~Which Member are You Most Like?~

Scans: MissAlthea | Translation: seastarsoup

A quiz from the magazine "ON STAGE" from Oct 1990, click on the image below to see the full sized english version. Instructions in the bottom right corner

Original Japanese version↓

Included in the magazine were the results of each band member with a picture showing the path each member took through the choices in red, as well as an interview with each. The starting questions for the members were different from the ones for readers (shown below).

I had a big dream. A dream too big to keep to myself...

Yoshiki's goal-driven personality is apparent even in his chart. He lives and breathes X. Yoshiki's starting point was question 2.

So, your starting point was 2, a drums-related question.
Yes. To me, the most important thing is rhythm.

Are there times on stage when you think "Oops, I'm going too fast"?
Yes... It happens. There are times when I realize it and think: "I'm going too fast. But I can't change it now, so I'll keep going like this. I'll apologize later." But I think it's better to go faster rather than slower, at a concert.

I heard that you're always a bit ahead, and Taiji is always a bit behind.
When we're playing, a lot of times it's like Taiji is backing me. But Taiji is already starting to play ahead, he said that he noticed he kept playing ahead when he had a jam session with another band. It seems like he's caught the Yoshiki virus.

What is it like to record the drums?
The drums are usually the first thing to be recorded, I play everything myself with only a drum machine accompanying me. Depending on the song, I'll ask Taiji to back me up. I don't like it, however. Because then I can't get into a rhythm. Next time, I'm thinking about having the whole band backing me up, even if just recording the drums.

When you record, do you go through the entire song and you pick the best parts out of it?
Yes. But usually, if I have to do it more than two or three times, then the day is already done. Songs like "Blue Blood" and "Orgasm" were all recorded in one shot, in a day. I woke up early and went to record them, and if there were no good takes in the first or second shots, I wouldn't keep up. I mean, if the double bass drums came out sounding inconsistent, it wouldn't sound good at all... I hate it when the double bass drums sound uneven, so if they sounded smooth, I then would give it the OK.

Was a long suite like "Rose of Pain" recorded in one shot too?
I think I split that one in two parts. As it should be.

How many takes did it take for "Blue Blood" to get the OK?
That was in one shot. I woke up early, went to the studio like, "let's do this" and did it. I was so proud (laughs). I had to do it in one go, because it would be extremely difficult to fix any slip ups. The song was programmed into a rhythm box, and in the middle part where it's like a hook part, my tempo only dropped something like 5 points. I had to be very careful when it went from 190 to 185... But that song was done in one go. "Kurenai" and others stewed for a bit longer, since that day it would be impossible to do them, so they got pushed to the next day, but ok. I could play them that day, but didn't feel like I could get into the groove.

Are you the type of person to pay attention to the recording of instruments
other than your own?
On our last recorded work, I had to get the lyrics and piano done immediately after recording the drums, so I had Taiji supervise the rest of the recording process while I was taking lessons at another studio. I had him bring me tapes of the day's work and told him, "This cut needs to be redone, the tuning here is whack," and so on. So even if Taiji, hide, and Pata worked on something and got it done, if I listened to the tape and said that it wasn't enough and needed to be redone, they'd have to go back to the studio the next day and do it all over again, much to their chagrin (laughs).

I heard the vocals were also tough to record.
Yeah. I started to participate more in the recording process when they were recording guitar solos, and then I was constantly supervising the recording for the vocals (laughs). I would be all like, "You're not putting nearly enough emotion into it!". There were days when we'd only manage to record only one line. Toshi's weakness is that his vocal cords can't hold F sharp and G notes for long. It's okay, professionally. The standard is that as long as there's emotion, even if it sounds flat, then fine. We talk a lot about that (laughs). But the stakes are high, so I hope he'll keep on doing his best.

You answered question 6 as 'yes'. Are you the type of person who gets totally absorbed into something you're interested in?
Yeah (laughs). I'm avidly curious, and if something piques my interest, then it's all over. Everything gets overshadowed... I'm like that when I'm in love with someone too. So much that I become unable to focus on anything else. But that hasn't happened for some 7, 8 years (laughs)... All that time, yes. I can only think about that person. That's how it used to be.

If that happened now, it would be a disaster!
A disaster, yes (grins).

Do you try to avoid it?
I don't know. Only if there's someone or something that can replace my fascination for X...

