The 13th Kenpachi 4,279 Posted March 10, 2017 During the first concert of the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra - World Tour - in Tokyo, Japan various merchandise was available to purchase! Amongst this merchandise was a brochure containing an exclusive interview with series director Tetsuya Nomura and series composer Yoko Shimomura. In the interview, Nomura shares his music interests and states that he likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked about his favorite Disney character! Surprisingly, this is your first joint interview. Can you tell us about when you met? YS: I'll be Mr. Nomura doesn't remember (laughs). TN: I don't. I don't remember meeting any of the staff for the first time. We should've done this interview then. I don't remember what happened fifteen years ago. YS: I remember it clearly. When I joined the company, I went around introducing myself to everyone. When I got to Mr. Nomura's desk, he turned around and said, "I'm the monster guy, Nomura." I wasn't sure if "monster guy" was a job title (laughs). Someone then pointed out that Mr. Nomura was working on the monster art. When did you first come to "notice" each other? TN: I want to say during the production of Parasite Eve in LA. YS: I remember asking him about the concept of Final Fantasy VII. I hadn't had a chance since we were never on the same team. We finally were, and that's when I also learned about his doodle art. TN: That's when I started drawing them. YS: It was a while before the production of Kingdom Hearts 1. Why was Ms. Shimomura chosen to do the music for Kingdom Hearts? TN: She was available (laughs). YS: That's it? (laughs) TN: There were a few candidates, but the coordinator of the sound department at the time recommended her saying she showed the most promise. My reaction was, "Oh, her. Shimomura." YS: What was that supposed to mean? (laughs) TN: After the first title, I had her stay on because I don't like changing pivotal members of the staff midway. YS: You probably don't remember, but when I decided to go freelance, you came to see me. TN: I did? YS: You asked me about my plans after I quit. When I said I had no idea, you told me you didn't care whether I worked here or not, you wanted to keep me on the series. That's when I realised freelance was a real possibility. It's a pretty great story! TN: I don't think the guy who said that is the same guy who's here right now (laughs). YS: Don't ruin my story! It Was Supposed to be Scrapped... How do you communicate during the development process? YS: For Kingdom Hearts I would suggest music to Mr. Nomura-- TN: I usually make requests through someone, so we didn't talk much directly. YS: For the first title, I brought you a demo MD. I left it on your desk and sent you an email about it. I remember talking to you on the phone too. TN: I don't remember that at all. YS: Generally, I would talk to someone else regarding which type of song should be in which part of the game, but I handed your the demos directly. I would submit them to a planner on the project first, though. I remember some of the songs getting rejected because there was no use for them, but then later finding out that you heard and liked some of them. "Dearly Beloved" is one example. I thought it had been scrapped, but then I saw in an interview you had said, "I don't remember scrapping this!" In your mind, which song is the KINGDOM HEARTS song? TN: "Dearly Beloved" is used often; it's a great song. But the title is hard to remember. What does it mean? YS: Someone precious to you. TN: Oh, really? Well, now I know. "Precious." Like The Lord of the Rings (laughs). YS: I didn't use the internet back then. I was using a dictionary and saw it and thought, "This is it!" I can't believe it's been fifteen years and you can barely remember the title... Speaking of titles, there's a song called "Sunset Horizon" in the KINGDOM HEARTS II secret movie. I didn't want to use the word "sunset," but you did; the poor mediator had one tough job. Don't you remember? TN: No... I wonder why I wanted to use that word so badly. YS: I can't remember why I didn't want to use that word (laughs). TN: I wonder if it's because I often went to Sunset Boulevard during the production of KINGDOM HEARTS II (laughs). Nevertheless, all your titles are hard to figure out. Some are in English, some in Italian. What is it you're trying to do? (laughs) YS: They're generally in English, with a little bit of variety thrown in the mix... TN: None of your titles help me realise, "Oh, that song!" You shold keep them simple. YS: My English isn't very good... A part of me would like to name them in Japanese... TN: We've come this far, it'd be confusing if we switched now (laughs). When I'm making a trailer, I have to listen to every