Tuesday 30 December 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 161 - 170


新嗣永憲法161条
  『ラッピングのリボンはピンクを選ぶ』
  クリスマスシーズンって赤と緑しかないんですよね。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 161
Choose pink ribbons when wrapping gifts
ル ’ー’リ You can't find anything besides red and green during Christmas season, can you?

 新嗣永憲法162条
  『一週間の始まりは月曜日』
 カレンダーは日曜日なんですよね。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 162
The week starts with Monday
ル ’ー’リ Calendars start with Sunday, eh.


Monday 29 December 2014

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Tsugunaga Momoko x Suzuki Airi

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 Tsugunaga Momoko and  ℃-ute's Suzuki Airi. This pair make up two-thirds of Buono!, and are also the first and last to appear in the PV for the BeriKyuu collaboration Cho! Happy Song. Enjoy!

Tsugunaga Momoko X Suzuki Airi

In their groups, the image colour for the 2 of them is 'pink'. But it seems that the feelings they associate with their colours differ...
On good terms but mutually respectful, keep an eye on the sense of distance between these two!

Saturday 20 December 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 151 - 160


新嗣永憲法151条
  『磁石のS極とS極を近づけて楽しむ』
  NとNでもいいよ。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 151
Enjoy yourself by bringing the S-sides of 2 magnets together
ル ’ー’リ N and N are okay too

 新嗣永憲法152条
  『誕生日ケーキのローソクは、一息で消す』
  100本になっても、頑張ろうー!。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 152
Blow out the candles on a birthday cake with one breath
ル ’ー’リ Even if there are a hundred of them, do your best!


Friday 19 December 2014

Get to Know Questionnaire - 'Hamachan' Hamaura Ayano


Q. Favourite food(s)?
A. Miso ramen, tonkotsu ramen, peaches, pineapples

Q. What have you gotten into recently?
A. DIY. I recently made a box for trinkets

Q. How much do you spend on clothes in a month?
A. About 20,000 yen

Q. Favourite entertainer(s)?
A. Tsugunaga Momoko-san, Horikita Maki-san

Q. What item would you like to get this winter? Clothes, accessories, toys, games, whatever!
A. I don't really put on accessories, and I don't have a necklace, so I'd like to get one this winter.

Q. Your trick (point of attention) for make-up is?
A. Making a heart on my cheek

Q. What do you normally do for skincare?
A. I wash my face, use face lotion, and place a cold compress on my face.

Q. What sort of outfit coordination would you like to try in spring 2015?
A. A lace-style coordinate

Q. What are you currently working hard at as an idol?
A. There are a large number of people in the Hello! Pro Kenshuusei, so I'm endeavouring to develop every day so that I won't lose to anyone

Q. What left the biggest impression on you at today's photo shoot?
A, There were tons of people I met for the first time, so of all the photo shoots I've done so far, this was the most nerve-wracking

Friday 12 December 2014

1001 Nights - The 15th Night: Shimizu Saki & Natsuyaki Miyabi

On the 4th of December 2014, Captain Shimizu Saki and Vice-captain Natsuyaki Miyabi held a talk show for the Hello! Shop's series of talk events. The theme was 'At that time, Berryz were...' There were two shows, the first focusing on 2005 and the second on 2007.

Going through the fan tweets about the events via the hashtag , I tweeted translations of the reports that piqued my interest. By the end of it, I'd tweeted enough that I thought it'd be a pity to lose them to the mists of Twitter's timeline. So here are a collection of the translations I made based on the reports.

Quick disclaimer, this isn't comprehensive, some reports were missed out due to lack of interest/complexity/laziness/all the above. If you'd like to have a go, here's a collection of tweets concerning the event. Also a big shout-out to the Japanese fans who kept up with the reports, particularly @tozamasan, who's responsible for the bulk of the tweets


Wednesday 10 December 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 141 - 150


 新嗣永憲法141条
  『目覚ましの、10分前に、暖房をセットしておく』
  お布団と離れたくないよぉ~
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 141
Set the heater to go on 10 minutes before your alarm goes off
ル ’ー’リ I can't leave the futon~

 新嗣永憲法142条
  『キムチ鍋を食べる時は、具だけ取るようにする』
  だってスープがいっぱいだと辛いんだも~ん。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 142
When having kimchi nabe, only take the ingredients
ル ’ー’リ Since it'll get spicy if it's filled with soup.

 新嗣永憲法143条
『お年玉袋は、ピンク色の可愛いものを選ぶ』
  うわー!千円?可愛い~!
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 143
Pick the cute, pink-coloured otoshidama envelope
ル ’ー’リ Whoa-! 1000 yen? How cute~!

