I Spent a Week with Japan's Biggest Rock Star
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- Published on Dec 21, 2019
- I spent an amazing week with Japanese rock legend Hyde (of L'arc en Ciel fame), getting to know the man behind the mask and helping my good friend Natsuki's dream come true.（日本語字幕はCCつけてね）
A huge thanks to Hyde for letting me run around with a camera all week and get behind the scenes. Hyde often performs outside of Japan so keep an eye out for when he's next in town.
► Hyde's Album "Anti": umj.lnk.to/hyde_antiIN
► Hyde's TheXvid Channel: bit.ly/2sUPkL6
► Hyde's FB Page: HYDEOfficial...
► Hyde's Twitter: HydeOfficial_
► Hyde's Instagram: hydeofficial
NOW see my Week with Japan's BIGGEST Movie Star | Ken Watanabe
🍿 thexvid.com/video/TlW1tN34MZU/video.html
► WEEKLY Podcast: hyperurl.co/nhgr30
► BEHIND the scenes Patreon: goo.gl/NWEoQm
**FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE**
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► Twitter: AbroadInJapan
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NOTIFICATION SQUAD: 7 years ago when I first arrived in Japan, amidst my frustrating attempts to learn Japanese I started watching an anime series after I got home from work. It was a hilarious show called GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka), and at the start of each episode it kicked off with an iconic theme tune called "Drivers High" by the band L'arc en Ciel.
If somebody had told me back then I'd be spending a week with the frontman, Hyde, all these years later, I would have laughed them out of my treacherously small apartment.
This was easily one of the most surreal experiences in my time in Japan so far, I had an absolute blast meeting a rock legend who means so much to so many people - and of course, teaching him some swear words along the way. Best of all, it felt great to take Natsuki along for the ride as well. His shocked expression said more than words ever could! I hope you enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit watching his dream come true!
Cool job man!
As a teenager, I was obsessed with Iron Maiden. I got to meet the drummer, Nicko McBrain at his restaurant in Florida a few times. Such a wonderful, personable guy. I'm glad you got to meet one of your heros too!
GTO is the reason why I am a teacher now
@Mark Mclean agreed
Missed this video, playing his music now, he got a new fan
Wow, hyde is literally the most popular singer in Japan I think and you met him!?!?!? I'm legit mind blown and this is just way beyond my expectation!!
Sora x Hyde song needs to happen now, maybe Sora can make Hyde as popular as him
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I sense JEAKOUSY
Soraa
Literally?? Wtf?!
Hyde’s makeup artist is insanely good. Makes him look like he’s still in his 20s when he performs.
@Levi • Wtf does that mean? Tupac didn't age well, he never got past his 20s. Hyde is in his 50s. Are you saying hyde looks as good as tupac's ashes?
@Jessica Mills poc age with grace
@Levi • LOL indeed.
Also surgery.
@Peter Brooks Hyde is infact African.
Hyde, 50 years old: climbing speakers, baseball batting bottles
Me, 30: struggling to get out of bed everyday
@insanecamel Nah he wasn't. He was in his early 20's when he started l'arc en ciel and when he gained fame, he was around late 20's (1997-1998). That was pretty late compared to some Japanese musicians who started earlier
I'll be 31 and honestly same, I can't pick something up without my joints creaking
He was 50 there? he looks incredible lol
geez dude no need to call the rest fo the fricking galaxy out
bro same problem but I'm 15...sad live
A man who dreamed about being a manga artist is now becoming the character from the manga itself. What a cool way of life.
sort of a "I can't make manga? I will become manga!" situation lol
@The Lemond Drops Kid he's like 50
@Levi • giga Chad big brain hours sigma grind set 👆 reb pilled. Based.
@The Lemond Drops Kid can you granma give me an altograph and i can sell it as if it was hyde's tho
He looks like my grandma. Creepy
What made this so impressive is that Chris never put himself below Hyde during their interviews. They were equals in every way from beginning to end. It just goes to show that confidence earns respect, even from someone as famous and accomplished as Hyde. Definitely something for me to remember.
