Japanese Visual Metal - Joint Statement
On January 1, the "Japanese Visual Metal Joint Statement" was announced by Moi dix Mois, Versailles, D, and Matenrou Opera, four bands that represent “tanbi” metal, or "aesthetic metal”. It was also announced that the four of them would tour together in September and release a memorial single called "Concerto ~Aesthetic Bloodline~" under the name “JVM Roses Blood Symphony”. Here, we asked the four leaders of each band, who are also the JVM leaders, to talk about how this project came along, and about their thoughts and what this project signifies to them.
To come out of the pandemic.... To create a new scene...
The "team mates" who have sometimes faced each other as rivals, are now on the move together.
—On January 1st, a statement was released on social media by the "Japanese Visual Metal Joint Statement" (here after, “JVM”), a project of four bands: Moi dix Mois, Versailles, D, and Matenrou Opera. The official website of the JVM states : "We have joined forces to break through and come out of the entertainment crisis brought on by the pandemic.” Please tell us again how you arrived at this point.
Kamijo- Around the spring of 2022, when it was still not allowed to have the audience scream/call (koe-dashi) at live performances, I contacted Mana to get some advice. I asked him if there was anything we could do together to get out of the situation brought on by the pandemic. Immediately after the pandemic started, I was faced with the reality of not being able to perform live. The situation then changed and we were able to gradually resume live performances, but I felt that there were still various issues to be addressed.
—Although the restrictions were gradually loosened, there were still times when there were restrictions on movement (*assigned places on the floor with distance, etc), limited admission allowed to live performances, wearing masks and not being able to speak or scream, amongst other things. Was there a fear that this would make it difficult for customers to come back to see live shows?
Kamijo- Those times were definitely the hardest, but I thought that we could maybe overcome it not by the power of one band alone, but by making several bands come together and join forces.
Mana- So far, Moi dix Mois had never really been involved with other bands that much. But when KAMIJO told me about the JVM project, I wondered what it would be like to combine bands with a common worldview and musicality. I decided to participate in this project because it was something I had never done before, and I had high expectations for what could happen.
Kamijo- Once Mana had agreed to join, I turned to ask Asagi and Sono about it.
—Why did you think of inviting D and Matenrou Opera to join JVM ?
Kamijo- I may have been the one who initiated this project, but it was a project that was only possible with Mana's presence and support. Because I wanted to work on this project with people who truly honestly respect Mana and his work, I knew I could entrust Asagi and Sono with the idea for the project. They both, with their bands, have the same passion for aesthetics and music than I do, so it was an obvious choice.
Sono- When Kamijo told me “Wouldn’t it be fun to do that together ?” and invited me, of course I joined. I honestly felt it would be fun.
Asagi- I thought the theme of "overcoming the current situation together" was wonderful. I thought the four bands could be likened to countries on one unique continent. Although each country operates under a different political system, I could imagine the four JVM bands as neighboring countries with similar cultures forming an alliance to overcome a common problem.
—The project was named “Japanese Visual Metal”. I think it's very clear, precise, and easy to get across, but when and who came up with it?
Kamijo- I don’t even remember who started it. I forget who named it, to be honest.
Mana- Wait, but when I first saw the proposal, it was already written “Japanese Visual Metal -tentative title-” though.
Asagi- Kamijo came up with that, no ?
Kamijo- Eh? I did ? At first, I thought it would be enough to just put the names of the four bands together. But then we needed a name for the project, and I think I came up with it tentatively.
Mana- To be honest, when I saw the proposal, I thought "... Mh?” I didn't think that name would be adopted because it was written “tentative title”, so I didn't think much of it. But now, I feel surprisingly comfortable with it. It's simple and easy to understand, and I've come to the conclusion that this is the only way it could’ve gone. Time has solved the problem. It was a natural fit.
Asagi- I also thought it’s easy to understand for people abroad as well.
Mana- Actually, I first announced this project at the Moi dix Mois one-man show we had last December 18th (2022). When we told the audience that we were going to make a joint project with Versailles, D and Matenrou Opera, I heard surprised and happy screeches from the audience. We hadn’t even announced the whole project, so the audience didn't really know what was going to happen, but I really felt the buzz and anticipation of "what is going to happen?!”
