If I ever thought I had done everything I could in my life or with my bands, I think I’d be dead by now! –– HIZUMI
Formed in 1999, D’ESPAIRSRAY quickly carved out a space in Japan’s underground scene with a sound that fused industrial rock, nu-metal heaviness, and gothic atmosphere. While part of a wave of visual-kei bands reshaping the genre’s direction in the early 2000s, they also stood out for their intense commitment to international touring. In 2004, they became one of the first J-rock acts to tour Europe, followed by a North American circuit and a world tour in 2006. That same year, they made history as the only Japanese band to perform at Wacken Open Air (Germany), one of the world’s most prestigious metal festivals.
Over the next decade, D’ESPAIRSRAY would refine their sound—layering aggression with structure, melancholy with melody. Their major label debut arrived in 2009, but momentum was halted the following year by HIZUMI’s health issues. When the band officially disbanded in 2011, the farewell felt sudden, even unfinished. In the years since, the four members remained creatively active: HIZUMI returned to the mic in 2019 with NUL., Karyu joined projects such as Angelo and H.U.G., while ZERO and TSUKASA stayed active in THE MICRO HEAD 4N’S and other projects, with TSUKASA also reinventing himself in the enka world as Tsukasa Mogamigawa. The trio later formed Luv PARADE, reviving D’ESPAIRSRAY’s musical energy with defspiral’s TAKA on vocals, offering fans flashes of the past without fully reviving it. But now, it’s no longer a flicker. It’s a flame. D’ESPAIRSRAY’s long-awaited reunion will take place on November 15 (2025) at CROSS ROAD Fest, held at Makuhari Messe Event Hall (Japan), bringing all four original members back to the same stage for the first time since their 2011 dissolution. Though, the band briefly appeared in 2014 during a special event hosted by Angelo, this will be the first time D’ESPAIRSRAY officially reunites as D’ESPAIRSRAY: HIZUMI, Karyu, ZERO, and TSUKASA.
Intrigued and stirred by their sudden movement, we knew we had to bring them all together for a conversation, serious (or not). And so here they are: HIZUMI, Karyu, ZERO, and TSUKASA — sitting down for an in-depth and funny conversation. From festival invitations and recent rehearsals to hilarious memories, personal growth, and reflections on what lies ahead, this is D’ESPAIRSRAY, stepping back into the light after years of darkness.
——Seeing all four members of D’ESPAIRSRAY standing together again is a moment many have been waiting for. Over the years, we’ve followed your individual projects. Not so long ago, when asked about the possibility of a reunion, the response was negative. And yet, here we are. With the band set to appear at a special festival on November 15, the long-awaited reawakening has taken shape. But how did this actually come about? Was it something they had been discussing privately, or did the invitation to perform come first?
HIZUMI: Well, it started with the festival invite. The offer came in, and then the conversation began with this simple question, ‘Would D’ESPAIRSRAY be open to doing this?’ That was really the trigger. It felt natural though, not forced. The people organizing the event are senpai from our old agency, and there’s a long-standing relationship and respect there. So being invited — not just randomly, but as part of a moment that brings artists together again — that really meant something to me. It felt warm.
Karyu: Exactly. We were already in a kind of standby mode. Emotionally and mentally, it was never out of the question. It just needed the right timing, the right signal. Once HIZUMI said he was in, the wheels were set in motion. That was the moment everything clicked.
HIZUMI: Hey, you’re making it sound like I am a bad person holding things back (laughs)!
——Hypothetically speaking, if you were to go on tour again as D’ESPAIRSRAY, what kind of tour would you envision? Do you feel it’s realistic for the band at this stage?
ZERO: It’s not impossible. If the timing and conditions are right, we’d love to tour Japan and the world. That desire has always been there—it’s never left us. Right now, the focus is on the reunion stage in November, which is something many people have been waiting for. But if everything lines up, I think it’s easy to imagine those lights spreading beyond that single stage, reaching new cities, and maybe even continents. We’ll see how far we can go. Let’s take one step at a time.
