Documentary movie interview in FLASH 15th September 2020 edition (Sugai Yuuka x Watanabe Risa)

The group, or the members?... There were many time when I was torn - Sugai Yuuka

I thought that there is no point if Hirate is not the Center - Watanabe Risa

“Our Lies and Truth: Documentary of Keyakizaka46” that follows the activity of Keyakizaka46 since the time of their formation in August ‘15 until the announcement of its renaming in 16th July 2020 will be released. Their striking debut, the Tokyo Dome performance, Hirate Yurina’s withdrawal

Captain Sugai Yuuka and Watanabe Risa revealed the truth behind Keyakizaka46’s turbulent five years history

Hirate Yurina, who was the absolute ace. The members were influenced by her, and slowly changed by it

After the performance in Kouhaku last year (2019). Hirate said her goodbyes to each one of the members. 

Her heart is already set

Keyakizaka46 has been expressing the powerful messages in the world view of their lyrics with overwhelming performances. A documentary movie that follows their five years is about to be released

Sugai “It has become a movie worth seeing, packed with our five years of history. There were many scenes that I had forgotten, such as when we visited CD stores on the day of our debut, and it made me feel nostalgic. I realized that this is how memories are forgotten.”

Watanabe “Watching the videos brought back memories of those days. One of the most memorable scenes was the shooting of the music video for the second single, "Sekai ni wa Ai Shika Nai," which was the first time I was chosen to be a front member. There was a lip sync recording for the front members, but it was my first time, so without knowing how to express the lyrics and emotions, I cried… When I saw that, I thought about how childish I was at that time, and felt embarrassed by it. I would have preferred that wasn’t put in if possible (laughs)” 

Sugai “I feel a bit troubled about the interview I did last December. It was something I could talk about with a smile now, but I think I got too serious. Regarding Techi (Hirate Yurina) too, even now we are still in contact and can go out for a meal like usual. In the movie, those moments from that time have been left out… Right now I have different feelings than I had before, but including that, I hope that you can enjoy it as a movie.”

The poor physical condition of Hirate Yurina, the absolute ace, and the live performances done with the ace being absent. Keyakizaka46’s path through their 5 year long history was not easy.

The additional performance of National Summer Arena Tour 2019 (Tokyo Dome).

Unlike the performance she showed on the stage, backstage she was a frail person

Members forming for a group circle before their performance. 

The 2nd gen participated in National Summer Arena Tour 2019, and showcased the new Keyakizaka46

The dissonance and changes that made the group stronger

Sugai “We are a group that’s had a lot of changes, so there were many things that I never could have imagined. As the Captain, there were many times where I had to decide between either making the group better or not upsetting the members. It was a constant worry..”

Watanabe “It’s included in the movie too, but in Summer of ‘17 I thought that it would be meaningless if Hirate is not the Center. I thought that the song couldn't be conveyed otherwise. I probably didn't have confidence in myself. But that feeling slowly changes…”

Sugai “With the passage of time, I think that the members’ hearts have matured. That made me very happy. Members have always helped me”

Watanabe “I think we are made up of kind girls who want to do something for the group. At first, there are times when I compared it to other groups, but now I'm glad to be a member of Keyakizaka46.”

In the online live performance in July, they announced their renaming.

Sugai “In the last live in October, we will be closing the curtain as Keyakizaka46, but I hope we can move on to the next stage in a way that satisfies everyone who supports us. I want to make the new group shine by our own power.”

Watanabe “Looking at everyone’s expression during the online live the other day, they were completely different from the ones I've seen before, and I knew we could do our best. We were in a constant state of change for the past five years, and I think that experience made the group stronger.”

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Translation: toomuchidea

QC: ariadne32391, fuyupz

Raw: shiro