#malicemizerinterview

Malice Mizer

Vicious Special Novel.

“People used to say we were heretical or something.”

“Rock is freedom.”

“Maybe Malice Mizer is pure rock in the sense that it breaks definitions.”

— So, you guys really got criticized a lot, huh?

Közi: Oh yeah, it was intense.

Mana: I often heard rumors like, “He hasn’t played guitar recently? Isn’t that kind of dangerous?”

Közi: And I’d be like, what exactly is so dangerous about that?

Mana: Rock is supposed to be about freedom, right? I mean, as long as it's for the sake of expression, I think it's fine to do anything. So the fact that people even think that’s “dangerous” I find that mentality itself kind of dangerous.

Közi: Exactly. So in that sense, what people call “rock” sometimes isn’t rock at all. Even if there’s something out there saying “this is what rock is,” I think real rock is about breaking that definition. That’s why I think Malice Mizer might actually be pure rock.

— Yeah, definitely in spirit.

Mana: Seriously, the feedback from live show surveys used to be so harsh. Like, “He doesn’t even play guitar anymore, he’s just happy wearing dresses, right?” I got told stuff like that. A lot.

— Whoa, that’s really rude.

Közi: Yeah, and when people who thought like that left, we didn’t try to stop them. But it was sad to be judged on just that one thing.

Mana: But who knows, maybe that same person who left back then is re-evaluating things now (lol).

Közi: Honestly, people tend to have such a narrow view of things , not just with music, but with everything.

— But at the time, you were desperately trying to express something through music. Still very much musicians then (lol). So, was the concept Mana had in mind back then already the foundation for Malice Mizer?

Közi: Yeah, it was. And that concept hasn’t really changed, even now. The name “Malice Mizer” comes from the idea of “malice and misery” , expressing the malice that lies deep within humans, theatricality, and the unpredictability of life.

Back then, we hadn’t developed the kind of staging we do now. We were closer to a traditional band, really. The music had classical influences, and we had twin guitars. Gradually we added in more theatrical elements. Even now, we’re still experimental , but back then, it was all trial and error.

— Were there any other bands at the time expressing themselves in such a comprehensive, theatrical way?

Mana: Well, we were part of the visual kei scene, sure, but I don’t think there were any others doing it quite like us. Probably not. There’s often this idea of “this is what a band should be,” but we really wanted to break that and create something new.

— So that was your youth…

Mana: Then I moved to Tokyo and became a madam (laughs).

— And that’s when you met Közi, during your “madam era.”

Közi: Yeah, Mana already had a well-defined style. I just kind of slipped into it. I thought, “Hey maybe we can create something really intricate together.”

— Did you listen to demo tapes back then?

Közi: Yeah. I also saw a video of Mana’s old band in Osaka. He was playing guitar like a rock , totally still (laughs).

Mana: Back then, it was all about the playing. I was still pretty inexperienced. I didn’t have any concept of staging or performance , it was just about the sound.

ESP Jeune Fille J:F-450

The model name is French for “young girl.” Its striking see-through blue finish matched beautifully with the elegant dresses it was paired with. From the logo on the headstock to the detailed position markers, every element reflects thoughtful design.

ESP Aka-Uzu-kun AW-550

With a see-through red finish that evokes the passion of youthful blood, this model features intricate inlays that seem to wrap around the body, and a swirling motif that gives it a sense of refined elegance. The name “Aka-Uzu-kun” carries a distinctly Japanese charm.

II Circo Strano booklet, 1998

I remember someone saying in the formus that Il Circo Strano was among the first recordings Malice Mizer ever released with Gackt, prior to "Voyage."

II Circo Strano~奇妙なサーカス〜

II Circo Strano is a 10-minute long track about a strange circus and its bizarre members. It was published as a special issue of Zappy Magazine that came with a CD. You can listen to an excerpt in the last slide.

Yukari Ōba

Yukari Ōba is the exclusive fashion designer for MALICE MIZER. All of their costumes are her work.

