On August 3rd, HIZAKI released a new solo album titled Rosario. Following that, the visual kei guitarist announced that he'll be performing at the upcoming HYPER JAPAN Christmas Market 2016 in London on November 25th, 26th and 27th. In this interview with JaME, HIZAKI speaks about the new album and his upcoming activities both as a solo artist and a part of Versailles and Jupiter.
Congratulations on the release of your new solo album, Rosario! Unlike your last few solo albums, you released Rosario under HIZAKI instead of HIZAKI grace project. Is there any reason for this switch?
HIZAKI: I wanted to express it not in the form of a band, but as a guitarist.
You mentioned in one of your interviews that Rosario revolves around the themes of "prayer" and "salvation". Why did you choose these two themes?
HIZAKI: One of the reasons might be that they're the driving force that makes me create music.
Is there any particular religion, belief or incident that inspired you to deal with the themes of "prayer" and "salvation"?
HIZAKI: Of course I've studied religion, but I decided on this because of my real experience on engagement in nursing care.
Grace and Dignity is said to represent you at your best. What does being at your best mean to you?
HIZAKI: When people who listen to it think like this – that's the best thing.
What message do you wish to convey to listeners with Grace and Dignity?
HIZAKI: When people who, although they are troubled or in pain, listen to this and it can help them to get back on the road – that makes me happy.
Which track on Rosario did you find most challenging to record? In what way was it challenging?
HIZAKI: Presto. It's because it's a theory on rock that has many very different interpretations.
What are some other themes you would like to explore in the future?
HIZAKI: I want to try making a song with female vocals. Currently recruiting!
On September 11th, you held your solo live titled Crimson Rose -JAPAN- at TOKYO Mt.RAINIER HALL SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE. Please share with us the concept of the live and your experience during the live.
HIZAKI: Up until now I've worked with the motif of a rose, but I think I expressed the image of a dark colored rose that time.
Out of all the dresses you have worn so far for Versailles, Jupiter and your solo project, which one is your favourite? What do you like about it?
HIZAKI: Since I didn't have to think about the balance with the other members, I liked that I could do what I wanted with my clothes for my solo performance.
Have you faced any trouble with your hair or dresses before, whether is it during a PV shoot or live performance?
HIZAKI: When swinging my head, the tiara might fly off.
What are the chances of seeing HIZAKI with straight hair in the future?
HIZAKI: During tours, my hairstyle changes with my mood, and sometimes it'll be straight.
Your HYPER JAPAN Christmas Market performance was decided on in a hurry. It'll be your first solo performance in London as well as at the convention. What are your thoughts about it?
HIZAKI: Since I love London, I'm very happy to be able to visit again.
Early next year, you will be touring Europe with Versailles. What are your thoughts about it? How are preparations for the tour coming along?
HIZAKI: It's Versailles' first tour in the whole world since our revival. I want to create a live together with the fans. We're working on new songs right now, and I think we will play it at the European tour.
Jupiter will be going on a South American tour. How is Jupiter different from Versailles and your solo work?
HIZAKI: From now on, Jupiter will develop much more in a metal direction. I want to perform at a lot of metal festivals.
Is there any particular European custom, practice or belief you're fascinated by?
HIZAKI: The deep history of the place, I guess.
What's next for HIZAKI?
HIZAKI: Versailles' February 14th, 2017 live at the Budokan in Japan!
To conclude our interview, please leave a message for JaME’s readers.
HIZAKI: Thank you for your continuous support. From next year onward, I want to visit many more different countries than before, so please reach out to me with many of your voices. If you believe in your wishes and prayers, they will definitely come true!
JaME would like to thank PROMIC and HIZAKI for this interview opportunity.
Grace and Dignity MV:
Audio message from Versailles about upcoming European tour:
