Thursday, June 28, 2018

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)


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Tuesday, June 19, 2018

2018 Is Shaping Up To Be A Big Year For WACK

*I originally posted this in May 2018. I'm reposting it for archiving purposes.


The "Watanabe Artistic Creative Kabushiki Gaisha", or WACK for short, was founded by BiS's Manager and Producer Watanabe Junnosuke in 2014 after the group disbanded. Over the past 4 yrs, the company has come to include 4 groups: BiSH, the reformed BiS, GANG PARADE, and most recently EMPiRE. 2018 is turning into a year full of changes and growth for the company.

It's flagship group, BiSH, continues to rise and is landing deals left and right: Anime Openings, CM's, Drama Themes, etc. They even have their own guitar. 





To top it off, BiSH just performed in front of their largest audience to date, approximately 12,000 fans, at their solo show at Yokohoma Arena. 


Meanwhile, the current incarnation of BiS recently went Major for the second time and is now operating under the J League System. This means they will be holding their own Senbatsu's for every Single. The 10 member group is split into 2 Teams, BiS1st and BiS2nd. Whichever members rank in the top 6 of the Popularity Poll will be in BiS1st. I've read that WACK was intended to be a parody of the 48Gs, so this plays into that.


WACK also created it's own Indie sub-label, WcDonald Records, which will release the first solo single for GANG PARADE member Yui Ga Dokuson in June. The MV is out now! 


Regarding the business side of things, a few weeks ago Watanabe, the WACK Founder and Manager we all love to hate, announced the company was hiring more staff for Artist Management. That was a good sign the company is growing.

Just the other day, the full picture was revealed when it was announced that WACK will start it's first ever Kenkyuusei Trainee Program, called WAgg. Girls age 12 - 17 can receive training with the possibility of eventually joining BiSH, BiS, or other WACK groups. 

It's Hello Pro Egg, WACK style 0u0plz.png Even though WACK was intended to mirror 48Gs, it's structure feels more similar to Hello Project (they even did Shuffle Units last year), so the name is fitting, especially considering so many WACK members are big H!P fans. Previously, Applicants went through an arduous, week long Training Camp to get into WACK. I can only assume WAgg will incorporate some of these elements as well as some new ones that we probably can't imagine.
All this has happened in just the first half of 2018. It's going to be exciting to see what happens in the second half and for the years to come as WACK continues to grow.

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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.

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Monday, May 28, 2018

The future "World's Greatest Co-ed Group" has finally become more Co-eddy again!

For the uninformed, G.E.E.K is the group that brought us the late Summer Anthem of 2017, "Sama Sama Summer".


I've been following them off and on for about a year, and they seem poised for greatness. Unfortunately, there's one thing holding them back: they're a Co-ed group with only 1 female member.

G.E.E.K formed in late 2016 with 4 Guys and 2 Girls. Not long afterwards, one of the girls, JJ (far left), graduated from the group.


Here's a sample from her brief time in the group:


In a mind boggling decision, instead of adding another girl to the group, they added another guy!


Since then, it's been tough going for the group. They just can't seem to get their big break. It's clear that diluting the female element has prevented G.E.E.K from achieving nationwide success. Well, after over a year of struggling at the bottom of the JPop Industry, a glimmer of hope has arrived. One of the male members, FU-TO, left the group at the beginning of April. He's been replaced with, you guessed it, a girl!


Meet Tei, the savior of G.E.E.K.


Now Honoka, the sole girl in the group, won't be lonely anymore.


Watching their recent live performances, this line up works so much better!



Now that the male to female ratio is more balanced, there's nothing stopping G.E.E.K from total JPop domination!
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Saturday, May 19, 2018

Dempagumi.inc Center, Furukawa Mirin, shares her feelings about restarting Lives under the new system


*This is a translation I did in January 2018. I'm reposting it for archiving purposes.

This Interview with Mirin was posted on Natalie back in November 2017, but I didn't have a chance to translate it until now. I did my best, but it's not perfect, so I tried to indicate where I thought I made mistakes.

