寿記 29.03.2011 March 29th (Tuesday) Email

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I got a whole slew more emails today.

Thank you.

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But, among them was an email from someone who is misunderstanding my purpose.

So, I'm going to write a little public message to that person.

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To K.Y.-san

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The link I posted on my blog, to the "Yokohama Romankan,"

It's not a link to a fan site.

It's the website of an art gallery.

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The reason I posted the link is that, as part of the Yokohama Romankan charity auction,

I will be exhibiting some of my own work.

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Also, with regard to your accusations that I am "waaay too pushy" and "totally full of myself"

on the topic of the Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake,

this isn't a matter of being "pushy" or not.

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Actually, I did (with a certain irony) think to myself, to use your own words,

"Why are you being such a fucking tight-assed downer all of a sudden?"

But, that's really not the point.

The point is, I'm actually just writing stuff that's common sense.

Yeah.

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And, well, it's my blog, so, I might as well write some of my own feelings.

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And about your comment,

"you don't have to keep going on about it till your blog looks like a fucking billboard"

I really don't give a crap about advertising or billboards

I just want to encourage people to do whatever it is they can do.

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And hmm, yeah...it's my blog.

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And, whatever I get criticized as being, really "hanging in there" is all anyone can do, at this point.

So, people, let's all hang in there.

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IMAI 22:05

All readers of Blog-Tick should know that since January 2006 (yes, you heard me, 2006) the Not Greatest Site/Blog-Tick team have had a strict policy of responding to flames in exactly the same way Imai so eloquently did: witty, level-headed public ridicule.

Also before you flame me and tell me that there is no Japanese profane interjection equivalent of "fucking," be aware that I translated this entry for diction and tone rather than for word-for-word accuracy...I wanted to give you a good feel of what the exchange might have sounded like if it had taken place in colloquial internet English instead of colloquial internet Japanese, and to highlight the difference in tone between the fan's email and Imai's response to the email.

Did I mention...Blog-Tick loves Imai?

寿記 29.03.2011 March 29th (Tuesday) Meeting

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The first time all five of us have gotten together in a while.

IMAI 11:18

寿記 25.03.2011 March 25th (Friday) Self Discipline and Indulgence

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Thank you for all your emails every day.

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In a lot of emails, I'm hearing people voicing doubts about these things, "self-discipline" and "indulgence."

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I know exactly how you feel.

I think a lot of people are being misdirected in the best way to channel their emotions and their desire to do something.

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I'm sure you all know this already, but

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What all of us who have not been directly injured by the disaster need to be doing is keeping the economy going.

The people under the jurisdiction of Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Tohoku Electric Power Co. will be saving electricity.

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There are stores in Western Japan that are shortening their hours to avoid "indulgence."

But, for them, I think there is really no need for this excess "self discipline," in the form of saving power.

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Instead of doing that, Western Japan needs to be building up steam economically, to help buoy up Eastern Japan, whose economy is currently largely at a standstill.

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You have to use money, consume products and services, keep the economy going.

If you keep the economy going at full speed, it will be easier for the people who have lost their jobs to find new jobs.

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Okay, we postponed the Buck-Tick tour, but it wasn't about "self-discipline" or about "indulgence," it's because there is a lot of danger and anxiety in the air and we felt there was no way we could have a live show without that interfering.

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Even if we got people all sweaty and worked up in the live house pit, people would still be thinking, "somehow, I feel down..." or "overall, I just feel bad..."

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But, yeah. Western Japan, I'm talking about Kansai, Shikoku, Sanyo/San'in and Kyuushuu, please, just keep spending money and keeping the economy going.

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If you do that, soon we'll be able to announce the new schedule for the postponed tour.

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For now, just sit tight.

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IMAI 14:51

I'm going to put in my two cents now, because this is a hugely important point that Imai is making. Western Japan has been largely undamaged by the disaster, and the Western Japanese power grid isn't even connected to the eastern power grid, so saving power does approximately nothing to help with the power shortage up north, though profligate consumption of resources is not something I endorse. But Imai's point is, holding back on normal life activities because you feel bad or worried about the quake/tsunami/meltdown not only doesn't help, it's actively bad for the country. And to a certain extent this goes for people in Kanto, too. For example, a lot of stores may be closed, but if there are stores that are open, shop at them. If there are restaurants/bars that are open, go out to eat and drink. Go to work, and work as productively as you can. I know most of the readers of this blog don't live in Japan but I'm going to say it anyway.

