Watanabe Risa x Tamura Hono (1st gen x 2nd gen Special Talk from Documentary Movie Brochure)

 

Interviewer: Watanabe-san, do you remember your first impression of Tamura-san when you met her?

Watanabe: When I first met her we just greeted each other, so I don’t remember it that clearly. But, after that, during a year-end music program when we performed “Ambivalent”, Hono-chan entered the position of a graduated member, so I clearly saw her during rehearsals as well. I also heard that she was trying really hard to catch up to us. She gave me the impression of a really kind and good kid.

Interviewer: It seems that before joining Keyakizaka46, Tamura-san was a fan of Watanabe-san.

Tamura: Yes. When I first went to a Keyakizaka46 handshake event, the member I did a handshake with was Risa-san. Before I joined I felt like Keyakizaka46’s performances were somehow different from other groups, but when I actually joined I was surprised to learn about ‘how they make it’; at the same time I realized that “I’m not an outsider anymore. I have to also carry the weight together with everyone. I have to be aware that I’m a member; If I’m just admiring all the time, it won’t be good for the group”, so I began thinking that I have to do my best to get close to my seniors fast.

Interviewer: Then, around what time did you two first have a conversation?

Watanabe: When she first entered we really couldn’t talk much, it was around spring last year when I could begin to understand what kind of person she is. We had a photoshoot with just the two of us, and that’s when we had a proper conversation. That’s when I felt once again that she was trying to fulfill her part.

Tamura: There weren’t any big changes in me up till then, but when I became a member I strongly felt that the seniors were someone reliable. Even though we’re the same age, it didn’t feel like it at all. Also, even though Risa-san is someone cute when she’s with the 1st gens, during concerts she captures people’s eyes with her presence and overflowing beauty. When the camera moved away I could see that “Oh, it’s Risa-san!”, I always watched her with admiration.

Watanabe: That’s true, it doesn’t really feel like we’re the same age. On the other side, I see Hono-chan as someone younger but I thought that maybe she was feeling the barrier between the 1st and 2nd gens, so I thought I have to have in mind to talk to her too, but regardless I wanted to talk to her.

Tamura: But during last year’s photoshoot when we were together, Risa-san said “Not a senior and junior relationship, I want us to have a relationship as someone of the same age” and it made me really happy. since then I couldn’t really step up to her (laughs). Recently I have been thinking of saying it myself but, listening to Risa-san talk just now I decided “Alright, let’s go”!

Watanabe: Hehehe (laughs). We probably have some restraint between us.

Interviewer: Also, you both have been in the volleyball club in the past. In Keyakizaka’s activities, are there any moments where you felt the experience came in handy?

Watanabe: As they would, hierarchical relationships are very strict in an athletic club. I believe I was trained for it there, so I think the good etiquette and patience I learned came in handy.

Tamura: Same with me. If I pay attention to hierarchies, the seniors become a presence that’s a little scary. And I’m not exactly the proactive type, so even when the 1st gens are the open type, I would still think, “is it okay for me to do that”?

Interviewer: But, you can get along with this opportunity, right?

Tamura: That’s right (laughs).

Watanabe: I’ll do my best too (laughs).

Interviewer: Starting with Watanabe-san, many members are now doing activities as fashion models, but how do you see those seniors in your eyes, Tamura-san?

Tamura: It’s a job you do while carrying not just your name, but the group’s too. It may be difficult for everyone to balance the work out with the group activities, but I have never heard anyone say the words “I’m tired”; I think it’s really amazing.

Interviewer: Would you like to try doing such activities individually too?

Tamura: When I entered Keyakizaka46, I thought “I entered Keyakizaka46 as an idol, so firstly I’d like to be more confident as an idol, then if any chances come up then I’d like to try other jobs”, but lately I have been thinking how because of our individual jobs Keyakizaka46 gets more recognition; I started to think that if the opportunity comes up I’d like to challenge anything.

Watanabe: Hono-chan doesn’t stop with the group, I believe she’s a person that can do a job even by herself, she has the drive, something like “I’d like to try this out”, or “I’m interested in this”, thinking that she wants to say that to the staff and the members around her. I believe her chances increase when she does that, so I think it’s nice to not to be stiff and keep having this drive.

Interviewer:So for example, If I were to say “I’d like to see Tamura-san do this”, what job would it be??

