Interview with Kato Kazuki

Singer and actor Kato Kazuki, best known for his roles in the popular "Kamen Riders" series and "Tennis no oujisama" musical, recently released his tenth single, titled Legend is Born. In a short interview, he shares with JaME about his music and acting career.

Could you introduce yourself?

Kato: Hello, I’m Kato Kazuki.

You released your new single Legend Is Born on June 4th. Do you have any special feelings about this tenth single?

Kato: I was very happy to release my tenth single after playing in the unit JOKER for so long. I’m also happy as it’s the theme song of an anime.

It’s the theme song of the anime “Majin Bone”. How did it feel singing the theme song of an anime hero?

Kato: I have loved anime since I was a child, and was especially excited to hear the theme song of “Dragon Ball”. I was very happy to sing an anime theme song that contains the title of the show. I really want children to sing it together.

What feelings did you put in the song Hitorijanai when you wrote the lyrics?

Kato: I wrote this song to be like an ‘insertion song’ in the anime. When we stand up to a big enemy, it can feel impossible to overcome them by ourselves, but we could work hard together with friends to do so. I think there are many people working hard, and I put the message: “Look around you. There are many people supporting you. You are not alone. You can do your best together!”

What is your songwriting process like? What instruments do you use?

Kato: I write songs with my guitar. I’m not sure I can call it a process, but I can’t write songs unless I’m sitting on my bed at home.

I feel the themes of your songs are quite clear. Do you have a concrete image when you compose your songs?

Kato: When I make an album, I think about the whole line-up first, and only then do I write the individual songs. As I write, the lyrics usually come out naturally. I write positive songs a lot when I feel that way, and I sometimes write lyrics from the perspective of characters I play as an actor...I can’t explain it very well, but it’s something like that.

You act so widely, appearing in TV dramas and movies, performing in plays and musicals, and acting in lives as a singer. Which do you enjoy most? Can you switch between them easily when your schedule is very tight?

Kato: I enjoy them all, but I like lives best because I can stand in front of the audience by myself. How can I say…I don’t think I can switch easily.

You have performed many roles as an actor. Which is the most memorable for you?

Kato: The musical “Tennis no Oujisama” (Prince of Tennis) made the biggest impression on me. I’m appearing in the musical “Lady Bess” now, which I think has also impressed me, because it’s on a different scale to my previous work. The playwright and composer, who come from overseas and are the makers of “Elisabeth”, changed the tune, tempo and key of some songs on the spot. This was because it was the musical’s world premiere, and it was amazing to witness this process.

Last year you worked as the unit JOKER. How did it influence your musical activities?

Kato: My way of composing music changed quite a lot. Before, I used to write music and lyrics separately, but recently when I’ve been writing music, the lyrics have come to me naturally.

Could you tell me any impressive episodes from your Kazuki Kato LIVE “GIG”2014 tour?

Kato: After performing in musicals, I thought I could change the previous image of Kato Kazuki in this tour. I could be artless, so I think people who have seen me as an actor will be surprised. I could do lives so naturally. Before, I thought too much about how I couldn’t disappoint my fans by breaking my image…Now, I’ve gotten old enough to talk friendlily with fans.

After you finished your live, you held a handshake event with fans, and you talked a lot with the audience whilst onstage, so you seem to treasure the bond with your fans. What does the presence of the fans mean to you?

Kato: It is irreplaceable. The band, staff and fans are all important team members for me.

Do you have any ambitions for the future?

Kato: I want to perform more musicals and lives overseas.

Can you please give a message for your overseas fans?

Kato: I’m sorry I can’t see you often, but I hope you can get your hands on my music and works. Please continue to support me!!