寿記 24.03.2011 March 24th (Thursday) Charity Auction

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I'm participating in an exhibition and charity auction at the Yokohama Romankan Gallery.

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I'm exhibiting three drawings I did for the mobile graphics download campaign.

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They'll be up next to a lot of wonderful pieces by a long of distinguished artists.

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Please come and see it.

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[official home page]

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IMAI 20:00

寿記 24.03.2011 March 24th (Thursday) Mobile Graphics Downloads

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About our mobile site fundraiser.

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We finally made it so that Docomo users who are not paid members can download the graphics, too.

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If you find one you like, please download it.

IMAI 16:32

A Picture of Romance

It appears that our very own Imai Hisashi has made his first foray into the world of visual arts. We knew he was an avid patron of the arts and art collector, as evidenced by the photos he displays on his blog of the many pieces he has displayed in his home, but now, it seems, he's actually drawing pictures. Funny in a way, since Sakurai, with his illuminated kanji, eerily expressive cartoon faces, minimalist yet evocative big-eyed cats, and meticulously lifelike swarms of sperm, has hitherto been the band's most accomplished visual artist. (Fun fact: according to his biography in the Love Me book, Sakurai won several awards for his drawings when he was in elementary school.)

However, now it seems Imai is determined to upstage him! Imai will be exhibiting three works as part of the "Otogibanashi no Sekai" ("Fairytale World") exhibit at the Yokohama Romankan ("Romance Gallery") from Saturday, March 26th, to Sunday, April 10th. The exhibit will be open every Friday-Monday from 1PM-6PM.

The works to be displayed will be used as designs for the downloadable mobile phone graphic schemes Buck-Tick is using in their Love & Media Portable site charity campaign. Unlike the other works on display at the exhibit, Imai's works will all be for sale by silent auction. Bids can be made at the exhibition or by email. The starting bid is 5000 yen, with bids increasing in 500 yen increments. Bidding will close at 6PM on April 10th, the last day of the exhibition, with all proceeds to be donated to the Japan Red Cross disaster relief fund. So, all you fans who were wondering what to do with your refunded Razzle Dazzle tour ticket money, or who just happen to be lucky and rich, unlike most of the unlucky, poor world, bid away, knowing safely that your money will be used to (hopefully) send food and diapers to homeless babies up in Tohoku, or life-saving medicine to sick, elderly folks evacuated from the irradiated regions of Fukushima.

To send in a bid by email, send a message to this address with the following info:

1. The title of the work you wish to bid on

2. The amount of your bid

3. Your name

4. Your address

5. You phone number

6. You email address

Bidding opens at 1PM on Saturday, March 26th.

The works to be exhibited can be viewed here.

If this sounds to you like somewhat late in life for Imai to have taken up a new hobby, well, it has to be said that music is probably still his most shining talent...he may have to keep working if he wants to beat Sakurai at kick-ass doodling. But his concern and dedication also counts for a whole lot.

Edit: Buck-Tick have added photos to their Love & Media Portable Download campaign. To reiterate, anyone can download these things, only suckers who use Docomo may still have to have a registered, paid identity. What do I know, I use SoftBank...the worst service but the cheapest rates, and they have SMAP as their official posterboys.

Also, Buck-Tick's Twitter is still full of boring repetitions of the same old news.

寿記 24.03.2011 March 24th (Thursday) Email

There's an email I want to share with you all.

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I'm just going to post the original text, as is.

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Day by day, little by little, the levels of radioactivity were going down.

We're so very, very grateful.

All those people at the site of the plants, who are putting their lives on the line for us--we can never thank them enough.

Yesterday I got my dispatch to come to work. I have rainy days off.

The other day, I heard from my father, who was talking to someone in the neighborhood, that people who had fled Fukushima were being placed in a special section in some restaurant, and the someone was asking them to be labeled somehow, as having come from Fukushima.

It really makes me sad.

And now all the television programming has gone back to normal.