song because I can't tell which title goes with which song. You should've named them in Japanese from the start! YS: There was a discussion regarding naming the songs in English so they'd be understood by a wider audience. TN: Speaking of song titles, I remember during the production of KINGDOM HEARTS II, we'd been referring to Roxas only as "the mysterious boy," but you named a song after him and put his name out there. YS: That you remember (laughs). It wasn't supposed to be released yet because it was a spoiler, it went out anyway. It was supposed to be released after the game. TN: There was a reason we'd stuck with "the mysterious boy" since the beginning... See, this would've been a perfect opportunity for you to use one of your hard-to-understand titles! (laughs) YS: But all of the other characters' themes were named after them. Anyway, it went on to become a popular song so it all worked out. Not Living Up to Me Mr. Nomura, what's your stance regarding the music? YS: During Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-, he said something I'll never forget. He said, "I demand only good music." It was a compliment; I was thrilled, but at the same time, I felt I was shouldering a great responsibility. (To Tetsuya Nomura) You must remember that. TN: No... (laughs) YS: When I was creating a new song for 0.2, you told me "You're not living up to your own standards." I wasn't living up to myself... So you're saying all the songs are great. TN: That's why I give them the OK. YS: Sometimes the team says yes, but Mr. Nomura says no. What song required the most back-and-forth? TN: That I remember. The music from Twilight Town. YS: "Lazy Afternoons." You said it was lacking "melancholy" and "wistfulness." Remember? TN: I do. I ended up telling you exactly what I wanted. YS: After he told me, he green-lighted the first title I submitted. TN: I generally don't specify what I want. YS: I wish you would... TN: It's not a good idea because you'd put too much focus on that. I have a certain image in my head, and I'll keep asking for more until I get it. YS: I'd love to know what that image is... Mr. Nomura, what kind of music do you usually listen to? TN: I don't listen to a lot of music, and I don't play any instruments. I don't know why I'm so picky when it comes to music; at least I'm aware that I am. YS: When a song is rejected, I ask why, and the response generally begins with, "I don't know much about music" and continues with "I just know something's off." That "something" is what I'd like to know (laughs). But maybe now knowing is how we manage to keep creating something new. Who's your favourite artist? TN: There are a few artists I like, but lately I've been into loud rock (a genre born from heavy metal and hard core rock). Favourite instrument? TN: I like the tones of a piano. YS: It's hard to choose, but I've played the piano for a long time; it will always be special. Are there any other Kingdom Hearts concerts you'd like to see come true? TN: Rock. YS: Rock!? With a band? Weren't you saying before that you wanted a musical? TN: A while ago. When I watched the movie Les Miserables, I thought, "We should do a musical!" But I wanted to incorporate it into a game, not an on-stage production. YS: There was a musical number in Kingdom Hearts II. That was rough. TN: In Atlantica. But that was a music game. I wanted a musical cutscene. YS: Thank goodness that never happened... (laughs) TN: Well, I was watching a show the other day, and it had a musical number. It made me want to create a musical, a production where everyone bursts into song. YS: No... Who's your favourite Disney character? TN: I've come to like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Figaro's cute too, the cat in Pinocchio who's always staring at the goldfish. I also like the White Queen from Alice in Wonderland. Conveying the Concept with Music and Video How did the concerts come to be? TN: I've been saying we should do it for a long time now. YS: So have I, and so have a lot of fans. TN: We've tried several times, but it just never happened. YS: It took a while to go from "wanting" to "doing." TN: Speaking of fans, there's a reason I wanted the opening night to be the day after KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX was released in Japan. This doesn't apply to the overseas fans, unfortunately... After the previous concert, many people said it made them want to play the games all over again. We decided to release the games the day before, so people can go home and play to their hearts' content after the concert. YS: I hope people don't stay up all night playing the night before the concert and end up falling asleep during the performance (laughs). How did you decide on the program? YS: I came up with a rough plan, which