ORICON PSP 1800 Vol.20: Kazuki (SCREW) x Aoi (the GazettE)

— First of all, let me explain the rules. This project is to allow you to spend 30 minutes talking about whatever you want.
[Aoi] Is it also okay not to talk about anything as well?

— That depends on Kazuki’s skill (lol).
[Kazuki] Is that true!? Err… Aoi-san, if you please. Talk to me (begging)!
[Aoi] Ah~ what should I do about that?
[Kazuki] Um~ Firstly, is it alright to jump in starting from the explanation about these glasses!
[Aoi] … … … yeah.
[Kazuki] This seat is meant for the person who takes up the host role, and the rule says that the person in charge of being the host should always be wearing glasses (comment: there’s no such rule)!
[Aoi] Who decided on that?
[Kazuki] Ah… … It was decided from the time Keiyuu-san was here.
[Aoi] Okay. Then this rule ends with Kazuki, right?
[Kazuki] Ah… yes. It ends. It’s decided that it comes to an end!
[Aoi] Right.
[Kazuki] Ah… yes. Umm… So then, on to the discussion. Fact is, I’ve been in good terms with Aoi-san even in private.
[Aoi] There’s no such thing (flatly).
[Kazuki] Ah… that… is so. That’s right. Yes. That’s right, that’s right.

— Do your best!! Kazuki!
[Kazuki] Umm~ Aoi-san, if it’s alright with you, may I? Er… I have a few questions.
[Aoi] No way.
[Kazuki] Right. Okay then. There’s no way, huh. I thought so, too.

— No, you haven’t said anything (lol). Hey! You made a promise to Keiyuu, didn’t you! Do it!
[Kazuki] I did. (Kazuki being in dilemma and drenched in sweat) Aoi-san, umm~ Excuse me!
[Aoi] I’m going home.
[Kazuki] No! Please wait a minute! As expected, this mission is impossible!

— You made a man-to-man promise!
[Kazuki] Right~ Aoi-san! Umm~.
[Aoi] What?
[Kazuki] Excuse me! (leaning back bossily)
[Aoi] What the hell are you doing?

— Ahahaha. It was a mission from Keiyuu, right, that when you invite Aoi-kun, you’ll boast around arrogantly “He came.” (lol)
[Aoi] I’m going home now.
[Kazuki] Aaaaa~ Aoi-san! Please wait! Umm~ can I just ask one thing? This might be too sudden, but what’s your favorite food?
[Aoi] Nothing special in particular.
[Kazuki] Your favorite drink?
[Aoi] Well, I like any beverage.
[Kazuki] On the contrary, what’s your most disliked food?
[Aoi] I guess it’s Kazuki.
[Kazuki] Right… Forgive me (apologizing)!

— Is Kazuki some kind of food!?
[Kazuki] I am! For sure! If Aoi-san says so then I am a food. Err… this one-question one-answer style is really difficult (lol). Is it okay if I end it here?

— But you’ve only asked 3 questions!?
[Kazuki] I’m sorry. Please forgive me!
[Aoi] I’m going home.
[Kazuki] Please wait! I’m going to do this properly from now on! Umm~ Sorry, can I take off my jacket? If you’ll excuse me!

— Ahahaha. You’re sweating (lol).
[Kazuki] Aoi-san, what shall we talk about? *he slips his words here
[Aoi] What’s wrong with you?
[Kazuki] I’m sorry, I’m so nervous my mouth can’t function properly (bitter smile). First of all, thank you for allowing me to have this chance to talk with you!
[Aoi] (silence)
[Kazuki] Err~ Today is kind of hot, right. No~ To be allowed to get this chance to talk, despite having so many things I wanted to ask you since I haven’t had much opportunity to.
[Aoi] (silence)
[Kazuki] Yes. As expected, if I don’t do the hosting properly, the conversation will be hard. Right~ I thought so too.
[Aoi] (silence)
[Kazuki] Umm~ When are you moving out of your current place?
[Aoi] I’m not moving out.
[Kazuki] I see. You’re not. Why did I ask about moving out.
[Aoi] But I’ve got a bidet installed now.
[Kazuki] For real!? That is awesome, isn’t it! That is really awesome!
[Aoi] What’s so awesome about that.
[Kazuki] I see~ that’s right.

— Which is it!
[Kazuki] You’re right.

— As I said (lol).
[Kazuki] No, but honestly, in private, I always got invited out to eat together. He’s really nice, always worrying about me, and we got to talk about various things.
[Aoi] Having said that, who are you talking to (lol)?
[Kazuki] Ah, I’m sorry. I was just talking to the air around me (lol).
[Aoi] Have you been busy lately?
[Kazuki] Yes. Thanks to you I’ve had lots to do. Ah, about that ring! I’m wearing it with care!

— You were given a ring?
[Kazuki] Yes! For my birthday.

— That’s so nice~. Unexpectedly, despite being like this now you’re actually a nice guy, Aoi-kun.
[Kazuki] Wait! What do you mean by being like this!

— He seems good in taking care of his juniors, right.
[Kazuki] Aoi-san is really nice that he can be too nice, you know!
[Aoi] Right. I’m a nice guy. My appearance is gentle, and I look like a kind person who’s good in taking care of others. Right?
[Kazuki] … … … … Ah, yes!
[Aoi] Ah, my mood is bad. I’ll just go home.
[Kazuki] No no no no no no! Wait a minute! I love you!

— You’re suddenly confessing (lol)!
[Kazuki] No, but, to be honest, I used to be afraid of him in the past. I thought there was definitely no way I could approach him. However, once I got to know Aoi-san deeper, I couldn’t help but to like him, so much so that I can’t be apart from him. I love him! He’s such a logical person, and he’s really cool.
[Aoi] As I said before, who are you talking to (lol)? The fans are going to read this conversation, right? Talk about more interesting stuff, will you.
[Kazuki] I see. Okay. I wanted to talk about equipments, will that be alright?
[Aoi] That won’t do. That won’t be interesting for the fans. Think of some other topic that’s more appealing.
[Kazuki] I see. But, private stuff… … won’t that be impolite?
[Aoi] Well. Since I have a public image, you know~.
[Kazuki] Right.

— Kazuki, it’s your duty to draw out that private issue. Display the things about Aoi-kun, things that no one else but Kazuki knows. Praise him. That’s Kazuki’s duty today.
[Kazuki] I see. (looking at Aoi) Surely, speaking of Aoi-san, even his car is awesome. About the Ja-jag-are… … can I say it?
[Aoi] It’s fine. It’s not a jag-are though (lol). It’s Jaguar. Can’t you pronounce something like ‘guava’?
[Kazuki] Is that how you pronounce it! Jaguar! That Jaguar, right, I was given the opportunity to drive it several times.

— Really now!?
[Kazuki] Yes. I had never driven such a luxurious car before, so I had no idea about how to automatically shut the mirror and such. As we entered the highway, I noticed that I forgot to open the mirror! I was so flustered back then. I’m so sorry!
[Aoi] Nah~ I thought then, this guy is really an idiot, huh~ (lol).

Visiting each other’s parents’ house during New Year’s holidays!

— No no, tell me more (lol). Where did you two go?
[Aoi] My parents’ place and his parents’ (lol). It was during New Year (lol). We talked about it a while ago, but only just then got to do it. It was two years ago, I think.

— Aoi-kun’s parents’ place is in Mie-prefecture, Kazuki’s is Tottori, right? The direction is the same.
[Aoi] If you say the same, it is the same, but it was really far away. Since it was New Year, the road was so crowded. On top of that, the snow was horrible. We left Mie-prefecture at 10 a.m., and arrived in Tottori around midnight.
[Kazuki] That’s right. We were unable to take the ridge pass.
[Aoi] True, true. We left the car at some kind of a village roadside station. We couldn’t attach a chain, so we couldn’t continue driving from there.
[Kazuki] Yes. We had to stop for like 3 days, right?
[Aoi] Right. We left the car there, and then I stayed at Kazuki’s place for 2 days (lol). Although we went to Kazuki’s place, there was another ridge that we had to pass, so it was inevitable.
[Kazuki] Right.
[Aoi] But it was fun. There was nothing but mountains (lol).
[Kazuki] Ahahaha. That’s right. There is nothing but mountains at my parents’ place (lol).

— What were you guys doing there?
[Aoi] We’re both basically heavy drinkers, so we’re always drinking.
[Kazuki] Yes. We didn’t come to any conversation. It was a lot of fun. But, wasn’t the meal good?
[Aoi] The meal was good. Originally, we had the intention to tour around to eat crab. So then we ate a lot of crabs.
[Kazuki] It was a like a pair trip, right!
[Aoi] Well, uh, doesn’t that sound kind of gay?
[Kazuki] No, it doesn’t! I’m definitely making some people jealous! To all of the fans, forgive me (apologizing).
[Aoi] By the way, the food we had at Kazuki’s place was so, so good, but the ramen we had somewhere on the way was so, so bad!
[Kazuki] That’s right. It was a famous ramen shop chain store so we thought we definitely had to eat there, but the taste was really different from the one in Tokyo.
[Aoi] For some reason they put a lot of cabbage in it, really awful. But it was really fun at Kazuki’s place. I talked to your parents a lot, too.
[Kazuki] Yes. My parents were also glad talking to Aoi-san. They said you’re such a nice man.

— What kind of conversation did you have!?
[Aoi] Various things. However, I met his brother who was around the same age as me, and he was like, “Because of a guy like you, Kazuki rarely comes home! How long will Kazuki be in a band!” (lol). Your brother is also worried about you. As expected, when I was talking to your family, I thought they didn’t want me to talk about dream-like things like bands and such, like, they wanted us to work properly. But I think Kazuki was raised in a really nice family. That’s because you have really lovely parents.
[Kazuki] No no no, I’m so happy that you said so!
[Aoi] Ah, speaking of which, sorry, sorry, I’m so late. Congratulations for your major debut.
[Kazuki] Thank you so much! But uh, Aoi-san! Forgive me!

— What what what?
[Aoi] Ah, this guy (lol). Before this, he said this was the first time he’s entering the royalties, so firstly he would like to treat me. That’s what he said when he invited me.

— Kazuki’s a great guy.
[Aoi] Right. He’s cute, huh. So then the two of us went for a drink. We had something to eat, and from there we were heading toward the place we regularly go for drinks. But even though we went to drink, he fell asleep along the way!

— That’s the worst, Kazuki.
[Kazuki] I’m sorry (apologizing)! I’m really, really sorry! It was truly inexcusable! The next day, I was told by the ((bar))master about various things that happened after I fell asleep.

— Eh!? Did Aoi pay for the bill!?
[Aoi] No. I firmly told the master that this guy was going to pay for everything.
[Kazuki] No, but then Aoi-san said, “It’ll be bad if the payment’s insufficient”, and then pulled out some money! I’m really sorry!
[Aoi] Just like he said (lol). I was so lonely drinking all by myself.
[Kazuki] I’m so, so sorry!
[Aoi] That’s okay. But y’know, that bar was really nice. I thought that people like us would rarely get invited, but I had relatives calling me to join their nabe party and such. That’s genial. I’ve had invitations to visit their homes too. I like that kind of hospitality.
[Kazuki] But speaking about hospitality, that’ll be Aoi-san. I received a lot of instructions about guitars, advices about equipments, and he also gave me a guitar!
[Aoi] Since I wasn’t using it, I thought I’d just give it to you. Now I’m using one with the same model but with a different color. But doesn’t that sound kind of gay, using the same kind of thing?

— You’re still fussing over that, huh (lol).
[Kazuki] Ahahaha. It doesn’t sound gay! It’s fine! Because I love you!
[Aoi] Hei, that just now sounded gay (lol).
[Kazuki] No, this weird topic doesn’t matter if it’s Aoi-san. Even though I seem so. I’m devoting myself to you forever!
[Aoi] I don’t need that (lol).
[Kazuki] Ah, is that so (lol). I’m sorry! But I really love Aoi-san!
[Aoi] Y’know, the other juniors that I go out to drink with are going to be really jealous (lol).
[Kazuki] That’s right! With the flow of the conversation, it has turned into ‘when we went out to drink’ talk. If they notice, then it’s inevitable! They’ll say, “Ah, he’s not inviting me!”
[Aoi] Then I’m going to be bombarded with questions like, “Why? Why didn’t you invite me to join that conversation!?” (lol).

— That’s because Aoi-kun is famous among other juniors, right. You’re a popular guy.
[Kazuki] That’s right! Having to share with people who like him too, of course I’m jealous.
[Aoi] Like I said, that kind of thing sounds gay, so stop it (lol).
[Kazuki] That’s fine! Although that makes me seem so, I don’t mind!
[Aoi] I’m the one who feels bad (lol).
[Kazuki] Jokings aside, Aoi-san is really a gentle person. When I did something bad, he would scold me. Harshly, but also warmly. Things about guitars, too, he told me a lot of things with gentle care, and he gave me many advices. I’m really thankful. Also among those things, on stage, he is a person I can respect. From now on as well I’ll continue chasing after Aoi-san’s figure, learning from him, and I wish that one day I can go to where he is. I can never surpass him, so I’ll be fine with just being able to see the view from the same place as he is.
[Aoi] No no, go ahead and surpass me. We’ll be doing our best to be unsurpassed, too.
[Kazuki] No, our human tolerance is on absolutely different levels, so it’s impossible… …

— Is there any negative side in Aoi-kun?
[Kazuki] None (firmly).

— Tell me, don’t hide anything.
[Kazuki] There’s none (firmly).

— It will only be between us.
[Aoi] You’re writing down our conversation, aren’t you!? Then it won’t be just between us (lol).

— Ah, you caught me (lol). But is that all there is about Aoi-kun.
[Kazuki] Like I said, that’s all there is (lol). He’s a great guy even at first sight!

— No no, but he must have some unexpectedly weak or frail side, right.
[Kazuki] Ah, I suppose he does. He’s easily moved to tears. We just talked about going home to our parents’ homes together, right. Around two years ago, my grandmother passed away. I was really my grandmother’s boy. Grandma surely wanted to meet Aoi-san too. We talked about that, my dad, me, and Aoi-san while we were drinking, and Aoi-san crumbled and cried. I was so touched. The three of us ended up crying as we drank. I told him about Grandma wanting to meet him way before we went, but we never settled on the plan. We finally decided to go at the beginning of the year, but then my grandma passed away in November. There was no sign, it happened so suddenly. It felt like I was a step behind. I talked about Aoi-san a lot to Grandma, so she wanted to see him too… … …
[Aoi] He’s really his grandma’s boy, so he talked about his grandma to me very often. That’s why I thought I’d go meet her, and then his dad brought up the topic too, I unintentionally lost control of myself… …
[Kazuki] You’re really a gentleman.
[Aoi] I myself really love my grandma and grandpa. The members of our band all came from Kantou, so whenever we had lives in Tokyo or Yokohama, the families of the members came to see us, including our grandparents. I was so happy meeting everyone’s grandparents. Uh, is everyone in SCREW except Kazuki from Kantou?
[Kazuki] No, Jin-chan is from Kumamoto, Manabu from Osaka, Rui from Chiba, and Byou from Tokyo.
[Aoi] Ah, that’s great. In my case, everyone except me is from Kantou, so when we’re in Tokyo or Yokohama, during the greetings backstage, my family is the only one who can’t attend. It’s really lonesome.

