Back! Some Gackt Schtuff (Edited)

I'M BACK!!

For those who didn't notice (lol) I was on vacation for the last week. A whole 7 days without internet connectivity. ARGH!! Even so, it doesn't appear I missed much Gackt news while I was gone last week.

The only things I could find came from the Bunraku blog that gave us this pic...

a possible storyboard for a scene from the movie. (no word on if this scene will appear in the movie or not.)

According to the site, there was also a pic from Bunraku on gackt-and-dears.com that showed Gackt in makeup that depicted him bloodied.

it was removed according to Japanese law as 'questionable content' for its violent implications, because young people have access to the community website.

huh. Like they don't have access to pics like this?

However,

I don't claim to understand all of Japan's laws. lol. So we're going to have to wait to the movie.

Anyhoo.

That's it for now. Just glad to be home. ^_^

Don't forget to visit my station http://myspace.com/otakuusaradio

I have a new show up and running on Mondays and Wednesdays. (My all request J-Rock shows)

Ja Mata

Ara

(Screenboard of Bunraku is drawn by Neil D'Monte )

*The picture has been removed

There are too many stories as to why it is not available online from copyright issues, to questionable content laws, to it being considered too much of a *spoiler*

I can't sift through which one is the real reason, so until the picture is officially posted again, I've removed it.

Gackpoid Information

A little more information on Gackpoid.

It will come with a rolled up keyboard you can attach to your computer (I'm not sure if it will be by USB port, or if you'd have to unplug your keyboard and plug it in where they keyboard should be.)

You use that to make your music, edit the sound, hold the key for as long as you want the note to be held, so on...

Then you will be able to save it in .wav format, and edit it later into an MP3 with an editing program. (I use the free program Audacity to change my .wavs into MP3's.)

You have the option of Hiragana lyrics, Katakana, or Romaji (roman) lettering like we use in English (abc).

This will be compatible with windows Vista and XP.

It status is still listed as "Release in mid-June / Price undetermined"
So there is no set date or price as of yet. But it will be released sometime next month.

Gackt's Vocaloid confirmed

The new Gackt Vocaloid program is going to be titled "Gackpoid"

There are sound files of the new product for download, but they are in .wax form (An audio extention like .wav .mp3 .wma) however, for some reason I am unable to get my media player to accept .wax extensions.

The New Project is set for a Mid June release - price is still undetermined, but expect it to be at least $100+ U.S.

It will be Windows Vista and XP Compatible.

If I can get the .wax format to eventually work, I'll let you know what the sound sample is all about.

Until then... Can't wait for June. ^_^

Gackt will be doing Vocaloid. I think... (Link Fixed)

Well... My translation skills aren't that great... but I think this article is saying that Gackt IS indeed going to voice vocaliod.

At least, that's what it seems.

I don't know. The translation came out kind of confusing. Lol. If you can read Japanese better than I can... draw your own conclusions.

but to me, it leans towards saying it is true that Vocaliod will be using Gackt's voice for its upcoming product.

It will be released later this month. Past vocaloids have sold for $100 to $300.

Ara

Gackt's Bunraku, and the Plagerizing "Fan"

hey all. I've been looking into Vocaloid to no avail. No news since the original April 1st News.

Gackt's official site released this pic of him filming Bunraku... The scars on his hand is mostly make up, but according to the Bunraku blog where this picture was borrowed from, the artists had scars to work with.




Ouch. Life must be brutal in that Samurai world.



More information has been released about Bunraku. Gackt's co-star Josh Hartnett gave MTV an interview explaining Bunraku. He had this to say.

"I'm going to Romania to film this movie called 'Bunraku'... all the cast isn't set yet... but it has a lot of really interesting actors in this kind of, paper mache' world, I don't even know how to explain it... its odd, its out there."

"Its a story of revenge... you know... my character is called 'The Drifter', and he comes to this world that is kind of, like you've never seen before... its more on the vein of Sin City or something like that where its not... the world doesn't look like reality at all. and it, you know, has a lot of fight sequences and all that, but its like, really about these crazy characters.. like my character is an ex... well he's a gypsy and he comes to this place like he's got something to prove, and no one knows what he's about... till they know."

So there you have the latest news on that.

For Grins and giggles I decided to check in with Joost Maglev, aka Plagerisor of Gackt, just to see what's new there.

Joost is obviously upset by the "attacks" he's been receiving, so in the forum where people were discussing his blatant copying of Gackt's music he posted this.

Dear all,

I don't feel the need to explain myself any further in public, especially since the way I've been treated is very low and easy.

So if you still have questions about my musical integrity, my Gackt inspired work, or any other of the false accusations about when tunes are written, how much money I make, and how much of a Gackt fan I am, you should have the guts to contact me privately and ask me about it, instead of going public and accusing.

For the rest, any type of accusing post written on Youtube or on my forum will be deleted from now on.

Posting it is pointless. The point has been made.

I have no intention of censoring the fact that Gackt fans think I am a plagiarizer, but the fact that many Gackt fans shout it doesn't make it true.

If you feel mad and want to keep on shouting about it, shout in other forums where people like you are hanging out, or shout at a brick wall for in the end that will have the same effect.

In the meantime I will delete all the posts here which are just offensive or make low and misplaced comments on my looks or use swearing words.

People who feel the need to use those comments usually have no strong point to get across.

For anyone who has judged me with an open mind or had the audacity to contact me personally and ask me about this, I salute you.Take care,

Joost.


Let me just say thank you to everyone whose put him on edge. At least now he'll be a bit more wary before stealing Gackt's music, cause he knows we're watching.

But I love how he still claims his music is "Gackt inspired" and not the blatant rip offs they are... and he's now deleting posts of anyone accusing him of plagery.

So I found that highly amusing.

However, he seems to be seriously upset by this, and is demanding that it be talked about privately and not out in the open which means enough fans are standing up to him and telling him stealing is not right.

I love the line about "Just because so many Gackt fans shout it doesn't make it true"... but its not like Gackt fans are out to get random people for no apparent reason.

if every single fan hears more than simply inspiration... it raises a red flag. How do individual Gackt fans who probably don't know each other, or Joost... all hear Gackt's music note for note?

