June 2005 WHAT's IN? magazine translation
Sorry, been procastinating this. >.>;; I bought this issue of WHAT's IN? when Kinokuniya was having a discount some time ago. :D It was not Gackt on the cover but it has a small interview of him inside and I thought the content was pretty intersting, so... :D
They talked about Gundam mostly, and why he likes to learn the characters' lines. Very short, only half a page. ^^ So yes, enjoy~~
1. Please DO NOT take my translations and use them for whatever reason, without my permission.
2. Please DO NOT publish my translations elsewhere without my permission. Please kindly link back if you want, but DO NOT copy and paste them.
3. Please kindly spare a few minutes and COMMENT if you read it. What are your thoughts of it?
[number] = more explanation of the sentence below
xxx = more detailed explanations
[xxx] = what I felt a certain part of the sentence meant
(xxx) = other meanings of the word or literal translations or missing word/words not specifically mentioned. For e.g. The fans screamed when (Gackt) entered the stadium! Read it like you will a normal sentence.
=xxx= = real brackets used in the interview
I: Gackt-san, have you ever been obsessed with Gundam before?
G: I became obsessed (only) after I grew up. I was anti-Gundam before that.
I: Why is that so?
G: We weren't allowed to watch television back home [1] and so, I was unable to follow the talk regarding Gundam. Towards those kids who sing (Gundam's) theme songs and bring Gundam plastic models (to school), I was, "Are they idiots? ザクってなんだよ、ザクって！(Zakutte nandayo, zakutte!)"[2]
[1] In "Jihaku" (Gackt's biography), he said that he had a strict upbringing and his parents did not allow him to watch television. In fact, he did not know about "rock" until much later during his teenage life.
[2] I asked a lot of people and nobody had any clue what zaku/zakutte means, even my Japanese teachers. @@ So if any of you know the meaning, I would really appreciate the help. ^^;
Thanks to japonais who gave gekka_no_neko the inspiration/idea, Zaku might be the Gundam model kits the children bring to school. Zaku is the short name for Char's Perfect Grade Zaku II mobile suit. So he is saying "Are they idiots? What's with Zaku? Zaku??" Thank you to the both of you for this information. ^^ And gekka_no_neko has also kindly provided some pictures which you can view here and here. :D
I: Hahaha (laughs).
G: Those kids who watched (Gundam) would make their own communities [1], won't they? That's why I felt alienated and as a child, I gradually became anti(-Gundam). Towards all anime which talks about heroism or good (lit. justice) and bad, I was all, "Stupid! Kiddies! [2]" After I grew up, a friend of mine who likes movies said to me, "Gundam is good." And I was, "Hee~ It's anime." I had such a totally stupid attitude.
[1] Written in katakana, it could mean literally, communities. But in this context, it means groups of children who hang out together.
[2] Kudaranai: worthless, stupid, trashy, foolish. Gaki: brats, kids
I: And so you decided to try watching it?
G: When I realized, I've already watched it hundreds of times.
I: So many times? (lit: to such an extent?)
G: I was completely obsessed.
I: But the reason Gackt-san is obsessed is different from those young teenagers, isn't it?
G: Yes, I think the children do not know the reason why when they first start obsessing. At first it was because they thought the mobile suit is very cool. But when you watch the repeat telecast over and over again, you don't just see the coolness of the mobile suits or battle scenes (anymore), you slowly get drawn into the story as well, right? As we mature slowly, we become able to grasp the meaning of the story. (lit: recognize what the story is trying to tell us.) I think that's amazing.
I: There are some parts which are closely linked together in Gundam's world and Gackt san's world, right?
G: That's because the original creator, Tomino-san's, theme overlaps with the theme from one part of my story. I did not write this song as an anime soundtrack. Because I think music is something you create which allows the listener to imagine (lit. let the image expand). That's why I told Tomino-san, "You don't have to use (the song) if you don't like it." But when he told me, "I liked it very much.", I felt happy.
I: Gackt-san is (like) the character Char [1].
[1] Char Aznable is one of Gackt's favourite character from Gundam. For those interested in finding out more about him, you can go here.
G: Why do you say so?
I: From your bearing. (物腰 mono goshi: bearing, manner, demeanour)
G: But Char says, "~~na no da yo" [1], you know?
