We Still Subbing

  Q With the arrival of autumn came the unexpected opportunity to speak at length with you, Koike-san, and we are delighted to have you for another long interview for the third year in a row. This time I hope that we can go briefly back in time to the start of Summer, looking back from around the time of W-KEYAKI FES 2021. Koike: The BACKS members were a step ahead in performing in front of the fans in BACKS LIVE!!, for which I watched Days 1 and 2 online, as well as Day 3 at the venue… On Day 1, when the members appeared for the first song, “Nobody’s Fault,” they all looked really fired up. And it was apparent even with their teary eyes. I only saw it through my screen, and it’s something that only the members who actually stood in that place would know, but it must’ve been such a nostalgic sight after performing in empty halls for the longest time, that I thought they were perhaps feeling a renewed joy from being able to finally perform in front of the fans, realizing it is not s...

Uemura Rina The 1st and 2nd single songs centered by the members in the previous BACKS LIVE!! left a huge impression on me, so I chose a song from the 3rd single. Ozeki Rika For this BACKS LIVE!! I got a chance to perform as the center in “Buddies”. I received a lot of warm words from many people when I took a break. I wouldn’t have been able to stand on the stage again if it wasn’t for the Buddies. I chose this song because I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who came to watch the show and I wanted to convey the lyrics that were linked to my feelings. I’m so glad to be able to meet you Buddies~!!    Koike Minami This time I nominated myself for the center of "Nagaredama", and after it was decided that I was to center the song, I read the lyrics over and over again and sorted out what I wanted to convey in my mind. Though I would also feel hurt from becoming aware of, receiving, and accepting the blades of words in various forms from people I can’t see, I thought I’d...