Miyavi talks about LOVE

Original interview: Neo: Vol. 002 (2005)
Text: Hiroko Yamamoto
Translation: Jessica Rains

Photoshoot location is Seoul. While in the cold getting over a wind chill that was -20 C, humming songs, and signing for local fans that he met by accident on the road, Miyavi overcame the hard location with a smiling face. Furthermore, this interview with Miyavi, who has been flying, bing-bing, to each Asian country with a neighborly feeling, has the blunt theme of "love." Even though he said unwillingly "To make the cold even worse, what's with this cold theme?" (laugh), He thoroughly tell us about "friendship" "family" "love for humankind" "self love" "romance".

"Love for Friends"

-Will you point out what friends are to you?

"The definition is, a person who has an influence on me, or I influence... In other words humans who influence each other."

-Like motivating each other?

"Yes, yes."

-What about friends that you can open up to right when you first met? Isn't friends like being able to say what you want to say to each other?

"Aa, I haven't really had friends in that way. 'Cause, from the viewpoint of being open, then even Sai-chon (his manager) must be a friend? Even at the office, the people around there are also like that."

-So you can say anything to you manager?

"I say: EVERYTHING. Therefore, I haven't thought about friends as basically being someone you open up to."

-Well, what would it be then? To you, are friends close to being rivals?

"..there's probably that too, and therefore, it's not the case that you're not open with each other, then. As for friends, what are they.... what?" (laugh)

-They're not something you make by just going 'I'm gonna make a friend' and pushing it. Like then you'll notice, that you aren't getting along anymore. Even best friends, even though they aren't here now someday you probably will naturally make one.

"Isn't that so. As for me, being together all the time isn't really my forte, you know. If it was, I wouldn't be writing things like "ippiki ookami ron" (a song from the album "galyuu") would I?" (laugh)
(*note: "ippiki ookami ron" = "lone wolf discourse" or "lone wolf theory")

-Yeah, yeah. But, there were times you were together with someone, right?

"Well, yeah. 'Cause in like Jr. High and High School, in an instant, there was a time that I also lost a place to go to."

-Like the time you quit soccer?

"Yes, yes. Cause there was also a time when I couldn't help doing only bad things, and I was open with the friends I had at that time as well. But there was no purpose to it. Loitering at convenience stores, stealing mopeds (laugh)."

-In those days about how many friends were you around?

"There were a lot. Like ten people? But the instant I started enjoying playing music, I didn't see them anymore. Inside, I began to think that spending time like that was a waste of time. Spending time with friends is important I suppose, but being together in itself becoming the purpose, and it becoming like a force of habit or like tepid water, I think, that is so different."

-However, you need courage when getting away from those friends that you used to hang out with?

"You do. So we fought (laugh)."

-What was it that they said?

"You know. When they started talking about "You haven't been around lately," I'd go, "'Cause now I've become obsessed with music." I got so sick of that (laugh). Perhaps, once I got a mile they probably got jealous of me, but I think that is something that can't be helped. And so, I think just as that friendship is not something you can find, dreams are not something you find either. Therefore, other than Saichon who I talked about earlier, I want to make friends with someone who will head towards the same goal with the same speed that I do."

-More than a friend, like the feeling of a companion?

"Yes. I think it is that feeling. Ultimately, if you ask why make friends, after all it is because you want to isn't it? I think that we live life in search for connections, and family is like that also, and I think that is an inevitable act. Like making a wheel. Well, it's the same for friends, family, and lovers as well, but it's something that exists beside the idea of how you want to live as a single human being. On the other hand, I think that you have to hang out with someone respecting "how this person wants to live," you know."

-For each other as a single human being.

"Yes. So to me, the definition of "friendship" is, a relationship where you respect each other as a person. So I suppose the basis for me wanting to make friends is, Does my partner have me? Or do they not have me? Are we open, and like, if we are compatible and having fun, that comes next. Because, my friend's happiness is my happiness I suppose, but first before that, there is no meaning to it if I am not being myself, right? Therefore, I think one will become friends with someone who advances to the same vector at the same speed, not what kind of occupation you have. For example, like I am walking around in a gym or something."
(*note: you know how gyms have a walking/jogging path that runs in a big circle on the inside? He is talking about walking on that sort of thing.)

-Like training your body?

"Yeah. Like a rugby player, and a musician or something, various people talking together. But, that's because there is something you have to do together."

