Thanks again to insane-demented for going above and beyond to help me out by translating this.

This time around “Chapter 4” is Kiiyan answering questions sent in by readers. ♥

Starting from the top left hand corner, in anti-clockwise direction:

Q: My 31-year-old self struggles every day thinking “There is no way I can lose to these youngsters!”, but as expected, I still feel the years creeping up on me… What makes Kishou-san think “At least, I will not lose to youngsters in this!” Also, what makes you think “Ah, but this might be slightly impossible…”

A: I don’t want to lose when it comes to “running”, “jumping”!. Since I have once made it to the track and field prefectural tournament for sprinting, when it comes to sporting ability, somehow I don’t really want to lose to youngsters! As for “slightly impossible,” I try not to think about it much (laughs)

Q: As you began to take on the role of KISHOW, the lead vocalist of GRANRODEO, is there some part of the seiyuu, Taniyama Kishou that has changed?

A: Above being a vocalist, I became more of a lyricist, and began to contemplate more about the meaning of words! Of course, I learned to utilize the style of expression found in singing in my spoken lines, and vice versa, achieving a synergistic effect.

Q: Before Kishou-san started singing, what comes to your mind when you stand on an event stage?

A: I imagine the performance. But I stay nervous until the point of the performance, so about 5 minutes before it starts, I have no choice but to be resolved to face it, somewhat like entering a “let’s go mode”. When I get on stage and see the audience, I would grit my teeth and think, alright, let’s do this.

Q: Why are the things you say during talk corners so interesting?

A: I still feel that I am inexperienced, so I cannot teach you the ropes! The things I say when I drink and am in top condition are really interesting (laughs). If you compare the rest to that, they would seem totally boring…! and so such a conflict exists… The challenge here is to surpass the alcohol!

Q: What was the first impression you had when you stood in Budoukan for the first time?

A: I was thinking ”It’s being filled up!” (laughs). I was feeling anxious and uneasy until the moment I went on stage, thinking that somehow it can’t be helped if there are empty seats…so I was really happy eventually!

Q: What is your type (in females)? Is there anything you would definitely look for in a girl?

A: I like girls who are honest with themselves. Because if so, I can also be honest with myself. I find being tsundere troublesome to deal with, and I would start thinking “Just be truthful from the beginning!” (laughs). Also, it would be nice to have someone with a similar sense of humour, who would laugh at what I say.

Q: How do you compose lyrics? By hand? By computer? Please tell us where and how you write them!

A: My lyrics are handwritten with a ballpoint pen. Without using a computer (laughs). Mostly, I write while drinking alone at home, in an intoxicated state. I used to have some reservations about writing while drunk, but still, I am more sensitive when drinking. And so, most of GRANRODEO’s 50 odd songs were songs that have been written when drunk!

Q: When I realized I was shared the same hometown as Taniyama-san, I started to fall in love with Yamaguchi! Please take pride in your hometown! (laughs)

A: The art museum and such in Yamaguchi city is really good. I lived in Ube city, but as I went to the prefectural athletics stadium for a race, I really liked the atmosphere in that area, and it gives me a personal feeling of nostalgia (laughs). Also, I like Yuda Onsen (in that area).

Q: Please recommend some manga and anime!

A: The manga “Beddo” by Miyake Ranjou is a masterpiece! As for movies, “The Godfather,” “The Shawshank Redemption.” Also, an old time favourite drama film would be “Fried Green Tomatoes”!

Q: Just a simple question…who gave you the nickname “Kiiyan” and when? Please tell us the origins!

A: When I was 21, when I was working part-time at a training agency of senpai Nozawa Nachi, the staff started calling me “Kiiyan,” and the name naturally spread around. At that time, since I had a afro, I was known as the “afro worker.”

Q: I really liked your raging performance as Gunji! I would like to know how you could achieve that level of acting!

A: It was similar to blowing off some stress. I like the idea of venting my troubles/frustrations through work, and I try to vent my emotions through my work performance. However, of all the emotions, it was unexpectedly easy to express “anger”.

Q: How do you be so “eros”? Please teach me how to express “eros” ❤

A: I think I am just being a pervert … yes (laughs). How to express it….even if you say so, “eros” something that is in everyone. I don’t really make a conscious effort of it…. Shall we move on to the next question? (shy)

Q: Kishou-san who gives off the image of leopard prints. Why do you own so many leopard print? What is it that you own that makes you take pride in and think “I even have this in leopard print!”?

A: I can’t think of any reason other than “because I like it” (laughs). I like flashy things. Particularly in my 20s, my desire to stand out from others was strong, and so I wore more leopard print. I take pride in my specially-ordered mic stand. Recently, I have also begun to use snake prints regularly.