Mr. Nomura checked. TN: I wanted both concerts to be connected, like two halves. This time all the music will be accompanied by video, and that will convey the concept and emotions even better. I can't tell you exactly what the program will look like right now because the video still needs to be edited, and new songs will be announced. The plan may change. Are you directing the videos? TN: I plan on working closely with the movie director like I do when making trailers and such. YS: It's like creating a trailer for each song. It must be rough... TN: I want to make sure the music fits just right. YS: It's a live performance; that might be difficult. TN: I plan on treating this like any other project. The Concert is Like Any Other Kingdom Hearts Project Are there different themes for the previous concert and this one? YS: We wanted drama. We wanted the audience to feel as thoguh they're playing the game; we wanted to tell a story. We needed to keep the popular songs, but have variety. Some songs were better suited for a wind ensemble, others for an orchestra, some both. We had a plan. TN: The plan was good, but I had to make some changes (laughs). Some songs were too similar. I wanted "Hikari" performed in the last concert; she didn't. YS: I wanted the concert to end on a happy note, which is why I wanted "Dearly Beloved." TN: But I stood my ground and that was that. Aren't you happy the concert didn't end with you performing the last song, a nervous wreck on stage? (laughs) YS: Stop! TN: I can just picture you backstage. "I messed up!" YS: I wasn't that bad! I got better with every performance. TN: Don't use the concerts for practice! (laughs) YS: I was nervous; I'd never played on such a grand stage with a wind ensemble. And if it were the last song, I wouldn't have performed! TN: I didn't get a chance to watch the first concert as a spectator. I only caught a glimpse during rehearsals, too. Do you plan on participating in the overseas performances? TN: As many as I can. I want to go to Singapore. The LA performance is around the same time as E3, so there's a good chance I'll make it to that one too. I'm not sure about the others. (To Yoko Shimomura) You're going, aren't you? On your own dime? YS: There's no way I can afford that! (laughs) What would you like to say to the audience? TN: This concert is like a Kingdom Hearts project, just like the games and other productions. We have video to accompany the songs this time, but as they'll be performed by different orchestras in each country, no one knows how it'll all come together in the end. I'm excited to experience the different performances in each country. During the last concert, even the Tokyo and Osaka performances left varying impressions despite both of them being held in Japan. Concerts are live and you never get the same experience twice; it's an appealing factor that I hope everyone is looking forward to. View the images of the interview from the pamphlet thanks to @RedMakuzawa on Twitter below: And thanks to @jsjunshen on Twitter for the tip! Click here to view the article 4 Yuya Sakaki, waytothexdawnx, RikuFangirl2008 and 1 other reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tothecikpah 230 Posted March 10, 2017 It's an interview about nomura-san, which is a strict-busy father to a musician daughter, shimomura-san which always tried to impress him. And now his daughter is successful enough to have a concert. 2 The Transcendent Key and The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RikuFangirl2008 1,368 Posted March 10, 2017 LOL This interview is so funny! (In some parts). Nomura wants to do a musical, but Yoko was like: "No.." 3 Movies798, Zimomo and The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KeybladeMasterBalo 504 Posted March 10, 2017 I love their differences since they seem to hang out so well because of them... also I would like to underline that part that said: "new songs will be announced..." I so want to go to the LA concert :v 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zimomo 143 Posted March 10, 2017 LOL This interview is so funny! (In some parts). Nomura wants to do a musical, but Yoko was like: "No.." And let's all thank Yoko for that, it would have been worse than Atlantica lol 3 Movies798, The 13th Kenpachi and RikuFangirl2008 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RikuFangirl2008 1,368 Posted March 10, 2017 And let's all thank Yoko for that, it would have been worse than Atlantica lol I wouldn't mind either way. LOL 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benjizz 6 Posted March 10, 2017 I really like the banter between them to, i also really like Nomura's way of doing things its so different from the average game developer, i guess thats what makes his content special! YS: During Kingdom Hearts Concert -First Breath-, he said something I'll never forget. He said, "I demand only good music." It was a compliment; I was thrilled, but at the same time, I felt I was shouldering a great responsibility. (To Tetsuya Nomura) You must remember that.TN: No... (laughs) Nomura pls... 