Pao Murata

First you attacked the Kanto area, and then it became a countrywide tour. Regardless of being during busy time or during off time, was there any interesting or unusual happenings too?

K: There were many times where we had 2 days venue concerts. There was a lot of time where I could interact with the members, there were good things and bad things. He was amazing… (laughs wryly). However, it was a tour of drum checking, and in the tour final, there was a great feeling of completion. It was like a sense of accomplishment kind of thing. Although I can’t say the full details, all the good things and bad things were maximum, all of them became points of experience.  I think it was a tour to make the band stronger.

 In a different way of saying, it was like a trial tour…?

K: It was almost like a trial (laughs). I do physical condition management and preparation in order to do a good performance and face the tour, but there are also times that no matter what you do, it doesn’t go well. Nevertheless, I did the maximum performance I could do that day, but I was not satisfied with my body.  So, this was a tour that made think about lots of things.

 When it’s 2 days venue, if in the following day you try to clear the points of reflection from the previous days, after that too much power will come in, and might make you spin one’s wheels.

K: Yeah, I guess so.

 What are your thoughts when you’re off the stage?

K: When I was off the stage, I was already thinking toward the new album. That’s why during the tour, I was checking things such as which songs from “RESONANCE” got the audience excited, I was doing that kind of research inside my mind. Like, which melody line gives a good feeling, or which melody tempo gives a good feeling to everyone. So, while doing that research, I had my eyes set on what’s next.

 So, what specifically made you had a good feeling about it?

K: In any case, from the opening of the live show with “ACTIVATE RESONANCE” there was a feeling of excitement that I hadn’t felt before. There was a feeling of headbanging immediately for example. In addition, I think Angelo fans like catchy songs, and the feel of attack. I thought “NEW CENTURY BIRTH VOICE” was going to be exciting, but it was even more exciting than what I expected. That kind of feeling is one of my favorite things.

 During the tour, do you also hum to your smartphone the ideas and melodies that later become the main concept of new songs?

K: It wasn’t a melody, however there was an idea that came to mind. It was something that until now I have never done. At this stage, I still don’t know if it will be adopted in the next works, it’s a kind of taste of statelessness. It would be a good thing to have a song that gives you the feeling of being able to see various countries, this is an idea that came up during the tour.

 It is likely to become a masterpiece.

K: I wonder if it will (laughs). But I have the hunch that it will become a new feeling. Honestly, I was very satisfied with “RESONANCE” as a composer.

 That’s scary.

K: It is scary (laughs). That’s why I was worried right after finishing “RESONANCE”. Like, what would be a good thing to do next?

 Did you feel like you reached a goal?

K: At that time yes. But during the tour, the next opportunity was born. I also discovered that there are still things I want to do.

  So that means that this is the enthusiasm inside of Karyu for embarking onto the next new chapter?

K: That’s right. What kind of thing it will become…? If pushed I’d say it should be more melodic. As a composer, every day of my life until now, I’m always thinking what would be a good thing to do the next time I get on the stage (laughs).

 In the middle of that, this year in February, there was also the performance during lynch.’s managed festival “BLACK BEAUTY BEASTS”, I think that was also very exciting.

K: Definitely. I always watched D’ERLANGER from the rehearsal, well, it was awesome. The band feeling and power. There is always discovery in this kind of way. Since I also had the opportunity to interact with them, I am always getting a new stimulus. I also think the Angelo live in that festival turned out extremely good. As expected in festivals, there is a suitable amount of consciousness from the members to bring the power toward the outside, it’s a very good thing.

 It would be great if opportunities for appearing in festivals and events would increase.

K: I think so. I am always working hard from inside the band, but when we are together with other bands in stage, it’s different.  

 Although we are having this conversation in April, have you already starting working on new compositions?

