Interview with Kate Asakura

Kate Asakura is a Japanese shemale singer and songwriter. Many of the songs she composes relate to issues she has encountered when dealing with her own sexuality and gender issues. A devout Buddhist, some of the songs she sings deal with life and her view of the world. Kate believes that there should be no borders between people in the world and that applies to music as well. Kate’s dream is to increase her exposure and to spread her music and message throughout the world. She would also like to publish a book about her experiences to help people to understand and show compassion to people who are suffering with gender issues.

“As human beings, we are all the same, there is no need to build some kind of artificial barrier between us.”

 

Kate, it is a pleasure to meet you. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your childhood?

At the age 8, when I was hanging out with some friends of mine at the elementary school, I got laughed at for saying “my sweetheart is a boy”.  They told me I was “strange”. I also wanted to put on skirts and wear red ribbons but my parents and teachers scolded me. Then I thought that I might really be strange.

You were born a boy. At what point did you decide to live your life as a girl?

I used to live with hiding the fact that I felt female inside. In 2002 I made my debut as a male singer. In 2007 I sang a song with a message of, “Expose yourself. Live as you are” on a TV show. The song had a geat public response and impressed people. Then I felt guilty for living with my secret. So I had come out, I thought “I feel female inside myself, I’d like to live as a woman”.

What were some of the difficulties you encountered? What were the reactions from your family and friends?

My parents didn’t want to accept it, I think, they pretended not to care about it. Almost all of my friends were highly pleased and supportive of me.

How comfortable are you with the decision you made now?

Extremely happy! It was not wrong that I had a bit of courage for this decision.

In Japan, you have a great reputation as a singer/songwriter. Can you tell us if you were interested in music as a child? Were any of your family singers or musicians?

No musicians in my family. I got interested in music when I saw Michael Jackson with Thriller at age 3.

How would you best describe your music?

My music is mainly based on my feelings and experiences with the world around me.

Your music has a message. It is to help those who may have issues about their gender. What do you hope to accomplish with your songs?

May happiness come on all people.

You are also a devout Buddhist and this also plays a big part in your music. Can you tell us a little about the message in these songs?

I have been taking sufferings and difficulties as a practice asceticism and overcoming them by using the positive attitude of Buddhism. I’d like people to understand my experiences.

Your signature song is titled “Red Cheek”. Can you tell us about this song?

I wrote honestly about my childhood and painful hard days. I’d like people to know even a main character like the one in this song can be happy like I am now.

Here are the lyrics of my song, “Red Cheek”

REDCHEEK

かわいそうに - I feel sorry for you

ほっぺを赤く染めながら - with cheeks in red

みんなの前で - in front of everyone

あなたは勇気ふりしぼるの - you try to show your courage

かわいそうに - I feel sorry for you

くちびる割れて震える声 - trembling voice through cracked lips

あといくつ - how many more times

それに答えればいい？- Do I need to answer it?

知らなければ - if I don’t know it

お前たちのように - like you all

笑っていられたのか? - Was I able to laugh?

自分の正体を眠らせたまま - with hiding what I really am

籠の中で - in a cage

ねえ神様 - Oh my Lord

私をなぜに選んだの？- Why did you choose me?

あなたの好む女になんて

なれやしない - I never can not be a woman that you love

鏡の前で -  looking in the mirror

ほっぺを赤く染めながら - with cheeks in red

何時間も -  for long hours

見つめあっていたの - stared at myself

知らなければ -  if I don’t know it

お前たちのように - like you all

笑っていられたのか？ - Was I able to laugh?

愛の闇を泳ぐ - swimming in the darkness of love

人魚になって-  I would be a mermaid

今日もチークを -  rouge on cheeks

おとぎ話のような麻酔で　ねぇ - give me a drug like a fairy tale

私を抱いて - hold on me

RED CHEEK - Red cheeks

What are some of the places you have performed and what would you say are some of your accomplishments you are most proud of?

I won the best new comer at the 6^th Shanghai Asia Music Festival in the category of new singer representing Japan.

I understand you are in the process of writing a book which is to be published in October. Can you tell us a little about it?

It’s my life experience stories from my childhood, growing up, about my experiences in show biz, to today. It includes my overcoming difficulties with a positive attitude and my future goals.

The title is “Gojurokuokushichisenman”. (5,670,000,000). It’s a Buddhism term. When I am publishing this book, in order for more people to know about it, lots of expenses are necessary for sales promotion. I’m really glad if you could cooperate for me. Thank you.

How would you say shemales (or newhalfs, as they are sometimes known as) are treated in Japan?

Recently appearances of shemale talents on TV have increased. I think the public is more understanding and accepting today.

As a woman who takes pride in her appearance, how important is fashion and makeup to you? How do you feel about cosmetic surgery to enhance a person’s feminine beauty?

It is fashion, make up, and beauty for me. Not only them but also to make an effort to live with confidence is very important. I believe in reincarnation so I think the body is a vehicle for this life. You need to do maintenance on the vehicle to be more comfortable and live a happy life. If it requires cosmetic surgery, it’s good thing in my opinion.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not performing or recording?

Reading, watching movies, and having “Joshi-kai party” with some friends of mine. (“Joshi” means girls. “Kai” means a meeting or a party. So “Joshi-kai” is a party for only women. Recently in Japan, Joshi-kai is really popular. Women often have it.)

What are some of your goals in the future?

I’d like to be the salvation of all the people. I believe that it is possible to get along and coexist with all inhabitants of the earth. A single flower is beautiful, but a bouquet is more so.

My policy: “If no precedent, create it.”

Where can we go to find out more about you?

official site: http://keitareya369.icts.jp/  mail: keit-a-reya0414@kkd.biglobe.ne.jp

 TRANSLATION BY:  Takuya Hashimoto

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