June 2005 Oricon Style magazines translations
Hi again. ^^; I promised someone I'll finish this by this week, so here it is. XD Again, not him on the cover. It's the 6th June issue of Oricon Style, bought during the same discount as the previous WHAT's IN? magazine. This one is slightly longer though and let me apologize first for the numerous notes included. >.>;;
Enjoy~ and I hope you guys had a fun weekend. ^^
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 Please DO NOT publish my translations elsewhere without my permission.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: You were in charge of the opening and ending (theme song) of the movie "機動戦士 Zガンダム～星を続く者～”. Such enviable news.
G: Eh? Do all of you like Gundam?
I: Of course! There are a lot (of Gundam fans) amongst artists. Well, (let's talk about) the opening, "Metamorphoze", that you wrote first. Did you write it with (Gundam's) story in mind?
G: No, I think it would really become an anime song [1] if the content is completely based on the story. It was never my intention to make such a song from the start. What's important is how you can express the theme through the song. Not just focus on the world of the anime, but also on what the movie wants to convey most and what I want to convey. I think it will be really good if these two (can) complement each other. When people listen to that, they will feel something, won't they? You don't need words to explain it. And so, when I was talking to Tomino-san [2] =Director Yoshiyuki Tomino=, I told him, "If you cannot accept [3] it after you have listened to the song, I hope you won't use it."
[1] Literally it means full of anime. Very anime-ish song. So I think what he is trying to say is that it would really become a "Gundam song" and not "Gackt's song" if the song is totally written based on Gundam.
[2] If you guys recall, Tomino-san asked Gackt-san out for a meal and talked about Gundam. That was when Tomino-san asked him to take part in the Gundam movie. That was from May 2005 issue of Arena 37 magazine.
[3] (納得 nattoku: consent; assent; understanding; agreement; comprehension; grasp)
I: Ooh! That is very decent of you! (潔い isagiyoi: manly; sportsmanlike; pure; upright)
G: Tomino-san confided to me, "At that time, what we created =The first "機動戦士 Zガンダム" that was produced= was not conveyed in the form it was supposed to be. Moreover, I was not in a good state of mind." He said that that's the reason he wants to remake (the movie), and with (the help) of the high technology, express (lit. make) what he truly wants to convey (this time). And he told me, "Lend me your strength. [1]" That is why I said I want him to be honest with me because if he didn't like the song after listening to it, it means that my strength did not reach him.
[1] (力 chikara: force; strength; energy; might; power; vigor; vigour; stress; help; support; good offices; ability; faculty; capability)
I: And in the end, it suits the image the director wanted to convey marvelously.
G: What made me happy was not that my songs were used as the opening theme song for "Zガンダム", rather it was because someone who was passionate (about something) confided [1] in me--this person called Gackt. And he specifically asked for me. "I hope you can help me in my work" I wanted to acknowledge [2] that feeling and only because of that, I felt happy when I could manage to do it.
[1] (打ち明ける uchiakeru: to be frank; to speak one's mind; to open one's heart) So basically, he felt touched/happy/honoured that someone who was passionate about something looked for him and confided in him, even asked for his help in realizing their dream.
[2] (答える kotaeru: to answer; to reply; to acknowledge; to remark)
I: This is my own personal thoughts, but... one can find a lot of "fight (tatakau)" theme in your lyrics. In that sense, I think "Metamorphoze" fits (the theme) well. Gackt, what is "fight" to you?
G: Fighting your own self. For example, if there is someone... (if) your rival is standing in front of you, that model (見本 mihon: sample; model) is very easy to understand, isn't it? Because a potential enemy [1] is easier to understand. (But) in the end, I think who you are fighting against is your own self. Do you have a strong enough will to be the person you envision yourself to be? [2] Were you able to accomplish that [be the person you see yourself to be] every time you face yourself? I think that is what (fighting) is all about.
[1] (仮想 kasou: imagination; supposition; potential (enemy)) Not sure myself, but I think what he means is that an enemy is easier to understand than yourself because with 'enemies' you can see what kind of person they are, etc. But with yourself it's different.
[2] Sometimes you would fantasize and think about being able to do this and that, right? So is your willpower/emotional strength (lit.) strong enough to be able to become that person you imagine yourself to be?
I: The ideal self, you mean... But there is also what you call fighting illness.
G: That is also a fight with your own self, isn't it? (Of) when you will give up... I think the decision is yours to not give up. It has nothing to do with the people around you. (lit. your surrounding)
I: The enemy lies within your own self, right? By the way, was there ever a time when you think "I won!" to yourself?
