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DWANGO.Jp: NicoLive special with GACKT & Ayumi Hamasaki
On GACKT's NicoLive Special, Hamasaki Ayumi Makes Her First Appearance Over 100,000 People Watched Their Luxurioius Interaction
To celebrate the renewal of GACKT’s official channel 「OH!! MY!! GACKT!!」 on 「niconico」, a special program, with Hamasaki Ayumi as a guest, was broadcast on July 29 (Fri).
Before the program began, more than 10,000 people were already online and waiting. After the very beginning of the program, during which GACKT and Ayumi’s music videos were being streamed, at around 22:00, the videos switched to show a room in one of Tokyo’s hotels, where the MC and GACKT appeared. In front of the comments from the fans, who have patiently awaited his appearance, which were celebrating the renewal of the 「OH!! MY!! GACKT!!」channel, was GACKT. Without delay, the first commemorative guest, Hamasaki Ayumi, was called in.
When Hamasaki appeared, the viewers who have eagerly awaited for the chance to see them together sent in an avalanche of comments. With comments like 「Ayu kawaiiーーー (Ayu is cute)」, 「Ayuuuuuuu」, 「Ayu and Gaku-chin should do a collab」 and many more, the audience showed an unprecedented level of excitement, as GACKT and Hamasaki toasted, delighted at their reunion. This being Hamasaki’s first time on Nico Live, we also saw her surprise at the 「88888888888」applause.
On the program, they collected questions from the viewers. 「I have thick underarm hair, what should I do?」 was a question that Hamasaki read for the MC, to which she said 「If Gaku-chin was hairy I’d never accept it though, but I think that depending on the person, it can be alright to be hairy」. GACKT found it hilarious, and shared a funny example of his thorough aesthetic sense towards his own dancers on stage. Just as things were getting into full swing, the MC suddenly announced 「With this email, we will end」, to which viewers filled the screen with comments like 「Eeeeeehhhhhh wwwwwww (lolololol)」, 「There are more aren’t there www (lolol)」, 「I want to see more of the two of them! Extend! Extend!!」, expressing their reluctance of the program ending.
The two of them appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the real-time 2-way communication with the viewers, which is unique to Nico Live. Hamasaki even said 「That was really fun!」, and GACKT, too, said 「I’m glad to have been able to hear Ayu’s way of thought away from TV, in this manner」. The program was also greatly boosted by the Nico Live viewers inputting their own comments to communicate with GACKT and Hamasaki Ayumi in real time. It seems like everyone thoroughly enjoyed the splendid once-in-a-lifetime co-starring.
Source: Dwango.jp
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
FAMITSU.COM: GACKT COMPETES IN "OTHELLONIA"
Exclusive interview with GACKT who competes in 『Othellonia』! One exciting yet astonishing episode of the game after another
●From your own game theory, to the episode when he was shocked at ○○ being borrowed
In DeNA’s ongoing dramatic turn-based smartphone game 『Othellonia』, the character “Maten Ruedo”, voiced by GACKT, will enter the battle during the “Fearsome! Ruedo” which starts on August 1 2016 (Mon) from 6 p.m.! This time, Famitsu.com’s reporters ventured to the recording site for an investigative report. GACKT, who became a fan of 『Othellonia』 after a web program, hits us with his impression of it and a shocking game episode!
●Maten・Ruedo, who you voiced, is he a「bad guy」？
――Thank you for your hard work in voice recording! Firstly, we would like to ask about what sparked GACKT-san’ to appear on 『Othellonia』... ...
GACKT: I heard that there was an interesting game called『Othellonia』, actually, they (DeNA’s development team) came to ask me, and while listening to them explain, we did the program recording (※) for the first time. Although I heard that it was fun, it was even more fun than I expected (laughs).
※Developed by Nestle Japan, the web program “GACKT na Game!? Game Centre Season 2” releases a new episode every day at 19:00 for 365 days. GACKT does a playthrough of various games. The 『Othellonia』 series was released in May 2016 (here).