People with titles like "planner," "editor," or "writer" often like to separate their jobs into small roles. As a result, some people end up with two or three titles and end up saying how busy they are. Among them i think the profession of designer is currently being broken down into the most minute distinctions. It’s not just about people who create design sketches, cut fabrics, or shape the garments—there are specialists in hats, accessories, knitwear, and so on. I can understand if someone with a foot fetish only wants to make things related to feet, but recently, something’s been bothering me. It starts with the question of whether it's okay to refer to Ōba-san simply as a "costume designer."

She’s responsible for the image of MALICE MIZER after their revival. Under the name of costumes, accessories, and hairstyling, she handles everything from patchwork to welding (pay attention to KAMI's hands this time) to even the stage props. Can we really call her a "designer" or "costume person" in just one second?

However, as I was agonizing over this, Ōba-san spoke enthusiastically, saying, "This part was really difficult, look at it! Oh, and here too..." She talked joyfully about how she changed the fabrics little by little and factored in lighting effects. She said with a laugh, "People often tell me, 'No one will notice you went that far,' but I love doing it." Through her words, I understood one thing: Ōba-san doesn't care what she's called, as long as she can create costumes. It’s her passion. That's why such lively, remarkable costumes are born from her work.

Mana

Mana had told me, "I imagine the feathers gently falling off!" (laughs). It wasn’t meant to change that much, but after making it, I thought, "I want to make it cuter," partly because too much of the legs were showing. I used a fabric called washer organza for the feathers, and also incorporated it into the underskirt, creating a tutu-like effect with about four layers to add volume. The pom-poms were something Mana brought in, saying, "I want to attach these somewhere," and when he attached them herself, she said, "It's cute!" (laughs). Actually, he also made the wig and chains with his own hands.

The butterflies on the wings aren’t real, of course (laughs), but I dyed each one individually. Even in places where it seems casual, there’s a lot of effort behind it (laughs). The fabric for the costume was something Mana requested, saying he wanted a luxurious material that looks like beads. I brought various options and he was especially fond of this one fabric because it’s very light. He even said, "It feels like I’m wearing nothing, this is perfect!" (laughs). It was a hit (laughs). As for the accessories, he said he wanted something with the feel of a wedding fountain with light shining inside it (laughs). I remade it several times to create something that bounces back when touched.

We also tore up light blue feathers and embedded them. We worked hard on even the smallest details that might seem like nothing at first glance (laughs). To make sure the guitar strap doesn’t get tangled, I discreetly made the wings detachable with Velcro (laughs).

Közi

Közi is someone who likes to plan everything from the start. When I first saw the design, I thought of a fiery phoenix, so I decided to make it based on that image. The fabric is the same as Mana's but in a different color. He said, "I've worn something like this before." This time, he wanted something that resembled a jumpsuit. Even though it has no elasticity, I went ahead and made it, but when he wore it, he said, "It's tight..." (laughs). Even though it was restrictive, he’s someone who enters the role through appearance.

The feathers on the chest were dyed with a gradient because I wanted to add that effect, but balancing it was tricky. While adjusting during the fitting, I mixed in red, which is his signature color. This jumpsuit also has Velcro to make it easier for the guitar strap to pass through. The accessories ended up looking very different from the design sketches because when we attached them to the sleeves, it made playing the guitar difficult (laughs). So, when we finished one sleeve, we decided to wrap it around his neck, creating a more luxurious design. The wings on his back are made from aurora film, which changes color depending on the light, appearing red or gold. The material is aluminum, making it very heavy, but the overall cohesiveness of the costume is strong, so he managed to play with it as it was. As for the strawberry hat, we added three-dimensionality using feathers, doubling its size at Közi’s request.

By the way, when he wears the costume, he’s 196 cm tall, from his shoes to the top of his head (laughs). All the members end up being around that height, right? So we make the inseam 100 cm. People always ask, "Who on earth is going to wear these?" (laughs).

