Q&A: Chanty

At Tokyo in Tulsa 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chanty held a Q&A for the fans and here are the questions asked by the fans. I want to thank their management for bringing Chanty to Tulsa and allowing the fans this opportunity. If you haven't done so already, please check out my live report from the convention that also includes a special giveaway!

Band Members
Akuta - vocals
Shia - guitar
Chitose - guitar
Taku - bass
Naruto - drums

Q&A: Pentagon (Japan)

At A-Kon 28 in Fort Worth, TX, Pentagon held a Q&A for the fans and here are the questions asked by the fans, during this event. I want to thank their management and Fake Star for bringing Pentagon to Forth Worth and allowing the fans this opportunity. Pictures were not allowed during the Q&A, but we were able to take pictures during their autograph session and raffle.

Band Members
Chizuru - vocals
Taku - guitar
Yutori - guitar
Minpha - bass
Atsuki - drums

Q&A: Nightmare

At Anime Matsuri 2014 in Houston, TX, Nightmare held a Q&A for the fans and here are the questions asked by the fans, during this event. I want to thank their management for bringing Nightmare to Houston and allowing the fans this opportunity. Not all of the questions asked and other shenanigans in this Q&A were written during this event as I felt they were irrelevant for one reason or another. Pictures were allowed, but mine are sadly blurry. I'd also like to apologize for the massive delay on these Q&As and concert reports, I am slowly but surely working on them one at a time. Please enjoy this fan Q&A with Nightmare.

Band Members
Yomi - vocals
Sakito - guitar
Hitsugi - guitar
Ni~ya - bass
Ruka - drums


Have you taught music?
Sakito: No

What happened to Zennin (former drummer)?
Yomi: disappeared

[This question really shouldn't have been allowed. It's kinda disrespectful, so make sure you never ask about former members.]

Who takes the longest to get ready?
Hitsugi: (in English) It's me!

Do you like fishing?
Ni~ya: I love it

What's your favorite thing about being in a band?
Yomi: They are my partners.

What's your favorite food?
Ni~ya: Ramen
Yomi: Yakisoba
Ruka: Rice
Hitsugi: Beer

Someone asked Yomi about his swan underwear. I didn't quite get what the question was about, but it took some time for him to remember what the fan was talking about.
Ni: Yomi is a very crazy boy.

What's the difference between performing for the first time and now?
Ruka: It was a long time ago, but we're less nervous now.

What's your favorite thing about America?
Sa: I love America and I wish I could live here.
Fan: (interjects) You can become a citizen by marriage!
Sa: I'll look around.

Do you have any pets?
Hi: I have 2 dogs.

To Sakito: How was it working on the Dead End Tribute Album?
Sa: Really fun!

What kind of hobbies do you have?
Sa: Video games
Ni: Fishing
Yo: Gundam models
Ru: Internet
Hi: Beer

What do you expect at tomorrow's show?
Yo: We have a lot in store for you, guys!

If you weren't in a band, what kind of job would you like to have?
Sa: Programmer
Ni: Fishing
Yo: Farmer
Ru: I wouldn't work.
Hi: Bartender

To Hitsugi, How did it feel recording "D.O.D" for the hide Tribute Album?
Hi: I was nervous, because hide was inspiration for me getting into music, but I felt very honored.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Sa: In the shower or bathroom

What's the difference between American bands and Japanese bands?
Yo: American bands are very honest with their emotions and love.

How did you do the opening and ending song for Death Note?
Ru: We talked to the produce and then we just wrote it.

To Sakito, How did you feel doing your nude shoot for Shoxx?
Sa: Very excited.

Outside of music, what is your inspiration?
Ru: I usually get inspiration from what we do.

Who gets drunk the most?
Hi: (in English) It's me!

Are you planning on doing a U.S. tour?
Yo: Right now, we don't have any plans to, but we would like to do one.

To Hitsugi, How is different working in a band compared to working solo?
Hi: Nightmare is family and being solo is like playing with friends.

Q&A: exist†trace

At A-Kon 24 in Dallas, TX, exist†trace held a Q&A for the fans and here are the questions asked by the fans, during this event. I want to thank their management for bringing exist†trace to Dallas and allowing the fans this opportunity. Pictures were allowed during this event, but what I have is blurry and I don't feel particularly proud enough of them to share.


Band Members
Jyou - vocals
Miko - guitar
Omi - guitar
Naoto - bass
Mally - drums

Q&A and Press Conference: Blood Stain Child

During A-Kon 22 weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the fan Q&A and press conference. So, here are majority of the questions compiled together for your enjoyment. Forgive me for the massive delay.

Band members
Sophia: vocals
Ryu: guitar
G.S.R: guitar
Ryo: bass/vocal
Aki: keyboard/programming
GAMI: drums

Q&A: -OZ-

At A-Kon 23 in Dallas, TX, -OZ- held a Q&A for the fans and here is a summary of what was said and done at the event. This transcription and summarization was written by a good friend, Aurora, and I want to thank her for sending this to me and allowing me to share with you (once again), my lovely Cult followers! Also, I want to thank Babel Entertainment for bringing -OZ- to Dallas and allowing the fans this opportunity. Lastly, a thank you to the members of -OZ- and their team for allowing us to become a little closer to them.

Due to the request of the band's management, pictures were not allowed during the Q&A. Also, most of the questions the band attempted to answer in English.

Written by: Aurora | Edited by: Miko Suzahiru

Band Members
Natsuki - vocals
Aki - guitar
Tama - guitar
Nao - bass
Zukki - drums



Q: Do you like non-Japanese girls?

After much band discussion.

Natsuki: Yes of course
Aki: Of course, very well
Zukki: Yes yes
Nao: YEEEEES
Tama: Very yeeeeeaaah wooo hoooooo

Q: Favorite Video Game?

Natsuki: Final Fantasy…Final Fantasy VII! Cloud...Sephiroth...uh..
Audience: Tifa!
Natsuki: Tifa! Oh yes~! Aerith..all of them!
Nao: Monster Hunter. My weapon is hammer!

Q: How do you go about song titles?

Natsuki: uhhh...dictionary!

There was a momentary pause in which Natsuki requested one translator move to the other side of the table because they were both at one end and it made it difficult for the members on the far side to hear the translations.

Q: What kind of books do you like, manga etc?

Aki: I don’t read book.
Zukki: Hajime no ippo
Natsuki: I am otaku okay? Many many eeeeeto ni...Kuroshitsuji. Future Diary, ..(and another title I didn’t catch.)
Nao: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Naruto (and he started naming characters)
Tama: Death Note, Fist of the North Star

Q: Battle of the bands. Who would you go against?

Aki: Lady Gaga & Justin Beiber
Zukki: X Japan
Natsuki: Aerosmith, Marilyn Manson
Nao: Korn, Slipknot
Tama: Linkin Park

Q: Who has tattoos and which is your favorite?

Aki joked about showing off a tattoo in a danger zone before saying that he was wearing an OZ original temporary tattoo.

Zukki: Nothing.
Natsuki: Nothing but I want to.
Nao: I’m nasty but I want –points to nipple-
Tama: I don’t want to. I think it hurts.

Q: Do you all get along well or argue a lot?

Aki: I put up a fight every day –punches air-

One of the members mentions them being friends from long ago in their childhood (junior high school). Natsuki, Tama and Nao went to the same junior high school. Zukki knew Aki from high school and Natsuki met Zukki when they formed the band.

Q: Japan vs US?

Natsuki: I was surprised the hot dogs were so good.
Nao: They were so good! I put two in one bun and I had four today in fact!

Q: Where did the band name come from?

Natsuki: It has a nice ring to the ear.

Q: What Japanese bands inspire you?

Tama: J. X Japan. Favorite song is "Good bye".
He then sang part of the song
Natsuki: X Japan. Luna Sea. Siam Shade.
Aki: X Japan. Hide is his guitar hero.

Q: Were you surprised by the encore? Why did you take so long to come back?

Natsuki: Sorry, we were tired. We used all of our energy and had to take a break.

Q: How do you keep your hair so fabulous?

Natsuki: We have good hair/make up artist. Her name is Mika!

Q: What hobbies do you have?

Tama: Drinking. I love beer. –shiver- woooo very very delicious. Watching TV, eat ramen.
Natsuki: I am otaku. Watch anime and make computer.
Zukki: Fishing
He and Aki pantomime going fishing.
Aki: Window shopping, driving and avoiding trouble.

Q: What is the inspiration for your music?

Natsuki: Screamo music. I like Machine Head.

Q: What is your favorite American movie?

Natsuki: Back to the future 1, 2 & 3!
Aki: Die Hard! Die Hard? Texas location?
Nao: Armageddon
Zukki: Titanic
Tama: Tim Burton

Q: Do you like tacos?

Natsuki: OZ members like tacos.

Q: Was this your first time stage diving and did you have fun doing it at A-KON?

Natsuki: The concert was tons of fun and it was my first time stage diving. I apologized to the staff afterward.

Q: Best gift from fan?

Aki: Letter.
Zukki: Chocolate
Natsuki: Love. Do you love me?
Fans say yes
Natsuki: Thank you.
Nao: When you scream, that makes me really happy
Tama: Beer. Beer, beer, beer, beer, beer, beer, beer.

Q: Favorite song because of meaning & why?

Natsuki: Detox. When we played it live, tremendous reaction.
Nao: Stigma, because it was the first song we made since I joined OZ.
Zukki: Last Shell. The tempo is slow. I can relax a bit.
Aki: Reverse. Powerful song

Q: What are you afraid of?

Tama: Empty beer.
Nao: I’m scared when Tama gets drunk
Natsuki: It’s scary, especially when Tama and Zukki are drunk at the same time.
Zukki: When Tama is drunk he always punches me on the shoulder.
Aki: Zukki’s snoring!
Tama put hands on his head.

Natsuki: Last question! Do you like OZ?
Audience: -cheers-
Natsuki: Thank you

Q&A: AYABIE

At A-Kon 23 in Dallas, TX, AYABIE held a Q&A for the fans and here is a summary of what was said and done at the event. This summarization was written by a good friend, Aurora, and I want to thank her for sending this to me and allowing me to share with you, my lovely Cult followers! Also, I want to thank Babel Entertainment for bringing AYABIE to Dallas and allowing the fans this opportunity. Lastly, a thank you to the members of AYABIE and their team for allowing us to become a little closer to them.

Written by: Aurora | Edited: Miko Suzahiru

Band Members
Yumehito - vocals
Takehito - guitar
Intetsu - bass
Kenzo - drums



Yumehito said he was inspired by Kabukicho for the concept of AYABIE.

A repeated answer Yumehito gave was how he enjoyed how much we cheered as compared to the Japanese audience.

When asked about an embarrassing moment from a band member, Yumehito instantly mentioned Kenzo. Kenzo refused to tell the tale so Yumehito enlightened us. The previous night after the concert, Kenzo became very intoxicated and proceeded to take off his belt to spank one of the A-KON staff members. This was then followed by Kenzo being spanked by said staff member with his own belt.

Yumehito said the worst thing that happened to them as a band was during a multi band live there was no one in the audience for their set.

For current favorite video games, Kenzo said Final Fantasy, Yumehito said Pokemon, Takehito said Monster Hunter, and Intetsu said Call of Duty.

Kenzo’s favorite band is KISS, Yumehito’s is Malice Mizer, Intetsu’s is Slayer and Takehito’s is X Japan.

When Ayabie first went overseas to Europe, they were so surprised at the amount of fans they had and the reception they received.

They were asked to label each member as a family member where I believe Takehito answered for them and said Intetsu was the grandpa, Yumehito was the son, Kenzo was labeled a dog after someone in the audience called out for it. Takehito agreed and also decided he would be a dog too.

Someone asked if they liked tacos in which Intetsu said “Yes! Very Texas!” [Fun Fact: One of my friends spotted three of the boys at Taco Bell ordering about $100 worth of food]

At one point someone’s phone began to go off while we were waiting for someone to say their question. Yumehito started dancing before taking the mic to say in English “Silent mode”.

They were asked to label themselves an animal. Kenzo said he was a sexy dog, Yumehito was a cute dog, Intetsu was a pretty cat, and Takehito said he was a husband. This was because a fan from Japan earlier said that Takehito was her husband.

Another fan from America asked for Intetsu’s hand in marriage which let to a very surprised Intetsu who replied, “Yes, lets get married tomorrow.”

When asked what their favorite anime was, Kenzo said he’d been watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ranma ½, Keroro, and Naruto. Intetsu said Fate Zero. Yumehito mentioned some old anime we weren’t familiar with and Gintama and Takehito said Dragonball.

In their free time, Yumehito likes to collect Kamen Rider, Intetsu likes to cook and have tea parties, Takehito likes to drive, drink, and sleep when he isn’t doing something music related. As Takehito said his hobbies Intetsu pantomimed them for the audience. Kenzo said he liked listening to music, watching movies and sleeping.

Kenzo’s best advice for people starting a band was to just do it.

Everyone said the language they want to learn is English so they can communicate with us better.

When asked to make a wish, Kenzo said his wish was for them to come again next year.

When asked if any of the members were dating, Yumehito said he had no girlfriend right now, but please go out with him. Intetsu said no because he was getting married tomorrow and Takehito said no because he was already the husband of the Japanese fan.

Intetsu said his favorite food was Taco Bell. Yumehito asked the band if they know/love sushi to which all of them laughed and were like “Yeah, of course!”

Interview: Neko Neko Maid & Host Club

For the past 2-3 years, I've noticed more and more maids wandering the floors of anime conventions. I learned last year that one of these maid organizations is called the Neko Neko Maid & Host Club. This year, they had a room reserved to cater and entertain con goers at A-Kon 22. I had the opportunity to chat with the co-owners of the group, Kitti and Miki.



What is the Neko Neko Maid & Host Club?
Kitti: It is a touring group from all around the nation that sing, dance, and play games with customers at various anime conventions. I believe we're the only maid group that tours.

How did the group get started?
Kitti: Miki and I were part of show choir and toured together. We both discovered and had an interest in maid cafes, so we became friends.

How long has Neko Neko been running?
Kitti: We started July 4, 2009

Have you ever been to Japan?
Kitti: I have been and Miki will be attending school there soon, but the group has not travelled to Japan.

What is your inspiration?
Miki: Being in show choir, the love of performing, and jpop.

How much does jpop influence you?
Miki: In our performances.

What jpop artists/groups inspire you?
Miki: AKB48 and Morning Musume

How often do you get applicants for being a maid or host?
Kitti: We do auditions all year round, but mainly we hold auditions for upcoming cons.

I noticed that there are many maids and very few hosts, why do you think it's hard to obtain hosts?
Kitti: We mainly focus on getting maids.
Miki: (jokingly) I think the hosts are intimidated by the maids.

How do you figure out the routines you're going to use for each show?
Kitti: Miki decides on the routines.

What is the hardest part about being a maid?
Kitti: As a tour maid, taking time off from school, being away from friends and family in the summer, and adjusting from different weather conditions as well as going from hotel to hotel.

Do you face any discrimination or have been stereotyped for being maids?
Kitti: In the beginning, our families had some concerns, but later they understood and supported us.

Have you had many difficult customers?
Kitti: It's rare, but occasionally we get gloomy customers. They're usually easy to cheer up.

What is your favorite game?
Kitti: Jenga
Miki: For the fans, they like playing "Maids in a Pickle", but I like Pretty Pretty Princess.

What are your future goals for Neko Neko?
Kitti: We want to expand into more cons and we also have a manga coming out.

Could you give a final message to the Cult readers?
Kitti: Come see Neko Neko Maid & Hostess Club at the next event!


If you're interested in learning more about Neko Neko Maid & Host Club, you can visit their site. On the site, you can find out when their next stop is as well as how to audition to be part of the group. I would like to thank Kitti and Miki for letting me hang out at their table and interviewing them!