I agree. I love that Chris stayed true and didn't take on a simp or artificial tone. Chris rocks
McCord, I'm surprised you're impressed with it, as I believe that you know more than that about Englishmen. They are taught to feel more important than anyone else.
Just say, HYDE is a nice and kind person. I don't think many other celebrities would have welcomed Chris in such a kind way as HYDE did.
Yes, I learned something from this
I think its also because hyde is such a nice person
If it was someone else in his position it could have been different
Chris looks like a dad that won a VIP ticket by accident
@Nathan Marineau 😂
It makes it all so much better, he’s treating Hyde like a normal person instead of being awestruck.
Lmfaooo
Age don't matter in this day and age! 😂😂😂
''I may not be able to draw with colours, but through music I can create the image of colour in people's minds.''
Super badass line and story
As an amateur musician, I found this part absolutely beautiful.
And its true, I do create artworks and most of my ideas come from listening to music it inspires me way more than images.
Beautiful
The funny thig is that I've always listen to Larc~en~Ciel with this mindset. I never knew that he actually made the songs like that.
HYDE is a superstar that Japan is proud of.
I would like to thank you for being picked up by me as a Japanese person‼
As someone in the US, I was familiar with his work due to all the anime I watch lol. His rendition of Red Swan is amazing btw
@Thaydrian Listen to Nemophila if you want younger rockstars ;)
@Potato_ nyin_ The band The Cure.
@sakurakou2009 damn can you imagine it sounds like a sad childhood for me ಥ‿ಥ
@Thaydrian thats... Such a dumb comment lol
I love how hyde actively listens to him and looks right at him, shows he is interested in what chris is saying. Also he started from motley crew. I love the man
The singer from Motley Crue did a cover of one of his band’s songs! Blurry eyes!
Yeah as soon as he said he was a Crue fan that was instant respect from me.
he has the energy of that one really cool uncle that you don't want to bother because he's got so much going on but he still makes time for you for some reason
yeah, he's so cool
Hyde is lucky to get to pose with an international celebrity like Natsuki
Found Natsuki’s secret account
@Ash "who fucking cares lmao" why did you even comment if you didn't care??
@Sharon Mianscum that is the weakest thing you could have said
Wow. I can’t imagine how much confidence it must take to interview such a famous person in Japan. You made it look effortless. Good job.
I thought so too.
One thing I've learned by reading LOTS of musician biographies is that many of these mega-famous music acts we see are actually extremely shy and introverted in their personal life, with their on-stage persona acting as a sort of release valve for all the things they're too shy to do in their normal life.
That drawing was actually amazingly well done. Impressive to catch defining features of a face with such a simple style.
I just thinking the same, is a very good drawing. Than man is amazing.
Strange to think that more people in the west possibly know who Natsuki is over Hyde at this time.
Well Larc~en~Ciel has been a band for the last 30 years. They had world tour and the states tour in major venues like Madison Square Garden. Hyde also has personal project, as shown in this one, which also had a world tour.
So I guess the headcount of the people who attended those concerts already exceeds combined view counts of the videos featuring Natsuki
Lol I just watch this video for Hyde
In 2012 I travelled from Portugal to Paris just to watch a L'Arc-en-Ciel concert. That's how big a fan I was (still am) and I know there were many others like me. So, I'm pretty sure more people in the west know who Hyde is over Natsuki, even if there's not enough of us to make him a rock star here as well.
Yeah, I had never even heard of Hyde!
@Random Me Maybe not Natsuki but I've heard way more people mention Chris randomly in completely unrelated situations than I've ever heard people mention Hyde.
He is so humble!!!
@CyberTree because Hyde is awesome!
