Friday 31 July 2015

Takeda Rena: 100 questions and answers (Part 3)

Q45. Cosplay you'd like to try out?
A45. YuriKuma Arashi ・ Kantai Collection -KanKore-
Q46. Recommended app?
A46. Love Live!
Q47.  If you could go to anywhere in the world?
A48. I'd like to go to Hawaii!

Thursday 30 July 2015

What I like about H!P (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)


The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, asking about other members.
This one, which came out for the 2015 Winter Hello! Cons, would be Berryz' last as well as Country Girls' first. It also pre-dates Kobushi Factory, who were announced at that Hello! Con itself. Thus, the usual questionnaires are supplemented with a Berryz Kobo special as well as a new members special (MM 12ki, S/mileage 3ki, the 5 new Country Girls).


Q2. This is what I like about H!P.

Shimizu Saki: We all feel like rivals to one another, but everyone has things about them that are worthy of respect. And with that, I like that spirit of cooperation, when everyone comes together as one!!

Tsugunaga Momoko: That we don't have sousenkyo elections (laughs). Even though I say that I'd be all right, since I'd definitely be number one, if we were to actually carry one out, could it be that even this 'gutsy' Momochi might be taken down......!?

Tokunaga Chinami: We're all over the place. It's amusing how personality-wise and looks-wise, we're all over the place.

Sudo Maasa: Our good relationships! I think it's wonderful how, regardless of group, we can all spend time together, talking about all sorts of things.

Natsuyaki Miyabi: I like how each and every one of us has their own strong unique aspects♥ And that everyone's competitive!!!

Kumai Yurina: That it's a gathering of groups rich with personality. It's fun, like a girl's senior high ♥

Sugaya Risako: Individuality!! I don't think that there are people of the same type.

Wednesday 29 July 2015

Takeda Rena: 100 questions and answers (Part 2)

Q22.  Person you use as your fashion reference?
A22. Honda Tsubasa-san!

Q23. What's important to you personally when it comes to make-up?
A23. Eyes and cheeks

Q24. Which prefecture would you like to visit?
A24. Hokkaido!

Tuesday 28 July 2015

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Sudo Maasa x Nakajima Saki

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between pairs of girls, covering all 66 possible combinations of them.


This time around, we'll be looking into the discussion between the main MCs of their respective groups. 

Sudo Maasa X Nakajima Saki

↕↕↕

--- The 2 of you are often depended upon to perform the MC role in your group, but are you comfortable with your current positions? Or would you like to change?

Nakajima: There are times when it's hard to deal with situations, like when what we're talking about is being given the cold shoulder. In my mind, it's like 'I can't say anything interesting......' On the other hand, Chisato and Mai are good at that, it's more interesting for them to talk absent-mindedly, so I'm glad to MC.

Sudo: It's the same for me. Being a tsukkomi to the bokes of the rest kind of harmonises with my own personality. It wouldn't be pretty if I was a boke.

Nakajima: Ah, I get what you mean (laughs).

Sudo: And so, stopping Momo or Chinami who are being the boke or running amok, it's personally comfortable to me.

Monday 27 July 2015

Takeda Rena: 100 questions and answers (Part 1)

Q1.  Hobbies?
A1. Watching anime

Q2. Special Skills?
A2. Rubik's Cube

Q3. Your personality in a single word!
A3. Shy

Q4. Favourite food?
A4. Sweet food、 Meat、 Salmon

Saturday 25 July 2015

Morning Musume。'14 “Ace” Sayashi Riho first independent interview (Excerpts)

{Note: This interview came out early October 2014, over a month before Sayumi's graduation.}
Morning Musume。'14 "Ace" Sayashi Riho First Independent Interview
Morning Musume。'14 "Ace" Sayashi Riho First Independent Interview
⋈⋈

This rehearsal that you're having in this studio today, is it for 【Morning Musume。'14 concert tour autumn  GIVE ME MORE LOVE ~ Michishige Sayumi Sotsugyou Kinen Special ~”】?(※ This interview was done before the aforementioned tour started)

Sayashi Riho: That's right。 I've danced the best I ever have at this rehearsal。 It's the best I've ever done, both in terms of time and movements。

What do you think would be the best-case outcome for this tour?

