Anime Expo 2007: Anna Tsuchiya Press Panel

Japanese music was the theme of Anime Expo this year. The con featured a number of standout j-rockers, and TheAnimeBlog.com was lucky enough to attend Anna Tsuchiya’s press panel! Most of the questions focused on Ms. Tsuchiya’s solor music career, but she’s also a model and actress. You might have seen her in the ever-so-awesome Kamikaze Girls film – she’s Ichigo Shirayuri, the ‘yanki’. Ms. Tsuchiya was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions in the middle of the con with a group of fellow journalists.

Since she’s about to launch a new international tour, this is her first involvement with a record label that includes both European and American markets. When asked about how she feels performing in front of so many different people, she believes that music has no borders, so she’s not worried about how people will reactor to her.

One of the journalists asked if she prefers being a model, actress or singer. Ms. Tsuchiya she said that singing is her favorite, because she feels more alive when singing than with anything else. So she really wants to continue singing!

Some of her music inspirations come from western artists, including Queen, Cindi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Nirvana and Hole.

Regarding her unique sense of style, she doesn’t see it as being limiting. Even though it may appear that she is very different than many Japanese people, she sees a lot of diversity – everyone is different, not just her. Plus, things are changing in Japan. The male idea of traditional roles is changing. She feels that once you cross a barrier, things become very open everywhere.

Anna doesn’t have any specific favorite brands that she wears – she actually prefers wearing jeans and a t-shirt. She has worn a lot of expensive apparel throughout her career, but she likes to feel comfortable. She might dress very casually during the day, then really dress up at night to go out. She also appreciates seeing lolita and gothic styles.

For fans who are concerned that Ms. Tsuchiya’s new single may sound more ‘pop style’ than her previous work, she assures everyone that her j-rock roots will stick with her. She doesn’t bring high expectations of herself and enjoys human nature, without any excessive fears.

Her experiences with Japanese and American audiences differ – she said it was amazing to see the American audience suddenly begin dancing on the floor. The feeling is very different than in Japan, where she is popular but doesn’t get the same kind of reaction.

Anime Expo 2007: Anna Tsuchiya Press Panel Part I of II

Anime Expo 2007: Anna Tsuchiya Press Panel Part II of II

Special thanks to Anna Tsuchiya, Mad Pray Records and the press staff at Anime Expo 2007!