And you are still everywhere hahaha
Humble? Can you see his body language?
damn why are you everywhere
Still everywhere
It's funny how Hyde says that no one knows him in America. I've known him, I've been a big fan of his, for a little over 20 years now. 💙
Hyde!!! America knows who you are! We love you very much! I’m an American and I’ve loved your music for over 15 years! 🖤🤘🏻
liar! too true legends of japan are black metal gods SABBAT longest living band of any
I found Hyde years ago through a movie called Moon Child, with him and GACKT, who is also fantastic. Been in love with both of them and their musical styles ever since, for a decade now 💕
I LOVED THAT MOVIE, I watched it specifically for them LOL
For some reason, I avoided this video for years. Watched it a few months ago and now L'arc en ciel is my all time favourite band. God, they deserve to be known all over the world.
Same 😂😂 i see the thumbnail and i was like "yeah its Hyde i know its going to be awesome and fun, ill watch later" and just now i finally watch it and damn lol why did it took me so long
Welcome to the club! I'm always excited to see a new fan! They deserve a lot of recognition
Yay! Thanks for giving them a chance. Laruku and Hyde hold a special place in my heart 🥺❤️ they really do deserve worldwide recognition
I agree with you. L'Arc~en~Ciel and Hyde deserve to be known by a lot of people around the world. I really love their music.
Great, I think so too ✨
I'm so happy to know that there are comrades who love HYDE and L'Arc-en-Ciel music in country far from Japan .｡.:*♡
Thinking about how Natsuki got to meet HYDE because he decided to talk to a random foreigner years ago :')
Excellent point!
OMG so true
Well karma came around full circle
Butterfly effect on the highest level
benefit of having white friends
It was extremely difficult for me to get somewhat lousy tickets to one of Hyde’s - or should I say L’arc en Ciel’s - concerts. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you got to interview him and hang around him for a week. Wow! I’ve been a fan of his for YEARS! Thanks for the awesome video which allowed me to live vicariously through you. 🥳
Hyde wants to reach an international audience, and knows Chris's audience is likely mostly outside Japan. Seems like a smart move, as now I have discovered Hyde as well.
HYDE is currently doing an acoustic live tour, but it was very difficult to get a ticket for it. But this concert is very intense and really great, unlike a normal acoustic live ✨
This video is a really wonderful work that has conveyed the charm of HYDE to many people, and I love it too. I want more people to know HYDE and love his amazing music.｡.:*♡
I thought this guy was pretty cool and wanted to take a listen to him, but by peeking at his spotify i realised he was the vocals behind Attack on Titan's third seasons opening!
U should go back father to rurouni kenshin.. he sing a few of the songs..
Andi Arima Kun there is something called "opinions"
@Armed with wings how dare you, Red Swan is one of my favourite song just like many others, as if the sensation can make others feel the enlightenment of solitude and wonders. Why do you think its trash??
And another one of the biggest rock stars in Japan, Yoshiki, played piano. He also played the Garden (which took a lot of metal fans as a surprise that a metal band was playing the Garden). Also a great dude.
@Armed with wings ok
Man, I've been a L'arc fan since I was 12, unknowingly. It's because the animes I watched in my childhood (Rurouni Kenshin, GTO, Full Metal to name a few) had songs sung either by Hyde or L'Arc.
Really crazy considering he's like 50 now and he's still so energetic.
I actually teared up a bit when he was speaking about finding music. I'm no professional musician but had a similar experience when I realized I had found 'it'. I will play drums until I'm not physically able to. Probably saved my life, no joke.
Hyde’s generations of JRockers are just legendary. Hyde, Gackt, Hide, and Yoshiki. Timeless awesomeness!
my favourite jrock period of time. Immortals. Also Dir en grey, MUCC and many others.
This is sooo true.. 😌 HYDE is a Legend of JRock 💖 AMAZING HYDE 😊🥰😊 HYDE the Best singer on this earth...
For me 😉😆😃😊💕
I think Hide and Yoshiki is older since X-Japan started since early 80s and L'Arc started in early 90s. But they all legendary nontheless.
Bro, have you seen Miyavi as well?
There are two Hyde's?
L'arc~en~Ciel has a very big part in my life, and probably in many Indonesians. We still can't move on from that concert they gave us years ago, you know.
