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Koike Minami Interview with Cyzo

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Popular Keyakizaka46 member appearing on screen! Her first movie role is unexpectedly in a slapstick film!? The 1st generation member of highly popular idol group Keyakizaka46 is well-versed in Showa music, but is she up to date with current trends? A surprise crossing between Keyakizaka46 member and a “slapstick film.”Debuting as a 1st generation member, Koike Minami also features in her solo photobook, “Bottled Youth”(Gentousha) which was released in September of this year. Interviewer: Koike Minami has been casted as Yoshida Terumi’s assistant personality on the daily radio show “The Hit Studio” since 2017, and now in January of next year she’ll be playing as Yoshida’s granddaughter in the nationally released film “Robber Man,”directed by Kawasaki Minoru, in which Yoshida Terumi plays the starring role. Miichan: Since our usual relationship on radio is that of a grandfather and granddaughter, the role felt very easy to play. I was nervous about radio at the start as well...

Tsukikawa Sho Interview (BRODY February 2020)

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My request was “Please create a masterpiece” The theme this time is “The songs of Keyakizaka46”. I’m thinking of specifically asking you about “Kado wo Magaru” Tsukikawa: I will be in your care Reading the special booklet from Hibiki movie, in the part where you talk with Hirate-san, Director Tsukikawa was the one who suggested “Let’s make an ending song” which gives birth to “Kado wo Magaru” Tsukikawa: Yes, that’s correct. At first I thought that we could use some instrumental music as the ending of the movie, but I want to make it feel richer. Then, I ask Hirate-san, “Would you like to sing?”. She was reluctant at first, saying “... If the Director says so, I’ll sing. But please don’t use it if you don’t think it’s good.” So she’s asking you not to hold back, and to judge it when it’s finished. Tsukikawa: We decided to go with the condition that we must listen to the song first before we decide whether to use it or not. And then I had to request to Akimoto-san what ki...

Uemura Rina Interview (MARQUEE Vol.136)

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Finally, the selection system was also introduced to Keyakizaka46. Uemura Rina became a selected member. In retrospect, 2019 was a turbulent year for Keyakizaka46. From August onward, Uemura Rina had begun serving as center for "Mou mori e kaerou ka?" and "Kimi wo mou sagasanai" in local performances in Miyagi, Kanagawa, Osaka and Fukuoka. Her performances were highly rated for their expressiveness. After such a summer, despite thinking that Uemura had surely gained more confidence, I was surprised by her low self-esteem in this interview. When she heard that the 9th single will have a selection system, her initial thought was "it's over." I listened to her perspective on 2ki’s emergence Hinatazaka46 activities, and what happened to Keyakizaka46 in 2019 after "Kuroi Hitsuji".   Introduction of Keyakizaka46's first selection system Interviewer: What were your thoughts regarding a selection system being used for the 9th single? U...

Ozeki Rika Interview (UTB+49)

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From “Ozeki-Style”, to “cute Ozeki”, then “beautiful Ozeki”. The girl who has plenty of topics. She turned 22 years old this October. That being said, she reveals herself naturally. The theme this time is “Natural Adult Oze-chan!” 2019 was a year filled with doing live performances. I would like 2020 be the year where I would grow as a person. Ozeki-Chan, you turned 22 years old this October. Generally it’s the age to graduate from University and become a working adult, right? It is. Because I’ve taken all classes and credits needed for graduation, now I only go to university occasionally, meeting my classmates and juniors, and also getting a consultation for my future. I see. Ozeki-chan’s career plan is already been decided, eh? (laughs) What decided is just that  my graduation thesis’ theme is about Keyakizaka46. Listening to my friends talking about “I don’t know what I want to do”, I feel thankful that I can do what I want to do. Because the scenario of being entru...

Morita Hikaru Interview (UTB+ Vol 49)

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Interviewer: Since this is your first time featured as solo cover of a magazine, I’d like to ask you about various things. What did you want to be when you were a kid? Hikaru: I wanted to be a zookeeper at an aquarium when I was in elementary school. Interviewer: If you had become a zookeeper, which animal would you have wanted to look after? Hikaru: My favorite fish is Manbou (tn: ocean sunfish), but if I were a zookeeper I’d want to look after penguins. ‘Cuz they’re cute (lol). Interviewer: Koike Minami had an app where she raised penguins didn’t she? Did you also play it? Hikaru: I had the one where you raise an axolotl. Interviewer: And did it grow a lot? Hikaru: It grew so big! Like so large that its face filled the screen. Interviewer: That much!? Hikaru: Well I raised it for at least 500 days or so, but my niece mistakenly reset it. Was a pretty big shock. Interviewer: The surroundings around where you’re from are pretty rich in natur...

Takemoto Yui x Fujiyoshi Karin interview (Big One Girls No. 54 January 2020)

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On December 12th of the previous year, an Omitatekai was held at Nippon Budokan. One year has passed since the 9 second generation members were introduced to the public. How do your impressions of each other now compare with those of back then? Fujiyoshi (F): They haven't changed. Takemoto (T): I feel that we've been together since the start, but that might be so. Do you remember when you first met? T: I do! It was the final audition. F: (laughs) T: Before the final audition, there was SHOWROOM judging, right? I was number 48, and Fujiyoshi was number 66, but since Fujiyoshi was number 66, she was called Roro-chan. (TL note: roku roku) And, at the audition location, we just happened to meet. I thought, 'ah, it's Roro-chan,' but then, it seems like pictures were taken where she had her name plate put on upside down, making it 99. I said to the staff, "Excuse me. Number 66 is upside down…" That was Karin and my first meeting. (laugh) F: I di...

Fantasia - A "Cute" Interview (Uemura Rina, BOMB September 2019)

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"If you say cute, that's definitely an idol" This is the interview where the adorable Uemu looks for what “cute” is! First, speaking of "cute", what is it about? Uemura: Of course, definitely an idol. Even as a fellow girl, looking at them makes me want to protect them. If you would name someone, who is it? Uemura: I've always loved Saito Asuka-san. From when Nogizaka was formed, before I realize, I have fallen for her. Until now, I always search for "Saito Asuka" everyday and my lock screen and home screen background are always Asuka-san. Have you ever talk to her? Uemura: When we passed by each other, I just greet her. But even if there is an opportunity to talk to her, I'll just get nervous so seeing her on TV is enough for me. *laughs* Please tell me your favorite cute things. Uemura: I adore clothes shops and like adorned clothes. All of my clothes are hung using the same hanger and arranged in order ...