——The reaction to the festival announcement was incredible. It trended on social media and was picked up by Yahoo News. What did that feel like for you?
Karyu: Honestly, it reminded me just how much people still care about this band. Seeing that kind of response—especially on my own Instagram, where I received a lot of direct messages from fans overseas—was overwhelming in the best way. It made me realize that what people have been longing for isn’t just our individual work, but us together as a band. That kind of reaction felt completely different from anything I’ve experienced in recent years. The messages kept coming, from both Japan and abroad, and it made me feel very strongly: this is something we have to do. We’re still a band that people are waiting for. That’s powerful.
ZERO: Yeah, it was touching. It’s been quite a long time since we were active, so to see that kind of excitement meant a lot. There were people who were genuinely thrilled—some who never got to see us live back then, and now, years later, they’re adults and have been quietly hoping for this moment. On the other hand, there are also fans who maybe drifted away from live music or the band scene altogether. I think this news reached those people too, and that makes me happy. It’s not just about nostalgia—it feels like we’ve reconnected with people in different stages of their lives. And that gives this comeback a lot of meaning.
——How did it feel to play together again in rehearsal for the first time in so long?
TSUKASA: I haven’t said anything yet! Can I take this question?
——Of course.
You can even answer in Yamagata dialect if you want (everybody bursts into laughter).
TSUKASA: That’s a good one (laughs)! Actually, when I played with Karyu again during these Luv PARADE concerts, the weight of his guitar tone just hit me. That wall of sound—it was so intense and familiar, like a boom which I haven’t felt in years. It stirred something deep in me. Then, when we started rehearsing again as D’ESPAIRSRAY, and I heard HIZUMI’s voice, I felt vigorous. His shout, the sheer thickness of his tone—I got goosebumps. That was our sound. That unmistakable D’ESPAIRSRAY feeling came rushing back. It honestly made me so excited. Like, “This is it. This is real. This is us”. With ZERO, of course, we’ve been playing together all this time, so that felt as natural as always—but adding Karyu and HIZUMI back into the mix, it really brought it all full circle.
HIZUMI: Honestly, maybe because we spent over a decade together, picking things back up felt surprisingly natural. It was like we just slipped right into place, as if no time had passed. That said, I did have some internal struggles. The moment we started rehearsing again, I became sharply aware of the vocal challenges ahead of me. There were so many areas I knew I needed to improve—and that realization made me a little anxious at first. But we’ve still got time. I’m taking it one step at a time, working through everything little by little. We’ll get there.
——Luv PARADE continued activities with the three of you, without HIZUMI. Now that you’re all back together, did anything about him strike you as different?
HIZUMI: I’ve just gotten older, haven’t I? (laughs)
Karyu: He’s got this… shine to him now.
HIZUMI: Shine?! What the hell is that?
Karyu: Let me explain. There’s something brighter. It’s not the same kind of energy he used to give off. Back in the day, he was more intense—like someone who pushed forward full force, without really stopping to think. He didn’t worry much about what was going on around him. But now, he feels calmer. More grounded. More relaxed.
TSUKASA: Yeah, I feel that too. He’s become more considerate of the space and energy in the room. Of course, he was always thoughtful before too, but now it’s coming from a quieter, more centered place. It’s like instead of pushing ahead with force, he’s moving with awareness. You can tell something in him has softened.
ZERO: Simply put, he’s matured. He’s an adult now (laughs). Time passes, you grow, life shapes you. But he’s still HIZUMI, the adult version of himself.
——And what about you, HIZUMI, after so many years apart, what surprised you the most when you reunited and made music with the other three again? Did anything leave a strong impression?
HIZUMI: Like they said, what struck me first was how everyone has grown. I could feel that maturity—not just as people, but as musicians. And yet, despite all that time apart, everything still felt really natural when we started playing together again. Musically, each of them has been on their own journey, sharpening their skills and evolving in their own way. So, it’s not really about me trying to match them or vice versa—it’s more like each of us brings something distinct to the table now. And I include myself in that too. We’ve all gained something during our time apart. What I’m hoping for now is that those individual strengths—those unique colors—will clash in the best possible way when we come together as D’ESPAIRSRAY. That friction, that spark between our different energies. I think that’s where the magic happens.