Yu~ki

He had an image of a "beast" in mind, and even Yu~ki himself said, "This is quite an adventure." The skirt was actually his first try—a dress made of enamel, something we figured out together during the fitting process. It’s a double-layered design, with the back being longer and slits cut into it, creating this eerie look. The bones are designed to resemble human bones, adding shadow to enhance the effect. The back is made of two layers of umbrella-like fabric, with a sheer fabric sandwiched in between to create a shadow effect. At first glance, it looks like a single layer, but there's a lot of depth (laughs). In terms of time, his costume was the fastest to make because once Yu~ki decides on a design, he sticks to it.

Yu~ki, from the start, based his look on the initial image and always strives to get as close to it as possible. The hardest part was dealing with the enamel fabric's texture. Although we wanted it to look big, enamel has this shiny, slick look, so we used a technique like gathering to create a pinched effect, making it appear more three-dimensional, even under lights. This time, it's sleeveless, but the tattoos he recently got give it a good balance. However, it seems it takes quite a long time to paint his arms, which is a challenge (laughs).

Kami

For Bel Air, it seems that the design he envisioned was difficult to realize. This time, I adjusted the shape of the collar slightly upwards to make it easier to take off. Since taking off the costume was a concern, I incorporated his favorite Rurubar lace in two layers and embroidered it with CD sequins to give off a subtle shimmer, ensuring that the fans could see the light reflecting off it. The sequins were also added to the wings, inspired by his recent thematic focus. They create a fantastical effect, with a gradient from blue to purple as the light shines on them. The wings are the largest element, but they’re lightweight, which allowed Kami to say, "I want to perform while wearing them" (laughs).

For the headpiece, i dyed a cup and embedded black feathers as an accent giving it a mysterious shape that he can just throw on. Lately, he’s been wanting to wear a pink wig that he bought himself, but it’s a bit too intense, so I’m thinking of adding some mesh to tone it down (laughs). The overall concept was inspired by looking at an insect encyclopedia, specifically butterflies. Additionally as Kami insisted from the beginning, there’s a tail attached (laughs).

Gackt

This time, all the members wanted to have wings, so that served as the basis for the design. The members had very detailed requests, particularly Gackt, who was inspired by his favorite movie, The Crow. He wanted the outfit to highlight his beautiful body lines, so while the design is simple, it also needed to allow for movement. Ideally, I would have preferred a stretchy material, but I was determined to use cotton velvet, which has a dark and moody atmosphere, while also creating the effect of gold shining through the darkness.

The cotton velvet, combined with cut velvet, made sitting difficult for Gackt, but when the light hits it, the gold stands out clearly against the black backdrop. The wings, which he was very particular about, were designed in three layers. When closed, they fold up slightly, but when fully opened, they span 4 meters. For live performances, Gackt uses strings to control them, allowing the wings to spread open. The construction is sturdy, with hidden mechanisms for the strings, making the wings quite heavy. The wings were made using about four different patterns, and sequins were added so that when the light hits them, they appear three-dimensional. We used an incredible amount of feathers for the wings as well.

Klaha [MALICE MIZER]

●Klaha

“I'm not as delicate as everyone thinks. I've got pretty thick nerves.”

PROFILE

(From left): yu~ki (B), Mana (G), Klaha (Vo), Közi (G)

The band name, MALICE MIZER, holds the meaning of “malice and tragedy.” Their concept driven songs soaked in a medieval gothic atmosphere, and their live performances transcending mere “shows” are truly worth experiencing

“I've been influenced by the other members in a lot of ways.”

- Klaha who joined MALICE MIZER as their vocalist last summer had already known the members for some time before officially joining the band. But what led him to make the decision?

“I’ve never really been interested in the band scene. What I’ve always cared more about is simply wanting to sing. But I felt like, if it’s MALICE MIZER, they could help elevate my singing and that my singing might also deepen their musical expression. To me MALICE MIZER is a solitary presence radiating a unique, lonely aura that you can’t find anywhere else.”

- For Klaha joining the band didn’t just affect him musically it also had a major impact on his fashion sense.

“We actually go shopping together sometimes (laughs). Before that, I always wore all black like, even in summer I’d be wearing long sleeves, sometimes even a coat. But after joining that started to change thanks to the other members. These days I’m into more natural styles. Since MALICE MIZER delves into such a fantastical world, I think it's more interesting to keep things natural in daily life. The contrast feels really refreshing.”