My friend in Toyko was upset and asking me what to do because he missed out on a chance to meet someone.

People from Fukushima are just human beings like everyone else. Don't let yourself forget it.

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IMAI 9:42

寿記 23.03.2011 March 23rd (Wednesday) Live DVD

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The new date for the release of our postponed live DVD has been decided.

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It's April 6th.

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IMAI 20:13

寿記 23.03.2011 March 23rd (Wednesday) Live DVD

寿記 23.03.2011 March 23rd (Wednesday) Feelings

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By the way, there has been some bashing going on, talk of "hypocrisy" and "self-aggrandizement," but...

What's really important is that the money and supplies actually get to the right place.

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(I mean, at times like these, you need to be careful of "smooth talkers")

(People also get taken in by rumors and chain emails)

(There are people who plot nasty schemes)

(Of course it's really foolish to put up collateral)

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It's not easy to figure these things out sometimes. There's a lot to take in.

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What's important is

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Maybe there is hypocrisy and self-aggrandizement involved, but what's important is that the money and supplies go to the right place.

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That's what the people in the areas hit by the disaster need.

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The point is, to help them, in a practical sense.

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Try not to use words like "hypocrisy" and "self-aggrandizement" too lightly.

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If putting my name or face on a campaign gets more people to donate money and supplies, I'll put my name or face on that campaign.

Collect the donations, and send them to Tohoku.

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That is the important thing.

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Whatever my "feelings" about it are...that stuff can come later.

IMAI 13:38

寿記 23.03.2011 March 23rd (Wednesday) Jojo

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I got a bunch more emails again today.

Thanks.

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Everyone's saying, "let's get the smiles back on our faces as soon as we can!"

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People who get it will get it.

This guy's strong spirit will never be broken. It's amazing.

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Hang in there.

IMAI 11:35

寿記 22.03.2011 March 22st (Tuesday) From a Classmate of Mine

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Today, I got an email from an old classmate of mine.

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Apparently he's gone to Sendai to help with the earthquake relief efforts.

(He says he's staying on the floor of an office, in a sleeping bag!)

Hang in there!

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Up north...

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Basically, they have nothing.

Wherever you go, people are waiting in long lines in the cold, and there's all these little kids with their mothers...

It's painful to watch.

Let's all work and pray for a quick recovery!!

(His email to me)

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...it's painful to imagine.

Yeah, let's hang in there!!

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He sent me these photos.

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I'm posting them, so I won't forget.

Let's hang in there.

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IMAI 11:56

Points of Clarification

Anyone can download Buck-Tick's charity graphic, only right now there is a bug that means that people registered with Docomo have to have a paid membership to download it. Users of SoftBank and au can download free. Since this is the Japanese mobile web, I am doubting it works outside of Japan. Those of you outside of Japan who want to donate, please, please do. Japan's economy was not in good shape before this thing happened, the country is in a lot of debt, and pulling through this crisis is going to take a lot of money. Every little bit counts. When you donate, the important thing is to make sure you are donating to a large, reputable organization. Putting money in collection bins on the street is not a safe option. Make sure you go through large, secure systems set in place by whatever aid organization is most reputable in your country.

Still no word on when Buck-Tick's DVD release has been postponed to. I'm not sure there will be for a while. With the severe power shortage and gasoline shortage continuing, business here is still very unstable and a lot of factories are closed for lack of fuel, power, and parts. I'm sure plans will all be announced in good time.

For anyone who worried, there are a lot of musicians rallying together to support relief efforts. Buck-Tick canceled their tour because a big undertaking like that takes a fair amount of electricity and fuel, plus given the state of the transportation system at the moment, it's unlikely all the fans could make it even if they had the shows. But lots of smaller events are happening all over. Everyone is donating at least some of the ticket money. Not a chance that one measly earthquake could kill the Japanese music scene in one blow. We're going to keep fighting!

Also for anyone who worried, Tohoku, Kanto, and to some extent Hokkaido, are feeling direct after-effects of the ongoing crisis. Western Japan (Kansai) and Kyuushuu are doing just fine...anyone who has friends there should not be worried.

For anyone living in Tokyo, I wouldn't buy fresh vegetables or dairy products labeled as coming from Fukushima, Ibaraki, or Tochigi. There is a distinct possibility that they have been contaminated with radiation. Probably low levels, but you don't want to eat that shit, it's nasty.

