Seeing Yumi without Ami is like seeing Ernie without Bert or Starsky without Hutch. But the funny half of Puffy AmiYumi still made a splash at Anime Expo in Anaheim and the San Diego Comic-Con, meeting the American otaku and promoting the Japanese power pop duo's new record, NICE.
GR: Is it strange doing Puffy press without Ami? Have you been keeping in touch with her?
YO: Since I am working for two people, it's quite tough. But before I came to the States and Canada Ami told me to do my best, so I will! I haven't really talked to her on the phone since I got here.
GR: What do you do on the plane ride from Japan to the US? Any secrets to crossing the ocean without going crazy?
YO: Well, this time I ate the meal they served and slept the whole way through. I usually just try to sleep.
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GR: Tell me about the new Puffy CD. How is it different than the last ones?
YO: Well, An Illustrated History was a best compilation of all our old songs, NICE is an album with totally new songs. The album was produced by Andy Sturmer, and it has a more mature Puffy AmiYumi reflected in it.
GR: One of your songs is the theme for the new Teen Titans cartoon. Are you familiar with the comic book heroes?
YO: I like the Teen Titans theme song. It's so catchy that a lot of our staff sings the main verse often. As for comic books, I like comics and cartoons, but I am more familiar with Japanese anime. I really like Berserk.
GR: Are you always as happy as your songs sound? Is there a secret?
YO: Yeah, I would say so because I always try to have as much fun as I can in any situation. There is no secret to being happy. Just have fun!
GR: Are there any songs that you would like to cover?
YO: It would be fun to cover someone else's song, but I don't have any in particular at the moment.
GR: How long does it take for you to get ready to go out every day? Do you always dress cool or do you ever just throw on whatever you can find?
YO: Normally it would take 10 to 15 minutes, but if it's getting ready for work--like a show or interviews--I want to take my time and not be rushed. I takes an hour and a half. I usually just throw on whatever I can find as long as I am in the mood to wear it that day.
GR: What type of furniture do you like? Maybe Eames, Danish, wood, leather, or plastic?
YO: I like the ethnic Balinese style, but I don't have anything like that at home. My furniture is plain and normal.
GR: Can you compare Anime Expo fans to Comic-Con fans? Did you see any interesting costumes or do any shopping?
YO: The fans from both are very supportive and I was just happy to see so many fans come by--more than I expected. At the Comic-Con, I made sure to take pictures with all the people in interesting costumes. The only thing I bought was a small Dragon Ball figure.
GR: Who are the hardest core Puffy fans? Do they give you interesting gifts? Do you ever hang out with fans?
YO: The wide range of fans for Puffy AmiYumi surprises me. It's great that our music is loved by every type of person. I get presents that are very cute, and I can tell that the fans give them a lot of thought. It makes me happy and makes me want to do my best. As for hanging out with fans...I don't recall ever doing so.