Mana Interview (part 2 of 2)
Orkus, July/August 2006
translated by Lardeen

Orkus: Did you have prejudices before your first Europe-visit?
Mana: I always wished to visit Europe. That's why I bought a lot of videos, so I was able to collect some information about the countries. But what surprised me nevertheless was the road traffic in Paris. The drivers park where they want. They don't care if they stop others through that. That seems to be a peculiarity of the Parisians. I couldn't imagine that in Japan. In Europe I also enjoy the peaceful way of living. In Tokyo everyone is always in a hurry. Here I can relax without problems.

O: Were you able to build yourself an opinion about the Germans?
M: Unfortunately I am mostly much too busy to look after intensive contacts to the people in my short visits. For that reason I wasn't able to see the qualities of the Germans.

O: We know that you hadn't much time, but maybe you were still able to see differences between Munich and Berlin?
M: I was able to see a bit more about Munich, because we shoot there for our last DVD. My stay in Berlin is too short to build an opinion about differences.

O: Is here in this country something that you like to visit?
M: At home I already experienced some things about old German castles and I want to visit them once.

O: Not only old castles seem to fascinate you, but also old German composers. Johann Sebastian Bach is one name you always mention on the question for inspiring artists. What interests you in the person Bach and his music?
M: Actually I know nothing about Bachs life. I love his mysterious a mystic music. Cembalo I heard for the first time by this artist and that inspires me a lot.

O: Did you start to interest yourself for classical music because of him?
M: Yes, I also know and admire Satie and Paganini.

O: A lot of classical musicians left the world in poverty and became only after their death immortal. Why in your opinion is their music now, after such along time, so beloved and why seems their dead to be the beginning?
M: The question ”why“ their dead was just the beginning I can not answer because I did not live in that time. Of course I wish the same happens to me, but not after my death, please! I wish that the people enjoy my music while I live.

O: What qualities do you like of yourself?
M: When I start to love something I concentrate deeply on perfect conversion. I am a human who doesn't commit on something. I am not afraid of trying new things, like the food in Germany. Many even don't test if it could taste good. Against it, I always open for new things.

O: What qualities you don't like of yourself?
M: On one hand I am a perfectionist, on the other hand I neglect things that aren't that important for me. I want to show an example here, too. With my make-up everything need to be perfect, but tidiness in household…

O: What is important for you in your life?
M: That I am allowed to compose my own music means very much to me.

O: Which dates are planned after your return to Japan?
M: Our tour ends in May in Shibuya, Tokyo. There are no concrete plans, but I like to visit Europe more often in the future.

O: Are there any memories you take home with you?
M: General I really like the appearance at my birthday and it was overwhelming that I got presents of my fans on stage. That makes me really happy!

O: Before parting we like to thank you again! It was an big honour for us to meet you. Of course we want to wish you a late happy birthday and want to give you a present.
M: Thank you very much! Am I allowed to open it now? (for example the Orkus-photobook “Friedhöfe Europas” [Graveyards of Europe] gets shown) With that you totally fit my taste. That is really the best I can get! I like the European architecture very much. In Japan there are no books with photographs of tombstone memorials. Sure I will find some inspiration in here! Thanks!