My interview with singer and cello player Wakeshima Kanon was definitely the most nervewracking part of Otakon. Not only was I nervous about sitting down with a musician that I was a fan of–I had the same jitters with BECCA, too–I had just seen Kanon in concert only a few hours prior, and had rewritten almost half my questions afterwards so I would avoid repetition. (I mean, I’m sure everyone asked “how did you start playing the cello?”… a question she pretty much answered during a concert MC.) I was also worried about somehow offending her, or her translator, or pronouncing something wrong, or… you get the idea.
But… despite Kanon certainly being tired, the interview went very smoothly. She was very sweet and polite, and answered all my questions thoughtfully, without hesitation. I am extremely grateful to the Otakon staff, and to Sony, for allowing me to represent International Wota for this interview. I hope everyone enjoys reading it, because I certainly enjoyed conducting it!
Legend: P = pengie, K/T: Kanon via translator, K = Kanon without translator.
P: I’d like to start by asking what your favorite part of today’s concert was.
K/T: This was my first time performing in America. It was great to see the audience here, especially with all the cute cosplayers that [showed] up.
P: Is this your first visit to America, and are you excited about visiting California next?
K/T: Yes, it’s the first time. I haven’t yet been to [Los Angeles or San Francisco], so I’m looking forward to it.
P: How did you meet your producer, Mana?
K/T: It was through an audition. I performed with my cello, and produced a demo tape. Then Mana-sama saw a video of me performing. At the time, he was already planning on a female project, and that’s how–through the video, that’s how I got started.
P: Why did you choose a classical style of music, as opposed to rock or pop? Are you interesting in experimenting with different styles in the future?
K/T: I’ve been playing the cello since I was three, and started with a classical style, so that’s what I’m used to–it’s comfortable. (laughter) Right now, I think my songs are a mix of pop and classical. I don’t have a backing band, so that would be nice to experiment with later on.
P: In one of the songs you performed at the concert, “L’espoir~Mahou no Akai Ito~”, there are two [stanzas] performed in French. And you also spoke English during the MC portions. Are you interested in learning French or English, or any other language?
K/T: I was trying my best with the French and the English during the MCs. I practiced a lot. (laughs a little) For communicating with this interview, or with staff members, or fans, I would love to speak in English.
P: Now, a more personal question… What are your favorite bands or musicians?
K/T: For Japanese, it’s Kojima Mayumi. She’s a jazz singer. For American, Lady Gaga. I like her fashion and music. And for French, it’s Emilie Simon.
Translator: You know of Kojima Mayumi?
P: Yes.
Translator: (relates this to Kanon)
K/T: (surprised) How do you know Kojima Mayumi?
P: She had a song on a Nintendo commercial, actually, a number of years ago…
Translator: (tells Kanon)
K: (thoughtfully, starts humming) … (suddenly) kodomotachi–
Translator: Where the kids are playing and running around?
P: Yes! (laughs)
K: (claps her hands happily, laughing)
P: I don’t remember the name of the song, but that was it! [ed. note--the song is actually called "Hatsukoi"--I remembered it five minutes after the interview. I was kicking myself for a while, but Kanon did hum the right one!]
Translator: Great.
P: Okay. The first line in the song “still doll” is “Hi Miss Alice.” Is there a story behind this song [that relates to this lyric]?
K: Sou desu ne… (speaks for approximately two and a half minutes.)
Translator: (pauses) … um …
K: … gomen nasai!!
P: (laughing)
Translator: I’m just trying to think where to start… Well, you know the story of Alice in Wonderland. So that’s where “Miss Alice” is from–that world. [Kanon] is trying to express that wondering through that world. I don’t know if you’ve seen the music video, but the girl in it feels a sort of emptiness, and is trying to express that through [a] doll. She is trying to be more human. [ed. note--He got most of it.
]
P: Okay! At the concert, you mentioned that the cello you were using is named Mikazuki. Do you have more than one cello, and do they all have names?
K/T: I have three. The one I’ve always used for recording, and practicing, is named Yaeharu. The other, which I used in “still doll,” and for lives [photoshoots?], is Nanachie.
P: (not hearing it) Nanachi… Nanachiru?
K: Nanachie. Chi, e.
P: (laughing) Okay.
K/T: Mikazuki is the one I brought in today.
P: In your picture diary online, you post a number of original drawings, and you have an art exhibit coming up. Have you ever given any thought to publishing an artbook, or even becoming an illustrator for comic books?
K/T: There’s nothing planned yet. But I’d like to have something printed soon.
P: Your art is very good.
K: (in English) Thank you.
P: Okay, last question. Is there a particular message you would like to give to your international fans?
K/T: “I’m Wakeshima Kanon.” I hope you enjoy my songs more and more. Please listen to my album, if you haven’t, and view my blog–
K: (interjecting) nikki?
Translator: Yes, diary, rather.
K/T: … I would like it if more people would be able to view Wakeshima Kanon as an artist–not just for music, but as a more diverse person.
P: Thank you very much!
Very special thanks to Sony Music’s Takahashi Ryu for acting as translator for Kanon!
The concert images above were provided by Dave Wujcik, copyright © by Otakorp Inc., 2009. Used with permission.
This interview is copyright © Nicole Utz for International Wota, 2009. Reposting of this interview (or Otakorp’s concert photos) on other websites not permitted.