——You’ve known each other since your teens. What’s something about D’ESPAIRSRAY that feels unchanged at the core? And what, on the other hand, feels like it’s changed the most?
HIZUMI: At the core, nothing about being a vocalist has really changed for me. Whether it’s with D’ESPAIRSRAY or with NUL., I’ve always just focused on expressing myself as I am. I don’t really compartmentalize like, “This is how D’ESPAIRSRAY should be” or “This is how NUL. should be.” I just show up as myself. That said, I’ve come to realize that the words I choose are a bit different depending on the project. I don’t think I do it consciously though. With D’ESPAIRSRAY, I think I use more structured, conceptual language — because that’s the kind of band this is. It’s rooted in a more constructed, artistic approach. NUL., on the other hand, tends to be rawer and more direct. But at the end of the day, what I want to express deep down hasn’t changed.
Karyu: Yes, but this is your own essence. The essence of the band as a whole hasn’t changed at all. For me, it comes down to the four of us getting together and making great music — that’s what it’s always been about. Even when we go back into the studio after a long time and play old songs, I find myself thinking, “Damn, these are still really good songs.” That feeling hasn’t gone anywhere.
ZERO: We’ve all done different things since the band ended, but deep down, I don’t think I’ve changed much. Sure, the way I play has evolved — there are differences in my technique and approach — but when I pick up my instrument and start playing D’ESPAIRSRAY songs, it feels like I’m right back in that time. It just comes so naturally. That really hit me. I realized this band is something that’s taken root inside me. No matter what I’ve gone through since the disbandment, this is the core of who I am. And the core of the band, is just the four of us.
Karyu: I’ve been in bands for a long time now, but at the foundation of everything — I always come back to D’ESPAIRSRAY. That’s where it all started for me, and I can still feel how much of who I am was shaped by this band. That sense has never left me.
ZERO: Yeah, when we stepped into the studio again after all that time, it hit me — it felt like coming home. That’s the feeling I had. Like, “This is it. I’m back where I belong.” There was this quiet sense of returning to my own place, to something that’s always been part of me. We all feel like we’ve returned home.
——In December, Luv PARADE and NUL. will be sharing the stage. How did this idea come about? It feels somewhat strange… What are your thoughts on it?
HIZUMI: It’s going to be a head-to-head battle. No holding back. Let’s fight (laughs)!
Karyu: Originally, we were planning a solo show for Luv PARADE. But then the idea for an event came together, and when D’ESPAIRSRAY was confirmed to perform, we thought — why not take it further? Doing something like a split event felt like a good opportunity to show different sides of ourselves. D’ESPAIRSRAY has its own place and expression, and so do NUL. and Luv PARADE. Also, Luv PARADE won’t be playing any D’ESPAIRSRAY songs that day. Once we confirmed the D’ESPAIRSRAY concert, we made a conscious decision to seal away those songs in Luv PARADE’s setlists. That show will focus purely on original songs and covers — including some Western covers — that express Luv PARADE’s identity. There’s no real need for Luv PARADE to play D’ESPAIRSRAY right now, especially while D’ESPAIRSRAY is active again. Maybe someday we’ll revisit that idea, but for now, each band should stand on its own stage.
——Will there be any surprise cross-appearances between the bands on stage? For example, members joining each other’s sets?
TSUKASA: As of now, there’s nothing planned.
ZERO: As of now…
HIZUMI: It’s not really about turning it into a head-to-head showdown, either. I did say battle earlier — and I meant it in the sense of true commitment. It’s not about competing with each other, but rather showing the full intensity of who we are in each project. I want people to witness that. To see what it’s like when the members of D’ESPAIRSRAY step onto the same stage as Luv PARADE and NUL. I want them to witness something completely different but still completely ourselves. It’s going to be fun and interesting. I am looking forward to it!
——The show is sold out, so congratulations!