Sayashi Riho: I think that in many ways, this tour marks a turning point…… Recently、I've been really burning with this desire to raise the level of our performances。 I'm already a senior、 and a lot of people will watch videos of our performances and try to follow our moves。 Up to now, I've been performing while thinking that 「I have to learn more」、 but now I completely enjoy myself while doing it。 With this tour、 I've honestly got worries about the future…… But although 26th November will be the final day、 for some of the people who are attending the opening day  or the performances in between、 this will be the last performance where they'll be able to see Morning Musume。 with Michishige-san in it、 so I'd like us to always come out in fully perfect form。

That drive to improve your performing ability。 I think that's what we call 'the switch being flipped'、 but was there anything that led to it?

Sayashi Riho: I can't point out a particular moment where I can say 'That's it!'、 I think it was something I picked up watching all sorts of people performing。 And so it might not be related to Michishige-san、 I'd just occasionally watch someone's concert video and start thinking 「It'd be interesting if I could do this!」. It lights a fire in me when I notice things like that(laughs)。

Every time I've met with you, Sayashi-san, I got this impression that you 「shone」、 but today you seem the most dazzling that you've ever been。

Sayashi Riho: Thank you very much (laughs)!


Friday 24 July 2015

New Faces: Their Goals (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)

The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, asking about other members.
This one, which came out for the 2015 Winter Hello! Cons, would be Berryz' last as well as Country Girls' first. It also pre-dates Kobushi Factory, who were announced at that Hello! Con itself. Thus, the usual questionnaires are supplemented with a Berryz Kobo special as well as a new faces special (MM 12ki, S/mileage 3ki, the 5 new Country Girls).

This part of the questionnaire comes from the 'new faces' segment, where we get to know more about the new girls and what they think about other H!P members and senpai. Remember that this book pre-dates Kobushi Factory and Tsubaki Factory, but don't worry, they get their turn in the 2015 Summer Maruwakari Book.



Q11. Senpai who is your goal. And your own aim in the future.

Ogata HarunaMy goal is Sayashi Riho-san who I look up to, she's really cool at singing and dancing. I think that it would be nice to not just be a cute idol, but a cheerful one who can brighten up the day.

Nonaka MikiI can't name a person as my goal, but I'd like to become an idol with a high level of professional awareness. Without forgetting my constant efforts, I'd like to do my best. But I'd like to occasionally let out a 'nonchalant' aspect~.

Makino MariaThe senpai I have as my goal is my favourite Hagiwara Mai-san. I'd like to become an idol who'll receive a lot of love from a lot of people.

Haga AkaneJuice=Juice's Takagi Sayuki-san is my goal ♥ Because it's cool how her dancing and singing have an edge to them. I think it would be great if I could be like that.

Murota MizukiI'd like to do my best in order to get even better at singing and acting and dancing, just like Sayashi-san! I'd like to be recognised in the eyes of the world!!

Aikawa MahoMy goal is Hagiwara Mai-san. I'd like to become an idol whose smiles can lift the spirits of those who watch me, and I'd like to become an idol with a sparkling smile.

Sasaki RikakoI look up to Kudo Haruka-san, who's good with facial expressions, and at doing MCs and talks. I'd like to become the universe's number 1 idol, do a dome tour, and bring smiles to the faces of people all over the world.

Yamaki RisaMichishige Sayumi ♥-san! One amazing thing that she accomplished in her long tenure was that she thought harder than anyone about what she could to that would be best for the sake of the group...... I really respect her. And she's more beautiful than anything!!! I'd like to become an idol like that, one who can move the hearts of the people watching her.

Inaba ManakaMy goal would be people with charisma like Sayashi Riho-san or Miyamoto Karin-san. I'd like to become an idol that flourishes in a wide span of fields. Obviously this would include singing and dancing, but I'm also really interested in acting as well. And I'd like to become a person who can bring smiles and joy to a lot of people!!!

Morito ChisakiSayashi Riho-san. I think it's amazing how she stands out on-stage with her skilful dancing and singing. I'd like to become an idol whose singing and dancing is good enough to make people think I'm amazing too.

Shimamura UtaMy goal is to love my group like Michishige Sayumi-san, and go all out with our activities. Without losing my sense of transparency, I'd like to establish my reputation in another genre.

Ozeki MaiMy aim is Michishige Sayumi-san! Michishige-san entered Morning Musume。-san at about the same age as me, and she became the leader. Watching Michishige-san, I think that I think that if I do my best, wouldn't I be able to stand at the top? Just standing on the stage as an idol, the biggest thing may be to make sure everyone watching my performance has a good time, but firstly, I think it's important to enjoy myself. And I'd like to become an artiste who always shines!

Notes and observations:

  • So which senpai is everyone's goal?
    4 mentions: Sayashi Riho
    3 mentions: Michishige Sayumi
    2 mentions: MaiMai
    Single mention: Takagi Sayuki, Kudo Haruka, Karin-chan
  • Chel makes a non-commital answer, while Manakan named two people... though the way I read it, they're used more as examples than as direct references.
  • Quick language note: I found the phrasing of the question a bit weird. I'm familiar with the wording '憧れの先輩' (akogare no senpai), but it was phrased as '目標とする先輩' (mokuhyou to suru senpai), which sounds somewhat stilted to me. My translation would be 'Senpai I look up to' and 'Senpai I set as my goal' respectively. Checking with native speakers, the former is suggests that the senpai is more of an unattainable goal, an impossible dream, while the latter has more of this image that this is a senpai you can eventually catch up to.

Thursday 23 July 2015

Favourite song from a group that isn't yours (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)


The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, asking about other members.
This one, which came out for the 2015 Winter Hello! Cons, would be Berryz' last as well as Country Girls' first. It also pre-dates Kobushi Factory, who were announced at that Hello! Con itself. Thus, the usual questionnaires are supplemented with a Berryz Kobo special as well as a new members special (MM 12ki, S/mileage 3ki, the 5 new Country Girls).


Q7. Favourite song from a group that isn't yours

Shimizu Saki: ℃-ute's 'Hitori Shimeshitakattadakenanoni'. I started to like it a lot more when I heard it at the September 10th Budokan performance!! It's a good song.

Tsugunaga Momoko: ℃-ute's 'Momoiro Sparkling'. That's Momochi's song! When ℃-ute released this song, I though 'Why wasn't it me!?', I think so even now (laughs).

Tokunaga Chinami: The title of S/mileage's 'Samui ne.' is cute. You want to listen to it in winter!!! Ah, but I occasionally listen to it in summer too.

Sudo Maasa: I've always loved ℃-ute's 'Namida no Iro', from way back.

Natsuyaki Miyabi: I've always liked S/mileage's 'Samui Ne.' from the moment I first heard it ♥ When it's wintertime, I want to listen to it more.

Kumai Yurina: Morning Musume。 'Koi-ing', ℃-ute 'Love take it all', S/mileage 'Please Miniskirt Postwoman'

Sugaya Risako: S/mileage's 'Samui ne.' and Juice=Juice's 'Ijiwaru Shinaide Dakishimete yo'.

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Shimizu Saki x Yajima Maimi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between pairs of girls, covering all 66 possible combinations of them.


This time around, we'll be looking into the discussion between Berryz Kobo's Shimizu Saki and  ℃-ute's Yajima - the eldest 2 of both groups, and 12-nin BeriKyuu in general. 

Shimizu Saki X Yajima Maimi

As Captain & Leader, these 2 bring together their respective groups
Originally they were appointed for a position they were weak at, the change that occurred with these girls was...?

Saturday 18 July 2015

What are the legends of 「Juice=Juice」, H!P's secret weapon who have finally attained a 1st place on the Oricon charts?