It's been decided that Dempagumi.inc will perform a one-man live for the first time in about 11 months at Osaka-jo Hall on Dec. 30th. On December 31st that day, the group will also appear on "COUNTDOWN JAPAN 17/18" and will showcase full-scale live performances to Hisabusa in front of fans.

At the Nippon Budokan live performance in January of this year, the group tearfully announced to fans that there were no plans for future lives on the stage of Budokan. (see: "Dempagumi .inc will not give up" they're determination to return to Budokan in the future for the 2nd time). In addition, member Mogami Moga announced her withdrawal from the group in August which drew allot of attention.

(*Dempagumi.inc will not give up' is linking an article that was written about the Live at Budokan in Jan. 2017)
It seemed to be a situation where, by no means, it could be said it was smooth sailing for Dempagumi.inc in 2017, but what was the actual situation? As the time draws near for restarting Live activity, the groups Center, Furukawa Mirin, shares her feelings.
"Friends become companions"

--Approximately ten months have passed since Nippon Budokan performance on January 20th this year. Looking back on the past year, how is it?

If I take a break, I've thought I could effectively use 150%, but I couldn't do it much. I ended up with a mess and I rarely left my house when I was not working (laughs).

--You said at the Budokan MC "I won't give up on Dempagumi.inc whatever happens", but on the contrary, that remark made me feel like their were problems in the group and had no choice but to give up. What was the situation of Dempagumi.inc at that time?

Well, after all, it is a group of six people with strong individuality ... so what do you say, everyone has different opinions and directions, so I think that it is good to do that separately. I said it before, this is why I think it's interesting as a group. It was just that the feelings of all these years came and it wasn't until now that I got lost. (*Not sure about the last sentence)

--It was not the atmosphere of 6 people united.

That's right. However, all of the members still love Dempagumi.inc, and we absolutely wanted the group to be famous. The goal should be the same. So we had allot of conversations. I myself hate that kind of thing "let's talk individually" (laughs). I'm the type who's like "The small things are good! Let's do it for now!", so it's rare to participate in a discussion. But I cried after all and there were things I couldn't convey well, so I wondered, if I said something more, would it have changed.

--From the people who don't know the circumstances, there's a rumor that there was a disagreement.

That was said allot. Originally, I haven't thought that Dempagumi.inc are very good friends. Rather than "friend" something like "comrades" sounds better. Everyone has their own vision, and in co-operating towards that, perhaps everyone thinks something like  "If the power of six people combines, it becomes greater". While running nonstop for many years together,  I'd say "lets sell!" and sometimes there was conflict.  Such a relationship might create problems. Perhaps it might be different from the image of intimate friends that the fans have.  But all 6 people have the same goal, and there is not doubt we will progress towards it.
 
"Dempa will absolutely never end"

--During the MC of the Budokan performance, including the members who were crying, it felt like there was an uneasy atmosphere floating in the air.  Do you remember that time?

"Eh, what's this?" "Is this a dissolution announcement?" it was like that kind of atmosphere. However, since that was the last Dempagumi.inc Live, and it might have been the last live, it would be unavoidable to think that way.

--That means future plans were not visible?

Yes. But I did that with the feeling that "Dempa will absolutely not end". I was thinking about it all the time. So I also said that "I do not have any plans for live ahead" on the premise that I will definitely do the next live.

--Did you tell the members in advance that you would talk about it?

I did not intend to talk about suspending live activity at first, but about 2 days before the live, but it was definitely about two days before the live, I consulted with the members. I said "Since the suspension has already been decided, I would like to report it to all the fans properly. I will say this and to look forward to the next live." So, everyone said "We think that's good. Pleas do it Mirin-chan".

--At that time, did the office staff say something?

Since the subject of the talk was left up to the members, after speaking with the members, I told the Chief Manager, they said they understood, and that was it.

--In the MC, you also said "I will try my best to return to the stage with six people".

That's right. I cannot keep that word ... hmm. So when Moga-chan retired,  I wrote on Twitter "I'm sorry that the live performance with six people does not come true".
"Moga and I are similar"

--Moga wrote in her blog at the time of her withdrawal that she was unable to balance both mind and body, so it would be difficult to continue with Dempagumi.inc this way.