And wouldn't it be MORE than likely true if many fans thought the same thing, than one or two random Rabid fans?

I think its a bit over the line of inspiration and those who know me know I'm not a "rabid fangirl" type.

Thanks to everyone who stood up for Gackt's right to have a say as to how HIS music is used and portrayed!

on a side note : He is still not crediting Gackt... his supposed inspiration... on his discography. not even on the album which debuts "Caramel" an "obvious satire of Gackt's Vanilla" as his fans say.

So obvious Gackt and Vanilla do not need to be credited. Even Weird Al shows more respect than that!

Picture of Gackt from New Movie

DO WE REALLY HAVE TO WAIT TILL 2009 TO SEE THIS!?

Gackt looks very hot. This movie is going to rock!! And you all know me. I'm not the typical screaming, drooling fangirl. But dude... Gackt looks really ultra hot in this pic to me for some reason. He looks like he's 10 years younger...

like back in his Malice Mizer days.

Ok, rabid fangirl rant over. Lets hope I never do that again! LOL!!

This picture came from barks.jp.co

This seems to be a picture of Gackt as Yoshi, the partner in crime of the good guy played by whoever else is in that picture.

And who cares who it is? Look at Gackt! I mean, Man... its like I'm just noticing how cute he is or something. Lol!

(oops. Rabid fan girl slipped in again. Not to mention, I'm exhausted. So I'm getting loopy. heheh. Sry. Won't happen again.)

MAJOR GACKT NEWS!!!!

ZOMG! Major Gackt news!!

no, we're not getting married. (Only in my dreams. ) just kidding. just kidding.

It seems our Gackt has gone Hollywood.

Be still my heart!!!!

Gackt is set to star in an American made movie which is rumored to be starring Demi Moore and Ron Pearlman called Bunraku.

the tag line is: A lone drifter comes to town seeking revenge, but soon finds himself up against a bigger challenge than he originally planned

While Ron Pearlman and Demi Moore are listed as "Rumored", Gackt is confirmed to play a character named Yoshi.

Ok... on the count of 3

1

2

3

**FAINT**

WAY TO GO GACKT!!! THREE CHEERS FOR GACKT!!

BANZAI !! BANZAI !! BANZAI !!


More info can be found below.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1181795/

http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20080423-OHT1T00074.htm

http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2008/04/23/0000969111.shtml

Bunraku is set to be released in 2009.

On a side note, Bunraku is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater that originated in Osaka in 1684

Back from Vacation - No Gackt news

Konnichiwa watashi no Gackto Otaku! I'm back from Vacation! And guess what? I was on the set of the new Johnny Depp movie! SQUEE! (well, kind of. lol. You can read it in my personal blog.)

but I'm home and raring to go. Unfortunately, it seems nothing has happened since I've been away.

I've been watching the official Vocaloid sites like a hawk and still have found no Gackt-formation.

All is quiet on Gackt's new myspace blog.

And Joost is once again avoiding the whole "Giving Gackt credit" thing all together. Even now that Gackt has an official myspace site, you'd think he'd be promoting, pushing or at least crediting Gackt.

Especially in light of all but admitting he may have crossed that fine line between inspiration and plagerism.

However, nothing.

I have played Joost's music for several people who do not listen to Jrock and do not know Gackt, and compared them to Gackt songs. They all agree the songs sound dangerously alike.

Yet this MAJOR Gackt fan doesn't even give credit to the person he claims is his major inspiration. He doesn't push Gackt on his fans who may not know Gackt, trying to get Gackt new fans.

You'd think that's what a real fan would do but eh, I guess that's just me.

What else, what else...

well I guess nothing.

But now that I'm back, I'll keep you up to date on the goings ons.

if nothing comes up tomorrow, I have a letter written to me by a Gackt fan who'd like me to address my thoughts on DEARS, and Gackt touring the US. So watch for that tomorrow. It could be interesting.

And also if you haven't listened to my station - go here and check it out. Not only is there awesome J-rock, and Japanese Entertainment, but I try to promote Gackt as best I can by playing his music (And *Gasp, the horror, I actually PAY royalties when I use his music, AND give him credit!!)

And I always have some blurb of Gackt news during Saturday's Japanese Curry. Not to mention Gackt is my 1 most requested artist 4 weeks running. So stay tuned to that station!

Shameless plug finished.

I'm exhausted from the long car ride home (I left for home at 4am.)

so I'm going to crawl into bed and have lovely dreams of my upcoming trip to Japan.

Ta for now.

Ara

GACKT IS OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL

After many false starts by fans posing as Gackt or Nippon Crown or Dears, Gackt has finally and officially opened his myspace page ala YOSHIKI!

My heart, I think, has just stopped. Lol.

His official page is http://myspace.com/gackt

for those who are not Japanese or do not read Japanese, it seems as if Gackt, or whoever will be maintaining the site for him, will be doing so in Japanese.

I'll try to keep you updated on what blogs he posts to the best of my translation abilities.

The first blog entry thus far is...

GacktのオフィシャルMySpaceが誕生！フレンド登録お待ちしています。

Gackt's myspace site has finally been born! I wait for your friend requests.

for those who wonder if this is another false start - it was announced officially on http://gackt.com

Thank you to Yan who gave me the heads up.

I feel happy, yet sad at the same time.

Gackt making an official myspace site is great for fans like myself...

but it makes me feel less relevant. Now that there's an official blog, if they start posting in English, this news blog may no longer be necessary T_T

Oh well. This is a happy day so I'm not going to spoil it. ^_^

Besides, it seems it'll be run in Japanese, so there's hope that I may still be useful yet!!

In other news...

no new news on the Joost stealing Gackt's music front.

He is no longer speaking on the subject, and he has not returned any of my messages for comments. However, he does continue to push the album that he admits as at least 2 songs that are either rip offs of Gackt's or "Gackt inspired" with no mention of Gackt in the credits.

So that's where we stand on that.

And as for the vocaloid project, I sent an email again and once again got back a "you'll have to wait and see" reply. GAH So frustrating! LOL

also, as promised, I do have a fan story to cover about his disappointment with the lack of an international Dears fanclub, but in light of the recent excellent news on Gackt's officially going official on myspace... I thought I'd hold off.