ZERO: Thank you. We’re very grateful, and we don’t take that support for granted. It means a lot.
——HIZUMI, how does it feel for you to hear your own songs being sung by someone else, TAKA?
HIZUMI: Having someone else sing my songs — that’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. Even if it’s not my form of expression, hearing another vocalist interpret the music was really interesting. It gave me a new perspective on the songs, and it made me realize how differently emotions can be conveyed through someone else’s voice.
——This doesn’t feel like a one-night-only reunion. You recently started an Instagram page posting nostalgic photos, you had a photoshoot recently. It really feels like D’ESPAIRSRAY is coming back. Would you say this is an official revival?
Karyu: I think we all feel the same way about this — coming back together as a band has always been something we hoped for deep down. It’s not easy to explain everything in words just yet, but this isn’t something we’re doing on a whim. It means a lot to us. Right now, we are active. Let’s enjoy that return without any label! What do you think?
ZERO: Yeah. People are probably wondering if we’re fully active again — and honestly, we’re thinking positively. We’re not ready to make big declarations, but we do want fans to feel hopeful. If you’re looking forward to it, we want to respond to that with everything we can. Let’s just take things step by step and see where it leads.
TSUKASA: I think all of us have a strong desire to perform overseas again. If we can make it happen, we will. We’re hoping for a bright future — one where we can move freely again, just like we used to. It’d be amazing to go back and forth between Japan and the rest of the world like before.
——Have you talked about writing new songs? How far along are you in this new phase of activity?
Karyu: Right now, we’re still in the early, exploratory stages. You could call it the brainstorming phase. I’ve been constantly thinking about how to shape a sound that truly suits HIZUMI’s current voice — something that brings out his strengths and feels emotionally and musically right for where we are now as a band. But to be honest, we haven’t nailed it down yet. We’re still in the process of figuring out what the new D’ESPAIRSRAY should sound like. It’s a challenge — not just technically, but also emotionally and creatively. Times have changed, and so have we. While we want to reflect some of today’s musical atmosphere, what matters most is finding a direction where the vocals can shine naturally — something that flows and hits deep.
——Would you like to challenge a new direction with this potential new material?
HIZUMI: Absolutely. If we’re going to create something new again, it shouldn’t just be a return to the past. I’d love for us to take everything we’ve each gained through our personal journeys — all the experience, all the growth — and bring it together to express the present version of D’ESPAIRSRAY. It’s not about copying who we were — it’s about combining all those individual pieces into something that’s uniquely us now. That’s the kind of music I want to make.
——We’re looking forward to it.
D’ESPAIRSRAY has always been active internationally — and one tour in particular stands out. When you toured with Kagerou, the tour schedule was quite unusual: only one show in Japan, and two shows in Europe. That’s a rare structure for a Japanese band. Did you intentionally go for such a challenging format? At that time, were you trying to treat the Japanese and overseas markets equally?
HIZUMI: Actually, we weren’t the ones who finalized the tour schedule ourselves. I think the final structure came down to the logistics — matching both bands’ calendars and availability. That said, both D’ESPAIRSRAY and Kagerou shared a strong desire to challenge ourselves overseas, while still valuing our presence in Japan. We both had that same drive. I think that’s how we ended up with that three-show structure — one in Japan and two in Europe. It wasn’t necessarily a strategic plan from the start, but the intention to reach both audiences equally was definitely there.
Karyu: Yeah, exactly. Back then, we were really eager to look beyond Japan — to turn our attention outward and see how far we could take our music. Even the way we approached music at the time had an international mindset. We were consciously thinking about how our sound would be received outside Japan. And around then, we were starting to receive more and more offers from overseas. So, when the opportunity came, we didn’t hesitate one second — we just took it and moved forward.
HIZUMI: Yeah, we had our sights set on overseas from early on. And when the timing lined up and we got that kind of offer, it was the perfect moment — so we made it happen.
——Do you have a particularly memorable moment from your overseas tours? It could be a live show, an event, or even something a fan did — anything that stuck with you.