@C T japanese culture is pretty massive in indonesia especially because many of us here also grew up watching anime (anime like doraemon, naruto, one piece, yu yu hakusho, dragon ball, etc were broadcasted on tv). One thing leads to another and so yeah… there’s a large population of jrock band and music fans here 😂
@C T I will. Cheers!
@C T they have many fans here. Wowow will broadcast the concert in Indonesia sometime in March i guess.
I'm very happy to know that there are HYDE and his music-loving comrades in Indonesia, which is far from Japan ✨
When the threat of COVID-19 is gone and HYDE starts a live tour abroad again, I hope everyone waiting for him can meet him .｡.:*♡
I almost get the impression that he's something like Japan's version of David Bowie, in terms of constantly reinventing himself. Is that accurate?
Trinity, mate, people need a frame of reference. They're similar. That doesn't mean that anyone's saying they're the same people or that hyde copied bowie.
He’s Hyde. A lot of artists reinvent themselves, it’s kind of concerning nonwhite people can’t ever have something without being the ethnic version of an existing white person or concept. Totally different artists
Yes. That's true. He is still very relevant in the eyes of JRock fans
i had the same thought
If I had been Natsuki, I would have cried like crazy and just as he said, my words wouldn't have come out of my mouth!!! I LOVE HYDE SO MUCH!!!
Reminds me of when I went to see ONE OK ROCK when they released their first English album a few years ago, they were opening at a concert in a small venue in my state with maybe 2k people (if that) who had no idea who they were, that night when I was watching old lives from them on YT seeing them play in front of 50k in the Tokyo Dome with everyone screaming for them, it really puts stuff in perspective of how hugely popular they are, yet in America they can be mostly unknown. Crazy
Yep! My brother got to see ONE OK ROCK live during their 2015 US tour. I'm really happy he had the opportunity, because it's rare to see popular Japanese bands perform in the states.
Chris meets a real life rockstar in the flesh, and the first thing he does is talk about how much he loves fried chicken?
Gotta hand it to him, the man's got his priorities straight.
Well he did make fried chicken his topic on his first speech contest
He wants to make sure Hyde understands what kind of a man he's talking to. Any person that says "I don't like fried chicken" should be looked on with some suspicion.
@C T Its definitely worth checking out his other videos, lots of really good content to be found.
If he first started talking about his love for fried chicken, the conversation wouldn't be very lively (♡ˊ艸ˋ)♬
I know Chris in only this video, so I wonder if I would be better to watch other videos as well ✨
When I watched this clip back in 2019 I knew nothing about Hyde so as he wanted I listened without prejudice and I have to say that he is one of the few modern performers world wide that managed to impress me. I'm a graphic designer and I value creativity and perfection and I can see him as a fellow creator, he may not draw as much as he would love but I see that he put his creativity in his music as well and that's a rare trait nowadays with most performers which is sad. For those that listen to the most popular performers nowadays they will wonder what I'm talking about, but if they try to change their music taste with something more obscure and find less popular (now rising stars) they will see that they were living in a musical desert until now. Most popular music stars for the past 2 decades were scripted with around 6 people controlling the hits around the world, in short most of the modern stars are only faces but the music behind them is made by people on the top of the musical food chain. So to Hyde I wish him luck and I hope that he will break this mold. ;)
It's amazing that someone like you who is a creator working in art recognizes HYDE and praises him, and I'm really happy. I feel that those who are doing advanced work to create new things have a wonderful sense of seeing various things with a novel way of thinking without being bound by the past. It's awesome ✨
*This man is 52 years old*
Mad repect
Respect ಥ‿ಥ
49 at time of recording though
Only 52? I thought that he was about
20!
Halford is 70
Whattttttttttt !!??????
My dad is 52
I'm 29, and Hyde(50s) looks as young as me. My Japanese genes have failed me bigtime.