— But when you came home to Mie everyone came to see you, right.
[Aoi] Well, yeah.

— Your mother is really young!
[Kazuki] She is! I was so surprised! The truth is, I’ve become Aoi-san’s mom’s mail-friend!
[Aoi] Right (lol). When we visited each other’s families, I hadn’t contacted my mom to tell her anything, but this guy sent her a mail saying “We’re coming home together this year!”. So when I called home, they already knew about our plan (lol). What was that (lol).
[Kazuki] Aoi-san’s mom is my Mie-prefecture mom!
[Aoi] What the hell (lol).
[Kazuki] Let’s go home together again! Oh, right! Aoi-san, this might not be related to what we’ve been talking about, is it okay? I just bought a 60 kg dumbbell! I’m increasing the weight 30 kg each time!
[Aoi] As you increase your muscles, your fans will increase too, huh.
[Kazuki] Yes, I’ll do my best!
[Aoi] You’re becoming a great band recently so I hope you do give it your best. I’m doing my best, so Kazuki should too.
[Kazuki] Yes, I will! Thank you so, so much!

— Yosh. Finally, the one-question one-answer mission, make 5 questions! Do it! Kazuki!
[Kazuki] Really!? Err… Your hairstyle today is nice!
[Aoi] That’s not a question (lol).
[Kazuki] Isn’t it. What will you be doing during the holidays?
[Aoi] I’ll be writing songs.
[Kazuki] Please tell me something that you don’t like about me!
[Aoi] Your personality, I think.
[Kazuki] What! Can we cut that out please (lol)! Please tell me something that you like about me!
[Aoi] Honestly speaking, I don’t really like you.
[Kazuki] For sure, please cut that out!

— Two more questions!
[Kazuki] Praise me please!
[Aoi] Fufufufufu, you’re doing your best, huh.

— Should I cut this part too.
[Kazuki] What! That’s a good thing!

— One more question!
[Kazuki] I love you! From now on, please treat me well!
[Aoi] That is not a question (lol)!
[Kazuki] Ah, I’m sorry! Oh hell I’m awfully drenched in sweat (lol).
[Aoi] Let’s go out to drink again.
[Kazuki] Yes, thank you very much!


credit to: akinojou.tumblir.com

PSP1800 Vol. 21 Aoi (the GazettE) x Tora (Alice Nine)

PART ONE where we find out who shines the brightest in Alice Nine, Aoi makes it clear what a spoiled child he really is and Tora’s deodorant is being tested

Alice Nine sparkles…

Well then, do your best during these 30 minutes! Oh? Aoi-kun, where are are your glasses? (in the last part they talked about how kei from kra came up with a rule where the host has to wear black, round glasses)

Aoi: Huh? Did you really think I’d do that?

You are right, it would be bad if Aoi from the GazettE did something like that (laugh). Well anyway, do your best as a host! Tora looks like he’s quite nervous, so please do something about that (laugh)

Aoi: Let’s do our best today.
Tora: Ah, yes, le-let’s do our best.
Aoi: You are not nervous or anything, right?
Tora: No. I am. (nervousness)
Aoi: You are? Being nervous is not something you do though, right~ Because you are Tora (laugh) (note: tora means tiger)
Tora: No. No, no, no, no, for some reason I’m nervous. I’m sorry.
Aoi: I heard that you are currently doing this thing where you release a new single for three consecutive months? That you’d be releasing a single soon.

(That knowledge is) as expected from a senpai!

Tora: Yes, thank you so much.
Aoi: What’s the title of the first one?
Tora: It’s ?Daybreak?
Aoi: What? ?May Break??
Tora: No, ?Daybreak?. Sorry (sweat).
Aoi: Ah, I see, ?Daybreak?. What kind of song is it?
Tora: Ah, yes. It’s the kind of song that I can’t say much about (laugh).

What kind of promotion is that! Just when your senpai made you time to advertise (your band)!

Tora: Ah, I’m sorry, kinda. I just can’t say anything smart…….
Aoi: It’s been a while isn’t it? Since you released music.
Tora: Yes. It’s been a year and four months.
Aoi: Oh, I see~ So it’s been a while then. Hm? Tora, did you cut your hair?
Tora: Ah, yes. I did.
Aoi: So what kind of song is ?Daybreak??
Tora: Ah, yes. It has kind of British feeling in it.

I’d say that it has the Alice Nine feeling, but it also has the new Alice Nine vibe in it.

Aoi: You’ve heard it already? Huh? But they haven’t let me hear it yet.
Tora: Um…………….. (sweat)
Aoi: This is the thing about Alice Nine. They won’t give you anything.

 X JAPAN!? (note: not giving something is “kurenai” in japanese. like that x japan song. though in that case it’s written in kanji and means crimson)

Aoi: I knew you’d say that. I thought about pointing that out too (laugh).

As expected from you, sensei! We get along great, don’t we (laugh). And Tora, give him the cd, give it to him! Be all “We did it! Please listen to it!”

Tora: No, no, no, wouldn’t it be rude to bring one for him to take… No, I’ll bring you one next time! I’m sorry (sweat)! If you listen to it then… next time I’ll bring you one without it being rude so please listen to it!
Aoi: Yep, thanks. Hey. I’m really bad at these things (being the host). Can’t you do anything about this?

No, no, no, you are doing well enough (laugh). Continue, continue.

Aoi: What should we talk about? I wonder what the readers would like to hear? Tora, what do you want to talk about?
Tora: Well, I’m fine with anything. Wouldn’t it be okay if we waited (until we came up with a topic)?
Aoi: Waiting (for a topic to come up) would be tough (laugh). What should we do? I mean, this is the first time we’ve talked in a year, right?
Tora: Yes, that’s right. We rarely meet at the office, so.
Aoi: Yep. Even though we live so close to each other. We don’t run into each other.
Tora: True, we don’t.

Aoi-kun, don’t you ever invite Tora out for drinks?
Aoi: (No), because he looks like he’d say no.
Tora: No, no, that’s not true!

That’s really hard to believe. Because if you turned down the invite, he’d get depressed (laugh) After all, he’s Aoi from the GazettE. (note: as in he has a huge ego b/c his status and someone turning him down would bruise that precious ego of his)

Aoi: Exactly. I’d be down in one second (laugh). Because I actually do get depressed over things like that.
Tora: No, no, no, I wouldn’t turn the invite down! I’m going to be staring at LINE (note: a message system for smartphones) like “I wonder when he’s going to invite me?”!
Aoi: Well then I’m going invite you next time. But you really do seem like you are going to say no.

The young people today. They (refuse the invite and) say things like “I’m currently on a diet so..”