Watanabe: She’s tall so I definitely think it would suit her to be a model.

Tamura: I believe every girl would want to do modeling jobs and walk on the runway, I also think it’s very wonderful, so I’m interested in it.

Watanabe: Also, I haven’t seen how any of the 2nd gens act, so I want to see a little of that too.

Tamura: Hehehehe, that sounds exciting (laughs).

Interviewer: By the way, have you had any gravure shoots with your 1st gens seniors?

Tamura: There haven’t been many occasions where I got to do photoshoots with my seniors, I’ve only done jobs with Risa-san and Sugai (Yuuka)-san as far as my seniors go. That’s why I want to do more photoshoots.

Watanabe: I also have only done a photoshoot with Hono-chan as far as juniors go. With the other members I’ve only been together for recordings of “Keyakitte, kakenai?” (TV Tokyo) and concerts, so I want to know them better.

Interviewer: It would be nice if those opportunities increase from now on. Tamura-san, you seem to have significantly improved while performing. Comparing the end of last year when you performed “Ambivalent” at a TV program and a year later when you performed “Fukyouwaon” at Tokyo Dome and Kohaku, it was a big evolution, to the point where I thought you were a different person.

Tamura: But the more you perform, the more you look at your flaws exclusively, so on the flipside, I would lose my confidence.

Watanabe: That’s not the case at all. “Fukyouwaon” is a song where the members are important no matter their position, when we perform it at stages like Tokyo Dome or Kohaku it makes me even more nervous. Especially Hono-chan who was assigned (Nagahama) Neru’s position who had graduated, so I’m sure she paid attention to how she looked, and she did her best, so much so she won’t be compared; I think it’d be nice for her to be more confident about it.

Tamura: After we finished with Kohaku, I was anxious, thinking “How did I do?” but, Risa-san reached out to me and said “Thank you for doing your best”. That made me very happy, I was moved.

Watanabe: Ah, that’s what I told you at the stairs. I remember it (laughs).

Tamura: That’s right! I’m glad (laughs).

Interviewer: Since we’re here, is there anything you’d like to ask each other?

Watanabe: How did you feel at first when it was decided that you would be assigned to Keyakizaka46?

Tamura: When I got asked about my hopes regarding the assignment, ever since the auditions I always answered “I want to enter Keyakizaka46”. There were many times when the participants around would respond, saying “You don’t seem to fit in Keyakizaka46. That’s unusual.” when I said that. So there were times when I got stuck thinking “Am I not fit to be in Keyakizaka46?”, but when I was told “You’ll be assigned to Keyakizaka46”, I was honestly happy.

Watanabe: I see. I was worried thinking “I wonder if everyone really wanted to enter Keyakizaka46?”, so I’m really grateful you entered looking forward to it.

Tamura: Almost every 2nd gen was hoping to enter Keyakizaka46.

Watanabe: What, is that so? I’m happy!

Interviewer: It looks like those who wanted to be in Keyakizaka46 have gathered. Tamura-san, do you have any questions for Watanabe-san?

Tamura: What did you think when the 2nd gens entered?

Watanabe: When I heard that new members will be joining I believed it would absolutely be a great way for Keyakizaka46 to move forward, rather, I wanted 2nd gens to enter. And when they entered it was full of serious members after all, I felt I was blessed, I was happy.

Tamura: Thank you very much. I’m blushing (laughs).

Interviewer: Right now it’s exactly the time where Keyakizaka46 is going through changes, this time the documentary film is being released, I believe that this is a pause before the next step going forward.

Watanabe: Of course there’s the fear that the fans will see what we have hid from them thus far, but my way of thinking has changed compared to the past. There’s also a fear of realizing your own immaturity. But, once again, you can get to know that through the film, if you don't have a good image of us, you can get rid of the misunderstanding by watching it. I hope it will be an opportunity to clear up the negative image.

Tamura: I believe the image of the seniors continuing to do their best in tight situations is portrayed many times, for example, for the people who are tired after working just a little, I would be happy if this would make them think “It’s not just me. Those girls are also doing their best”. In addition, the 2nd gens have only entered Keyakizaka46 for only a year and a half, so there were many things in the film that I didn’t know, that’s why I want to take it as future reference the various things I learned from it.

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Translation: SatoneShichi

QC: Mentos, toomuchidea

Raw: sunsetrider