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaxovanHearts 452 Posted March 11, 2017 Why is nomura being such a dick to shimomura 2 SnowPint7Fourths and The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hero of Light XIV 2,381 Posted March 11, 2017 I really hope I'll get to see him during the second LA concert, since that's the one I'm attending. Why is nomura being such a dick to shimomura He's just being cheeky, that's all. 2 Movies798 and The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aqua7KH 5,395 Posted March 11, 2017 In the interview, Nomura shares his music interests and states that he likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked about his favorite Disney character! likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked about his favorite Disney character! likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked about his favorite likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked likes Oswald The Rabbit Oswald The Rabbit I JUST FIRETRUCKING SHAT MYSELF 4 Mykaila Shakespeare, Master Eraqus, The 13th Kenpachi and 1 other reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mykaila Shakespeare 249 Posted March 11, 2017 Confirmation that he likes Oswald, he HAS to add him to kingdom hearts 3 (and even unchained/Union cross)! 2 The 13th Kenpachi and Movies798 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheKeyofRose 282 Posted March 11, 2017 The back and forth between them is so cheeky and fun. Such a good interview. 2 The 13th Kenpachi and Movies798 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Transcendent Key 12,109 Posted March 11, 2017 Wow, what an awesome interview! Thank you for showing this to us, Shinobi! You know, I really like the chemistry between Nomura and Shimomura! You can definitely tell they have a close relationship, what with all the years they've worked together! Their interactions during the interview were funny! Lol, that part when Nomura mentioned wanting to do a musical and Yoko's like: "No..." ALSO, NEW SONGS WILL BE ANNOUNCED!!! NEW SONGS!? OMG, KINGDOM HEARTS III THEMES, PROBABLY???? POSSIBLY???? HOPEFULLY???? Overall, this was a fun interview to read, and I'm glad these two finally got the chance to make the concert world tour a reality! 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aqua7KH 5,395 Posted March 11, 2017 HELLO!? ARE WE JUST GOING TO IGNORE THE FACT THAT HE SAID OSWALD IS HIS FAVORITE CHARACTER!? I'm literally freaking out rn 2 The 13th Kenpachi and RikuFangirl2008 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hero of Light XIV 2,381 Posted March 11, 2017 Sooooooo Oswald confirmed for KH3/KH4/KH Whatever? X3""" 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The 13th Kenpachi 4,279 Posted March 11, 2017 likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked about his favorite Disney character!likes Oswald The Rabbit when asked about his favoritelikes Oswald The Rabbit when askedlikes Oswald The RabbitOswald The Rabbit I JUST FIRETRUCKING SHAT MYSELF There is a reason I picked that out I know loads of people want him in KH3 1 Hero of Light XIV reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadChapelier 19 Posted March 11, 2017 For those who didn't know, Nomura actually wanted to turn FF Versus XIII into a musical after watching Les Misérables, but apparently the producers didn't want and he didn't do it in the end. x) 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
palizinhas 102 Posted March 11, 2017 None of the characters Nomura said are his favorites have shown up in KH, lol. #TimBurton'sAliceinWonderlandconfirmedforKH3 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted March 11, 2017 Seeing as Epic Mickey is as good as dead, may as well utilise Oswald for Kingdom Hearts Union X (seeing as Oswald precedes Mickey). ...Or Timeless River could just return instead with a focus on Oswald for Kingdom Hearts III. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheKeyofRose 282 Posted March 11, 2017 Oswald turns out to be some old Keyblade Master confirmed.Jking 1 Dezarius reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dustin Lübbers 933 Posted March 11, 2017 wow wish my boss would say to me that he dosent care if I work at the company or not Wow mr nomura is very forgetful it seems Sooooooo Oswald confirmed for KH3/KH4/KH Whatever? X3""" he will turn out to be the one who had the keyblade before sora 1 The 13th Kenpachi reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
