itself means "try your luck", "Go for broke!", "nothing ventured, nothing gained", etc. Gackt adds "chire" which is the imperative form of fall, break up, disperse. So he's saying you should try your luck even if it means there may be failure in the future.
[14] "kudake": break; be broken; be smashed; be crushed; collapse; fall apart. Thanks to sweiled for suggesting the words "fail" in this context.
***
Comments by your translator
150 pull-ups seems like an awful lot. @@ Everytime he mentions doing push-ups and pull-ups and all the training, I feel really lazy. ^^;; Last year I resolved to exercise more, and I failed. This year I didn't make any resolutions. XD Hmm, but I do get the feeling that when Gackt is involved, he could make even things like physical training a lot of fun.
I struggled with translating the whole "good love relationship" part for quite a while, and still don't feel satisfied about how it sounds. :\ When he says "good", it's more of a feeling of a love that is fulfilling. A love that was worthwhile, even though the relationship failed. I guess I lack that experience... is that good or bad?
I love the part where he talks about going all out for love, work, dreams, etc. In matters of love, going all out is the only answer, isn't it? For me, I got sick of not getting what I wanted, so I went for it (and got it ^^). But in terms of work, dreams, etc., I feel very much like I am one of those people who do things only half-way. I'm really conscious of that because Gackt always reminds me how much he doesn't like that kind of mindset. ^^; *prepares to move forward*
I do hope the people in Korea, Taiwan and China accept him and treat him like one of their own. For this dream of his to come true, to unite Asia through music, he needs the help of all Asians. It must be frustrating for him to feel like he has no borders within himself, but then getting resistance from all around when he tries to break down those borders in others. Being Asian myself, I've been unlucky enough to see these borders alive and well in people. The latest gem was this: "I don't want my daughter to marry her boyfriend because he's Korean. I can't communicate with him." Well then, why not learn some Korean? Thankfully things are better with the second generation, and on, so there is hope. I really should learn some Chinese so that if I have a kid one day, that kid can have one foot in each country. But learning all those kanjis would be the death of me. XD And is it true that Taiwanese is a spoken language? Because that's what I'd really love to learn so I can understand what the in-laws are saying behind my back. XDXDXD
And relatedly, I hope that the Asia tour goes well. I was so happy and excited about the Korea show~ it really shocked me when I read about his fainting on stage. I kept reading the news article over and over making sure there wasn't some alternate translation for the word 'faint'. ;__; I'm not usually one to worry a lot about his health. Even when he had a cold during the tour, I knew he would be alright. I always accepted that he did faint after concerts and I told myself that he is always alright. But for the first time, I just wanted him to stop and go home. Go back to Japan and take care of the most important thing, which was his health. Not knowing why it happened and how he's doing now is the worst part. It's the same as if it were a family member or friend who suddenly fell sick. I know, he'll move forward like he always does, we have to keep supporting him and not worry so much, etc. etc.. But feelings are feelings. Even though it is useless to worry, I can't help it.
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(发表新的评注)
niatinari
2006-01-16 03:59 am UTC (链接)
Wow, I really, really love this article. Thank you for translating! And I think you've done a beautiful job with it; the feelings really come through. It reminds me of his talk about the older friend he met who told him to stop thinking before he acted because then he'd never do anything. Gah, Gackt, why do your words always hit me right where I'm doing things wrong?
I had a friend once who reminded me a bit of Gackt. I said, "I'm doing/thinking (insert whatever here) and I don't like it..." and his response was always, "So stop." "Is it really that simple?" "Why not? If you don't like it, just stop."
I see Gackt's: "Really? Go have a good love relationship" and I hear my friend's voice. I always thought, "But it can't be that easy!" and would start to break down the situation in my mind instead of acting.
Obviously, Gackt's way is better, but I have to change my mind into his kind, ne?
He really makes difficult challenges fun, doesn't he? Even more than meeting his own challenges, I'm impressed by his ability to take others along with him and inspire still more people to take up their own challenges just by watching him.
Yeah, running forward fullspeed even if it is into failure really is the only way to love, ne? At least when overwhelmed with love for someone, that part seems easy, doesn't it? But yeah... when it comes to work... and dreams, it's harder. Ganbanbarimashou, ne?
But I personally don't think you're missing much not having the love experience that failed. Silly Gackt. Maybe he just says that because it gives him good writing material. ^^;;;
Good question about Taiwanese! Now I need to find an answer! But if that is the case, yes, you should learn it!!! And you know, your answer with Chinese could be this -- just don't learn to write it. You can try learning just to speak it, and pass on spoken fluency. Ne?
I don't know why, but more than worrying for Gackt about fainting, I'm proud of him for getting back up. There's a lot of me that envies his ability to keep going and pushing himself so hard. I understand it may not be good for his body, but he's living NOW. He must really feel that he's all the way at the edge with everything he does. Maybe it's not the best way to preserve your life, but maybe it's a really good way to get the most out of every moment? I don't know. I can't help but feel I do EVERYTHING half way when I compare it to Gackt... ^^
(回复)
leftapple
2006-01-16 03:59 am UTC (链接)
Hey, kinda a newbie here. But I do wish to thank you for translating this ^^
Here are my thoughts on the piece:
A: I wonder. This kind of thing can be done merely because it's fun. If you think it's painful or difficult, then it will become that way. But for us, our attitude is that we can remember it is as a means to have fun despite the pain.
I really liked what he said here. Even before we start doing some stuff, we already complain that it's going to be difficult, and it's going to be painful and etc. etc. But as he said, it's the attitude that is important. If you are determined to make the task easy, even though it is difficult, it can be done. If you are determined to make it fun, it can be done. I like this attitude of his ^_^
Indeed, I hold within myself the feeling that I am an Asian artist, and so those people that are on the receiving side (who accept me into their country) have that feeling as well. They welcomed me with the feeling that I had finally come for them, and I wonder if there was also the feeling that I was like one of their own artists. Because in me, there are no borders.
This moved me, a lot. I get the feeling that he really really wants to unite Asia, and I do hope that he achieves it, one day. I also get the feeling that he is on a different mission than other artists'; theirs is to promote their album(not that that's a bad thing), and his is to work towards his goal, that is, to break down borders and unite the people.
(回复)
juincoquine
2006-01-16 04:42 am UTC (链接)
He really looks so gentle and content in those pictures.
Ha, I bet he could make anything fun to do XD Diabolos is a hard album. Rock after rock song, intense lyrics, good stuff.
It seems that, whether in matters of love, or work, their own dreams, or anything, there are many people who do things only half-way. I think (people) should find methods that move them forward, by being more reckless; by acting first before thinking, and then planning (the next step) according to the result of those actions. The mind is too theoretical, (and you start to think) won't I fail in this way, won't it have a dramatic effect in this way, won't it cause trouble in this way, won't that cause me unhappiness, won't I get hurt. All of that is just guessing. Well, coming from me though, I'm an amateur. Isn't it just a matter of seriously going all out?
It's very eerie how Gackt always has something to say specifically relating to a problem I'm having at the time he says it X-D I am having a problem of "doing things halfway"... I've always had this problem, honestly, and never knew what it was. I'm actually facing it now. I always believe in Gackt because he's so strong about what he does, and has such a passion for uniting Asia, amongst so much else.
I think a lot like what he was saying, theorizing before I ever do anything. Before anything is ever done, I think about all the problems that could happen, how many people could be hurt, and how I would be affected as a result of all of that. Honestly, I'm frightened of all the possibilities and also fascinated by them. In a way, this kills half of me, wanting to learn through experience instead of ever truly living and learning. When I was a little kid, I always did reckless $hit... jumping around the classroom with weapons (knives and sharp things), outright refusing to listen to the teachers and lots of other inappropriate things I won't go into... but I was told off and scolded by one teacher, telling me to "Think twice before you act."
It's made me a horrible person, I would say. I fret before I sweat. I want to accomplish so much but my imagination always turns negative when I'm only beginning to believe in the positive. I never really realized or knew of a different way of doing things, until recently. That's why I feel like I've been running out of time... I haven't even begun.
I'm really thankful that you translated this, G_n_n. It almost feels like Gackt is giving me advice on my own problems in life XD (and I know it's a silly thought, but it's wishful thinking, shhh ;P)
World unity (or Asian unity, in this case) and peace and such are idealistic thoughts, and especially unlikely, but I trust in Gackt for having those dreams and being so prepared to accomplish them, even in the face of so many believing that it would never happen.
In other words:
GACKT IS TOTALLY AWESOME, DUDE 8D
thankyoumercigraciasdanke thank you :]
(回复)
shinjiteiru
2006-01-16 04:55 am UTC (链接)
You know what I think about your translations.
♥We're planning a tour, starting with Korea and including Taiwan, China and other countries. It's been roughly determined now. And from there, we're preparing a wonderful present for everyone once again. I think the first half of next year will be quite busy. And after that, our activities are still a secret.
That made me so happy I wanted to cry. I'm seriously wondering if he's planning to come to America for even one concert, like Leehom did.
Because in me, there are no borders.
This can also relate to the said above. ^_^
As for the Korean concert, do you know if there's going to be a DVD for it? Cuz I really wanted to see it as I heard that it was really good, but...I'm also curious to know how he looked and felt both before and after to fainting. He's never fainted in the middle of a concert before, has he? I wish I could have read some of the articles, but...*sighs* I still need to learn Japanese. ;_;
I know there were 18 songs total in the concert...do you know how many songs into the concert it was when he fainted? When I read the news this morning on gakuhai's LJ, I was so sad that I wanted to cry. He gives an unbelivable amount. So much more than any other artist that I can name. He's really such an incredible artist...and I can never say, stress, or emphasize that enough...
(回复)
voiceofanarchy
2006-01-16 04:59 am UTC (链接)
"It's like, take a chance!"
I love that. Makes me want to fall over. this interview is ab-fu-king-solutely amazing.
(回复)
praedestinatio
2006-01-16 05:46 am UTC (链接)
Awwww, that was so cute. Thank you, you're so kind ;_;
Whenever I think too much about anything before acting I always think of Gackt! And go with my intuition and give it everything, even if I end up failing. It blows my mind that he's done so much, and at his age, he is an inspiration.
And on the fainting note~ it's my thought that he was too stressed ^.^;; Because the concert is such a big deal for him, because if it were really serious it would have taken longer than five minutes to recover, and he wouldn't have finished. So probably just nerves coupled with the exhaustion.
(回复)
kuro_no_diablo
2006-01-16 05:54 am UTC (链接)
First off, to answer your question: Yes, native Taiwanese is a 'real' language. (..but shouldn't Mr.G know this already..? XP Ah, I am sorry, I don't mean to drag him into this...) To regular Mandarin-speaking Cantonese like me, it sounds like gibberish. It's actually a fun language though, if you look at the written side of it. ^^ I tried to learn counting 1 to 10 from my Taiwanese friend. It's HARDer than just Mandarin.
But learning spoken Mandarin for you (or English speakers) should be quite straightforward, it's romanized anyways. And THEN you can start learning more by picking out bits and pieces of the inlaws' conversations. XD Hehe. You should figure out whether the inlaws are speaking in Mandarin or native Taiwanese though, just so you don't have to waste your time. XD
THANK YOU for the translation. Surprisingly I didn't turn into fangirl mode over this one. (..okay, maybe I did, but just for the second that I spent staring at his photo~ X3)
I like how he actually goes away with his team to compose music. Rather than trying to make time in between interviews/meetings/what-have-yous, he simply drops everything in order to produce quality music for us. That's how serious he is about his work. Isn't that cool? ;D
*waves frantically* I am Chinese! I am open to other cultures! PLEASE go to other Asian countries to perform!!! XD hehe. Gackt_suki and I are really hoping that he will perform in Hong Kong, so we can go see the concert together~!
Now the most impressive bit of this interview: he is SO correct about taking chances. Most people really overthink things these days, and are not willing to take what they call "too much" risk. But no matter how much you think you thought it through, you can't guarantee absolute zero risk. That's just reality. If you want to do it, then just do it (NIKE XP). Even if you mess up along the way, you can tough it out. Let it be a lesson well learnt. Or, if you don't mess up, then you can be happy because you took a risk, and made it. Either way, it would be no regrets, because you had the chance to make your own decision and learn from it. That's what I think. (Of course, I mess up at least half the time, so often I get to learn. A LOT. ^^; But still, for me it is with no regrets.)
And on "ren'ai", what is the kanji I wonder? Just because you say you had to really think about this one, and since there are certain similarities in meaning between kanji and Chinese writing, I wonder if I can draw something out for myself... ^^
gamushara <- I've seen your notes on this word several times, and I am just wondering: can this word mean 'passionate'? I can see what Gackt means in the context of the conversation, but you are right, it's a bit difficult to translate this term into English..
A love that was worthwhile, even though the relationship failed.
I think that this kind of experience is good. Even though the relationship didn't work out, you were deeply in love and so was your partner. You can never turn around and say "what a waste of time" to a true love relationship. Often I hear other girls say, "well if I can't get married with this guy, then why do I bother with seeing him? What a waste of time." And I get really confused. How does she know ahead of time that she will not get to marry the guy, and that it will be a waste of time?? Nobody can predict the future, especially in love. It's the present that matters the most, and what you decide to do with something so precious in your hands. If you really love someone, you take charge (not of the relationship, but of yourself) and you put your entire being into it. If it works out, then your effort and love(and your partner's) are the reasons for it. And even if it doesn't work out, both of you gave it your best try. And it will be a beautiful memory always. ;D
This year, I will "Take A Chance", make a resolution to GET MY POINT ACROSS IN SHORTER POSTS. -___-
(回复) (主题)
niatinari
2006-01-16 06:06 am UTC (链接)
But I really like your longer comments, like this one ^^;; (not that my opinion matters here on Mrs. G_n_n's journal, but you know...)
You are absolutely right about taking a chance. And in love too. Although it is painful to fail in a love relationship you tried that hard for, pain isn't the same as regret, and you can only regret if you never tried, or didn't try hard enough.
Many you guys make me want to start studying Mandarin again... NO! I'm in JAPAN... I'm supposed to be learning JAPANESE! Stop tempting me!!! ^___^