Interview with Mana

Known for his impressive career in music with bands like MALICE MIZER and Moi dix Mois and also with the fashion brand Moi-même-Moitié, Mana was a much-awaited guest of honor at the Finnish lolita fashion event Eternal Twilight. After the event in Helsinki, JaME’s Finnish team had the opportunity to ask the guitarist and fashion designer a few questions.

Last time we interviewed you was years ago, so thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! You are very well-known to our readers, but how would you describe who Mana is in the year 2018?

Mana: As a missionary bringing Moi-même-Moitié Elegant Gothic Lolita to the world, I'm taking part in fashion shows everywhere and challenging all kinds of new things!

You were a guest of honor at the Eternal Twilight fashion event in Helsinki. What kind of expectations did you have beforehand? What was the experience like?

Mana: Taking part in an event like this was a first for me, but it had been a while since the last time I came to Europe, so it did feel a bit like coming home for the first time in a long while. So many of the fans who came to the signing shed tears, it made me feel strongly that I want to continue to protect Gothic Lolita culture.

You’ve visited Finland before. What do you think about the country? What is the most interesting experience you have had here?

Mana: The last time I was in Finland I did not have the chance to do any sightseeing at all, so this time I was determined to go and see as much as possible. I really wanted to go to Kamome Shokudou*, so I'm very happy I was able to go and take some photos as a souvenir, even though I wasn't able to have a meal there due to scheduling conflicts.

*Note: Kamome Shokudou refers to the restaurant Ravintola Kamome in Helsinki, where the film “Kamome Shokudou” was shot. It is one of Mana's favorite movies.

Your fashion label is well-known in both Japan and in Europe. What are Moi-même-Moitié’s trump cards in Lolita fashion? How has the brand changed the Japanese gothic lolita scene?

Mana: Before Moi-même-Moitié was created, there was only sweet Lolita fashion, to which I added a darker Gothic element to create Elegant Gothic Lolita and bring a new fashion style to Japan.

Moi-même-Moitié is known for Elegant Gothic Lolita and Elegant Gothic Aristocrat styles. Are you interested in other lolita styles as well?

Mana: We haven’t released many items for it, but actually there is a third line called Elegant Gothic Madame which features a more elegant style with items such as mermaid skirts for example.

What is the backbone of your own fashion style?

Mana: Dark. Wearing mysterious darkness.

In Moi-même-Moitié’s clothes there are often crosses, roses and gothic architecture. Do you think that some Finnish things could somehow inspire the clothes too?

Mana: I went to see a number of churches in Finland, so I took lots photos. Gothic buildings have so much appeal.

What kinds of trends are there in lolita fashion this year? What do you think will be the next big thing in 2019?

Mana: Moi-même-Moitié equals the pursuit of Elegant Gothic Lolita. To be honest, I'm not really interested in trends.

An event in honour of MALICE MIZER’s 25th anniversary was held recently. Congratulations! Could you tell those of us who couldn’t make it there what the event was like?

Mana: At first, we planned it only as a session band, but I think we were able to show everyone the MALICE MIZER of 2018. I hear that a lot of overseas fans attended the live as well, and I think we were able to put on a great show that didn't betray their expectations.

You’ve previously worked with Kanon Wakeshima. Do you have any plans for future collaborations with her?

Mana: (laughs) I’m sort of waiting for an opportunity!

What kinds of plans do you have for Moi dix Mois?

Mana: We're currently working on a new CD, so I hope to be able to release the album that you've all been waiting for in the near future!

Who would you like to work with next? (In fashion or in music)

Mana: I'd like to try a lot of things. For example, the Moi-même-Moitié collaboration with Hatsune Miku and KAMIJO was fresh and very interesting.

Can you disclose any news on what you are going to do in the near future?

Mana: It looks like I'll have several opportunities to go abroad next year, so I want to meet all of you!

What kinds of greetings would you like to send our readers?

Mana: Thank you for loving Moi dix Mois, MALICE MIZER and Moi-même-Moitié!

JaME would like to thank Mana and Hellocon ry for making this interview possible.