Friday 5 December 2014

Momcohi no Kimochi: Covers, Introduction, and Contents

{'Momochi no Kimochi' is Tsugunaga Momoko's first photo essay book. 
I haven't found scans of this online, so you'll have to make do with shots taken through my mobile phone. For the poor quality - Yurushite-nyan ♥}

Momochi no Kimochi - Momochi's Feelings
'These pages are filled with Momochi, so......
Yurushite-nyan ♪
A regular on variety programmes, everything about the cutest (?) idol in Japan
Tsugunaga Momoko Her first photo essay book


A discussion with her greatest sympathiser Dan Mitsu-san, a workshop class with the ideal student Suzuki Fuku-kun
Momochi-style 22 (nyan nyan) free topics
Her début piece (?) as a novelist 'Ai no Mousou Gekijou' (Delusional Theatre of Love)
Get close to everything Momochi 'Kaitai Shinsho' '22 basic rules for an idol'
Special appendix ♥ 'Momochi! Yurushite-nyan♥Taiso'


Introduction

Along with a Yurushite-nyan♥, it's everyone's idol! Cute as always today, I'm 'Momochi' Tsugunaga Momoko.

My occupation - an eternal idol, my favourite colour is pink, my favourite word is 'Happy', my favourite number is 29, from Tsugunaga. By the way, my weight is equivalent to 29 peaches ♥

But when it comes to the number 29, the problem is that our producer Tsunku♂-san is also associated with 29 (through Tsunku = two-kyu = 29). It's said that 'The 29th of every month is Tsunku♂ day', but I'd like to say, 'No, it's Tsugu (29) day'. Even though I thought that it might be impertinent to compete with our producer, first of all, I was taught that 'Everyone's the same when you're standing on-stage, don't hold back,' by none other than Tsunku♂-san himself. For competing, I think that I'd rather follow that advice. Ah, look at how diligent Momochi is ♥

But whatever we may say, the impression that the 29th is 'Niku no Hi', Meat Day, is overwhelmingly strong. I don't think that should be the winner, honestly. That said, recently my feelings have changed, and I think that 22 is nice. It's 'NyanNyan', and now that I've turned 22, if you look at the wavy form of the number 22 lon~g and har~d, you'll see the Momochi Musubi... Well, of course, it might not seem like it right now. But as you read this book and bask in the abundance of Momochi's essence, I feel that you'll definitely see it, even if you don't want to! And because of that, this book is slightly fixated on '22'.

And with that, please have your fill of the spinning and spinning Momochi world to your heart's content ♪


Contents

(Note: Bolded titles are sections on their own. The unbolded titles form the 22 essays by Momoko)
Introduction
Popularity
Vehicles
Senpai
Gossip
Rice Cooker
Novels
Convenience Stores
Jeans
Sushi janken
Rebellious Age
Nickname
Otomomochi talk with danmitsu
Ai no Mousou Gekijou
22 basic rules for a Momochi-esque idol
Momochi's open lesson with Fuku Suzuki
Friday
The Olympics
April 1st
Tokyo Tower
The illusionary flavour
Nervousness
Cockroaches
Luxury
Dreams
The comment that changed my fate
Tears

Sunday 30 November 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 131 - 140


 新嗣永憲法131条
  『昔書いた日記は、10年に一度読む』
  今日から、日記つけよっかなぁ~。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 131
Read the diary entries you've written a long time ago once every 10 years
ル ’ー’リ Maybe I should keep a diary starting today~


 新嗣永憲法132条
  『筆箱には、ペンの他に、千円札を入れておく』
  へそくりではないですよ~
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 132
Besides pens, put in a 1000 yen bill in your pencil case
ル ’ー’リ It isn't a secret stash~

Twitter Tidbits #9: Sayu grad edition part 2

Goto Yuki (The Possible)

Michishige Sayumi-san、 you were really cute and cool to the end。 From my Hello! Pro Egg era until now、I'm glad to have stood on the same stage with Michishige-san, even though it hasn't really happened that often! Congratulations on graduating。 And good work on those 12 years。♡

Hashimoto Aina (The Possible)
I went to Michishige Sayumi-san's graduation concert、 at Yokohama Arena!!
She held her strong core of cuteness until the end、 she's a senpai I respect and love love love。。!
Congratulations on your graduation!
We too have to work even harder。

Morozuka Kanami (The Possible)
I went to Yokohama Arena to watch Michishige Sayumi-san's graduation concert。

While there was an accident midway through, Michishige-san sang and danced until the end with a dignified smile, and it was moving to see the sight of the members around her supporting her, frantically holding on despite holding back tears。

Michishige-san is an eternal idol。

Congratulations on graduating!

Shibata Ayumi (Melon Kinenbi)
Shige-san, congratulations on graduating ♡
And good job on your 12 years (*˘︶˘*)

Kobayashi Kana (AKB48)
Michishige-san was definitely cute!
How movingー!!!
Morning Musume。-san was wonderful♡

Oomori Seiko

Sayu was awesome! She's a person who can make your life fascinating
Thank you ∞
The whole time、 her breathing、 even 1 mm of movement of her facial muscles、 they were lovely
Her final speech wasn't read out from a letter
Such flawlessness like Obama, Tamori, Michishige
I wonder how many years it takes to attain that
Love her

Tanemura Arina
Michishige Sayumi-chan's graduation concert was awesome〜☆*:.。. o(≧▽≦)o .。.:*☆
At Sayu's solo 『Akai Freesia』、 my tear ducts let loose…。
Sayu、 thank you for the brilliant time!
Thank you for your hard work!!
Sayu today、 was the cutest she's ever been so far!!

