Translated by twilightsky
December 2003

Q. This is your first original release in three years since “Break the Rules” back in Dec. of 2000, isn’t it?
A. That’s right isn’t it. I didn’t really notice that it’s been that long.

Q. Beatfreak: This album’s name has the meaning of “Namie’s Style”, the three years was used to find your new style wasn’t it?
A. Yes, that’s about the amount of time. My new style…in order for it to take shape, it took that amount of time. Up until now, I had ideas that I wanted to try but didn’t have the opportunity to do them.

Q. You’ve certainly thought about your fan’s expectations haven’t you?
A. Yes that’s right. I, personally, like rap and hip hop music; doing this is diversing my music but I think up until now it’s totally different than what I’ve done before, I wonder if this is good. I was troubled with this thought. But then in Suite Chic (a collaboration project of hip hop and R&B artist), I did the stuff that I wanted to do and in having the opportunity to do your favorite things makes it easier to continue to do the things that you like, don’t you think?

Q. Suite Chic is over with.
A. Until now, I’ve not done a project where the produce, rapper and singer has never worked together like this before, and I had a chance to try a variety of styles. The influence is large. Actually, recording the Suite Chic album was so much fun and while working on this new album, people that I’ve worked with from Suite Chic has lend their voice.

Q. Dance songs and a cool music being the main theme, right?
A. Yes, I like these kinds of song. The music, clothes, and the choreography has to go together (on stage) and I like to imagine it all when choosing a song. If I can’t get a mental image from the song, I won’t sing it.

Q. So the stuff that you don’t like, you won’t do?
A. Yes, that’s right. Until now, I was insecure and I believed what the people around me said in regarding what I should sing. This time, I decided once in for all what I would sing. Simply, there are many things I would like to do. I want to sing live, not only R&B, but pop and rock; and I hope these songs will make the album cool.

Q. Do you and your staff opionions conflict?
A. Yes, at times it can be to an extreme (lauging). When that happens, we solve it professionally and think towards a good end result.

Q. I see. Back to the changing of music style, your voice/singing style has changed too.
A. Yes, I’ve changed the way I sing.

Q. First, it seems to be lower.
A. Um, when I did Suite Chic, with the R&B songs, there aren’t many high keys. When I think of my older songs, I can’t believe that some of the key were so high! (laughs) So tunes with lower keys are increasing and I’m trying to do it with a different feel that agrees with the current style. Now it’s necessary to be able to have a variety of singing style; it’s difficult but challenging (smiles). As for me, up until now, I think haven’t song many kinds of songs. If I can do it well, I’ll think ‘oh, you’ve become a bit cooler’. So that’s why, no matter how difficult, I think ‘ok, let’s try it’. Singing is such a great feeling, right, now.

Q. Rapping was a challenge, wasn’t it?
A. It’s just natural, but totally different from singing, don’t you think? I’m not completely at ease at rapping, I can’t do it well yet. For example, just saying “Yey!”, you have to do it many times in low keys with minor differences just to get it right. But because I like hip hop and want to do it well, I really tried hard. Little by little, the way that one does it is found I think.

Q. How about the present time? Do you think “your own style” is visible?
A. Yes, I think it can be seen. Clearly your response says that it is not felt yet, but I think that I don’t want to be fixed on what I can do more.

Q. Is there something in you that has never changed?
A. From my debut until now, I’ve always wanted to sing and dance. To put it simply, I will keep to this idea but change my style along. I think it’s good this way.

Q. Is dancing fun?
A. Yes, it is! With the choreography chaning, it’s fun. When I looked at the videos from the past, I’m surprised. Especially when my hair is spinning ‘I’m dancing so hard! (laughing)’ I don’t think it’s possible now.

Q. (Laughs) Now, you’ll be able to have your way in music right?
A. I wonder if I can do it at my own pace. Patience and taking the time to make good music is what I want to do. After I can be happy with knowing that I did what I wanted to do. Adding too much power in one way or taking out from another, I simply want feel good in makeing a cool product.

Q. Since November and after two years, you’ve started the new tour.
A. This time, the tour is of all the singles up until now. I have trouble hitting my high keys, so I’m worried. This time we will go to many places. I hope that people who have never been to my concert will come and see the show.