Oh an by the way, I was planning on translating Buck-Tick's Twitter, but so far they haven't said anything the least bit interesting. Oh, snark!

寿記 21.03.2011 March 21st (Monday) Hyper Rescue

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The hyper rescue.

They are really working hard for us.

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Right now, it's raining here.

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Let's keep it up today.

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IMAI 08:49

Note: the hyper rescue team are the ones in the fire trucks dumping water on the nuclear reactors. To be honest, I'm not sure it's helping...radiation levels in Tokyo have risen slightly since the mysterious fire this evening. Please, all of you out there, keep sending us your prayers.

寿記 20.03.2011 March 20th (Sunday) Mobile Phone

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Thank you for all your downloads of our graphic scheme.

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Right now, only Docomo customers have to pay to become a member before they can download it, but

We're planning to fix it by Monday

So just wait a little longer.

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We'll also be adding more graphic schemes.

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Lend us your "love, courage, and a cell phone" spirit.

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We're strong.

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IMAI 11:05

A note: "I have love, courage, and a cell phone" is a line from the Buck-Tick song "Rhapsody," off the album One Life, One Death.

寿記 19.03.2011 March 19th (Saturday) So Many Emails

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I got even more emails today.

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Everyone's thinking hard.

About what they can do to help.

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About the way everyone's buying all the food in the supermarket

About the blackouts, and the people who are on the front lines at the nuclear power plants.

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Even here in Tokyo, rice, water, instant noodles and batteries...

They're all sold out, and have been for a while.

All this ridiculous buying up of everything is causing chaos.

Please, calm down.

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It's really hard for the people who don't have power.

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And the people who are on the front lines at the nuclear power plants, they've been putting their lives at risk from their first steps in there.

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Everyone's doing what they can do.

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At the company where one fan works, they've decided to donate all their profits to the relief effort.

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Just staying alive, it's like you've just been born.

Let's keep living, and be strong.

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This is always, the sky I see looking up from my house.

IMAI 14:50

寿記 19.03.2011 March 19th (Saturday)

I read all your emails.

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Let's live strong, for our friends.

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IMAI 13:45

寿記 18.03.2011 March 18th (Friday) Email

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Everything you're thinking, everything you're feeling.
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What you're experiencing.
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I got a lot more fan emails today.
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One from someone who was planning on buying tour goods, but decided to donate the money instead (wonderful!)
One from someone who just wants to make an ass of themselves going nuts at a live show (I promise it will happen in good time.)
People are also worried about my own personal health and well-being (I'm totally, totally fine, thanks for worrying.)
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I got some emails from people who were having trouble contacting their families and friends, but found out they were safe.
And from some other people who haven't found their families or friends yet.
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Aftershocks, rolling blackouts, the nuclear accident, and disconnected phone lines...
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But even at a time like this, we're all hanging in there, and helping each other.
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Thank you all so much for your emails.
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Our manager was also finally able to contact his family in Iwate Prefecture.

IMAI 11:53

寿記 17.03.2011 March 17th (Thursday) Campaign

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Everyone's wondering, "is there something I can do?"
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Well, we're collecting money.
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We made a new mobile graphic for download.
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All the proceeds from the downloads go straight to earthquake relief
To the Japan Red Cross.
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Tomorrow we should have it up on the Buck-Tick website.
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So, if you want to help us, please download our new graphic scheme.
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I'm using the one with the hearts and the angels.
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IMAI 20:54

寿記 16.03.2011 March 16th (Wednesday)

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Let's just stick with it

For just a little longer

It'll be all right

I know we're moving forward.

IMAI 23:09

寿記 15.03.2011 March 15th (Tuesday) Hang in There

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Today I got an email from a person in Tohoku.

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Everyone's scared and uncertain, but they're hanging in there.

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Hang in there!

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Let's meet on the "Utakata no Razzle Dazzle" Tour.

I promise you we will.

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IMAI 20:25

寿記 15.03.2011 March 15th (Tuesday) Hope

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My friend couldn't contact his older brother's family, or find out if they were safe or not.

His brother has a wife, and two kids, ages one and four.

