BY CHRISTOPHER LEON WITH STEPHANIE ESLAKE FOR LEVEL AND GAIN
If you think of the best-loved cinematic franchises of all time, the worlds of Studio Ghibli and Harry Potter immediately spring to mind.
Tokyo-born singer and lyricist Mai Fujisawa has forged her career across both of these fantasy universes — which is an honour most artists would only dream of.
Her screen music debut also marked a beginning for the globally loved Studio Ghibli itself: at just 4 years old, Mai sang a requiem in its 1984 animation Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind. The music was composed by her father Joe Hisaishi; also the father of the Studio Ghibli soundworld in the decades to come.
Fast-forward to 2012 and Mai’s voice could be heard opening Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part II, and later, on documentary Paper Lanterns, anime Ojarumaru, and drama Clouds Above the Hill.
Mai’s remarkable and recognisable voice is celebrated in 2019 through her first Australian solo tour, and we caught up ahead of the occasion.
Hello Mai Fujisawa, thank you very much for taking the time for our interview. It’s an honour to learn about your experience in film music. You started when you were 4 years old with Nausicäa! How do you feel having grown up while singing the beautiful soundtracks to so many childhoods all around the world?
At the time of recording, I of course did not expect such turnout and that so many people all over the world would be listening to that piece for such a long time. I very much appreciate and am happy to know that the song is loved by people.
Your relationship to the music of Studio Ghibli has been truly life-long. What is your favourite Studio Ghibli soundtrack?
Nausicäa!
Your performance combines Japanese and Western musical elements. Who are some of your favourite vocal talents, or who has influenced you in your own style along the way?
Burt Bacharach, Sting, Beethoven, [Poulenc], and more!
How important do you feel is the role of music when it comes to world-building in film and game?
I firmly believe that the roles music plays are as important as directing, story and casting for the film. The good story moves people, especially when it is accompanied by the right and great music.
I have not been a big game-player, so I want to learn more about game music in the future!
Read the full story right here on Level and Gain, a new screen music publication from the creative team behind CutCommon.
Melody of Japan: Animation, Film and Classics with Mai Fujisawa takes at the 7.30pm November 14 in the Melbourne Recital Centre, 7.30pm November 15 at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, and 7.30pm November 16 at State Theatre Sydney.
Follow the tour on Facebook. It is presented by Castiglione Arts and Culture.
Images supplied.