Thursday 27 November 2014

Twitter Tidbits #8: Sayu grad edition

Tsunku
It truly was a stage performance full of love。 Michishige hurt her leg and the performance had to be stopped several times、 but I feel that was remarkable。 That was very much like her。 However、 I think that it creates good memories when things like that happen。 Recently, the trend has been that graduates would read out from a letter、 but she read out her words without anything in hand。 You'd expect no less。

Mano Erina
Michishige-san、
It was stylish, it was pretty
It was awesome, it was the peak of cuteness!!

It feels like
There's now a wide-open hole、、、
I'll write a blog post once I've calmed down >_<

Michishige-san!
Congratulations on graduating!!
Thanks for all your hard work ^ ^

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Michishige Sayumi in Yamaguchi Prefecture (Morning Musume 15th Anniversary PB Zero)


She used to be envious of the members from Kanto. 
Maintaining her lifestyle, she became part of Morning Musume.

'It's been a long while since I was last back,
But I think that it's nice how time seems to advance slowly in Yamaguchi.
I feel that it's always busy in Tokyo.'

Her time spent in Tokyo, and her time spent in Yamaguchi.
Before she knew it, they've become almost the same length.
Already she has made plenty of memories in Tokyo.

'I'm bad at communicating with people I've just met.
Therefore, I'm most comfortable when I'm with my family
And with my Yamaguchi friends that I made before becoming part of Morning Musume.'

The present members have strong feelings of love towards their home towns.

'I felt "homeisck" 2~3 years after heading to the capital.
I'm sure that it's a condition that afflicts all of us.
Now, I've been able to discover things to look forward to in Tokyo.
Once some time has passed
Doesn't everyone's feelings change little by little?'

Looking at her face in profile as she said that, there seemed to be a bit of happiness, and a bit of sadness.

What she leads, is Morning Musume.

{Skoban: That is, until tonight's concert. To Michishige Sayumi, thank you very much for your years of service, and for everything you've taught to the Morning Musume. of the present.}

Saturday 22 November 2014

Pretty!? Cute!? Showdown at the Summit ♥ [Momoko x Sayumi x Ayacho]

Hello! Pro Great Assembly
Special Mook 'Idol JUNON 2014' will go on sale on the 10th of July!


A line-up of self-styled number ones(!?)
Pretty!? Cute!? Showdown at the Summit ♥


We are getting closer and closer to the release of Junon's first idol mook, 'Idol Junon 2014'. And so, in commemoration (?) of the release of 'Idol Junon 2014', we have a pressing discussion with 3 people who will appear in it. They'll be having a de~ep discussion on the topic of idols!

Momochi is in a different genre than that of an 'idol'?

Tsugunaga: There are a lot of idols appearing in 'Idol Junon 2014', but everyone's goal is myself, Momochi, right!?

Michishige: Eh, seriously, is that what you're saying?

Tsugunaga: It's an appropriate standpoint to take for this time and place, I'm doing my best with it.

Michishige: I got to appear in this book, and drew some criticism once again as an idol.

Wada: I still can't talk about things like 'What is an idol?', so I'd like to learn a lot more about those sort of things from Michishige-san.

Tsugunaga: Hold on-, you're forgetting about me!!

Being an idol is a wonderful occupation
Michishige: Momochi isn't an idol, it's like you're in a different 'Momochi-class' genre. Although it's a class that no one wants to be part of (laughs). Talking about it, one of the questions that was asked in the book is 'What is an idol?' My answer was 'Has to be cute'.

Tsugunaga: Ayacho answered 'The arts'.

Michishige: Isn't that too much of a given? I think of our existence as an art.

Wada: That isn't the case---

A heated outburst of discussion on their own 'Idol theories'

Tsugunaga: I support Michishige-san's opinion. There are cute-type idols and beauty-type idols, but in the end you need to combine both with cuteness. Putting aside whether or not Michishige-san is cute (laughs).

Michishige: What do you mean 'putting it aside'!! But definitely, for idols, whether they should aim for being the cute-type of the beauty-type, that's an important question. Since age becomes an issue in particular for girls. I've slowly come to think that merely cuteness isn't good.

Momochi is unanimously the number one ♥
Wada: I think that the two of you haven't changed in cuteness ever since you made your début, keeping youthful.

Michishige: Really-? But recently, when I'm complimented on something besides my cuteness, I'm happy wondering if I'm 'appearing my age'.

Tsugunaga: But, it depends on whether the person is suited for it. You can figure which type you're suited to by examining how you look without make-up.

Michishige: But if you're in middle school or high school, you really want cuteness. Since the time will someday come when you'll be called a beauty, but besides those times, I think that it would be better to focus deeply on cuteness!

Wada: That's what I've been worrying about recently, so I'll use the opinions from both of you as a reference.

I love Hello! Pro since everyone's so cute ♥
Michishige: By the way, what was Momochi's theory? Was it 'Idol is life'?

Wada: That's nice, life.

Tsugunaga: Just a 'That's nice'?

Wada: Recently I've been told that I sparkle more when talking about the arts rather than as an idol, so I can't take it as an example.

Michishige: I don't really get Momochi's theory (laughs). But for the time being, there are things about Momochi that I think are cute. Number one would be her name (laughs).