They live in Kesennuma.

Apparently, their house got washed away.

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But finally, my friend heard from them.

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My same friend also found out that his cousin, who works as a firefighter in Kamaishi, is also safe.

But his house was destroyed.

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Let's keep up hope!



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I'm so glad...

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IMAI 14:04

寿記 15.03.2011 March 15th (Tuesday) iTunes

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From iTunes, you can donate with a click.

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This is great.

Let's hang in there.

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IMAI 12:52

寿記 14.03.2011 March 14th (Monday)

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I got loads of emails from fans in Tohoku.

It makes me so happy.

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Given my job, you gave me a little peace of mind.

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It seems like you're all hanging in there

Helping each other and cooperating to get through this tough time.

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There are people who can't contact their families, their relatives, or their friends.

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I'm sure there are people who can't send email or check the Buck-Tick website.

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Stick with it, stay strong.

I know you'll be fine, don't worry about us.

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IMAI 14:40

寿記 13.03.2011 March 13th (Sunday) Meeting

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We just had a meeting with the staff.

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About the scheduling for the remaining shows on our tour.

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We'll be announcing it tomorrow afternoon, so be sure to check the official home page.

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There were things we had to decide right away,

And I know we are informing all of you at the last minute, and that it's all very sudden,

...but, well, wait for it.

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We're really trying to make the best possible decision we can, under the circumstances.

So please, bear with us.

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I think all the staff members and the band members were in agreement.

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There were at least 100 people from Tohoku who had tickets to the shows next weekend at Zepp Tokyo.

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Are you all okay?

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Hang in there.

We're strong.

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I'm praying for you.

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IMAI 19:29

寿記 10.03.2011 Utakata no Razzle Dazzle Nagoya

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3/5

Zepp Nagoya

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You really went through the roof

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It was so, so hot.

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And, 3/6

Nagoya Diamond Hall -Fish Tanker's Only-

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It was even hotter

Really crazy.

...all your craziness.

...I mean, just thinking about it, I'm sweating. (haha)

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And,

This was Mr. Sakurai's birthday eve.

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So there was something else to "look forward to."

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But yeah...this "crocodile Acchan," what a great drawing from ages ago...

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This is the original drawing



Actually, I drew it in the hotel room the night before (BAHAHAH!)

IMAI 13:00

寿記 05.03.2011 Utakata no Razzle Dazzle Niigata

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3/2

Niigata LOTS

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This show was great again, everyone was really up

I love it when you guys are so into it.

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But, if the crowd just pushes and pushes and you can't take it anymore, be sure to let a nearby staff member know that you want help getting out of the pit.

And if the person next to you looks like they're in trouble, be sure to help them out.

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Let's have fun next time, too.

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This is the amazing snow that I saw from the window of the train.

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Also, to Yoko-chan's papa

Thanks for always sending us so many heaps of presents!

IMAI 00:00

What We Can Do

Sorry for the late updates.

Buck-Tick is now official participating in one of the relief effort donation campaigns, as detailed in an announcement that went up on their home page on Friday, March 18th.

"What Can We Do?
We, at the Buck-Tick mobile site LOVE & MEDIA Portable, are participating in an emergency collection fund for victims of the Great Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake Disaster.

All the proceeds from downloads of the newest mobile graphics will be donated to the Japan Red Cross relief fund. Even customers who are not registered as members can participate (under some circumstances, Docomo customers may be require to register in order to participate.)
Let's try to do a little something for the victims and refugees.

We hope you all help us send them our heartfelt support.

For details, use the QU code at right, or visit http://bt-m.tpm.jp

BUCK-TICK/LOVE & MEDIA PORTABLE/BANKER"

SHOW YOUR HEART

Gackt is sponsoring a campaign for fans to donate money to earthquake relief efforts via the Red Cross. He's lined up an impressive list of celebrities, including our very own Mr. Sakurai Atsushi, whom he no doubt has fanboyish dreams about several nights each week. Note Sakurai's conspicuously modest lack of a publicity photo. Imai is also on the list, also lacking a publicity photo.

Other notable names on the list include Gackt's band members Chachamaru and You, hide's ex band member Chirolyn, Izam from Shazna, Shinya from Dir en grey, fashion brand h. naoto, members of Nightmare, Duel Jewel, and Luna Sea, and many others.