Juice=Juice who acquired the first place
on Oricon 
2 years from their indies début
Taking 1st place on the 20th April Oricon Weekly Rankings with their 6th single 「Wonderful World/Ca va ? Ca va ?」 in their 3rd year since their début、we have the 5 person unit Juice=Juice !
This is their first time attaining the top position, 2 years since their début in April  2013。 They represent the 2nd Hello! Project group to achieve this after Morning Musume。、 and within the many idol groups attached to H!P such as Morning Musume。’15 and ℃-ute 、 they are currently particularly burning with vigour。
So with the with a WPB NEWS interview entitled 「Congratulations on your Oricon 1st place」、 we take an exclusive charge at the 5 members (Miyamoto KarinUemura AkariMiyazaki Yuka、 Kanazawa Tomoko、 Takagi Sayuki)! As the latter part、 here we uncover the legends of each memberーー and present to you a surprising confession!?
* * *
宮本佳林
Miyamoto Karin
―At the beginning of this year, Miyamoto-san was selected as one of 「Idols to look out for this year、 chosen by ShuuPure NEWS」。 There was even an interview。(Article→/2015/01/28/42600/, English translation→here
Miyamoto Yes!  Thank you very much for that time (With a smile)。
― On that occasion、 we heard of various 「Miyamoto Karin legends」 such as 「Starting with make-up at 10 years old」, 「Dancing at full power with a broken leg」, 「Waking up at 4 in the morning to do individual practice」, they're all things that have an impact… By the way, do the other 4 of you have any 「legends」 that carry an impact?
Takagi Yes、 we do! I put on weight super easily、 but I can lose it in the blink of an eye when I make a serious effort!
―Eh? This would be a 『Takagi Sayuki 'losing weight in the blink of an eye' legend』??
Takagi For example、 I was plump the day before yesterday 。 But、 yesterday、 I put in effort。
4 of them Indeed! You've slimmed down today!!
高木紗友希
Takagi Sayuki

Thursday 16 July 2015

Kenshuusei who's caught your interest recently (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)


The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, asking about other members.
This one, which came out for the 2015 Winter Hello! Cons, would be Berryz' last as well as Country Girls' first. It also pre-dates Kobushi Factory, who were announced at that Hello! Con itself. Thus, the usual questionnaires are supplemented with a Berryz Kobo special as well as a new members special (MM 12ki, S/mileage 3ki, the 5 new Country Girls).


Q10. Who's the H!P Kenshuusei who's recently caught your interest?

Shimizu Saki: Nomura Minami-chan. She came along with us during Berryz Kobo's autumn tour, and she learned really passionately, watching us perform from the wings of the stage.

Tsugunaga Momoko: Everyone! All of them shine. Momochi would like to practise the 'angle of my bow' too!!

Tokunaga Chinami: Funaki-chan. She appeared at Berryz Kobo's concerts, and every time I meet her, she's grown bigger!!

Sudo Maasa: Funaki Musubu-chan. She participated in Berryz Kobo's live performances, and your eyes follow her as her solo parts and dancing are really cute ♥

Natsuyaki Miyabi: Funaki-chan. She's steadily developing at dancing and singing!!! To the extent that Funaki-chan often comes up as a topic of conversation among the members of Berryz Kobo. Everyone's says 'She's cute ♥ she's cute ♥' ^o^

Kumai Yurina: Fujii-chan. She appears with us on-stage for this tour, but I think it was cute how she'd always be smiling at the side of the stage, watching us perform.

Sugaya Risako: It made me really happy when Ogawa Rena-chan told me that she liked me ♥ Ever since she was in the Kenshuusei, Inaba Manaka-chan who's now in Country Girls danced really dynamically with her tiny body, it's attractive!

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Idol Frontline 2015: Messages to Berryz Kobo (Minewaki Ikuo, Tower Records CEO)


Minewaki Ikuo, CEO of Tower Records, is also well known for being a Kumai-chan wota. Something he's particularly notorious for is his collection of Kumaicho photos. It's not just that he collects photos of Kumai-chan, but his collection also includes photos that don't directly have Kumai-chan in focus. For an example of what I'm talking about, take a look at the picture of lovely little Momochi below. Now note the helpful little arrow pointing out Kumai-chan in the background. Yes, his collection also spans to include pictures like these.


Another corporate head who's also notable for his support towards a H!P Kids act would be the president of Pizza-La, who supported Buono! by sponsoring their radio show, providing them appearances on commercials, and even a short concert tour.

Anyway, here's Minewaki-san, talking about Berryz:


Sunday 12 July 2015

Momochi on how she planned her future

― 「Momochi-senpai」 acquired her teaching licence at university、 and graduated without a hitch。
Tsugunaga: With some influence from my father、I made the decision to continue on studying at university in the future。 What's more、 I enjoyed being at school。 I earnestly contemplated about my path when I was in my 2nd year of senior high、 as my friends were talking about their futures, which made me feel like「I've got to give it some serious thought too」。 
Of course、 I was a member of Berryz Kobo at the time、 and those activities were important as well、 but it was because I thought there were a lot of things that I would like to learn not just as 「Momochi」、 but as 「Tsugunaga Momoko」。
I looked for a university that would let my studies be centred around my aspiration of being a primary school teacher。 I found universities that would allow me to attend while working、 but I was unable to participate in things like open campuses due to work concerns、 and reading university materials、 I narrowed down my university choices while discussing it with my parents。 I would start studying for tests from 9 at night after I was done with work。 At times, it would go to the extent that I would immerse myself in my studies at a family restaurant together with my mother。 
As a result of making efforts to be frugal with sleep time、 I remember being overjoyed when I passed。 
Securing time was really tough、 as I chased after a balance between university activities and work、 but I think both were accomplished perfectly、 and in addition to a primary teacher's licence、 I also acquired a kindergarten teacher's licence。 There were tough times、 but I think it was great that I was able to graduate without a hitch。
Source: Shinro Navi

Saturday 11 July 2015

1001 Nights - The 21st Night: Miyamoto Karin

Continuing on in the series of Hello! Shop 1001 Nights talk events, Miyamoto Karin made an appearance for the 21st instalment on the 7th of July 2015!

Usual disclaimer that these are based on fan reports on Twitter, and what with the translation process, and stitching the tweets together into a cohesive report, please bear in mind that there are bound to be mistakes and/or inaccuracies. That out of the way, this event's hashtag was #FirstSqueeze!

òòò

Even before the event started, the idol cyborg gave us fallible human beings a quick reminder.

This is Miyamoto Karin!
Today! At the Akihabara store、
Hello! Shop 1001 Nights
Juice=Juice Miyamoto Karin 「Tanabata no Yoru ha 1st Album Hatsubai Chokuzen Special!」 will be held!
Event participation tickets along with product exchange coupons are currently being sold at the Akihabara store!
I'll be waiting for all of you♡
And how can you resist that? The cost of entry was making an album pre-order, which is probably what the aforementioned product exchange coupons are for. Buy an album, get to participate in a Karin talk event? Sounds all-upside to me.

Thursday 9 July 2015

H!P member you'd like to get closer with (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)


The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, asking about other members.
This one, which came out for the 2015 Winter Hello! Cons, would be Berryz' last as well as Country Girls' first. It also pre-dates Kobushi Factory, who were announced at that Hello! Con itself. Thus, the usual questionnaires are supplemented with a Berryz Kobo special as well as a new members special (MM 12ki, S/mileage 3ki, the 5 new Country Girls).


Q4. The H!P member(s) that you'd like to get closer to from now on

Shimizu Saki: Kudo Haruka-chan. Kuduu's adorable ♥ I'd like to try becoming friends!!

Tsugunaga Momoko: ANGERME's Wada Ayaka-chan. I'd like to try going on a date with her ♥ Anything except going to art museums or Buddha statues!!