If that makes you feel better im 21 and ill probably look like him soon (but way less cool looking xD)
damn he 50 , this is so unfair 😭
@Dodomba the makeup actually makes him look older. I met him face to face in 2019 with no makeup and he looked a lot younger
He probably exercises tons to keep that physique.
tbh i've been a fan for ten years and i'm shocked to see how he aged in this vid
As a weeb who dwelve into jrock and visual kei a bit when I was 13, I know how big of a deal meeting hyde is 😂 dang son
Honestly, his type of music is something we are in dire need of. We are lacking a lot of rock music here as Pop, Rap, and EDM has taken center stage. Id love to hear more from Hyde!
It is surely nice for stars to meet people that doesn't freak out in their presence and rather treat them as a fellow human being. Hyde seemed really relaxed with the interviews and actually enjoying it.
It's cool to see when a famous person stays humble and kind. One of the hallmarks of a genuinely good person.
He's not wrong, it's thanks to your channel I was introduced to this very talented musician. Thank you for keeping up the quality content mate!
I didnt know about him until this video and I love his personality! He seems down to earth for a major celebrity.
Looking back at this video, I'm wondering how he's doing overseas because you don't see many Japanese artists/bands set a goal to seek for overseas recognition. I bet LiSA and other bands would do amazing overseas.
So loud on stage, yet so extremely soft spoken in person.
HYDEさんの、ステージでの激しさの反面、穏やかで優しいお人柄であるのがよく伝わる動画でした。素晴らしい動画をありがとうございました。
Chris, did you conduct a serious interview with an extremely famous musician while wearing....cargo shorts?
That’s Chris, cargo shorts all the way
A hyde no le importa eso
Cargo shorts is the epitome of rock 🤣
@Abroad in Japan Do Gackt pls. I'd love to see how you fair against him and his contrast with Hyde. 🤩🤩🤩
😂😂😂
I remember discovering him through an anime series that I watched as a teenager at the time. I loved his song Seasons Call. The rush of energy I would feel when listening to it even though I couldn't understand a single word in japanese (except for some of the english that he sung). But it didn't matter, it was galvanizing to me and still is. It's nice to see a documentary about him.
This was wonderful. Hyde seems like such a cool dude. I was always a Gackt fan. Would an interview with him even be possible?
Never heard of Hyde before, but I'll definitely give him a listen. I've got a really good feeling about his sound.
Thank you Chris, as funny and creative as ever. I’ve heard of and listen to Babymetal but never heard of Hyde before now, thank you!
How is it possible that Hyde still looks THIS young. He just never ages.
@GlitchedExe That’s what I believe too. The actor who played Scorpion in the new mortal kombat movie is believe it or not 60 years old and yet he can pass for like maybe late 40s? Hyde does not look 50 at all.
He looks old to me
He does age. And look tired. But he never loose himself. Keep professional. And that what i respect about him. Stop dehumanizing him and making him like a vampire or god because he is not 😂😂😂.
Japanese people live a very healthy lifestyle with their diet and taking care of their skin.
The Philosopher’s Stone
I've never heard of Hyde until I saw Attack On Titan. It was one of the OP for season 3. I was just amazed by his range. Now, I think I'm a full blown fan
I had never heard his name before and I have just listened to a few of his songs and I have fallen in love, this man has true talent.
Almost two years late to watching this video, but this is by far the coolest thing ever. I love Hyde's sound, I am now a fan! :D
Really amazing vlog. You made Natsuki's CENTURY! But imagine if he had been able to jam with Hyde. He would have been in 107th Heaven!...or died from the excitement!
really amazing ✨
Certainly, if Natsuki actually jams with HYDE, that might happen. But I'm sure Natsuki wants it (♡ˊ艸ˋ)♬*
While traveling in Kyoto, I saw Hyde and his friends just walking around and I freaked out thinking whether I should walk up to him since everyone else seemed to respect his space. I decided to use the once in a lifetime opportunity to ask for pictures and an autograph. Amazingly nice guy really, and when I told him my name he heard "Akina" (it's Athena) and I rolled with it, because it's HYDE. So happy to see him still active and awesome!
