Interview with Seth (Moi dix Mois)

Seth originally moved from Hiroshima to Tokyo to study painting, but soon discovered his true calling on stage. Today he is known as the vocalist for Moi dix Mois, Ruiza BAND and enka Group Sakura Zansen aiming to make smiles bloom.
Seth is a performer who shifts effortlessly between darkness and light. Enjoy our interview with Seth.

◆ ◆ ◆ SELF INTRODUCTION ◆ ◆ ◆

◆ First, please introduce yourself.

⭐︎Name: Seth
⭐︎Birthday: 9th August
⭐︎Height: 165cm
⭐︎Favourite Alcohol: Tequila
⭐︎Favourite Animal: Dog, Cat

◆  What is your favorite Kanji and please tell us the reason.

生 (Sei) (“Life” / “To live”)
To be alive is something incredibly precious. Holding on to life can feel miserable at times but it‘s also powerful and fleeting. I like this word, because it captures the full range of human emotions, so it deeply resonates with me.

◆ What is your favorite word in your Hiroshima dialect, which is difficult to understand for Tokyo people.

 “Shigou Shicharu” → Shigou means; To total defeat, punish or eliminate someone.

◆  Do you have an artist you look up to?

Honestly, I didn’t originally enter the music world because I wanted to pursue music. Even now, I don’t really understand much about music. Before I ever thought “I want to be an artist like that,” I was already standing in front of an audience. So instead of thinking about what kind of artist I wanted to be, I was always focused on how I could make my fans happy.

◆ What does visual kei mean to you?

I’ve always loved drawing, and I’ve always been into anime and manga, so naturally I’m drawn to the aesthetic of Visual Kei.
What I especially admire about visual kei is how much visual kei artists care deeply not only about music but also about their visual expression. Putting their all into every aspect of their art for the audience.

◆ What are your recent obsessions or hobbies?

Recently, I’ve been into exploring how I use my voice. Since I didn’t enter the music world out of initial passion for singing, I’ve only recently started to enjoy and hooked by discovering how much I can improve my vocal expression.

◆ What is your personal motto?

 “Be kind to others”
It’s not about gain or loss. I simply want to be kind to the people around me, regardless of whether it benefits or harms me. If you do that, there’s no conflict, and life stays peaceful, right?

◆ ◆ ◆ MUSIC ACTIVITY ◆ ◆ ◆

◆ You’re originally from Hiroshima and while you lived there you didn’t do any music activities. But why did you move to Tokyo and how did you start your music activity? Please tell us about the start. 

I wanted to become a painter or illustrator, so I moved from Hiroshima to Tokyo to study art!
After giving up on becoming a painter, I spent some time riding my motorcycle and just having fun. Then one day a senior suggested:“Why don’t you try being in a band?”. So I started looking for members and formed a band called AFTER IMAGE when I was 19.

※According vkgy AFTER IMAGE was formed by K.HIRON

◆ What kind of struggles do you face in the music industry and how do you deal with them?

Since I only started a band after moving to Tokyo, I still don’t know that much about music.|
So I’ve always struggled, but every time, the members around me have supported me and I think that’s why I’ve been able to keep going.

◆ What do you enjoy the most as a musician?

The live shows!
Being on stage, surrounded by everyone who supports me, and seeing them enjoy my singing. It’s the best feeling in the world, right?!.

◆ What do you think is the most difficult aspect of being a musician?

I can’t live near my mother and family.
Focusing on my music career means that I have to live in Tokyo. This means that I can only visit them once in a while. 

◆ Of all the changes in the music industry over the years, which one do you feel has been the most significant?

Joining Moi dix Mois gave me more opportunities to perform overseas and to sing with more intensity, like grunts and shouts. I guess joining Ruiza’s solo project sparked my sense of curiosity and exploration. 

◆ What aspects of performing on so many stages do you pay particular attention to, physically or mentally?

As I’ve grown up, I’ve learned to be considerate of others, which has helped me build good relationships. But I feel like I’ve become a bit like a beast whose fangs have been dulled.
On stage, though, I want to bare my fangs and shine! In that sense, I’m trying to be more aware of letting my instincts guide me while performing.