-Like there is something you're aiming for, right?

"Yes. Though, it isn't a relationship in which you go places and do things together. But even not having that sort of thing, you can still be friends. I think that that kind of thing is also friendship. Therefore, it is a human being who has a sense of the purpose of influencing each other."

-So, some advice for people who are worried because they can't make friends, or they don't make friends well.

"First, isn't it probably a good thing to think well about why friends are important to you? I think, friends, like music, they have to support you. Humans, I suppose, since they live alone, they therefore nestle down together with their companions such as friends, and that makes life go smoother, I'd say."

-Yes, yes.

"So that, like I said earlier, you'll make friends when you'll make them. And also, for example, when you've fought with your friends or like, when your opinions have split apart, if you put yourself in their shoes, and if you can't come to a consent there either, and if you still think it is unreasonable, you split up. That is just the way it is, you know? Because I think if a relationship is not 50/50 than it is no good, right? In case, if you are walking in the same direction, if the time comes, then you can nestle together again, right?"

-For example, splitting apart when there is a turning point, like wanting to continue school or something?

"Yeah. Partings have a tendency to be taken so negatively, but from the first time you meet, there is a parting isn't there? If you think about it oppositely, because there are partings, there are also meetings, maybe? So, it depends on how you think. And, if you say why are there friends, it's because they help each other out though you are living alone, and worrying about not having any friends, I think is sort of misplacing the importance."

-So you're saying that it's wrong to say that not having any friends is lonely?

"That is like saying you can't live by yourself, don't you think? When I was a background member, I couldn't have done the live without the others. But I can play a live by singing and playing by myself. It's just that in a band style, you can't really do that. But for example, if I wonder what to do when I think I want to do a live in a band, then I have to create the music myself if I want them to play behind me. But if they think "uh, no," and because I wont do it then, it'll be a 50/50 relationship. Therefore, to me, my friends are not a lukewarm relationship. I think it's a relationship in which human comrades who have the will to stand on their own are able to influence each other. All right, that wrapped up really cool. (laugh)"

"Family Love"

-First, please tell me about you family structure?

"(bitter smile) Eeh? Miyavifuta and......Miyaviyoshi, Miyavitarou, and so on...."

-Please tell us for real.

"Well, it's really typical. A typical nuclear family (laugh). Father, mother, younger sister, "Puchi" the dog, "Tarou" the cat, and "Mokichi" the turtle, and..."
(*"Puchi" kinda sounds like "pooch", "Mokichi is a very very old name, very fitting for a turtle, I think)

-(laugh) Is that made up?

"And then Sekiguchi-kun the budgie"
(* "budgerigar" or "budgie", is Australian, and is almost the same as a parakeet - called sekiseiinko by Japanese)

-What is your oldest memory from when you were little?

"Tracing my memories... well, I am kind of weak at that. I think it just was as it was. I liked Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. I was already dancing my the time I could walk. (laugh)"

-From that times, you weren't shy I suppose?

"Rather than shy, I begged for attention, I'd say. If I'd go to a toy store, I'd say, "Gimme this." And when I would nag my grandma about it, it was like I would ignore the ones lined up at the shelves. The cheap ones (laugh)."

-You chose by price?

"I don't know, but it was like I targeted the ones in the glass case that were super metal alloy. Not the kind of toy that would float in the bathtub."

-So you were a grandma's boy, then. Were you taken to various places with her?

"She took me out for snacks a lot, and she always sang. Like Segawa, Akiko's "Inochi Kurenai" and her specialties (laugh). Like singing and getting fried onigiri, it was that kind of thing."

-What about memories of going to department stores and amusement parks with your family?

"From the time I was in elementary school I did soccer, so I don't have many memories about it. I have seen it in pictures. Like going skiing, and going to the ocean. But I can't remember it. Even what I said a little while ago, was basically something I was told by my mom later."

-Well, what about memories of when you made someone angry when you were little, or were reprimanded for something?

"Of course, I have those memories. But I don't recollected being yelled at. It wasn't like 'HEY THERE!'"

-Like, "go study."

"Because I studied (laugh). Because when I didn't, I wouldn't have the privilege of playing soccer or doing music. When there is nothing to satisfy you it, it's like you don't have a say, you know? That was already the time I was an elementary school student. But there are many factors for why I have come to think of it like that. Like I actually enjoyed learning."