K:  That’s right. I recorded the melodies and phrases that came to mind around January, and March was hell. I was trying to construct it at a fast pitch. So, I didn’t go outside, my physical condition was relatively destroyed (wry smile). Because I was too much time secluded, I wasn’t able to refresh. Although I was not being pressured to do it, I was impatient and wanted to do it as soon as possible, it was mentally harsh. As of now, I have calmed down.  

 So that means that there is an effect that a good thing is likely to be born?

K: That’s right. When you overcome the next thing that is in front of you, there is always an effect. Recently, an idea of a main point of a melody came to mind somehow. However, I had to rush to the living room to get the smartphone because the idea came while I was in the bath (laughs).

 While being naked (laughs).

K: Yes (laughs). I was humming that melody while I was in the bathtub, I recorded it and then submerged again in the bathtub. I had no intention to do composition work that day, but if I get the feeling that something will come out, I start working on it again.

 Naked?

K: No no! (laughs). Getting out of the bathtub properly and getting dressed. And then, as of now, I’ve been able to smoothly make songs in the shortest time possible. It would be easy if this was always the case (laughs).

 From tour to bathing, are you constantly thinking only about songs?

K: Always. Somehow, when I’m sleeping, I would suddenly wake up too. For a long time, I would end up falling asleep while thinking about songs and what should I do about it. And then, in the middle of the night I would wake up suddenly. In any case, what I do is to record in my smartphone. And then I go to sleep again, however I end up waking up quickly again. And because of that, my physical condition gets pretty bad (laughs).

 Do you have nightmares about song composition too?

K: I don’t have dreams related to that, but frequently when I wake up, I’m only thinking about songs. Maybe, all people who compose music think the same way about this. Maybe it’s like a kind of occupational disease. The hardest time it’s when you are creating. Even if I sleep, the mental fatigue doesn’t disappear at all. When the song is completed it’s when I’m relieved, and the following day I try not to do anything. But even if I take a break and play games or something, inside my head, I am still composing songs (laughs). I’m not good at switching from on to off.

 You like soccer, and you used to play futsal too, right?  Don’t you do exercise while you’re in composition period? Isn’t it better to move your body?

K: I’m not doing it. I haven’t done any exercise nor going out either since March (laughs). But the tour will start in April, and I’m worried that I may end not having done any physical training by then. However right now at the beginning of April, music composition continues as usual. That’s why I bought a machine that helps train the trunk of my body (laughs).

 Isn’t this your pattern of being deceived by TV shopping again? (laughs).

K: Not at all, this is a machine that I’ve been very interested in for 2 years. And I thought, now is the time to get it (laughs). This is the only machine that can help me break free from this unhealthy lifestyle.

 You’ve been buying machines with the same kind of remarks since many years ago, right?

K: Occasionally (laughs).

 Moreover, although I’ve heard the story about you buying these machines, I’ve never heard the story about the results or effects of it (laughs).

K: That might be true (laughs). But I think the next machine is pretty good. I wonder if the effects will come out during the tour? (laughs). Also, the tour is starting soon, it’s about time I have to run.

 Because being in the stage for 2 to 3 hours, requires more toughness than what one can imagine.

K: That’s right. I have intention of working on the stage myself, however there are for example people from overseas bands that have more intense live performances. I always wonder what kind of training they do. Maybe they have physical strength foundations by nature. Because by just being in the stage, you can lose weight. There isn’t such thing as an easy live performance in terms of physical strength. Depending on the day, although your body should be in good conditions, there are times when it might not move the way you expect. Although I would forcibly stimulate it with fighting spirit, I think it’s better if I can prepare properly. That’s why I will try to imitate what I read in the blog of soccer players, and I will try doing training during this time.

 The baseball player Ichiro was very famous for being stoic, right?  Hours before the games, he would always do something in particular, he decided on a routine work to follow. He had curry every morning, didn’t he?

K: He had curry for a period of time (laughs). It was said that Ichiru understood his body, and created the routine. And because of that, I tried eating curry every morning too (laughs). But I didn’t continue. I think I did it for about 3 months.

 Oh, that’s not good, wouldn’t have been better to continue?