Imai's message: "Words fail me when I try to imagine what all the victims of this disaster must be going through, but, in any case, just try to stay alive! Let's hang in there. We're strong. And all those who have lost their lives, may you find peace in the next world. Show your heart!"

Sakurai's message: "It's frightening, it's terrifying, it's miserable and sobering, and I'm sure it's making everyone feel powerless. No words we say can help to heal the victims of the disaster. But, behind the emergency broadcasts on the radio, in the bits of music that mingle with the static...I just want to be there. Be a piece of one of those songs. Maybe it sounds heartless to take no responsibility and say that this is something only time can heal, and people may be weak and overwhelmed, but at this moment, I would also like to believe that we are strong, and we are gentle. Perhaps this is all I can do at the moment, but I do it: I send you my words.

Show your heart!!"

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I'll admit I totally forgot it was St Patrick's Day until just now.

Your faithful Not Greatest Translator is currently taking a breather in the countryside with slightly limited internet access, but will try to translate some more of Imai's blog soon.

The gist of things: a few more aftershocks have rocked Tokyo, but nothing really serious. Radiation levels were elevated for a while, but nothing harmful to health, and are currently back to normal. For those of you who wondered: yes, the Japanese government is being very closed-mouthed about the nuclear meltdown. No, it's not quite the end of the world yet, like the foreign media are apparently saying it is. The troubling thing is, no one knows where the situation is heading. It will probably be decided in the next few days. Also, an unusual cold front has set in, mercifully sweeping most radiation out over the Pacific, but also dumping lots of snow on lots of miserable elderly people sheltering in public schools and offices up north after having their homes destroyed by the tsunami. There is almost no electricity, water, or medical care, and the temperatures are below zero Celsius. For everyone up north, things are looking very, very rough. In Tokyo, to compensate for the extra electricity being used for heating, trains are running at half capacity, and train platforms are swamped with people waiting for hours to get home. Lots of foreign-run businesses have shut their doors. Lots of wealthy people have skipped town. All the fashionable stores on Omotesando are closed, to save power, and so are a lot of places elsewhere in the city. Still very little food on the store shelves, and a severe shortage of gasoline.

Buck-Tick has not yet issued details of ticket refunds, but they did send around an email telling people to make sure not to lose their tour tickets. On his blog, Imai is urging everyone to donate to the Red Cross.

All of you in Japan, please do everything you can to stay safe.

All of you overseas, thank you so much for your prayers and support. Please, continue to send us your good energy. The next few days may be the most difficult yet.

we knew this was going to happen

The release of the Razzle Dazzle hall tour live DVD has been postponed. Till when, it hasn't been announced. Given the state of business in this country right now, probably, no one knows. Most of the record stores aren't even open, or they're closing early, and running on half power.

Also, Buck-Tick opened an official Twitter. For those of you, who, you know, "tweet," and stuff like that.

And for the record, last time he was asked about it in the FT newsletter (a few months ago), Sakurai didn't know what a blog was. So don't get your hopes up that he'll be updating personally.

And for the record, nuclear reactors are exploding in this country right now. If I come across as terse, please assume that has something to do with it.

Love From the Far East

With rolling blackouts sweeping Kanto, two thirds of train service down, an impending food shortage, and more explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plants, it's clear that the quake crisis is merely beginning to unfold. Wouldn't you know it, Honshu actually moved 2.4 meters east. This is a big, big deal.

For those of you in Kanto/Tohoku: shut down all extraneous appliances. Make sure you have bottled water on hand (saving tap water in your bathtub and/or cooking pots and/or extra plastic bottles is a good strategy). To protect against possible radiation exposure, wear a hat and long sleeves outside. Go outside only when necessary. Eating kelp and brown rice also helps. Kelp contains high levels of iodine that can help protect against radiation-induced thyroid cancer (don't eat too much, though, because you can overdose), and brown rice can help protect against the damaging effects of radioactive cesium. Everyone, try to get plenty of sleep, and if possible, go and stay at a friend's house--it's easier to save power when you stick together, and less lonely, too.

