Monday 31 August 2015

Morning Musume。´15 August 2015 Nationwide Handshake Events: Nonaka Miki

The Musume are at it again, going around the country to promote their latest single. This time, they're promoting their 59th single 'Oh my wish! / Sukatto My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki'.

What's also the norm for this promotion campaign is that the members hijack the official Musume Twitter account, and we get to follow the girls along as they go around the country.

Chel gets off twice as many tweets compared to last time, so it's all good. Plus, Megane Nonaka! Also, if the words in my translations are in ALL CAPS, it probably means that Chel was using English (Yes, in all caps).

【Hiroshima/ Nonaka】
Good morning!
This is Nonaka Miki (*^_^*)
I've arrived at Hiroshima
There'll be an event at Tower Records' Hiroshima Store after this, at 11 o'clock! I'll be waiting ♪

【Hiroshima/ Nonaka】
The event is about to  START󾭠
This is Megane Nonaka! But… I won't be wearing glasses for the real thing
Sorry ^^;

【Hiroshima/Nonaka】
The Hiroshima event was fun (^_−)−☆ To everyone who came、THANK YOU󾬏
I met the official character of the Sanyo Shinkansen, Kansenger, at Hiroshima station!

Saturday 29 August 2015

Yajima Maimi 'YajiMap Sweets Shugyou no Tabi' Special Making DVD

YajiMap Sweets Shugyou no Tabi (YajiMap Sweets Study Trip) was a serialisation in the idol magazine UTB (and its sister magazine UTB+), where the lovely Yajima Maimi would introduce stores dealing in delicacies. A hand-drawn map would also be included, hence 'YajiMap'.

The editors must have had high expectations for this serialisation - they didn't just stop at compiling the articles into a book, they even made recordings of her trips. Those recordings would later be packaged into a 'Special Making' DVD, where today's picspam comes from.


So without further ado, let's go on a sweets study trip, with Maimi as the main dish.

1st location: Daikanyama (Shooting done January 2014)

Maimi's outfit for the day was coordinated by MaiMai.

She starts with waffles with ice cream and fruits from Waffle'S beulah

And drops by Sebastien Huber for macarons

And here's Maimi's hand-drawn map!

Waffle'S beulah: Japan, 〒150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya, Daikanyamacho, 10-3 (Website, Location page)
Sebastien Huber: 〒150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya, Daikanyamacho, 18-6 Vogue Daikanyama 1F (Website, Location page, Yelp)

Friday 28 August 2015

Morning Musume。´15 August 2015 Nationwide Handshake Events: Fukumura Mizuki

The Musume are at it again, going around the country to promote their latest single. This time, they're promoting their 59th single 'Oh my wish! / Sukatto My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki'.

What's also the norm for this promotion campaign is that the members hijack the official Musume Twitter account, and we get to follow the girls along as they go around the country.

Fuku-chan was also running around doing similar things last year in Osaka and Kyoto, and earlier this year in Tokyo and Ishikawa.

【Miyagi/Fukumura】
Good morning
The whole country's feeling the effects of the rain today
Please be careful as you move aroundー!
Fukumura's heading to Sendai  ε=(*'▽')ノ

【Miyagi/Fukumura】
Arrived in Sendai!!
…I can't use local expressions well, so here's Date Masamune!!!
ε≡≡≡≡≡ヽ( ゚ 3゚)ノ

Thursday 27 August 2015

I'd like to try becoming this H!P member (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)


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


Q8. If you could become a H!P member for just a day, who would you become?

Shimizu Saki: I'd like to become Risako (Sugaya Risako) and have fun trying out all sorts of hairdos, make-up, and eyelash extensions ♪ Everything goes so well with her, it's unfair.

Tsugunaga Momoko: Yajima Maimi-chan ♥ It wouldn't incur divine retribution for Momochi to be the H!P leader for about a day, right!?

Tokunaga Chinami: Kudo Haruka. I can't swim, so I'd like to become Duu and swim smoothly ♪

Sudo Maasa: ANGERME's Wada Ayaka-chan ♥ Everything she does makes you say she's cute, so I'd like to try becoming such a soothing presence too.

Natsuyaki Miyabi: Berryz Kobo's Kumai-chan. I'd like to take advantage of Kumai-chan's height, become a model, and appear on a fashion show ★

Kumai Yurina: I'd like to become Captain and dance super-duper stylish dances.

