Majima Wakana, Abe Nanami, and Nagatsuki Midori share their thoughts about the various challenges of the 3rd Single and the 2nd Generation of Last Idol.
(*The article gives a very brief overview of how Last Idol was formed on the program of the same name on TV Asahi and that their 3rd Single was released on 8/1. It goes on to explain how the 5 Units competed in the Producer Battle in the 2nd Season, and are currently involved in another one on Abema TV's Goldch. It closes by mentioning that the 3rd Single is the first song to be sung by all 22 members)
"Majima Wakana: The two of them gave me a warm welcome"
--When did all the members learn they wouldn't have to Battle to sing the Title Song for the 3rd Single?
Midori: It was during the intermission of a Handshake Meeting (laughs). Everyone was excited, weren't they?
Abe & Wakana: Yes.
--Everyone looked at it positively, right?
Midori: Yes, it was great.
--Later on, how did Majima feel when she was chosen as the Center?
Wakana: I was happy, but also felt confused. I wondered, "how do they feel about me?" and I was a little embarrassed. I felt anxiety and fear and thought "Can I handle it?", so I apologized to everyone and had allot of negative emotions. However, since this is the first song with all 22 members, I'd like it to be a big step forward for Last Idol Family, and I hope it will increase the number of people who know about us. I realized I couldn't accomplish this with such negative emotions, so I changed my perspective, and committed myself to doing what I can. Now, instead of focusing on what I can't do, I'm focusing on doing my best.
--What kind of words did you receive from the other members?
Wakana: Everyone said "congratulations!" and Abe and Nagatsuki greeted me so warmly that I was truly saved.
Midori: I'm going to cry more when I become the Center...but I haven't become the Center yet! However, I would have been happy if I was told I was the Center. I've been aiming for #1 since the beginning.
Wakana: I'm happy that you said that. Thank you.
Midori: It was during the intermission of a Handshake Meeting (laughs). Everyone was excited, weren't they?
Abe & Wakana: Yes.
--Everyone looked at it positively, right?
Midori: Yes, it was great.
--Later on, how did Majima feel when she was chosen as the Center?
Wakana: I was happy, but also felt confused. I wondered, "how do they feel about me?" and I was a little embarrassed. I felt anxiety and fear and thought "Can I handle it?", so I apologized to everyone and had allot of negative emotions. However, since this is the first song with all 22 members, I'd like it to be a big step forward for Last Idol Family, and I hope it will increase the number of people who know about us. I realized I couldn't accomplish this with such negative emotions, so I changed my perspective, and committed myself to doing what I can. Now, instead of focusing on what I can't do, I'm focusing on doing my best.
--What kind of words did you receive from the other members?
Wakana: Everyone said "congratulations!" and Abe and Nagatsuki greeted me so warmly that I was truly saved.
Midori: I'm going to cry more when I become the Center...but I haven't become the Center yet! However, I would have been happy if I was told I was the Center. I've been aiming for #1 since the beginning.
Wakana: I'm happy that you said that. Thank you.
Midori: Stop! I'm going to be embarrassed. Don't say that again!
--Abe-san, you served as the Center for the 1st Single. What do you think of Majima's performance as the Center?
Abe: Her way of expressing "Suki de Suki de" is so perfect, that I feel like no one but Wakana can do it. Her expressiveness is the best out of all 22 members, so there's allot I need to learn.
--The Music Video became the story of the relationships and history between the 1st Gen. members.
Wakana: I was thinking "how far we've come!". When I first heard the song, I wondered what kind of MV it would be. By portraying the relationships in the 1st Season, the "Love" between the girls was depicted. I studied it and gave it allot of thought, and feel like I reacted to it properly.
--What was it like shooting the story of the MV without much acting experience?
Abe: I'm still not very good at acting, but I was shooting a movie around the same time, so it was nice to get a little more experience. Besides, it was easier since the other role was played by Wakana-chan, but I think it was definitely harder for the other girls.
Midori: In the script, my character was written as cute and pure. However, I'm not like that...The character I play in the movie is also the opposite of who I am, so I got off track a little bit (laughs). I did my best to imagine the ideal type of cute girl, and when it materialized, I played it that way.
Wakana: The scene with Nanami-chan impressed me. It's not only the thought "I Like it!". There's various other emotions like sadness, regret, bitterness, and anger. The root of the feeling I wanted to convey the most was "like". It was challenging shooting the scene while thinking "I like Nanami-can! I like her!". There was a time when I would see Nanami-chan and I would get excited (laughs). Later, while shooting the movie, there was a scene where I was quite close to Nanami-chan, and I didn't like her for a while (laughs), but I did my best.
--Abe-san, you served as the Center for the 1st Single. What do you think of Majima's performance as the Center?
Abe: Her way of expressing "Suki de Suki de" is so perfect, that I feel like no one but Wakana can do it. Her expressiveness is the best out of all 22 members, so there's allot I need to learn.