-What about when you were to do what you were told or else?

"No, they didn't tell me in that way. I think on the contrary, if I was told to do something, I wouldn't do it. (laugh)"

-You weren't told to do anything, on the other hand?

"I think that sort of thing was my parents letting me do as a please. Therefore, even when I went to Tokyo when I was 17, the day I left I reported to my mom "I am going now" and I could just go. Of course, I think she as like "What are you saying?" but..."

-Well, when children suddenly say things like that to their parents, they'd get surprised.

"I think they were like "Huhhh?", but in the end the relationship was like one in which they could say "Take care, then." So, like a respect or something."

-So would you say you are grateful for that kind of upbringing they gave you?

"Yeah, you know. Even when I have my own child, I think I want to raise them that way, and if he is pushed to study by me, then I can't enjoy his company, I think. Kinda like "You can choose your life." Even though it wasn't that I was told with those words, but that it showed that kind of attitude."

-When you said 'I want to buy a guitar'?

"It'll be 'If you buy it yourself?'"

-So they supported your independence?

"Yeah. I think so."

-But about your father, until now you haven't spoken much with him.

"Yeah. 'Cause he lived separated from us...... And I always hated him (laugh)."

-Did you also fight when you were in your rebellious stage?

"Moderately (laugh). At that time, what I hated, was the instant I realized that the blood of the father that I hated was also flowing in my blood. And now because I've come to the realization that if my father wasn't there, I wouldn't have been born, and I inherited good traits and bad traits, and whether I improve them or not is up to how I think. You know what I mean?"

-Because you grew up, you came to think like that, but surely there were also times when you wouldn't allow yourself to think like that, right?

"Yeah. But after that, I didn't even have the time to think about it. My band breaking up, going solo, and because my life was busied, there became a distance with my dad, and I didn't have the time to think about our relationship. I just rather didn't. Though I have been conversing with other people lately. Therefore, as for family...., if I am not my grandma's child, and not my parents child either, then I am me. Because I have parents who give me that respect, I am here now, and to me, "family love" is the connection of person to person."

-A little while ago, you said his blood also flowed in your blood, but what times did you feel that?

"....accidentally. At times when I was recognized like "that was just like your father now" or "that was like my mother just now" and such, that things that I do, are things my parents also did. And there was an emotional part to it I suppose. Times like "I wonder if feeling in this way may be my father's feelings," or times that I feel both sides inside me."

-Like when you get emotional or something?

"Rather, when I get unemotionally emotional. Emotions that don't take on very many colors."

-On the contrary what is it like when you are like your mother?

"I wonder what's the reverse side. It's hard to put it into words well but.....so, this probably strays a bit from the subject of family love, but in my genealogy, my generation now is in active service you know? The Genealogical Representatives (laugh). There seems to be a consolation match inside of me."
(*"consolidation match" is like a race for second chance. If a player or a team loses once, they play the game again to be given a qualification to participate in the game a second time.)

-So that is in connection with your nouveau riche concepts?
(*"nouveau riche" = getting better and being proud of it)

"Yes, yes. In me."

-So do you think that way as for family love too?

"As for family, it is a sense of kinship. For example, like right now, even me involuntarily drinking orange juice, is decided by blood, and is about DNA. It's not the case that I was made from nothing, but because I'm a single thing that was always been piled up upon, I have all of that, and I am like a representative of my family, and so by no means do I not appreciate my family. Just, I don't want to play games with my family's name."

-Are you talking about your surname?

"Rather than that, it's like, even if my father was like a very powerful and important person, I wouldn't want to use his power. Just like having pride in my family like "I'm the child of the vice president." More plainly said, doing things with my own ability. Not particularly denying the 2nd, or 3rd generations, I want to live that way."*
(*note: Ok, I have to explain this: This is a Japanese cultural/history lesson, told to me by my gracious host father, Jiiko! Ok, so literally, Miyavi said, "Even if my father is Mito Koumon, I would not want to pull out that inro." Mito Koumon was like the vice president type of person, underneath Mr. Tokugawa who was the guy in power during the Tokugawa period. And an inro was kind of like a snuff pouch - tobacco was put in there. But on the outside of it, there would be the mark of whoever it belonged to. So if his father was Mito Koumon, and he would pull out his father's inro, which of course, has his surname written on it, and whoever he passed would bow down and let him do as he please because he is Mito Koumon's son. Using his father's status and power to get what he wants instead of working hard to earn them himself. That is something that Miyavi is saying he does not want to do. He wants to respect the name, but not use it, because he could gain so much more by getting success with his own ability.)