◆ This year, you’ve performed in various venues with Ruiza BAND, Moi Dix Mois, and Sakura Zensen. What are the differences and enjoyable aspects of working with each band?

Ruiza BAND is all about how emotionally you can convey the beauty and delicacy of the melodies. As a vocalist, it’s really fun to see how much you can resonate with your fan emotions.

Moi dix Mois embodies a world of darkness, evil and intensity!
Our live shows goals are to make our fans hyped up, wild and shouting their hearts out.

Sakura Zensen’s goal is to make our fans smile as much as possible. 
This also makes the members smile more on stage. I think the whole venue ends up feeling brighter, even during the MCs.
The songs themselves are different from the bandstuff, leaning more toward pop and Kayoukyoku, with some really beautiful tracks.

※kayoukyoku (歌謡曲) a traditional Japanese music genre, often described as “classic Japanese pop.

◆ How do you motivate yourself when you switch your vocal or performance style for each group?

Actually, I don’t think about it much. It naturally changes depending on who I’m with in each band.

◆ What has motivated you to continue such a diverse range of activities throughout your long career?

I feel lucky to have been able to sing for so long. Even though I want to continue for a long time, it wouldn’t be possible without the members and people around me. I’m truly grateful to everyone.

◆ What is the most significant difference between enka and visual kei?

It depends on the audience.
For example, Enka listeners are often older people or parents, while the majority of Visual Kei fans are younger. Naturally, the way you perform and convey the music changes depending on who’s listening.

※ Enka (演歌)  a style of Japanese popular music that is often emotional and sentimental, usually featuring themes like love, loss, longing and nostalgia. 

◆ ◆ ◆ Ruiza BAND ◆ ◆ ◆

◆ Please introduce Ruiza BAND to us. 

It’s the solo project started by Ruiza after D went on hiatus. The lineup includes Seth (vocals, from Moi dix Mois and Sakura Zensen), Tsunehito (bass, from D) and MIKAGE (drums, from Chariots).

Ruiza – Not only is he highly skilled at composing, but he’s a guitarist who can create everything from high-energy, live-feel tracks that get you moving, to heartfelt ballads that really touch the listener’s emotions and bring in all his past experience.

Tsunehito – People tend to focus on his flashy stage presence and technical skill, but his strength really lies in his bass line arrangements.
He supports the vocals in a way that lets you feel the story in the lyrics more deeply, a truly wonderful bassist.

MIKAGE– With steady, reliable drumming, he supports the band while staying cooperative and never self-centered. Even when playing difficult parts, he makes it look effortless on stage, smiling as he plays. It’s truly elegant and beautiful.

◆ Please introduce your part in “Ruiza BAND”.

Singing…? 
As a vocalist, I’m always thinking about how I can deliver these amazing songs in the best possible way. Since the melodies naturally feel good to sing, I make sure to sing in a way that doesn’t leave the feelings our fans behind.

◆ Please tell us the story of how you met Ruiza-san. And what was your first impression of him? 

I probably met Ruiza when I was around 20 years old. Our first meeting was when I joined one of the event tours his band was organizing at the time. My impression of him back then was that he was really cute and polished! I went to a few of those events, and I remember talking to him every time (laughs)

◆ Please tell us the story of how you decided to join “Ruiza BAND”.

After D, Ruiza’s band, went on hiatus, he talked about wanting to ease the loneliness of his fans, who had supported him all this time.
To do so, he knew he needed to continue performing, so he asked me to sing once the songs were ready.
I cared more about the fans’ feelings than my own, so I gladly accepted the offer to help!

◆ Which song do you like to perform the most and why?

 【Swallowed】
This song is a beautiful, melancholic ballad. The guitar poignantly weaves around the laid-back, rolling drums. As the vocals gradually become more emotional, the bass line pulls the song down to even greater depths.
The entire band comes together, swirling as one, making the song’s expression feel richer and deeper.