Envious.............
oooh So LUCKY!!
so lucky 🍀
You're so lucky 😭😭 The chance to talk with him is so precioussss more than attend his concert live 😭😭😭
😍😍😍
Never heard of Hyde. Really amazing how humble he is. Usually fame and fortune gives someone a terrible ego and a god complex. This man must be very intelligent because he seems to have overcome that and the many vices that are associated with being a rock star.
From the short amounts I have heard on this video his music reminds me of emo / alternative rock from 2000's (My Chemical Romance, Panic at the Disco, Fall Out Boy) his make up and style reminds me of Marylin Manson. I just listened to some of his older tracks on TheXvid music and I am not sure why he has never caught on in America because he has been making this genre since it was extremely popular here...and it is really good! What seems popular in America now is Drake / Post Malone pop rap trap and tattoos on your face.....as for me I have always been more into experimental electronica / IDM / synthwave / 80's new wave revival / indie (Black Marble, Gang Signs, Ariel Pink, Mr Kitty, STRFKR, Part Time, John Maus, Humans)
Best of luck Hyde!
You're a good bloke Chris. I'm pleased things worked out well for you here in Japan. Keep up the good work.
This video is a really wonderful work that not only conveys the charm of HYDE to many people, but also makes the viewers very entertaining ✨
I am grateful to Chris for making it, and I really want him to make the second installment of this video .｡.:*♡
Wow, I've never been the type of person to go to concerts of my favorite rockstars and after watching this I want to go to a concert and buy the merchandise to show my support!! I'm even getting goosebumps watching him perform. It's amazing how humble he is, and at the same time be capable of owning the stage! Amazing video!
Hyde seems like a nice guy but he also looks extremely exhausted. Japanese people tend to overwork themselves alot. Hope the dude can take a break.
I felt so happy for Natsuki when he finally met Hyde
This is such a nice thing you and Hyde did for him, Chris
man please. that's all setup.
@昼河真美 Yeah! Me too 🥺
I was happy too❗ But I was envious🤣
Yeah so lucky
I'm so touched 🤗
I remember listening to L'arc En Ciel in high school and obviously seeing this video, remember hyde. My cousin is a huge fan of him. Keeps me up to date with his albums and concerts since she lives there. I say it's pretty cool that even from Canada, his name and his group continues to be out there.
I want to spend a week with Hyde.
Never heard of him..seems like a very down to earth, humble kind of guy.
Thank you for making this precious video.He is a monster and also greatest rockstar.I've been loving him for the past twenty years.
I've been a L'arc en Ciel fan since i was 16 and this is the first time i've seen an english speaking large media aknowledge Hyde's existence. There must be others that i've missed but this is for me a new experience.
I was going to put the obligatory COME TO CHILE but you know...
Wena Llon! dónde te pillo, sos grande ♡
I saw Hyde in concert when he toured with Starset. He's an amazing performer. Sounds just as good live
Aaa I‘m jealous
Thank you for your reply ヾ(o´∀｀o)ﾉ
That wish will surely come true ✨
@C T Same here. I would love to see him perform again!
It's wonderful ✨ I sincerely hope that the threat of COVID-19 will disappear as soon as possible, HYDE will start a live tour abroad again, and a lot of people will be able to see his amazing live performance .｡.:*♡
Been a fan of Hyde for so long - this was amazing to watch. Hyde is amazing!
As an American who'd never heard of Hyde before this, I have to say it was a pleasure watching Chris' video as much as it having another talented artist to listen to.
"You've sure got a lot of merch on."
I died.
Outstanding! I believe that this video will give your channel another tremendous boost. More of these would be great!
You might not be a rockstar Chris, but you are definitely a TheXvid star. With the number of views and channel subscribers, you could fill several stadiums at once. Think about that...
@James Trotman Greetings from Co. Clare🍀 I'd say Chris could do more unbelievable vids like this with the well-earned views he receives. Other music artists, anime studios, film sets, events and famous restaurants etc. Shure it's a win-win for everyone involved. Really looking forward to Abroad in Japan in 2020 and what a video to end the decade on 🎆
This is something I've been thinking about, like imagine 10'000 people coming to see you talk for 20mins,
But on youtube I find there's a stigma for videos around the 10kmark, cause it's shown as 10k
And then there's Chris who can get hundreds of thousands sometimes millions of views,
Like I'm from Ireland, not many people here, but it's mind blowing to think that on a few of Chris videos, my entire populations worth of people watched a video he produces.
what a humble person.. HYDE every person in this generation is know you.