Tsugunaga: Just the name?

Michishige: As a child ('Ko') of the peaches ('Momo'), 'Momoko' is super cute. I give it full marks ♥

Thursday 20 November 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 121 - 130


 新嗣永憲法121条 (嗣永憲法第147条改正)
  『夏は、扇風機の近くの特等席を取る』
  あ゛~~~。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 121 (Revision of Tsugunaga Constitution Article 147)
In summer, choose a special seat near the fan.
ル ’ー’リ Ah "~~~.

新嗣永憲法122条 (嗣永憲法第条10改正)
  『オレンジジュースに、氷は絶対入れない』
 他のジュースは許す!
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 122 (Revision of Tsugunaga Constitution Article 10)
Do not put ice into orange juice
ル ’ー’リ It's pardonable if it's any other juice!

 新嗣永憲法123条 (嗣永憲法第24条改正)
  『嗣永桃子をアイドル扱いすること』
  嗣永桃子、19歳。好きな草は、ペンペン草です
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 123 (Revision of Tsugunaga Constitution Article 24)
Treat Tsugunaga Momoko as an idol
ル ’ー’リ Tsugunaga Momoko, 19 years old. My favourite type of grass is shepherd's-purse.


Saturday 15 November 2014

Sayumin x Momochi: A character-covered declaration of war!? Hello! Pro's strongest narcissist showdown (Top Yell May 2013)

{This was from the May 2013 issue of Top Yell magazine, about a year and a half ago. The world was simpler then, with no inkling of Sayu's graduation or Berryz' hiatus. Even 'One Four' was over half a year away from the public conciousness. At the time of the interview, the Musume were promoting Brainstorming (Reina was still part of Morning Musume. at the time) and Berryz were promoting Asian Celebration.}

Enveloped in their own characters, they declare war!? A showdown between Hello! Pro's strongest narcissists
These 2 continue to be in great demand by variety programmes, and, waiting for an opportunity with their cuteness, they're having a showdown at the summit! Although they're verbally sparring with barbs like 'Lower than the average within Hello! Pro' or '82 points for cuteness', it seems that deep inside, they both respect one another...
(2013 TopYell+ compilation magazine version:
Even within Hello! Project, Michishige Sayumi and Tsugunaga Momoko continue to be in great demand by variety shows. For these 2 who emphasise that 'I'm definitely the cutest idol', this is a showdown at the summit, waiting for an opportunity with their cuteness!)

Let's not mince words, wouldn't it be good to decide who's the cutest!

Sayumin
Cuteness is the royal road! The ultimate idol that's even admired by idols

Momochi
With a 'Yurushite-nyan', everything's settled! The Heisei-era Matsuda Seiko



Enveloped in their own characters, they declare war!? A showdown between Hello! Pro's strongest narcissists
Let's not mince words, wouldn't it be good to decide who's the cutest!
Sayumin Momochi

'Tsunku♂-san told us to 'Become more mature', but I managed to  overcome that resistance after about 2 years' (Tsugunaga Momoko)



A large portion of the photos in their phones are selfies

The discussion this time around is 'Frankly, who's the cute one?'

Tsugunaga: Is that all right? It'll end in 3 words, just like that.

Monday 10 November 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 111 - 120


 新嗣永憲法111条 (嗣永憲法第15条改正)
  『ホールのショートケーキは、イチゴが大きいのを選ぶ』
  ねえねえ、そのイチゴ、桃にちょうだい。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 111
From the whole shortcake, select the part with the biggest strawberry
ル ’ー’リ Hey, hey, that strawberry, can Momo have it, please?


新嗣永憲法112条 (嗣永憲法第206条改正)
  『ヘビとカエルの鳴き声をマネすることを禁止する』
  ヘビやカエルは、怖いケロ。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 112 (Revision of Tsugunaga Constitution Article 206)
Mimicking the cries of snakes and frogs is prohibited.
ル ’ー’リ Snakes and frogs are scary, ribbit.

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Satoda Mai and Tsugunaga Momoko's statements on Country Girls

Satoda Mai's comment

From when it became just myself until I graduated from Hello! Pro、 I was hardly ever able to participate in Hello! Project activities、but with the Hello! Pro Kenshuusei and the new members, Momoko included、 I'm truly happy to hand over the Country Musume。 that I started with, in its new form。
Even alone, I was proud to always name myself as a Country Musume。、 and from New York, I'd like to watch over them with a member's conviction from now on。

Tsugunaga Momoko's comment

The results of long consideration about what I'd like to do, after we decided upon Berryz Kobo's indefinite hiatus、 is that I can't do anything but be an idol! I'd like to continue doing my beloved idol activities!
When I was thinking about it、 this news about Country Musume。 arrived、 and I believe that it is a great honour。
I am immensely proud of inheriting this historic group, and at the same time I feel the responsibility。
With advice from Satoda-san、 also、 since I've received the stylish title of 「Playing Manager」、 I hope that Country ・ Girls won't be completely dyed in ♥ The colour of Momochi ♥ (lol)I'd like to do my best while capitalising on my experience in Berryz Kobo!!
I'd like to make it a group that'll continue loved by everyone、 from grown-ups to little kids、 so I'm hoping for your warm, continued support ♥♥♥

