ESP: Isshi's original model "Kikoku Shuushuu" is finally complete. Please tell us about how this guitar came to be.

Isshi: To tell the truth, I've had the idea for this guitar for more than a year until it was completed. Originally I was using a vintage acoustic guitar for my compositions, but I started thinking I wanted to make an original electric-acoustic based on that guitar, just for myself, so I asked the ESP supervisors for the impossible.
And since it's my own original model, I fussed over the design quite a bit right?
In particular for the head design, with "Oni" as my character, I narrowed it down that I wanted to do something Oni-like. For the body I fussed over doing something with the same oni motif.


ESP: Even when fans see it, I bet they understand at a glance that it's a very Isshi-like design!

Isshi: Thank you very much. The design is like that, but I fussed over the guitar form and body size quite a bit, you know. Since the whole thing has a sufficiently larger size, you might think the neck is a little too wide, but the size is just right for me.


ESP: The neck really is wide, isn't it? And it has quite a V-like shape.

Isshi: Yeah. But I usually play with this. I can't seem to play if the neck doesn't have that shape.
For me, while I put my thumb up to hold a 6-string, it's the perfect size for that. I could play sensitive chords using my thumb that way.
However, from a general point of view, I'd guess that it's seen as a dreadfully difficult way to play though. (laughs) But that neck shape is absolutely not a miss for me.


ESP: Typically when the neck is wide, it has a tendency to make a better sound, so if you get used to playing it like that it's not a problem at all, I guess.

Isshi: No, it doesn't feel out of place at all, it's quite easy to play. It's just like the feeling of the body arch.


ESP: And this graphic design is remarkably eye-catching. It's really great isn't it?

Isshi: The designer is a friend from my past, but so far YUBISUI-kun has been the one designing Kagrra, goods, etc., so he accepted my request for the design with various fine details. I specified the pattern I wanted like "Definitely this style!" so as a result there's the repeated pattern of the shape of sakura petals throughout.
The Buddhist mark was designed from scratch, he gave it to me many times over and over again until I was pleased with it. (laughs)


ESP: As expected. (laughs) Besides that, did you fuss over the parts and the specifications?

Isshi: For things like the body wood and the neck wood, I carefully considered and decided it with the ESP supervisors. As for the location of volume and tone controls, when the design was complete we arranged it based on what would look most beautiful on the front of the body, I guess. Even so, we needed a specially-made counter-sink of the right size for the body and had to arrange it where it is. As for how it was done, it's pretty simply arranged at the front. (laughs)
Back to the parts again, I can't play the bridge without these parts. So I'm really picky about that right?


ESP: By the way, you named this model "Kikoku Shuushuu," the same as the Kagrra, song, right?

Isshi: Yes. I composed the lyrics, but I've got a great personal attachment to this song, so I named my guitar after it. This mark is a lotus leaf with 8 leaves for the Buddhist doctrines, but to tell the truth, this displays Mandala.
Originally, we put Vairocana in the middle, and the Eight Kings around the outside. I liked it a lot that way.
Saying things like "You'd look good with six arms!" but it's an extension of the Hero Squadron. (laughs)


ESP: I see. So it's a guitar compiling all of your favourite motifs, right? Incidentally, why a guitar for you, Isshi?

Isshi: ...it's a comfort zone. It's only when I play guitar that I can return to "boyhood."


ESP: So it's the same feeling as when you woke up to music...

Isshi: Yes. I want to discover my own potential more and more, you know? I really want to see it. On the other hand, I say I can't do anything if I don't have a guitar. Since I can't compose music without it.


ESP: I see. With those kind of thoughts, Isshi's fixation is condensed down to one thing!

Isshi: I think it's really a guitar that matches my character. Since I only play this guitar now, I've been making songs with this for a long time and it's become a guitar for which I'd say "Giving it up is worrisome!" Without this "echo" I wouldn't be able to make music anymore.


ESP: We've had many requests for this guitar at the fair. Would you please give a message for any of the fans who purchase this guitar?

Isshi: Yes. I think this guitar is a lifelong thing, so as I think of it like that, please cherish it.
Because I occasionally held this guitar in my arms and slept. (laughs) I'll be glad if you cherish it like that.