HIZUMI: The cheese fondue incident, definitely.
Karyu: The what?
HIZUMI: You don’t remember (laughs)? Let me refresh your memory. There was this time — I think it was in Switzerland — we were backstage and noticed there was no cheese fondue in the catering. We joked about it and said something like, “Come on, we’re in Switzerland! Where’s the fondue?” I guess someone took that seriously, because at the next venue — I think it was in Germany, or France — cheese fondue actually showed up in the catering (laughs). But it was loaded with wine! Like, way more than normal. It was delicious, I ended up eating a ton of it before the show. And guess what? I ended up going on stage kind of tipsy. I remember thinking, “Wait, is this even safe?!” That fondue was intense (laughs)!
Karyu: Yeah (laughs)… As for me, there’s one that really stuck with me — during a ballad we were performing on stage in Europe. There was this couple standing right in front of me and they were just making out the entire song (laughs). I mean, like, the whole song. Start to finish. It was mesmerizing (laughs)!
TSUKASA: That’s when I really thought, “Yeah, things are definitely different overseas” (everyone bursts into laughter)
HIZUMI: I mean, hey — I was singing that ballad for them basically (everybody laughs harder).
——Do you remember which country it was?
Karyu: France or Germany, I think.
HIZUMI: No doubt about it — definitely France (smiles).
Karyu: It’s something you’d never see happen at a show in Japan. That’s why it left such a strong impression.
——So, you have cheese, wine and an intimate yet public kiss as memories from France (laughs). ZERO, how about you?
ZERO: This doesn’t really have anything to do with the shows themselves — but I still remember how unexpectedly moved I was when we took a train instead of the usual flights or buses. We have trains in Japan, of course — but something about being on a train overseas felt entirely different. The rhythm of the ride, the shifting light through windows, the quiet weight of distance passing by. It felt cinematic. Like I had wandered into a scene from a European film the kind where people gaze out at the countryside. It was surreal, almost dreamlike. For a moment, I wasn’t just traveling — I was inside something — something beautiful and still, like a memory being made. I loved that feeling. And even now, it stays with me.
TSUKASA: That’s a nice answer… My answer will be completely different from you three. One of my strongest memories isn’t musical at all. It’s not really about traveling either — it’s from when we went to an amusement park overseas. There was this crazy ride called the Slingshot — like a reverse bungee jump. Instead of falling down, you get launched upward into the sky. We all rode it together, and I remember going on with Karyu. It even had a built-in camera to capture your expressions while you’re being blasted into the air. Everyone else — as you’d expect — had these intense, hilarious faces. Screaming, panicking, the works. But ZERO… ZERO’s face didn’t change at all. (laughs) While we were all yelling our lungs out, his expression stayed perfectly calm — completely emotionless the entire time. It was so funny and kind of amazing. Like… what is this guy made of (laughs)?!
ZERO: I was just enjoying the view (everybody laughs).
HIZUMI: That’s strange…
ZERO: Nope. I was moved internally. The view was really nice (everybody laughs).
——You must have so many great memories from your early years together. Is there something you still find yourself missing — something you feel nostalgic about? And on the other hand, is there anything you feel you’ve done completely, to the point where you can say, “I’ve done enough of that”?
HIZUMI: Absolutely — there’s one thing I often think back on with real longing: the metal festivals. It wasn’t just a series of shows. It was a special atmosphere — something alive, something electric. We were constantly surrounded by other bands, each with their own style and energy, and that gave us a kind of stimulation that you don’t get when you’re always in your own bubble. Those experiences really pushed us and brought out the best in us. I’d love to do something like that again someday — it left that much of an impression. And as for the idea of something being completely done. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that. To be honest, the day I feel like I’ve truly finished something might be the day I die. As long as I’m alive, there’s still more I want to create. There are ideas I haven’t explored yet, emotions I haven’t expressed, and stages I haven’t stood on. So, no, I don’t feel done. Not even close.