- Klaha is currently exploring a fashion style he’d never embraced before. Naturally, that comes with some missteps…

“When I only wore black i could tell what suited me without even trying it on. But now, even when I’m sure something looks good I’ll try it on at home and the collar will look weird or something. I mess up a lot now (laughs).”

- What about his hair styling habits?

“Well i put some styling lotion in and wrap the ends of my hair around my fingers to give it a wavy look, like natural curls. But if I zone out, I end up curling it the wrong way inward instead of outward. When that happens, I just spray more lotion, run my fingers through it and mess it up like, ‘Whatever, good enough!’ Honestly, I can’t even draw a decent circle, I’m that clumsy. So if it’s not working out, I just give up and move on (laughs).”

- A great cook and athletic too. But a bit of an airhead!? Tall, slender and quiet, he might come across as delicate and highly sensitive. But Klaha’s real personality is surprisingly relaxed and easygoing.

“People assume I’m terrible at sports, but actually I’ve got pretty good reflexes. If there were a sports festival for visual kei bands, I’d totally want to join (laughs).”

- One of his talents is cooking—he says he can make almost anything without even looking at a recipe.

MALICE MIZER

All Of You In My Memories

On February 1st , Kami’s birthday, MALICE MIZER released Shinwa (“Myth”) a piece Kami had been working on, lovingly completed and recorded by the remaining members.

The band says that the concept Kami carried within him “the mask,” representing duality, is vividly reflected in the two tracks included this time.

Through both sound and visuals Shinwa delivers a message from Kami and from MALICE MIZER themselves. Listen closely to the members’ words about this work which carries that message into the future.

CBC Radio Public Recording

“Byakuya no Sylphide Theater” 1999.12.18 – Kudankai-kan

Mana: Eh, what?

Kozi: Ah… I dropped it…

Yu~ki: (laughs)

Mana: I have a feeling this is going to be a year of new challenges for MALICE MIZER. And for me personally it’s going to be a year of even deeper self-exploration. It feels like it’s going to be busy.

Q: So, like a year of running like a workhorse?

Mana: Well in MALICE MIZER’s case it’s not about being chased and whipped by others, we chase ourselves. (laughs)

Mana: Yes…

Kozi: That’s right…

Yu~ki: (chuckles)

Q: Why push yourselves that far? (laughs)

Mana: Well… (wry smile) This time it’s the three of us working together in a form of expression we’ve never tried before. But because it’s something new, it becomes a kind of personal exploration and from that new things can be born, or new awakenings can happen. So even though it’s hard it’s also fun.

Q: Lastly, can you tell us a key point or even just a hint about the upcoming Second Chapter?

Mana: A hint? … Yume (“Dream”).

On this day MALICE MIZER made a rare public appearance for a radio recording complete with the chance to hear their voices in person. The event (already broadcast on January 2nd) was held at Kudankai kan, a Western style historic hall that seemed almost purpose built for their aesthetic.

The opening was a narrated journey through MALICE MIZER’s fate, beginning with Mana and Kozi’s first meeting in 1992, interwoven with the members’ own voices. It touched on their released works (yes you could even hear Ki to Sora), the departure of past vocalists, the loss of Kami, and finally, the path to their revival making it clear that this look back was also a declaration of determination for the future.

Then came the live appearances, in order: Yu~ki, Kozi, and Mana. They fielded clever banter based on postcards and faxes sent in by fans for the occasion. (And for those wondering, Mana’s “voice” in the talk segments came via sound samples from the voice actors of Revolutionary Girl Utena [male voice] and Seicha Shoujo [female voice] by Mana’s own request.)

The program was packed with variety: “My Town’s Big Boasts,” “Strange Experiences,” “Advice Corner,” even a cosplay contest featuring selected fans in the audience. Each member’s solo segment had its own unique flair Yu~ki’s original answering machine & alarm clock messages, Kozi’s original song (performed for the first time) and a radio drama of “A Day in the Life of Mana-sama” narrated by Noriko Shouji.

