Press Conference with Hakuei

On July 7th, 2007 at 5:30, HAKUEI made his entrance into the press conference room during Japan Expo. Earlier that afternoon he had taken part in the fashion show for the famous shop Laforet in HARAJUKU. After a short introduction of HAKUEI's career with PENICILLIN, MACHINE and nano, the conference began, with questions prepared by the press which had been given to the organizers.


First of all, what were your first impressions of France and the Japan Expo, did you expect this kind of reception?
HAKUEI: I was very surprised by the reactions of the fans in France.

What was the most remarkable sight during the event?
HAKUEI: I was surprised to see so many cosplayers here.

You took part in the fashion show with the brand Black Peace Now, do you also take part in their events in Japan?
HAKUEI: Yes, I have done some.

Do you want to start your own brand?
HAKUEI: I am thinking about it, yes, I do wish to have my own brand.

Of clothing?
HAKUEI: Both, accessories and clothing.

Have you planned any projects for the future?
HAKUEI: On September 5th, there will be a CD by MACHINE. We will start recording for it as soon as I return to Japan. Next to that, I will also be producing somebody.

You haven't performed in France yet. Since your arrival, have you received any contacts for this purpose?
HAKUEI: Yes, I've had some.

Can you tell us any more about this?
HAKUEI: Someone asked for my reply soon, as to whether or not I am positive about having a concert here, with PENICILLIN.

Since the departure of your bass player Gisho, will there be a substitute?
HAKUEI: Not at the moment, but we are looking for one.

Will there be European releases for PENICILLIN’s music?
HAKUEI: Why not? But I have not given this much thought yet.

If someone forced you to stop singing, what else would you do?
HAKUEI: I will never stop singing, but when I was small I always wanted to become a teacher, so I might become a teacher of some sort.

Which western musicians influenced you the most?
HAKUEI: Sex Pistols.

Isn’t it difficult to be producing two bands at the same time?
HAKUEI: It is very difficult indeed. But I invest myself differently in each one of them.

Do you wish to produce a concert with MACHINE in the near future?
HAKUEI: Of course. I am going to talk about it with Kiyoshi after I go back to Japan.

Why do you have such passion for music?
HAKUEI: I like to be extravagant. It is not only about the music, but I also like the many ways of portraying myself.

What do you think of French women?
HAKUEI: Really, they are very pretty. Too pretty, but I hesitate to come to live in France. I have not met the woman of my life yet, but I would like to find her in France and then take her back to Japan.

Why all these tattoos and what do they mean?
HAKUEI: I have a friend who is a tattoo artist and every time I see him I will add a tattoo. Only my friend knows the meaning of each one of these tattoos.

You have already been to Germany for the advertisement of a music video, would you consider producing a film in Europe?
HAKUEI: I have a schedule that is very tight so I cannot be in Europe for a long period of time. However, I do feel very energetic when I am in Europe.

When did you become interested in music?
HAKUEI: When I was about your age.

And when did you become a model?
HAKUEI: Around 30 years old.

That's all the time we have. Thank you very much!
"I LOVE YOU", HAKUEI said before leaving the room.


JaME would like to thank Hakuei and Japan Expo for allowing us to attend the press conference.