――The『Othellonia』series had a total of 12 episodes, it was pretty long wasn’t it.
GACKT: We got excited (laughs). I thought「This can be really sellable」. Recently things have been affected by hard performance getting better, and they spend lots of money just to make one game. That’s something like the Olympics, and I don’t really like it. If you repeatedly think “next we have to overtake that game company”, the game industry will eventually collapse on itself. This way, I think that there will be quite a few companies that will collapse within the next 10 years, even including the big companies. Within around these 5 years, from that point they have probably, once again, finally turned to the question of “what is fun” for the future. I could be said that it boosted the spread of smartphones. It’s about how you cram ideas into this small machine. Without this just the elaborate parts will make it weighed down, and it won’t be able to move.
――For titles that are geared towards smartphones, another difficult area is how high they should make the specs right.
GACKT: Well for that, there isn’t much meaning for it, if the reason for it is just to make it high quality. It should not be that, but instead I think the idea should be evaluated, and finally brought back to where it can compete. To me, I believe that the advantage that Japanese of the future have, is this.
――Is it a competition of ideas?
GACKT: To be able to make anything fun, and the ability to create entertainment are the qualities of a Japanese. That’s why, be it manga or anime, Japanese have the are able to create things that are enjoyable for both children and adults and it is our merit but despite that, in these 15 years we have somehow headed in the direction of being Olympic-like. It’s such a waste.
――So you mean, that 『Othellonia』 is excellent in the send of “creating entertainment”.
GACKT: I can feel it, strongly. When turning an idea into a game, it is extremely important that it is able to provide enjoyability, so knowing that “with this concept I can make a game”, it would make me happy if the young creators are able to grasp it.
――So does it mean that for the level of enjoyment in the game 『Othellonia』 as well, there is also that amount of imagination in it?
GACKT: To me, I think that an enjoyable game needs to fulfil a few requirements. It has to be easy to use, with very simple rules, and the idea cannot be too outlandish, among other things.
――Instead of “outlandish”, is it more to the nuance of an idea’s “plot twist being effective”?
GACKT: That’s right. When these few requirements are met, I think that it creates a kind of fun that will make you go 「Ohh~」. From there, I believe that you can continue to keep on playing it because it is simple. When it gets too difficult you’ll get sick of it, for games. To me, the condition that makes a game a hit, is for it to be something simple that you spend time to become even better or become the best.
――Indeed. So with you playing the game on your program as the start point, you decided to make an appearance in it.
GACKT: When I tried playing it I found it enjoyable so, it all started with when I said 「If there’s talk of being a voice actor for a character I’ll do it」on the program (laughs).
Nihira Rito(※) I was shocked (laughs). He said, since I said it like that I’ll have to create one (laughs).
※Also sitting-in for the interview, DeNA’s producer of 『Othellonia』.
――So that’s the untold story of the birth of Maten・Ruedo (laughs).
GACKT: When the offer arrived, I thought 「Ah, it really came」 (laughs).
仁平氏 Since it wasn’t cut from the program, I thought this meant, that he really wanted us to let him do it.
GACKT: I’ll keep my promise.
――I think that this sense of urgency is something that is unique to smartphone games.
GACKT: But y’know, it’s only fast because it is a smartphone game, isn’t it? He (Nihira) was fast (laughs). Although we tend to think that society is moving very quickly, correspondingly, people and especially companies, the bigger they grow the more often it is that they are instead chasing it. There are even instances where something small can take more than a year to deal with.
――Well, there’s that, I’m ashamed to hear it.
GACKT: That’s why, for him to be able to react with this speediness, it makes me happy.
――Well then, from GACKT-san’s point of view, what kind of character is Maten・Ruedo?
GACKT: A jerk.
――(Laughs). Is he a character that possibly fits the description of “insolence”?
GACKT: The strong characters, more often than not they’re jerks right?
――How did you find voicing him?
