An Interview with Kanon Wakeshima at Japan Expo

Kanon Wakeshima, the young cello-playing and singing prodigy, came to France earlier this year for two concerts. She returned to Paris again for the Japan Expo and spoke to JaME a little bit more about her music and her inspirations.


Could you introduce yourself to our readers who are not familiar with you yet?

Kanon Wakeshima: (In French) My name is Kanon Wakeshima. I've played the cello since I was three years old. My hobby is drawing. My favorite dish is spaghetti. I like cats, mine are black and brown. The brown one is still a kitten. This is the second time that I have been to France; the first time I wasn't able to go to the Orangerie museum, but this time I hope I can go.

How would you describe your music for people who want to start listening to you?

Kanon Wakeshima: Mana-sama writes the music and arranges the song, while I write the lyrics. The principal theme of my music is about a young girl between adolescence and adulthood, with the side of a cute girl and all that is becoming darker because of adulthood. The words are all written around this theme.

It was your parents who had you start playing the cello at three. So what motivated you to sing in addition to playing the cello?

Kanon Wakeshima: My parents did indeed start me on the cello at a young age. Starting in junior high, while I was becoming a teenager, I started to write songs by myself. Given that the most basic instruments like the piano and the guitar didn't suit me, I decided to use everything I had learned from the cello to start singing along with it. From junior high, that was how the concept of singing to the cello was born.

You just celebrated your 21st birthday. Five years ago, did you have an idea of what you would be doing now?

Kanon Wakeshima: I didn't think that I would necessarily be working in music, since I also did illustration. But when I was 16, I did think about having a career in music or art.

Which artists inspired you, musically speaking?

Kanon Wakeshima: I admire a lot of different artists, but of French musicians, I really like the works of Emilie Simon.

Do you practice the cello everyday? If so, how long?

Kanon Wakeshima: It's not necessarily everyday. When I start to play, I'll usually end up playing all day, but there are times when I won't play.

Do you play another instrument?

Kanon Wakeshima: I'm also learning how to play guitar and piano but they're not necessarily my favorite instruments.

Are you still working with Mana now that your album has been released? Are you going to continue working with him for your future projects or are you going to work more independently?

Kanon Wakeshima: Right now, I work with Mana-sama who writes songs and gives them to me, and then I write the lyrics. I am still in a learning period and, through this experience, I eventually hope to write my own music and express myself independently.

Do you think that a collaboration between you and Mana is possible, onstage or in a song on an album?

Kanon Wakeshima: At the moment, we haven't talked about that, but that would be quite interesting. If he invited me to play cello onstage for him, I would immediately accept.

Is there an artist in particular that you would like to work with (a musician, a composer...)?

Kanon Wakeshima: Since I've started, I haven't had the chance to meet other artists, but if I were invited to work with someone one day, I would like to try it out.

Do you hope to make more music for anime, like with "Vampire Knight"?

Kanon Wakeshima: Yes, and what I really like about the ending credits of "Vampire Knight" was that the images fit perfectly with my music. If I have the chance to do another production for anime, I'd really like to do it again. And with a video game, that would also be really interesting.

It has been a few months since you came to France for two concerts. How did you feel when you gave these concerts?

Kanon Wakeshima: I was pleasantly surprised by all the people who came to see me at the time. They were very warm and hospitable, and I felt well-received.

What particularly stood out to you during these concerts?

Kanon Wakeshima: I really appreciated the two concerts, but what really touched me was when I opened my umbrella, a lot of people did the same. I felt a harmony with them and it renewed my motivation to put forth my best effort on stage.

You just gave a showcase during the Laforêt Harajuku parade. How would you describe how you felt playing in front of thousands of people?

Kanon Wakeshima: Particularly because of - or rather, thanks to - the lighting, it didn't feel like I was playing in front of so many people. This allowed me to release my nerves and be more relaxed playing in front of everyone.

Do these concerts in France make you want to do a European tour?

Kanon Wakeshima: Yes, please call me in your country! (laughs)

We know about your passion for drawing; Would you consider making a book of your artworks for your fans one day?

Kanon Wakeshima: I would like to be able to make a bound volume of my drawings to keep track of them.

Where do you find the inspirations for your drawings?

Kanon Wakeshima: I really like the works of Alphonse Mucha and that's where I draw my inspiration from.

After drawing, do you find the inspiration to write a song about it?

Kanon Wakeshima: Actually, it's the other way around: After I write a song, I feel inspired to make a drawing related to it.

What are your projects for the future?

Kanon Wakeshima: At the moment, I listen to my music and try to spread it to as many people as possible. We're also in the process of working on a new single.

Do you have a message for your fans?

Kanon Wakeshima: Hello, my name is Kanon Wakeshima. Thank you for inviting me once again for a concert in France and giving me the opportunity to return to the beautiful city of Paris. I hope to have the opportunity to play again in France. And for those who have not yet heard my album, I invite you to listen to it.


JaME would like to thank Kanon Wakeshima, Wasabi Records, and the translator for this interview.