"The Challenge of acting out the relationships between the 1st Gen in the MV"
--The Music Video became the story of the relationships and history between the 1st Gen. members.
Wakana: I was thinking "how far we've come!". When I first heard the song, I wondered what kind of MV it would be. By portraying the relationships in the 1st Season, the "Love" between the girls was depicted. I studied it and gave it allot of thought, and feel like I reacted to it properly.
--What was it like shooting the story of the MV without much acting experience?
Abe: I'm still not very good at acting, but I was shooting a movie around the same time, so it was nice to get a little more experience. Besides, it was easier since the other role was played by Wakana-chan, but I think it was definitely harder for the other girls.
Midori: In the script, my character was written as cute and pure. However, I'm not like that...The character I play in the movie is also the opposite of who I am, so I got off track a little bit (laughs). I did my best to imagine the ideal type of cute girl, and when it materialized, I played it that way.
Wakana: The scene with Nanami-chan impressed me. It's not only the thought "I Like it!". There's various other emotions like sadness, regret, bitterness, and anger. The root of the feeling I wanted to convey the most was "like". It was challenging shooting the scene while thinking "I like Nanami-can! I like her!". There was a time when I would see Nanami-chan and I would get excited (laughs). Later, while shooting the movie, there was a scene where I was quite close to Nanami-chan, and I didn't like her for a while (laughs), but I did my best.
--Did you receive any acting guidance or advice from Yamato Yuki (Director)?
Wakana: The Director was usually very kind and friendly when we spoke, but one time, for the scene when I'm sitting on the stairs crying and Nanami-chan comes down, in order for me to find the emotions, she said "Now, start crying!!!".
--Is that really gentle Yamato's supervision?
Midori: She shouted.
Abe: Yes, she let out a great shout. However, it really elevated the voltage of my emotions. Thanks to that, I was able to shoot the scene, and it left a lasting impression.
(*Abe really does use "voltage", lol)
"Taking a new approach for the Coupling Songs"
--For the Coupling Songs, you recorded them with Shuffle Units that break the boundaries of the 5 groups. Can you tell me about each of the songs you're participating in?
Midori: The name of the song is "Douna ni Suki de itemo". The members totally thought it was going to be intense, but it turned out to be a slow song, so we were surprised. The Units name is "Hashikko wa 168 sen". Abe is at the end of the spectrum (*In height?). She just happens to be 168cm tall, and is the Center of LaLuce, so Kiyohara (Rio) and I thought it was funny that this was the name.
(*Hashikko means "the end" or "the edge")
--Abe-san and Nagatsuki-san are participating in another song. What is the meaning behind "Psychological Antenna"?
Abe: 1 member from each group is represented on this song, but I think the lyrics are very fresh, and it has a good melody and tempo. It feels like a love song so I'm looking forward to it.
--Majima-san is participating in the Shuffle Unit "Ruka Waka Nattsun" who sings "Yosou no Metro".
Wakana: It's a song with a very different taste from what Last Idol Family has done up until now. Its not a Cute Idol song. It's more like a Showa Idol song, and has kind of a cool feeling. At first, I thought "How do I sing this?", and was nervous, so I practiced by listening to the demo allot. There's an unexpected message in the song, so I'd be happy if everyone listened to the lyrics.
--Including the title track, Nagatsuki-san sings on 3 songs, so it seems like the lives are becoming more and more difficult. It must be hard to be the only one.
Midori: It's difficult. It's like I'm treated like two different people (laughs). The MC is the best time for me to change clothes, so it creates the illusion for the Staff and everyone. To be honest, when I'm dancing, I become a different person. I think that's why the Staff sees me as a different person, and it makes me glad.
Midori: The name of the song is "Douna ni Suki de itemo". The members totally thought it was going to be intense, but it turned out to be a slow song, so we were surprised. The Units name is "Hashikko wa 168 sen". Abe is at the end of the spectrum (*In height?). She just happens to be 168cm tall, and is the Center of LaLuce, so Kiyohara (Rio) and I thought it was funny that this was the name.
(*Hashikko means "the end" or "the edge")
--Abe-san and Nagatsuki-san are participating in another song. What is the meaning behind "Psychological Antenna"?
Abe: 1 member from each group is represented on this song, but I think the lyrics are very fresh, and it has a good melody and tempo. It feels like a love song so I'm looking forward to it.
--Majima-san is participating in the Shuffle Unit "Ruka Waka Nattsun" who sings "Yosou no Metro".
Wakana: It's a song with a very different taste from what Last Idol Family has done up until now. Its not a Cute Idol song. It's more like a Showa Idol song, and has kind of a cool feeling. At first, I thought "How do I sing this?", and was nervous, so I practiced by listening to the demo allot. There's an unexpected message in the song, so I'd be happy if everyone listened to the lyrics.
--Including the title track, Nagatsuki-san sings on 3 songs, so it seems like the lives are becoming more and more difficult. It must be hard to be the only one.