G: Hnnnn...... Because I do (something) with winning in mind. Well, there are things which might take some time though. [1] Even playing, I'll do it seriously. It's so foolish that it's laughable. Anyway, I hate losing. When I have an idea (lit.image), "It's like this!" which is not feasible in reality, I'll think to myself that it can definitely work...... Before you think "It can work", you'll be able to see a lot of hurdles as well. But even if I think that it's hopeless, I still don't want to lose. That's why I'm so obsessed with snowboard and other things to such an extent. (bitter laugh)
[1] Hmmz, I think he meant that there are some things which might take some time before he can 'win'.
I: What? (so you were) talking about snowboard. (bitter laugh)
G: Ah! But There are times when I get obsessed or become serious over cute stuff. Like, puzzles.
I: Pu... puzzles......?
G: Because even if it's just one puzzle, I'll do it very seriously. I'll really wonder 'Are you a fool?' but I'll also think (to myself) 'Definitely have to finish until this part by today'. I'll leave for work in the morning and only reach home at 3 AM after my work is over. Even though I have to wake up by 7 AM in the morning, I'll still (tell myself) I have to finish this within 1 hour.
I: You do such a thing? (amazed/shocked laughter)
G: There is something I noticed when doing puzzle. If you look carefully, there is something which looks like scan lines [1] on many of the (puzzle) pieces. And when you found those, you go, "Got it~" (laughs) So you can (use that to) identify the puzzle, right? And next, I'll start separating the ones with unique shapes from the normal ones. When you are really into it, you can tell which piece goes where.
[1] It's like those lines you see on TV.
I: Haa......
G: As you slowly piece the puzzle, it starts to take shape. It's really mysterious. And you cannot stop after that. [as in you become obsessed]
I: Isn't that silly? [1]
[1] (baka: fool; idiot; trivial matter; folly)
G: Yes it is, really. (bitter laugh) But when it becomes an ocean [1], I felt very touched! That's why I like to take (what I do) seriously. You will also be able to see something different at such times. And you can have a fun work. Me, I believe that my work is a representation of me [2]. But if you sharpen your senses, you'll be able to get more inspirations as well. [3]
[1] Erm, not sure about this one... I think he meant that the puzzle design is that of an ocean's?
[2] Literally, my work exists for the purpose of describing myself. So, you can say that his music is an expression of himself.
[3] My interpretation of it is you can sharpen your senses when doing puzzles and let your mind work better, so you can come up with more ideas (inspirations) and more ways to link stories up, etc...
I: And then you will wake up as a Newtype. (laughs)[1]
[1]In the previous sentence, Gackt was talking about sharpening senses and getting more 'flashes' of inspirations, so the interviewer joked about him waking up as a new type. Originally introduced in Gundam, a Newtype is a human with psi powers.
G: You'll be able to cross boundaries if you concentrate hard. And there is a pattern in that. If you can catch that pattern, you would be able to see a lot of wonderful things. But there are many people who can't do it. That is why I want to be able to say that I play hard, I work hard and in everything I do, I do it seriously.
I: And so, you want to challenge (lit. fight) yourself more.
G: Yes! This was a good talk~ (laughs) [He switched to Kansai ben all of a sudden here. ^^;]
I: Eh, you just end it with Kansai ben like that? (laughs)
Translated by: Sweiled
Own comments:
I believe I've said this somewhere before, but I'm truly amazed at his ability to really separate business with own personal stuff. It's always his music first. And I was very touched when I read that he too felt happy/honoured because he helped someone realize their dream. It's just like many of us here, isn't it? Because he is so passionate towards his music, it really makes you want to do whatever you can to help him achieve his goals. I think that's beautiful. ^^
And very true what he said about fight being a fight with your own self. It's always a fight to better yourself, to improve, so that you grow to be the best person you can be. Never be satisfied with the way you are now, there is always room for improvement. ^^ And that part about fighting illness really got me. I hope that those people who are sick can find the courage and strength to keep moving on and not give in to the illness. I pray for you and always remember that we are here for you. Courage, my friend.
Why am I not surprised that he can make anything work if he really wants to? >.>;; The man is definitely stubborn enough to achieve that. And we love him for that. ~_<
Hahahahaha, puzzles. For a while there, I really went, "huh?" just like the interviewer did. XD Of all the things that I thought he might have done... Very interesting indeed. XD But I can understand his obsession with puzzles though. I'm somewhat of a puzzle-maniac myself... >.>; Once you get started, you just can't stop. But really, how does he survive with such crazy sleeping habit?? *0* No wonder he is grumpy when he wakes up in the morning. Working for close to 20 hours.... These are times when I think... If he can accomplish so many things despite the gruelling schedule, I don't see how we have the right to complain that there is no time to do something... Shame on me, really!