[1] One of the ways to end a sentence. Kind of feels like, " ~~, you know?" Something like that. ^^;
I: Indeed! (laughs)
G; I can remember (lit. say) almost all of Gundam's lines.
I: Eeh? That's amazing.
G: I can imitate close to 8 characters, but Gundam has a lot of good (lit. touching) phrases. Even though I practice Char's lines as well, his is uniquely different. Like, "=turn completely= Your father is evil da yo!"
I: You sound like him (laughs)
G: =gets more excited...= "That is what you call war na no da yo!" From what era did you come from da yo!" It is very difficult. =using Char's tone= I cannot become Char...... (as in imitate him)
I: Who can you imitate (lit. become) then?
G: Anyone other than Char. (laughs) I practiced quite often in the toilet.
I: Why toilet!?
G: Well, because there is nothing you can do in the toilet (other than) reading a book or talking to yourself. I practiced Gundam's lines in earnest (一生懸命 isshoukenmei: very hard; with utmost effort; with all one's might; for dear life). But, the reason I'm captivated with the lines is because of the power of words. The (type of) people who can convey (what they want to say) most effectively are those who don't use much words and don't speak much. Those people leave a strong impression through the lines (they say) and their abilities are evaluated from there. That's why those people who talk a lot are really...... (laughs)
I: You'll go, 'and?'[1]
G: The speaker himself becomes unsure of what he is saying as well. (laughs) That's why I study the (character's) lines.
[1] Hmmz, there are instances where people talk a lot and in circles, and so people get confused and after they end the sentences, you just want to say to them "And? Your point being?" Kind of like what I'm doing now. :p
I: I see...... And (what are your thoughts about) this single "Metamorphoze ～メタモルフォーゼ～"? (laughs)
G: Un, I would like you to watch the movie. I think it will be useful somehow. [1]
[1] I think he meant that watching the Gundam movie might help us speak in a more effective way because it did help him.
Translated by: Sweiled
Own comments:
Wow, that was really sad how the way he was brought up affected him. It seemed harsh when you first heard/read him say that about his strict upbringing, but to hear the results of it made it even more... *sigh* It's really amazing that he didn't turn out all 'wrong' in the end. ^^; He grew up to be an upright man despite the fightings and truancy. See, my friend told me before... A man has two choices when he is experiencing some major setbacks. First is to be defeated and give up. Or he can keep fighting and emerge a better man as a result. ^^
And once again, you see him getting all excited and carried away over Gundam. XD He REALLY loves Gundam. I think all these have really shown a side of him I've never seen before. A cute, playful side of him. ^^ And I think it was starting from last year that he became more open and more illing to show his emotions. If he has changed in any way, this would be it.
Very interesting why he started to imitate the characters. :D although if I may say so, he still falls under the group who talks in circles and uses long sentences. >.>; Just like me. :p Hmmz, although it could be that he was purposely trying to be ambiguous. His sentences are quite open to interpretations and not specific. He really doesn't like to give straight answers, he likes people to ponder over what he said. Just like the way he never truly revealed the theme of his songs, he likes to let the fans use their own imaginations and create their own world. ^^ Most interesting.
And something has come to my notice of late. There are websites who used my translations without asking for my permission first nor did they credit me, even though I have asked you guys repeatedly to not do something like that on every translation entry I post. Ask me and I promise I won't bite. :D It's not too late to come clean now. If I myself find any sites which do otherwise, there will be hell to pay and trust me, you don't want to be in that shoe. :D You have been warned. And taking my translations and re-translating it into another language also counts as using it. From now on, the 'rules' section will be out of the lj cut. Please read it, it's there for a reason.
I know that sometimes it's hard to remember such things and get carried away in your excitement, I myself did it once before. There was never any ill intention on my part, it was just a mistake I made in the heat of the moment. Came clean about it and it ended there. So yes, I do understand what those people might have felt. I try my darndest to not make a mistake like that again now. Do unto others what you want others to do unto you. I strongly believe in that. So please, respect me as a human being and respect my wishes.