The two hours flew by with Kozi especially shining as the main host his quick wit dodging sharp audience comebacks with ease, revealing a new talent that left many impressed. The members all agreed that connecting with fans in person had been a joy, and their words “We will definitely return to the stage this year” carried a weight and sincerity that stayed with everyone there.

-----

Q: Yu~ki, what’s the highlight of the footage for you?

Yu~ki: All of it really. It’s not about a particular moment there’s something you feel after watching it all the way through.

Kozi: In terms of where this work stands it’s in a pretty difficult position. But I think you can still sense the songs and concepts we’re planning from here on. It’s definitely not a “final work” it’s a forward looking release that leads into the future. If you listen i think you’ll be able to really take in the message Kami left behind.

Mana: While this release is technically “arranged by us,” I feel strongly that it’s more like a collaboration with Kami. I want people to listen to it as MALICE MIZER’s music. The video that compiles our history it really makes you feel the depth of everything we’ve done up to now. Even i, watching it felt just how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time. When the video was finally nearing completion and I watched it all the way through for the first time, there was a moment that truly hit me in the chest.
But this history isn’t over MALICE MIZER with Kami will continue. I don’t want people to see this as just a memorial piece, but as a visual work that connects to the future.

Q: For this photoshoot, your costumes have a stronger mix of Japanese and Western styles than usual.

Mana: Kami was deeply fascinated by the Japanese aesthetic. So i took that as the image and fused it with MALICE MIZER’s in our Western style. Also, there’s no color this time. Even the makeup is entirely monochrome. There’s meaning in that choice too.

Q: What kind of world will MALICE MIZER create in the year 2000?

Yu~ki: Specifically, there will be a “Chapter Two” and “Chapter Three” the works will continue. We’ll release new recordings and i think there will be times we appear in front of everyone in the form of live shows too. I expect we’ll be very busy… we’ll have to make sure the year 2000 doesn’t end before we even notice it! (laughs)

Kozi: We’re definitely going to be busy in 2000. Honestly, we’re already overwhelmed now at the end of this year. There’s a packed schedule ahead, so everyone should look forward to it.

Mana: I have a feeling this is going to be a very dense year one of new challenges for MALICE MIZER of blossoming and evolving…

Kozi: (quietly) …and maybe a little devolving too.

----

Q: What’s the meaning you’ve put into it?

Mana: I want people to discover that for themselves. Humanity is about exploration. Everything begins with the act of seeking. If you hand someone the answer from the start they’ll never truly bloom. This work carries a message from both Kami and from us so I want people to listen to the music, draw out their own emotions, and keep delving deeper. I think that through that process, you’ll come to understand the real meaning. I want everyone to always hold on to their sense of curiosity. That’s why I deliberately didn’t include the Japanese lyrics here.

Q: What about the Japanese subtitles that appear in the video?

Mana: Those were messages we, the members, came up with back when Kami was still with us so we included them plainly in Japanese.

Q: Watching the video, it feels like there’s a certain time axis or even a kind of vector at play.

Mana: Actually it’s not just a timeline , there’s a lot of meaning in the way things are arranged. I want people to try and uncover that as well. I won’t spell it out for you here, though.

Q: I thought you’d say that. (laughs) By the way, your activities resumed with the release of Saikai no Chi to Bara at the end of the year, but this Shinwa occupies a different place than the Second and Third Chapters that follow Saikai, right?

Mana: It holds many layers of meaning. It’s not simply a memorial box or a work of remembrance, it’s also tied to the concepts in the Saikai no… series as well as to MALICE MIZER’s history and as an offering to Kami. So it’s not a completely standalone piece. Its position is extremely complex.

Q: It’s like it contains the past, present, and future?

Mana: Exactly.

Q: If you had to sum up the defining feature of Shinwa as a whole?

Yu~ki: I really want people to hear the music first and foremost. This is the first time one of Kami’s compositions has been released to the world, so I want people to experience that before anything else. Through this you can feel what kind of music Kami, as an artist, was creating. From the video, you can also see MALICE MIZER’s history and feel many different things.