It also seems that Gackt is starting or participating in a "Love our planet" environmental movement. Which is awesome. I still have to work on translating the site.

I've fallen behind due to writing my book and working on my radio station... so until I have the translation, you can read more here -

http://news01.net/news/2008/04/20080414142208.php

till next time all...

Ja mata

Some Gackt updates

Surprisingly quiet on the Gackt font.

Unfortunatly - despite my prying using my charm, no one is talking about the vocaloid project.

The only thing I can think of, is that they are in TALKS with Gackt, but since nothing is in writing, they're trying to keep it under wraps. but if I can get one of them to spill the beans, I'll let you know.

-----

I'm still getting angry mail about Joost and his selling of Gackt's music as his own.

He still does not credit Gackt on the CD he's been recently pushing... even though he finally admits they are "Gackt inspired." So much so that he doesn't feel the need to mention Gackt for those who may not know Gackt? A true Gackt fan would use it as an opportunity to turn new fans onto his "idol".

If you want to lay in the heat - visit http://joostmaglev.com and let him know your dissatisfaction with how he's conducting himself as a supposed "artist" or go straight to http://gackt.com and let Dears and Gackt know.

-----

Yes it is true. Gackt does have a new dog. He has long haired white Chihuahua he has named Eneru, who is reportedly 1 year old.

I do know know what the name represents. As it stands from what I've found online, he has not "officially" introduced the J-Rock world to Eneru, thus has not given an explination as to his name.

Someone has told me that he had officially talked about Eneru, but I can not verify the source, nor find the video on youtube where he does so.

But whichever way you look at it...

lucky dog!!

^_^

I've looked Eneru up and I've only found a few references to anime characters named Eneru - most notably from the anime One Peice,

and I found the world Enerugi in my English/Japanese dictionary - which means "Energy".

No pictures are currently available with the acception of this:



this is a sticker that fans get if they sign up for the Dears or Save our Dears credit cards.

I believe the credit cards are for Japanese residents only? You'll have to look into that at http://Gackt.com

Save our Dears is a charity Gackt origionally posted to help victims of the major Niigata Prefecture earthquake last year.


He continues his efforts for victims of Natural Disasters.

(Thanks to http://gackt.com for the above pic.)

Gackt Updates

1. There is still no word on Vocaloid other than... its been a week and no one has popped out saying "APRIL FOOL’s".

So if this were an april fool’s joke, it would be in the running for the world record of longest running April Fool’s Prank.

However, that doesn’t mean he IS doing Vocaloid. For all I know, they may have just been in talks with him to do it, but it doesn’t mean he’s agreed to it.

I’m going to keep pressing and let you know when I do. The third of the vocaloid series is due to hit the shelves in May, so we should know soon.

2. There’s not much on the Joost front other than he’s starting to push his CD now.

This album includes:

Artemis - Dybbuk/Lu:na rip off

and Caramel - The note for note Vanilla rip off that is suppose to be an OBVIOUS satire of Gackt’s vanilla according to the 2 joost fans that exist. (Hi Joost’s mom and dad!)

(Not so obvious if you’re not a Gackt fan. How are they suppose to know if Gackt isn’t credited, that this is a spoof of an existing song?)

but Gackt is not credited, and Vanilla is not mentioned on the discography page. He credits a bunch of other no names... "With the help of."

Well, if Gackt "influenced" this music, didn’t he get Gackt’s help? Why isn’t he credited in the list of names that appears after "With the help of"?

I’m ready to start another letter campaign to Dears.

Probably today I’ll write them again. They need to either tell him to stop, or tell us to let it go.

Until I get official word, I’m going to keep up the fight. This just bites me to no end.

as was mentioned on his forum

Rembrant, Monet, Piccasso - they didn’t live off the coat tails of other painters -

they were artists because they had a vision, something uniquely them, and gave it to the world.

Those who copy those styles of paintings aren’t considered artists... their art is considered "Forgeries" or "In the style of"...

But they’re not considered to be true visonaries. Just copycat painters living in the shadow of real, great artists.

He’s nothing but a fraud living in Gackt’s shadow.

Feel free to go to http://dears.com and write another letter to Gackt and DEARS.

Send him to Joost’s YOUTUBE page and tell him and dears to listen to Artemis and think of Dybbuk and Luna.

Let him know about Caramel being a Rip off of Vanilla down to the last note - without crediting Gackt...

and that above all else, he’s SELLING these songs, and that he use to sell albums with actual Gackt songs on them. (Like his Snowflakes 2003 and 2005).

Even admittingly using Gackt songs, just writing his own lyrics, then selling them for his own profit without permission.

and above all else... BOYCOTT JOOST!!

If he sells these albums, its just going to add to his delusion that what he’s doing isn’t wrong. A TRUE gackt fan supports GACKT... not someone who would steal from him.

Even out of curiosity... DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR BUY JOOST’S Albums!!!

Also, if you join his forum on his official site , Don’t resort to low tactics, like name calling, threats or making derogitory statemtents.

Stick to the facts, and try to show Gackt fans in a positive light.

but more people need to start posting there and telling him this won’t be stood for!!

3. Whew, yes there is finally a 3.

There are some really cute videos posted on the internet of recent Gackt stuff.

My faves are...

From Gackt’s Platinum Box - All I can say is poor Jun-Ji!!! (especially starting at 1:40)

Also from Gackt’s Platinum Box - All I can say is - Poor Gackt.

This is where they pull a fan’s name out of a fishbowl to drop in on them and surprise them.

(Not seen in the vid, they tried one other fan who wasn’t at home, left her a note and autograph, then moved on to this fan).

This particular fan seems to be a YOU fan. Gackt seems to be a bit jealous that she likes YOU over him.

I don’t think he’s use to playing Second Fiddle to the violinist. Lol!

And this video - Has A Quick clip of Gackt with his CURRENT hairdo. (Or don’t.) I think he needs to get a haircut personally.

I like his hairdo from the Platinum Box vids myself. Lol. This was from 4-4-08.

Thank you so much!

All the youtubers who bring this to those of us around the world who may not otherwise be in the know. This includes, Moimana97, to924, and Marajaa who posted the videos I used above.

and of course to our Gackt himself for making these vids for our enjoyment.