Source

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Twitter Tidbits #7 - ManoEri focus


A sigh of relief
While drinking coffee
While reading my script。

In a place I'm unused to
That's different from the usual
I'm having time completely to myself。

It's not like I'm pressed for time
And it's not like I've got too much to handle
Following my own mood, it's my own time。

I think that these kind of days
Are also good days。

Spending a day
Like how I did today
Makes me want to go
On another trip overseas trip by myself。

Maybe I should go next year、
Where should I go next。

Maybe Belgium、
Maybe Holland、
Maybe the Czech Republic、
I'd like to try going to Germany too。

I didn't like it so much recently
But I've come to like it again
The time I spend alone。 lol

Monday 3 November 2014

2ch: ○○ Constitution ○th Article


1 : 名無しさん@おーぷん:2014/08/06(水)00:10:51 ID:???
Michishige Constitution 1st Article
Append your greetings with 「You're cute again today」
2 : 名無しさん@おーぷん:2014/08/06(水)00:16:29 ID:???
Ishida Constitution 14th Article
Turning off the lights when a slip-up happens is forbidden

Friday 31 October 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 101 - 110


 新嗣永憲法101条 (嗣永憲法第00条改正)
  『お誕生日の、おめでとうメールは、3日以内に送る。』
  やっぱ大人になると、0時ピッタリは難しいな。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 101 (Revision of Tsugunaga Constitution Article 00)
Send a congratulatory birthday message within 3 days.
ル ’ー’リ Since it's difficult for grown adults to send one at exactly midnight.

新嗣永憲法102条 (嗣永憲法第39条改正)
  『前髪は、ヒマがなくてもチェックする』
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 102 (Revision of Tsugunaga Constitution Article 39)
Check your bangs even if you don't have free time


Thursday 30 October 2014

12th gen introduction (Weekly Young Jump)

Ogata Haruna
Born 15th Feb 1999
From Osaka
Blood type A
Nickname: Ogata, Haachin

Hobby, Special Skill
Video editing, figure skating

What is 'Morning Musume.' to you?
A source of energy & smiles

The senpai you look up to?
Sayashi-san. Her dancing is really cool! 
That gap between how she is on-stage, and how she is normally, it's adorable.

Your goal from now on
I'll persevere and whatever it is, I won't give up, I'll see it to completion. 
I'll do my best to be able to stand on-stage soon, and perform together with the senpais.

Nonaka Miki
Born 7th Oct 1999
From Shizuoka prefecture
Blood type A
Nickname: Mikicha

Hobby, Special Skill
English! Backflips, piano

What is 'Morning Musume.' to you?
Something that I admire, that gives me dreams

The senpai you look up to?
Sayashi (Riho)-san and Ishida (Ayumi)-san.
I love their sharp dancing!

Your goal from now on
Taking advantage of my experiences until now, and moreover, polishing my skills
I'd like to catch up with the senpais

Makino Maria
Born 2nd Feb 2001
From Aichi prefecture
Blood type A
Nickname: Maria

Hobby, Special Skill
Cheering & spectating pro baseball, duck face

What is 'Morning Musume.' to you?
An eternal dream

The senpai you look up to?
Michishige Sayumi-san. She's the cutest in the universe, she's kind, I love her the most! My eternal goal.

Your goal from now on
I'd like to catch up to all the members as soon as possible. 
Tsunku♂-san gave me these words: 'Develop your skills even more than you have so far, and please do your best, with all your efforts, without pause.
That's my goal.

Haga Akane
Born 7th March 2002
From Nagano prefecture
Blood type O
Nickname: Akanechin

Hobby, Special Skill
Singing, calligraphy (7th dan)

What is 'Morning Musume.' to you?
Really cool, a presence I admire

The senpai you look up to?
Takagi Sayuki-san (Juice=Juice) ♥ Her dancing, her singing, they're top-notch!
Kudo Haruka-san ♥ Her husky voice is cool!
Oda Sakura-san ♥ Her flexible dancing is cool!

Your goal from now on
I'll properly practise singing and dancing, and give a performance that'll amaze people!!

Monday 27 October 2014

MM 12th gen in UTB



We are the 12th generation of Morning Musume.!


The 12th generation were newly inducted into Morning Musume. on the 30th of September.
Amidst the nervousness of this being their 3rd photo shoot, we're bringing out their photos earlier than anywhere else!!
You have to check out these 4 girls, spilling over with a uniqueness somewhat different to what we've had before~★

Friday 24 October 2014

Apologies (TopYell+ 2014 H!P Great Dictionary)

In TopYell+ H!P edition (March 2014), there's the Hello! Pro great dictionary - basically your run of the mill questionnaire.
Although it's set out by person, I'm arranging it by question instead. Links to the other questions I've translated in this series are at the end.

Q4. Taking the opportunity to do so now, which Hello! Pro member you would like to apologise to?


Q4. Taking the opportunity to do so now, which Hello! Pro member you would like to apologise to?