K: But curry was not suitable for me. I would grow considerably fat (laughs). To that extent, I have to do training. I don’t consider myself a stoic person, but when I devote to something, I can reach the extremes. Trying curry every morning, if you think you may get fat, then you can eat only soba everyday (laughs). Also, if you find a good game, then keep doing that.

 I have the feeling that the story just scaled down (laughs).

K: Recently I’ve been drinking vinegar every morning. If you get delicious vinegar from your fans, and you try it, it’s ought to be very good. I dilute it in water and drink one glass every morning. And because of that, my physical condition has become much better than before. And then you can also make a drink of honey and lemon and drink that too, this is effective too.

   That’s because vinegar is good for the body. Because it’s a kind of fermented food, it helps boost the immune system.

K: Yes, and I’m also drinking enzymes. I’m feeling very anxious about many things related to my body. It’s because this is my unlucky year. (厄年、in Japan, there are years considered unlucky for men and woman where bad things could happen, for males near Karyu’s age is 42, he will be 41 this year, the year before and after is also considered somewhat unlucky).

 Did you also go to the ritual to cleanse the bad spirits?

K: I went at the beginning of the year, however there were too many people, so I gave up doing the ritual (laughs).

 Did you do anything else in regards to that matter?

K: Ah yes, I bought an amulet.

 Is that all you need to lift your spirit?

K: I think it’s not good to be too conscious of it. I think I should just forget about the unlucky year and live my life. This is the me who detaches from the unlucky 2019 year.

 That catchphrase is not very attractive (laughs).

K: I guess so (laughs). But in the private aspect, there isn’t any other interesting thing to talk about. The desire to make as many songs as possible has become my motivation now. When the tour that starts from the last third of April is over, then I will put together a demo, and from there the recording will start flowing. And towards that direction, right now I just have to make songs.

 From May, there’s also the era change to “Reiwa”, what will Karyu be doing those days?

And well, until now it has been this way, that’s why I’m not the type of person who is able to explain the know-how to others. As I said in a video I posted before, someone like me who is not very sociable, and is too meticulous toward other people, and also someone like me who lacks any sympathy or consideration to others, when I think that someone like this was able to become a band leader and a president of a company, I guess that is because I was someone who took the initiative and continued with it, I had the resolution and had established a sense of purpose.

After all, when I was young, I had my major debut when I was 26 years old. That was when I swiftly created a band from indies, which had a very popular major debut, it was a period with a very hectic environment, at that kind of time the environment already became very abnormal, but even in that kind of environment, I had to produce results, I was very tense at the time.

When I think about it, setting aside if there were good things or bad things, my nerves were on the edge. Well, I think there were more things in a bad sense.  However, I took the initiative, and I thought it was like a suicide, but I just did it and I cut through that road. I thought this was the only role for me, although at that point I still wasn’t able to cooperate with other people, and was too meticulous, and didn’t have consideration to other people, so in that sense my nerves were on the edge. 

However, In regards to what’s different from that kind of past when compared to the present time, is that now what I want to do the most is to have fun. Which is a bit different from what I wanted in the past. In the past, it wasn’t that fun anymore, it was already a painful and life-threatening situation obviously, it was very violent and I was on the edge. That being said, it was sort of an extremely destructive kind of thing, regardless of that, it still was the place I wanted to go to then, the enthusiasm was very high, and I think that was probably the only way to penetrate through it. After all, human beings are not able to accomplish things if they are not connected and cooperate together, so in that sense, if they are too destructive, they won’t be able to follow things anymore, and in the end, everyone will end up broken.

Q: By the way, what were your aspirations in years such as 2016 and 2017?