A beautiful windflower, perhaps?
I have no idea. I don't know if that flower will ever come along (laughs). Right now, I have no eyes for anything other than X. But I don't know. If someone like that appeared, then I'd be really lost.

Type A
You're someone who has a strong sense of purpose and ability to get things done. When you have a set goal, you have the motivation and plan accordingly to reach it. You have what it takes to accomplish something great in the future. At the same time, however, you tend to be overly sensitive and nervous. Your personality type is advantageous when it comes to creative projects such as songwriting, but you're very likely to hit walls and face other shortcomings when working with a group. You have the tendency to hide in your own little bubble, but you don't have to do everything alone. You should open your heart more to those around you instead of suffering alone. If you do so, the path to your future will become clearer.

I'm the type of person who can never say no when people rely on me or place their expectations on me.

Has any other band ever used the Japanese flag as a topic for their on-stage talk in between songs? Toshi, known for his high tones, shouts, and charming stage presence, started from question 1!

According to question 1, do you think about what you're going to say on stage beforehand?
That's right. It's not that I think too deeply about it, but I do have some general thoughts like, "I say it like this," or "This city is best known for such and such thing". I often ask the people from catering or locals what is well-known around the area. And then, I lock myself in the bathroom.

Is that where you prepare?
Yeah. I absolutely have to be alone for about 20 minutes before going on stage. And the best place to be alone is in the bathroom, so I lock myself in there. I put my thoughts in order, remind myself what the first song is, and do some mental practice, like some sort of rehearsal? And then I leave. What I say on stage depends on the general mood of the audience, it's some kind of spiritual unity.

Do you get different reactions in different areas?
We go to many different areas, and every place has something famous it is best known for. For example, Shizuoka is famous for its tea and mandarin oranges. Uh, I think I saw that on TV or heard about it on the radio? I forgot. But it would be difficult to say something related to tea on stage, so I often asked the audience to show all their Shizuoka groove. Some people even came to the show with the word "tea" written on their bodies. In Hiroshima, I told them to wear denim jackets, and most really showed up wearing denim jackets.

Why denim jackets in Hiroshima?
When we first went to Hiroshima, during our smaller venue days, everyone and their mother wore denim jackets. I thought it would be funny if a larger venue would be packed with people all dressed in denim jackets. And they really did it, even though it was hot (laughs). Sendai was also funny. I joked that people should come to the concert dressed like sasakamaboko (baked fish paste), and someone really followed through! And they stood in the front row, too (laughs). At first, I didn't see them because it was dark, but then, I could only look at this huge triangle, like this (makes a triangle shape with his hands), and one end was rounded. I thought to myself, "What the hell is Q-chan [Obake no Q-chan] doing here?", but I got a better look and noticed their costume had grill marks! And they also wrote "sasakamaboko" on the front (laughs). I believe they made the costume themselves. That was a sight to see. They really got me. It made everyone's night, hide even gave them a guitar pick.

It must be amazing when people do that.
But it's not all fun and games. It's not very nice to sing "Endless Rain" while a giant sasakamaboko stares at you (laughs).

Was there beef tongue too?
I was worried people would throw beef tongue at me (laughs). I'm not hide, so what the hell would I do if someone threw a chunk of meat at me (laughs)? But these regional specialties are all very interesting. Especially when we're visiting a place for the first time. The energy is different. And then the whole place will be X'ed out. For example, bike gangs used to like Eikichi Yazawa, but now they like X. X seems to be popular among them. I guess it's because the music is fast-paced, and that makes you want to drive fast. But then slow down when "Unfinished" comes on (laughs).

Has it ever happened when you're on stage and there's a problem and you have to fill in the gaps, talking to the audience?
There are. And it's what makes me the most anxious. When there are sound issues with the piano, when Yoshiki takes a long break to recover (laughs). I think it was in the city of Mito, but Yoshiki didn't come back and we had to end the concert... I came back on stage and apologized, of course, but I'm not very good with that kind of more formal announcement. It's a serious situation, but I still have to say it in the X way, so it's difficult… But looking at it like a menu, there's only really once when I talk to the audience. Except before the encore. And that's when I’m yapping (laughs).