Translation ( Please feel free to correct me if i have any mistake)

Kami

…Forever

On June 21, Kami passed away due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage… The event was so sudden that it left not only the editorial team, but also writer Mitsuru Hirose, who has long followed MALICE MIZER together with this magazine, unable to hide his shock. Yet, to move beyond the sorrow, and to keep sharing what Kami left behind for us, we look forward and bring you this memorial feature. From the bottom of our hearts, we pray for Kami’s peaceful rest.

Photo: Kenji Tsukagoshi

Mitsuru Hirose

Even now, I don’t use a computer, i still type my manuscripts on a word processor. When I hit the key for “ka” in hiragana, sometimes it converts instantly to “Kami.” From now on, as I type out these words filled with mourning for Kami, how many times will I press “ka”? And someday, will there come a day when I forget that “ka” once became “Kami”?

(June 25)

That day was my 35th birthday.

And on top of that, it was the release date of the MALICE MIZER book that compiled my serialized articles in this magazine: “Aa, Mujou” (Ah, Cruelty). After finishing my usual job teaching at a vocational school twice a week, I went into town that evening. At this age, I wasn’t planning to have a birthday party or anything, but just out of habit, I stopped by a bookstore. Seeing the book lined up on the shelf, I thought:

“Oh, it’s properly being sold,” and smiled to myself, feeling a quiet satisfaction. Around 8 PM, just as I was thinking of heading home, my cell phone rang. It was Sasaki san from MALICE MIZER’s record label.

“Hello, is this Hirose san? What time will you be getting home today?”

Startled by how suddenly and quickly he spoke, I wondered what could be happening.

“I’m going to send a fax to your home now. Please check it as soon as you get back.”

“Hm… this must be MALICE MIZER related,” I thought. Maybe they’re finally announcing the new vocalist? I let my imagination wander and smiled quietly. But then… why wouldn’t Sasaki-san just tell me directly? I reasoned he might be trying to surprise me, so I asked:

“Is it good news?”

But Sasaki san, flustered, shot back immediately:

“Not at all!”

Then he abruptly hung up. Question marks flooded my mind. Anyway, I figured I’d better hurry home and see the fax. Ten minutes later, as I walked toward the station, my cell phone lit up again, it was Nishikawa san from the magazine’s editorial department.

“Hirose-san, something terrible has happened. Kami san has…”

That was how, for the first time, I learned the sad news. Still holding the phone to my ear, I sank down onto the sidewalk in shock.

2) Second photo translation:

Kami Memorial Special Feature – Rest in Peace... Kami

The drummer of MALICE MIZER, Kami, whom this magazine has supported over the years, has left this world. After the announcement of this sad news, we received many messages from readers addressed to Kami. We would like to share some of them here.

“June 25 was the release date of the special book, wasn’t it? And on that very day, it was announced that Kami had returned to the sky. Is this fate too? It feels so merciless. But… we must keep walking forward, right? I’m grateful to have lived in the same era as these five members of MALICE MIZER, and to have experienced their music and their stage performances. I know I must move on, but… please, just give me a little more time.”

<Kumiko Seki, Tochigi Prefecture>

“A friend called to share the sad news. I had just been watching the Yokohama Arena video recently and was thinking, ‘MALICE MIZER seems to feel even stronger now.’ In the magazine photos, Kami had been looking really good lately, too. I want to keep being a fan of MALICE MIZER from now on, whether it’s when they were five, four, or each one of them individually, because I love them all.”

<Emiko Uchiyama, Tokyo>

“I read the special book ‘Ah, Mujou’ (‘Oh, Cruelty’). I was deeply moved. The change in the members’ feelings, especially Kami’s (his growth), feels almost too heavy for me right now. I’ve realized once again that Kami and MALICE MIZER will remain in my heart forever.”