GACKT: Basically all the lines are all condescending and snide so, if I were to say such things on a regular basis, I’ll really be nothing but a jerk (laughs).
――Certainly, I would think that there are many phrases that you wouldn’t normally hear daily (laughs).
GACKT: Because I’m a surprisingly nice person, when I say these lines, I’d think 「It would be good if I usually speak firmly to the staff in such a condescending way though」. But if I spoke to the staff with that tone and those words on a regular basis, all my staff would disappear (laughs). Like, 「That’s an inevitable consequence!」 or something (laughs).
――Were there any memorable or difficult lines?
GACKT: This time there wasn’t much of that but, there’s 「... no da!*」 and whatnot.
――It’s true that saying it aloud for real is difficult (laughs).
GACKT: It’s difficult to say. Like 「○○ na no da!」. Technically it’s a line I hate (laughs). It makes me think 「Why on earth does he say “Nanodayo!*”, we don’t normally use this!」.
*(Japanese expression at the end of a sentence typically indicating common sense/fact)
――There are amazing lines like 「So you’ve become even more perfect」but, this is also another of the game’s uniqueness for the depth of the character right.
GACKT: If there are more lines for condescending characters who overkill the players, that could be fun. It’ll be unbearable for do-M (masochistic) people.
●From 『Dynasty Warriors』 to 『Pikmin』…… He really enjoys games!
――Well then, since we’re gathered here today, I would also like to talk about games in general. You’ve been playing a variety of games from different genres for over a year on your program, so among all of them, is there a certain genre that makes you feel 「Ah, this is fun」 or 「I’m good at this」?
GACKT: Because I’m clumsy I’m not good at the games itself. And I have the bad habit where once I play something and really get into it, I’ll just keep playing it all the time. And in addition to that, in the first place I don’t sleep.
――So you’ll end up playing all the time without sleeping (laughs).
GACKT: I have the bad habit of doing something continuously without stopping. The most painful of all are those games that have no end. There are games that I played until I hated them, because although I want to finish it, there is no end, so I’ll just continue playing them until I end up hating them (laughs).
――(Laughs).
GACKT: I only play games during “Game Centre”. But after that, after filming ends I continued to play. From there, I stayed up for about 3 nights straight, and it still wouldn’t end.
――What happened to the motivation that kept you going for 3 days…...
GACKT: It was really frustrating! I thought, anyway I’ll just clear all of it perfectly until the end. I felt like I was going crazy (laughs).
――To put it another way, having a clear ending is something to be grateful for GACKT-san’s lifestyle right (laughs).
GACKT: If it would end I can get a peace of mind. I can feel 「It’s ended」, and feel satisfied if I played until that point.
――Are you a perfectionist?
GACKT: I am. I still remember now, back in the day when I visited a band member’s house, 『Dynasty Warriors』 was in his room. It was just a coincidence. But I wondered 「What’s this game」 and started playing it, and I wouldn’t leave the room at all. That also took me around a week, continuously without sleep.
――Yet another rewarding title to play through (laughs).
GACKT: I lived together with the member, so without leaving his room, I just continued playing during production period. And we ended up falling behind in production.
――Unexpectedly delayed by 『Dynasty Warriors』.
GACKT: That’s right. These things often happen, for me.
――So because of your perfectionism, you’ll end up getting absorbed in what you’re doing.
GACKT: That’s right. There are also quite a number of games from “Game Centre” that were addictive. For example, one of those that I’m into is 『Pikmin 3』. I was moved. Though when I heard from Downtown’s Matsumoto (Hitoshi) -san that he’s addicted to 『Pikmin』, I really wondered 「Where is the factor that gets people addicted to this game?」. The level of fun of 『Pikmin』, is really poisonous. It’s dangerous.
――Even in the program, at the end you were pretty moved right.
GACKT: I knew very well that Matsumoto-san was addicted to it. I mentioned it during the program too but, when the Pikmin that I raised died, I was so sad that tears came out (laughs). Like, to think that there’s something this sad that can happen. Furthermore, the fact that I couldn’t fight made it exceptionally irritating.