-Well, what about you being thankful towards your family?

"I really appreciate that they allow me to think this way. Because I was not particularly taught it. Not even once, have I been told "live this way," and I have thought for myself, because I felt I could think for myself. Like lions often push their children down into ravines, you know? Well, I tend to think "Hey you've never pushed me!!" but (laugh), it is no good if the parent makes a bridge for them to cross over the valley. If the children must cross that bridge, they must make it themselves."

-For example, do you sometimes halt or something when you return home?
(*home refers to where he grew up.)

"Ahh. I don't halt, but more like fidget. (laugh)"

-(laugh) So you're restless. Where are you more settled down?

"When I am working (laugh). When I am at home I am unsettled because I am REALLY restless."
(*home refers to where he grew up.)

-Well, even this interview in Korea, will you be restless when your work is over?

"Well, actually yesterday night, I watched a movie in my room, but that was ok. Having a vacation is so, like, unbearable actually (laugh)."

-No need to be refreshed.

"Because there is such a feeling of being stopped. It's better if you're going toward a purpose."

-So that temperament must be the DNA, I suppose?

"Definitely, I think so. (laugh)"

"Love for humankind"

-Miyavi, in your youth you have gone overseas for lives and campaigns quite a bit (Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, America, etc.) so you must have felt a lot of things?

"Now many times in Korea too, but no matter where I go, the signs in the city all look like yakiniku stores (laugh)."

-Even though you love it, you can't eat it because of food restrictions, so you just can't stand it.

"Yes, fish, fish, fish (here he suddenly started singing fish, fish)"

-(bitter smile) What about what you feel when you come in contact with the people?

"Well, it's different for each country, but, this time, what I felt, a little while ago durign the photo shoot, there were tons of doves flying around weren't there? I thought it was so pretty. But if you look at each, single bird, they're dirty, (laugh) but the instant that they flew up all at once like "paaa" makes a link, and thought it was amazingly pretty! And so, from up above in the sky, this street also probably looks pretty, I think. It's the same with humans. Not looking at them separately as yellow people, white people, black people, but when looking down from above, you should see it as the beautiful workings of life, I think."

-Well, you just want to wrap it up already.

"Now, that's how you do it smo~othly (laugh). Taking it from doves to love of humanity."

-High speed, ne (laugh). Have you thought about things like 'Even though their words and culture are different, aren't they still humans, just the same.?'

"I think that too. If the culture is REALLY different, customs are also different, and words and nuances are also different, but feelings like "laughing, crying, anger, happiness" are the same. I think that is so wonderful."

-Have you thought about it during lives?

"Well, watching TV is like that too. Even yesterday, I watched a movie called "AI ROBOT", and this creeeepy humanoid robot came out, but I wonder, like, we too will someday become like dinosaurs."

-Like that someday won't we all be extinct?

"Yeah, yeah. Or, like at different level from that time. I mean, come on, after all, they didn't think that would happen during the dinosaur age either, right? In time, humans will also probably end up being like fossils. Though humans can't live without resources, computers don't care about not having resources you know? It is possible that they can even become far more intelligent that us, when that happens I wonder if someday humans will become unnecessary."

-When you watched the movie, you suddenly thought that?

"That is something I've always been thinking about, lately. On the topic of whether everyone even 10 years from now will wear the popular brands of today, when I thought about what humans are like, I wondered when the end will come someday. Like when we really decompose, won't we become 3rd or 4th dimension or something. Now there is still a level surface like the internet. In time, we could come up with a simulation that has the same kind of construction as this world."

-Like the movie "Matrix?"

"Ahh, yeah, yeah, like that. I think that the visionary ratio is increasing more and more. In short, it's the same as the transitioning of CDs to digital music, little by little. Very much like "Matrix." It's "NEO." "NEO" (laugh)"

-Again, you trying to wrap it up

"But I think its becoming very important to see things from that said viewpoint. For example, didn't they do that "Band Aid 20" (Paul McCartney, Bono, and Radiohead among others participated) in England the other day? Wasn't it a charity event? When thinking about the significance of the existence of music, I think they probably ended up there. Not just music, but also thinking about the existence of the individual."

