Fatima: Burning With Desire As We Move Forward
*** translator's notes are in [ ] brackets
Various sounds and full of visualness, it wouldn't be too much of an exaggeration to say that they bring into the scene a certain kind of 'saturated condition,' one that stands out as Fatima. Because of their originality and that they are in the minority, they outclass other bands by establishing themselves in the world with their avante garde-ish sweet poison. For these boys, how has the year 2002 been? And let us hear how will they advance in the year 2003? And be careful of their words, as they're known to lie. (4ge wasn't feeling very well, so he was absent)
SHOXX: As New Year's Eve draws nearer today, let's discuss how Fatima-ish the year 2002 was.
Lay: Well, we had a oneman at Cyber. It really affected Sanaka (Laughs).
Sanaka: That's because it was my birthday. We'll also have a oneman on my next birthday. I've decided to celebrate each birthday with the band. Therefore, next year as well... it is coming so fast; and I'm reminded of something, suddenly! (has all the facts) It's already over! (Laughs)
SHOXX: What's affecting you?
Sanaka: Well, after the very first song, "Love me," everyone stopped performing. Naturally, the members were up to something, as I realized I was the only one singing; it was really embarassing. Of course, I then glared at the drums, as well as every other instrument (Laughs). And suddenly, the members started a performance of "Happy Birthday." I admit, I was a little suprised. No, I was really affected. I thought "Ah, Member-love."
Lay: Yes, we went ahead with the cliche chords.
Sanaka: It was effective (Laughs). "Ahh, I love Fatima." I put that into SSB, but you know, it was Mizuha's birthday on the release date. We had an instore event, and while carrying out the usual questions and answers, the lights suddenly went off. In the complete darkness, we brought out the cake.... It's those kinds of shocking tricks that are really heartwarming!
All: (Roar of Laughter)
Sanaka: Recently, we've also celebrated 4ge's birthday altogether.
Lay: While in the tour van, it was about 12 o'clock, we went out to meet him. "Ahh, we should all go and eat some ramen?" (Laughs)
Sanaka: "And since it's your birthday, we'll use the band money to eat!" (Laughs)
SHOXX: Were you able to grab his interest?
Sanaka: Not really, but he ended up going. After that, he wanted some dessert, "Unique Fried Pudding" to be exact.
Lay: The Ramen Shop Owner had written 'yakipurin" on the menu, but it was really expensive (Laughs). "Even though this is kind of expensive pudding, it's your birthday 4ge, so we'll go ahead and try it." We said, and you know what, it was really yummy.
Sanaka: But you know, every year, we've done nothing for Lay's birthday. I think it's because it's on the second of January, and we have a countdown live before that, and so he's too tired on the 2nd to do anything. It's his day off. (Laughs).
Lay: I do only get emails ....
SHOXX: Any plans for the oneman?
Lay: Rather than a oneman, how about my birthday. Something effective, that will be a big success (Laughs).
Sanaka: Well, in April, we'll release M:I44.
SHOXX: Gathering that you've planned something, what's the temporary title?
Lay: Aa! The temporary title is: "Harry Potter and 4ge!"
All: (Roar of Laughter)
Sanaka: We'll keep that to ourselves, since we really have no clue (Laughs)
Lay: Next is the 5.11 Takadanobaba AREA Oneman
Sanaka: "Psuedo-rockstars' triangle : Fetish"
Lay: It's more than just fetish, it's a complete feeling. It wonder if it'll be like the last most awesome live. That time was right on mark.
Towa: Some acapella would be good! Right?
Sanaka: I've done acapella. All of them ended up crying, our fans .... It's better not to lie (Roar of laughter) Well it was naturally entertaining. That time we did almost everything, and it should be reflected on, as next we made various connections.
Lay: It was a really awesome live.
SHOXX: You should know people do make those connections, and so it's even more enjoyable.
Lay: Yeah, with every live we bring something enchanting, don't you think? But that live was a turning point, that's what i think now, and I find myself still thinking about it.
SHOXX: What of the acapella?