K:  At the end of the year, I tried reading my last year’s aspirations again, and realized that I had written something with very similar feeling (laughs). But after the recording of the album “HETERODOX” was over, the circuits of my head switched over to the next phase, only saving up song ideas. Because, right now I am in the middle of making songs. It always starts from the point where I record the ideas that came to my mind in the handy app of the smartphone; but to put it simply, I start from the state of not having the main concept yet. However, this time I have saved many ideas, so until now I am feeling a slight different response.  Moreover, the ideas that I had saved up during the first stage, like what kind of feeling I had, as expected I have already forgotten. When I try listening to it again, I feel like ohh this is nice. I appreciate very much the rediscovery of those ideas (laughs). If I reach to a standstill during the process of making songs, I listen to the saved-up ideas once more.  Then I encounter with things that can be used and that’s sufficient. But there’s also my own song-making habits, like ending up stuffing all sorts of ideas into one single song. And that’s why the concepts I have saved since autumn from last year, will soon be consumed (laughs). It is the stage where I think every day if new ideas will come to mind or not.

 Q: On a personal level, what has taken shape already?

K: Although I always say “new”, additionally it seems I can create songs that can be displayed in a new way during concerts. When I am making songs, I do it with the supposition that I am doing a concert, and there are many times where I am able to come up with a mental picture in my mind while I am creating songs.

 Q: Naturally, what comes to your mind is you performing in a very stylish way?

K: Relatively, the feeling is more like having an overhead view from above.

 Q: So that means that occasionally there were also images of failing when talking during the MC? (laughs)

K: I have never imagined something like that (laughs). And I have never failed during an MC. Only within my mental images I have failed without knowing (laughs).

Q: As expected.

K: Only in there, I don’t face the reality (laughs). But also, during tours, I’m always looking for some ideas that could transform into songs.

 Q: During the “HETERODOX” tour, unusually you were not partying and drinking alcohol during the after-shows, instead you were diligently dedicating yourself to music composition?

K: Oh, recently I don’t drink that much anymore, so I believe my time to think about songs has increased. Regardless if it’s released or not, if it becomes a good song, I get the feeling I may be able to use it in the future.

 Q: What kind of revolution are you plotting to bring into Angelo?

K: I didn’t have the feeling of it as such a top-secret strategy (laughs). Up till now, I think I’ve been able to produce songs with a different way of climax and ambience. I can’t talk about the details yet, because I don’t know if perhaps that song will be accepted or not.  

 Q: On February of this year, the leader became 46 years old, the other members also have reached to considerable age. But in concerts it doesn’t feel this way. Strangely, it doesn’t decline.

K: Their age is going backwards, isn’t it? Every time you become older, you become harder (laughs). But making that kind of concerts it’s difficult, since it has become an aggressive live. And that’s why I think I must train the body, I am collecting goods to train the trunk of the body (laughs).

 Q: So, you’re just accumulating things, to put it simply you are a collector, aren’t you?

K: I actually use them (laughs). I started with jump rope…that jump rope is already second generation. The first generation one I had was already worn-out. And then, I got the body trunk board. Initially I bought the one for advanced users. Although It looks like a skateboard, it has wheels attached that keep the balance when you get on. It is extremely difficult. Because of that I bought a new one for beginners, I thought it would be better to start from there (laughs). And then I also bought a stretch ball.

 Q: Can you truly feel there is efficacy on that?

K: I think there is. I really feel results with the jump rope, for example in this year’s February concert. During the song making period each year, I don’t go out too much, so even if I go to the gym, I can only go about 1 to 2 times a week.  If it’s the jump rope, I can always use it anywhere and anytime, I just searched for some time to do it. If I do that, then I can get physical strength, endurance and instantaneous force too. In the gym I can run sets of 30 minutes, but with the jump rope, I can do 3 sets of 3 minutes each. Training the body in a short time also has the wonderful “Time is money” effect (laughs).

 Q: There is a way to jump in order to train the body trunk? Is it not good to do jump rope like elementary school kids play with it?

K: It’s jumping like boxers do. I do it with one feet and then with both alternately. Once, I looked it up in YouTube and learned how to do it (laughs). The first generation of jump rope is made of wire of ordinary type, however the second generation one can even be used at home, like the air jump rope (laughs). This one has a weight attached around intended for each leg, but it doesn’t have a rope attached to it. You can replace those with a normal jump rope and it can be used too.

 Q: Within European and American bands, for example Aerosmith and such, in the past they used to be all about “Sex, drugs and Rock n’ roll” right? Karyu was also close to that.

K: No no! (laughs)

 Q: So now you deny it (laughs). But, that kind of people are quickly becoming more and more health conscious, right?

K: Yes, there is a lot of them. I guess it also has something to do with the era, being healthy-oriented. But, what I long for sometimes is that crazy rock n’ roll lifestyle. Even while being drunk, you seem to be able to do a great concert. But I am not able to do that (laughs).

 Q: Ha!?

K: Ah, no, that was in the past (laughs). But it was not suitable for me. Even if I drank a lot of strong liquor before the concert, I would still be able to perform good with tension, but my head would get extremely dizzy and it became an obstacle… it is really not suitable.

 Q: That was of course in your previous band’s era?

K: Yeah.

 Q: If you did such thing in Angelo, it would be received with a double slap on the face, honestly.

K: It’s not just because it’s in Angelo, I’ve had many kinds of experiences, and I feel that continues to add up right now, so even if I was allowed to do it, that’s generally not a good thing to do (laughs). But I thought it was wrong, so I decided to give a try becoming healthy. Because I like soccer, I often watch the player’s comments, such as “Prepare properly for the game!” and recently I’ve come to understand that feeling. I wonder if it’s similar, to music bands.

 Q: In order to make a great performance of about 2 hours on the stage, it’s necessary to have daily discipline.

K: Yeah, because being properly prepared for the stage will definitely improve the performance. But I still drink occasionally. Like at the end of the live, I would drink light. Recently I don’t get any drink until the morning, because I become sleepy immediately (laughs). I’ve become weak to alcohol.

 Q: So, you have become health-conscious? You also said you were going to quit smoking. However, right now you are puffing and smoking a cigar (laughs).

K: I did say that, but I have not been able to quit (laughs). I tried buying VAPE (electronic cigarette), but that was really… impossible (laughs). But I did feel a sign that I could switch to it, so I will try harder. I want to live longer…but that is an unexpected statement coming from a rock musician (laughs). When I was young, I thought I wanted to disappear gloriously when I became around 30 years old, but now what I want is to feel as much as possible, because I think this is the best moment (laughs).  

 K: In addition, to what extend you can perform in the tough stage, and how long you can continue, those are the big themes of life.

K: That’s exactly what it is.

 Q: The “REMISSIONARY” tour starts from May. Towards the upcoming concert, are you elaborating any new ideas?

K: Right now, there’s a song I’m personally working on, I think I would like to perform it in concert as soon as possible.

 Q: Besides music and band activities, what kind of usual things are you doing on your leisure time?

K: In regards to that kind of topic, I ordered a soccer uniform, but I think it has not arrived yet.

 Q: Have you started building a team again?

K: No, I’m just on cheering side (laughs). This year I went to watch games twice already. Supporters shouldn’t wear everyday clothes. You should wear the team’s uniform and carry the team’s towel so you can feel the excitement to its fullest.

 Q: That’s awesome. That brings to mind Eikichi Yazawa’s fans (famous Japanese singer from the 70’s).  His fans would wear white suits, the ducktail hairstyle and that towel.

K: Everyone, wearing white suits?

 Q: That’s right. Because there’s also visual-kei which leads to cosplay.  By wearing the clothes, you can turn completely into the person in question.  That is the aesthetics. So, having said that, can you totally become that kind of Karyu?

K: I wonder if I can totally become that (laughs).

 Q: There’s preparations for the tour that starts in May. In regards to “Prepare properly for the concert”. If that kind of fans completely filled the audience, even if you do the concert, your energy will speed up I think

K: I wonder? I’m not really interested in that kind of thing (laughs). There were times where there were people who looked like me, and there is that kind of feeling (laughs). But if the audience was completely filled of people who looked like me, I think I would be scared (laughs). However, I also think it’s good there’s that kind of people, I believe everyone should be free to have any appearance they want. Regardless of what you wear, if you will enjoy the concert like that, then it’s fine.