<Rie Terada, Gifu Prefecture>

“While I was in the middle of reading ‘Ah, Mujou’, I heard from a friend about Kami’s passing. I don’t even know how many hours I cried. Now, I’ve calmed down a bit, but when I finished reading, I was speechless… His every word kept swirling in my head… I don’t know what to do now. I still can’t quite believe it… But I want to keep living, believing in what he did. I want to keep trying my best.”

<Yuka Hyuga, Hokkaido>

“Today, on the 25th, I just learned of Kami’s sad passing. My heart is filled with so many emotions I can’t put into words. But I believe that MALICE MIZER will continue from here on. I’m glad I got to know them.”

<Namiko Terui, Tokyo>

“Kami passed away on June 21. When I heard this sad news, I was so shocked I couldn’t believe it. I believe Kami will be watching over the future of MALICE MIZER from heaven. I too want to support and watch over them from now on.”

<Miyuki Hamada, Saitama Prefecture>

“Right now, my mind is completely blank. Kami once said, ‘I don’t think God exists,’ but if God really does exist, I find myself blaming Him right now… ‘Why?’ But then I also think, if it were Kami, he’d firmly say, ‘This too is fate, destiny.’ It feels like I’m trapped in a dream. I wish I could wake up soon…”

<Mikiko Sakurauchi, Miyagi Prefecture>

“That Kami died right before the release of the special book feels so frustrating. I wanted him to do so much more. I wanted to hear more songs by Kami. Even with just the remaining three members, I want MALICE MIZER to remain immortal.”

<Sachiko Kobayashi, Gunma Prefecture>

“At first, I looked to MALICE MIZER only for answers, but my way of thinking has clearly changed. I respect them so much now, and I’m proud of them for having such influence. Even now that Kami is gone, I want to accept both that he lived and that he has left this world, and to keep loving MALICE MIZER. That feeling won’t change. They’ve reached a new crossroads, but I hope they’ll keep going forward toward the truth. No matter what happens, I want to keep looking forward and moving on.”

<Aki Kanazawa, Chiba Prefecture>

UV is inviting messages from readers addressed to Kami.

Please send them to:

〒102-18679 東京都千代田区五番町6-2 (株)ソニー・マガジンズ UV編集部「ARN・Kami」係

You can also send messages through the UV website (see address below).

If sending by email, please make sure to put “ARN・Kami係” in the subject line.

We look forward to hearing from you.

3) Third photo translation:

Kami Memorial Special Feature – Rest in Peace... Kami ~au revoir~

We present messages sent to the UV editorial department for Kami. Surely they have reached Kami.

Kami, please rest peacefully. It has been about a month since Kami left this world so suddenly. There were many messages we could not introduce this time as well, but may they all reach heaven.

(Sorry for crying so much… sorry for making you worry. The way you lived your life was manly and so cool. Even if our forms change, I hope fate will let us meet again. I will always, always keep loving MALICE MIZER. Kami, it’s because you were there. And because you’ll always be in my heart, I can go on living. So many people who loved you will never forget you, and will keep moving forward with their lives. The feelings entrusted to your drumming, and the sounds born from it , I love them. And above all, I love Kami himself. Ukyou Kamimura, thank you so very much.)

—Moa (Asako Maeda, Saitama Prefecture)

“I’m truly happy to have met you and to have lived in the same era as you. Without knowing you, I don’t think I’d be who I am now. When I was deeply troubled and feeling down, Kami, you reached out your hand to save me. Of course, you didn’t know me, but you can’t imagine how much your voice, your drumming, and your existence saved me. Finally, finally, I got your photo from the fan club lottery. I’ll treasure it forever. And I promise to keep loving MALICE MIZER. If souls really can meet again, please come see me. Because Kami will forever be a member of MALICE MIZER…”

—Kikumi Ikeda, Tokyo

“Kami san, thank you for teaching us so many things through your drumming. I promise I’ll keep supporting MALICE MIZER for your sake too. If there really is a place called heaven, please watch over the remaining three members from there. And rest peacefully. Finally, thank you so much for all the memories. I will absolutely never forget you.”

