Don't take this so personally. The guy is busy, and doing direct interviews with people who are just fans and don't really have any sort of experience in this sort of thing would just end badly for everyone involved. It's awesome that we got as much as we did.
It's not that he "doesn't care about the fans", he's being professional and smart about it.
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails (with whom Yasunori more than likely has much reverence for) interacts directly with his fans through his website. Measure Trent Reznor's success vs Yasunori. Are you insinuating that Trent Reznor is both unprofessional and unintelligent? You don't need to reply, because it doesn't matter. Bottom line is, 10 minutes could have been taken to satisfy incredibly devoted and loyal fans. Five short questions. It's really that simple. I'm with Magus22 on this.
None the less, speaking of the fans - it's still great to have met a few of ya. Some really fine gents. I'll still be around boys, keep in touch.
Good game, good game.
In all fairness, Trent Reznor is very business savvy, likes to run his own show, and really knows how to reach out to his fans. I'd say he's more the exception than the rule, and a difficult standard to live up to as a musician, a producer, or even a businessman.
I have to agree with you that this is a lost opportunity on the part of Mitsuda though. Just a little effort goes a long ways.
Based on what little I've seen in my few years of studying, living, and working in East Asia though, it's what I'd expect. The culture feels way too stratified, and even if your request wasn't out of place -- being that you're not backed by some kind of media organization -- you'd still have to offer the interview in Japanese so they wouldn't have to risk any embarrassments due to using a second language to communicate and then try to be as accommodating as possible with the questions.
Starting a company for the sake of a short interview is a bit overkill and would probably be viewed as such. We reached out, adequate contact was established, and the answer was no. To continue asking for the same thing would only start to make us look bad.
BUT.
What I can (and will) do for the next few weeks though, is message Yasunori directly via Twitter repeatedly until he answers me...or doesn't. I'll take the risk of looking bad personally instead of this whole community, a final effort.
I'll have Magus22 construct something new for me in Japanese, short and sweet. I'll be back when I have those results.
Wish me luck people.
Good luck! Thanks for all the effort too. You're doing every fan here a big favor.