Midori: It's difficult. It's like I'm treated like two different people (laughs). The MC is the best time for me to change clothes, so it creates the illusion for the Staff and everyone. To be honest, when I'm dancing, I become a different person. I think that's why the Staff sees me as a different person, and it makes me glad.
"While supporting the Battle between the 2nd Generation,
there's the expectation that their might be a confrontation in the future"
there's the expectation that their might be a confrontation in the future"
Majima: I have a strong feeling to say "Do your best!". Because I myself had to Battle, I understand the unique atmosphere and tension in the studio. There's a strange tension floating in the air. Even now, I'm afraid to go into that studio, so it's kind of traumatic. Also, the 2nd Gen's is a public audition. I think it's a very painful time right now. However, once you overcome this, it becomes fun, so I hope they do their best.
--Are there any scenes in particular that you empathize with?
Majima: I didn't know what to do at the first performance, I didn't know how to answer correctly, and because it was my first time, there were no fans. It's easy to see that the 2nd are all nervous. I remember because I was like that too.
(*When Majima says "There were no fans", I think she means it was just a studio audience and not a typical live event where fans would come to support you. I guess she could also mean that she hadn't gained any fans yet since this was her first performance. It's a bit ambiguous)
--How do you see it, Nagatsuki-san?
Midori: When I participated, I was really frantic. When I watched the show as it aired, I would think "It feels bad this time", and then "It feels good this time". When you watch it from the outside, I noticed that the program was really interesting. I imagine the 2nd Gen must be feeling desperate, like they're hanging on the edge of a cliff. However, from the Viewers perspective, they see a girl who's trying their best. It's really exciting to see someone putting in so much effort like that.
--You have a really objective point of view, don't you?
Midori: It gives me great pleasure to watch such true Idols.
--How about you Abe-san?
Abe: I looked forward to every week as a Viewer, but since I was in the studio, I also felt the passion of the members. As someone who was Battling from the beginning, I understand the feeling of maturing when I was nominated for the 2nd time. I'm watching with the feeling that I want to see that person push themselves.
--From this point moving forward, when the 2nd Gen. joins Last Idol Family, there's a possiblity they might Battle with the 1st Gen., right.
Nagatsuki: I'd really enjoy it. It would be so much fun. For a while now, we've been battling with 5 groups. I think it would freshen things up, so I want it to happen soon. They're also younger, right? The age range is considerably lower, with allot of Junior High School students. I'm looking forward to what kind of Battle it will be when the 12 members are decided.
--If there's a challenge over whether the Title Song will be on the 4th or 5th Single, are you confident?
Midori: Yes, we'll win. We'll definitely win! We won't lose! We absolutely will not lose!
--Nagatsuki-san is the only one who's sang on all the Title Songs so far. What if you can't maintain this continuous record?
Midori: I want to keep the streak going!
"The 3 of you shouted "I like it!" about 80 times."
--All of you are probably in the most difficult/harshest Idol Group right now. What kind of growth/development do you expect to see with the group and the program?
Wakana: I think it's not an exaggeration to say we have a taste for Battle. So far, we've only shown the strain of Battle. Everyone wants to do some kind of Variety project so we can show the fun side of Last Idol Family.
Midori: Up 'til now, the 22 members of Last Idol Family have shown their strength while Battling. We won't lose to other Idol Groups. Moving forward, we would like to help everyone become happier.
Abe: This is the first Summer for Last Idol Family. There are many opportunities to got to Festivals, so I want allot of people to come see us. Even though the Battle continues, I'd like to switch my feelings and do my best to aim for a higher level.
(*Abe says something about changing or switching her emotions, but it's not clear. I've read something similar before, but it's still hard to understand)
--In conclusion, you shout "I Like it" about 80 times in the lyrics. Please tell us something that you really like.
Midori: What was it, Nanami? Watermelon?
Abe: I'm from Yamagata, so the Yamagata Watermelon is very delicious. Once, I got an expensive Watermelon from another Prefecture, but Yamagata's 500 Yen Watermelon was more delicious, so I felt lucky to live there. I often get one from my Grandmother. I've eaten it so much, I like it more and more every year.
Midori: I have 2 things; sparkling, and dogs. I like cosmetics, clothes, accessories, etc. If it's sparkly and pink, I like it. Recently, I've been raising a Toy Poodle. I've always wanted to keep one, and after I made that decision, I felt like I became an adult. I doing my best to take care of him.
Wakana: I drink yogurt. I drink it everday. There's about 540 ml in one bottle. One day, I noticed it said on the bottle to "try and drink 200 ml every day" (laughs). Is drinking twice the amount okay? Even today, I drank one bottle.
(*After this, the interview closes with upcoming events for LIF including their free live "Last Idol Summer Festival 2018" at Roppongi Hills Arena, and their appearances at TIF. They add that they want "the girl's who've grown each time they overcome a tough Battle to create a whirlwind to blow away the fierce heat every day".)
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