Press Conference with YOSHIKI and ToshI

The vocalist and drummer/composer for legendary band X JAPAN talked during a press conference in Paris about their upcoming activities, possible European concerts, and even a little about their lives outside of work.


How did you feel about the French audience during the showcase?

ToshI: It was our first time to meet the French audience in a concert and we found them very responsive. It was a lot of fun.

Can we look forward to a 2011 international tour with many dates in Europe?

YOSHIKI: We hope so, (in French) yes.

Can we also expect a show in France?

YOSHIKI: (in French) Yes.

When?

YOSHIKI: Soon.

YOSHIKI, when you were coming to Japan Expo, it seemed that X JAPAN’s goal was to go out with a bang, but now we get the impression of a new beginning. What are your thoughts on that?

YOSHIKI: To be honest, I don’t really know. We didn’t think it would last such a long time. How can I explain…there were tons of problems, including ToshI’s situation and my health, but also management. All these problems combined brought us to think positively and keep going. Two years ago we only wanted to do some good concerts and finish with a good image of X JAPAN, and since reforming, we’ve decided to keep going.

Since the reformation of the group, we’ve been able to hear some new songs, and we are wondering if there will be a CD project in the coming months.

YOSHIKI: Yes, probably this fall.

The group has had international success to a degree that’s unusual for a Japanese band. In your opinion, why is your music so universal, even though there is often a language barrier?

YOSHIKI: Music doesn’t have borders. It’s a universal language.

ToshI, you have a really exceptional voice. How do you prepare yourself and work to keep your vocal power?

ToshI: I don’t train a whole lot, or in a specific way. It just so happens that I sing a lot during recordings, so my voice remains intact.

ToshI, do you particularly enjoy singing in French?

ToshI: Yes, today was the first time I sang in French. I want to keep doing it, I see it as a challenge.

Can you tell us what stopped your last show in Bercy (Paris, France)?

YOSHIKI: The concert was canceled three times. There were problems with management, and the last problem was my surgical operation for July 28th. I had the operation so I’d be able to do the concert, but management canceled the event without even telling us. We’re here today to show our respect to the French fans we disappointed when our shows were canceled several times.

All the members of the group have had successful solo careers. We’d like to know if this influenced X JAPAN’s music, or if X JAPAN influences your solo careers.

YOSHIKI: That influence is definitely there and is beneficial for X JAPAN.

And for the career of X JAPAN itself?

ToshI: It allows us to find new strengths and create new experiences that come to reinforce X JAPAN.

As for S.K.I.N., are you planning to get together again to do concerts and release CDs?

YOSHIKI: Maybe, but we have to finish X JAPAN, doing concerts particularly in France.

Do you follow the new Japanese rock scene? Which groups would you promote?

YOSHIKI: (silence) AKB48. (laughs)
ToshI: Morning Musume. (laughs)

YOSHIKI, you are a connoisseur of classical music. What are your favorite composers or operas?

YOSHIKI: Of course I like Bach and Chopin, and also Rachmaninov.

X JAPAN has a playable piece in the musical video game “Rock Band.” The software publisher recently took a poll to find out which groups the players wanted to see in the game, and X JAPAN was in the top three. Will there be more songs from you on this game? Will there be a game dedicated to X JAPAN in Japan?

YOSHIKI: First, it would be good to have other music to play. But they’re planning a pachinko game in Japan instead of a video game.

Since forming X JAPAN in the '80s, how did you think the group would evolve? Did you think you’d attain the kind of international popularity that X JAPAN has today?

YOSHIKI: We were confident, but we didn’t think we would be this popular.

Are you nostalgic about your debuts?

YOSHIKI: We are, and we really miss hide.

Some time ago, you released Art Of Life. Do you have a project to create other symphonic works like that?

YOSHIKI: Yes (he hesitates and laughs), how long ago was that? Fifteen years?

ToshI: That’s right.

YOSHIKI: Actually, we’ve already finished recording Jade, which is a pretty complex song. It’s not exactly like Art Of Life, it’s not that long. But it’s complicated and we prefer to concentrate on that.

Between X JAPAN and your solo careers, you seem to be really busy. Do you have spare time away from music?

(YOSHIKI makes an exasperated noise and passes the question to ToshI. Everyone in the room laughs.)
ToshI: Yes, I drink French wine. (laughs)
YOSHIKI: Me, no. I don’t have any free time, and actually that’s why my girlfriend and I broke up.

You decided to remake videos for Endless Rain and Rusty Nail. Why did you choose these two songs?

YOSHIKI: (shrugs and laughs) I think it’s simply because we like them. We’re also finishing the recording of the English version of Tears.

Between 2007 and 2008, you released two DVD box sets comprised of old concerts, and you also announced the release of the complete version of the Dahlia Tour Final and Last Live. When will that be, is there a specific date?

YOSHIKI: Yes…soon…(laughs)

(The host announces this was the last question, and everyone applauds. YOSHIKI asks for a word and stands up.)

YOSHIKI: Thank you very much for coming today. I would like to apologize again for having canceled the French concerts so many times. We love France, we love the French fans and we expect to return for a big concert. (in French) I love you.