Aoi: Exactly (laugh). The kids today (laugh).
Tora: No, no, my youth is pretty much gone already (laugh)
Aoi: That’s right. Alice Nine has gone a long way too~ When did you sign into our label?
Tora: This year will be our ninth year, but it’s already been nine years since we formed the band.
Aoi: I see. This is our 10th year so.

Were you only one year apart!?

Aoi: Yes, it’s quite surprising.
Tora: Yes, true.
Aoi: But you know, I remember the time when Alice Nine joined our label (PS COMPANY). My first impression made me think that “Woah~ They look like they are going to sell well~”. I thought that “Ah~ Now all the people in the label are going on their side and I’m sure no one will be looking at us (the GazettE) anymore~”. At the time I was like “Alright then! Let’s crush them now!” (laugh).
Tora: Ahahahahahaha, that’s scary (laugh).

Ahahahaha, that’s amusing (laugh).

Aoi: No, really, it was because ten years ago the GazettE was still quite unpolished. We were working desperately. And then this shining, stylish Alice Nine joins (our label). Well, it was just like us to think that you are going to ruin us (laugh).
Tora: No, no (laugh). Did I sparkle (at that time)?
Aoi: No. You did not sparkle at all (deadpan).
Tora: That’s what I though (laugh)~ Ahahahaha.
Aoi: Your band had a sparkling aura, but Tora didn’t have that (laugh)

Was coming from the vocalist?

Tora: Or like, from Hiroto?

So Shou-kun and Hiroto are the source for sparkles?

Aoi: That’s right, I’d say that it’s those two. And probably Saga. But hasn’t Saga’s image changed lately? The impression he gives now is quite different from the one I had when he joined the label.
Tora: That’s true. It has changed.
Aoi: It’s like the atmosphere around him has changed.
Tora: True. He has become a bit strange. It’s the kind of change that makes you wonder if he hit his head somewhere (laugh). Saga-kun is shy, so he’s slowly sinking into the shadows (laugh).
Aoi: I haven’t had any contact with him during all these years.
Tora: It is like that. Saga doesn’t have contact with anyone (laugh). He doesn’t play (or go out) with anyone.

He really is gloomy.

Aoi: Hey, isn’t that a bit too honest?  (laugh)

Ah, I’m sorry, that was rude. Aoi-kun, when it comes to Alice Nine, are you in contact with Tora the most?

Aoi: No, Shou-kun. Because the world of the internet (games). We have the same hobbies. I mean, aren’t we (people in vk bands) kind of like fantasy? Hahahaha (laugh)

Yes yes, I am the fantasy itself (laugh).

Aoi: Yes, I guess that’s why we have contact.
Tora: Because Shou-kun loves things like Final Fantasy.
Aoi: Me and Tora have no contact whatsoever.

Is that so? Then why is he your guest today?

Aoi: Well you see, I thought that if I asked someone I always hang out with I’d end up doing the interview with Kazuki all over again and it’d be boring. So I thought that, well, in that case it might be interesting if this time I do the opposite and talk with someone I’m not usually in contact with.

Didn’t expect anything less from you. To think that you were kind enough to think about it that much, sensei!

Aoi: Well, it’s boring with me anyway (laugh). That’s why I asked if it would be okay if Tora-san was my quest (note: in a very polite language, which is rare for Aoi).
Tora: No, no, no, it’s been an honor! I was very happy when Aoi named me (as his guest). I’m not the type that people usually like and that’s why I was so happy when I got named.
Aoi: Really? That’s not true. I think that Tora is the kind of person who fascinates others.
Tora: No, no, it’s really an honor to be here.
Aoi: What should we talk about?
Tora: Ah, I’m fine with anything you want!

Hey, Tora!

Tora: No, I can’t! I really can’t!
Aoi: What?
Tora: No, it’s nothing!

Speaking of, just before Tora said that there are a lot of things he wants to ask from Aoi-kun.

Aoi: What? Bring it on, everything is fine.
Tora: No, it’s okay (, I don’t have to ask anything) !

credit to: trauma-radio.tumblr.com

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Happy Birthday Aoi The Gazette

Happy Birthday Aoi!

official_aoi: A lot of things are happening from the beginning of year 2013. Not like last year, I have heard only sad things. Please let me hear happy news.

(translation by necro-sis|tumblr)

 I'm so happy we celebrate our birthday in the same date X3

Aoi san. You are always awesome playing your six string thing. I ask you to never stop what you do as it makes me very happy listening to it. Please keep rocking cause i'll always be your fan.

I wanna heard happy news too in this year cz last year is my full of tough test for me...so let's make our dreams came true.

 I drew this especially for Aoi san^^

fan art Aoi from pigg character XD

last night Aoi's birthday also had become the top seven trending topic on twitter

This is a surprise for Aoi, I credit from From Seiichi Hoshiko’s FB:

5 days earlier, a surprise birthday cake for the GazettE’s Aoi appeared! Aoi, sign of good evening (laugh) 

Suddenly, a birthday cake appeared during last night’s drinking meeting!

Clapping while everyone was smiling, aoi, didn’t think that the cake was for him. 「Eeeeeh~! It’s for me? 」 he said.

5 days earlier (laughs) He was surprised, really surprised (^ o ^)

(translation by http://necro-sis.tumblr.com/)

Kai The Gazette and Naoki on the radio show

[Kai] Did you know? This dialogue project, it has no subject (lol).

[NAOKI] Eh?

— 30 minutes, I’m discharging you.

[NAOKI] Discharging, you said (lol)!

[Kai] Ahahaha. I told you so (lol). I was also shocked! This kind of person actually exists.

— Ah, you’re talking about me. I’m the secretary.

[NAOKI] You said you’re the secretary (lol)!

[Kai] Ahahaha. That was good~, with this tempo!

[NAOKI] Hey, you said you’re discharging us, so it’s fine even though this might turn into a talk of bad things?

— That can’t be helped.

[Kai] Ahahaha (roar of laughter). What’s with this mood, so interesting!

[NAOKI] This seems like it’s going to be fun, Kai-chan… …

[Kai] Yep! This is going to be a lot of fun!

[NAOKI] Ah, that’s good to hear.

— Kai-kun, since you really like NAOKI, right.

[Kai] Yes! I really do. Or rather, I love him.

[NAOKI] …  … Ah, um, thank you. I feel like drawing back a bit.

[Kai] Ahahaha. Don’t draw back! Honestly, I really do like NAO-san, ever since [ARENA37ºC] (magazine) did a series about you. Every time I was always looking forward for it, and I read it every month! I really liked that series.

[NAOKI] Eh, ah, is that so!? To that extent?

[Kai] Yes. Let me say it again, I like you a lot.

[NAOKI] Ah, thank you. Then, why did you call me today?

[Kai] First of all, NAO-san would like to know why I called you.

[NAOKI] Yep. It’s a bother.

[Kai] Ahahaha. Don’t say that~. Don’t you like me too (lol). Let me tell you that, in this world, these two guys are searched for. Just for a little while (lol). These two guys that I am referring to, that is to say, are NAO-san and me. I used to do a net radio show called [Kai-radio], and NAO-san came once as a guest. Since then, the fans kept asking, “Let us hear that combi once again!” Just for a little while (lol).

[NAOKI] Yes, yes, of course, I was asked to do that, right. Although it wasn’t an uplifting talk (lol).