◆ Ruiza BAND released a new live venue CD named Reimei. Could you introduce the songs to us by telling us what parts we should pay attention to, and maybe say something about the lyrics?

・ 黎明 (Reimei)
Since we got started, I think we’ve built a place where fans can hang out together. With Reimei, which means “dawn,” we’re saying that from now on, we’ll all be looking toward the future together! 
“Until now, this was a place to gather. From here on, it’s a place to move forward!”

・残響 (Zankyou – Echo)
It’s a song you can scream along to at live shows! It’s the kind of song that brings the members and fans together in a powerful explosion of intensity.

◆ ◆ ◆ Moi dix Mois ◆ ◆ ◆

◆ Please introduce your part in “Moi dix Mois ”.

I am the vocalist who conveys the worldview of Moi dix Moi to everyone.

◆ Please tell us the story of how you met Mana-san. And what was your first impression of him? 

I was introduced to Mana by his cousin.
It was around New Year’s, just before the start of the Budokan show of MALICE MIZER.  
When I met Mana, the room was dimly lit, and the conversation didn’t flow well. I remember thinking, “Isn’t this person kind of creepy?” (Laughs.)

◆ Please tell us the story of how you decided to join “Moi dix Mois”.

My voice fits perfectly with Moi dix Mois’ songs! I guess it was meant to be.

◆ How would you describe the music of Moi dix Mois yourself?

I try to understand Mana’s vision and imagine: “If Mana were singing this song, this is how he would sing it.”

◆ How would you describe the visual fashion of Moi dix Mois?

For Seth, the eyepatch is essential!
Darkness, evil, elegance.

◆ Moi dix Mois has not produced any music videos so far. Is there any reason why you haven’t produced any until now?

Just come to watch us live, see it, and experience it for yourself!

◆ Are you planning on releasing a new CD anytime soon? It’s been a while since your last release, so I’m looking forward to it.

How about it? I’m really looking forward to it as well.

◆ Which song do you like to perform the most and why?

Dialogue Symphonie
This song was born alongside the creation of Moi dix Mois. I still remember the shock I felt when I first heard the completed song without vocals.

◆ Do you think there are differences between Japanese and overseas fans of the visual kei band Moi dix Mois? If so, what are those differences?

Fans are the same all over the world. The only real difference is distance. Even if overseas fans love Moi dix Mois, it’s not easy for them to attend live shows.
If I get a chance to perform abroad, I hope fans nearby will come to enjoy our show!

◆ ◆ ◆ さくら前線 (Sakura Zensen)◆ ◆ ◆

◆ Please introduce “Sakura Zensen” to us. 

It’s an enka/kayoukyoku group with three members: Seth (from Moi dix Mois and Ruiza BAND), KOUKI (from D=OUT) and TSUKASA (from Micro Headphones).

◆ Please introduce your part in “Sakura Zensen” .

 Being super cheerful and always giving in everything just to make our fans smile!

◆ Please tell us the story of how you decided to join “Sakura Zensen” .

KOUKI and TSUKASA originally founded this project. After they invited me to play with them at an event, I realized how much fun it was and how fulfilling it felt, so I decided to turn this project into a real band.

◆ Which song do you enjoy performing the most, and why?

 “Ryuusei Corona” is a ballad that came about during a really tough time when everyone’s spirits were down. It’s a message to take things slowly and move forward together. I really think this song has lifted the hearts of our fans and us many times.

◆ When I listen to and watch the visuals of “Sakura Zensen,” I really get the vibe of VR anime, idols, and visual kei. It has a fun atmosphere with a slightly lighter feel to introduce enka to younger people. But who supports “Sakura Zensen” the most? 

Our fans are really diverse, from kids to older folks.
I think that’s thanks to the range in our music, from traditional Japanese enka and kayoukyoku to pop songs.

◆ “Sakura Zensen”  released 2 singles YOSAKOI ROCK and YEAH! SEAH! YEAH! On July 28 this year. Please tell us a few stories with important points about both singles.