I would say you don't really talk much to the audience, it's more like shouts of encouragement. Like when you tell them to "go wild!!"
Ahaha. The other day I read something interesting in the MC Special magazine (Editor's note: 'Excite' magazine, issue 3), and I felt sorry for myself, "Do I really say this?" (laughs). It's hilarious, I don't even know what goes on in my mind when I say that. I watched the video of the Osaka Castle Hall show, but it was so embarrassing.

Now, about question 6. Are you the type to get super focused on something you're interested in?
Not really. I have my interests, but not to that point. I'm rather tame. A bit dry, yes. I can get super excited, but I don't spend too much time thinking about it. I'm passionate, in a sober way, at the same time. It's a bit weird, to be honest.

Are you the type to live life at your own rhythm?
Mostly. I feel like I have to do things carefully, not too much for the sense of satisfaction, but just so that I don't get overwhelmed.

Type B
Your strong sense of justice and responsibility make you the so-called "masculine" personality type. You're admired and liked for always keeping your promises, being helpful, and treating people equally. You hate deceit, which in turn can cause you to be too hard on others and yourself, and some people may think you're annoying or unpleasant. You may have to keep that side of yourself hidden and try to be softer with the people around you. You have trouble dealing with things. Trying to take shortcuts or the easy way out will only get you hurt. Slow and steady wins the race, that is your true shortcut for success.

I crave company, a lot. I'm very aware of that.

On stage, Taiji always shows his audience a lot of bass techniques such as tapping, slapping, and picking. His starting point was question 3!

On stage, there are times when you play with a pick and other times you don't.
That's true. I answered yes. Picks are for plucking, right? A pick can give you fine sound nuances, but it's not as good as playing with your fingers. With a pick, you can make a sound. That sound will be different when played with a pick or fingers, but the pick will never sound as "human".

You play both styles equally, but do you think you will stop playing with picks as time goes on?
Well... Not for now. Maybe I should ditch the picks, but they still give a nice sound after all.

At the Budokan concert, your solo sounded like you were actually playing a guitar.
I believed I was doing something original, but then I found out someone else had already thought of that before. Like Billy Sheehan, and others. But he's only done that very briefly. I'm very pleased with my solo.

Have you been perfecting it for a while?
I created that solo some three days before the show. It was all made up of riffs I used to play when I played guitar. It doesn't have much of a bass-like vibe. I love playing the guitar, and I craved playing the guitar, and that's how it happened. And after that solo, I felt like playing a more bass-like bass again. I even changed that solo recently. Maybe I'll do something wild like that again, in the future.

That tapping was amazing!
I was hanging out with Akira of Loudness the day before yesterday, and even though he plays guitar, he's also an incredible bass player. He's faster than I can say "taktaktak"! I was in shock. And then he said, "Bass is easier to play because there are fewer strings" (laughs).

By the way, I heard you had some bass lessons before the Budokan show?
When it was settled that I would play a solo, it was organized by one of my guitar techs. I knew I had to study more.

And what exactly did you do?
We talked a bit about how I started playing bass, how I practice, that kind of thing. And then we had a little jam session. That was a very enriching experience. And it was fun.

You answered yes to question 8...
I did (laughs). Once my mind is set on something, that's all I can think about. And only that. It becomes my goal. I'll think about everything else once I've done it. It's all about what my intuition tells me.

Do things work out well when you listen to your intuition?
So far, yes. Well, I've made mistakes, but I also fix those mistakes based on my intuition (laughs).

Was it your intuition that told you to join X?
It was the feeling I got when I first met Yoshiki. I don't know how to explain it... but he's someone I'd like to be around for a long time (shy smile). That was it. It's a bit of a supernatural thing. I believe people have that kind of ability.

Can you tell you'll get along with someone just by looking at them?
Yeah. I guess people would say it's a fear of strangers and so on, but it does happen.

Would you say you're afraid of strangers?
I am. But not so much anymore. I used to be very pessimistic, I thought everyone hated me (laughs). But now I just try to be myself, and if people don't like it, then I just won't associate with them. I really won't (laughs)! I can't compromise, and I think I'll keep doing things that way. I believe it's the right thing to do.

How about question 15, what is being alone like to you?
Being lonely. I crave company, a lot. I'm very aware of that (laughs). I've always wondered what kind of person I am, and I'm coming to terms with the fact that I'm selfish and childish. I'm starting to understand that (laughs).