Michishige Sayumi
Fuku-chan (Fukumura Mizuki)
During the shooting we had for au-san, I got paired with Fuku-chan, and we had to jump in pairs to form the numeral '0' with our bodies. But since I don't have any jumping strength, we had to retake it countless times, which meant that I was making Fuku-chan jump countless times too...

Fukumura Mizuki
Tsugunaga Momoko-san
Tsugunaga-san knows that I like her, and there have been times when she's tried talking to me. However, I would keep on getting so nervous that our conversations would end almost immediately... Sorry if I bored you (cries). But recently I've finally learnt to relax and can hold conversations with her. Thank you!

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Captain and vice-captain talk about Berryz Kobo's tour and last single



Berryz Kobo autumn 2014 concert tour ~ Professional ~
Commemorating the 10th year anniversary of their début 
Will be opening from the 18th of October!
'It's been 4 years since we had an autumn tour to ourselves. The members of Berryz Kobo were extremely insistent on the particulars of the setlist, repeatedly having discussions on the song selections, time and time again. Captain (Shimizu Saki( and (Tokunaga) Chinami were extremely particular about it, but I guess the most insistent was Momo (Tsugunaga Momoko). However, the feeling that we want to give all of the fans something that's as good as possible, it's something that's shared by the 7 of us.' (Natsuyaki)

Their parting final single will be on sale on the 12th of November!!
'Romance wo Katatte / Towa no Uta'
'"Romance wo Katatte" is a song in the cute camp, something that's unusual for Berryz Kobo. Since we've had a lot of funny songs and cool songs so far. Everyone's smiling in the music video, and you'll be able to see the members being their natural selves.' (Shimizu)

'"Towa no Uta" is an energetic song that can pump up a concert. Since for Berryz Kobo, it's our last single. At the very end, I'd like to capture 1st place.' (Natsuyaki)

{Skoban: Miya... I wish that that last bit comes true (T_T)}

Tuesday 21 October 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 91 - 100

The New Tsugunaga Constitution
Previous summary

 新嗣永憲法91条
  『大掃除をする時は、テレビをつけない!』
 あ、でもラジオは聴いてね。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 91
When spring cleaning, don't turn on the television!
ル ’ー’リ Ah, but listen to the radio.

新嗣永憲法92条
  『福袋の中身に、文句はつけない』
  ま、桃は文句言っちゃうんですけどね。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 92
Do not complain about the contents of a lucky grab bag.
ル ’ー’リ Well, Momo does complain though.

H!P Grab Bag

Monday 20 October 2014

Passpo's Makita Sako on H!P

Attention please! Makita Sako from Passpo did an interview with Dwango. In it, she also touched upon Hello! Pro. Here are some translated extracts.


Makita-san, you're known to be a Hello! wota, right? Berryz Kobo have just made a sudden announcement about their indefinite hiatus。

I understand how amazing it is to have continued for 10 years、 so I'm not surprised。 They've been doing it for 10 years without a break since they were in primary school. It's different from working for 10 years as an adult, isn't it amazing! It was desired for and decided by the members、 and taking a rest is something that's important。 We've been around for 5 years, so I really understand a lot of things… But、 having worked for 10 years at that age, it's amazing。 They're masters at one thing、 but aren't they at the age where they still have life choices to make? I'm envious。

- Makita-san, you once declared that you'd like to enter Hello! Project、 but is that still true now?

I'd love to! But、 I can no longer join them… It's unbearable, this feeling that it's unobtainable, despite my love for them…。 I'm frustrated, like 'Why didn't I get in through a Hello! Pro audition when I was still in primary school?' Hello! Pro is wonderful!

Sunday 19 October 2014

Twitter Tidbits #6

A friend's concern
Tsunku♂ recently reported that his cancer had made a reappearance. Here are some words from Taisei, his Sharam Q bandmate.
I was shocked when I first heard the report、
But it flooded me with relief when I heard that the operation had turned out successfully, without a hitch。
We're ea~gerly awaiting for him to return to good health and make a comeback lol
To everyone who worried for him、 thank you so very much!
So that he'll return to health as soon as possible、
Please, let's all give him our support

Ah、 that tweet、 it was about Tsunku-chan。


{Tsunku♂ himself tweeted a message to abate concerns.}

Everyone、 I made you worry! But、 I'm doing fine!

Tuesday 14 October 2014

Tsunku♂'s message to Sayumi on the Music Japan Sayumi Graduation Special

Music Japan held a Michishige Sayumi special graduation special. The show as a whole is good viewing, with MM.'14 performing Tiki Bun and Shabondama, and messages to Sayu from Sashihara Rino, Nakagawa Shoko, and Oomori Seiko.
However, what I'd like to highlight is the message that Tsunku♂ wrote for Sayu. Here, it's read out by the lovely Mizuki Nana.

(Starts from about 14:20~)

MJ ちゃゆ by dm_526e8a36be26f

Michishige, this is your last Music Japan as part of Morning Musume.
Are you nervous? Make sure to enjoy yourself.

Thinking back, 10 years ago, at your audition, you were a girl with  fair skin, and even your eyes were distinctive, it made me think 'Oh, might there be something there?'