[Kai] No no no no no, wasn’t it quite uplifting (lol)! I thought it was very interesting. For some reason, when I’m with NAO-san, I become a different person.

— For sure. Today too, you’re becoming a different person. You’re bursting, Kai-kun (lol).

[NAOKI] That’s right, I have no idea why, but he’s always laughing. Moreover, he laughs so loudly. Today, I’ve become worried if the photo checking will be okay. That’s because he’s been laughing aloud while looking up, right from the start. Is this okay?

[Kai] Ahahaha (roar of laughter). It’s okay. Since this is fun (lol)!

[NAOKI] However, in Kai’s case, there’s this thing called “NAOKI in his troubled times”, right?

[Kai] Yep, that definitely existed (lol)!

[NAOKI] See.

[Kai] Ahahaha. You said ‘see’. Hahahaha (roar of laughter). It’s interesting!

[NAOKI] Well, however, during that radio show the distance between us narrowed, right.

[Kai] Right, right. For me it can’t be helped that I’d like to try talking about NAO-san in his presence, but up until the time he was invited to the radio show, all I ever said to him was “good morning”. But when he showed up at the radio show, the distance between us narrowed in an instant. Well, I thought it was great that you came. I thought, the door had opened.

[NAOKI] Wait, wait a second, isn’t this weird? Why should I open my door to a junior such as you (lol). Moreover, it’s like you’re saying “I’ve successfully opened NAOKI’s door!” (lol). Well but you’re not mistaken, though (lol).

[Kai] Ahahaha. I like that you said that (lol). No, no, however, what I meant by that was, rather than opening your door, I felt like I was being accepted. It’s great that I can even come to this point! That’s the kind of discovery that I meant. I felt like I was being told, “Come again!” by NAO-san (lol).

[NAOKI] Oh well, but it was fun for me too. Then, why did you call me today?

[Kai] Ahahaha. Because I wanted to talk to you (lol).

[NAOKI] That’s it!?

[Kai] Yes (lol). And then, also to ask you, “Can’t we do a radio show together?”! See that, now that I’ve made an appointment through a media like this in front of everyone, you can’t possibly decline, right! That’s what I am aiming for (lol).

[NAOKI] You’re using your head huh, Kai.

[Kai] Yes (lol).

[NAOKI] Before this he also did it. In the show for the international fanclub, I get appointed to be the host. And in that show, before this, Kai came as a guest. That time, in the middle of the live airing, he said, “NAO-san, let’s do a program just the two of us!” (lol).

[Kai] Ahahaha. Yes, yes (lol). But it was a really awesome influence! I said then, please make it happen!

[NAOKI] For real~?

[Kai] Really, really. Don’t you also want to do it, NAO-san? It’s been decided that you want to do it too. It’s decided!

[NAOKI] Ahahaha. What the hell was that, you (lol). ‘Doesn’t NAO-san also want to do it?’ (lol)

[Kai] You do, don’t you.

[NAOKI] Don’t just decide it (lol)!

[Kai] This is as good as being decided. Nah, but honestly, I really, really like you, NAO-san! Generally speaking, I like humanity.

[NAOKI] But this is a pleasant thing.

— Is this to the point of, if you were a girl, you’d want to go out with him?

[Kai] If I was a girl, I would go out with him. I would definitely fall in love with him. Furthermore, maybe without saying I liked him, we would be living together (lol).

[NAOKI] That’s impossible.

[Kai] It’s not impossible! It’s fine. I’m confident that we would be together 24 hours a day.

[NAOKI] I have no such confidence.

[Kai] Ahahaha. Yes, you do. It’s alright.

[NAOKI] That was a really stupid thing to say (lol).

[Kai] Even now, as a man, I’d like to give it a try in my place. I’d like to try living together.

[NAOKI] Don’t say such a stupid thing (lol)! Absolutely no chance!

[Kai] I want to see NAO-san at home.

[NAOKI] I don’t want to show myself to you.

[Kai] Show me (lol). Hey, let’s do a show.

[NAOKI] I’ll think about it.

[Kai] It’s okay, even though I like you to this extent.

[NAOKI] Despite saying that, this guy is so irresponsible. A while ago he invited me to attend the GazettE’s live, but because it overlapped my own live, I couldn’t go. But for the sake of saying something, I mailed him, “Do your best today!” 2 seconds later, the mail I sent returned to me because of an error. What the hell was that!

[Kai] Ahahahaha. That’s wrong, that’s wrong. Recently I changed my (mail) address! That’s why I haven’t been able to sort everything out properly (lol).

[NAOKI] And then, I immediately erased Kai’s phone number from my telephone book (lol).

[Kai] Wait, wait! Hang on, here, my address! Let’s get that noted now. Please lend me your phone! Hurry.

[NAOKI] No.

[Kai] Don’t say no (lol). Come on, let me borrow your phone! I’m not letting you escape now (lol).

[NAOKI] Ahahaha (lol). You know my personality so well, huh (lol).

[Kai] Yes, yes (lol). Because I like you (lol).

[NAOKI] You said that so often. Although I failed to send my mail. I even properly stored Kai’s birthday in my cellphone.

[Kai] Really!?

[NAOKI] Yes. It’s May, right.

[Kai] No, that would be REITA.

[NAOKI] Ah, is that so, REITA’s huh. Kai is much earlier than REITA, right.

[Kai] No. My birthday is much later than REITA (lol).

[NAOKI] Ah, that’s right, that’s right. In November, huh.

[Kai] It’s in October (flatly).

Becoming his true origin with NAOKI… …

 — You two are both to blame.

[NAOKI] Right (lol).

[Kai] You can’t just say ‘right’! But I like this kind of moment, irresistibly!

[NAOKI] However, even though Kai kept saying let’s do a radio show together, but at the actual take he was reading the script the whole time.

[Kai] Ahahahaha.

[NAOKI] He had absolutely no intonation. Sort of like, “Yes, it’s started”. In a monotone voice.

[Kai] Ahahaha. Surely, huh. I used to feel nervous.

[NAOKI] You did, didn’t you! You were totally nervous~.

[Kai] It’s because the door was still closed back then, and I was still wondering what was best to do to assail it. But it’s fine now. Now that I know I’ll be fine with anything, I’m going at it continuously!

[NAOKI] Then? What about today’s interview?

[Kai] Today is an interview to open the last door to NAO-san’s heart (lol). It’s an interview for the sake of getting a “YES” for my radio show invitation.

[NAOKI] ORICON-san, this being used, is it really okay?

[ORICON STYLE editor] It’s a 30 minutes free talk, so whatever you wish to talk about is fine!

[Kai] Will you listen to that.

[NAOKI] Don’t just say, ‘will you listen to that’ (lol). You’re so generous, ORICON-san!

[Kai] He’s nice, huh.

[NAOKI] Don’t say ‘he’s nice’ (lol)!

[Kai] Then say YES.

[NAOKI] Ahahaha. With that said, is this interesting? This talk between me and Kai.

— I think it is interesting. Actually, the whole day is interesting (lol). This mood (lol).

[Kai] Right? Listen to that.

[NAOKI] But so far there have been so many jokes between friends. Mostly useless talking.

[Kai] I think that’s good! It won’t be fun if the interview is all about releases! Everyone would like to know more about the deeper things.

[NAOKI] Such as?

[Kai] Like, what’s NAO-san’s fetish?

[NAOKI] Ahahahaha. You are so silly (lol). With that said, in my case, the entire left side of my body is my erogenous zone, so it’s impossible for me to stand only to the left. That sort of thing.