The last part was interesting, though I didn't get it fully. ^^; Especially catching the pattern stuff... >.>;; I can't seem to find the link between that and his next point. And ahh, his Kansai ben never fail to amuse me. XD
And I would like to thank all of you for all the warm encouragements and support you guys wrote from the previous post. ^^ I was really touched when I read them. Thank you for that. And sorry to keep you guys waiting. ^^;;
Enjoy~ and I hope you guys had a fun weekend. ^^
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: You were in charge of the opening and ending (theme song) of the movie "機動戦士 Zガンダム～星を続く者～”. Such enviable news.
G: Eh? Do all of you like Gundam?
I: Of course! There are a lot (of Gundam fans) amongst artists. Well, (let's talk about) the opening, "Metamorphoze", that you wrote first. Did you write it with (Gundam's) story in mind?
G: No, I think it would really become an anime song [1] if the content is completely based on the story. It was never my intention to make such a song from the start. What's important is how you can express the theme through the song. Not just focus on the world of the anime, but also on what the movie wants to convey most and what I want to convey. I think it will be really good if these two (can) complement each other. When people listen to that, they will feel something, won't they? You don't need words to explain it. And so, when I was talking to Tomino-san [2] =Director Yoshiyuki Tomino=, I told him, "If you cannot accept [3] it after you have listened to the song, I hope you won't use it."
[1] Literally it means full of anime. Very anime-ish song. So I think what he is trying to say is that it would really become a "Gundam song" and not "Gackt's song" if the song is totally written based on Gundam.
[2] If you guys recall, Tomino-san asked Gackt-san out for a meal and talked about Gundam. That was when Tomino-san asked him to take part in the Gundam movie. That was from May 2005 issue of Arena 37 magazine.
[3] (納得 nattoku: consent; assent; understanding; agreement; comprehension; grasp)
I: Ooh! That is very decent of you! (潔い isagiyoi: manly; sportsmanlike; pure; upright)
G: Tomino-san confided to me, "At that time, what we created =The first "機動戦士 Zガンダム" that was produced= was not conveyed in the form it was supposed to be. Moreover, I was not in a good state of mind." He said that that's the reason he wants to remake (the movie), and with (the help) of the high technology, express (lit. make) what he truly wants to convey (this time). And he told me, "Lend me your strength. [1]" That is why I said I want him to be honest with me because if he didn't like the song after listening to it, it means that my strength did not reach him.
[1] (力 chikara: force; strength; energy; might; power; vigor; vigour; stress; help; support; good offices; ability; faculty; capability)
I: And in the end, it suits the image the director wanted to convey marvelously.
G: What made me happy was not that my songs were used as the opening theme song for "Zガンダム", rather it was because someone who was passionate (about something) confided [1] in me--this person called Gackt. And he specifically asked for me. "I hope you can help me in my work" I wanted to acknowledge [2] that feeling and only because of that, I felt happy when I could manage to do it.
[1] (打ち明ける uchiakeru: to be frank; to speak one's mind; to open one's heart) So basically, he felt touched/happy/honoured that someone who was passionate about something looked for him and confided in him, even asked for his help in realizing their dream.
[2] (答える kotaeru: to answer; to reply; to acknowledge; to remark)
I: This is my own personal thoughts, but... one can find a lot of "fight (tatakau)" theme in your lyrics. In that sense, I think "Metamorphoze" fits (the theme) well. Gackt, what is "fight" to you?
G: Fighting your own self. For example, if there is someone... (if) your rival is standing in front of you, that model (見本 mihon: sample; model) is very easy to understand, isn't it? Because a potential enemy [1] is easier to understand. (But) in the end, I think who you are fighting against is your own self. Do you have a strong enough will to be the person you envision yourself to be? [2] Were you able to accomplish that [be the person you see yourself to be] every time you face yourself? I think that is what (fighting) is all about.
[1] (仮想 kasou: imagination; supposition; potential (enemy)) Not sure myself, but I think what he means is that an enemy is easier to understand than yourself because with 'enemies' you can see what kind of person they are, etc. But with yourself it's different.
[2] Sometimes you would fantasize and think about being able to do this and that, right? So is your willpower/emotional strength (lit.) strong enough to be able to become that person you imagine yourself to be?
I: The ideal self, you mean... But there is also what you call fighting illness.
G: That is also a fight with your own self, isn't it? (Of) when you will give up... I think the decision is yours to not give up. It has nothing to do with the people around you. (lit. your surrounding)
I: The enemy lies within your own self, right? By the way, was there ever a time when you think "I won!" to yourself?
G: Hnnnn...... Because I do (something) with winning in mind. Well, there are things which might take some time though. [1] Even playing, I'll do it seriously. It's so foolish that it's laughable. Anyway, I hate losing. When I have an idea (lit.image), "It's like this!" which is not feasible in reality, I'll think to myself that it can definitely work...... Before you think "It can work", you'll be able to see a lot of hurdles as well. But even if I think that it's hopeless, I still don't want to lose. That's why I'm so obsessed with snowboard and other things to such an extent. (bitter laugh)
[1] Hmmz, I think he meant that there are some things which might take some time before he can 'win'.
I: What? (so you were) talking about snowboard. (bitter laugh)
G: Ah! But There are times when I get obsessed or become serious over cute stuff. Like, puzzles.
I: Pu... puzzles......?
G: Because even if it's just one puzzle, I'll do it very seriously. I'll really wonder 'Are you a fool?' but I'll also think (to myself) 'Definitely have to finish until this part by today'. I'll leave for work in the morning and only reach home at 3 AM after my work is over. Even though I have to wake up by 7 AM in the morning, I'll still (tell myself) I have to finish this within 1 hour.
I: You do such a thing? (amazed/shocked laughter)
G: There is something I noticed when doing puzzle. If you look carefully, there is something which looks like scan lines [1] on many of the (puzzle) pieces. And when you found those, you go, "Got it~" (laughs) So you can (use that to) identify the puzzle, right? And next, I'll start separating the ones with unique shapes from the normal ones. When you are really into it, you can tell which piece goes where.
[1] It's like those lines you see on TV.
I: Haa......
G: As you slowly piece the puzzle, it starts to take shape. It's really mysterious. And you cannot stop after that. [as in you become obsessed]
I: Isn't that silly? [1]
[1] (baka: fool; idiot; trivial matter; folly)
G: Yes it is, really. (bitter laugh) But when it becomes an ocean [1], I felt very touched! That's why I like to take (what I do) seriously. You will also be able to see something different at such times. And you can have a fun work. Me, I believe that my work is a representation of me [2]. But if you sharpen your senses, you'll be able to get more inspirations as well. [3]
[1] Erm, not sure about this one... I think he meant that the puzzle design is that of an ocean's?
[2] Literally, my work exists for the purpose of describing myself. So, you can say that his music is an expression of himself.
[3] My interpretation of it is you can sharpen your senses when doing puzzles and let your mind work better, so you can come up with more ideas (inspirations) and more ways to link stories up, etc...
I: And then you will wake up as a Newtype. (laughs)[1]
[1]In the previous sentence, Gackt was talking about sharpening senses and getting more 'flashes' of inspirations, so the interviewer joked about him waking up as a new type. Originally introduced in Gundam, a Newtype is a human with psi powers.
G: You'll be able to cross boundaries if you concentrate hard. And there is a pattern in that. If you can catch that pattern, you would be able to see a lot of wonderful things. But there are many people who can't do it. That is why I want to be able to say that I play hard, I work hard and in everything I do, I do it seriously.
I: And so, you want to challenge (lit. fight) yourself more.
G: Yes! This was a good talk~ (laughs) [He switched to Kansai ben all of a sudden here. ^^;]
I: Eh, you just end it with Kansai ben like that? (laughs)
Translated by: Sweiled
Own comments:
I believe I've said this somewhere before, but I'm truly amazed at his ability to really separate business with own personal stuff. It's always his music first. And I was very touched when I read that he too felt happy/honoured because he helped someone realize their dream. It's just like many of us here, isn't it? Because he is so passionate towards his music, it really makes you want to do whatever you can to help him achieve his goals. I think that's beautiful. ^^
And very true what he said about fight being a fight with your own self. It's always a fight to better yourself, to improve, so that you grow to be the best person you can be. Never be satisfied with the way you are now, there is always room for improvement. ^^ And that part about fighting illness really got me. I hope that those people who are sick can find the courage and strength to keep moving on and not give in to the illness. I pray for you and always remember that we are here for you. Courage, my friend.
Why am I not surprised that he can make anything work if he really wants to? >.>;; The man is definitely stubborn enough to achieve that. And we love him for that. ~_<
Hahahahaha, puzzles. For a while there, I really went, "huh?" just like the interviewer did. XD Of all the things that I thought he might have done... Very interesting indeed. XD But I can understand his obsession with puzzles though. I'm somewhat of a puzzle-maniac myself... >.>; Once you get started, you just can't stop. But really, how does he survive with such crazy sleeping habit?? *0* No wonder he is grumpy when he wakes up in the morning. Working for close to 20 hours.... These are times when I think... If he can accomplish so many things despite the gruelling schedule, I don't see how we have the right to complain that there is no time to do something... Shame on me, really!
The last part was interesting, though I didn't get it fully. ^^; Especially catching the pattern stuff... >.>;; I can't seem to find the link between that and his next point. And ahh, his Kansai ben never fail to amuse me. XD
And I would like to thank all of you for all the warm encouragements and support you guys wrote from the previous post. ^^ I was really touched when I read them. Thank you for that. And sorry to keep you guys waiting. ^^;;