Interview with Mari Iijima
By Dennis A. Amith, AsianConnections.com

If you are an anime fan, it is not surprising to see female fans dressed up as the Macross character Minmay in an elegant Chinese dress and singing a tune from the television series.

     If anything, the popularity of Macross was enough to carry the popularity of Mari to new heights.

     The popularity was enough for Mari who quit her job as a seiyuu (Japanese for voice actress) and focus on her music career.

     Since then, Mari has released over 25 albums in Japan

     She now resides in Los Angeles and is married to an American musician and is busy raising their two children.

     Asian Pacific Review had the chance to interview Mari who performed at a concert in Los Angeles for Anime Expo.

Dennis: How are you enjoying AnimeExpo this year?

Iijima: So far I am enjoying it very much. I had a concert last night. A lot of people came to see me perform. It seemed like they liked it and I'm really happy about that.

Dennis: What is your best memory when you worked on the Macross anime?

Iijima: Everybody was together, there were no arguments. Every time we got together, we were like a family. I really felt comfortable being there. Everything was was really great. It was my first animation job and my last job too, but those people are so great. That was my best memory.

Dennis: What kind of music do you listen to?

Iijima: I love rock bands like The Goo Goo Dolls, Lit, and Silverchair. I don't like to listen to metal, I like rock.

Dennis: What are your hobbies?

Iijima: I play tennis twice a week.

Dennis: What kind of difference to you seen between American and Japanese fans of yours?

Iijima: My Japanese fans are so loyal. I cannot say anything bad about them. I'm happy that they've been supporting me for the last 16 years. I've just recently discovered my American fans, so I'll get to know them more. It seems they express their feelings when they feel like it. I really like that. Last night, when I did a concert, some people stood up when they wanted to stand up and they screamed when they want to scream (laughter). I like that because I'm the same way. I express my feelings all the time.

Dennis: You have a new album out, "No Limit." Could you tell me a little about this album?

Iijima: This album is my very first English album. It's an independent album from my own record company. I'm selling it through my website at www.marimusic.com. If you come to check out my page, the information is all there. Please support the album.

Dennis: Do you have any final words for you fans?

Iijima: I may be getting older, but I still feel like I'm seventeen. So I'll keep going.

Thank you to AsianConnections correspondent Dennis A. Amith. This interview by Dennis originally appeared in Pacific Review - Vol. 5, Issue No. 1