Seriously, I really hate that I have to say something unpleasant on almost every post I make, it's really getting old, both for you and me. But this has really been buging me and to prevent such further occurences, I thought it best for me to bring this topic up now... Most of you have been good and respectful fans though and know that it is much appreciated. Thank you.
They talked about Gundam mostly, and why he likes to learn the characters' lines. Very short, only half a page. ^^ So yes, enjoy~~
1. Please DO NOT take my translations and use them for whatever reason, without my permission.
2. Please DO NOT publish my translations elsewhere without my permission. Please kindly link back if you want, but DO NOT copy and paste them.
3. Please kindly spare a few minutes and COMMENT if you read it. What are your thoughts of it?
[number] = more explanation of the sentence below
xxx = more detailed explanations
[xxx] = what I felt a certain part of the sentence meant
(xxx) = other meanings of the word or literal translations or missing word/words not specifically mentioned. For e.g. The fans screamed when (Gackt) entered the stadium! Read it like you will a normal sentence.
=xxx= = real brackets used in the interview
I: Gackt-san, have you ever been obsessed with Gundam before?
G: I became obsessed (only) after I grew up. I was anti-Gundam before that.
I: Why is that so?
G: We weren't allowed to watch television back home [1] and so, I was unable to follow the talk regarding Gundam. Towards those kids who sing (Gundam's) theme songs and bring Gundam plastic models (to school), I was, "Are they idiots? ザクってなんだよ、ザクって！(Zakutte nandayo, zakutte!)"[2]
[1] In "Jihaku" (Gackt's biography), he said that he had a strict upbringing and his parents did not allow him to watch television. In fact, he did not know about "rock" until much later during his teenage life.
[2] I asked a lot of people and nobody had any clue what zaku/zakutte means, even my Japanese teachers. @@ So if any of you know the meaning, I would really appreciate the help. ^^;
Thanks to japonais who gave gekka_no_neko the inspiration/idea, Zaku might be the Gundam model kits the children bring to school. Zaku is the short name for Char's Perfect Grade Zaku II mobile suit. So he is saying "Are they idiots? What's with Zaku? Zaku??" Thank you to the both of you for this information. ^^ And gekka_no_neko has also kindly provided some pictures which you can view here and here. :D
I: Hahaha (laughs).
G: Those kids who watched (Gundam) would make their own communities [1], won't they? That's why I felt alienated and as a child, I gradually became anti(-Gundam). Towards all anime which talks about heroism or good (lit. justice) and bad, I was all, "Stupid! Kiddies! [2]" After I grew up, a friend of mine who likes movies said to me, "Gundam is good." And I was, "Hee~ It's anime." I had such a totally stupid attitude.
[1] Written in katakana, it could mean literally, communities. But in this context, it means groups of children who hang out together.
[2] Kudaranai: worthless, stupid, trashy, foolish. Gaki: brats, kids
I: And so you decided to try watching it?
G: When I realized, I've already watched it hundreds of times.
I: So many times? (lit: to such an extent?)
G: I was completely obsessed.
I: But the reason Gackt-san is obsessed is different from those young teenagers, isn't it?
G: Yes, I think the children do not know the reason why when they first start obsessing. At first it was because they thought the mobile suit is very cool. But when you watch the repeat telecast over and over again, you don't just see the coolness of the mobile suits or battle scenes (anymore), you slowly get drawn into the story as well, right? As we mature slowly, we become able to grasp the meaning of the story. (lit: recognize what the story is trying to tell us.) I think that's amazing.
I: There are some parts which are closely linked together in Gundam's world and Gackt san's world, right?
G: That's because the original creator, Tomino-san's, theme overlaps with the theme from one part of my story. I did not write this song as an anime soundtrack. Because I think music is something you create which allows the listener to imagine (lit. let the image expand). That's why I told Tomino-san, "You don't have to use (the song) if you don't like it." But when he told me, "I liked it very much.", I felt happy.
I: Gackt-san is (like) the character Char [1].
[1] Char Aznable is one of Gackt's favourite character from Gundam. For those interested in finding out more about him, you can go here.
G: Why do you say so?
I: From your bearing. (物腰 mono goshi: bearing, manner, demeanour)
G: But Char says, "~~na no da yo" [1], you know?