Gackt Updates

Hey all! Time for some quick updates.

First off, everyone wants to know about the Joost Maglev saga. Good news / Bad news situation here.

First the bad news just to get it out of the way. The "Fraud exposed" video was removed by Gordie entertainment due to copyright infringement.

It seems that the Gordie entertainment corp. is somehow linked to NHK which we all know is where Gackt is linked due to Fuurin Kazan.

So it looks like Gackt’s people may have been the ones who it down.

My only theory as to why is because They see... "Gackt Fraud" in the title and thought it was a video that was a video smearing Gackt or discrediting Gackt using his material, not fully understanding the meaning of the video.

Being the trouble maker that I am, I suggested to the creator of the vid to make alternate email accounts and re-post it a few different times. Kind of how when Cruise tried to shut down the scientology video fiasco, it kept popping up 2 fold.

I also told him he should title it something like "Protecting Gackt’s interests" or something that will immediately show this isn’t going against Gackt, but FOR Gackt.

I’m also trying to find a way to contact the Gordie Company who seems fairly elusive to discuss the situation. I’ve written a letter to NHK requesting their contact information, since their name was linked to Gordie Entertainment.

However, Keith on my myspace blog had a good point... the video was removed by a third party. It IS possible it really was Gordie entertainment, its also possible it was someone POSING as Gordie Entertainment.

That's what is so weird. Gordie entertainment (which in itself is fairly elusive) I can only find that it is linked to NHK, which is the company that released Fuurin Kazan.

Nippon Crown and Gackt owns the rights to his music, so if anyone would pull it for copyright issues, it would be DEARS or Nippon Crown. that's the only thing I can think of.

--------------------------

Now the kind of good news. It appears the pressure is getting to Joost.

On Artemis I noticed he FINALLY gave Gackt Credit (Somewhat.)

However, he still wasn’t being completely honest. He said he wrote the base of this song in 1994, even though the beginning rifts are note for note dybbuk...

and if it was written in ’94, why did it take till 2008 to release the song when he’s had so many albums prior to the one he is selling it on? 16 previous albums to be exact.

It took him 16 albums to release this song written in 94... this song that sounds surprisingly like Dybbuk in the beginning especially?

Come on. He’s getting more honest, but he’s not quite there.

I’ve also been noticing more and more on previous albums, he wasn’t just copying Gackt songs, he was actually selling Gackt songs on his album, admittedly so.

for example:

On his "Snowflakes 2005" he has - Track 2 composed in 2001 by Gackt C, lyrics written in 2003 by Joost D

It does NOT say, "Used with permission" or "royalties paid".

it is ILLEGAL to SELL an album with someone else’s music, or to change lyrics to an existing song that is copyrighted.

Even if you give credit, you still have to BUY THE RIGHTS or pay royalties everytime an album is sold, and you HAVE TO get permission either way. You can’t just do it and hope your good intentions have been noted.

But the good thing is it looks as if these albums are no longer for sale.

So, we’ve gotten to him... however, he’s still not being honest enough. The more pressure, the more he’ll wittle down till the full truth is exposed and he stops selling Gackt’s tunes as his own.

I have been asked...

"Ara, what if Joost has permission from Gackt to write these songs?"

My answer is... why wouldn’t he just say so at this point after being repeatedly attacked?

Its as simple as writing "Used with permission" Or "royalties paid for". Even if it were a privacy issue (As in Gackt doesn't want ten million people asking for permission to use his music for personal works), he would still insist on some kind of compensation/credit given. So I firmly believe this is all done without Gackt's concent.


--------------------------

moving on from Joost for a while.

The information I previously gave about Gackt voicing for Vocaloid... well, I started doing some digging to find out if it was true or not, since the news was released on April first, and even the articles had to ask if it was an april fool’s joke..

So I emailed the official Crypton Vocaloid site. (It was a test of my Japanese writing skills. I wrote in all japanese since it is a japanese site, so it was interesting to see if I wrote it properly enough for them to understand.)

They did! yay my writing skills are improving!

Anyhoo. The Crypton vocaloid site said regrettably they had no information or knowledge of the news, and directed me to another site who may know.

So I re-wrote the message to this site and they told me, regrettably they are not releasing any information on that currently other than the 3rd Vocaliod is being released in ’08, and to keep checking back with the site for news.

So in otherwords, no one’s talking, and everyone’s saying they don’t know anything.
However, no one will recant the information and say "its not true" either. And usually after an april fool’s joke, right on April 2nd, people will say "Yes if you figured it out, it was an april fool’s joke"

Kind of like the April Fool’s "Legend’s of Zelda" elaborate movie trailer hoax.
However, while no one is saying anything, no one has released an "April Fool’s" recant of the information either.

So it is still up in the air. As it stands, it is still possible that Gackt will be voicing in Vocaloid.

I’ll keep you all updated on all the news.

that’s it for now.

Ara

Make Gackt Sing for you!! Maybe...

ok, first thing’s first cause I’m sure you’re all going to ask.

No there hasn’t been a Joost Update as of yet. I left my address, email address, phone number and website with DEARS, and I haven’t personally heard anything.

Those of you who did email dears through http://gackt.com please let me know if you get a reply.

Remember they get high volumes of emails a day - so If you’ve sent one email and you’re still concerned about the Joost copies... write one more letter.

If you haven’t written at all, make sure you drop them and/or Gackt a line. And as always, keep it civil to show Gackt fans in a non-rabid fan girl/boy kind of way ^_^

Otherwise, Joost is still getting Gackt fans who are upset about what he did, posting messages on the "Fraud exposed" vid, and on Joost’s personal vids, especially artemis. His official page has not changed for a few days.

And while he thanks his "fans" for standing up for him, and does apologize to people who "feel" he may have taken too many liberties with Gackt’s music..

but he does also state he will continue to make music depsite the recent "negativity"

No credit to Gackt has yet been given on either his Discography page where he lists the songs and ablums for sale (where he also credits himself as the composer), nor in the descriptions of his youtube videos.

----------------------------------

moving on...

Do you want to compose music or write lyrics (that don’t rip off any of Gackt’s music...) but that Gackt will personally SING for you?

Well... look no further... Maybe.

