It's hard to categorize us in one genre. If we can enjoy performing it at a concert or if at the moment it feels right, then we record it.

I like recording, performing, recording again, performing again ? I love the cycle. I want them to be a band long after the animation has run its course. And I think they will. Above everything, they?re still a rock-and-roll band.

We don't do this all for the cultural bridge. We don't think about the aspect of Japan and the United States. We just do this for fun.

We are in the process of planning the possibility of a benefit concert.

It's hard to categorize what you haven't seen before. I guess what I'd say is: I can't believe he's a freshman. His instincts, his speed, you just don't see guys like that. He's going to be great one of these days.

The bottom line is a man's got to have a vocation of some kind. But performing in concert has its own rewards, though I have to admit that up until a few years ago I was very nervous being up there. I finally learned to be who I am and relax. When you do that, it's just like being down there with the audience.