Sugaya Risako: Fukuda Kanon♥ Cute outfits suit Kanon, so I'd like to go out wearing clothes like that ♥

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Morning Musume。´15 August 2015 Nationwide Handshake Events: Ogata Haruna

The Musume are at it again, going around the country to promote their latest single. This time, they're promoting their 59th single 'Oh my wish! / Sukatto My Heart / Imasugu Tobikomu Yuuki'.

What's also the norm for this promotion campaign is that the members hijack the official Musume Twitter account, and we get to follow the girls along as they go around the country.

Here, we follow 12ki member Haachin as she goes around to Fukui, Kyoto, and Osaka, and even makes a visit to a place she'd dropped by in the last promotion.

Heading off to Fukui! Everyone, please wait!

11:30〜
We'll be holding the handshake event at Lovely Partner Lpa 1st floor West Entrance Event Space (In front of Matsukiya's Lpa store)!
A Thunderbird trip‥ Notー! lol

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Q&A with Kumai Yurina by Yahoo

{Kumaicho made an appearance in 'Nakai no Mado' for their feature on tall people. Her height was measured on-camera, where her claims to be 176 cm tall were debunked - she stands 181 cm tall. It was such a topic of discussion that 'Kumai Yurina' entered Yahoo's daily lookup ranking. Consequently, Yahoo had a quick Q&A with Kumaicho.}

Q&A with Kumai Yurina-san

―― Up to now you've been saying that you're 176 cm tall、 but how did it feel when you found out that you were 181 cm tall after being measured?

Kumai Yurina-san I thought 'I really have grown~!' I think there were a lot of people who thought that 'It's surely gotten greater than before, right!?'、 so I think it's great that it's now been clarified。 I'm glad to have been measured, as I received responses and happy comments from a lot of people。

―― Please tell us about the things about your height that worry you、 as well as what's great about it。

Kumai Yurina-san What's troubling is that even though I wanted to wear a yukata for this summer、 I couldn't get it tailored as the textiles aren't sufficiently long、which also happened when it came to my coming-of-age ceremony kimono。What should I do for this summer......。

When you pass by people、 you'll be able to see them do a double-take、 with an extremely surprised look on their faces。

What's great about it is that you don't get suffocated on a crowded train。 And you're in good position for the cooling! Just like with kimonos and yukatas、 there's no need to alter the length of jeans!

―― What have you looked up recently? Please tell us the keywords you've actually looked up。

Kumai Yurina-san I've looked up 「Methods of reducing height」!




Source: Yahoo

Monday 24 August 2015

Takeda Rena: 100 questions and answers (Part 4)

100 questions 100 answers took a break for a while。 We apologise for making you wait。

We'll start again from today!
Please take a peek into the heart of Rena-chan、 who celebrated her birthday yesterday…

Well then、 without delay。 Let's continue!
Q68. Masculine gesture that you like?
A68. Gesture…… On that topic, I like spectacles!
Q69. What if you and your best friend like the same person?
A69. The 2 of us will do our best together!!
Q70. Marriage is?
A70. Something I want to do!!
Q71. What's great about this line of work?
A71. Being able to try out all sorts of make-up and wear all sorts of clothes、 play all sorts of roles。 Meeting the fans。
Q72. Favourite actress?
A72. Aragaki Yui-san!
Q73. Favourite artiste?
A72. Shiina Pikarin-san 🌟 Sakou Tomohisa-san
Q74. Favourite comedian?
A74. Un-jash-san
Q75. Person you admire?
A75. Honda Tsubasa-san!
Q76. Person you'd like to meet once?
A76. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu-san
Q77. Person you'd like to co-star with?
A77. Aragaki Yui-san
Q78. Programme you'd like to try making an appearance on?
A78. AmeTalkーー!
Q79. You favourite words (Motto) are?
A79. Hard work will not betray you
Q80. One of your favourite sweets!
A80. Grilled banana ❤︎

Saturday 22 August 2015

Sugaya Risako: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.


Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!
'Koishiteru Toki ha Itsumo...' 
The lyrics, the melody, I like everything about it. I often listen to it when I want to be soothed.
'Masshiroi Ano Kumo' 
I love ballads, and I really like its mellowness.
'Massugu na Watashi' 
There are lottttts of parts where I'm moved by the lyrics, and I'm sobbing before I know it.

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
Our Saitama Super Arena concert. Even now, I can't forget how emotionally moving it was. It was a day of joy. The play 'Warera Jeanne'. At any rate, there were lots of things to memorise, and it was truly a challenge as I couldn't really remember the songs, I couldn't catch the rhythm. And it was a play where I got a lot of support from the members. And our Nippon Budokan concert! It was tons of fun! It was a concert that reminded me just how much support we get from everyone.