There is a product called Vocaloid that’s been on the market since 2004 Vocaloid is a singing synthesizer application software developed by the Yamaha Corporation that enables users to synthesize singing by just typing in lyrics and melody.

In the second release (Vocaloid 2) Once you compose the music or lyrics you want sung... a synthesized voice provided by voice actors.

The rumor HERE is that Gackt has been asked to provide one of the Vocaloid voices.

However, in the article they even ask the question, being that this information was released on April first, it begs to wonder if it is an April Fool’s Joke.

It will remain to be seen when the 3rd in the Vocaloid series is said to be released (tentatively) in May.

If it turns out to be true... I, for one, will get it! LOL!

There is no word on the official site, (and here) tho there has been rumored news there is a 3rd vocaloid being developed to be released sometime in 2008.

Time will tell ^_^

Final word on "Fraud"

Don’t panic if you see the Joost blog’s disappearing. I’m deleting them because I want to clean up this forum a bit. its starting to look messy and angry. LOL.

but here’s the final, long winded detail about this whole situation.

ok here’s the deal. I have to get working on my upcoming interview with Echostream for my radio show, and I want to get back to real Gackt news, so I’m going to put this puppy to rest.

When it comes to Joost Maglev, most will conceed that he’s got a knack at writing and singing.

however... no matter how you puppy dog face, sugar coat it... the songs are Gackt’s songs with MINOR tweeking to TRY sound different.. but they are so obviously tweeked Gackt songs.

You can actually sing along to his song with Gackt’s lyrics, even if you’re hearing the Joost version for the first time. That’s how identical the songs are.

They are Gackt’s songs even down to the way he sings them. Especially the Emu ~for my dears~, Dybbuk and Black stone rip offs.

his "fans" can also say that Caramel was so "obviously" a spoof of Vanilla.

However - he did not say "this is a parody", he did not mention Gackt, or even use Gackt’s name as a way to search for his material, which Gackt supposedly inspired. In fact, when I went to his official site before starting this campaign, Gackt was not mentioned.

I searched his youtube vids looking for a mention. Nada. You can say it was as obvious as you want.

Many Weird Al parodys are obvious... however... He credits the song he’s parodying and thanks the artist who performed the original song.

And he is known for parodying music. As far as I know, Joost is not. So he needs to take that extra step to say "This is a parody of Gackt’s vanilla."

Some of his fans also say... "he’s a new recording artist. he’s trying to find his footing, and he’s just using these songs as a stepping stone."

Fine, ok, It would be one thing if he said "These songs are tweeked versions of songs Gackt wrote... I want to showcase my band’s talents and my lyrics and vocals. However, credit goes to Gackt for the composition that we just reworked a bit."

however he’s claiming that these are HIS compositions... and SELLING THEM on his official website. Before this all happened, no where in his official site did he mention Gackt in the bios for each album he was selling or even list him as an "inspiration." it wasn’t till recently that he started doing that.

not to mention, he’s obviously found his footing. he knows he like J-rock, he knows he likes Gackt’s sound.... you can emulate that kind of genre and do a song in that "Style" without making it a carbon copy of another artist.

You can still make it your own. If he did that... Gackt fans would have a TOTALLY different opinion of him. Cause like I said... many of us conceed that he’s got a good voice, and some of his lyrics are pretty decent.

And if he hadn’t yet found his footing, he shouldn’t be putting the CD’s up for sale!!
However, what makes me sad is... there are many people (I know this is hard to believe) who do not know Gackt...

so when he omits the "this is a parody of Gackt’s Vanilla", "Thanks to Gackt’s Dybbuk that inspired this song", he’s doing a major injustice to the man he supposedly admires so much that every song sounds exactly like his... Its a perfect opportunity to get new fans into Gackt. They’d see "Parody of Gackt’s Vanilla" and 9 out of 10, they’d go and look up Gackt’s Vanilla to hear what the original is like.

in his youtube video for Artemis (At least when I saw it, before this all happened), it was blatantly Dybbuk/Lu:na, yet there is no mention of Gackt, of Gackt-spiration in his description, and he did not use "Gackt" as a search tag. He ONLY mentions Gackt when someone "WTF, this is Dybbuk" ’ed him.

Every artist is inspired by another artist. And yes at times you will see a suggested hint of that inspiration in music. However, Inspriation and a hint of inspiration included in the song, is not the same as using almost the entire core of a song, and just changing a note or two, and the lyrics. That’s called stealing. no matter how you candy cane it up.

Gackt was inspired by many people. Yet his songs are all original. Someone cited there is a hint of U2 in one of his songs. Sure. There’s a Hint of it, but you can’t take that entire song, and play it note for note against the original U2 song, cause Gackt didn’t rip that song off. It was his original material, with his influences mixed in. Joosts songs are note for note Vanilla, Dybbuk, for my Dear, Black Stone.

Its not like he wrote his own notes, his own melodies, his own beats, then in one bar did a run that Chacha did in U+K. Its not like he wrote an entirely original song, then made a tounge and cheek reference to Papa lapped a pap lopped (More lovingly known as "Papa lapped a lap top")

these were note for note Gackt’s songs with minor tweeks. it didn’t seem like he was even hiding the fact that they were so blatantly Gackt. THAT’s the problem fans have.
That and the fact that he doesn’t even acknowledge that he understands where Gackt fans are coming from. He just thinks saying he’s an admirer of Gackt, is his key to innocence and that Gackt fans decided to suddenly attack him.

Why would Gackt fans attack him for no good reason? We welcome Gackt fans, and we love good music. Why would we pick on this particular person, who just happens to have "Gackt sounding music" (To put it lightly) to pick on? And 50 Gackt fans are all having the same delusion about this poor guy? Mass hysteria perhaps? come on.
One of my favorite books is "Marley and Me" by John Gorgan (notice how I just gave him credit? Wow that was hard.)

His book inspired me to write a book of my own about dogs. however, my story is not a book about a wild dog that no one could tame who changed my life forever. Its a book about dogs... but its more of an advice book based on experience as an owner and former Veterinary technician (nurse).

As you can see... I can be inspired by another artist... give them credit.. and still come up with my own material. Its the same genre, the same subject, but its not a rip off or "Carbon copy sound alike" of that artist’s work.