Karyu: Same here. Those metal tours left a big mark on me too — the friendship, the fresh energy, the sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves. There’s just something really meaningful about traveling and performing alongside so many talented people. It was unforgettable. As for feeling satisfied or complete with anything we did. Honestly, not at all. There’s not a single thing I’ve done with D’ESPAIRSRAY that feels like it reached its final form. Every experience, every song, every tour — it all feels like part of something still unfolding. Even now, years later, I don’t look back and think, “That was enough.” Instead, I think, “What else could we have done with that moment?”
ZERO: You know, during those metal fests, we had this incredible double-decker bus overseas. The top floor was for sleeping — it was like something straight out of a movie. You’d never see a bus like that in Japan. That kind of touring experience? It’s just not possible here. So, for me, it’s not just about the shows, it’s about that whole environment — living, sleeping, waking up together on the road, feeling the world fly past the window. It’s an experience I still think about, and I’d love to have it again. The view from up there, the spinning scenery while you’re lying on your bunk — it stays with you.
TSUKASA: Hearing you guys talk about that just now… it really made me want to travel again. And eat at In-N-Out Burger (laughs)! It’s not even that I’m just hungry — I’m craving the experience of it now (everyone laughs as HIZUMI points to his t-shirt.)
HIZUMI: Look! I’m wearing my In-N-Out t-shirt right now! It really is that good. For me, it’s honestly the best meal I’ve ever had in America!
Karyu: Did they just open one in Japan (looks confused)?
HIZUMI: No, no, it was just a one-day pop-up.
TSUKASA: Now I really want to eat there again. Just talking about it makes me hungry. It’s seriously my favorite burger. If you ever go to the States, please try it. You won’t regret it.
——It really sounds like an experience (laughs)! Alright, I’ll add it to my must-try list! And circling back — so none of you feel like there’s anything you’ve done to the point of closure?
Karyu: Not even a little. Everything feels like it’s still in progress — as if we pressed pause, but never really ended. The music, the performances, even the connections we made… they all feel like they’re still alive somewhere.
HIZUMI: Exactly. For me, saying “I’ve done it all” would feel like closing the book on my life. And I’m not done living yet. There are still so many things I want to explore, both musically and personally. If I ever thought I had done everything I could in my life or with my bands, I think I’d be dead by now. So, no — I don’t believe in the idea of having done enough. Not while I’m still breathing.
——What’s something you’ve never done as a band that you’d like to try?
ZERO: We’ve toured all over the U.S. and Europe, but we’ve never actually crossed the equator. We’ve never performed in the Southern Hemisphere — like Brazil or anywhere in South America. That’s something I’d love for us to experience someday.
HIZUMI: Yeah, and to add to that — we’ve done U.S. tours and European tours separately, but we’ve never really done a full world tour in the true sense of the word. That kind of large-scale, global run is still something we haven’t done.
ZERO: Wait… Actually, didn’t we kind of do that? Remember? We toured the U.S., then came back to Japan, then went to Europe, and then returned to Japan again.
HIZUMI: Did we (laughs)? Maybe my memory’s just failing me. Apparently, we did already (smiles). But still, there are so many places we haven’t been yet, so doing a true world tour that includes entirely new countries would be amazing.
——If you had to describe the future of D’ESPAIRSRAY in just one word — what would it be? And why?
HIZUMI: For me, that word would be just D’ESPAIRSRAY. As long as we’re alive, life will always have its share of hardship and darkness. That’s inevitable. But through it all, I want our music to be a source of light — both for ourselves and for the people who listen to us. Something that helps us all keep moving forward. That’s the whole concept behind the name D’ESPAIRSRAY.
Karyu: My word would be challenge. We’ve always faced forward by challenging ourselves. I want to keep pushing boundaries, trying new things — never settling.
ZERO: I think I’d say home. It’s where we all belong. The four of us belong. Right now, we’re back together and playing again — but who knows what the future holds? We might go quiet again, or maybe not. But no matter what happens, I want D’ESPAIRSRAY to always be a place we can come back to. A home we return to, whenever we’re ready.