 Q: Then, on the contrary, without imitating anyone’s appearance, what would be something good for Karyu to try? Something with an appropriate feeling for an aggressive concert.

K: Certainly, I think I want to be eccentric. If it was something that could be undone, I’d like to try Nine Inch Nails’ guitarist Robert Finck’s hairstyle.   Having just sideburns, and then maybe a pigtail, that’s something I’d like to try at least once. In regards to clothing too, since long ago I prefer clothes that look like they are torn or dirty more than formal clothes.

 Q: That’s great, you made a decision. New aspirations for 2018. Dirty and eccentric.

Q: Isn’t that the star position?! Don’t tell me you were the center forwarder?

K: No, I don’t know what’s the position called nowadays, but my position was the right-side wing forwarder.

 Q: While fully attacking, this is a very important position to do the centering to the player who will score the goal, right?

K: In regards with that position’s role, that’s right, however I don’t have any memory of doing something like that... (laughs). In the prefectural tournament, the school’s team would advance up to 3-4 rank approximately, but I didn’t participate in the game (laughs).

Q: Did you have the position of warming the bench? (laughs)

K: I was not warming the bench (laughs). There are tons of kids that join the soccer clubs, there are things such as C team and D teams. I was in the B team, and I was a regular player there.

 Q: Team B, that sort of feels like AKB48. Did you continue to play soccer throughout middle and high school?

K: Unfortunately, I ended up quitting. When reaching middle school, that’s the year where you start picking up balls (ball boy), isn’t it?  I hate that.

 Q: And then I’m sure it was a period where there was a lot of teasing done by the older students and advisors, right?

K: That’s right, it was a hierarchical relationship. During this period, it was forbidden to drink water during club activities, and you could be slapped by the advisors too, all of that sum together, made me dislike it and eventually quitted.  

 Q: So, what triggered your soccer passion to rise again?

K: I did futsal about 5-6 years ago, however, my soccer passion heated up again since I went to watch a soccer match (laughs). After going 1 time, I ended up being completely addicted to it.

 Q: I am an Urawa (fan), however the streets are painted in red when there are games and such

K: Urawa Reds! The supporters are said to be vicious… (laughs)

 Q: Is that so?!  But the Reds have many female fans. I wonder if among the members of the Angelo fanclub are there any ladies who like soccer?

K: I don’t think there are too many.

 Q: That is why I want to ask, what’s the charm of watching soccer? If there are people who can understand that charm, we could watch soccer together, even a fan club project perhaps could be good

K: Well, soccer is something possible to enjoy together with friends or by yourself. Unintentionally I had never been to a stadium to watch a soccer game until just recently. Which reminds me there was a time when I was elementary school student, where my parents took me to a game, but at the time I didn’t think it was too interesting. However, recently the players are very skilled, and surprisingly the supporters are always singing, and they make it feel like a regional-wide festival, which to me has caused that sports watching makes me feel more excited than what I thought it would.

 Q: So, you’re the type of saying important things twice. When you say you’re deeply moved, in a corny way of saying, doesn’t soccer feel like a drama without plot?

K: That’s right, if by chance I was watching an interesting game from the beginning. I’d be like: put it in… can it get in…

 Q: That’s crude. Are you talking about sex?

K: No, you’re wrong! That’s the kind of passionate talk that people have about soccer (laughs). To put points in (scoring goals), being able to score. That happens repeatedly in the games, and then in the last moments that the team you were cheering for wins the game. I watched such a moving game live and I got addicted to it.

 Q: I understand that feeling. When I saw the news about the Japan women’s national team winning at the last minute after a lot of struggle in the world cup, although I didn’t have much interest, I was deeply moved.