 ⭐︎ “YOSAKOI ROCK”
At live shows, the members really go all out dancing while singing this one. It’s inspired by YOSAKOI, a traditional festival dance, but we put our own Sakura Zensen spin on it to make it flashy and fun for everyone to watch!

⭐︎ “YEAH! SEAH! YEAH!”
It’s a fun song for kids who don’t like vegetables, telling them, “Come on, try them! They’re healthy and yummy!”

◆ Do the fanbases of Moi dix Mois, Ruiza BAND, and Sakura Zensen overlap?

Yes, some fans support multiple projects, and I’m very grateful for that. Of course, though, each band attracts different kinds of people, too.

◆Do Enka fans also enjoy Sakura Zensen?

Definitely! Since Sakura Zensen’s songs are easy to listen to, many Enka fans who see us live end up liking us as well.

◆ ◆ ◆ OVERSEAS CONNECTION ◆ ◆ ◆

◆ Do you speak any other languages besides Japanese confident enough?

I only speak Japanese. I never thought I’d end up in a job where I meet so many people from abroad, so now I’m like, “I really should’ve studied other languages!” (laughs)

◆ You went abroad to many countries for overseas tours. But did you also go privately overseas? If so, where did you go and what did you like the most? 

I’ve been to Taiwan and Hong Kong when friends invited me. I’m really into European architecture and castles, so I’d love to go on a relaxed sightseeing trip instead of a rushed tour. Since tours don’t allow it.

◆ Could you tell us your biggest memory of touring overseas?

For each tour, the staff work so hard to support us that I feel a bit sad when it’s over.
I feel like we’re communicating heart-to-heart, not just with words and I’m really grateful for these amazing experiences.

◆ Is there anything you look forward to when traveling or touring? (Food, sightseeing, etc.)

Since I love food and drinks, I always make sure to try the local specialties and drinks when I’m on tour!

◆ Is there anything that surprised you the most when you went overseas?

 I’m often mistaken for a woman, which always surprises me!

◆ ◆ ◆  『ベジねこ』のパン屋さん (“VEJI  Neko” no PAN’YA-san) ◆ ◆ ◆ 

◆ Please introduce “VEJI I Neko” no PAN’YA-san to us!

・What kind of place is “VEJI Neko” no PAN’YA-san? 
It’s a café & bar where you can enjoy rich, buttery bread and your favorite drinks!!

・Why did you call your shop “VEGI Neko” no PAN’YA-san? 
Back during COVID, I was streaming drawings of a vegetable and cat,  the whole series I called “VEJI cat (Veggie Cat)”.

・Why is the mascot a cat?
Because I just happened to start drawing cats.

・When did your business start?
 2 years ago.

・What motivated you to open your shop?
During COVID I couldn’t do any activities so it motivated me to open up a place, to fall back to in hard times.

・Please tell us about any challenges you’ve faced while running your shop.
I once had to take a break, because my music schedule was too busy. 

・When do you feel glad to be running your shop?
People can enjoy delicious bread made with my pride!!

・What is the Menu and please tell us also the prices. 
All-you-can-drink: ¥3,000 per hour
Toasted bread: ¥1,000

・Official X
@Vegeneco_panya

◆ ◆ ◆ FUTURE ◆ ◆ ◆ 

◆ Is there a goal you did set for yourself in the past which still hasn’t come true?

 I want to become a painter, which I’ve dreamed of since I was a child.

◆ Is there anything you would like to challenge yourself with? 

 I want to try being a voice actor for anime!

◆ What are your goals for the Future? 

 I want to let people all over the world know who I am!!

◆ ◆ ◆  FINAL MESSAGE ◆ ◆ ◆ 

◆ Please give a final word to your fans and readers. 

I’m active with Moi dix Mois, Ruiza BAND, Sakura Zensen and as Miyoshi Seiji and I have confidence in all of these bands.
They all have amazing songs. I really want to perform overseas with all of these projects!! 
I absolutely plan to make it happen. I’m not sure how long it will take but please wait for me!

【Ruiza BAND】
Official Website
Official X

【Moi dix Mois】
Official Website
Official X

【さくら前線】
Official Website
Official X