We Still Subbing

  With a bright atmosphere floating in the air, energetically answering the interview was Harada Aoi. The moment I asked about her impressions from the Last Live, she said “It was super fun!” with sparkling eyes as she began to answer. The 2nd day of the live was both fun due to the setlist, and I was happy since I could really see the members’ faces a lot. When I see their smiling faces and that they are enjoying the live I also get a feeling of enjoyment. That we could continue with Keyakizaka46 for 5 years up until now was for sure because they were there for us, the staff who closely supported us and the fans who were always our allies cheered us on. I thought I myself must also do my best, so that we can deliver our feelings of gratitude, and so that it could become a live with good memories. Also, especially because it was the last live, there was a strong feeling that  “I have to do it so there won’t be any regrets” about the things I can do as Keyakizaka46. Possessing ...

  Being the group’s “youngest child” cherished by anyone, there is the charm of the “gap” between the outside appearance and the inside.  The “being loved consultation” of the, in reality shy, companions starts here. 「An existence as a younger sister as well as an older sister」 Yamasaki-san first met Harada-san at the time of the Nippon Budoukan performance in May 2019, is that correct? Ten: Before that we met once. The first time I saw Harada-san she was being surrounded by 1st gen-san. Aoi: At that time I knew there were a few 2nd generation members there but since I am shy I could not really talk. Because of that I greeted 2nd generation members for the first time on the day of Budoukan. If you think about it, it's only been a little more than a year. What impression of Harada-san did Yamasaki-san have from the time you were seeing her on TV?  Ten: She has a sweet appearance so I assumed she was a little sister character, but when I met her it was totally different and...

Note: As suggested by the hairstyle and uniform, this interview is probably conducted in early 2020   [PART 1] Q Keyakizaka established a new idol presence, and while your cool image is strong, are you worried about how that image takes precedence? Akanen: While the “cool” song image takes precedence, we are actually rich with emotions and filled with laughter in like backstage and such, but we rarely get the opportunities to show that side to the screen… Even though the members are very close and have built a trusting relationship with each other, there are those who say that we are on “bad terms” and I’m frustrated that we cannot show people what we are truly are like. Q What kind of group do you really want to convey? Yuuka: I think Keyakizaka46 is a group with a lot of gaps, in a good sense, so I hope more people can see that although we sing songs that are cool or show a rebellious spirit, the members are just normal girls of their age. Yuipon: When I'm on stage, I try my best...

Interviewer: This was the first time we’ve photographed either of you outside since you each did your solo gravure shootings for BLT’s extra issue 「graduation」. Ozeki: How nostalgic! I was a third year in high school! Harada: I was a third year in middle school, damn.....I aged (laughs). I believe I became an adult compared to 4 years ago! Ozeki: But, if Aoi became an adult it would be boring (laughs). Harada: Having 4 years passed and not becoming an adult would be a much bigger problem! Even I’d become an adult after 4 years! Ozeki: You turned into a woman! Harada: Yay! Interviewer: How do you spend your everyday lives? Harada: I stay at home watching movies and dramas, reading manga a lot. (Watanabe) Risa said that “Masquerade Hotel” is interesting, so I wanted to watch it. Ozeki: For me, whenever a movie comes out I immediately go to the movie theater! Harada: Also, I regularly rewatch “Kimi no suizou o tabetai” and cry (laughs). Interviewer: Hamabe Minami...

*Kashinfuu (花信風) is "spring wind telling the tidings of flowers" Campus life -Currently, university is in spring break but, how do you mostly spend your holidays? I watch various movies, read manga and books. My favorite genre is sad stories. I really liked “I want to eat your pancreas”. I read the light novel and I also watched the movie version. The various differences are also interesting. What I read recently is “My lover is like a cherry blossom”. Sickness, bad home environment......I have lived happily without having to experience those. I can only experience those types of words with books and movies after all. I believe that the best thing about movies and light novels is that you can imagine different worlds. Because I have no such education, my mother often said “Please read books”, so that is also a reason (laughs). -Are there times when you go out with any members? The other day I went to shop for clothes with Mii-chan (Koike Minami), after that we a...

What does their first documentary tell about them? Asking the 6 members Keyakizaka46’s documentary movie “Our Lies and Truth: Documentary of Keyakizaka46”. From going around CD stores before debut, nervously showing an awkward smile to their first One Man Live, their first appearance in Kouhaku Uta Gassen, their first National Tour, and then the Tokyo Dome performance that they arrived at after three and a half years, behind the scenes of the postponed 9th single, until the sudden withdrawal of Hirate Yurina who has centered all singles. Now as the group heads toward the 4th anniversary of their debut on 6th April 2020, how do they perceive the meaning of releasing the first documentary of the group? We interviewed six members who are also interviewed in the movie. ---- Please tell me what you feel when you heard that you are getting your first documentary movie. Moriya 　We barely show how we are behind the scene, I feel worried about how people are going to think of it, but...

Harada Aoi who resumed her activity from Republic of Keyaki 2019. She interacts with the 2nd generation member long after they joined, how does she see them? Harada-san, you met 2nd generation for the first time at Budokan in May? Harada: That’s right. I went to visit the dressing room, but at that time I still didn’t know who’s who. After I returned in Republic of Keyaki, the number of times we meet have increased. What impression did you have? Harada: There was a strong impression on how bright they were. During the first year, the 1st generation were also very loud. It reminded me of the past but I also felt very apologetic to them. In Budokan, they (2nd gen) filled-in my position, and since I returned their number of appearances decreased. I had a feeling of uneasiness thinking “Is it okay for me to return?”. But (Tamura) Hono-chan who is positioned next to me in Silent Majority reached out to me with a smile. I also started to speak with Rikopi (Matsudaira Rik...

The girl who was standing on the pier that looked as if she’s going to cross to the other side called adulthood. But no, she stopped just before the front gate. A dialog filled with what happened in one year and three months, one that tells everything. Welcome back Aoi: Ah, I’m back~ (laughs) By the time you come back, 3 members have graduated from the group. I’d like to know how you feel about that… Aoi: I was told by Yone (Yonetani Nanami) about her graduation ahead of everyone. She said through a phone call, “When Aoi enter university, I’m sure you can do both Keyaki and school. I’m sorry I couldn’t be an example for you”. I told her that she shouldn’t think like that. Aoi: Yone has a big heart and is a person who I can easily talk to about anything with, whom you can seek advice with. A person who pays close attention to her surroundings and comforts you when you are down. I was saved by her attentiveness many times before so I said “Returning to a Keyaki without Yon...