Sanaka: I had always wanted to sing "Blue velvet" acapella. Since we were having a oneman, I thought it was a good chance to try it. I was a little rude to everyone by making us do it this way, but the song and rhythm didn't interfere. I mean, isn't acapella the true way to sing. It wasn't necessary to be enchanting, but to truly appeal to the ears of listeners. It was solely up to me as a vocalist, and that's how I performed it. It was attractive, influential, practically perfect. I thought to myself, "You didn't expect anything less, did you?" (Laughs)
SHOXX: When trying to understand [M:I44], I felt that "they've gone a little harsh in style." Have you had that tendency at any lives?
Lay: Yeah, at any live. But I wonder of old lives? I think we've just begun to be a little more harsher. Just showing a little more, plus our way of enchanting others, have all upped our performance. And after that, our activity is pretty much as subtle as you can get. But from next year, I think we'll be developing further. Using that as our foundation, I think we'll be able to go further. What's different at lives is that there's an unusal amount of people we don't know, that we perform in front of.... it's like the old days, like when we had first started. So I know people are understanding us, because every single time the audience is affected. It's an unmistakeable feeling.
Sanaka: Doing the May oneman will also be a significant change in activities, as a member has retired, and we've got a new member entering.
Lay: A leaving that was signficant in good humor. And now, we've got Towa entering, and we're only half-way into the year creating new things. And from here on out, we've got reason to be extremely active! Therefore, "precon world" is essential, I think. (Laughs)
Sanaka: That's enough (small smile)
SHOXX: I take it everything is in agreement, right? From here, what's your fresh start going to be like?
Sanaka: Half of this year has really been about lives, but next year I'm hoping there will be other kinds of activity.
Lay: But our place in the scene is special, right? So our activities need to be unique, I think. Even though it's bad to do it mostly at my pace, but if we let things get in the way, we'll fall behind and end up accomplishing nothing. There's little time ... and we've got to make a name for ourselves. Therefore, we can't be impatient; it's all about good timing.
SHOXX: On an individual basis: what kind of year was this?
Sanaka: Well, there were too many various things, so I'm not going to tell! (Laughs)
Mizuha: From this year, till the next year, it's been a rather good season, so we've to devour what may come. Yes, that's it.
Sanaka: I thought we were too ravenous this year, though ... (Suppressed laugh)
SHOXX: So everyone's experience has varied. But still all were ravenous, huh.
Mizuha: Yes. Ravenous. (Laughs)
Lay: This band is always so busy, that I barely have any time for myself. I don't really like that.
SHOXX: But you said that this was a valuable experience that is important.
Lay: Yes, I did. But I haven't even been able to write poems.
Sanaka: (Laughs) Poems? You don't write poems!
Towa: This year was really busy, and I wasn't able to go back to my considerably rural Vietnam hometown. Perhaps next year...
SHOXX: Return home to Vietnam? (Laughs)
Towa: When I return home to Vietnam, I'm able to practice asceticism. With three people as my guides, I know I can acheive it.
Sanaka: 4ge told me that it was a delightful year.
SHOXX: What kind of changes are in store for next year? First let's hear about 1.2.
Lay: I want to hear too!
Sanaka: We'll be holding Jan 2 at the Saitama Super Arena. There Lay and Bob Sapp [K1 Fighter] will contend, and we can see what card is given, but whoever makes it back in one piece we'll celebrate. (Laughs)
SHOXX: That's how you'll start this year, what about after that?
Sanaka: On Jan 11, We'll be having a "Collaboration Oneman Show" with Vanilla.
SHOXX: Is there anything special that will take place?
Sanaka: Simply put: we'll be doing the unimaginable. There will also be a special announcement, so please, by whatever means, come.
Mizuha: And on Feb. 11, we'll start holding our own events. When we do that, there will be a gathering of unique people.
Sanaka: And, again for March 30...
SHOXX: So you will take this year on!
Sanaka: Hey~~~~~!
Everyone: (Roar of Laughter)
Sanaka: On March 30 we'll hold my birthday party. It's been a while since we've played a Oneman at AREA.
Lay: In regards to getting off to a new start, of course AREA would be perfect. And in regards to what we've said, please come to have some fun.
SHOXX: I hate to ask, but next year will be unusually fun.
Lay: So for now, this is a good place to stop. Look forward to the next installment!
SHOXX: You're very right, it's again like "this is the year to seize!"
Sanaka: Stop it~~~~~~~~~~!!