Wow, been a fan of Hyde for almost 2 decades. He still wonderful as always
Seems like a cool dude never heard of him but I like his humbleness and a down to earth personification. Keep Rocking Hyde
The clips of his English songs that I heard in here sound great and I love that he totally stole Metallica's attitude for entering the stage haha so great
Also I'm glad Chris didn't fangirl all over him, I totally thought natsuki was hilarious in his interaction though 😆
Love and respect how Hyde gives props to other artists, Motley Crew , Metallica….. he doesn’t have to, but he gracefully did….respect !!
This man has been the voice behind amazing OSTs in the most popular anime that I've seen throughout the years... And I get to watch him in a video by my favorite British dad in Japan's channel.
I can't believe this guy is still at it with the same energy he always had.
I just discovered your channel and absolutely thrilled! I visited Japan long ago, and loved everything about it... the people, the food, their incredible aesthetic. Each meal was a work of art. When I was clumsy with chopsticks, the giggles were delightful. I am an artist, and my favorite subject is the geisha. To paint a kimono is to truly appreciate the art. To paint a geisha in make-up and hair is a lesson in beauty. And you are wonderfully respectful and engaged with the people you meet. Kudos to you, can't wait to catch up on all your travels! xo PS I am blown away that there is a Tower Records in Japan.
Woah I saw Hyde open for Starset two years ago and I just found out who this legend is today! Makes sense as to why a foreign artist was able to get the crowd more excited than any other opening act I could have imagined!
I love everything that hes song, yet I'm a midwesterner in the US granted I am in love with other cultures. His album Anti really speaks to me, I love his crazy persona on stage giving everyone a fantastic show along with his amazing music. I would love to see him live one day
Thank you for sharing. Hyde is a great artist and if he is ever in my area (doubtful) I will go and watch his live show. Either way, he is on my playlist now and I will listen to him lots.
I'd never heard of Hyde but after this video I'm totally checking him out. His music sounds great and I'm sure he's gonna take off in pretty much the whole world in no time. Also, amazing video, had a lot of fun watching it and did some free japanese listening practice, so thanks a lot haha
Hyde: *_"But in America nobody knows who I am."_*
I don't think he understands just how many people grew up watching anime late at night on Toonami, or fansubbed on their PC. Pretty much every anime fan in North America could recognize his voice within seconds.
I'm an anime fan for over a decade and I haven't heard of this guy's name till now. I've heard his voice, but if you told me his name or his face I wouldn't be familiar.
@upinarms79 I wasn't trying to say he was a well-known artist in America. I'm just saying there are definitely a good number of people here who would know him, which is in response to him saying _nobody_ knows who he is.
A good PR firm would be able to get him partnered up to do some collabs or interviews on popular related social media channels to build hype with existing fans for a tour, maybe set up some meet&greet events. He could easily get his foot in the door here and start raising his profile.
I mean, yeah, J-pop/rock still isn't mainstream, but it's not like the 90's and 00's when it was hyper-niche. Everyone knows someone who's into J-pop or K-pop. Americans aren't so isolationist when it comes to music anymore. He doesn't really need to break the ice here.
I think you might overestimate the number of people who are interested in this kind of thing outside of Japan. A handful of aging weebs isn't even a small portion of the American population and rock here is already a very niche and underground genre, even pop/art rock like his music doesn't get mainstream attention or promotion anymore. He never broke into anywhere near the mainstream here at the height of his career and is still pretty much unknown and is likely to stay that way. You can't take an act that big on tour in America and make money when you're only playing to 100 or fewer people in any city you play. Nothing against him, I wish him luck, but that's just reality.