――Initially, was GACKT-san the type of person who doesn’t really play games?
GACKT: In the first place, we weren’t allowed to play games in the house, but, anyway, it’s because of my nature of easily getting addicted, to the point that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else. That’s why, even after I’ve become an adult, I like games but (I don’t play) because I know that I’ll get addicted because I like them.
――So, you’re saying that it’ll become a hinderance your life.
GACKT: When I visited Fukuoka for my concert, I went to an arcade there before so… … I went to the arcades in that area.
――Is that so!
GACKT: That’s why, if you’re asking whether I love or hate them, I love games, really (laughs). But because I’ll get addicted, I suppress myself. When you go to an arcade, they’re basically filled with pro-gamers right?
――Because of that, there are many gamers who get absorbed and make their lives revolve around games right.
GACKT: For some reason, I ended up playing a racing game there. Despite being a beginner, I was considered to be pretty good at it. And then, by chance, in that arcade in Fukuoka, the person who was the Kyushu representative for that game was there.
――That’s an amazing coincidence!
GACKT: I was shocked by his crazy speed (laughs). I was saying things like 「How do you drive it like this!?」. It was terrifying! The way he switched gears. While watching him from behind, I don’t know how many times I kept saying 「If you drive like this in a real car you’ll die!」 (laughs).
――(Laughs).
GACKT: I was pretty mortified about that. Then I asked 「What’s your ranking in Japan now?」, that guy said he was in the top 10, but he’s never gotten top before. When he added 「Even like this, it’s still a few seconds short of top place」, I started thinking 「I definitely don’t want to lose to this guy」, and from there… ...
――The birth of your rivalry from that is amazing (laughs).
GACKT: From there, I immediately contacted the manufacturer.
――EH!
GACKT: I said, 「Give me a machine」.
――EHH!!
GACKT: They said 「The floor will cave in」 but, I said 「Don’t underestimate me」 (laughs). And so I put a machine at the lobby of my house, woke up 2 hours earlier than usual and practiced for 2 hours straight (laughs).
――The unbelievable morning training (laughs)!
GACKT: I play before I go to work, and after I end work, after dining with everyone and everything else ends, I play for 2 hours before I sleep. I trained for 4 hours everyday. No matter how many different courses I played I couldn’t get good at it so, I figured that I should just pick one course and become the best at it. With that, in the end, I managed to become one of the top 100 ranked players in Japan.
――A-amazing! That is great enough!
GACKT: I attached a camera for the sake of uploading it to YouTube, thinking that if I hit the top 50, I would upload it onto YouTube but the manufacutrer said 「Please update it」. But after I updated it, all my progress up till then disappeared.
――That’s painful.
GACKT: I couldn’t use any special tricks (laughs). Then, I told the manufacturer 「It’s alright now, I’m perfectly satisfied」, and they brought the machine back. If I didn’t update the software, I think I’d still be playing it even now.
――In a way, you can say that it was a good thing that it came skidding to a halt……
GACKT: That’s right, that’s right, that software update, probably saved my life (laughs).
――Thank you for the exciting and uniquely GACKT-san episode.…… We veered a little off topic but, lastly, if you would, please do leave a message for the fans who are thinking of getting Maten・Ruedo in 『Othellonia』.
GACKT: It is a fun game. I’m sure that DeNA has a system for getting the fans’ feedback and perhaps reflecting them in the game. So, I think that it would be great if everyone would play it more and more, and liven it up.
――With GACKT-san being involved as a voice-actor, I believe that there will also be those who are going to start playing 『Othellonia』 from now on. Please share some advice with them!
GACKT: I guess it would be good to line up all your strong cards. Nothing beats using Gacha (laughs).
――(Laughs).
GACKT: Because Maten・Ruedo is an unbearable charcter for masochistic people, I hope you would play while being pushed to your limits (laughs).