I knew Moga was a very passionate person after all. (*She says "atsui", but is sounds more like she means "passion" instead of "hot"). That's a human emotion I don't have. For example, if a friend is hurt badly, she would use all her power to go for help. I can't do anything like that so I think she's amazing. That's part of her charm. That's why I thought that her withdrawal was the result of that part of the human heart.

--The impression of 5 yrs. spent as 6 people is strong, but in 2011 Atobe Miu-chan withdrew and Moga and Pinky (Fujisawa Ayane) joined the group.

That's right. In fact, up to now, members have joined and graduated repeatedly.

--Were you able to immediately sort out your emotions when Moga withdrew?

There are other members here, so to be honest, I had a strong feeling that I want to move forward quickly! Before we forget about the fans. I thought that I can't stop because of Moga-chan. So at the end of the year, we started talking about the Osaka Live, and we decided "let's do it!"

--Mirin-chan always seems to have the feeling "I must do it soon.

It's said "I'm always in a hurry" (laughs). Maybe my job is my hobby. How to increase live mobilization (*Not sure the if "mobilize is the best translations for "douin"). I like talking and thinking about how to make a cool live.

--As a matter of fact, I think Mirin and Moga have the same mindset.

We are a little similar, Moga and I.

--The Vector is a little different, but the amount of passion you have is the same.

That's often said. I know what she's thinking. We think "That's right" about allot of things. However, that way of communicating is probably different, but the principle is the same.

"There was a night when I cried"

--There's a rough impression, Moga-chan is a person who emotions are very important to while Mirin-chan has an image of person that is not bothered by emotions.

Probably. My emotions don't move very much. I'm the type that's like "It's fine, let's do it anyway", "Please practice if you have time". To be in my current occupation, to be in a really blessed environment, I guess I have not choice but to do it.

--What was the situation that the Live could not be done?

I really thought "What if I can't do a live like this?". Not being able to see the previous vision is the most stressful thing. So, in fact, this past year was really depressing and there was a night when I cried. I was seriously thinking "There's no demand for me anymore" and "I wonder what I should do if Dempa is over?".

--As a result, you went into a state of withdrawal.

I pulled away, didn't I. There was no place in the room to stand and there are remains of Cup Ramen and Mandarin Orange skins. I was really terrible (laughs). It was like a room you withdraw to paint. I thought "it isn't usable like this". Nothing could move.

(*Mirin basically says she became a shut in and stuff had piled up. This is a pretty literal translation so it sounds a bit weird. The last 2 sentences were confusing, but this the best I could come up with)

--Even though Dempagumi.inc didn't have any lives during that time, there were still opportunities to appear in front of fans, including fan club events and a collaboration project with Sanrio Puroland.

But I thought all of them are made up with a Dempagumi.inc Live. All the Fans said "It was fun", but make no mistake, everyone absolutely wants to see a Live. Performing Live is the main purpose of the group, so it was a painful feeling.

(*Not sure if the first sentence is correct. I think she might mean that the new Live makes up for fans having to settle for other things)

--Mirin-chan talks particularly about the rule of live supremacy and has a strong sense about having a stage.

I don't have anything to be proud of to people, but the one thing I have confidence in is that Dempagumi.inc's lives are well liked. "If I sing Solo" then it's really going to die, but "Performing Live with Dempagumi.inc" then it absolutely will be fine. If fans watch, it will give me confidence. So the feeling that I should not stop doing Lives was strong.

--The Osaka-jo Hall performance on Dec. 30th is coming up soon. Tell me how you feel about it now.

Maybe I don't care what kind of live it is. I think it will be divided into people who think "Oh, it was better in the past" and "that was really good! Let's go again". How much you can increase the number or people who think it was good is the challenge, so it's a really important live in that sense.

--Are you confident?

Yes. All the member are practicing hard now and everyone is very motivated. I'm saying more and more "I want to do this, I want to do it". I'm kind of having an emotional crisis, but even though I'm anxious, I'm doing my best.

--Do you still have concerns?

I do. It's about whether you can accept it. But I'd like to have a nice live and make everyone happy and I think I can do it.

--Are you having any trouble with practicing?

Of course, it's difficult to change what you've grown accustomed to. We will change the formation of the songs and dances we've done with 6 people.

