This is the interview for HYDE taken at the anime expo. (taken for tofu records)

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MC: Let’s give a big welcome to Hyde! So what do you think of being here?

HYDE: Hello! I never thought there’d be so many people.

MC: Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans?

HYDE: Thank you all so much for coming.

MC: So how do you feel about your newest album FAITH being released in the US ?

HYDE: Well, I’ve been listening to American music for as long as I can remember, so I’m very honored to be able to release my own work in the US .

MC: What’s your favorite part of your album, FAITH?

Hyde: All of it, because I put everything I had into making this album.

So, from International Music Feed, we have this first question. In the past, you’ve done theme songs for TV anime. What is something you’re careful about when you write these theme songs?

HYDE: There is a symbiotic relationship…I don’t think it’s right for the song and the show to be too disparate. A song can heighten the world of the story, so I try hard to write a song that has a symbiotic relationship, a song that improves the images.

The next question will be are you interested in making a full soundtrack for an anime or a movie in the future?

HYDE: I don’t really have any interest in producing a soundtrack, but I would like to actually direct a movie or a storyline myself.

MC: Now we’ll move on to the questions collected from the website.

You composed many of the songs on L’Arc~en~Ciel latest album, AWAKE. The album had a resounding message which shone through your words and music. What is FAITH ’s message?
- Question from Lily Escobedo / Santa Ana, CA

HYDE: The message of FAITH is love and death.

What’s the difference between having a solo act and a band?

HYDE: When you’re in a band you’re all making something together, so sometimes you create things that you never would have thought of on your own. But with my solo work, I’m making everything on my own, so I can make things exactly the way I want to.

Do certain events in your life inspire you to make songs?
- Question from Rebecca Nguyen / Santa Ana, CA

HYDE: Of course. It’s everything. Everything gives me inspiration, all of the experiences I’ve been through in my life. I mean, if I didn’t have L ’Arc~en~Ciel , I would never have my solo career either.

I’m curious at how the lyrics process has changed over the years for HYDE and whether he still sees eye-to-eye with his younger lyrics from his L’Arc~en~ciel career (DUNE, Tierra) ? Is the writing process the same for his English?
- Question from Leanne Rivera / Bronx, NY

HYDE: In the past I would paint a picture and then write my lyrics. That was the easiest way for me to really get the images I wanted. Every time I write lyrics they feel new to me, but lately I had a chance to look over some of my old lyrics and I realized that I’m always saying the same thing. I guess my way of thinking has never really changed.

Who or what kinds of factors influence your clothing style?
-Question from Lauren Ortencio / West Covina, CA

HYDE: Clothes? Let’s see…(Pause)

MC: Well then, how did you choose the clothes you’re wearing today?

HYDE: Today I just wanted to be comfortable. I picked out these pants first, and then I decided what would match with them.

What do you find most rewarding about what you do, do fans in Japan and here in America act the same way or differently when they get to meet you and is it a more shocking experience meet with Japanese or American fans?
- Question from Franklin Fang / Garden Grove, CA

HYDE: Something I’m proud of…When I hear people’s stories about how listening to the music that we’ve made makes them happy, or that it’s helped them get over something sad, that makes me so proud. This is my first time to get to meet my American fans up close, and seeing how many people were waiting for me…it’s really brought this all home to me, and I’m really happy.

What kind of sight-seeing, if any, have you done while in California ?
-Question from Francesca Oscoda / MI

HYDE: I went shopping yesterday, but I forget where I went…(he can’t remember the name of the place, so he asks the MC) Oh well, I went shopping yesterday. And the last time I came to Los Angeles , I went rollerblading by the ocean.

MC: Really? I didn’t know you rollerbladed!?

HYDE (In English): Yes!

Do you intend to return to USA to perform again some day? On a side note I would like to say that I am so happy you have come to perform in USA you have made many fans dreams come true including mine! Hontoni Arigatou Gozaimasu!
- Question from Ashley Brown / Roseville, CA

HYDE: Tomorrow will be my first solo show in the US . I don’t know how it will go, but I’m really excited. I hope that this won’t be the last time I come here. I hope that this is just the beginning.