—Kai, Tokyo

“On June 25, I learned of Kami san’s passing through the newspaper, but I couldn’t believe it for a while. Since becoming a fan of MALICE MIZER, I’ve always been supported by their songs and by their very presence. For someone like me, it’s unbearably sad and hard to accept that one of them, Kami san, is now gone from this world. But I’m proud to have encountered a band like MALICE MIZER, and a wonderful drummer like Kami san. From now on, together with Kami-san in heaven, I want to keep watching over and supporting MALICE MIZER’s new journey. I also hope that UV magazine will keep supporting MALICE MIZER’s activities. And from the bottom of my heart, I pray for Kami san’s peaceful repose. Please rest gently and peacefully in heaven…”

—Natsumi Miyake, Osaka Prefecture

“The other day, I saw you in a dream. We talked and talked as if we had been old friends for years. That morning, I felt strangely happy, and even my normally painful work felt enjoyable. But after work ended, I got the worst email from a friend. I didn’t know what to do. You used to talk often about ‘death,’ but I never thought it would come like this. Getting to see you the day before the news (even if only in a dream) meant so much to me. Thank you. I’ll do my best to keep living , for your share too. And I’ll keep watching over MALICE MIZER from now on. Well then, see you again. Someday, in a dream.”

—Shihoko, Ibaraki Prefecture

“On August 11, Kami returned to the sky. But it’s only his form that’s gone; Kami’s spirit will never die. Even now, my heart is still full of sadness and disbelief. But just like before, I still love MALICE MIZER more than anyone. Yet, if we keep clinging to our grief, Kami won’t be able to ascend to heaven. That’s why I chose to accept the truth of Kami’s passing, and to keep supporting the MALICE MIZER that Kami loved so much. I believe Kami has become a god and is watching over us. And also watching over MALICE’s future… Kami chan, thank you for everything. I’m always with you.”

—Kina Kimura, Hiroshima Prefecture

“Kami isn’t sleeping. Even now, he lives on inside us and inside MALICE MIZER. It took me time to face reality too. The day I heard the sad news, I opened my mailbox and found the fan club newsletter, with Kami smiling so brightly. Turning the pages, tears just kept flowing and wouldn’t stop. The many important and precious things Kami entrusted to us . I’ll never forget them and will keep them in my heart. That’s what I can do now. Though I always relied on Kami and couldn’t do anything for him, from now on I want to do everything I can for him. I’ll keep walking forward too.”

—Tenjin Kaion, Aichi Prefecture

“On the morning of June 20, when I saw the article about Kami-san, I couldn’t believe it and read it over and over. MALICE MIZER are people who made me love music even more deeply. They changed my life, truly. I’m so grateful. I never got to meet Kami san even once, but his drumming was really cool. Please, someday in heaven, let me hear your amazing drumming.”

—TK, Kyoto Prefecture

“On the night of the 15th, I heard about his death on the radio. I couldn’t understand what had happened, and all I could hear was the pounding of my heart beating so fast. Now that about a month has passed since his death, sometimes I find myself forgetting he’s gone, and then suddenly remember he isn’t in this world anymore, and I’m overwhelmed by deep, helpless sorrow. Even though I know that being sad forever wouldn’t make him happy, the grief of losing someone I loved so much is deep and seems endless. I still can’t overcome it. But I believe that someday, I’ll be able to get past his death and move forward with MALICE MIZER, carrying what he left for us. So for now, is it okay if I still cry for him?”

—Atsuko Hasegawa, Ibaraki Prefecture

“Kami. I’m so glad I got to meet you. I can no longer confirm your existence with my eyes or ears, but in my heart, I feel your heartbeat continuing, gently pushing me forward. So I think it’s about time for me to return to the self I was when you were alive, and devote myself even more to what I must do. When will we meet again , decades? Hundreds of years? Or maybe it’ll be sooner, who knows. When that time comes, I’ll have so many stories about this world to share, so please wait for me. And I want to play Othello with you too. Thank you for everything up to now. And thank you in advance for what’s to come.”

MALICE MIZER

"Rest of the aristocrats! Fans capture exclusive photos!! A new charm brimming in their post-concert appearance.

Please take a look at their rare unseen moments of rest.