--For fans, there may be a feeling like "the phrase of this song will be played with the voice of Moga".

Yes, I think there will be many moments during the Live where fans will go "Eh?" They will definitely remember Moga-chan and that feeling is the same with us as well (*Not sure about this). It's been really difficult to change the image up to now, but I want you to see the new Dempagumi.inc.

"Mirin became the real Center"

--Do you feel something when rehearsing and photographing under the new system?

Due to the odd number of members, when I'm asleep, in my dreams I say "Mirin finally became a real center" (laughs). (*I'm not sure if she's supposed to be saying this to herself in her sleep or other people are saying it)

--Certainly, it was an even number up to now, so the standing position when lined up was off center.

Personally, I haven't gotten used to it yet. When I'm finally standing in the middle of the real thing, it'll probably look something like "I'm sorry" (laughs).

--Do you feel like you're going to pull everyone in more as the Center?

Oh, no. I don't think that Dempagumi.inc is a group that 1 person can pull people in. Everyone is going to try and show their individuality. In Ghost in the Shell, they say "Team Play does not exist. If there is one, it is only Team Work comes from Stand Play". (*I don't remember much dialogue from Ghost in the Shell, so I'm not sure what she's referring to here). Which way is it? I'm doing it with that kind of feeling.

--Is the condition of the group good now?

Yes, it is. Everyone is really having fun. In the past year, everyone has had allot of personal projects. Eitaso (Naruse Eimi) practiced a play and Risa-chan (Aizawa Risa) started a brand. But that is the strength of dempagumi.inc, so I think it's a good thing.

(*I'm not sure what Eimi did last year. I couldn't find any info about a play. I did see an article about some voice acting she did, so I don't know if that's it. Mirin's referring to Risa's Fashion Brand, Memuse)
 
--Well then, it seem you can fulfill the promise of "Each person will come back with power" that you made at Budokan.

Yes. I was somewhat absent-minded (laughs), however I think I came back with some kind of skill, so I think I can show you a Dempagumi.inc that has improved our fighting power.

"The Stage is set, so the rest is up to us"

--When you hear the talk, the expectation for the end of the year will come up.

Yes, it's good to have expectations. The costumes will be new and we are thinking about the set list. We're discussing over and over "here is good, and there is good".

--What is the set list going to be?

After all, since it will be the first live in a long time, I am considering the best song selection, member's favorite songs, and songs that will make fans happy.

--Is the W.W.D Series still sealed?

That's right. It's a painful thing, but as you said, it can't be helped. Of course you know, it's a signature song, so I feel bad about that. I also feel like WWDBEST was a song made by putting our minds together, so we can't perform it that much live.

(*I'm not sure why they can't perform WWD)

--By the way, I heard that the Osaka-jo Hall performance has already sold out.

For me, it finally feels likes I'm "standing at the starting line" again. The stage is ready, so it's up to us. However, I think it will be a good Live. Something like that is on my mind.

--I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of Live the new Dempagumi.inc system will show us.

I want to make a Live so that Fans who say "what will happen?" will be pleased. After all, I get the most pleasure from people, and performing Live will continue that (*She could mean, I like it the most when people are happy). I want to sing and announce something with happiness. That's why I couldn't make a pleasant announcement at Budokan. I was regretful, so I cried that time. But perhaps, from the end of the this year into the next, I think Dempagumi.inc can make allot of happy announcements. We're looking forward to it.




My take away from this:

- I'm a fan of Dempagumi.inc, but I don't follow their month to month activities, so I didn't know they had suspended Lives a year ago. I had no idea how uncertain the future of the group was.

- When Moga announced she was leaving, people naturally wondered why she didn't have a graduation concert. Now it makes sense. Since Dempa weren't performing live and were on hiatus, there was no way to do one. The Osaka-jo Hall concert wasn't something that was planned at the time so I don't think they could have put something together on such short notice. The show at Budokan was essentially her farewell, so it's a great way to go out.

- Dempagumi.inc revealed 2 new members last month, but Mirin didn't say anything about that in the Interview. Maybe she wanted to keep it quiet since new members can be polarizing to fans, especially since the line up had been stable for so long.
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