K: That’s right, that is exactly what I mean. Moreover, because I watched it live, when I saw the news, the level of emotion was different. In addition to the high levels of enthusiasm from the supporters. There’s also enthusiastic cheering parties. It becomes amazing. When an artist stands on the stage, perhaps there’s a similar feeling, but I guess that the way that soccer players are showered with encouragement becomes different too. That’s why I think I can understand pretty well the feelings of the fans, the feeling of those fans that come to the concerts, who irresistibly scream and raise.

 Q: When speaking about yourself, since long ago, you were fan of various bands, right?

K: That’s right. Even now when I go to concerts of bands that I like, I really want to get excited without worrying about how I look, but from a professional point of view, I worry about the people’s gaze and I end up watching the concert very calmly. But, when it comes to soccer, around me there’s only people I don’t know (laughs).

 Q: Umm I don’t know, probably among the supporters of the opponent team there could be people you know, err... and if Karyu is more excited than in the concerts, maybe those people would think “that bastard…”

K: There isn’t such person. But if for some reason I was seen, I would be embarrassed, I would really lose it. (laughs)

Q: As expected, when you go to watch games, are there goods that suit your style?

K: Yes, there are (laughs).

 Q: Team’s goods? Like wearing team uniforms or t-shirts?

Surely, I bought those. Later I also bought the muffler towel. I wear that to go to the games!

 Q: There is a lot of energy in the way you say it (laughs). So as expected, you don’t change your clothes on the stadium, instead you go wearing this costume from your house?

K: Of course, I’ll go forward while appealing throughout the town, but I do wear a coat to hide it (laughs).

 Q: And of course, as you get near the stadium, the group of supporters gather, and I’m sure the tension rises before the game.

K: Certainly, there’s that feeling. Another interesting thing is the festival-like food stands lined up around the stadium, you can enjoy it normally.

 Q: And then when the game reaches the minute 90, you will be singing “war war” with your arms around the shoulder of some fellow you just got to know a while ago, and you will become friends.

K: Although I haven’t got to that point, it happens (laughs).

 Q: And after the game, would you go out to drink and reflect about the game with the supporters you became friends with? To talk about thing such as what did you think about that player’s move, or how you wanted him to score?

K: No, I don’t do that (laughs).

 Q: You can see a lot of that with the Urawa reds. It’s said that the power of the Urawa’s is the sports bars. It gets very passionate.

K: That’s right about the Reds. The first time I went to watch a soccer game, as a complete beginner, I had not bought any merchandise either, I was looking quietly from the back, and then there was an old man beside me who was terribly booing at a player, if they failed he would get angry and say things like “why did you do it like that?!”  however, if they scored a point, the old man’s tension would go up, and then he wanted to do a high five with me (laughs).  At the time, it was the first time I went to a game, so I didn’t think the tension was so high, so I refused politely (laughs). Then, the second time I went, in the seats of the front, there was a family, and when a point was scored, they wanted to do high give with me too, this time I ended up doing it. Although it was just the second time going, I did high five with an unknown family (laughs).

 Q: Something like, “we are family! We are the passionate supporters of this team!” kind of thing?

K: That’s right, certainly those people, because they were a very genuine family and I also had the same feeling; the tension was very high (laughs). And this is why, I feel regrets for having refused that first time; mister I’m sorry.

 Q: So now, every week when you go watch games, you search for this mister?

K: I am not looking for him (laughs). But now I can do high five now, mister. Now I am also a trueborn supporter! And also, I have another hobby.  

 Q: Oh what? In the style of an attack that makes you think of consecutive goals. So, what is this other hobby you have?

K: It’s remodeling my room.

 Q: Buying replacement furniture? Or you mean interior design?

K: Interior design. Things like changing the wall patterns and changing the flooring, I am addicted to it.

 Q: The so-called “DIY”. I’ve done it sometimes. By the time you finish, you end up with muscle pain in both arms and your lower back.

K: Right now, I am like that (laughs). My back hurts.