Q3. Memories with the members

Shimizu Saki: Captain always helps me out. She'd call out to me during tough times, I think she's always keeping an eye out for the members.

Tsugunaga Momoko: When I was down in the dumps, in a rare move, Momo, who normally would never spend a penny on anyone, bought me my favourite drink...... Such a trivial thing made me so happy that it made me sob.

Tokunaga Chinami: Chii-chan keeps an eye out for things like our physical condition, and she'd go out of her way to send messages on the line of 'This part is tough, but let's do our best, okay'. That kind aspect of hers made me go up in tears (laughs).

Sudo Maasa: I remember the two of us, Maa-chan and I, going to a family restaurant, and talking about all sorts of things for quite a while. She's tolerant like a mother and always fusses over me.

Natsuyaki Miyabi: Miyabi would often give me counsel, give me advice. She's like an oneechan to me.

Kumai Yurina: When we were small, we appeared together in the movie 'Hotaru no Hoshi', but I'd always fight over the silliest things with Kumai-chan (laughs). I don't even remember what sort of things they were though....

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
I'd like to do the only things we can do at full blast. I want to spend the remaining time without any regrets.

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
When we're having fun while messing around all-out!!! I think so particularly when we're holding a concert!

Friday 21 August 2015

Kumai Yurina: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.

Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!

'Anata Nashi de ha Ikite Yukenai' 
It's a precious song, as it's Berryz Kobo's début song as well as our starting point! The plaid outfits were cute too! At the time, we had no idea what the lyrics meant, and we took ages to learn the dance moves, we faced lots of hardships, but it's a song we've got deep memories of!!

'Kimi no Tomodachi' 
It's melody is un-idol-like, and the first time I heard it, I thought that it was an unexpected song, but after listening to it a lot, I've really gotten into it (laughs). I really like these grown-up songs ♥

'Succhaka Mecchaka~' 
I love songs that are Berryz Kobo-ish, which pump up the audience at concerts! The melody and the choreography are both adorable. It's a popular song among my friends as well ☆

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
What makes me happy is that Beryz Kobo were able to continue on for over 10 years. Things that I found joyful were being the youngest performers on record at Saitama Super Arena and being able to hold concerts at the Nippon Budokan. That space, that view from the stage, it's something that I won't forget my whole life.

Q3. Memories with the members

Shimizu Saki: I think that, as the captain for 10 years, it truly is amazing how she brought together Berryz Kobo, who are all over the place ☆ She's really good at dancing, and even remembers the members' standing locations, which is something. I envy her cute, petite build ♥

Tsugunaga Momoko: Momo has a 'resilient heart of glass' (laughs) She's really amazing! Also, among the members, she was the sole person who called me 'Yuri'. Now she calls me Kumaicho though (laughs). We may tease you excessively and often, but joking around like that is fun as well ♥

Tokunaga Chinami: Chii's really funny ♥ Her memory's amazing and not to be underestimated, and she's also a gourmet. In the past, we were often called 'Tokkuma', we were said to be so similar that it was tough for grandpa to differentiate the both of us (laughs). Sunflowers suit you ♪

Sudo Maasa: I often go to 'The Land of Dreams' with Maa-san. Recently she's often been giving me little scares (laughs). But I like I like how she jokes around like that ♥ Also, we're called 'Kumaazu' by the fans. When we sing 'Gurando demo Rouka demo Medatsu Kimi' together, it's popular with the fans!

Natsuyaki Miyabi: Fashion Leader ☆ I often go on whirlwind shopping sprees with Miya! Both of us enjoy shopping, and Miya helps me decide when I'm torn between clothes ♥ Also, I like Miya's smooth dancing!!

Sugaya Risako: Although she's the youngest member, I think she's the sexiest ♥ I like Risako's singing, and she's like a doll - anything suits her! She's like an old man at times, but I enjoy that difference (laughs).

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
If anything, I want to seriously fool around a lot (laughs). I'd like to go to the country Belize with everyone!!

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
All of us in the group are all over the place, rich with individual characterisitcs, but when push comes to shove, the strength of our unity is amazing ♥ There are rumours of discord, but I think we're on pretty good terms (laughs).

Thursday 20 August 2015

Natsuyaki Miyabi: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.


Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!

