Interview with OROCHI

Visual kei band OROCHI started seven years ago. This spring they started on their European tour, during which they performed in many European countries - though unfortunately excluding the UK. JaME took the opportunity to get to know this unique 'Samurai Rock' quartet.


Could you please introduce yourself?

Lord USHI-WAKA: Vocals and flute – I have the strength of the valley’s howl, the gift which can bring together in harmony all angels and beasts.
YUKI-MURA: Guitar – I am the allayer by the butterflies’ caress, my fingers soothe all pain and paint sounds of colored velvet wings.
MITSU-HIDE: Bass – I wear the sleep-proof veil of the night to protect the land and sky while creatures of the day are asleep.
GENJI-HOTARU: Drums – I am the son of the thunderlight, a shadow striking the sky and exploding the silence for the thrills of peace.

Please explain the concept of OROCHI. Why did you choose this old legend?

OROCHI: Orochi is a symbol of the greatness of humans. It represents how no beast can defeat the wits and strength of the warriors with trained hearts. Legends we are, and so we’ve always been. Legends don’t age, they relocate and reload.

How is this concept reflected in your music?

OROCHI: Our music is an invitation to revival and shows the love of nature.

Who is in charge of the composition, the lyrics and the arrangement?

OROCHI: Lord USHI-WAKA is in charge of these.

Who or what inspired you to become musicians?

Lord USHI-WAKA: Everything the Japanese do comes instinctually, and it is only to fulfill our life’s mission and duty.
YUKI-MURA: I was chosen for OROCHI at my birth.
MITSU-HIDE: Destiny.
GENJI-HOTARU: I wasn’t give a choice.

You started your activities in Australia. Could you tell us something about your reasons, your experiences and the band's history?

OROCHI: We went to unknown lands to speak to strangers as to friends. Australia was the point where we began training the heart and mind of what was to become today’s OROCHI.

When returning to Japan, what differences in the music scene and fan culture stood out the most?

OROCHI: Japanese fans are too shy; overseas, we found different vibes in the fans. Of course we cherish them all. We are very excited to experience the audience in Europe, we know they’re peaking.

If you could do any kind of magic, what would you choose to do?

Lord USHI-WAKA: Return to human form.
YUKI-MURA: Put on butterfly wings and fly.
MITSU-HIDE: Remember everything.
GENJI-HOTARU: Throw my drum sticks at a target 1 km away.

What did you want to be as a kid?

Lord USHI-WAKA: A samurai.
YUKI-MURA: A beautiful butterfly.
MITSU-HIDE: The sky.
GENJI-HOTARU: A baseball player.

What is the funniest or the most awkward thing that's ever happened to you?

Lord USHI-WAKA: The feeling of flying to another dimension during a concert.
YUKI-MURA: Losing my alien antennas.
MITSU-HIDE: Seeing a black ghost by my bed.
GENJI-HOTARU: Seeing a hole instead of my earlobe

Who are your musical influences?

Lord USHI-WAKA: Everything. The land. The sky. The universe.
YUKI-MURA: Birds crying.
MITSU-HIDE: Trains running and nature.
GENJI-HOTARU: Hitting everything.

So far what has been your greatest achievement?

Lord USHI-WAKA: Each moment of my life.
YUKI-MURA: Playing the guitar.
MITSU-HIDE: Playing slap bass on stage.
GENJI-HOTARU: Being part of OROCHI.

What are your expectations for the European tour?

Lord USHI-WAKA: To make great, memorable shows with you all!!!
YUKI-MURA: To see your faces up close.
MITSU-HIDE: To make you all never forget us.
GENJI-HOTARU: To see the world.

What would you like to achieve in the future?

Lord USHI-WAKA: Go on a world tour.
YUKI-MURA: Go on a world tour with lots of gourmet food.
MITSU-HIDE: Go on a world tour and visiting historical sights.
GENJI-HOTARU: Performing in front of a million people on a baseball field.


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