[Kai] Ahahahaha (loud laughter). That was stupid~ (lol). Really, wasn’t that stupid~ (lol).

[NAOKI] This isn’t stupid! Despite me going through such effort of telling you something special! Why did you say it was stupid!

[Kai] I’m really getting used to being with NAO-san~ (lol). He’s a specialist in drawing something out of me.

[NAOKI] Ah, thank you. Okay then, where is Kai’s erogenous zone?

[Kai] Ah, I don’t do such things.

[NAOKI] What the hell, you!

[Kai] Ahahaha (loud laughter). Then again, I know everything about NAO-san. It’s because I guessed NAO-san’s nickname during middle school correctly!

[NAOKI] Ah, right, right. In middle school there was a time when I was called “Nori-san”. I was told I looked like Kinashi Noritake-san. But I didn’t approve it, nor did it sit well with me. And then Kai suddenly said one day, “NAO-san looks a lot like Kinashi Noritake-san, huh.” That’s why I told him, “Don’t even think of saying that twice!” (lol).

[Kai] Ahahaha. You did, you did (lol). Really now, you like me.

[NAOKI] Nah, I didn’t say something like that.

[Kai] Ahahaha. Let’s do it, radio show.

[NAOKI] In the end it’s about that (lol).

[Kai] Yep (lol).

[NAOKI] But isn’t your band busy?

[Kai] We are busy, but despite so, if you agree to do a radio show, I’ll leap right back from wherever I am! When NAO-san calls, I’ll leap right to your place! Even though I’m in the middle of a tour, I’ll fly right back once the live ends!

[NAOKI] If you say such things.

[Kai] When I can’t come, I’ll tell you sorry, I can’t come.

[NAOKI] See there.

[Kai] Ahahahaha.

[NAOKI] What the hell, you (lol).

[Kai] When I can’t come, it’s good if NAO-san comes to visit me instead!

[NAOKI] Ah, I see. Saying that, what the hell!

[Kai] Ahahaha. I really like you. However, NAO-san, more than me, I guess you like our bassist, REITA.

[NAOKI] Ah, REITA, huh. I do, I do like him. I like REITA~.

[Kai] What was that. You didn’t even tell me you like me. I’m a bit jealous (lol). The way you look at REITA is different compared to the way you look at me.

— Were you looking at him from your left side?

[NAOKI] Because it’s my erogenous zone, huh. Ahahaha. But you, don’t go saying stupid things too!

[Kai] Ahahahaha. That was the best retort (lol)! But, that’s it. You’re looking at him from your left side (lol). But, personally, I think that if REITA, me, and NAO-san can get together and talk, it will be more comfortable! It definitely will be fun.

[NAOKI] Well. I’m going to attack Kai, and I think REITA is going to attack Kai as well, in that scheme, I think it will be interesting.

[Kai] Right, right. That seems great. REITA will be showing his true origin in front of NAO-san as well. It’s going to be entirely interesting.

[NAOKI] No, in this matter we’re equal. I’m just the same, when I’m with Kai and REITA, my true origin completely comes out.

[Kai] Right? Hear that. So it’s fixed.

[NAOKI] Fixed, you said. Where are you going to do it!?

[Kai] In that matter, because our manager is working hard to make us famous!

[NAOKI] You’re really going to do it?

[Kai] I am. That’s why I’m asking you, let’s do it. Today, don’t leave until you give me YES as an aswer!

[NAOKI] Ahahaha. It’ll be a bother for ORICON-san!

— Even if he hasn’t given you his answer, once we reach 30 minutes, the session is over (lol).

[Kai] You’re not making this easy, huh (lol).

[NAOKI] That’s right (lol).

[Kai] That’s why, hurry up and say YES! Tell me you’ll do it!

[NAOKI] I’ll do it?

[Kai] Not ‘I’ll do it?’, tell me ‘let’s do it’! Hurry up, we’re closing in to 30 minutes!

[NAOKI] I’ll give it a try?

[Kai] That’s why! Say you’ll do it (lol).

[NAOKI] Should we do it?

[Kai] Ahahaha. Hurry!

[NAOKI] Should I do it, okay.

[Kai] Yes!

[NAOKI] Ah, hang on. Manager hasn’t said “yes”.

[Kai] Nah, it’s fine isn’t it? Isn’t it? Isn’t it?

[Manager] Yes. I’ll get it confirmed.

[Kai] As soon as this interview is finished, straightly go and talk about it! If you don’t, I’m seriously going to be upset!

[NAOKI] Ahahaha. Oi, oi, don’t threaten him (lol).

[Kai] Ahahaha. Like I said, I’m serious about this (lol).

[NAOKI] You’re saying it to that extent, then I’ll try to find the time and place to get together.

[Kai] Yes! You’ll definitely do that! No such thing as changing your mind!

[NAOKI] Yes.

[Kai] Yosh. Right, then let’s start from finding a place to stay together (lol)!

[NAOKI] No way. Absolutely, no way! If I have to live with you, I’ll quit (flatly)!

[Kai] Okay, okay! It’s fine even if you don’t live with me!

[NAOKI] Ah, is that so? Good.

[Kai] I did it. I’ve achieved today’s goal!

[NAOKI] With that said, I notice that today, this is absolutely not turning into a dialogue, is it okay?

[Kai] It’s okay, it’s okay. From the very beginning I didn’t plan for any other topic to talk about but this (lol). Now that I’ve achieved my target, everything is fine.

[NAOKI] No, no, you think it’s okay, but what about ORICON-san?

[ORICON STYLE editor] Yes. This is fine.

[NAOKI] You’re really too generous (lol). While we’re at it, this talk about radio show, won’t you air it?

[ORICON STYLE editor] No, well since we don’t have a radio program… …

[NAOKI] Ah, well, there’s no point in what we’ve been talking about.

[Kai] Ahahahaha. Really now, NAO-san is the best! You’re saying out loud all the things I’m thinking of saying (lol). As expected, we have no choice but to do this. Let’s make it happen!

[NAOKI] That’s right, it’ll be nice if we can make it happen.

[Kai] I did it! Ah~. That was fun. I’m satisfied.

[NAOKI] That’s good to hear. For various reasons, I have no idea why I came here (bitter smile).

— I’m looking forward for the plan to materialize. (※ It seems that, afterward, they are heading forward to make it happen)

When Kai x NAOKI’s dialogue was over, as a surprise for Kai whose birthday was near, TOMO showed up again carrying a birthday cake for Kai! He celebrated with everyone!

=================================

Source: http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/column/psp/vol012.html

Translation by: theGazettE_INA team

Credit us if you're using this translation elsewhere.

Happy Birthday Kai!

Our beloved drummer and leader of The Gazette!!!!

wish u and The Gazette come to Indonesia <3 font="font">

2012/10/28 00:01

Filled with love

Today is that one day of the year when I’m most grateful to the people around me.

I always say this only after everyone has said their congratulations, so this year I want to gather all my gratitude and say thank you to you all before you get to say “congratulations” to me.

To the other members, who let me think of myself as your current drummer.

Thank you.

Let’s work hard together from now on too!

To the staff, who are kind enough to support the GazettE.

Thank you so much for always listening to our selfish opinions and understanding them.

Let us be a bit selfish from now on too! (laugh)

To the fans, who love the GazettE from the bottom of their hearts.