What is it like when you're alone, on your day off?
I'm on the phone a lot, asking anyone and everyone to hang out (laughs). But I also enjoy doing things alone... I'm thinking about getting a dog. Dogs are very loyal to their owners, no? (laughs) I really like that about them. Cats act like they don't care.

Type D-II
You're much lonelier than most people, and you have a strong desire to be loved. You wish to be understood, you wish to be surrounded by much love. You're constantly thinking about that, aren't you? And since you're like that, you can easily understand someone who's hurting, and you're very compassionate. However, you also have a stubborn and shy side, which makes it difficult for you to always show that honest kindness. You don't like to depend on others and find it difficult to open up. How about making an effort to be less shy and to just be yourself? You always have an "other self", and tend to analyze yourself objectively. There are good sides to this, but it could potentially restrict and hinder you. Sometimes it is important to take bold actions.

*The results read by Taiji at the time of the interview were almost identical to the type D-I results. We asked the specialist for an analysis combining both c and d types, as the chart process is complicated.*

I love sleeping. Honestly, I am happiest when I'm asleep.

The black Les Paul looks great on Pata. Pata, who loves alcohol, guitars, and being asleep, started from question 5.

Question 5 is about effects pedals...
Ah, I'm not picky or obsessed about them.

Are there any you're using at the moment?
Well, I don't normally use any, apart from a little reverb during solos. Depending on what I'm playing, there's some chorus added, but other than that, I don't use many effects. So, not really.

Do you have a distortion pedal?
I do have a distortion pedal for emergency use, but I almost never use it.

Do you ever feel like trying out different effects?
Not really. I wouldn’t mind if they all disappeared, if I could have my way. It's too much work to step on them. And there's not a huge improvement on the sound anyway.

(Somewhat in shock...) Do you prefer a straightforward, raw sound?
Yep.

Does it make any difference whether you're recording or playing live?
Not much difference. When recording, I use a bit of echo to make the choruses pretty, and that's enough. Maybe I'll ask for an effect to be added later. But the studio sound isn't too different from what it sounds like live. I'll just change the microphone setting, depending on what type of microphone it is. And it's not a dramatic change either.

Is hide like that, too?
I don't think hide uses a lot of effects either.

Since you answered 'no', let's move to another question.
Okay. This test is like an amidakuji diagram.

So, question 9 is the choice between prog and punk rock.
Hahaha... (hearty laughter). Well, I guess I'm not a huge prog listener. Well, I do listen to Yes sometimes, but that's about it. I prefer punk.

What kind of punk?
I love The Damned.

Any album recommendations?
Might be an unusual choice... But, that Damned album with the two guitarists, the colorful cover... What was it, Music For Pleasure? That one's great.

You didn't venture much into prog rock when you started listening to rock music?
I've never made a conscious choice to listen to it, but sometimes I will put on Yes and some other bands, and think to myself, "Oh, so this is what prog music is". That's about it.

What about the more avant-garde bands...?
I do listen to Pink Floyd, but I'm not very much into them. So, not really.

So you prefer more straightforward music as well?
Yeah. I love punk because it's more 'rock'. I like The Damned, and The Ramones. I like that hardcore side of punk. It has to be a little gritty. Well, I guess The Ramones are not like that. I'm not into what's too "happy-go-lucky".

The Ramones played live in Japan last year, did you go to the concert?
I didn't. I* was touring.

*He uses a formal, feminine, cutesy pronoun here (atakushi). Gives a kind of sassy feel to the sentence ^^

You're wearing a New York Dolls t-shirt right now, as well.
Ah, I love the Dolls too. It goes without saying that I also love Silverhead.

Would you share more of your favorite albums?
I like the live Ramones album. As for Silverhead, it's called 16 and Savaged, I think? And the Doll's first album is better than their second, in my opinion.

Question 10 has to do with responsibilities...
I don't want to be responsible for anything. (Deadpan!)

Have you ever held a position of heavy responsibility before?
Yes, I have. When I was in elementary school. They made me be a secretary. I was also asked to run for student council elections, things like that. I hated it, but no one volunteered to do it instead, so I was stuck with it. I did it against my will.

Secretary? Isn't that usually a task for female students?
At my school it was one female student and one male student. And my handwriting used to be very neat back then. That's not the case anymore.

