Interview & Conference with KOKIA

Before her FNAC showcase in January, a small crowd gathered to get a closer view of KOKIA during her press conference. Prior to that, JaME, along with the newspaper Azi'up, had a go with the famous singer. The interview was rather short but KOKIA was more than happy to answer our questions openly and with a smile.

Private Interview

What are your greatest memories of last year’s sold out concert and what made you return?
KOKIA: At that time last year, I was very stressed out. But, my fans gave me the focus and encouragement I needed to keep going. This will forever remain in my memory.
The hall that tomorrow's concert will be held in is much much much larger than last year’s and I want to go all out! I’m very ready for it to be tomorrow already. Also, it will be different because last year I was alone whereas this time my musicians are with me; that gives me more power!

Do you feel that you are the pioneer of Jpop in France?

KOKIA: [laughs quietly] I am content that Europeans think that of me.
Do you feel that Jpop can flourish in France?
KOKIA: I don’t think I would want that [Kokia laughs while everyone looks at her in surprise]
Why is that?
KOKIA: To me, the world of JPop is completely manufactured. There are artists that sing but they don’t do it for themselves; it’s purely marketing. I do not want this image to be shown to France as people should not have this vision of Japanese music.

If one reads the words of the song Hope of an ugly ducklin', it brings to mind the inspirational tale The Ugly Ducking by Hans Christian Andersen. Where did the idea for this song come from?
KOKIA: It's simply because my mother read the tale to me quite often.

You went to school one summer in the United States so you have some knowledge of the English language. But, do you have any interest in singing in French like other international artists?
KOKIA: As it happens, I will be singing in French tomorrow.

In the song Music like a prayer you sing "Watashi no kami wa ongaku [...]." Could you describe a little more about how you were able to find God?
KOKIA: When I was young and feeling particularly sad, I went to church and sang hymns. Then one day, a surprising answer came to me. The answer was that even if things were difficult, I'd still be able to sing. I will try my best and beautiful music will be born.

Who are your musical influences?
KOKIA: My inspiration comes from the various people I have met and the various opinions I have when I discuss things with them.
So do you have any autobiographical songs?
KOKIA: There is the song Kawaranai koto which is personal to me, just like the song Utau hito is.
KOKIA's Manager: She expresses her own feelings through her songs. She sings for herself instead of just for others and at the same time, she advises others to do the same.

Do you think that you will be performing in other European countries as well as the United States?
KOKIA: Yes, and I will be holding a European tour!

To finish, please answer this much asked question: Why do you sing in bare feet?
KOKIA: To be honest, it's to help maintain my balance. When I'm wearing shoes, oddly enough, I don't feel at ease! [laughter from everyone]

Thank you very much!
KOKIA: Thanks.

KOKIA finished the interview by signing an autograph for JaME, which can be seen at the bottom of the article.

JaME thanks KOKIA, the manager of Paris Visual Prod and Wasabi Records for this interview.

After this, we let KOKIA prepare for her press conference and showcase.

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Over 200 fans crammed themselves into the very small room where KOKIA's Q&A session was set to take place. They were eager to ask her many questions and to find out her responses.

Press Conference

After waiting for a few minutes, the moderator appears and announces KOKIA's arrival. She arrives with her translator to a thunder of applause. Three chairs are set up on the stage and opposite to them, KOKIA's camera crew is there to capture everything on film. The moderator asks KOKIA several questions before turning the microphone over to the audience.

Moderator: What message are you trying to convey with the song Yume ga chikara, which was used to encourage the athletes competing in Athens?
KOKIA: It was written to not only encourage the athletes but also for those who encourage the athletes as well.
Moderator: And what meaning are you trying to convey?
KOKIA: To figure out what your dreams are and to make them happen.
Moderator: In short, "Just do it!"

Moderator: Why are so many of your songs used in anime movies?
KOKIA: [surprised by the question] It’s not really true...
Moderator: But here, that's how we know you!
Audience: No! [everyone laughs]

Moderator: Are you a fan of anime?
KOKIA: I've seen a few but not too many.