Because, we're all going to be really lonely without Buck-Tick. A new announcement was posted on their official home page today:

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Tour 2011 "Utakata no Razzle Dazzle" Live Performances

Saturday 3-12 (Zepp Osaka)

Monday 3-21 (Zepp Tokyo)

Saturday 3-26 (Okinawa Namura Hall)

Saturday 4-2 (Akasaka Blitz)

Sunday 4-3 (Akasaka Blitz)

Fish Tanker's Only 2011

Sunday 3-13 (Namba Hatch)

Sunday 3-20 (Zepp Tokyo)

By decision of the band members and the staff, due to the major earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku on March 11th, the live performances listed above have been postponed indefinitely.

Fans who have tickets in their possession will be reimbursed for postponed/cancelled performances. Be sure not to lose/throw away your tickets.

The fan club tickets for the performances on April 2nd and 3rd at Akasaka Blitz have not been shipped yet. Please wait for more details on the procedure for these performances. More information will be posted soon on Buck-Tick's official home page (this site), and the Love and Media Portable page.

We extend our heartfelt prayers to all the victims of this disaster, pray that all those who lost their lives will rest in peace, and pray for a swift recovery for the damaged regions.

MESSAGES FROM THE BUCK-TICK MEMBERS

"All you fans who were looking forward to the live performances in Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa, we are very, very sorry. A terrible disaster has occurred. It is very sad, and very real. I'm sure many of you are worried and scared. If there's anything that we, the band, and you, the fans, can do, it's to help send a little more aid to those in need--food, emergency supplies, and anything else that may be required. All of you who carefully saved your pocket money to come and see our tour, please, send it to the earthquake victims instead. However you choose to donate, it doesn't matter, just try your best to do your part.

Spring may be a long time in coming for eastern Japan, but I know that the spring will come. I promise you, we will all meet again. We will sing together again. Looking forward to that time, let's keep our heads up.

Thank you for reading all the way to the end.

All those many, many souls who passed away in this calamity, may you find peace in the next world. All the families you have left behind send you their prayers of mourning."

-Sakurai Atsushi

"When I think about this disaster, words fail me. Please...just stay alive.

I'm praying for you.

Let's hang in there together.

We're strong."

-Imai Hisashi

"After discussing things carefully, we decided to postpone the rest of the shows on the tour. Many lives were lost in this disaster, and those who were left behind cannot run away, from sadness, pain, and fear.

My heart is full of pain when I think about how this is actually happening.

We haven't decided when yet, but when the time is right, we promise you, we'll play you some shows again, and show you all a great time, so please just wait patiently with us.

Let's each pray, that at least one more life may be saved."

-Hoshino Hidehiko

"After conferring with the other members and the staff, we decided to postpone the rest of the tour. We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were looking forward to the shows. We'll announce the new tour dates when we set them, so until then, just wait patiently.

I look forward to the time when we can meet again.

In the meantime, I'm praying from my heart for everyone's safety and swift recovery."

-Higuchi Yutaka

"When I think about how terrible things are for so many of the earthquake victims, I have no words.

All I can do is hope that we'll be able to get things back together into a normal routine as quickly as possible. I'm praying from my heart."

-Yagami Toll

If that doesn't have you in tears, you probably don't deserve to be a Buck-Tick fan. Also I might add that the band members are victims, too. Everyone is a victim. Society is in chaos, people are stuck at home without power, half the businesses in the city are shuttered. All you readers around the world, please pray with us...it's not about religion, it's about human hope.

寿記 12.03.2011 POSTPONED -Osaka Razzle Dazzle-

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The show is postponed.

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This situation is just too unstable.

Everyone, be careful.

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Are you all okay?

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Have you gotten in touch with your family, friends, and all your loved ones?

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Earthquake victims, and everyone near the epicenter

Hang in there!!

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Yeah, hang in there.

IMAI 03:19

Earthquake Emergency

For those of you who hadn't heard, an 8.8 earthquake struck yesterday, March 11th, at 2:46 PM off the coast of northern Honshu, Japan. Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima prefectures were worst hit, by the quake and also by the huge tsunamis that followed, inundating the coast and sweeping away masses of cars and buildings. Here in the good old Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area (or should we say, Not Greatest Tokyo Metropolitan Area?) the quake shook up buildings, knocked over massive filing cabinets, caused the ceiling of the Kudan Kaikan to collapse, broke up roads, knocked out power to Kawasaki City, and caused a fire in the Ichihara oil refinery which caused the oil refinery to subsequently explode (I must say, it's not every day that you see an exploding oil refinery.)

The quake also stopped all train traffic for hours, stranding hundreds of people in places like Shinjuku and Shibuya stations, and forcing hundreds more to walk home along highways, many kilometers in the cold and dark. Local hotels took in refugees who lived too far away to walk home over night. Emergency stores were brought out from company warehouses, and in some offices, with no one able to leave, the managers hit the convenience stores as fast as possible, carted back armloads of Yebisu beer, and treated the company underlings to a party.

The quake was followed by at least 12 aftershocks, many of them measuring more than 7.0 at the epicenter, which wasn't so much an epicenter proper as an entire fault line. Tokyo traffic patterns are still in chaos, while the damage, especially in northern Honshu, is still being assessed, though it is undoubtedly severe. The confirmed casualties already number in the hundreds, and hundreds more people have lost their homes and their fields. It sure isn't "business as usual."

Which brings me to my announcement, which is: not rain nor snow nor sleet nor hail may be able to stop Buck-Tick, but unfortunately...quakes can. The following notice was posted on the band's website a few hours ago:

Utakata no Razzle Dazzle

March 12th @ Zepp Osaka

Fish Tanker's Only 2011

March 13th @ Namba Hatch

Due to the large earthquake that struck yesterday off the northern Pacific coast of Honshu, traffic patterns within Japan are in a state of chaos, affecting the ability of the band members and staff to travel safely, and safely transport the band's equipment.

The band members want to put the safety of the fans before anything else. Currently, it has not been decided whether or not the performances this weekend will be cancelled.

In the event of a postponement or cancellation, fans will be reimbursed in full for their tickets, so please await announcements about a reimbursement procedure. Do not discard your ticket or ticket receipt.

We extend our heartfelt prayers to all earthquake victims, and pray that all those who lost their lives in this disaster may rest in peace. We pray for swift recovery in the regions struck by the quake.

Yeah, it sucks big hairy monkey balls, but read between the lines here: the Buck-Tick members are all safe! However, what with aftershocks and all that, the danger here is not over. All our readers overseas, please send us your prayers. And everyone on the Pacific rim, beware of tsunamis.

Happy Birthday Sakurai

Hey fangirls and fanboys, happy Sakurai Atsushi's birthday to you! Sakurai Atsushi is now 45 years old...officially too old for you!

But! Birthday! Now you have an excuse to sit around eating chocolate skulls and wishing that your landlord would let you keep a cat so you could send Acchan a photo of your cat and have a whose-cat-is-the-cutest contest, and an excuse to play that special Buck-Tick drinking game that involves all the Buck-Tick live DVDs your own, absinthe on the rocks, and taking a sip of it every time Sakurai grabs his you-know-what, because if you're going to get seriously inebriated, you need a good excuse. Or, in the case of Blog-Tick, this is your excuse to write pointless fluff posts to keep the readership hooked :D

So yeah. Happy birthday Sakurai Atsushi, cause without you, the song lyrics would be clean, the cats would be less loved, there would be more spare alcohol, fewer creepy smiley faces, fewer cartoon sperm, and fewer fangirls. And if your age were an angle, and there were two of you, you could each be a base angle in a right isoceles triangle, the most romantic of all polygons.

And, without you there would be no Buck-Tick, and that would be a downright tragedy.

寿記 01.03.2011 Zepp Tokyo "Music and People vol. 8"

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2/20

Zepp Tokyo

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We did a three-band event with Kegawa Maries, Polysics, and Buck-Tick.

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Why on earth did they pick these three bands!?

But actually, as an event, it came together well.

Miraculous choices!

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We played so well at that show, with such a good feeling.

It was awesome!

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At the wrap party, I talked techno-pop with Hayashi-kun from Polysics.

(Not techno! Techno pop!)

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The next day, I put Hikasu's famous album Uwasa no Jinrui on my ipod.

Let's go drinking again sometime.

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IMAI 02:30