To be honest, I have also reached a quite good age. (laugh)

But still I feel like I’m living the best days of youth right now and it is all thanks to no one else but you. I want this to last forever. Thank you.

To the parent who gave birth to me and raised me.

I was blessed to be your son.

From now on, I hope that I will be able to give you at least something back through the GazettE.

Thank you.

- Kai-

credit to: OMG!-Oh My Gazette

[EXCLUSIVE] the GazettE's comment for Indonesian fans!

J-MELO's first airing for today is over. They showed the GazettE's comment for Indonesian fans and the list of people requesting the band.

RUKI said: "We hear we're the most-requested act in Indonesia. Thank you. We've never been to Indonesia.--
-- We'd love to come and do a show one day. So look out for us."

CLIK HERE
(IDN)
Penayangan pertama J-MELO utk hari ini sudah selesai. Mereka memperlihatkan video komentar the GazettE utk fans Indonesia beserta--

RUKI berkata: "Kami dengar kami adalah band yg paling banyak direquest di Indonesia. Terima kasih. Kami belum pernah ke Indonesia.--

-- Kami sangat ingin utk datang dan tampil (di sana) suatu hari. Jadi nantikanlah kami."

crefit to: theGazettE_INA

[TRANSLATION] club-Zy: Long interview special edition | All 4 parts serialization: Aoi (the GazettE) | Part 4

Part 4: Started guitar during elementary school. At the 10th year anniversary, [Wanted to quit the GazettE]

-- In the previous part was Aoi-san’s chance at starting (to play) guitar. And next I’d like you to look back as the GazettE’s (member) about the 10th anniversary. Back then, did you start playing guitar under the influence of your brother who had been in high school?
Aoi: That’s right. I was an elementary school student at that time, and I found the figure of my brother playing guitar so admirable. There were also a lot of guitar heroes (that I admired) from abroad. Until the time I started becoming a part of a band, I thought the future I wanted the most was to be a guitarist. Even now it’s still the same way abroad, but in Japan it’s the vocalist (that takes up more attention). That’s why, at the moment, I’m thinking “What happened??”

-- While reading a past interview, I was thinking, “I want to listen to the intro of X JAPAN’s [Kurenai]!”
Aoi: When I was in 1st grade, I liked hide-san, so much so that I practiced desperately. I wanted a guitar so much, but I couldn’t exactly ask my parents (to buy me one). So I would wake up at 4 a.m. and work at the nearby newspaper stand as a delivery boy. (I was living in) a rural area, so there wasn’t even a game center anywhere around the house. Before I began playing guitar, from the moment school was over I would go to the beach to swim and stuff. But as soon as I got my hands on a guitar, I would spend every single day playing it. At that time, I probably played most often.

-- When did you form a band?
Aoi: I had never really properly formed a band, but when I was in 3rd grade in junior high, or maybe 1st grade in high school, I and a senior performed ZIGGY’s [GLORIA] at the school festival in the gymnasium.

-- Ah, that song was popular back then, huh. It was a drama’s theme song or some sort.
Aoi: Yep. By the time I graduated junior high, I had wanted to enter a vocational school instead of high school, but I wasn’t allowed to, so I reluctantly entered high school. No one was playing music back then, so I stopped playing guitar and did nothing else but surfing instead.

-- Surfing??
Aoi: Yeah. And then I quit high school. While I was doing nothing, one time late at night in a local Tokai area TV program, there was a band from Nagoya that was doing an introduction of themselves; (I felt) really gloomy. It came to the point (where I thought), “Why couldn’t I be that skilful as well!!” And so I told my father, “I’m going to Tokyo”, and then I got up and left.

-- The talk escalated so quickly (to want to go to Tokyo), the scene is almost like Yawaza Eikichi-san.
Aoi: I was 20 years old. I brought my guitar and a sports bag with my clothes stuffed into it. I came to Tokyo. I did a part time job at Chinzan-so (a hotel in Tokyo metropolitan area). There was a recording company nearby, but since their image was nothing but enka, I thought impertinently, “I’m definitely not going to get into that company!” (LOL)

-- (LOL). You’re probably much indebted. (LOL)
Aoi: Yeah. The moment I was in a band with our previous drummer, I met RUKI and the others. His band hadn’t had any drummer from the beginning, so at first only the drummer was asked to join. But then, just when I was thinking of what I should do, RUKI said, “We also need a guitarist, how about it?” and invited me as well. At the same time, Jinxxxx Raxxo was also recruiting and I had already sent an application. If the GazettE hadn’t existed I might have been a member in Jinxxxx Raxxo instead (LOL).

-- Ooh. I’m surprised to hear that. But I’m glad the 5 of you met. And then, starting from Meguro-Rokumeikan to Tokyo Budoukan, and then to Tokyo Dome, connecting the memories, you’ve reached your 10th anniversary this year in March, right? Looking back, what is the most memorable thing you keep in your heart?
Aoi: The truth is, before the live at Makuhari (Messe), I was thinking about quitting the GazettE. It’s because I thought I wouldn’t be able to continue (being in) the band until the relationship between these 5 guys collapsed. I didn’t want to come to the point where I was overdoing it. But then, as I stepped onto the stage, the moment I saw the faces of 20,000 fans, I instantly thought, I couldn’t possibly betray those kids. If I quit, I would snatch away the GazettE from them. So then we played “Shunsetsu no Koro” in that live, that was ended with the scene of me gathered with REITA, RUKI, and Uruha in the center of the stage.

-- Yes. In the midst of white and pink confetti fluttering about, the 4 of you stood up on the pedestal. Behind Kai there was the GazettE’s logo shining in gold.
Aoi: Yes. (At first) I didn’t want to do that, gathering up on the front like that. It’s because I thought it was superficial, and because I couldn’t mend only the surface.

-- When it was time for everyone to say some words, Aoi-san said, “With these 4 guys and me, the GazettE exists. Because everyone is there (with us), the GazettE that you like exists. I’m so moved that I can’t even say thank you (enough) to everyone”… and then tears flowed from your eyes, and you looked so deeply emotional.
Aoi: I think there’s no other band that is worth as much as the GazettE. That’s why I can’t betray all the people who have been supporting us.

-- Now that you’ve passed your 10th anniversary, is it okay to say that the bond between you guys will only get deeper? And then what do the 5 of you wish to accomplish from now on?
Aoi: I’d like (for us) to create another production. “DIVISION” was born from “TOXIC”. I’m aiming for something that surpasses (all of those).

credit to: theGazettE_INA

[TRANSLATION] club-Zy: Long interview special edition | All 4 parts serialization: Aoi (the GazettE) | Part 3

Photographs by Takehiro Suganuma / Interview by Ayano Nishimura

Part 3: The "Ibitsu" that was born in the band. [Made of the perfect balance]
―― Previously, we explored what you had in mind about doing a solo project...... but in the position of the GazettE's Aoi, how do you perceive yourself?
Aoi: Even while I'm in the middle of the so-called members, I feel like...... it's judged by how much influence we have. I'm also a member, but regarding the GazettE, I keep thinking whether I can make my contribution or not.