Moderator: Tell me, who are your fans?
[Somebody in the audience: There are some here! and fanatic screams follow.]
KOKIA: Yes, they are here. [laughs]
Moderator: Between the Japanese and French fans, what are the main differences?
KOKIA: The expression of interest between the French and Japanese is completely different because you, the French are much more expressive and easily show your passion contrary to the Japanese who are a bit more reserved though appreciating my music just as much.

Moderator: What are your projects for the year 2007?
KOKIA: After tomorrow's concert, I will head back to Japan and stay mainly around Tokyo because it's where I reside. What I would like to do is travel all throughout Japan and give concerts in remote places. Then, I will make my way over to Ireland to record there.
Moderator: With whom? Do you have any musicians with whom you'd like to work?
KOKIA: I'll be working with local artists that make traditional music.

Moderator: What gave you the desire to go there?
KOKIA: The idea wasn't originally from me but rather from those around me. I once went there as a tourist and several offers came to me. So, I will record music with some of the local artists.

Moderator: You have once said that music is a universal language. What exactly do you mean by that?
KOKIA: Music is a universal language quite simply because I came to France and I do not understand French, just like many of you do not understand Japanese. In spite of the language barrier, my words have touched the hearts of the French. And when I'm performing, I get the feeling that the French are very receptive to my songs.

Moderator: You have written a song in French. Do you wish to perform it while you're here? Perhaps the music hasn't been written yet?
KOKIA: That will not be possible today but tomorrow, it won’t be a problem and I will be singing a song in French! [laughs]

Moderator: Does anybody have any questions?
Fan: I would like to know if there will be a DVD released of last year's concert as well as the one taking place tomorrow?
KOKIA: Tomorrow's concert just might be on DVD! [cheers from the audience]

Fan: I would like to know if it would be possible for you to make an album with just your vocals accompanied solely by piano. You excel in this type of music and we would be happy to see this album one day.
KOKIA: I have been wanting to do that for quite a long time. Soon, I will release it but I do not know when. Tomorrow during the live, you can buy the scorebook for the song Arigatou.

Fan: You returned to indies status. [Note: KOKIA is no longer under the Victor Entertainment label.] Is this easier or more difficult?
KOKIA: Ah... for me, it is a good thing even if I'm very busy and have no free time. The advantage is that I can really sing what I wish and convey my feelings to you, my dear fans.

Moderator: Another question?
KOKIA: I am very small and unable to see the entire crowd, especially in the back!
[A young lady approaches and brings Kokia a pink elephant plushie.]
KOKIA: [in English] For me? Oh, thank you! [back to Japanese] Tomorrow, I will sing pink no zou.
Audience: Yes!!
[KOKIA makes her famous "paonnn paonnn" sound.]

Fan: This is two years in a row that you’ve come to France. Please think of coming here regularly because we'd all like that very much!
KOKIA: Of course, if the opportunity is given to me, I will take it with pleasure!

Fan: Konnichi wa.
KOKIA: Konnichi wa.
Fan: I want to know if you have any plans to collaborate with any French singers?
KOKIA: I would like to but I do not know with whom yet.

Fan: I would really like to know this: Why in particular did you come to France?
KOKIA: I don't know really...

[A male fan approaches the stage.]
Fan: I did not want to ask any questions but I wanted to see you closer!!
[crazy laughter from the audience]
KOKIA: [goes towards him and extends her hand] Hello!
Fan: Tomorrow, will you sing Chouwa?
KOKIA: Yes!

Fan: Before your concert last year, had you been at all interested in France?
KOKIA: I had already been to France several times as a tourist and I have friends that live here. I adore France. The pianist and guitarist that came with me immediately adored it too.

Thus, the Q&A session was finished with intense applause from the audience. This short discussion with her fans created a wonderful atmosphere and revealed important information regarding her future musical projects.