-Discussing "why do we make music"?

"Yeah. Why do we do it? It comes naturally to think that we want to be directly linked to "living". So that kind of event is also love for humanity. Now what I'm doing myself is all I can do, but someday when I sympathize with the effort, I will think that I should do something."

-Do a charity live?

"...I don't know if I'd do that or not, but not like 'That'll be cool', but with real importance, when I sympathize with that intent, I think I should say something, and when I must say something I want to have the strength just to say it perfectly."

-Right, right. Yet, you felt that you didn't see anything in particular in going overseas, then. Like just a neighborly sense, or like doing lives at various places at a flat stance?

"Yeah, right. But, if I were a comedian, I'd probably give up (laugh). Because there are common understandings of things that don't use words, like music, you can just do it naturally. Whether it echoes in their hearts or not, you know? Because I plan to sing more about the essence of life, I don't really mind what field it's in. As long as there are people, right? Like, even if I get elephants and crocodiles to listen, I wonder if they will really understand.... (laugh)"

-Overseas isn't limited to Asia either right?

"It isn't. Asia is close by, and similar to Japan."

-Though, the meaning there is changing isn't it?

"Changing? Well, it is music, you know. As long as we don't pay attention to the barriers, because music is unyielding. It is just the natural tendency. Well now, thanks to the fact that people who created www (the world wide web) didn't get patents, you can see information from every country in the world, you know (laugh)? Surfing the internet, I see I have fans all over the world, and there was that sort of thing even when I went to America in the end of the year. Even on the other side of the world, people look at me in America, and they don't get it. Like "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING HERE?". But, because I wasn't being like all up-beat Miyavi, people were like "IS THERE SOMETHING ON YOUR FACE?", but (laugh). However...."

-Like you can't pull it off ALL the time.

"Right. However, it isn't particularly like my duty to be like that, it is a style that I want to have down pat. Because there are people listening all over the world. My English is kind of r-A-n-D-o-M you know? But because I want to convey something, I do it, and I do it because there are humans to hear it. Even in my HP, I get fan mail from all over."

-There really are fans from all over, then?

"Yeah. Not just in Asia and America, but also Germany and France, Mexico and Canada..."

-It must be really exciting for you, then.

"Well, that sort of thing, like the style of like wearing makeup etc. like us, is becoming like a culture. However, because of that, I think that you have to give the spiritual part importance too. It's not a game with the idea of visual kei, you don't play around with playing music, or with the message... After all, this is not a time where 'if it is visual kei it'll sell,' and it runs into the talk about family, but the time for talking about one's heraldry of generations has already past. I'm content with that, so the way it is now, I want to do a good job, really."
(* He's saying that, like before when he talked about not wanting to use his surname to attain success, it is sort of that way with music. Being a Visual Kei artist is not going to bring you instant success, because it isn't the hottest thing on the market right now. That is why it is not just some game. The people who are in it are doing it for real. There is a very spiritual aspect to it. They really want to transmit these messages and images and feelings, not just get fame and dance around and have fun.)

-Right, right.

"Therefore, in connection to what I talked about a little while ago, about "living" as a being a theme for communication between humans, that is something I want to sing about."

-Changing the subject, before, during your campaign you said that Asian girls were so cute, didn't you?

"I meant like they're pure, you know (laugh)? Yesterday, I said this when I got the interview in a (Korean) magazine as well, but I said "Japan is an advanced country, and is probably more wealthy than your country, but accordingly there are many things that we've lost, and I think those are things you guys have. I think that is amazing." Like saying they're pure is kind of odd, but I feel a lot of naive things. I think the motive power of when you don't know anything is awesome, and so, that's also what I mean when I think they're cute. Well, however, Japanese girls are cute too! Even at Narita Airport on my way here, I was called by some students on a field trip, and I thought they were cute. "Sorry, I just woke up" (laugh)"

-You've also signed autographs for boys too. Well, in aiming to be musician, is it like being a bridge between Japan and the world or something?

"No, no, me, as a Japanese person, it's just I profess it to the world. Not particularly a bridge, or those kinds of things. Finally, rock is something that originated in the West, but then it picked up right along with the attitude of Japanese people. There are Japanese and Americans and Koreans, but not on that level, I want to be someone who the people of the world can listen to."

"Self-love"

-Please tell us what you think your Charm Points are.