@Charu Bear t
Hey look, it's a garden-variety troll. You hardly ever see that on the internet.
I'm a huge fan of Hyde and Larc en ciel for more than 10 years easily! I saw a Vamps concert when they came to Brazil, and it was amazing!
I know this sounds small-minded but honestly I never expected people like him to be actually a normal friendly person in real life. I thought being aggressive on stage would eventually involuntarily seep into that person's real personality. But I guess not.
Edit: I can't believe Chris demanded him to draw him something lol. That takes balls. 😆
Wow this is amazing!!! Never heard his English stuff but it is actually pretty good! I just remember when a friend introduced me to him and his band in grade school decades ago. It's amazing to see years later he is still going strong and how he's evolved. Also neat to see the guy behind the performer. Seems pretty chill and down to earth. What an awesome opportunity! And Happy to see Natsumi get something years down the line from just being kind and friendly to a stranger. It's super heartwarming~
Hello Chris, although I've seen a lot on your Channel, this episode is still my favorite. I really liked the question you were asking HYDE-san. They were wise and appropriate to the situation.👍 Of course, it was also very fun. Best wishes from Poland!
Okay, so, HYDE is SOOOOOO famous that I managed to find out about him and L'arc en ciel in a small farming town, in the middle of nowhere Michigan in 2004. With no cable TV, Dial up internet, and the nearest anime store over 2 hours away! His music meant everything to a weird girl in a hick town!
GO HYDE!!
Damn! Found HYDE in 2005, thank all for libraries and a teacher who introduced us to Hayao Miyazaki which I turned into an Japanese obsession.
Not from small town Michigan, GR, but there wasn't a lot to choose from at the beginning. School computers were a godsend.
Texas, 2007, First song I heard was Ready Steady Go in 2004 (FMA) but it wasn't until 2007 that I found out who sang the song.
@Sofya Mulenok siberia is actually not far from japan... haha . I am from Indonesia and also knew him since i was in elementary school 14 years ago... there are a lot of Hyde fans in my country
Girl! Same, I'm from a small town in Siberia, Russia, and even I knew this guy since early 2000s. Fantastic!
Anime store? Wtf lol...do you mean comic book store or is it all anime? Cuz if you do im envious.
Definitely one of the best video's on the channel, would love to learn more about J-Rock from Chris & see Natsuki have more fan boy moments
I am so glad i came across this video. I had never before heard of this guy or his band but I honestly really love this music.
Aww Chris, you did a lovely thing for your friend. 💖
no me canso de ver esta entrevista, gracias por los subtitulos en español
It's incredible how he has this "very powerful anime character" aura while on stage but back stage he's very humble and chill.
@Scott Saville I'm sorry but no... Those styles came from manga and anime. Not the other way around. Those styles have been around for decades in anime and manga. Rock music like that is relatively recent in japan. Those types of styles in manga came first.
"Kono powa!" - Jotaro Kujo
You've got it backwards. Anime characters have "very powerful musician" auras. A lot of the "cool" Japanese character designs are based on rock stars. The cast of most final fantasy games for instance.
They're pretty much all like that.
if there was one thing I would do with HYDE … I would love to sing with him. He is such an AMAZING singer, so much emotion! definitely one of my inspirations.
I love him 💖 Hyde has awsome voice
I was expecting the entire interview in Japanese with English subtitles.I always like to hear Chris speaking Japanese. What an amazing moment.
If he ever makes those T-shirts Chris should get royalties for the idea lol
Hyde is my favorite rocker and L'arc en Ciel is my favorite rock group since I was in secondary high school, he is legendary ❤. More than 50 years old but he is still active, energetic, and beautiful. His voice is still the same, magnificent. So cool of you able to meet him & touch him👍.
The interview slowly started talking more about the overseas goals of Hyde as a brand. Chris might be lucky to participate in this interview but huge props to Hyde's PR team for making this possible.
Now I have to go find Hyde's albums and listen on repeat. Thanks for a great video
damn ! this is so good ! the crowd the songs ! wish we had like this on philippines but a big mehhhhhhh