—With Moi dix mois celebrating your 20th anniversary, your fans must have been really surprised.
Mana- I mentioned earlier that I haven’t been involved with many other bands, but I’ve always wanted to try out new possibilities. I thought that this might be a time when we need to unite in order to spread our worldview to the world.
Kamijo- When we hear from our fans, the first thing they say is that they see the potential of our four bands working together on a new project. As Asagi mentioned earlier, JVM is truly an "allied force". As the fourth declaration in the joint statement, we announced that the four bands would create a song, "Concerto ~Aesthetic Bloodline~" and perform it during the ZEPP tour in September and October. It seems that many of you have been wondering what kind of music it will be.
—I heard that the tour will be a four-city ZEPP tour, with the four bands playing each their turn in a different order (**he said they would share the “tori”, which if I am not mistaken, will mean there will be one of the bands that will be a little bit of a main point and/or the final band to play that day, or something like that).
Sono- When we first announced the joint statement, we didn't know how things would turn out. But as we gradually worked out concrete plans, we were able to hold a successful pop-up and talk event at Modi Shibuya, announce the ZEPP Tour and the production of the "Concerto”. I can also feel the expectations of the fans.
Kamijo- One of the reasons for launching this project was to break away from the damage caused by the pandemic, but at the same time, we also have a great desire to surprise our fans. The four bands that have come together this time, especially the members present here, have a great spirit of surprise. We also have in common that all four of us have clear ideas, so our meetings go very well. They are always ready to offer opinions that I’m not aware of, but also they never forget to stand up for each other. I think this is because we have a relationship of mutual respect.
—In this well-balanced relationship of mutual respect, Mana's presence is pretty significant, right.
Asagi- Overwhelmingly.
Kamijo- Mana is the symbol of this project. I think that is true for the Visual Kei world as well, but for me, he is just an icon of aestheticism.
Asagi- I think it is interesting to gather people from distant countries with different cultures for a multinational meal (*he's talking about the bands as countries like earlier). However, I think it would be even more wonderful if both the performers and the people who gather there enjoyed themselves by sharing a similar cultural background.
—The band is all rooted in aesthetics, and Mana is the symbol of this aesthetic, which naturally makes your determination stronger.
Kamijo- Right. That's why we can build a better relationship too.
Mana- I've been getting a lot of compliments lately, especially since JVM started working. ...... It’s a little disturbing. I'm happy, but a little embarrassed *bashful smile*.
Kamijo- Musically speaking, Mana is the darkest of all. So, he’s like a black hole if I may.
Sono- Is that… a compliment ? (laughs)
Kamijo- Saying he’s the sun doesn’t really cut it either… Anyways, maybe it’s better if this doesn’t go deeper (laughs).
—Kinda digging your grave, there, aren’t you *laughs*
Asagi- Sono is the youngest of us four, but he has an interesting sense of humor. I think it is good that he can say many things without holding back and making himself small. I think he has a good mindset because he comes on strong (laughs).
Sono- Mana is someone I have admired since I was a band kid, but I feel that I had to break down that mindset in order to work with him from now on. If I don't do that, I won't be able to stand alongside him as a JVM member. I always try to be aware that I have to join the conversation more and more so that people will recognize Matenrou Opera. ...... It is difficult to control that.
Mana- The first time I met Sono, I thought he was very "sophisticated". I’ve never met someone like him before.
Sono- I’m from Hokkaido, though, *laughs* (***I DON’T know what he meant by that I’m so sorry, I searched if Hokkaido people have some type of personality or stereotype like being from the wild Hokkaido countryside would make someone unsophisticated, maybe… ? Like “Oh thanks for thinking I’m sophisticated but I’m just a northern redneck or something… ? I couldn’t find anything so if anyone fan of MO knows what he means please enlighten me lol)
Mana- As a vocalist, I thought his type of voice was a type I had never heard before. I thought his voice was new, as most aesthetic(tanbi) singers have middle tones, but I thought his voice was high and clear. You uploaded a video of you covering a MALICE MIZER song (on Youtube), didn't you? I watched it and wondered if that was your activity during the pandemic?