Perhaps HIS "fans" think we’re over reacting... HOWEVER... we are very protective of our artists, some of us artists ourselves.

Its hard enough getting J-Rock artists to acknowledge the fans outside of Japan... and when someone does something like this that could jeopardize things for all of us...

(Ending fan tribute videos, Closing down fanpages/blogs, not allowing coversongs to be created.. and getting fans outside of Japan acknowledged for the wrong reasons...)
yes we do tend to get a little "rabid." But its justified. we’re trying to support someone we admire, and tell them we’re doing what we can to protect the sweat, tears and love they put into the songs that "inspire" us.

I’ve written 4 letters, 2 to DEARS and 2 to Gackt himself. Many people I know also did the same.

So We’ve done what we can, and the Ball is in Gackt’s court now. If you have not written to him or Dears, feel free to go to http://Gackt.com and do so now.

the more letters they recieve, the better chance we have of our letters not getting lost in the frey.

When you go to http://Gackt.com , click on "Skip" cause the flash intro is wicked cool, but uh... long. Click on your desired language (like English), then in the top corner there is a link to "messages to Gackt" and "Contact us" (to get in touch with Dears.)
No matter which side of the street you’re on.

Joost’s or Gackt fans against Joost... remember to keep it civil and show Gackt fans in a positive light.

also... limit it to 2 letters to Gackt and Dears, or 1 letter to Gackt and Dears. There are a lot of us that are writing or already have written.

Whether they look into it, or say they don’t really care, no harm no foul... I’m still glad we brought it to their attention. Gackt deserves the chance to say how he feels his songs should be used.

The only thing I can say now is to Cite this:

Van Winkle’s success also brought legal and personal problems. "Ice Ice Baby" sampled the 1981 Queen and David Bowie collaboration "Under Pressure" without permission, acknowledging credit or paying royalties; Ice even denied in an interview on MTV that the song was sampled, despite the tracks’ undeniable melodic similarities. There was no public court case over the issue, but the copyright holders of "Under Pressure" threatened suit and settled out of court with Ice for an undisclosed sum.
-Wikipedia.com - Vanilla Ice

Ice didn’t really use NEARLY as much of Under Pressure as Joost uses of Gackt’s music... just the sample baseline... and he had to pay out because he did not get permission, acknowledge, credit or pay royalties to the copyright holders.

Its the same situation. Joost denies the overt similarities, he did not credit Gackt or acknowledge him until this started to come about, and he obviously isn’t paying royalties because he feels this is all "his" music "Despite the undeniable melodic similarities."
If you want to review this further for yourself, here’s the important stuff.

The "Exposed" Video

Joost’s Artemis ... ... which is a "carbon copy" of DYBBUK and Lu:na

Joost’s Youtube page

Joost’s official website -

Read his discography page, where he gives song lists of the songs on each CD he’s SELLING (where he credits himself as the composer and makes no mention of Gackt despite this.... (see the 3 songs below) )

Sanguis Christi - (Emu ~for my Dear~ note for note!)
Artemis - (Very obviously Dybbuk and Lu:na)
Magic Lantern - (A Tweeked Mirror by Gackt)

Joost - vocal, drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, english lyrics, composition

hmm. Not seeing a mention of Gackt.

I do see this in his older works, "Snowflakes 2003"

Track 2 written by GacktAll instruments on track 2 by Gackt Job

I wonder if he paid royalties for using the song on Track 2. I have to pay royalties every time I PLAY a song on my station. Same with using an artist’s work on a CD that’s being put up for SALE.

I wonder if Gackt even KNOWS he used his music on this CD. I saw NOTHING about "used with permission". If I can’t play a song without paying royalties... you know he can’t sell a song without the same courtesy.

Like I said. Kid’s got a good ability to write, and he’s got a good voice. I’ll give him that. I can’t give him a pass on the use of Gackt’s music without proper credit.

he’d have a good career if he’d start composing music that is J-rock sounding, that fits into the genre of music that inspires him, but is not a Gackt tune just rearranged a bit to try to make it sound different enough.

So read the links I’ve offered, and draw your own conclusions.

Gackt's New Commercial and FFVII

Gackt stars in a new commercial for skin care gel. It first aired this past week from what I’ve been told.






Also just arrived, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for the English PSPs. Last year Crisis core (A prequel to the final fantasy VII storyline) was released with Gackt reprising his voice role as "G" (Genesis), a character that was also designed to look like him. He first portrayed "G" in the secret ending of Dirge of Cerberus.

Crisis Core is a prequel to Dirge so For those who don't pay Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core is the past... Dirge of Cerberus happens a long time after the events of Crisis Core.

Unfortunately the voice actor who did the English Dub of Genesis in the secret end movie of DIRGE is credited on IMDB.com as reprising the role for this prequel as well. So instead of Gackt, you’ll be hearing a mix of a transalvanian vampire and Ricardo Montalban. I don’t know what the Voice actor was thinking.

However, at least you can still LOOK at Gackt’s likeness. LOL.

Here is the trailer to Crisis Core, The Secret ending with Gackt for Dirge, and the secret ending of Dirge English dubbed.

Gackt is a Lover not a Fighter

Recently, Gackt sang the Japanese National Anthem at the WBC title match 3/8/08.

From reports I’ve read online, I believe one of the fighters is a close friend of Gackt’s.

Thanks to Littleflapper for giving me permission to post these pictures. For more pics, visit littleflapper's blog.

Thanks to Littleflapper for the use of her screencaps.

Gackt throwing in the towel??!!

I was recently sent to Batsu jrock forum to find this news:
(Credit to Bastu Jrock forum and Trey)

------------------------

In a recent interview with Gackt in Tokyo Headline, Gackt mentioned that he might end his career in 2010.

For all of you who can read japanese, here you go: http://www.tokyoheadline.com/vol337/inter02.html

Most of the interview is Gackt talking about Gundam but he goes on to say: "For me, the year 2010 has become a sort of stopping point.

Before I reach that, I will move forwards. I like to sing and I really want to continue making things that will give a push to everyone’s backs, but I do not have the confidence to continue doing what I have always done until I die.

