Translated by Tomo

Liner Notes from Mr. Uematsu

I have always had a passion for Irish Fiddles. Technically, fiddles are violins but the name is only used in European traditional music. Well, I finally decided to go and learn it. Now, I'm under a Canadian teacher, Jim Edigar, along with eight other students.

Most of the eight have never played a violin; some haven't even touched an instrument. The sound, of course, is pretty awful. Still, I don't see any one not enjoying the class. Everyone is ringing out crocked tones joyfully.

I think that is the most important thing in music.

* People who began to hate music because of their grades in music class.
* People who are afraid of being criticized, due to their pride.
* People who stop playing in bands after employment thinking that bands are childish.

It seems that music in Japan is only reserved for a small minority. That's why music as a culture doesn't originate in this land. Music is characteristics of any culture, which every culture has. It should never be enforced in schools (every student in Japan is enforced to learn music including reading staff, playing recorders, singing, etc.) or be "graded." There's no need to become a professional, nor any need to become better. If one doing music is happy, isn't that good enough? I get so happy looking at my buddies playing off-pitch violins with me, smiling. There's even a man who started violin at 38. Why don't you try an instrument, too?

Well, let me introduce Shirou Hamaguchi finally. There's no need to question his talents if you listen to the songs, but I am disappointed that those songs don't tell his great personality. I wish to present you even more fantastic sound with him in the future. Good job to everybody in IMAGINE, including Mr. Hamaguchi. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. 


August 28, 1997

Nobuo Uematsu

The Accidental Dialogue - Interview
Interviewer: Yoichi Shibuya

Narration: The Final Fantasy series had established a stable reputation of RPGs. Nobuo Uematsu had been in charge of this game's music from the beginning. His melody creations can no longer be ignored in the musical aspect of Japan. This important interview will reveal much of his views about the game. The interviewer is Yoichi Shibuya, who has created a music magazine "Rocking On" at age 20, being an elite music journalist until now. His questions hit the core, while some even say "He speaks too much for an interviewer." The future of Final Fantasy music and the reality of game music; what would this interview reveal?

Mr. Shibuya ("S"): I see that you seem to like Progressive Rock very much. Do you like such kinds of rocks compared to others?

Mr. Uematsu ("U"): Well, despite all the variety of music that emerged in the 70s, Progressive Rocks had died out back then. I didn't "prefer" Prog. Rocks out of others like "Genesis" and "Yes"; I like them all. I'm a really big fan of Elton John, too.

S: You seem to like songs with steady melody, like Elton John's.

U: Yep.

S: So can I infer that you liked hard rocks to Prog. Rocks, singers to composers but you only defend Prog. rocks because they had died out?

U: Yes, yes. (LOL)

S: Are there any connections between Prog. Rocks and FF?

U: I used to play instruments and Prog. Rocks were the most fun to play. It's not only Prog Rocks that are incorporated in FF.

S: So... you like many different types of variety of music?

U: Maybe so.

S: What kind of music do you listen now?

U: Mostly Irish Fiddles. Now I only buy Irish Fiddles.

S: Wow. Why?

U: Uh... It's fun.