Interview with HIDEKI from Vasalla

Vasalla is going to host a special event at the legendary Tokyo venue Rock May Kan in Meguro, which is expected to close at the end of this year, on September 1st. As your VHS video Unusually Sadism was filmed at Rock May Kan back in the 90s, please tell us if you have any special memories with the venue.

HIDEKI: A lot of bands we liked back when we were kids played at Rock May Kan. So when we started the band in 1991, it was one of our goals and dreams to be on that stage. It was a great honor to do a lot of one-man shows and to host our events there. I feel very fond of it.


Your vocal style influenced many visual kei singers. Nowadays, styles that incorporate melodies and screams backed by metal music have become commonplace, but you have been doing it since '91. Did this style come out with you naturally or was it something you were conscious of?

HIDEKI: I think it was a natural progression. Instead of putting ourselves in the visual kei music that was already blueprinted by earlier bands in the late 80s and early 90s, the band members and I wanted to express ourselves in our own way. My vocal style came out as a result.


Is there anything you keep in mind when writing lyrics?

HIDEKI: I often create lyrics that expand on images based on emotions. Sometimes I do wordplay. I also put some messages in my lyrics.

You are the only member in the band who lives in Hakata, Fukuoka City. Please tell us what you like about your neighborhood.

HIDEKI: I love the food in Hakata. Mentaiko and motsunabe. And of course the Hakata tonkotsu ramen is the best! I love this city, because this is where I was born and raised.

There is a legend that you bought a sports car with the success of your 1995 debut mini-album INSANITY. Japan's vintage cars have been gaining popularity in recent years. Is there a classic car you would like to drive?

HIDEKI: That legend is wrong. I loved customizing cars and motorcycles before I was in Vasalla. I still have the same passion for motor vehicles. My current ride is the lifted up 4WD with Hawaiian vibes. If I get to pick a Japanese vintage car, it would probably be the Hakosuka GT-R*.
*Nissan made these cars in Japan between 1969 and 1972.


It's very exciting that Vasalla has reunited and released two new songs, missing and despair. Can we expect more new songs from you?

HIDEKI: I don't know what the future holds. If the band members start writing new music, I'll write lyrics and that will be our new songs. Personally speaking, I have new melodies in mind that I want to try and sing.

Please give us a message for the final Rock May Kan event and your fans overseas.

HIDEKI: I want you to experience the present Vasalla. We are better than ever. I promise you the September 1st show will be the best! Even If you cannot make it to the show, messages and thoughts encourage me and the band. Thank you for your support. From Japan with love, HIDEKI.

JaME would like to thank HIDEKI for making time for this interview.

A preview of Vasalla's 2023 single evolution featuring samples of missing and despair can be streamed below, followed by digest footage from a show the band held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Vasalla's formation. evolution is available for purchase as a digital download from the MONSTER-ROCK online shop.