Interview with GACKT

On September 30, the movie "Bunraku" will have its premiere in various movie theaters across the United States. The movie will mark the Hollywood debut of the entertainer GACKT, who stars alongside Josh Hartnett in this action movie playing the role of a samurai named Yoshi. We got the opportunity to ask GACKT a few questions about the movie as well as his recent tour with YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz and his upcoming plans.


We heard that director Guy Moshe came to Japan personally to ask you to join the cast of "Bunraku." Could you tell us more about this encounter? How did you feel when you were asked to be in a Hollywood production?

GACKT: I was very interested in taking part in a Hollywood movie, but the main reason I wanted to be in this film was Guy. I was moved by Guy Moshe’s passion. He made me feel like this movie was one of my missions in life, and I was able to envision myself playing Yoshi.

Seeing as this was the first time you took part in an American movie production, did you experience any cultural differences while filming the movie?

GACKT: There were cultural differences, but what mattered to me was how to close this cultural gap, not the gap itself. It’s very difficult to express yourself in any new country. I took this role as if I represented Japan, and believe I was able to show what it means to be Japanese both on and off camera.

There are quite a lot of fighting scenes in "Bunraku." How did you prepare for these and did you do all your stunts yourself?

GACKT: Yes, I pretty much did all the fighting scenes myself. I knew there would be a lot of martial arts involved so I started training in Taekwondo prior to filming, which allowed me to be physically prepared for the movie.

In the past few years, you have been acting in various movies. What do you like best about acting?

GACKT: I enjoy the creativity in acting. Film-making involves so many people and sharing ideas with both the director and the cast is a lot of fun. And just like you evolve through music, you evolve through acting. You continuously learn something new about yourself.

You acted in the historical drama “Fuurinkazan,” which also makes references to Japanese traditional culture. What is your personal connection to these traditions, and do you find it important to spread this across the world?

GACKT: Being Japanese, bushido is my roots, and is an important part of my country’s culture. I believe it is my role to share this beautiful culture with the world. Bushido is a big part of me personally as well as in my professional career.

You originally started as a musician, and later continued your career as a model and actor. Were these professions a personal goal for you, or was it a coincidence that you ended up working in these fields?

GACKT: The medium does not matter to me as long as I can express myself. I just want to encourage my fans by challenging myself. My attitude and spirit will be reflected in my fans so I just hope to continue doing what I can and accomplish things that are said to be impossible.

We've seen that you are talented in many fields. What sort of challenge or activity would you like to try out next, or are there any skills you would like to develop further?

GACKT: There are still many people in the world that do not know much about Japan, and there are many people that do not know much about me. I want to reach out to those people. I want those people to experience Japanese culture, and what “Samuraism” is through the world of GACKT.

Recently you finished your European tour with YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz. We are sure that the tour was full of memorable experiences, so could you tell us about any experiences that have left a big impression on you?

GACKT: I cannot forget about the fans screaming “Arigatou! Arigatou!” after my shows in Poland, Hungary and Moscow. I was touched by their reactions and it made me feel that I wanted to come back.

The YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz' shows were very entertaining. How do you come up with ideas about your and Jon’s presence on stage and the visuals for the shows?

GACKT: I can always picture in my head what I want my stage to look like. So I just need to make it happen. I firmly believe all imaginations can come to life, and I have to make my band members believe in it as well. I know that is what my fans are expecting from me.

You seem to be having a lot of fun with your band on stage. What is the secret behind the strong chemistry between the members?

GACKT: I think it is communicating; spending a lot of time, and trusting each other. We always rehearse as if it's the real show, and we always think of what the fans are expecting from us. We want the fans to have fun, and when they do, it allows us to have fun.

YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz will release their first single in September. What are your plans for both YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz and GACKT as a solo artist for after this tour?

GACKT: YFC plans to tour in both North and South America as well as across Asia. As for my solo career as GACKT, I plan to do a Japanese tour after YFC. Stay tuned!

Lastly, please send a message to our readers.

GACKT: I look forward to expanding my career globally. I want to reach out more to my fans outside of Japan through my music and film career. This is a promise so please look forward to it!


JaME would like to thank GACKT and Jonathan Platt for making this interview possible.