TSUKASA: Hmm… it’s hard to choose just one, but I think I’d say something like “power” or “vigor”. At the end of the day, I want to leave this life with a smile — and I want this band, this music, to keep giving people the strength and energy to smile too. If we can continue being that for someone — then I think we’re headed in the right direction.
——Thank you all so much for your time today. To finish things off with a bit of fun, I’d like to play a quick O/X game with each of you — one-on-one. Here’s how it works:
- If you win, you’ll draw a card with a random question and ask it to one of your bandmates.
- If I win, you’ll draw the card and you will have to answer the question yourself!
——Let’s start with TSUKASA!
[TSUKASA wins, picks a card, looks at it with a smile, then turns to ZERO]
TSUKASA: ZERO, here’s your question: Who’s the smartest person you’ve ever met, and what did you learn from them?
ZERO: Hmm… that’s a tough one. “Smartest” can mean a lot of things. But if I had to choose, I’d say it was my homeroom teacher in 5th grade. Back then, I wasn’t the kind of kid who was naturally good at studying — not at all. But this teacher… he was really strict. He gave us loads of homework, and I remember staying up late into the night doing it — even though I was just a kid in elementary school. But looking back, it actually helped. My grades started improving, and more than that, I learned how to approach things — how to be efficient, how to put in the effort the right way. That teacher really changed the way I think. So yeah, I’d say he was the one who taught me something truly valuable.
——Next, ZERO!
[ZERO and Mandah are even. ZERO picks a card and looks enthusiastic, then turns to HIZUMI]
ZERO: If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would you say?
HIZUMI: I would tell myself to be more flexible and freer. Looking back, I feel like I used to limit myself too much — maybe worrying too much about rules or expectations. I’d tell the younger me not to overthink things and to let go a little more. Express yourself more freely — especially on stage. You don’t have to fit into a box. Just enjoy it, and let go. I feel like my thinking used to be really rigid. I wasn’t flexible at all, mentally. I’d tell myself, “It’s okay to think more freely. Open your mind a bit. The feeling of freedom is powerful.
——Next Karyu!
[Karyu and Mandah are even. Karyu picks a card and looks at TSUKASA.]
Karyu: TSUKASA, what books, movies, or music did you enjoy as a teenager?
TSUKASA: Back when I was a teenager… I was really into Doraemon and Kiteretsu Daihyakka. Those two anime movies were a big part of my childhood. But it wasn’t just the shows — I was especially obsessed with the music from Doraemon. I even bought the soundtrack and used to listen to it regularly, all the way into my late teens, like 18 or 19. Honestly, I still listen to it sometimes even now. That music just brings back so many feelings. As for books, well… I wasn’t a huge reader, but occasionally I’d sneak in some “naughty” magazines — just being honest (everybody laughs). I am being too honest, right? Anyway, when it came to movies, about 90% of what I watched were animated films.
HIZUMI: Didn’t you like Titanic?
TSUKASA: I did! I was a fan but I was probably older. So, if we’re talking about my actual teenage years, it was definitely Studio Ghibli films. I loved those. The worlds they created, the music, the emotions — everything about Ghibli spoke to me. I think it was the same for a lot of people my age.
——Next HIZUMI!
[HIZUMI and Mandah are even. HIZUMI picks a card and asks who hasn’t been asked a question yet. Everybody points fingers at Karyu.]
HIZUMI: Karyu, your turn — What do you think is the most important thing in human relationships?
Karyu: I’d say, compassion. And maybe, building up goodwill. You know, if you’re always doing good things and treating people kindly, then when you eventually slip up — and we all do — they’re more likely to forgive you (everybody laughs). Basically, if you lead with empathy, there’s better chances others will understand you when you make a mistake.
ZERO: That’s your answer? You are basically saying that the most important thing in relationships is strategic kindness (everybody bursts into laughter).
Karyu: That’s not what I am saying!
——You are saying that the most important thing in human relationships is compassion!
Karyu: Yes, thank you!
——Let’s wrap up the interview on these words. Thank you for your time again.
All: Thank you!
__________________
Mandah FRÉNOT
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