"Mine? Right now, the fact that I want to have a fourth glass of orange juice, but it is hard for me say that I think "That's probably bad."

-(chuckle) Besides that?

"Everything other than that, I wonder..."

-Well, do you think you are narcissistic with yourself?

"Narcissist or something like, not such a nice word. More like egoist."

-Like in what, for example?

"For example, I am extreme in my views, but I think one has to throw out ego."

-Huh?

"Don't you think? I also think that in spite of being an egoist, being able to say those kinds of things carelessly is egotistical, probably."

-I don't really get it.

"We talked about love of your neighbors, didn't we? Hateful guys, and even detestible guys, what's important for them to coexist, is that they have to love. When one repays a minus factor with a minus factor, it's not that they'll just collide, but they'll disappear."

-When they are hateful towards each other, right?

"It doesn't mean anything, does it? So, that is also why wars happen, and I think that a showdown between feelings is a war."

-Like a confrontation between desires or something?

"Cause like, there is pattern A and pattern B, and if I were to think "A is better," and if it becomes something like let's be better to each other, there really isn't a reason to battle, is there? Should it be A, or should it B. Like, can you put yourself in your partner's position and think about it a little or not. A conflict of opinions and a conflict of feelings are different, absolutely. Because it's common sense that human's have different viewpoints, and also that opinions will also collide, when that happens and there is an argument of feelings, you can't coexist if one of you does not give back a plus factor, right? So, in that situation, one must throw out one's ego. If you think it's for your own sake, the person who throws it out wins."

-So you're connecting that with the fact that you said you are an egoist?

"Well, after all, coexisting is ultimately for your own sake, right? Even if your opinions are split, pattern A to pattern B, you will or will not be able to talk to each other about what you feel is for your sake. So going back to loving your neighbor, I say you must love the detestible guys too. When I think that is basically for my sake, I think that is kind of egotistical."

-Indeed. Though, I don't really feel that you're the type that loves yourself, and is always looking at yourself in the mirror.

"No, I look at myself. And look and look and look. (laugh) Yeah, butt naked (laugh)."

-You probably watch yourself in the mirror while playing the guitar too, or something?

"Of course, of course. I always have a mirror placed beside my Mac"

-When you are working on your Mac?

"Well, if the mirror is not there, I can't see at myself, then, can I?"

-...................................?

"(laugh) So, I put it there because I can't see myself."

-That said, then, is totally narcissistic don't you think?

"...didn't we get over this? I said I'd rather call it Egoistic (laugh)."

-So you really do like yourself?

"Man. If you're thinking that simplistic, "he looks in the mirror because he likes himself," the meaning becomes really flat"

-(grim smile) Oh sorry.

"Because I like myself, and I want to be better, when I wonder what I have to do for that, I have to watch and evaluate myself. If I wonder how to evaluate myself, I have to look at myself objectively, right? Therefore, I look in the mirror (laugh)."

-It's just that I think that looking at yourself objectively also includes looking inside yourself as well, so you don't really need a mirror for that, don't you think?

"Yeah (laugh)"

-For example, while playing music, for figuring out what kind of expressions you want to use, or something - do you look in the mirror with that sort of feeling?

"More than that, I'm looking objective at my character or something. If you make a comparison to the feeling of others' existence, they probably don't fully understand your own feeling of existence, you know? For example, the sense of your nose, or something. I want to live feeling those things. Talking about the intrinsic point of the act of looking in the mirror."

-So.... do you like praise yourself?

"I praise myself. All the time (laugh)"

-Not that, but when you come home, telling yourself "I did a good job today, didn't I?"and so on.

"Aa, I don't do that (laugh). Perhaps, probably the opposite. Ruminating over the parts that were lacking, and stuff. Or, if something went wrong, I think about what I should do next."

-So you don't really have a sense of rewarding yourself?

"Not a lot. Just, there are situations in which I always praise myself. Believing I'm supreme. When I feel like doing something, I am going to do my own thing by myself as much as possible."

-I see. So then, just one self comes out, then?

"Yeah. Music is like that. Cause if I think like, "Work, you know, it sucks. But I gotta do it..."I wont create anything. "Hey, you like music? You want to do it, and so you are doing it I suppose" - I have it that way."

-Like "Hey, you like interviews? You want to talk, don't you?"

"Nope, don't have that. (laugh)"

-(sigh)

"Well, but that is the same, though. Cause I want to convey music, it I'll talk too."

