Right before her show at the 'Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris', Yui Makino took the time to sit down with JaME and answer a few questions.
Yui Makino, popular voice actress, singer and pianist, was invited to the 2010 MCJP convention in France. JaME caught up with her prior to her show in order to find out how her international fame has affected her career and what her plans are for the future.
Hello Ms. Makino. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
(She steals our dictaphone and begins speaking French.)
Yui Makino: Hello, I am Yui Makino! I am happy to see you today! Our time together will be great. I came to France last year for the Japan Expo and I’m really happy to be back!
(Everyone laughs and applauds.)
You are currently touring Europe. Last year you were in France for the Japan Expo and in New York for the NY Anime Festival. How did you come across these opportunities to appear internationally?
Yui Makino: The Japanese culture boom is the first thing that comes to mind. Then, I think the songs I sang for "Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle" and "NHK ni Yôkoso" made me quite popular. Eventually, the international demand to see me got so big that I told myself “Well, let's do it!”
How was the concert in Italy this past Saturday? Was the ambiance good?
Yui Makino: Many cried of joy; it went really well! It was a little calm at first but that changed once we began to communicate properly. They’re a little shy, but it was really fun.
Today you’re at the Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris, for the music festival. Is this inspiring to you?
Yui Makino: Last year was for the Japan Expo, which was a big event. Lots of people “stumbled” onto my show, which was great because I sang in front of thousands. That and quite a few fans came to France just to see me, which is amazing. This time, though, it’s just me, so everything has to be perfect!
During previous interviews, we were able to discover a little about you and your career. Now you’re an international star. Is this an accomplishment for you? Do you have other projects?
Yui Makino: Since last year, I’ve performed in Paris, New York, Singapore, Shanghai, Rome, Korea and even Germany for a TV show! I traveled quite a bit and I still feel like I need to get better. You know, there are still certain places in Japan that I haven’t been to yet!
Where do you get your inspiration from? Nature? Everyday life?
Yui Makino: A little of both. In my daily life, I don’t go out much, but once I start writing, I go out to the movies. It inspires my lyrics.
What message are you trying to convey through your music?
Yui Makino: More than a message, I want my music to have a soul. I base it on classical styles while giving it pop sounds to create my own unique style. So, I want to transmit a part of me and a part of my style with my music.
How do you feel prior to a show? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Yui Makino: Yes! I peek through the curtain to see the crowd! Then I get all nervous and turn into a big chicken. I start asking myself “should I stay or should I go?” (laughs)
The Japan Expo 2010 (note: this interview took place prior) is soon. Any advice for the performers that will be there?
Yui Makino: What? Me giving advice? Really? Uhhh… do your best! (laughs)
Your best and worst musical memory?
Yui Makino: Each show is a great memory. For the worst, it would have to be a specific show where I asked for a 72 key piano but only got 48 keys. Once I started going up the octaves, I ran out of keys and I panicked... I turned as white as a ghost! (laughs)
How is your feret, Hokke-chan, doing?
(Everyone laughs.)
Yui Makino: Hokke-chan is doing well ! (She takes her phone out to show us pictures) He’ll be two years old on August 18th! That’s the date my first single came out!
Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?
Yui Makino: Every time I perform, the crowd gets larger and larger! Thank you all for supporting me!
JaME wishes to thank Emmanuel Bochew for his translation and the MCJP for their welcome and having made this interview possible.