Source: Famitsu.com
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
EXCITE.CO.JP: GACKT 43rd BIRTHDAY PARTY REPORT
Excite: GACKT 「Thank you for coming today, and believing in me」 Fan-Club-Only 43rd Birthday Party ／ Report
■GACKT／【GACKT's 43rd BIRTHDAY PARTY】Event Report
2016.07.04 (MON) at ANA Intercontinental Tokyo Basement 1 Prominence
「With this thought in my heart, I want to continue working hard from here on to be able to deliver smiles to everyone」（GACKT）
A day after the completion of his concept tour 『GACKT WORLD TOUR 2016 LAST VISUALIVE Saigo no Tsuki -LAST MOON- supported by Nestle』 which started in April, the fan-club event which celebrated GACKT’s 43rd birthday 『GACKT's 43rd BIRTHDAY PARTY』 was held at ANA Intercontinental Tokyo. It was being held over 2 sessions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. This report is based on the evening session. It ended 15 minutes past midnight, way past its previously scheduled time. Here, we deliver the events of this dense night.
The event was an elegant ballroom in a hotel in Tokyo. Upon entering the venue through the lobby, where pictures and the actual costumes from the “VISUALIVE” tour, which had its final the previous day, were being exhibited, the “LOVERS”, who were dressed in their own individual styles from evening dresses to kimono, were found seated at round tables. Firstly, they enjoyed a dinner, amidst an extravagant mood, with the footage of GACKT performing with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra being played.
The lights dimmed around 20:40, and following the call 「Do you want him?」, MC Madoka (dancer) got on stage, cued 「Please turn your attention to the back!」, and the members of GACKT JOB entered one by one as they were called in.
The dancers included Hiroki (Rassan), You-Suke, Tennen, U-MA, TAC, TAKA, and Kimisawa Yuuki, following them were the band members Val (Dr), Sato(Ba), TAKUMI(Gt), CHACHAMARU(Gt), YOU(Gt), and lastly GACKT himself was called upon. He appeared looking dignified, dressed in a suit with his short permed hair combed back and wearing glasses, leisurely heading to the stage in the audience’s thunderous applause. This chapter of the party has finally begun.
To start, they did a reflection session, looking back at the 42 performances of the “VISUALIVE” that has recently concluded. In this corner, the members will read out their reflections, and GACKT will judge whether they should have 「More expectation」 or do 「More reflection」, while U-MA, who is a descendant of Matsuo Basho (famous Edo period poet), makes an overall comment. The penalty, will be an extremely bad tasting drink which is a staple of this party. They used the GACKT original blend of “Noni juice” and “Japanese green gentian tea”, bringing a plucky smile to GACKT’s face
First off was You-Suke, who “reflected” on his body’s inflexibility despite him being a dancer. GACKT’s Instagram video of You-Suke’s spartan training was shown, and drew laughter from the audience. Following that, he included emcee Madoka’s flaws, which started GACKT’s random issuing of 「More reflection」, and relentless judgements, even on the staff who came flying in carrying the penalty drinks. 「Just now, he said 『Shoten』 is the person who brings the floor cushion right? “Yamada-kun”, bring 4 glasses (the number of people plus 1)!」 GACKT ordered, and the unexpected event of “Yamada-kun” also being subjected to the penalty game unfolded.
Then, Madoka exposed GACKT’s own “offences” which included the existence of a costly hand microphone which was created especially for the “VISUALIVE” but was not used in the end, and the costumes which were used for the filming of 「Kugutsu no Gotoku」 that had no air holes and caused the wearer to be unable to even see what’s in front, and that they had to wear such torturous outfits while waiting for 13 hours then complete the filming through much hardship only to have it all completely cut. GACKT was asked to reflect on it but, with a sharp look in his eye that scared them, he said「In my heart, I am feeling sorry about it」.
GACKT looked like he was about to take the penalty but, he started looking around him, saying「I can’t compete with myself so...」, and in the end, Rassan, the youngest, became the sacrifice. When they stuffed tissues dipped in the extremely disgusting drink into his nose, Rassan groaned「It stinks! This is hell～」but he looked as if it wasn’t affecting him badly. To that, GACKT laughed and said「You’re pretty perverted (laughs)」. Then, the Haiku that U‐MA recited were mostly not in the 5-7-5 syllable format, and his withering form drew laughter from the crowds too.
Next, in the「Kimi Dake no Baba de Iru Kara」corner, using their original cards, the event heated up in a game of, keeping the “Old Maid” instead of trying to lose it. A psychological game unfolded as they tried to read each other’s expressions instead of relying purely on the luck of what kind of cards get into your hand. The winners of the preliminary rounds, CHACHAMARU, Val, TAKUMI, and Yuuki, entered a separate room to play one round with each other, and the game was shown on the monitor to the audience. During which, GACKT said「Val’s body type, looks exactly like Kirisho’s (Kiryuuin Sho)」.
Following a fierce fight between CHACHAMARU and Val, Val got victory in his hands, and the 4 of them returned to the stage. The next challenge consisted of Val, the grand champion of the afternoon session You‐Suke, YOU, and GACKT.「You-Suke is the luckiest guy this year. Val worked hard and increased his “LAST VISUALIVE” luck. YOU really just has no luck. If he’s lucky do you think he would’ve met me?」said GACKT. 「YOU aside, if these two win here, I believe their monetary lucks will shoot up from here on」he added, entrusting the road to better personal luck to the results of the game. Not only was the feeling of involvement increased as the LOVERS predicted the winner of the game in their tables, they were even more delighted when GACKT said「Next year, if there’s a chance like this, I’d want to play with the strongest ones among all of you」.
This time, there were 8 types of playable cards but, he mentioned the idea of increasing it to 16 types (※GACKT also later added that he would like everyone’s ideas on what kind card effects should be used) and including it in the next Platinum Box. The audience’s winning member predictions were set forth all at once, and it was found that most tables picked either GACKT or Val. The players’ hands were shown to the audience on the monitors but, the players themselves had to play the game wearing headphones which kept them in a state of being blocked off from the information.
YOU briefly got the upper hand, but in the later stage of the game, You-Suke was locked in psychological warfare with GACKT, which GACKT won. With the card between his fingers, he kissed elegantly, and received a standing ovation.
From among the members of the tables who guessed that GACKT would win, their numbers were further reduced through a game, and the final 2 who were left were presented with a “Mental Reset” and a “BIG Gakucchi” stuffed toy (to be released in the 5th week of July for UFO catcher machines in arcades nationwide) straight from GACKT, and receive firm handshakes from him. At this point, the time was around 22:50 but there was still no sign to the end of the party.
The next corner was named the「LVL (LAST VAKA LESSON)」, a competition to decide who was stupid. A video was played, the members were gathered in a meeting room with long tables, and appeared to be taking an academic aptitude test. GACKT leisurely entered the room (although he was late… ...) with a Totoro uchiwa fan which he found in a stationery shop in a shopping area along the way, mumbled “Cute～ (moeru～)” ended up getting. Even as Kurohachi sensei (Madoka) threw a fit, he kept a poker face.
Repeatedly warning the “students” to not fool around and fill up the test properly, Kurohachi sensei also said that the test results will be announced during the birthday party on July 4. With that video, the members’ answers were released to the audience. For example, in National Language (Japanese), one of the questions required them to fill in the blank in「Kawaii ko ni wa ______」(kawaii ko can either refer to a child or a girl). The correct answer was「Kawaii ko ni wa tabi wo saseyo (If you love your children, send them out into the world)」but, TAKUMI answered with「(If you love a girl, [give your]) LINE ID」, and the audience burst into laughter and applause.
In other words, the game is largely a competition in the Ogiri sense, and to GACKT’s own sweet answer 「(If you love a girl, ）kiss her」, the audience sighed and clapped.
After that, the inevitable dangerous answers that would have been omitted if they were on a TV program sparked a roar of laughter, as GACKT repeated his fixed line sulkily「That’s because you told me to『write』～」. His exchange with the members was as lively as a group of juniors and seniors from a boys’ school messing around in the classroom. The unguarded exchange that only occurs in the setting of a fanclub event where an intimate relationship of trust has been established, and GACKT’s relaxed expression as he enjoyed himself were impressive.
The final result had GACKT scoring the highest, and the lowest ranking one was Kimisawa Yuuki, who managed to get 3rd or 4th place in terms of score, but found himself at the bottom because his answers were too serious. GACKT awarded him the bright red “o-VAKA cloak” and put it around his bare body, put on a sash for him that said “LVL 1 Baka”. At the hilarious sight of him wearing the crown too, GACKT genuinely burst out laughing, describing Yuuki perfectly as「a Superman who failed his transformation (laughs)」.
The time was 23:43. It appeared that July 4 would pass without any signs of plans that point to the birthday and there was some impatience at waiting for a progression, when finally「What are we gathered here for?」(Madoka),「Birthday!」(audience), with that exchange, everyone sang「HAPPY BIRTHDAY」together. While GACKT immediately stuffed himself with the blueberries that were on the huge cake which was brought up, he said「This (cake), will be on display in the lobby」, delighting the audience.
Before he blew out the candles, he accidentally said「I wish for everyone’s happiness… ...」, then exclaimed「Ah! I can’t say these things aloud?」, showing a rare and charming sight of him wavering. GACKT then said,「Well, something else then」and redid it. I wonder, what was it that he wished for in his heart?
Waving to the fans in an elegant gesture, then looked back on his life, saying「So I’ve turned 43. I was 26 when I went solo… ...」. A few days ago, when he was talking to TAKUMI about MALICE MIZER, he revealed that he didn’t know about GACKT’s activities back then, and GACKT began to talk about it, saying「I used to do these with Kami (Drums / passed away suddenly in 1999)」while showing videos of the piano solo, drum solo.
Then, as he looked back on meeting YOU and CHACHAMARU and the other members, turning 30, and then before long, 40. With deep emotion, he said「In the past I could not imagine (myself turning 40)」. He posed a question to the audience,「Surprisingly, growing older isn’t that bad right?」. He then added「You see, me growing older like this, it’s possible because there is everyone to share it with right? I think that’s amazing」. And with regards to celebrating his 44th birthday next year, he said「I believe that everyone here, too, is able to feel “I’ll work even harder too”」. Despite that he has his own activities, his thoughts for the lives of each one of the LOVERS were more prominent.
「I think that chasing after me, is tiring isn’t it. I’m fickle-minded, if I don’t do what I thought of I won’t settle, I don’t know where I’m going. Despite all of that, thank you for sticking with me and believing in me」he said, repeating the same gratitude that he spoke of during the “VISUALIVE” MC. All the LOVERS who had been constantly smiling until just now, were listening attentively to GACKT’s earnest words.
「When I am able share time together like this, I can feel that “I worked hard too”. That’s why, I want to become an even more wonderful version of myself」he connected, using all the words he can to convey the relationship between him and the fans is one of mutual enhancement.
Next, video comments from artistes who are also his friends were shown on screen. While eating the berries, GACKT interjected with sharp-tongued comments, watching it with a smile from start to end. Lined up were Kiryuuin Sho first, who kept a low profile from start to end, and said「As much as possible, continue your guidance and encouragement to me… ... 」, next was DAIGO who praised「No matter how old GACKT-san is, you’ll always be KSK (Kakkoii・Sugoi・Kakkoii - Cool・Amazing・Stylish) !」, and lastly was HYDE.
