ItalianoWhat is GACKT’s True Intention for Making This “VISUALIVE” the Last?
■GACKT／New Album『LAST MOON』Interview（2/4）
Also, I wonder if my role revolves around the side of supporting artistes who think 「I want to perform （the “VISUALIVE”）using this method of performance」… …
――In track 7, 「Kugutsu no Gotoku」, it comes through with hard digital beats while the sounds incorporated are typically Japanese styled, this fusion was another unique one.
GACKT：That’s right. Anyway, musically I’m always conscious of Japanesque, and in me, I’ve always has the intention of wanting to establish the genre of Zipang rock since a long time ago. If you ask, will a piece of music become Zipang rock as long as traditional Japanese instruments are used? Actually, no it wouldn’t. Because rock is, in the first place, something that is born from stylistic beauty. What we call western music originated from Britain, and while using American and German rock, which was derived further derived from there, we created our own original rock culture which is what we call “Visual rock”. Among all of these, when I wondered 「What part am I capable of?」, I believe it was 2004, or 2005 that I first thought of creating what I call Japanesque, Zipang rock. From there I started researching and creating. But it was quite difficult. Like I said earlier, it’s not something that can be made just by using traditional Japanese instruments. That’s why, I kept thinking about how I can create something that once you listen to it, it can immediately make you think 「Ah, this was created by a Japanese」.
――Time devoted to research important in its own way to GACKT-san, isn’t it?
GACKT：There was a period like that. You can’t make use of it right after the moment you incorporate it. It has to be done after thorough study. Because it is difficult to achieve a balance on the whole.
――Do you feel that, Zipang rock is sought after in the world now, or that now’s the chance to show what it is?
GACKT：No, there’s none of that. Rather, if we’re talking about what is being sought after, right now, isn’t that more like K-POP? Not only with regards to music, but present-day Japan has a completely incorrect sense of Japan’s status among the other countries internationally, or overestimates itself too much… Indeed until a few years ago, there was a real recognition of the Japanese ethnicity, or Japanese-made products, or the culture as being the top in the world. But now, the only thing that people around the world can recognise as “Japan”, is Kyoto. Because the number of Japanese studying abroad, has shrunk considerably compared to back in 2000. In other words, Japanese aren’t found overseas already. We’re only left with those who went in the past. That’s why, the foreigners who are aged 45 and above will know about Japan but, among the foreigners in their 20s, or early 30s, save for a small group of people, the rest don’t know a thing about Japan. Right now I strongly feel a sense of crisis where I wonder 「Is it okay like this? Us, disappearing?」. Despite that, everyone is foraging in this shrinking rice bowl in Japan’s small market, and it really makes me question 「What’s the point?」.
――Japan’s international presence is in an extremely precarious position…… In all of that, GACKT-san is polishing up on Zipang rock, and for the 『LAST VISUALIVE～』, what kind of story will be spun, can you give us a hint?
GACKT：Leading towards this 『LAST VISUALIVE～』, is the story of『Yoshitsune Hiden』. That is something… … Originally, 『MOON SAGA』which draws on vampires, is a long fairy tale that continues until the year 2040 AD. This story dates back to 500 AD where the story starts. It was around 2002 when I started writing this story, and when I wondered 「How should I express this?」, I decided 「I’ll start from the very end of the story」 and so I started creating it with 『MOON CHILD』 (2003 movie, first draft and screenplay by GACKT. Starred GACKT himself, together with HYDE). From there, while dating back into the vampire story, I thought to express it in a live concert too… … and I continued to create that story. It was expressed and performed in the lives entitled Kagen no Tsuki and Jogen no Tsuki, and later on it in DIABOLOS as well. There were parts in between the stories that were not shown or missing as well but, when I wondered 「Where is the origin of it?」, the origin of the vampire was actually Japan, and from there, I started the story of the Oni (Japanese demon). That story about the Oni is actually, the tale of Yoshitsune. Then, the story of this Yoshitsune came in the form of 『Yoshitsune Hiden』, and it was first (expressed in) a stage play, with Chapters 1 and 2. And finally, this time, it has headed towards this 『LAST VISUALIVE～』.
――All of GACKT-san’s expression activities are linked and can be woven together, into one magnificent world right.
GACKT：That’s right. If you’re asking 「well, then is the 『LAST VISUALIVE』 (a story) about “Yoshitsune”?」, it is actually the opposite of that. Within the staging of the 『LAST VISUALIVE Saigo no Tsuki -LAST MOON-』, the story of “Yoshitsune” is but one part of it. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that “Yoshitsune” too is just one part (of a bigger story). I’ve been pursuing something known as a “VISUALIVE” since 2002, and I’ve been struggling to establish it. Music, film, performance, narrative… … I was searching for a method of “expression” to convey a story on stage through rock. Starting with the idea of looking for a method of “expressive performance” instead of just “expression”, I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error all the way. Then, through performing various lives, on the stage of 2009’s 『GACKT VISUALIVE ARENA TOUR 2009 REQUIEM ET REMINISCENCE II FINAL ～Chinkon to Saisei～』, I felt, that I was able to establish a “VISUALIVE”. But at that time, creating one took a lot of time. When I thought 「Exactly how many years will it take to create the next VISUALIVE?」, I felt that 「The next one might be the last」… … Because, you see, the previous “VISUALIVE” was in 2009, and this time its in 2016 right? 7 years has passed. If I create the next one, I’ll be 50. … … That’s hilarious (laughs).
――(Laughs).
GACKT：It’s like, 「Isn’t this pretty tough?」. That’s why this time, why I attached the name 『LAST VISUALIVE』 to it, is because I honestly felt that probably, both mentally and physically, this could be the last one that I can do. Also, I wonder if my role revolves around the side of supporting artistes who think 「I want to perform （the “VISUALIVE”）using this method of performance」. I think about things like that.
――So, after establishing it, you’re also considering to have someone to inherit this.
GACKT：That’s right. Well, isn’t it fine as long as it’s done by people who want to do it? … … It’s not like I want someone to do the impossible anyway.
――Are there juniors who are raising their hands and saying 「I’ll do it!」?
GACKT：There are but, there’s also the question of 「Are you capable of it?」 (laughs). Among the kids who are overflowing with talent, I want to support the kids who make me wonder 「Ah, if it’s this kid maybe it’s possible?」. … … I can’t continuously run down a path where I can’t even see a goal. Because I’m the type to run at full speed. If the goal is not defined, I can’t run at full speed in that direction. Because it can’t last forever. That’s why, there is a need for me to set “LAST” once as a goal. From there, after that, I’ll think about it after it ends. I don’t even know when I’ll live until anyway. In any case, I’ll just run to wherever I can get to. So, I’ll run first then think about the next thing, something like that.
――Since GACKT-san is young, even when you reach 50, you’ll definitely be beautiful and tough… that’s the kind of feeling I get.
GACKT：No no no. Look here, stop that. Really (laughs).
Source: excite.co.jp
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA