INDEX
Desire for Recognition Without Mainstream Appeal
What was the reaction from those around you when you made your major debut with the release of ‘Ichiwa-kan to Kyu-kutsu’?
Zu: Some people were simply happy for us, while others responded with a sense of humor, saying, “It’s funny that you guys are going major.” It feels like they understand us and find it interesting that we stayed the same while debuting on a major label.
Suzuki： Even though it’s normal to expect reactions like “You’re trying to be successful” or “You’ve changed,” surprisingly, people accepted it honestly. But since we really haven’t changed, no one can say, “You’ve changed.”
Zu: It’s definitely thanks to the staff at the agency and label.
Suzuki: They even joked, “Is it okay that you haven’t changed this much?”
Zu: The staff who have been with us for so long often asked, “What do you want to achieve as Suzuki Mikiko Zu?” Our answer was always, “We don’t want to make our music more commercial just to sell out, but we do want to be recognized.” I think that’s why the idea of going major came up.
Suzuki: I think everyone understands that we wouldn’t change. They interact with us knowing that, so it’s pretty easy.
Do you think that while the two of you remain unchanged, the way people perceive you might change? For example, even if you play the same song, the context of performing at a live venue like Muryoku Mugenji in Koenji versus appearing on a mainstream TV program carries different connotations.
Suzuki: I haven’t felt that yet.
Zu: In the movie ‘Desert of Namibia,’ there’s a scene where wild animals gather around an artificially created pond in the desert. I think that scene captures a sense of incongruity. It’s similar to how I feel about this situation. Listening to a live performance in a venue is intense, but watching it on TV and not really paying deep attention might lead some people to support us, and I find that discrepancy or sense of incongruity interesting.
Suzuki： So it’s fine if people criticize us casually. I think it’s only when we’re criticized that we’re truly legitimate, and I love reading comments, even on YouTube.
Zu: It would be nice to be more widely recognized, with people casually saying, “Mikiko Zu is great,” in a relaxed way.