Even now I’m barely able to do it (laugh). I can continue with this style for another 3, 4 years; that’s why it’s 2010. After that, if I feel that I can do it, I will. If I feel that I can’t, I will get down from the stage. For now, I will continue moving forwards."

Credit to Chikotori for the translation.

--------------------------------------------------

Now, lets not count Gackt out yet. As he said... if he can continue doing it, he will.

And lets not forget his Sixth Day / Seventh Night stunt.... the year 2007 on a headstone with his name.

After all, Gackt will only be about 37, 38 in 2010, so... that’s still young.
Look at YOSHIKI-sama still busting those drums in his 40’s, and looking fine doing it!

Speaking of retirement, YOSHIKI and 2010 -

what does this say about S.K.I.N.?

Well thus far I’ve been looking into it...

They were suppose to play at a concert in Japan. (Suppose to play meaning they were a tentative guest.) However, it never came to fruition.

I haven’t found any word on an album release

And I have not yet heard of anymore American concert / anime tour dates at this time.

On the up side, no word that the project has been scrapped either... so hopefully we’ll hear something good soon.

Also concerning fans about his 2010 possible retirement, is what this will mean to an international fan club.

For many years DEARS has been promising to look into going international.

If Gackt retires, there’d obviously be no international Dear’s member concerts like he currently holds for his Japanese Dears.

If he retires, will there even BE an international Dears possibility?

I guess we’ll all have to wait and see with baited breath.

one more peice of unrelated Gackt news... I will be going in for surgery again - I was suppose to be going in on the 15th, but it was moved back to the 21st.

I’ll try to keep this site updated when news hits... but I may be a tad slow while I recoup, so send me those news tips in case I miss them.

And thanks again to Trey for this heads up!!

Ja Mata!

Gackt Wins some more awards

Gackt won 2 awards at the 2007 J-Rock Choice awards - hosted by Tainted Reality.

The cerimony was held January 18th, 2008...

Gackt was not in attendance as I believe it was a radio broadcast awards ceremony.

Gackt won Best Full Length DVD for his Best of Filmography Red and Blue, and he also won a fan favorite award for best promotional video for his single: Returner.

S.K.I.N. also got the fan vote for best new artist.














*pictures are caps
from Gackt receving an award at the
Shanghai Fashion awards for Best male
Japanese personality, December of '07.*

Happy New Year, Gackt News

Konnichiwa Minna-san! Welcome to 2008!

I have some Fun Gackt news to Start the new year off! Gackt appeared this New Years on NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen, in a much anticipated performance.

He replays his role as Sengoku period warlord, Uesugi Kenshin... while singing "Returner", which not only had a video set in the same period, but also was his first single to debut at #1.

Gackt is joined onstage by over 300 samurai warriors portraying Kenshin's army.

A Memorial Site for Belle

I have started a memorial site for Gackt's Belle Constantine Chappi

HERE

if you would like to leave a comment of support, you may do so at that site. I'll be sending that site link to Gackt through his official site to show our sympathy and support.

I have made a donation to the ASPCA (American Society to prevent cruelty to animals) in Belle's name.

In memorium

It is my sad duty to bring this news to the viewers of this fan blog. The Miniature Dachshund Gackt once refered to as his "daughter" has passed away earlier this month, confirmed by the staff blog of Gackt's community page, Gackt-and-dears.com

my thoughts go out to Gackt. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. It can feel as bad as losing a human family or friend. I, myself, lost my 12 year old iguana, Anastasia, to cancer this month. So I understand how he must feel right now.

Again, our thoughts go out to Gackt.

In memory of
Belle Constantine Chappi
The first dog of Jrock

1998-2007

from the staff blog of Gackt's community site...

Gackt's pet dog, the miniature dachshund named Bell, has passed away.

For nine whole years, Bell has stood watch at Gackt's side since 1998 when he was in a band.

Occasionally, she would take part in photoshoots and be a very naughty little girl who ran around the studio...but she'd stop as soon as she heard Gackt call out "Bell !!!"

And then, I remember she was soo cute...acting like a baby perched on top of Gackt's lap. From now on, Bell will be watching over the Gackt whom she loved so much from the sky.

Bell, Rest in Peace...

gack-and-dears.com

安らかに眠ってください。

Gackt's New Plantinum

There's a bit of Gackt news on the frontline.

According the China News Gackt was awarded the title of Japanese artist of the year at the "China Fashion Awards" Held in Shanghai on Sunday, December 9th.

Congratulations to Gackt (whose OUR artist of the year, EVERY year.)

Gackt also has his new Platinum box on its way just in time for Christmas. And as a special gift, here is the video commercial !

Gackt and Gacktjob

To see screencaps of Gackt during his China concert, please click HERE

To see a current lineup of Gacktjob members (Which seems to be constantly changing, please click HERE

Till next time

<3 Ara

Some New Gackt Pics

I suppose everyone thought I abandoned them, ne?

no no. Far from the truth. The actuality is, there really isn't that much Gackt news.

The big news is that he is coming out with his new album.

otherwise its same old same old.

Gackt appears all over the Fuurin Kazan news blogs, his new Japanese community site talks about what Gackt eats, breathes, drinks and poops... but nothing earth shattering.

There is some talk about him doing a Chinese concert, that will be televised in China, but won't appear in Japan until Christmas Eve. Lets hope some nice Youtuber gets up there for us before then. ^_^

otherwise, that's about it.

So I didn't go anywhere... I just took a hiatus while waiting for some interesting Gackt news.

However, to tide you over, here are some Gackt pics.

one is from Fuurin Kazan where he plays Uesugi Kenshin, the other I like to call "Gackt's recent hair don't." Poor Gackt. His Stylist must have been running behind or something. Lol.

Gackt's Album's Presale

Gackt's Newest album, 0079-0088, is available for presale on YesAsia and CdJapan.

CD Japan is selling it for about $21.00, YesAsia for about $23.00.

This album will include songs Gackt has previously written for the Gundam movie series, including "Metamorphoze", "Mind Forest", "Dybbuk", "Kimi ga Matteiru Kara", and "Love song."

It will also include covers of the original Gundam Series themes, "Suna no Jujika", "Ai Senshi", and "Meguriai".

There is also talk of a recently recorded, new Gackt song, made specifically for the Gundam franchise.