Sono- When we couldn't perform live during the height of the pandemic, I decided to make cover videos to see if I could do something on my own during that time. One of the songs I sang was MALICE MIZER's "Vers Elle ~Kuhaku no Shunkan no Naka de~". The first MALICE MIZER album I listened to was "Voyage," and I was shocked to find a band that played music so freely. I felt that it was so impressive and out of the realm of usual bands.
Mana- I grew up with rock music, but MALICE MIZER breaks the barrier of “rock” down.
Sono- But, yeah, I had no idea you had seen my Youtube video. I’m surprised.
Mana- I thought your voice had a lot of flexibility when I saw the video. I have yet to see you live, but my first impression was very favorable.
Sono- Mana is the kind of person who opens the door for you, and I am very grateful for that. (***He means it in a non concrete way, in the social sense) Since we have the opportunity to work together, I thought I’d like to make friends and have a good relationship with him, right ? However, because of his presence, if I met him normally, I would have to bow down to him. Then, when all the bands got together for a meeting, Mana responded to the Snoopy T-shirt I was wearing with “I like Snoopy, too.” I was very grateful that he said that, which made me think, "Oh, I can…talk to him normally after all.”
Asagi- I like Snoopy too, so we do have a lot to share.
Kamijo- I felt like I’m the odd one out, here. I was frustrated so I studied a little more and learned a lot about Charlie Brown's backstory, and I was instantly struck by it.
Asagi- Really ? I just like Snoopy because he’s cute.
Kamijo- When Charlie was crying because he was bullied by his friends, his parents bought him Snoopy. Charlie was healed by Snoopy. What a good story! I was so moved.
Mana- I didn't know there was such a story either. I simply like Snoopy because I used to sleep on a Snoopy-patterned futon when I was a child, and it left an imprint on me.
Sono- Kamijo, you just stole the light from everyone who loves Snoopy (laughs).
Kamijo- I always start with the story first, as I do with songs, you know…
—So you guys had good communication through Snoopy, okay (laughs). If we go back to the topic, what is your impression of D? You have participated in organized events together in the past, and of course you have seen live performances, too.
Mana- I went to see their one-man show in January (2023), and I know quite a lot, too. I later heard that Asagi's voice was not in good condition on the day of that show, is that right?.
Asagi- Yeah.. A few days before the concert, I suddenly lost my voice. I managed to sing the song at the show but…
Mana- It didn't feel that way while watching the live performance. I remember thinking that D were very professional. I have always felt that the band's musicality is centered on metal, but I also have the impression that they express themselves in a variety of ways.
—And then, the one who has known Mana the longest, Kamijo.
Kamijo- I met Mana about 20 years ago now.
Mana- It’s been that long ?
Kamijo- It has been a long time. It’s been since I stood by your side watching your activities as a roadie for MALICE MIZER. There was a time when we didn't keep in touch with each other that much after that, but when Mana started his Twitter account, I could see when he’d get busy. I don't have to worry about contacting him as much as I used to.
Mana- Really? That’s true, when I was in the music video for Kamijo's solo debut song, I was still on my blog.
Kamijo- Yeah, about 10 years ago.
Mana- We used to go drinking-walking in Azabu quite a bit, right.
Kamijo- I remember that it was like a dream come true to be able to talk about what "tanbi" (“aesthetic beauty”) is with you, etc…
Mana- While we were having a drink together, you offered me to be in a music video for your solo debut. What I found amazing about the music video shooting was after we had done about half the shoot, Kamijo suddenly took the megaphone and became the director of the whole thing.
Kamijo- Did I do that ?
Mana- Perhaps you were in a hurry because time was running out or something but you said like, "I didn't get the best shot of Mana's expression! If it were me, I would notice, so I’ll direct him myself!” I was holding the rose and you said, "Yes, I like that expression! That's a good angle!” You were giving me instructions and stuff.
Kamijo- Sorry, didn’t mean to feel pompous. Was that rude of me?
Mana- Felt like I was a gravure idol all of a sudden.
Kamijo- It had been a while since Mana had appeared in a music video, so I wanted to show him in his most beautiful form, you know. It has been a while since then, but it was a continuation of a dream, kinda. I think it is a very strange fate that we are able to work together again in this way. And this time, we can be involved with each other as a band.
—It can be said that the keywords "metal" and "aesthetics" have been the basis of your interactions, as each of you has been active for a long time without wavering from these keywords.
Mana- Is Versailles melodic symphonic metal ?
Kamijo- Starting from melodic speed metal, it kinda became melodic speed symphonic metal.
Mana- I have a different impression of Kamijo since his Lareine days. His voice used to be a little higher, but he has moved to a mid-toned voice.
Kamijo- My voice’s line was weak then. I thought that voice had reached its expiration date.
Mana- What do you mean ?
Kamijo- That way of singing made me identifiable as Lareine. It’d be too bad if I was to be recognized as Lareine even though we’re now Versailles. So, I thought it would be a good idea to destroy my past self, and when the weapons of the past are needed, I can have them again.
Mana- I see. It is true that vocalists are often associated with their most popular project, even if they have been in various bands over the years. But when I heard Versailles, I didn't think it was Lareine, and when Kamijo sings, it sounds like both Lareine and Versailles. I guess you are transforming yourself from time to time.
—When it comes to metal, I hear that a different trend is emerging in the Japanese metal community today. There are visual-kei bands such as Deathcore and Djent(progressive metal) coming out one after another, and girls' metal is on the rise. What do you think of these trends here at JVM?
Mana- Yes, there are more and more of them. There are also some characters from "Bandori” (BanG Dream!)" have random stars. I feel that metal music has penetrated the mainstream to such an extent. (**Bang!Dream is a franchise of manga, anime, rhythm games and live performances of anime idols of all girls groups)
Kamijo- But there are still some close-minded places. I often went overseas with Versailles, and at metal festivals overseas, you have to grab the attention of a sweaty metalhead with a beard and a T-shirt and make him think, "They’re cool!” So the local promoters said to me, "Versailles’ issue is the costumes” But we don't intend to change the visual aspect of the band, so…
Mana- You’ve been told that ? That happened in Europe ?
Kamijo- Yeah. By listening to the local promotion staff, I learned about the reality there… If it were said that such a conservative way of thinking is to protect the culture of metal, that would be the end of it, but I also thought that there is no point in doing music if it is judged only by its appearance…
—That’s also a dilemma that Vkei has faced for a long time, right ?
Kamijo- Exactly. So I hope that this JVM project will be a breakthrough, because I mean, "What's wrong with playing metal music dressed the way I like it?” Of course, I get excited when I see many beautiful women coming to see us from the stage but (laughs)(**he refers to the fact that in Japan most of the crowd at their type of show is women but overseas the metal scene has more men in crowds). But I want to create a space where men can come with more pride. I think that by breaking down stereotypes, we will be able to see a new view.
Mana- I see. Before the pandemic, I used to go abroad a lot, and it is true that there is not much of a genre-mixing culture overseas. In Europe and the U.S, Metal has an image of skinheads or long hair, and coolness, and there is a segregation of metal into metal and posi punk into posi punk. But I don't feel any dilemma because I think they should be treated the same. (**"posi punk" is a term used in Japan. It's “pojipanポジパン” which Mana uses here, but I find it’s not used a lot abroad. If you look it up some things pop up but it’s not as widely used. Posi punk refers to “positive punk”, or what we’d most likely know as trad-goth or gothic rock (like Siouxie, Bauhaus, and similar)).
—You don’t feel alienated?
Mana- Not really no. I have always loved gothic and posi punk fashion, and I have a gothic fashion brand, too (Moi-même-Moitié). Moi dix Mois combines that fashion with metal music. I thought it would be good to have a new style that looks like posi punk(*gothic) but sounds like metal, and I may have been conscious of that by cutting my way into the international market.
Kamijo- Ah, you have already cut through the dilemma ! That's reassuring. I feel that from now on I will be able to do metal in my own style with even more pride.
Asagi- I love the melodies Mana creates.
Sono- I was shocked by the freedom of MALICE MIZER's music, but even after Moi dix Mois started, I could recognize the songs that Mana made within seconds of listening to them.
Asagi- I respect you(Mana) as a musician, of course, but I also think that the word "art" fits you very well. Like what you just said, what you are doing has always made sense. I think all four bands in this project have a strong sense of "I do what I do because I like it”. Practice and effort are important, but I don't think they can beat the feeling of pursuing something you are passionate about. I think that's why JVM resonated with me.