Type D-I
Your personality is one of a "mature" type, and you are unfazed by things. You don't worry about small details and simply follow your own path. You're generous and rarely criticize others, which makes you liked by everyone, but on the other hand, some people may see you as ambiguous and confused. Well, while you may not care about what others think, it can affect your interpersonal relationships negatively. It's important to make an effort to read the room, and be more mindful of your relationships. Finding a good partner could have a profound impact on your future, even professionally. Your best partner would be someone who is attentive to details and is disciplined.

I don't care about the future. I have several lives to live.

During the "hide's room" specials, he effortlessly shows us his many qualities and creates a mysterious space. hide's starting point was question 4.

4 is a question about the recording process.
My answer is no. I prefer to record while sat down. I have small hands, so it's easier to play sitting down rather than standing. I wish I could hold my guitar super low, but I think, "I won't be able to do that all the time. Fuck." I still hold my guitar high, and I've been wanting to hold it even higher (laughs).

When you were starting to play guitar, like with an acoustic, was it difficult to reach the low chords?
Oh, my arms aren't that short (laughs). It’s not like I'm Pigumon (laughs).

When you're recording, how long does it take for you to record a good take?
I play a song once, then listen with some modifications made, then play again until the ok part. Then rinse and repeat. But it depends on the song. A guitar solo can be recorded three times at once, and then a good take will be taken from one of these. Solos are usually done quickly.

For example, what were the most complicated songs in Blue Blood?
"Rose of Pain". "X" didn't have the drums recorded with the guitars, so I had to play it following a drum machine, but there were a lot of parts in it where I had to play without a drum machine. There's a part where it goes, "tattattattaann"(pause in rhythm), and since there's no Yoshiki, I had no way to look at his hands, and that part is really difficult to match.

How did you do the twin guitars part? Using unison, harmony, or...?
Usually, when the rhythm part is finished, I first record the backing, then Pata matches it. The general rule of recording is: The first to record has an easier time.

And doesn't Pata say he wants to record first?
We've been doing things this way since Vanishing Vision. And later I have to add some more details after Pata is finished recording.

Are the finer details mostly your guitar?
Yeah. But if there are parts where I think Pata would be better doing it, I ask him to record it. When Pata is recording, there are times when I'll also tell him to add this or that.

When you receive the demo, do you already have the riffs ready before you go into the studio?
Yes. Well, sometimes it depends on the song. "Xclamation"'s riff was created in the studio. I got the tape with the recorded percussion, which was done in India, and then it was just me and the engineer working on it forever... There was no one left in the studio. I believe Yoshiki had left to record with the orchestra. Then I kept asking myself what I was going to do with it, so I listened to that tape a lot, and my part was done little by little, adding this and that. Since we also had some keyboards, I added some too.

That keyboard part was you?
Yeah. I did it with the intent of making a huge multitrack recording. But we barely used any MTR. I'm terrible with machines (laughs). At first, I did play around with the drum machine just for fun, but then realized it would be quicker to just record it on cassette. That machine is more infuriating than anything.

You have "bang!" written on one of your guitar pedals.
I know, right? That's the kind of person I am. Because it makes a "bang!" sound. It's actually "bangbing". When you step on it, it goes "bang!"... and then "bing" (laughs). It's just a fancy delay pedal. I also use a common delay pedal. Mostly for the solo. Delay and reverb, that's about it. But for my own guitar solos, I use many different effects.

You also made that solo in the studio?
Yeah, that's right. It was my very first time coming to Shibuya. I was told I had to make a solo, and while everyone was taking a break, I just played around. Then I got my first MIDI pedal, and while I had no idea how to use it, I just strummed along until I eventually got something interesting. Like a caveman, basically (laughs).

Are there any other machines you have trouble using?
All of them. I used to be afraid of turning the gas stove on up until I was in high school (strikes a pose of surprise at the moment the fire is lit and laughs). I also hated lighting matches.

Type E
You're someone who loves to have fun and can't imagine having to sit still by yourself. Extroverted, you quickly make friends with anyone and your mere presence is enough to brighten any place you find yourself at. People tend to crowd around you, and you're surrounded by friends every day. Your personality type is very advantageous when it comes to expanding connections and valuing existing friendships, both which could be very positive things for your future. However, you should pay attention to your thoughtless side. Making promises without due consideration can get you in future trouble. This could turn into trust issues, so think very carefully before making any decisions.