Interview with An Cafe in Moscow

An Cafe was the first Japanese rock band to perform in Russia, and JaME had the opportunity to talk with the band. Though everybody was tired after a long flight, the band was very positive and cheerful.


Good afternoon! Thank you very much for this interview! What was your reaction when you heard that there would be a concert in Moscow?

Miku: I could feel that there were a lot of fans waiting for us to come and play our show. I was surprised.

Have you had the opportunity to go sightseeing in Moscow and to taste some of the local food?

Teruki: Not yet. We haven't had time.
Miku: We arrived in Russia at 3 a.m. this morning and then went to the hotel, so we didn't have any time.

This is your second world tour. What are your expectations? Is there anything that you wanted to see last spring but couldn't and want to make up for this time?

An Cafe: (discuss and laugh)
Teruki: We would like to communicate with fans a lot more, but we couldn't do that on our first tour.

Your latest single, AROMA, was released not long ago. Could you tell us a bit about it?

Miku: The sound in that single is a little bit different from what we've done before. But we created this song to be more visual kei oriented.

You are a very bright and cheerful band! What is the source of your energy?

An Cafe: (laugh)
Miku: It's the Cafekko.

What are the differences between fans from Asia, America and Europe? And what do they have in common?

Miku: European Cafekko and Asian Cafekko are quite similar. But those in Europe are more energetic and passionate.
Teruki: We don’t know much about American Cafekko because we've only been there once, and that wasn't for a concert but to take part in an anime convention. Maybe in the future we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about them.

Do you know any words in Russian?

Miku: Borshechok (a national red beet soup).
An Cafe: (laugh)

Do you make different set lists for Europe and Japan? How do you choose the songs?

Miku: Yes, we do make different set lists.
Teruki: We made different set lists because during our last tour, we played similar ones in Europe and Japan, but the reaction from the audience was really different. That's why we decided to change it for Europe this time.

In Russia, fans of Japanese culture put a lot of time and effort into cosplay and making different clothes in Japanese fashion. What do you think about that?

Miku: We are very glad that there are so many people trying to imitate us through fashion.

In 2007 and 2008, you performed at anime conventions in the USA. Do you like being involved in those sorts of events?

Teruki: If somebody invites us, we’re very glad to go there. Especially kanon because he is a big fan of anime. So we would be really happy.

Not long ago, a very unusual photo session was published in SHOXX (issue #191) where, in my opinion, you looked like some kind of forest creatures.

Miku: We only did that for that magazine, just to fit in with it and be more visual.

And whose idea was it?

Teruki: It was Miku's idea.

How do you like to rest after a very busy tour or intensive work in the studio? Are you active, or do you prefer to just stay at home and sleep?

Yu-ki: I go to game centres or just stay at home and read manga.
Teruki: I go drinking with my buddies from different visual kei bands or go to concerts of different Japanese bands.
Miku: I go shopping or play Pachinko (a game that is a cross between pinball and a slot machine). Once I won 80,000 yen!
takuya: I’m always drinking. I drink everywhere I go. Not just at home, but also outside.
kanon: I play online games or read manga.

What concerts do you like to go to as a fan?

Yu-ki: Koda Kumi.
Teruki: Janne Da Arc.
Miku: Dir en grey, abingdon boys school, Sadie.
takuya: Metallica.
kanon: the GazettE.
An Cafe: (laugh)

It’s been almost six years since An Cafe was formed, and from time to time you change your sound. How do you see An Cafe in 5 years? Are there any particular goals that you would like to achieve?

Miku: We want to have our own recording studio. A studio only for An Cafe.

Do you have any dreams? Some kind of wish that you want to come true in your everyday life?

Miku: I want to run my own ramen shop.
Yu-ki: I want to live in peace.
An Cafe: (laugh)
Teruki: I want to live only playing drums. I want to earn a lot of money just playing drums.
takuya: I want to become a professional musician.
kanon: My dream is to build my own house.

Thank you so much for sharing your time to answer our questions! Lastly, could you please say a few words to your fans?

An Cafe: NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPY!!


JaME would like to thank organizers, Twisted Talent and An Cafe for making this interview possible.