Tokunaga Chinami: Iikubo-chan. She seems to know a lot of trivia, I'd like to try talking with her about all sorts of things

Sudo Maasa: Morning Musume。´15's Fukumura Mizuki-chan. Recently we've been exchanging a lot of messages, which makes me want to talk with her even more ♥ I'd like to hang out together next time.

Natsuyaki Miyabi: The new members of ANGERME and the new members of Morning Musume。´15.

Kumai Yurina: Kuduu ♥ I really like Kuduu's singing, we've had normal conversations together, and I know her contact address, but I'd like to know her better!

Sugaya Risako: Everyone♥ Since there are members here are with whom I still haven't had a proper chat with......

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Idol Frontline 2015: Messages to Berryz Kobo (non H!P)

Moving on from the messages from fellow H!P members, we now have some messages from non-H!P fans.


These were the people who had something to say to Berryz Kobo:

  • Otani Masae (Former Melon Kinenbi)
  • Hori Miona (Nogizaka 46)
  • Yanagihara Kanako
  • Iwao Nozomu
  • Kato Takako
  • Minewaki Ikuo
  • Takenaka Natsumi
  • Mikity Honmono (NichoHaro)
  • Omori Nozomi
  • Utamaru (Rhymester)
  • Okite Porche
  • Nanba Kazumi
  • Takayuki Mizushina

One name I'm surprised isn't on the list is the now-#1 of the 48 collective, Sashihara Rino. If you're not familiar, Sasshi's a big Berryz fan, a Kumai-oshi in particular.

Saturday 4 July 2015

MaaDuu Returns: Sayu interview - Top Yell November 2014

{Note that the interview itself was conducted on the 22nd of September, a week before the 12th gen were revealed at the Nippon Budokan. Also, included in the compilation is a short discussion between MaaDuu and the interviewer while they waited for Sayu to show up, which doesn't appear in the pages of the magazine. The interviewer even alludes to their pre-interview discussion near the end.}


▬○▬○▬

---[H]as your impression of Michishige-san changed  from the time of your début?

Sato: At first, I was really scared of her. It was the same for Minishige-san, Tanasa-tan, Niigaki-san, Takahashi-san... I was scared of all of them.

▬○▬○▬


I want people who are older than us to join as 12th generation members.
Since I want the MaaDuu combi to eternally be junior in age
(Sato Masaki)

In the final stretch towards her graduation, what's in the hearts of the MaaDuu combi?

Thursday 2 July 2015

H!P member that caught your interest in 2014 (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)


The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, asking about other members.
This one, which came out for the 2015 Winter Hello! Cons, would be Berryz' last as well as Country Girls' first. It also pre-dates Kobushi Factory, who were announced at that Hello! Con itself. Thus, the usual questionnaires are supplemented with a Berryz Kobo special as well as a new members special (MM 12ki, S/mileage 3ki, the 5 new Country Girls).


Q3. The H!P member that caught your interest through their activities in 2014

Shimizu Saki: Ayacho (Wada Ayaka). I feel that she's really grown up ever since the decision for S/mileage's Budokan concert was made. While the cuteness still remains in her appearance, the grown-up Ayacho is an angel ♥

Tsugunaga Momoko: Morning Musume。´15's Suzuki Kanon-chan ♥ It's such a surprise to see her showing off her body is a surprise!! She's worthy of respect from this Momochi, who's completely full of things I won't let people see!

Tokunaga Chinami: Sayashi Riho. If anything, watching her at concert rehearsals, she's really good at dancing. Her dancing draws your eyes in, I envy her.

Sudo Maasa: Berryz Kobo. Because I love Berryz Kobo ♥

Natsuyaki Miyabi: Sasaki Rikako-chan ♥ We haven't really had opportunities to talk, but I've always been interested in her ♥♥♥

Kumai Yurina: The new members of Morning Musume。´15 and ANGERME. They're young and powerful, so I'm interested in finding out what sort of personalities these girls have.

Sugaya Risako: S/mileage!!! They've upped the number of members & changed their name...... I'm really interested in what'll happen after this, and I'm keeping an eye on them!