10 Minutes and Counting: Interview with Mana at Anime Expo
Written by Carmilla Kupritz
In 2006, Mana visited Anime Expo as a guest, this time, he came back to perform with Moi dix Mois in 2009. To reverse a little in time, Mana's career has spanned two decades, becoming well known for his role as leader and guitarist in the band Malicer Mizer. He launched a clothing label, Moi-même-Moitié, which has influenced Gothic styling around the world.
These designs, well known today as Gothic Lolita and Elegant Gothic Aristocrat, continue to evolve and change by designers who acknowledge they have been inspired by his creations. Malice Mizer went on hiatus in 2001 and Mana launched his solo career as Moi dix Mois in which he wrote, produced and arranged all of the music. By 2007, Moi dix Mois consited of Seth (vocals), Hayato (drums), Mana (guitar), Sugiya (bass) and K (guitar).
At Anime expo 2009 they strode out onto a stage cloaked in foggy darkness, while the crowd screamed and tossed up the hand sigils that stood for Moi dix Mois. The lights flashed on and Seth belted lyrics, while Mana and K dove boldly into guitar rifts. Sugiya's bass rolled with Hayato's drums... the music was heavy, electro-goth-rock and metal.
Blow by blow accounts of concerts has never been my specialty... but I can say that by the end, I was transfixed, wishing for them to play more. Seth, Hayato, Sugiya and K left the stage while pumping their fists into the air, throwing up the sigil and pointing to the fans as if they too wished that it had not ended so soon.
Mana stood alone on the stage, raising his guitar into the air. The glowing cross on the belly of the instrument lit up as the crowd cheered on. He lowered in slowly in farewell...
Animefood was lucky to interview Mana before his concert. Admittedly, I didn't expect to interview him. I was rushed in with no time to think, no questions in hand - recorders and video cameras were not allowed. I sat calmly as if i had been waiting all day, though my brain was whirling in fear - before a man that I knew changed the lives of so many through music, fashion and lifestyle.
Animefood: Thank you for coming to anime expo! So what made you finally decide to perform here?
Mana: We had planned to come a few years back, but unfortunately it was cancelled. Since we had a chance to come here again we were delighted to.
What are you looking forward to about performing at AX 2009?
Mana: Before I was invited, I received many emails from fans here in America requesting that I come perform here one day. So I am really looking forward to the fans, I am hyped about it!
A lot of people feel you are the father of Gothic Lolita style, and that you have somehow managed to capture it and make it perfect. What inspired the creation of this unique look?
Mana: I have always loved black, but also the cute Lolita look, so I wanted to combine them. This is how I came up with the style.
When you see the Gothic Lolitas who follow your style, how does it make you feel?
Mana: They look beautiful and it makes me feel very happy inside.
Will you come out with a new CD soon?
Mana: I am in the process of creating new songs. Right now I am debating on the album theme and the direction it should take. Perhaps a classical mixed with an aggressive sound.
When you say classical and aggressive, what does that mean to you as a concept?
Mana: Hmmm… classical like Bach, and an aggressive sound similar to heavy metal - like Slayer.
Plans for a tour anywhere?
Mana: This summer I will have a live show in Tokyo and in Osaka.
A quick, fun question since we are at an anime convention: What kind of anime do you like?
Mana: I like many anime! But I really like Gundam and Evangelion.
Last words:
This is my first live here, and I really want to make it a great concert for you (the fans).
Special thanks to Mana for the interview, and Chase Wang at Anime Expo for arranging it, thank you to Mana's managers and translators.
Visit these links to learn more: