Recent CD Purchases

I ordered a bunch of CDs recently over the past couple months and they've all arrived. It's been a while since I have this many at once, so I thought I'd do a little write up. This isn't a review of the albums, more like an insight into why I bought them and a little info about the groups.

(Top Row L to R: EMPiRE, Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, and Beyooooonds)

----

(Bottom Row L to R: Kodomo Dragon, Baby Kingdom, and Ladybaby)

First up is Ladybaby. I was aware the them, but didn't start following the group until their new lineup in 2018. Their MV for their first single as 4 members, "Hoshi no nai Sora", really got my attention. At the time, there were a bunch of pseudo metal Idol groups in Indie scene, but none of them really interested me. Ladybaby were exactly what I was looking for. There's definitely some Baby Metal influences here, but Ladybaby specifically label themselves as Kawaii Core, and I think they differentiated themselves enough from the former to create their own identity.

Unfortunately, things didn't turn out so well for them. In October 2019, they announced the group would be going on hiatus. Typically, Idol groups don't come back after taking a hiatus, so this might be the end for them. There were definitely problems behind the scenes. They most likely ran out of money and couldn't keep going. There was huge gap between the release of their first and second singles with the new lineup. Ladybaby released some digital singles to tide fans over, but it's difficult to generate money without something physical to sell. I believe the delay was due to looking for a new record label. They found one for the second single, but it was too little too late.

This compilation album, "Reburn", includes all their releases over the past two years. I never bought the singles, so I'm happy they put this out. Unfortunately, there's no DVD as a bonus. It would have been nice to include the MVs that weren't on the physical singles. They did do a good job on the booklet though. There's some nice pictures inside and it's on high quality paper.

EMPiRE is part of the WACK stable of groups which includes BiSH, GANG PARADE, and others. They debuted in December of 2017 and are a collaboration between WACK and Avex. They were meant to be kind of a little sister group to BiSH. I've always liked their sound which is a departure from most of the music their company releases. Their songs are almost entirely electronic and vary between dance and more melancholic vibes. I still really like their debut digital release in Dec. 2017.

EMPiRE has maintained the same design aesthetic with their costumes over the past two years, so they are instantly recognizable. Their overall concept is very artistic, but they occasionally veer into more traditional WACK-like territory with bizarre and disturbing imagery. Their MV for "Black to the dreamlight" was temporarily banned on television due to graphic imagery, so it had to be re-edited for broadcast. "The Great Journey" is their second full album and the first on CD. Their previous releases were on Cassette, so it's nice to finally get something a little more convenient to play!

Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, Ebichu for short, is part of Stardust Plant, the Idol Division of Stardust Entertainment. Together with with Momoiro Clover Z (aka Momoclo) and Team Shachi (formerly Team Syachihoko), they form the Stardust Sisters. The debuted in 2009, one year after Momoclo, so they celebrated their 10th Anniversary last year. "Music" was released with the Anniversary in mind.

Ebichu has been very consistent with their releases. They might be the most consistent of all the Stardust Planet groups. There's 12 of them, so that's saying something! I own two other Ebichu albums and handful of singles, so with this purchase, my collection is becoming substantial.

Kaho here is super tall, so I like how she's playing up her height by not fitting into the frame.

I got a photocard of Rika. She's probably my third favorite member, so I'm okay with this.

Beyooooonds is a new group from Hello Project. And yes, you write the letter "o" 5 times, lol. They're a combination of 3 smaller groups: Chika Tetsu, Ame no Mori Kawa Umi, and the 3 winners of H!P's "Only You" audition. Their concept is a bit hard to define as they mix theater into live performances. I took this directly from their page on the Hello Project Wiki to help explain:

"The name was chosen with hopes of the group growing freely towards the future, beyond their existing framework, with the group aiming for an ever-changing appearance similar to slime."

I didn't followed H!P that much last decade. Once my favorite members of Morning Musume left the group, I was no longer invested in the company. I started following the H!P again in 2017. Groups like Angerme and Juice=Juice caught my attention, but I hesitated to buy anything. After Beyooooonds released their debut single "Megane no Otoko no Ko", I couldn't hold out any longer. I enjoyed the song more than I expected and the MV was allot of fun. H!P really can't go wrong with putting a bunch of girls on a train.

Even though I liked their debut, I can't justify buying singles anymore. I do make exceptions (I bought a bunch of copies of C-ute's final single), but I typically wait for an album to be released. Thankfully, I didn't have long to wait. Idols mainly focus on singles nowadays, so Beyooooonds probably won't release another album anytime soon.

There's nothing particularly exciting about the packaging or the booklet for this version, but it came a with a sweet clear file as the bonus.

It's currently in my place of honor.

*The spot was previously occupied by the 3D clear file from Momoclo's 5th album.

Now it's time to switch gears and talk about some Visual Kei. The glory days of this genre are long gone, but I've always had a soft spot for it. I don't follow the scene that much, but there's a handful of groups that I check in on from time to time. Both Kodomo Dragon and Baby Kingdom are on BP Records.

I Really liked Kodomo Dragon's first two albums, but when I heard the singles leading up to the Wolfman album, I felt like they had ran out of ideas. Wen I checked up on them again, I liked what I was hearing. It felt like they got their mojo back. I was really anticipating this album when it came out in March 2019, but I ended up not buying it until now. (The song below is an old favorite of mine)

Why did it take so long? Well, for a long time I ordered all my Japanese CDs from YesAsia. I've only had one bad experience with the site, so I kept using it. A couple years ago I discovered that CD Japan not only gives you points, but includes pre-order bonuses like posters, so I switched entirely over to them. When Kodomo's 4th album came out, I couldn't find it on CD Japan. This was unusual. I probably could have contacted them to see if they could add it, but I was lazy. I eventually went back to YesAsia, and low and behold, there it was. I'd also been getting into Baby Kingdom last year, and since shipping takes so long with YesAsia (It's based in Hong Kong), I thought I might as well add their album too.

There's nothing special about the packaging of "Tegura Magura" and the booklet just has the lyrics, but here's the photocards I got.

(Chamu - Drums & Yume - Guitar)

I wasn't sure about Baby Kingdom when I first listened to them. Their music was okay, but not particularly memorable. That was back when they were on a different label. Since signing with BP Records, they've grown a bit and I was impressed by some of the digest videos they uploaded from their concerts. Like I said, I added this to my order because shipping takes so long, but I like them enough that I probably would have bought the album eventually.

"Age + Plus" is their debut on BP Records. They offer a good counterpoint to Kodomo Dragon. Baby Kingdom has a fairly light rock sound, while Kodomo favors a darker and heavier sound.

The artwork on the discs of Baby Kingdom's album is worth noting.

And here's the photocards.

(Monyo - Bass & Shiki - Guitar)

And that about does it. One of these days I should make a post showcasing all the photocards I've accumulated over the years. Maybe for the 2nd Anniversary of my blog. I could do several posts just on all the H!P cards I've got, so maybe a "best of" would suffice.

LADYBABY comments on new MV for "Thunder Breaks the Heavens"

In the new song, along with LADYBABY's unique J-Rock + Death Voice, elements such as Rap and Mixture have been added. It's an intense song where by the personalities of all 4 members stand out.

An intense and beautiful video has been created to express the energy of LADYBABY at a live performance. The members have commented on the video upon release.

(*Mixture refers to "Mixture Rock". It's a term used exclusively in Japan. The equivalent in other countries would be Crossover or Fusion. In Japan, the accepted meaning of Mixture is when Rock is mixed with music from other genres. Examples would be Funk Rock, Rap Rock, Rap Metal, etc.)

Kaneko Rie

After almost a year, the 4 of us continue to stand together. I've learned allot, and now I truly understand the significance of the group becoming 4. We've obtained our own individual strength and color, and "Thunder Breaks the Heavens" was made possible because of our journey over the past year. There's a strength that the 4 of us have only when we're together. We wouldn't be able to create this work any other way. By all means, put us in the fire. Then let's rise and continue to have fun together.

(*Rie always speaks in a strange way. She uses the word "Yakitsuku" which means to burn. It refers to paint that must be baked in order to dry. It's similar to the curing process)

Ikeda Nana

I think this single "Thunder Breaks the Heavens" is a nice departure from the songs of LADYBABY, and we're displaying a different kind of coolness. The individuality that each member has cultivated over the past year shows simply and firmly throughout the MV. I want allot of people to see the chemistry between LADYBABY and THE CHAOS (*Their backing band).

Karasawa Fuka

The members of CHAOS also participated in the MV. It's become a work full of individual expression and dancing! I'm glad that we can finally show it to everyone, and that many people in the world will be able to see it, but I want you to get excited for the live!

Arima Emily

The intro contains my favorite Djent element, so I was really excited to record it! It's an original song where the aggressiveness is pushed to the front with screams. The writer worked hard to find chords that would be close to the member's singing voices. During the filming, we asked THE CHAOS to participate. I think the 8 of us together make the strongest Kaminari! In this MV, I hope that the music will connect us with everyone.

(*Djent is a subgenre of Progressive Metal. Kaminari refers to the comedy Duo from Ibaraki prefecture. Since LADYBABY and The CHAOS are 2 groups, it's a joke, lol)

https://www.ladybaby-fc.com/posts/6093742?categoryIds=1556916

LADYBABY to release 2nd Single as 4 members

LADYBABY will release their 2nd physical single "Haten ni Raimei" (Thunder Breaks the Heavens) on May 28th through the new label, Raimei Records (Thunder Records). It incorporates various elements such as JPop, Hip Hop, Death Voice, etc. into a heavy sound that is synonymous with LadyBaby. The single will include 2 coupling tracks "God's Not" and "LB 4 Future".

(*Haten comes from "Haten Kou (破天荒)". It means "Doing something that has never been done before" or "Unheard of/Unprecedented". A literal translation would be "Break the Heavens", so the title would be "Thunder Breaks the Heavens")

Raimei Records is a joint label between TV Tokyo Music and Clearstone. It will strongly support Artists that are unique within the music industry and allow them to develop without interference.

2019.5.28 On Sale. LADYBABYニューシングル『破天ニ雷鳴』
＜価格＞¥1.200（税込）
＜品番＞QARF-20001 ～ 20005（全5形態）

(収録曲)
1. 破天ニ雷鳴
2. God’s Not
3. LB 4 Future

【発表！】5/28 新レーベルよりシングル「破天ニ雷鳴」リリース決定！
https://t.co/oDZYEPGsbg

リリースイベント（フリーミニライブ＆特典会）第一弾も決定！

— LADYBABY＠3/27渋谷クラブクワトロ (@ladybaby2015) March 1, 2019

Normally, I wouldn't post something basic like this, but this will be LADYBABY's first physical single since "Hoshi no nai sora" was released a year ago. They did release a digital single "Damedame Dono" last October, and just released another one last week, "Riot Anthem", but I expected a little more after they became a 4 member group. When they started making digital releases, I was worried they were running out of money, but they must have just been looking for a new record deal. Hopefully it means we'll get more substantial releases this year.

Comments from the members:

Kaneko Rie

"I'm happy to see new and important works by the 4 of us increase. On this single, I think that the color of each member can be seen, and it incorporates what we've learned/experienced over the past year since the group became 4 members. The strength of the song lies in the immediacy of the lyrics, of what it says about who we are "now". Along with the heaviness, rapping, and metal riffs, it's a song that can only be expressed to it's fullest when performed live, so by all means, please listen to it with that feeling!"

Ikeda Nana

"I'm very happy to release our new single this way. This song differ slightly from the atmosphere/vibe we've created up till now. There's a bit of a street vibe with lots of rapping. It's become a very cool song! It's because of the current incarnation of LADYBABY that you can enjoy this kind of music!"

Karasawa Fuka

"I'm really happy that we decided to release our first single in about a year! When you listen to it live, it's a song that unexpectedly becomes a lullaby, so please look forward to it."

Arima Emily

"Depending on the style of these 3 lovely songs, they create a work that vividly showcases each members personality! I was honored to be involved in the production by writing lyrics for the Death Voice parts. I'd be happy if you'd listen to it."

https://www.ladybaby-fc.com/posts/5809375?categoryIds=1556916

LADYBABY Natalie Interview Part 2 and 3

"What kind of image do you get when you look at Kaneko Rie"

--I heard Kaneko's opinion of the new members during their self introduction, but I'd like to ask what kind of impression the new members got from Kaneko.

Arima: When an Artist stands on stage, I think the best part of them comes out. When Rie is standing on stage, She's super cool. However, even off stage, Rie's normal state is also cool.

Karasawa: I can't do many things without someone's help, so Rie is always helping me, like setting my hair.

Kaneko: I'd rather take care of it myself. I'm like an overattentive Grandma (laughs).

Ikeda: Rie will say even my negative aspects are good and she won't hesitate to listen when I'm troubled. She gives of the feeling of a Sister you can depend on. Lately, we've been together everyday, so I can see how down to earth she is. I can depend on her, so from this point on, I want to give her my support.

"No matter the structure, there were people who cared"

--As soon as the new members joined, The Live Tour in the Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo areas,

"Ladybaby 'Tour 2018 Sadame'" was organized.

Kaneko: When I sang the songs from the previous Era, I thought "this feels completely different". I don't know what fans think of singing the old songs with new members. It's strange that I was feeling so nostalgic. In the past, whether the group consisted of 3 people or 2 people, I thought it would work. However, I started worrying "what if I didn't feel like I could continue as 4 members". But when the 4 of us performed live, the feeling that "this is completely different" was born. It left a lasting impression. I got a strong feeling that "it can work with these 4 people". Up til this point, Ladybaby was special, but I think it's getting better.

(*This paragraph was a little difficult. The 3 new members speak very plainly and are easy to understand, but Kaneko tends to be very philosophical when she speaks, so it's not always easy to figure out what she's getting at. My original translation of the previous paragraph was a little confusing so I restructured it and now I think it gets her point across better)

--So that was your mental state.

Kaneko: I think the way new line up expresses itself is different. More emotional and intense parts can come out on stage. We've stored up allot of emotions up to this point and the performances have made use of these. I've noticed that the type of live performance has matured.

--How have the live performances been for you, Ikeda?

Ikeda: I was very nervous when we performed in Osaka and Nagoya. Of course, there were some doubts and criticism when the new members were decided. The first Live was really scary. I had been taking lessons and got frustrated because I wasn't getting it. Up till now, when I had Modeled, I never had any fear when I went out on stage, but I started to think about what kind of expressions the fans would have, and what the mood would be like waiting for the show to start, so I was about to cry before the concert started and my legs were trembling.

However, when I stood on stage, everyone was waiting with a smile and when we started the performance, I got excited and I had so much fun. I thought "so this is what it's like singing and dancing at a Ladybaby Live stage". More than the feeling of an achievement, I just kept think about how much fun it was. I'm thankful to the fans of Ladybaby for coming, and I'm really glad I decided to joining the group.

Arima: I had to memorize more than 12 songs in about 3 weeks, which was really difficult. A few times I thought "I won't go tomorrow!" However, everyone was kind to me, especially Rie who was polite when teaching me the dances. Without that, I would have been garbage.

--I did't think you would be so hard on yourself (laughs).

Arima: At the Osaka One Man I was thinking "If I forget the dance or the lyrics, what should I do?", so I had allot of anxiety about whether I could do my performance properly. But as I did more Lives, the choreography became ingrained in my body. I also got a good feeling doing the Death Voice at the venues, so by the time of the final performance in Tokyo, I felt really comfortable.

Karasawa: I was used to Singing and Dancing, but at the first performance in Osaka, I was uneasy and my voice had a hard time coming out. However, in Nagoya, it was a mixture of anxiety and enjoyment, and when we got to Tokyo, it was more like 80% fun. I gradually became able to enjoy performing,  and felt like "I'm ready for today's live, yahoo!".

--Did the feeling of the Live itself change?

Kaneko: In the past, I felt like the Stage and the Floor were separate. Now, the instant I stand on Stage, I feel like the boundaries have disappeared. At that moment, the light illuminates the face of the fans and they become visible, and it's a new feeling.

--Previously, you had said "I want to see who will win if Ladybaby collides with the fans", so this is a big change.

Kaneko: I can feel the atmosphere from the fans at the venue. It's not something born naturally, and I feel like I've gotten used to it. Only at a Live when Listeners are in front of you can you feel like they are enjoying the music. At the Osaka One Man, I thought "no matter what shape Ladybaby might take, people will accept it", and I was overwhelmed with emotion.

(*I don't know what the Interview is referring to when they brought up who would win between Ladybaby and the fans. I'm guessing it's from a previous interview. I'm not that familiar with the group's history)

"Because of these 4 people, it can be sung"

--And on May 30th, the 1st Single under the new system "Hoshino Nai Sora" will be released.

Kaneko: Since this Single involved people who are connected to the 3 member Era, it's a work that feels very special. Up till now, Hoshino Nai Sora is a song that you wouldn't find Ladybaby releasing, and I think it's a song with music and lyrics that can only be sung by these 4 people.

Arima: Because the lyrics work so well with the Scream and Death Voice, it feels really good to sing.

--What about the Coupling Songs, "Bit Me" and "Biri Biri Money feat. Ladybeard"?

Kaneko: Bite Me is a song I could write only because I'm continuing with Ladybaby and I understand Omori Seiko.

Arima: Each members personality comes out, and the style of the lyrics is like the way Rie writes on SNS. I got the feeling Omori was watching over Rie.

Kaneko: Biri Biri Money feat. Ladybeard is produced by Asano Takashi who also made "Nippon Manju".

Arima: The lyrics are like JPop, but they're expressed through screaming. The difference in feeling is interesting.

Kaneko: Through this Single, I'm really looking forward to what things we can break down in the future.

Karasawa: All 3 songs have a different tone, and I think the lyrics are looking forward to the image Ladybaby will take from this point on.

Ikeda: The first time I heard our voices over top of the music, I was touched. During my first recording session, I was confused about allot of things, but accepted that I was just starting out. After listening positively to the music that had been assembled for the Single, I was really looking forward to tackling these 3 songs.

"For the group to be loved by all Earthlings"

--In addition to this Single release event, the national tour "Tour 2018 -Encounter-Revenge-" will

start on 6/10.

Kaneko: It's the Lives that really makes us feel close. It expresses the feeling that "This is Ladybaby right now". I want to create a Live that can express the feeling that "This is Ladybaby after all" and "This is Ladbaby now"  both at the same time.

(*I think what Kaneko means is that the group can remain familiar to fans, while at the same time, become something new)

Ikeda: I want to go to places I've never been to before, and make each show as fun as possible, without letting anyone down.

Karasawa: I think there are lots of people who've never seen us perform live, so I'd be happy if I could express the charm of this Ladybaby.

Arima: Since the performance anxiety is a little lighter after finishing the Osaka One Man, I want to make a live that takes us to the next level.

--In conclusion, what kind of things do you want to show with these 4 people?

Kaneko: I'd would be happy if we could transcend the genre and structure/boundaries of Idols and Artists. The bigger a group gets, the more you see them instead of the genre. I want to become like One OK Rock, BiSH, and X Japan. I would like to do this moving forward with Ladybaby.

Ikeda: Obviously, we're a group, but each person has a strong personality, so I would like to make good use of that.

Arima: I want the 4 of us to become 1 when we stand on stage. I really want to make a Live that leaves a strong memory of the 4 of us standing on stage.

Karasawa: I don't want to be caught up in Genre or Race. I want to be loved by all Earthlings (laughs).

(From L to R: Arima Emiri, Ikeda Nana, Kaneko Rie, & Karasawa Fuka)

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/ladybaby02/page/2

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/ladybaby02/page/3

LADYBABY Natalie Interview Part 1

I tend to translate articles and interviews from the same groups, so I was looking for something different. I've become more interested in LADYBABY with the new lineup, so when I saw this Interview on Natalie last month, I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

"The new system will transcend genre and structure"

Ladybaby will release their new single "Hoshino nai Sora" on May 30th.

In February of this year, 3 new members joined the group: Ikeda Nana (Nana Chyamu), Arima Emiri, and Karasawa Fuka. The group also changed it's name from "The Idol Formerly Known as Ladybaby" back to "Ladybaby", as they were originally known. After announcing the new 4 member system, they embarked on their One Man Tour "LadyBaby - Tour 2018 Sadame", and recorded the Single "Hoshino nai Sora". The Reborn LadyBaby spoke with Natalie about how the new members joined, the activities under the new system, and the future goals of the group.

"Rather than saying I wanted to become an Idol, I wanted to be in Ladybaby"

--In Feb. of this year, in addition to kaneko Rie, 3 members joined the group to create a new 4 member system. first, I'd like to ask the new members how they joined the group. Arima, you went to the audition didn't you?

Arima (Emiri): I like Metal and had listened to Ladybaby's music, so I knew there was an audition in January. I'm from Hyogo, but moved to Tokyo the month before, so it was very good timing.

--Have you gone to other auditions?

Arima: Not at all. I went to the audition because it was for Ladybaby. Rather than saying I wanted to be an Idol, I wanted to be in Ladybaby. About 3 years ago, I was a Vocalist in a metal band doing the Death Voice and Screams, so it would be great if I could make use of that experience.

Kaneko (Rie): At the time of the audition, I saw videos of Emiri singing with the Death Voice. I was so captivated, it was like love at first sight.

--Then after you joined, a costume with shoulder pads and thrones/spikes, like something out of Mad Max of Hokuto no Ken, was made (laughs).

Arima: It looks like a Gundam.

--Did you think you would wear something like this?

Arima: I never thought about it (laughs). But it's a nice feeling. It's allot of fun.

--So, Kaneko, what was your impression after watching Arima?

Kaneko: Aside from the Death Voice, Emiri's vocals have a high level of expression, and they're indespensible to Ladybaby. On top of that, she's necessary for Ladybaby's humanity.

--Can you explain a bit more?

