~ October 21st 1996, Yoshiki at 'Tower Countdown' ~
- Close up -
I = Interviewer
Y= Yoshiki (X leader)
If I couldn't release an album now, it would have been bad for me... it was tough and I was lonely... I spent so much time working on this album that it wouldn't be an exageration if I said I did 80% of the work... mmm... I had to make something take shape or I probably would've lost sight of myself.
Y-
I -
Tonight's 2nd guest is Yoshiki of X Japan.  In November, X Japan will release 'Dahlia' which is their first album in 5 years.  The album, which focuses on the singles from the past 5 years, can truely be called 'X Japan's road to this day'... but why did it take so long for the release of this album?
If I was told to release this album 2 years ago, I probably could've mmm... but, maybe those 2 years went by because we were working on details or... it wasn't like 'we shouln't change this and that'... it was more on a personal level, like a hobby... changing this sound for that sound.
But still, to not release an album for 5 years couldn't have possibly been a PLUS for X Japan.  So what does Yoshiki, the band's leader, think about that?
Y-
I -
There were things that didn't go the way I wanted them to... but it's not that I got mad or anything, but it was fun... mmm.. we toured last year before the album's release and then I thought to myself, 'This is ridiculous..'  I didn't want to do anything... normally, you'd release an album and then go on tour... we already did it a year ago mmm... and I collapsed... I'm not too sure, but I'm glad it wasn't normal.
Y-
The album, 'Dahlia' is set to be released in November.  At the end of this year, there are plans for a 'Tokyo Dome 2 days'.  The aggressive X Japan will return soon.  What does Yoshiki sees in the future for X Japan?
I -
For an album that took 5 years, I don't think it's great... mmm but I don't think its that bad... mmm but I'M... mmm not satisfied at all... but I don't think its bad... I'm getting confused... (laugh) I guess it's ok... it's just that there were so many things that I couldn't do because of this album that I plan on starting many different things.
Y-