―― Of course, it's judged by your influence right. Aoi-san is the oldest and, also when we have an interview 4 years ago for the first time, among the five people, more often than the others you looked at the circumstance, saw us all objectively, and with you I felt like I could talk. However, I feel like the way of the conversation right now, so far, is more interesting. To continue the band for a long time, Ibitsu was to be born; in other cases, other musicians would have been doing solo projects already, right. But, concerning the related party – the GazettE, that is– I think you don’t want the project to become like the GazettE.
Aoi: I think it’s not about to put an emphasis to someone's opinion. It’s the band's. Right now, because the stuff that RUKI produced became an axis, RUKI’s speech is so strong, so it's becoming like...... these 4 men create something from what RUKI has in his mind. That was the GazettE continuance, it was important to preserve the world view as a musician, but, I think there's a small part where we've come to an actual state where we could not listen to the opinions from the outside.

――Ah, isn't Aoi-san who has been judging it from influence up until now? Because, we've also talked a while ago, I thought we could see ourselves objectively but it turned out we couldn't. I wonder if that isn't Aoi-san's role. Although I'm thinking about the band's assets, in this matter.
Aoi: Yeah. However even if there are people who can judge objectively, you still have to ask, right?

―― With the exception of RUKI-san, don't any of you have anything to say (in regards of the band)?
Aoi: Well, you see. RUKI together with Uruha were getting stronger in the matter of making songs. They had various experience beforehand, and they have acquired self confidence so that they could state their opinions (freely). But, because Uruha also won’t listen to other's opinion, he has the good part of possessing the power to persist, and he also has the bad part of having his own way. Because; with Reita and Kai, I was getting along with the 2 people. Well, since I don't have the confidence to assert my opinion, and since I kept hesitating, when someone stated something definite to me, I was the person to follow, to agree with anyone, but, it was important to follow, out of it, there were times when I couldn’t let out my own sound… … Really, it's made of the perfect balance.

―― So in this production, there had been various conflicts, right. Alright, this is a completely different topic, but a reward! to yourself who had worked hard; was there anything?
Aoi: A reward?? I wonder what. Maybe the two guitars I ordered for myself. They will be done sometimes in autumn, I’m really looking forward to it.

――I don’t know when, but in the future, when you debut as solo musician, you will also make a song. We’re also looking forward to it.

credit to:  theGazettE_INA

[TRANSLATION] club-Zy: Long interview special edition | All 4 parts serialization: Aoi (the GazettE) | Part 2

Photographs by Takehiro Suganuma / Interview by Ayano Nishimura

Part 2: From the desire to want to pursue his sound, a view to the future solo career?!
-- To start this second part, please tell us about a challenge you faced during the production of this album.
Aoi: It's a…… continuation, so there wasn't much change.

-- That ended up quickly (lol). Well then, what did Aoi-san want to express (in this album)?
Aoi: I thought a lot about wanting to change the sound. Up until now we haven't released anything like that. For [DIVISION] and [TOXIC], there was a similar coordination and shape regarding the source of sound, but as for myself, looking back, it didn't seem like a stimulating thing. There was conflict against what I wanted to express.

-- Conflict, you say……
Aoi: Yes. There's also the idea of wanting to work to deepen the GazettE's music even more. I'm thankful (for this), but along with the production of the album, we were constantly on tour, participating in events, being very busy. Speaking of the GazettE, I wonder if we're not blessed with such thing as leisure in pursuing our music. Back then I always thought that each of our sounds stood out, our individual figures, young as we were, there hadn't been any coordination. But starting from [STACKED RUBBISH] (album, on sale since July 2007) until [DIM] (album, on sale since July 2009), we began to form our "union" and create music with great care. To be perfectly united is important, but I think I would like to still be able to let out each individual's essences.

-- When it comes to the GazettE, is it hard to let that out?
Aoi: When I was a kid, while I was playing guitar or listening to music, the face of the artist (I was copying) floated into my mind. That kind of thing is hard when it comes to the GazettE. More than individually, maybe something like the outlook of world of an artist is more important.

-- Then, isn't it possible to do a solo career side-by-side with the activity of the band, to be able to express what you wanted?
Aoi: Hmー. Maybe when the time comes.

-- The parts that you feel difficult (being done) in a band, you can do them in a solo (project), right. About this solo (project), what kind of image do you have in mind?
Aoi: I've been thinking what it would be like to have a female vocal. I've been listening to RUKI's voice all along, it makes me want to try (doing a song) for a woman's voice tone. Well this is just one thing (among others).

-- Last summer, in the event that your company held, you formed a (session) band called [bon:cra-z] with Alice Nine's Hiroto and other guys, and you sang hide-san's songs. It was surprising to see you take the role of the vocals and also guitar.
Aoi: Ah. Yes I did. I didn't really want to sing myself. Because of the form of what we had to do, I sing because it's necessary to... that sort of stance. When it's just for fun I can do whatever I want, but when thinking about solo (career) in commercial term, there are so many regulations.

-- I see. Do you talk about this kind of feelings with fellow members in the GazettE? I feel that perhaps the five of you, respectively, have the idea of doing solo (projects) in your minds.
Aoi: We did have that sort of talk for a bit. In the GazettE, (sometimes) the music that I'm thinking cannot be understood (by the others), but I think it's not time yet for me to be by myself.

 credit to:: theGazettE_INA

[TRANSLATION] club-Zy: Long interview special edition | All 4 parts serialization: Aoi (the GazettE) | Part 1

Photographs by Takehiro Suganuma / Interview by Ayano Nishimura

Part 1: [DIVISION], the album that was born at the 10th anniversary of the GazettE’s formation

-- The new album [DIVISION] was on sale starting from August 29th. The previous work, [TOXIC], was (released) only 10 months before this. The method also came as a surprise, where all the compiled songs (in total of 14 songs for the first time, whereas usually only 12 songs) were new songs. Firstly, please tell us starting from the motivation of this production.
Aoi: the GazettE had our 10th anniversary March this year. The idea came from RUKI, where (he said) we should release something in accordance with our 10th anniversary. What would become of the album was not determined yet at the onset, but at the end of last year up to the beginning of this year we had another discussion, and the image hardened into ‘let’s continue the flow of the previous album, [TOXIC]’… sort of feeling.

-- In Aoi’s thought, was there a part of you that wanted to create this kind of image and the likes for this album?
Aoi: That’s right. Because this time we are marking our 10th, I was thinking I had to freely let out something that I didn’t have within me, the music that was born from inside of me. In LIVES, recently, more than just as the so-called the GazettE’s Aoi, I’m thinking of standing there on stage as myself.

-- The album’s Limited Edition has 2 discs, the first disc is the [Rock Side] and the second is [Digital Side]. Being varied into those categories, it’s really interesting that you’ve revealed this kind of overview. I was surprised to find that the orders of the songs in the Limited Edition and Regular Edition were different. How attentive!
Aoi: We changed the orders of the songs in the Limited and Regular Edition to make the flow nice, that’s the idea. When we put the songs that were divided into two discs in the Limited Edition into the Regular Edition’s single disc, we thought about changing the order of the songs.

-- Which song has the greatest emotional attachment to you?
Aoi: It’s [Ibitsu]. It describes about greed among other things, the truth about human being. It’s kind of like mud.

-- [Ibitsu]’s PV is included in the Limited Edition’s DVD. How did the shooting process go?
Aoi: We shot the video in a film studio, but the main focus is a monochrome performance scene. The shooting was exhausting because we pushed ourselves to the end.

-- Coming here despite being tired, I notice the gloomy look on your face (lol).
Aoi: Right.

The second part will be uploaded at club-Zy’s site at September 12th. We hope you will be looking forward for it.

credit to: theGazettE_INA