Your ability as a singer, it's brimming with originality. What's more, the occasional 'funya~' voice is surprising. In Shabondama, it's only when Michishige goes 'Na no ni, doko ittan da yo' (However, where have you gone?) that you get this voice with an 'Oi, where are you going?' feeling.

To what extent it's purity, and to what extent it's calculated - I think that's the theme of Michishige. But in the end, purity won out, eh?
The words, the smiles, the actions of the non-calculating Michishige all are wonderful things that go straight to the heart.

With a considerable age gap between almost all your juniors, looking after them must have been tough, but it always created a good sense of pressure. In that way, I relied on you.

After your graduation, whatever life you may lead, Michishige's hard work will be your lifelong pride, and I expect that you'll be able to overcome whatever obstacles you face. Thank you so much for your hard work.

And, with the remaining time, please enjoy being part of Morning Musume. You are truly our pride.
I'm counting on you.

Tsunku♂

Saturday 11 October 2014

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 81 - 90

The New Tsugunaga Constitution

 新嗣永憲法81条
  『集合写真を撮るときは、体の大きい人の隣へいく。』
 ねえねえ、やっぱり桃、顔小さくない?
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 81
When taking photos in a group, go next to people with large bodies.
ル ’ー’リ Hey, hey, Momo's face is definitely small, isn't it?


 新嗣永憲法82条
  『集合写真を撮るときは友達の肩に手を乗せる。』
 ねえねえこれ心霊写真じゃない?
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 82
When taking photos in a group, put your hand on your friend's shoulder.
ル ’ー’リ Hey, hey, isn't this like spirit photography?

Tuesday 7 October 2014

1001 Nights: The 11th Night (Second part) - 50 Questions to Suzuki Airi

On the 29th of September 2014, Suzuki Airi from ℃-ute held a talk event as part of the Hello! Shop 'A Thousand and One Nights' series of talk events, this being the eleventh night. The Twitter hashtag for the event was #あいりなう (Airi now).

This is the second part of that night's event, '50 Questions to Suzuki Airi'. Click here for my summary of the first part, 'Suzuki Airi's 10 songs'. Or if these interest you, why not take a look at other summaries of entries in this series of Hello! Shop talk shows?

References are made to a Taguchi-san, who I think is the MC/staff representative/manager.
Note that these were taken off fan reports on Twitter, so some liberties have been taken in stitching together the various reports to make a coherent whole, in addition to the inherent inaccuracies.



Taguchi commented that Airi seemed a bit tipsy at the earlier first part.
Airi: Since I've turned twenty, I've only had two cups of alcohol. I've been abstaining since then.
She also talked about what she ate for dinner in the break.
Airi: I just ate at Sukiya! Have all of you eaten as well? I had softboiled egg ground beef curry. Everyone, please give it a try after this is done. (laughs)

Saturday 4 October 2014

1001 Nights: The 11th Night (first part) - Suzuki Airi's 10 songs

On the 29th of September 2014, Suzuki Airi from ℃-ute held a talk event, part of the Hello! Shop A Thousand and One Nights series of talk events, this being the eleventh night. The Twitter hashtag for the event was #あいりなう (Airi now).

This is the first part of that night's event, 'Suzuki Airi's 10 songs', where she elaborated on 10 songs of her choice. I've also made a summary of the second part, '50 Questions to Suzuki Airi'. If this interests you, why not take a look at other summaries of entries in this series of Hello! Shop talk shows.

References are made to a Taguchi-san, who I think is the MC/staff representative/manager.
Note that these were taken off fan reports on Twitter, some live-tweeted during the event, some tweeted after, so I have to warn you that there may be inaccuracies here and there.


Airi: 'Good evening, this is Suzuki Airi! Can you find out about this when you put it into Twitter's search bar?'

Thursday 2 October 2014

[2ch] Write about your thoughts of the first time you saw Hello! members in the flesh


1: 名無し募集中。。。@\(^o^)/ 2014/06/15(日) 20:13:14.35 0.net
By the way, the first time I went for a concert was today's ℃-ute Okinawa Naruchika。 The first time I saw the ℃ members in the flesh, they were so cute that words couldn't describe them、and I was stammering at the handshake。 Particularly Airi and Maimi

Wednesday 1 October 2014

[Fan Report] A Night at Minakami Onsen

(This is a translation of Japanese fan's Salaryman Kobo NEO's blog post about the special concert that Berryz Kobo held at their 2014 bus tour. The wonderful accompanying illustrations are by him as well.)

For Berryz Kobo's fanclub bus tour, we went to Minakami Onsen in Gunma prefecture.

Today, we had an 8-shot with all 7 members of Berryz Kobo, a time-restricted apple picking event, and to top off the day, there was a special concert.
That concert was really, really fun. Berryz' power to entertain was explosive, and they pulled it off wonderfully.
I'm keeling over with intoxication and fatigue, but I thought I'd write about it at length.

