It was a beautiful day at Otakon 2009 when we were given the amazing opportunity of interviewing Kanon Wakeshima about her musical career and other various aspects of her interests.

Firstly, would you like to introduce yourself to the readers of Nippon Project?
Kanon Wakeshima: Hi, I'm Kanon Wakeshima. I have been playing cello since I was three years old, and now I am playing cello for this project.

Why did you originally not want to include your cello in your audition with Sony Music Entertainment?
Cello is actually the instrument I could play the best, and I couldn't really play the piano. So after switching back to cello, I made a demo and sent it in to Sony Music Entertainment.

The cellos and the vocals in your music are very well harmonized, and I was wondering if you found it easier to write the harmony or the melody?
For this album, I did not compose any music. Mana did the work.

Who is the maker of your cello, and did this person also make the bow?
I actually don't know who made the cello itself, but it was Mana's idea to paint it all white.

It seems that you were raised playing cello. Did you ever have any vocal classes or was it difficult for you to train your voice after focusing on cello for so long?
Every week, I am taking a voice training class!

Do you enjoy your classes?
I really do! My teacher is very kind.

What drew you to darker influences with your music?
The Grimms Fairytales are an inspiration for me in terms of a dark side. They are made for children, but they have really scary aspects. I enjoy reading them and they help inspire me.

So I was wondering... are you actually a fan of anime, and how did it feel when your song appeared as the theme on Vampire Knights?
Of course! I am a huge anime fan. I felt that the anime Vampire Knights was in very high quality and that the characters and story were well written, so I was honored for my music to appear on this anime.

I heard you did voice acting on the show, as well. After experiencing it once, is voice acting something you would do again?
When I did the voice acting, I was so nervous! All of the other voice actors were so kind and helped me learn. I really enjoyed the experience, and if I had the chance, I would definitely do it again.

Have you ever taken any classes to strengthen your drawing techniques?
No, I have never taken any classes. I took up drawing as a hobby and learned on my own.

As an artist, do you take part in creating concepts for music videos or album covers?
I consult with Mana, the producer on which concepts we like and which ones we would like to create. In "Still Doll" the message was an imprisoned doll, and in "Suna no Oshiro" it was a vocalist who sings with hope.

I read online that you really love Paris. What about Paris' culture do you love the most? Fashion, music, food, etc?
I really like the scenery. I can feel art everywhere, like within the ancient buildings everything is very beautiful.

What were you like when you were a child?
I was a little odd. I never really expressed my feelings. For example, when I went to amusement parks, I would be very timid and insist "I don't want to go on the ride, I don't want to go!" But when I would go, it would be a lot of fun.

I read that when you were a child, you were a fan of the stars. Please tell us a little bit about your admiration for the night sky.
When I was a little kid, I lived on the country side, so I could see a beautiful night sky. I really just loved to look at the sky. For example, the song "Skip Turn Step" is about singing to the sky.

Is there would something you would like to say to your fans at Nippon Project?
I am very happy to be here, and to be able to perform a live concert. To everyone who has listened to my music, please support me more and more!