-Indeed. Sometimes, you write "genius" or something like that on your HP diary. What sort of situations are those?

"When I think up a good phrase, or like when all my laundry is dry, or like when I just got delivery service, and I just barely paid it with no change left, well, that is pretty much genius (laugh). Though of course, I look back on stuff too, you know. Well, it would be a waste if I didn't look back on them. Well, it's common sense that I am a genius (laugh)."

-Please tell us what you think about the importance of this kind of love.

"Ahh, first, which one: do you want to live, or do you want to die? If you think you want to die, that is ok too, but if I want to die, you have to think about the various things that you have sacrificed when you're alive. Cows, horses, pigs, chickens. In addition, all the sperm that couldn't reach the egg that would have birthed a life other than yours (laugh). But, if you think I want to live, how do you want to live? All you have to do is face yourself."

-If you want to live?

"Yeah. You have to love yourself, you know? Isn't that simple? It's not that you cherish yourself so you can cherish others, but I'm saying that after you cherish yourself you can cherish others."

-And that's in connection with the talk about friendship as well. Ok so, specifically, in your daily routine, how do you take care of yourself?

"My facial pack."

"Hahahaha. No, actually, I think what I said before is "ame to muchi"(* candy and whips). Spurring myself up to do what I do is like that, too. No matter how many times I say I will care for myself, only giving myself candy is no good. As for me, going to the gym and running, is part of the things that are like a whip for my own good."

-You mean, sometimes it's important to be strict with yourself as well, right?

"After all, from the time you're born, you can only live as yourself, so you want to die thinking "Myself was good" right? If you can feel good about yourself that way, you will probably take good care of yourself naturally, and respect yourself, ....... that's what I'm talking about. It goes for antisocial people as well, whether you want to live, or you don't want to live."

-Like deciding if you are ready to live, and that sort of thing?

"I won't say that much, but if you want to take good care of yourself, you have to keep your gaze on what is essential. It is the same with music. If I say, why do I want to do music? I feel that it's because for me, it is equally linked with "wanting to live.""

"Romance"

-Lastly, romance is the theme. Well, I'd suppose "romance" is a weak genre for you.

"Not weak. Expert. (laugh)"

-That's the first time I've heard that. So, let's hear about it from you as an expert.

"How you want to be as a person, or because you have to think about how you want to be as a single human being, I think loving for love is bad."

-What do you mean by that?

"After all, if you make love the purpose, for example, like if your lover dies will you also die? Like, are you Juliet (from Romeo and Juliet)? If you're ok with that, then ok, but because I think I am different."

-Well, what if your lover is about to die?

"Can I live that person's part, or not. Can you contemplate it in that way. That's not limited to romance, it's the same for family, lovers, and friends. If there is a world that exists after one dies, perhaps, you'd probably think differently, but putting that topic aside..."

-Have you not put much importance on romance up till now, I suppose?

"I have. I've also had crushes..."

-So, tell us about that...

"No, no, no! Blood will start coming out of my face!* (laugh) Actually, I've had crushes but. Except for when I came across the guitar, or when I did soccer. First, I don't have something. Like, when I am not doing anything."
(*it's an expression often used when someone is really shy or embarrassed about something.)

-Aa, probably like you don't shine if you're not immersed in something.

"Therefore, when I have a crush (or being in love), is when I am not doing anything. I have not had a condition like "Love is Blind", since I started music. Of course, I have been in love. But I haven't been like that was all that I could see. Why, because I had music. That also includes my fans. Before I was doing it myself, I was always in a band, right? When you're in a band those guys are inside you as well, so like, it's more like having sex than playing a jam in a band (laugh). It's probably because that's how I see it, but there's no meaning to it, you know? Nothing is left behind, you know? (laugh)"

-Hahaha. Songs aren't even being born, right?

"Yeah. If you are having an association with people so that it influences you... so that it is a plus as a life experience, because you will not become blind, that will also be reflected in lyrics as well, and I think being in love is a good thing but if that because the main thing in your life.... That's ok just in like movies or TV dramas."

-Hmmm......

"For example, in 30 year-old, and 40 year-old career women, there is like winning group and the losing group? Females like really think about their outlook of marriage in their life, don't they?"

-Like they're the loser if they aren't married?