Setlist

#1 Anshinkan
#2 Passion E‐CHA E‐CHA
MC (Everyone) Greeting
#3  Mythology
#4 Waracchaou yo BOY FRIEND
#5 Yuuki wo Kudasai
MC  Maasa・Kumai-chan・Risako
~From here 「Messing around corner」
#6 Yurushite-nyan Taisou Captain・Miyabi-chan
#7 Gag 100kai Aishite Kudasai Captain・Momochi・Chinami No Nyuu Festival
#8 Kozukai Up Daisakusen Maasa・Kumai-chan・Risako
#9 Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama Miyabi-chan・Risako+ Sea bream dancers (Captain・Chinami)
#10 ROCK Erotic Momochi in male role ・ Maasa & Kumai-chan in female role
#11 Cha Cha Sing Everyone
MC (Everyone) About the messing around corner

#12 Berryz Fields
#13 Hero Arawaru
#14 Munasawagi Scarlet
#15 Yo no Naka Barairo
MC (Everyone) Impressions of today
#16 Arigatou Otomodachi


The first outfits were the encore outfits from the recent Budokan concert.
In a rare turn of events, Momochi had only the left side of her hair done up, and that unexpectedly made my heart race. (^_^;)


Momochi's hairstyle at today's concert
With 'Anshinkan' at the start and the long-unperformed 'Passion', the audience's voltage was already charged up, but we were splendidly bowled over by the 'messing around' corner in the middle!
According to Captain, these were the members' selfish requests being realised, but first up was 'Yurushite-nyan Taisou' by Captain in her kindergarten cosplay (this was familiar) and, unexpectedly, Miyabi-chan in lieu of Momochi.

Yurushite-nyaa~n

Continuing on with 'Gag 100', at the middle section where Chinami goes 'No~Nyuu' (And it's been 5 years since Chinami last went 'No~Nyuu'), it became a 'No~Nyuu' call & response festival between those on-stage and the venue. I should note that unexpectedly, Captain's NoNyu was sexy-cute.

For 'Kozukai Up Daisakusen', Maasa was the mother dressed in an apron, Kumai-chan was a primary schooler lugging a randoseru (a knapsack associated with elementary schoolchildren), and Risako appeared in a kindergarten kid cosplay!


Seeing Kumai-chan with a randoseru, a sight unseen since her Nyoki Nyoki Champion randoseru graduation ceremony, everyone present shed tears of gratitude.

For 'Watashi no Mirai no Danna-sama', the two sea bream backdancers were doing as they pleased.
Berryz are the only idols that can make lying down on the stage look good! (^_^;)


We're sleepy....
As for 'Rock Erotic', Momochi made an appearance as a lovely lady dressed in a man's attire! With her two larger, beautiful partners in baggy clothes, seeing her sing and dance with a smug face was the biggest moe point of the day! 
At the MC, Momochi went 'Maasa and I are really fitting partners, aren't we?~' By the way, Kumai-chan complained that the waist was tight, so doing anything beyond one song would be impossible~ (^_^;) 

Momochi Erotic?
There are all sorts of things that I'd like to add, but even a whole night wouldn't suffice.

Returning to the inn after the concert, we received presents personally from the members.
(An aluminium bottle)
And having soaked in the bath, we partied!
On one hand we had voices going 'That was super fun! Berryz saikou!', while some voiced out sentiments on things that couldn't be helped, like 'Perhaps today might have been the last "Nonyu"~', or 'Even though it's so much fun, it's coming to an end~'.

Well, with everyone having used up their strength, there seemed to be a pile of corpses in the middle of the room,
Since we've got an early start tomorrow, I'm putting down my pen here.

Oyasumiyabi~

(Hope you enjoyed the report as much as I did. If you did, might I recommend you give some props to SK NEO-san. His Twitter handle is @sk_neo.)
Original blog post

The New Tsugunaga Constitution: Articles 71 - 80

The New Tsugunaga Constitution

 新嗣永憲法71条
  『食べ物についているポイントのシールは冷蔵庫に貼って貯める。』
 一ペタ二ペタ三ペタ。
New Tsugunaga Constitution Article 71
Save the informational stickers that come with food by pasting them on the door of the refrigerator. 
ル ’ー’リ Sticking on one, sticking on two, sticking on three.


Tuesday 30 September 2014

Mano Erina Photobook 'Zero' Press Conference

On the 31st of August 2014, Mano Erina held a press conference, along with a handshake event, in commemoration of her latest photobook 'Zero'.


The theme of the photobook is 'The two Erinas.' One Mano is a girl living in the countryside, experiencing the comfort of the dearly-missed traditional lifestyle. While the other is a brave girl, working hard in order to find happiness in the city.

On releasing a photobook
'That's right. First, it's been a year and a half since I've graduated from Hello! Project, but I'm happy to release a photo book even after I've graduated. We took photos in Yamaguchi and Tokyo for this one. My previous photo book was in Hawaii, so I enjoyed myself there just after graduating from Hello! Project. Now that I'm working hard at acting, there are a lot of photos where I'm putting in a bit of acting, and personally, it's ended up with a more mature atmosphere. Even I myself had no idea when I learnt how to make such expressions.'

On any incidents of note that occured during the photo shoot
'It was the first time I've been to Yamaguchi prefecture, but the weather wasn't really that great...' (It was revealed that there was heavy downpour during the photo shoot, proving that she was unable to graduate from being an Ame onna)
'But it was pretty relaxing. Facing the sea, I'd turn around, and see the mountains. I was in the midst of an abundance of nature.'