Kamijo- As we talk again about all sorts of things, I think that although this project is just getting started with the goal of coming out the deep end of the pandemic, it will be a driving force to open up a new path for us in the music scene. It is reassuring to know that there are like-minded people out there.
—In the end, the driving force that makes something happen is the connection between people, isn't it?
Asagi- There is no doubt about that. There are many people who come up with ideas, but few have the courage to put them into action. When I think about it, I admire Kamijo's ability to take action with this project.
Kamijo- I learned from Mana how to always think of the fans. I think this belief still comes to me naturally today, and I think that is the proof of the same bloodline.
Sono- Speaking of the same bloodline, there was something that surprised me when we were shooting today. I have been in a band for a long time and have been photographed many times, so I thought that I had established my own original poses when taking pictures. But today, when I was taking pictures with Mana, the photographer repeatedly said to me, "Your poses are the same!”
Mana- That’s true. He kept telling us “Same pose, change! You posed the same!”
Sono- I looked to my side and saw Mana in the same pose as me. I thought to myself, "This has been passed down from generation to generation”. I felt that I was unconsciously inheriting what my seniors had created.
—That is a very good story. I believe that culture can continue only through such a lineage. I understand that the four bands gathered under the same banner of JVM are now working on the production of the "Concerto”, but please tell me about your enthusiasm for the future development of the bands, along with your outlook for the future of each band?
Sono- I am by far the closest to the “fan viewpoint” of all of us, but even from that standpoint, I am very much looking forward to "Concerto" of JVM Roses Blood Symphony. I was able to listen to the conception of the song in Kamijo's own voice recently.
—Is Kamijo composing it?
Kamijo- My role was to create the base. From that point on, it is literally a "collaborative effort”.
Sono- I am sure that the music will not disappoint you. As we finish the 15th anniversary tour of Matenrou Opera, entering the 16th year we will also be touring with four bands (Unlucky Morpheus, Rei, Kiz DIAURA) with whom we have not had the opportunity to work together before, so we hope you will look forward to it.
Asagi- As for JVM, it is truly an exquisite full course. I am sure it will be delicious for both the fans and us. D announced the other day that we will be going on a hiatus once we have completed our 20th anniversary activities. At the same time, we also announced a summer tour, the final date of which will be August 28. We are planning to take a break before the spring of next year, so I would like to do what I can do as D until that time.
Kamijo- All of the members here have a strong spirit of surprise, and we all want to surprise our fans, both through this project and through our individual band activities. However, I believe there are two types of surprises. One is a surprise that is truly surprising, and the other is a surprise that everyone can understand and say, "This is exactly what I wanted!” The other is a surprise that makes sense to everyone like “Of course they’d do that!”. I think the "Concerto" that will be created in the future will be the ultimate surprise, so please look forward to it.
—This year marks the 10th anniversary of KAMIJO's solo career, and Versailles celebrated its 15th anniversary last year. What are your plans for this year?
Kamijo- Versailles will release their first single in 11 years, "VOGUE," on June 21, and with the music video also being produced for the first time in 11 years, we are moving forward desperately to express the new Versailles as best we can.
—The year 2023 will be an important year for Versailles, as drummer Yuki will be going on hiatus at the end of this year.
Kamijo- After the "Varoque" tour that goes until June 24th and JVM's Zepp Tour, we are going to hold a major turning point live performance, "CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES" at Zepp Haneda on December 14th. As a member of JVM, I will do my best in all of our activities. I am looking forward to the day when I can sing "Concerto" in front of you all.
Mana- I have always been in the position of this big influential figure in today's interview, but surprisingly, I still have the heart of a young boy, even after all these years. …I don't know if that is surprising or not (laughs).
—Personally, I think you're actually a very flat person. (**Hard to translate the meaning of "flat" here in one word, but it’s not a negative thing. “Flat” here is meant in the way of someone having few emotional ups and downs, someone who always maintains a leveled head regardless of accidents, stress, etc., and is always nonchalant or personable regardless of the other party. )
Mana- I still feel like my teenage self, a music kid, that has been going on forever. I have been working to create a new era and rewrite the history of visual kei through the activities of MALICE MIZER and others, with a desire to change the times. I hope to leave a big mark on the history of Visual-kei with my participation in JVM this time.
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