Japanese press conference transcript
08 December 2005 - From Japan Today By Toshiya Fujii



Madonna is back in Japan for the first time in 12 years to promote her new album 'Confessions On A Dance Floor.' The album is already a big hit around the globe and has taken over the #1 spot in charts in 28 countries, including Japan.
A rare opportunity was given to the press to meet with the 47-year-old so-called queen of pop and throw questions at her during her stay in Japan.

What is the concept for the album?
I wanted to make a record that people could put on when they are getting ready to go out, having a party, working out, and driving in a car. From beginning to end, you just want to keep dancing for one hour non-stop.

Why is it a glittery disco?
I wanted to make a dance record. I don't think the songs are superficial. I think there are a lot of songs especially towards the end that are quite insightful and confessional. If you look from the surface, you might think that it's superficial, but if you listen to lyrics all the way through from beginning to end, I don't think you will have that opinion.

There is a noticeable European influence on this album. What were the inspirations?
I take my inspiration from everywhere. In this record in particular, I was inspired by the music of Giorgio Moroder, Abba, Chic, Pet Shop Boys, Cerrone, and a lot of other people, but those are the main inspirations and I guess most of those artists are Europeans.

Do you think about fans when making music? Or do you just do as you want?
My music and my ideas for my music come from inside and from whoever I am collaborating with. It's not that I sit around consciously thinking about my fans. On the other hand, I do think when I am writing music - Will people understand this? Will this appeal to people so that it touches their heart? Will it inspire them? So I am somewhere in the middle between being true to myself and thinking about what the outside world would think about.



There is a rumor that your husband, Guy Ritchie, walked out of the room when he heard the single 'Hung up.'
My husband did not walk out of the room when he heard the song. That is a lie. He likes the song very much.

There is the line 'Gomennasai' (sorry) in the song. Why did you pick Japanese? Are you interested in Japanese or Asian cultures?
I've always been interested in the Japanese culture. The line 'Gomennasai' comes from my Japanese cook. I just asked him how to say I'm sorry in Japanese. I've always been influenced in many ways. Some of my videos and some of my performances on stage have been inspired by Japanese cinema, martial arts, music, fashion, and food. So I could say honestly that it's been a big influence in my life in many areas. My work has always been influenced by Japanese culture.

It's been a very long while since you last came to Japan, 12 years. What makes you feel you are back in Japan?
I've missed the heated toilet seats.

What are some things you want to do during your stay in Japan?
I would like to buy presents for my children at Kiddyland. The best toys are in Japan.

Have you eaten Japanese food?
I've only eaten Japanese food. I love Japanese food. I have a Japanese cook in London that travels with me everywhere. I probably eat more Japanese food than you do.

If there ever will be any star like you to come in future, it would be your daughter without a doubt. Do you have any plans for your daughter?
I don't need to teach my daughter how to be a superstar; she's already acting like one. My daughter loves to dance. She studies classic ballet. You could say she's a diva already. She doesn't say to me she wants to be a singer. She tells me she wants to be an actress and ballerina. I encourage her to do those things as long as she takes it seriously and works hard and has a lot of discipline.

Is there anything you keep in mind or a certain way to act toward your children to keep them in the right direction?
I like to teach them the things that I believe in, that is, we are all responsible for our actions and words. So we need to think before we speak and before we act. Once you accept that responsibility, I think you become more a conscious person. And so to say that is the first thing. I try to remember that myself and teach it to my children.

Are you planning any movie-related work?
The next thing I want to do in regard to film is direct. It would be a love story that will inspire many people.

Are you planning any tours in near future?
If I go on tour, I will come here. Hopefully it would be around the end of the summer.

Any last words for your fans in Japan?
I just want to say thank you for all of your support throughout the 20 years of my career. I hope you can forgive me for staying away for so long. And I look forward to come back very soon.



Here is a picture of a truck featuring a lit up Madonna banner that was being driven around Tokyo today. The truck was also blasting out Hung Up!


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