[1] One of the ways to end a sentence. Kind of feels like, " ~~, you know?" Something like that. ^^;
I: Indeed! (laughs)
G; I can remember (lit. say) almost all of Gundam's lines.
I: Eeh? That's amazing.
G: I can imitate close to 8 characters, but Gundam has a lot of good (lit. touching) phrases. Even though I practice Char's lines as well, his is uniquely different. Like, "=turn completely= Your father is evil da yo!"
I: You sound like him (laughs)
G: =gets more excited...= "That is what you call war na no da yo!" From what era did you come from da yo!" It is very difficult. =using Char's tone= I cannot become Char...... (as in imitate him)
I: Who can you imitate (lit. become) then?
G: Anyone other than Char. (laughs) I practiced quite often in the toilet.
I: Why toilet!?
G: Well, because there is nothing you can do in the toilet (other than) reading a book or talking to yourself. I practiced Gundam's lines in earnest (一生懸命 isshoukenmei: very hard; with utmost effort; with all one's might; for dear life). But, the reason I'm captivated with the lines is because of the power of words. The (type of) people who can convey (what they want to say) most effectively are those who don't use much words and don't speak much. Those people leave a strong impression through the lines (they say) and their abilities are evaluated from there. That's why those people who talk a lot are really...... (laughs)
I: You'll go, 'and?'[1]
G: The speaker himself becomes unsure of what he is saying as well. (laughs) That's why I study the (character's) lines.
[1] Hmmz, there are instances where people talk a lot and in circles, and so people get confused and after they end the sentences, you just want to say to them "And? Your point being?" Kind of like what I'm doing now. :p
I: I see...... And (what are your thoughts about) this single "Metamorphoze ～メタモルフォーゼ～"? (laughs)
G: Un, I would like you to watch the movie. I think it will be useful somehow. [1]
[1] I think he meant that watching the Gundam movie might help us speak in a more effective way because it did help him.
Translated by: Sweiled
Own comments:
Wow, that was really sad how the way he was brought up affected him. It seemed harsh when you first heard/read him say that about his strict upbringing, but to hear the results of it made it even more... *sigh* It's really amazing that he didn't turn out all 'wrong' in the end. ^^; He grew up to be an upright man despite the fightings and truancy. See, my friend told me before... A man has two choices when he is experiencing some major setbacks. First is to be defeated and give up. Or he can keep fighting and emerge a better man as a result. ^^
And once again, you see him getting all excited and carried away over Gundam. XD He REALLY loves Gundam. I think all these have really shown a side of him I've never seen before. A cute, playful side of him. ^^ And I think it was starting from last year that he became more open and more illing to show his emotions. If he has changed in any way, this would be it.
Very interesting why he started to imitate the characters. :D although if I may say so, he still falls under the group who talks in circles and uses long sentences. >.>; Just like me. :p Hmmz, although it could be that he was purposely trying to be ambiguous. His sentences are quite open to interpretations and not specific. He really doesn't like to give straight answers, he likes people to ponder over what he said. Just like the way he never truly revealed the theme of his songs, he likes to let the fans use their own imaginations and create their own world. ^^ Most interesting.
And something has come to my notice of late. There are websites who used my translations without asking for my permission first nor did they credit me, even though I have asked you guys repeatedly to not do something like that on every translation entry I post. Ask me and I promise I won't bite. :D It's not too late to come clean now. If I myself find any sites which do otherwise, there will be hell to pay and trust me, you don't want to be in that shoe. :D You have been warned. And taking my translations and re-translating it into another language also counts as using it. From now on, the 'rules' section will be out of the lj cut. Please read it, it's there for a reason.
I know that sometimes it's hard to remember such things and get carried away in your excitement, I myself did it once before. There was never any ill intention on my part, it was just a mistake I made in the heat of the moment. Came clean about it and it ended there. So yes, I do understand what those people might have felt. I try my darndest to not make a mistake like that again now. Do unto others what you want others to do unto you. I strongly believe in that. So please, respect me as a human being and respect my wishes.
Seriously, I really hate that I have to say something unpleasant on almost every post I make, it's really getting old, both for you and me. But this has really been buging me and to prevent such further occurences, I thought it best for me to bring this topic up now... Most of you have been good and respectful fans though and know that it is much appreciated. Thank you.