「Come to think of it, 43 is an unlucky year… or isn’t it?」he said, starting with a comment that sounded familiar to one that he made during GACKT’s 42nd birthday. He then continued while laughing「When we met you were like a clever handsome young man, like Dekisugi-kun (from Doraemon)」,「Now you’re exactly like the scary athletic older brother though (laughs). I’ve had a glimpse of that since back then」, referring to memories of『MOON CHILD』(2003 / GACKT original movie). Speaking slowly with a gentle tone, he spoke of the time when he had to read a script with GACKT in GACKT’s dark house which had no lighting, and of GACKT’s fridge having nothing but wine, and of proceeding to read using a lighter as a light source but having problems because it got hot, among other instances.
「Something sexy about GACKT of that time! Using only one bathrobe」「I wondered『Is he hugging it today… …?』(laughs)」as he cracked a joke, the audience broke into laughter.
GACKT, who received the congratulatory messages, met HYDE at a certain bar to get him to read the script of『MOON CHILD』, calling it the “start of a romance”. He recounted the exchange, when HYDE was hesitant, saying「I, have never acted before?」, and GACKT persuaded him with「It’s already been decided in me. HYDE’s character won’t work unless it’s HYDE doing it」. To conclude, he said「Before we knew it, we’ve both already reached such an age」. In that gentle tone, we could feel the special, warm friendship of two people who have continued running down a long path together.
And lastly, the traditional song by the members as a present. Instead of「Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto」which was sung in the afternoon session, in the evening, the members took turns singing「LOVE LETTER」. Despite that their voices were sometimes at risk of being turned inside out and sometimes the pitch was being compromised, everyone’s passionate feelings were brought forth as they held each other around the shoulders and swayed.
Sitting on the sofa, GACKT watched the members with a smile but, at the destructive cacophony that came during the big chorus when they all sang together, he burst out laughing, bending over backwards. ♪Aishiteru … … With that phrase, the song concluded and they exclaimed「GACKT, happy birthday!」. As everyone clapped for him, GACKT himself also clapped.
「For now, we’ve reached the end of the “LAST VISUALIVE” yesterday, we shall head for the world tour which is starting next, and I hope to bring something even better」,「When we do the return performances in Japan again in 2017, it’ll be something that will make you feel『As expected, it’s great that I came』even if you’ve already memorised all the songs. It’ll make you wonder, is this really the same stage? I want to deliver the special world of “LAST VISUALIVE” to you」he said, expressing his resolve. The stage was praised to be of a masterpiece’s quality but, GACKT said「Even I don’t know how much I can do, I can see the challenges」, not forgetting the humble and objective perspective. He then promised「With this thought in my heart, I want to continue working hard from here on to be able to deliver smiles to everyone」.「Until then, everyone, work hard too. Because we will do our best too. Thank you for celebrating with me like this today!」, he said, thanking everyone again, before leaving the stage while throwing plenty of kisses to the audience.
When it ended, it was 15 minutes past midnight. It was a far longer event that expected, and it would have been physically taxing but, that extraordinary intimacy is quintessential of GACKT, and part of his powerful charm. Full of GACKT JOB’s strong love for GACKT, and of course the great love that GACKT has for his LOVERS, it was one unforgettable party.
Source: Excite.co.jp
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
[NEW PHOTO] Othellonia Twitter - Aug 01
GACKT's & Nihi P's shot off at the time of CV recording (ΦωΦ)! !
CV収録時のGACKTさん＆にひPさんのオフショット(ΦωΦ)！！ #オセロニア pic.twitter.com/ocV7l0BbR1
— リリア@逆転オセロニア公式 (@Othellonia_info) August 1, 2016
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA
[NEW PHOTO] MAX MURAI TWITTER - Aug 01
From 6pm today on Othellonia
GACKT-san's monster appears!! Video here!
GACKT vs Max Murai!
Othellonia Showdown! [The loser gets a penalty] - YouTube
オセロニアで本日18時からCV GACKTさんのモンスター登場です！！動画はこちら！
GACKT vs マックスむらい！逆転オセロニア対決！【負けたら罰ゲーム】 - YouTube https://t.co/nBH1Rs2HgS pic.twitter.com/Jcfxf4AL6x
— マックスむらい (@entrypostman) August 1, 2016
Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team
Translation © GACKT ITALIA