The mail out date is set for December 19th, 2007.

Gackt's new Album and HEYx3

Gackt will be appearing on Hey!Hey!Hey! Music Champ on Monday 11/12/07

His appearance is to mark the release of a new 8 song album dedicated to his favorite anime series, Gundam. (For which, you may remember he wrote Metamorphoze for the Gundam Movie.)

From what a friend has told me, it sounds as if some of the songs will be re-writes of the original songs from the 80’s, no word on if Metamorphose will be included in this album.

It also appears that some of the songs (like the one he’ll be performing on HEY!HEY!HEY!), are new songs he recently wrote.

This will be awesome for Gundam otaku’s such as myself.
Although, I think the world’s biggest Gundam Otaku (Or at least one of them) HAS to be Gackt. there is at least 30 youtube vids of Gackt talking about Gundam, and imitating Gundam characters... as well as him fighting for (And losing) a lifesized gundam doll... Sorry Gackt... I mean Action Figure.

I will keep you all posted on uploads of the HEYx3 special if anyone is quick to get the episode uploaded to YOUTUBE.

The album is set to be released this December.

New Photobook and calendar

Just a reminder for those who may not know or remember...

Gackt’s 2008 calendar will be onsale 11/02/07

Gackt’s new photobook will be onsale 11/30/07

The calendar is up for presale for a bit cheaper at cdjapan than yesasia

the photobook is only up for presale at yesasia.

Suggested retail is about $27.50, it is currently about $38.49

Follow up to Furin Kazan Price Insanity

As a follow up...

I received a prompt response from CDjapan to my question about the price, however it didn’t clear much up.

their reply was...

"Hi Andrea,

Thank you for contacting us.

I looked into it.

This item Furin Kazan Box 1 contained 1st to 27th episode, which has total 50 episode. Each episode takes 45mins so it’s quite a lot in box 1.

Therefore it cost almost US$400.

Should you require any further assistance, please feel free to contact us again."

Well... Stargate is known all over the world, its a huge series with such a strong following it has its own worldwide conventions, and I can get over 10 seasons, over 200 episodes, 52 minutes per episode for $275.

and it comes with subtitle options, and a special on each DVD.

So the explination that half a show with each episode just being barely over half an hour long, only made for region 2 dvds and no subtitle options, made it worth $400 just didn’t sit with me.

So I sent an open letter to NHK hoping they will have better answers.

I will let you know what they have to say if they reply. I’m hoping to convince them that if Japan entertainment wants to begin dominating the world, they have to start by being accessable to normal pay check to paycheck joes.

personally, as much as I love Gackt - I’ll wait for his live concert before I pull any money from my trip to Japan savings.

I can’t in good conscience recommend paying that much for half of a show.

I’ll keep you posted.

Furin Kazan up for pre-order... but um...

Wow.

The first half of Fuuin Kazan is on DVD and up for pre-order on cdjapan.co.jp

HOWEVER... before you rush out to put in your order, be aware.

You will need a region 2 DVD player or computer DVD ability, and this does NOT have english subtitle options!

Also...

The first 27 episodes will set you back 42000 yen (about $367 US) So that will be close to $800.00 when all is said and done.

Why the Extreme price? Will the price go down to something normal? I’m going to try to find out for you. Fuurin Kazan is a good show, but to be honest with you all... $700 for a box set of a show is kind of nuts unless you have money to throw away.

I know its a special import and all... but that’s a bit extreme.

I sent an open letter to Cdjapan’s information center in hopes they can clear this up for us.

The letter states...

-----------------------

"To whom it may concern,

I was very excited to see the box set for Furin Kazan going up for sale, and was ready to announce it on my Gackt website...

then I saw the price.

almost $400 US for half a show? almost $800 when the second half is released?!

WHY?

I’m wondering if this is a rip off, because I can get 100 episodes of animes, or 100 epsiodes of TV shows, and Japanese imported RARE movies/concerts/tv-shows for HALF that...

For example... I have all of the Stargate episodes, and about 5 boxsets (100 episodes) set me back $250.00

100 eps for $300 vs. 49 eps for $800

Can you explain this? I can’t even imagine that being a good price in Japan...

Was it dipped in gold?! are the CDs encrusted with diamonds?

Are you going to sell a copy of the show for those of us who don’t have money trees growing in our backyard?

Sincerely, (Ara)

----------------------

So I’ll let you know what their reply is.

I’m hoping against hope they say there’s something special about this import and there will be a more cost effective one on its way.

Before flying over to Yesasia.com... Furin Kazan is selling for $383 there.

0_o errr.



Screw the special booklet that comes with it... GACKT better be coming with the boxsets for that price!!!!

Hatchi Matchi!

I’ll keep you all posted.

<3>

Gackt's world wide take over

This is fairly big Gackt news.

It wasn’t enough that he starred in the ever so awesome Fuurin Kazan...

or that he picked up a fan base of Gackt obsessed, drooling 40 to 60 year olds (and older) because of this role

or that he is the first Asain artist to release his entire discography on I-tunes in 22 countries

Or because two of his DVDs were released in America and Canada recently to high sales numbers

or because starting today, (10/26/07) Gackt’s Diabolos will be sold in over 18 european countries.

Now he gets an honor held at the Apple store in Ginza where there was a press event for his world-wide advancements.

Gackt always said he’d be taking over the world... and he’s starting to show signs of doing it!

Gackt said that he still has a long way to go, and he wants to tour Europe, America & Asia and bring Japanese culture to the world.

he was also quoted as saying something to the effect: Fans around the world have been waiting... the time has finally come!

There’s no stoping him now!

There’s no stopping him from touring the world!

There’s no stopping him from coming to America!

There’s no stopping him from giving me free front row tickets and a backstage pass to his show!

Oh COME ON! A girl can dream ne?

In other Japan News.

Gackt’s Fuurin Kazan Co-star, Uchino Maasaki who plays main character Yamamoto Kansuke, finally tied the knot with long time girlfriend and mother of his 1 year old daughter Rio, former Takarazuka star, Ichiro Maki.

They met while working on the musical "Elizabeth", and got engaged in 2006. Congrats to both!

(Thanks to Gakuhai for the pic, and to Anaria for the heads up on the news.)