 Q: Do you have an ideal image for interior design?

K: I change them according to the room. The room to work on music composition has a bit of an American diner feeling.

 Q: An American country side café, is it just like going along the Route 66?

K: Certainly, actually I have a Route 66 tin sign decorating the room (laughs).

  Q: I understand, I can imagine. Do you also have an old cola sign put on?

K: That’s right (laughs). Then, the room’s illumination is only with color changing LEDs, which surround the floor and ceiling.

 Q: Neon beer lights and such?

K: That’s right (laughs).

 Q: That’s so cool. I feel like driving up to Karyu’s house in a Harley (motorcycle). So, what’s the image of the living room?

K: That’s also American, brick style. Compared to the working room, this one has a more natural American style (laughs). By chance, the wall pattern is the kind that splits up and down with wood. So, I just replaced the wall pattern on the lower side. By changing the wall pattern’s interior design on one spot, the atmosphere does feel good (cute もんね). It’s a different atmosphere.  

 Q: Since it’s naturally American, you also wanted to buy things like decorative plants, right?

K: You are right on, I bought it (laughs). Something that I haven’t done yet is behind the TV, there is a window there but there aren’t curtains. I’m making a plan to fill out maybe with lots of green.

 Q: If you happen to go to the Home Center to buy wall patterns, I’m sure there are mountains of treasures that would stimulate the plan even more, right?

K: Yeah, recently I enjoy going to the Home center (laughs). I bought the wall patterns with a meter, and because I see various American nice feeling things being sold. But I have to think thoroughly about the ideal, it will cost a lot of money.

 Q: You’re a very busy person in Spring. You go all out watching soccer games, you go to the home center to search for particular things, you paste the wall patters in your house, and even raise decorative plants

K: Although I go to the Home center, I am considerably indebted to Amazon. When I search for things in Amazon, I find them very cheap.

 Q: Because there’s also wholesalers who accept Internet orders.

K: That’s right. And that’s how I improved the atmosphere of my house, and a change is happening. Until now, when it was time to compose music, first I would head towards the first song’s material, but if on the way I came to a standstill, I would just face towards a different material. But if still there isn’t any progress, it would feel even more like a different material.  And in this way in the process, I would make many half-way shaped pieces, then I would face towards the one that grew the most on me. However now, when I face the materials of the first song, I am able to silhouette it towards the end.  I would think “ah so it was like this”. I feel that the atmosphere of the working room is working great for the creative direction.

 Q: By having a hobby where you move your body, it becomes a mental break. And that’s why when you get into music creation work, maybe the level of concentration will be different than how it was before.

K: I agree. I am able to successfully switch my mind, right? It’s great!  I’m so happy to have a hobby.

 Q: That’s right, and always during the song composition period, it would get very exhausting. Usually that would be the feeling during the private time which is from early spring through early summer.  

K: Yeah, probably I would be just taking walks if I didn’t have a hobby. (in previous interviews his only hobby was taking walks).

 Q: You mean like going up to the convenience store and such?

K: No, I mean normal walks.

 Q: But maybe small walks like those of Junji Takada (Japanese comedian), not walking into unknown towns.

K: I only walk around the vicinity of my house within a small scope (laughs). And then, I also rented a movie at TSUTAYA. Ah, I also bought an Apple TV for movies, it comes with an application to watch streaming videos movies as much as you like.  It can’t be helped that it’s so comfortable (laughs).

 Q: And also, since the interior design is American style, you can have popcorn and cola while watching movies, and eat nothing but burgers and hot dogs at home to get into the mood.  

K: It isn’t the type of development that can be easily understood, but the ambience is spread with it

Q: If you were to receive a gift, would you hope to get things like American style tin signs and neon lights?

K: I’m already mostly satisfied with what I have.  Besides, I have ended up using a lot of electricity. I feel like I am using the power strip to its full capacity (laughs).

 Q: And because you are spending such a fulfilling private life, you will show your ability in the best way during the May tour?