Kaneko: I'm not very straightforward. Up until now, Ladybaby wasn't stoic. I realized that a stoic quality is necessary for the current Ladybaby.

"I don't dream about the future"

--Karasawa also went to the Audition.

Karasawa (Fuka): (nods and smiles)

--Since this is an interview, why don't you say something (laughs). Why did you take part in the Audition?

Karasawa: I don't dream about the future.

--It's suddenly gotten very serious (laughs).

Karasawa: I'm concurrent in the Idol Group "Wareraga Pawa Pawa Pawa Pawa" which started activities two years ago. After becoming active, I became more interested in the Entertainment Industry, so I knew about the Audition for Ladybaby. I want to have various experiences while I'm at the age when you can do anything, so I undertook the Ladybaby Audition.

--Were you familiar with Ladybaby?

Karasawa: Yes, I was. The group was cool. I enjoyed myself, and felt like I was enjoying life. It made me feel more human.

--However, Wareraga PPPP feels very Idol-like, while the atmosphere of Ladybaby is very different.

Karasawa: I think it's interesting because I feel like I can explore different sides of myself.

--Is it difficult to hold a concurrent position?

Karasawa: You said you thought I was serious, but I've never thought about it.

--So, what does it feel like starting activities with Ladybaby?

Karasawa: Everyday is fun. Live performances are very intense. I always wanted to do a live like this.

--Kaneko, what kind of impression do you get from Karasawa?

Kaneko: Recently, I've started doing Fortune Telling using Tarot Cards. The first card, the Magician, has the symbol of Infinity on top of it's head. That kind of image comes to mind with Karasawa. There's no limit to what she can do.

--I see.

Kaneko: I think Karasawa is someone who can break down her experiences, absorb them, and use them to open up many different possibilities. At the time of the Audition, there were other girls that appealed to the cool aspect of Ladybaby. Of course, I was glad that they knew about Ladybaby, but Karasawa came to the Audition with her pigtails and gave off a strong impression of an Idol. At first, she was nervous speaking at the Audition, but when she started to sing and dance, she shined very brightly. It was then that I felt like I was back in Middle School watching all the shining Idols and thought "this girl is amazing!". I think she can accomplish what I couldn't with Ladybaby up till now, so I wanted to go down this path.

--She was someone who gave off the feeling of potential/possibility.

Kaneko: She has guts too. I'm also concurrent with Trolleattroll (Kaneko's solo project). It's enough just to be in 1 group, but I'm in 2 at the age of 16 and trying to balance it with my studies, so I think this new method is wonderful.
 

Karasawa: I'm glad! It's a new type that is growing and receiving praise.

Kaneko: It seems to be increasing (laughs).

"Losing the [JK] Brand"

--Ikeda, you were scouted, weren't you?

Ikeda (Nana): I'd been working as a Model for a long time, but after graduating from Highschool, the JK Brand was no longer available to me, so I was wondering how to proceed. Self branding as a model is the most important, so when I lost the JK title, I did my best to create a new brand as a model. I also became interested in what goes on behind the scenes in the Fashion Industry, so I was considering this when Rie contacted me.

(*The JK Brand isn't actually a clothing brand, but refers to High School age girls who model. I guess once you graduate from High School, you fall out of that category)
 
--So the idea of becoming an Artist and an Idol wasn't spontaneous?

Ikeda: That's right. Since I was little, I liked to stand in front of people, and there was a time when I wanted to
become an Idol. I wrote these feelings on SNS, and Rie read it and that led to me joining Ladybaby.

Kaneko: I was actually doing an Ego Search and discovered that Nana wrote that "Kaneko Rie is cute". From there, I went back through her tweets and saw that she wrote about wanting to become an Idol.

Ikeda: This gave me the opportunity to speak with Rie. As we talked, I learned various things, and about Rie's way of thinking, and I thought I might be able to work with her in the Entertainment World from now on. I took a risk on this opportunity. The timing was perfect and it felt like destiny to be able to work together. I might never have this opportunity again. After meeting Rie, allot has changed.

--Were the two of you acquainted before you made the offer?

 

Kaneko: We had both gone to the "Super Teens - Ultra Teens Fes" Fashion Event, so I knew about Nana then. At that event, when I passed by Nana, I felt like something was there, and it stuck with me. So when I thought about what do about the new members, I remembered the tweet I mentioned earlier and invited Nana to join. After making the offer, I said "If you really don't want to do it, you can refuse". But Nana said she wanted to do it, and her determination was so firm that I thought we could do good activities and she officially joined.

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/ladybaby02