"Yeah. There are people who see it from that point of view too, but for me, it is totally opposite. Women who don't marry, they're the winners, you know. I'm not saying that getting married and having children is a bad thing, but people who can gain happiness as a single human being, rather than gaining happiness from that, I think is absolutely huge. But there are painful things about it too, you know. That's why I don't put much importance on love, and the percentage of that in comparison to music is very small."

-Incidentally, what percentage?

"Music is 10 times more (laugh)"

-Then there isn't a crevice that love fits into, is there?

"Love is, on occasion, a niche industry (laugh)."

-So you haven't had any trauma where you have lost a great love till now?

"No, I haven't. Cause I think kind of self-centered. Of course, men and women, we don't know from which starts or finishes, you know? But to me, it is the same as from where shall we end. Though you like yourself, in the situation where your partner doesn't like you anymore, you have to improve yourself, you know? Ultimately, what I'm saying is I should just become an attractive person so that the other person likes me."

-Like even in the circumstance that you are dumped?

"Yeah. Without rejecting, the one who comes to you, without following the ones who leaves, I think that is a good stance. Because when you follow, the whole vector changes. I think it doesn't continue to the next, then. After all, it is the same as saying that in order to bring a back member with me I should write music that will make them want to stand on my stage. I should make them think that I want to embrace them (laugh). Therefore, polishing yourself as a person is first priority. Of course, I also don't mind that love is important in a susceptible time, and I think it is also important to be hurt. But before I go "waa~!", I could switch my way of thinking. Tha~at, makes me depressed. But because I have to change the vector, so if I end up following after my partner, I will go to the other side. Cause if I don't switch to a vector to polish myself, I can't advance forward. And so, I don't trail behind."

-You mean you can like, quickly switch your feelings?

"Therefore, that's why I don't make romance so important. I don't obsess over it."

-You obsessing is awful, isn't it?

"Yeah, awful. Because I really think there is no point to it."

-Don't you think you'd like to try out a love that would cause that kind of thinking to break down?

"I don't think so (claiming). I think not."

-You don't think about how you could probably write incredible song tracks, when you have become depressed, and that sort of thing?

"That is something that happens by chance."

-But, not if you kind of guard yourself against it.

"Well, just because I don't think about writing music about that kind of love, I am not particularly guarding myself (laugh). Just, if a song comes out because I experienced that sort of thing, I'd have to be in love, for my whole life, wouldn't I? See, I'm not like that. I just make my own philosophies into songs. Though of course, I'll probably be in love sometime and songs will come out of it. For me, my love has to exist to support myself just as much as friends."

-And by that?

"Cause, if you look at it from the fans' point of view, there isn't any point to it is there (laugh)? If I become like "because I am no good at love, I can't create music" those around me will probably be troubled, and if it becomes subject to that sort of thing, it wont be worth talking about."

-Right, right. That is, of course, what that is, however.

"So, if you ask, why love is equal to songs? Because popular songs are made that way, but originally, songs aren't like that."

-What I want to say, it isn't necessarily limitless to love, but, from the fact that the needle of emotions can sway tremendously, I think that melodies and lyrics can be made. Your heart beating rapidly becomes like a trigger, and what not. I think that if your emotions are flat, it is harder to create music and write lyrics, isn't it?

"Aa, yeah I think that happens. That is something I want to make important. I think who I am now is a balance in the conflict between my life as a musician, and life as a single human being. If I had to choose between the two, I think there is a part of me that is heading in the direction of killing my emotions in my life."

-Because you are stoic, you probably have that side.

"But, as a musician, it is as I said a little while ago, don't you think? See, if you mix in my philosophy, I think that it's good that I can make music by having a good balance. But, actually, my sensitivity isn't particularly fading or anything. It was like that when I went to a musical in America, and now having gone to Korea for an interview here. 'Cause my antenna is stretching to tremendous heights."

-Right, right. Well, for that kind of Miyavi, what kind of existence do females have?

"The Pistil*. The opposite sex."
(* osu/mesu is male/female, and he used plant terms – pistil and stamen.)

-(laugh) Not that...

"You mean stars*?"
(*the reading for the symbol of "sex/gender", is the same reading for star: "sei")

-(grim smile) Does 異星人 mean anything?
(* the symbols "opposite" "star" and "person", instead of "person of the opposite sex" = 異性人)

"Sure, sure. 'Cause there are still, many mystical parts to it. Just can't figure out a woman's heart. (laugh)"