'Anata Nashi de ha Ikite Yukenai' 
As Berryz Kobo's début song, it's a song that changed my life in a big way. When we made our début, we were still in primary school. And yet, I was really desperately struggling to sing such a difficult song, and I worked hard to convey the emotions. I think that it was a really good experience

'Aitai Kedo...' 
I got to sing this solo at the Nippon Budokan. I never thought that it would happen in my life, I was so nervous at the time that my body was shaking. But I'd always loved singing ever since I was small, so getting to sing at such a huge place, and that so many people listened to me sing, it truly was a joy ♥♥♥

'Tomodachi ha Tomodachi nanda' 
I really like the music video to this song ♥ I feel that overflows with Berryz Kobo-ishness. And listening to this song makes me think that friends are really precious, so we should treasure them!! ☆

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
All of the memories in these 10 years are really important to me, but for me, our work overseas left a great impression. You know, since there are people cheering on Berryz Kobo even in countries we haven't been to, that such a great number of people know about us...... It was quite astonishing.

Q3. Memories with the members

Shimizu Saki: Shimi-chan's helped me out lots♥ If there's something Miya doesn't like, I immediately get irritated and down in the dumps, but Shimi-chan gives me lots of advice to tide me through~. Sorry for worrying you countless countless times.

Tsugunaga Momoko: Watching the competitive Momo from since we were small, it made me think that Miya should believe in herself too!

Tokunaga Chinami: Chii-chan may seem like a fool, but but actually she has this dependable aspect to her which Miya respects ♥

Sudo Maasa: Maa-chan is Berryz Kobo's mother!! Ever since we were small, Maa-chan's been a person of strong character, so I've been pampered by her a lot ~♥ Thankyou for associating with Miya even when I'm messing around!

Kumai Yurina: The usually cool Kumai-chan. But when you pamper her at times and she gets embarrassed, I always find that adorable ♥

Sugaya Risako: Looking at Risako give mature opinions despite being younger than me, I always think that Risako's grown up to be a level-headed adult.

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
'An overseas trip' I'd like to try going to the country Belize ♪

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
Freedom (laughs).

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Sudo Maasa: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.

Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!

'Happiness~Koufuku Kangei!~'
I get to sing the part ♪Anata ni Deaeta (I met you), and it makes me happy when the fans sing it by changing the 'anata' (you) to 'Maasa' ♥

'Chotto Samishiina' 
We sang this at our 2014 autumn tour, but the more I listen to it, the more I think it's a wonderful song ♥

'Towa no Uta' 
The extremely wonderful lyrics make your chest squeeze! It's a song I love

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
I think that Berryz Kobo holds the 3rd place position in Hello! Project. However, the only ones to wear fish outfits are Berryz Kobo alone! Even when we're messing around, we're doing it full power, so every day is enjoyable!

Q3. Memories with the members

Shimizu Saki: She has this image of being level-headed as she's the Captain, but she really does pamper you. ♥ So I talk about all sorts of things with Saki-chan, and get pampered ♥

Tsugunaga Momoko: Her skilfulness at talking is off the charts, and I think she really watches the members! She's unexpectedly serious (laughs).

Tokunaga Chinami: We do silly things when we're together (laughs). I think that it's because both of us have completely opposite personalities that there's harmony. My source of energy!

Natsuyaki Miyabi: She clearly states her own opinion, and together with Captain, she brings the group together. Miya's stylish, so I think she's the type who all sorts of girls can admire, a group which includes my younger sister!

Kumai Yurina: In my private time, I hang out the most with her, and we've bought matching outfits and goods. I get air-headed when I'm with Kumai-chan (laughs).

Sugaya Risako: She's taught me the most about singing. Even for songs I'm bad with, Risako would teach me aout things like the musical intervals, which was a relief!

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
I'd like to go to the members' homes! I'd like to have a party and sleepover at someone's house ♥♥♥

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
Berryz Kobo, ranked 2.8th. I'm happy that we were able to challenge ourselves from cool to funny!

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Tokunaga Chinami: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.

Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!

'Sabori' 
The lyrics are cute. While the contents of the lyrics were just right for us at the time, as we were students, now that we're no longer students, listening to this song makes me feel our history

'Yo no Naka Barairo' 
It's a very Berryz Kobo-ish song that really excites the crowd at concerts! Listening to this song lifts your spirits ♪

'Kibou no Yoru' 
It's a song we haven't done since our concert 4 years ago, but ever since I listened to it after a long while the other day, I've been listening to it a lot. The lyrics fit the current Berryz Kobo just right!

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
That we got to go overseas! Even though we normally carry out our activities in Japan, it makes me happy that the support for us even crosses borders. I'm thankful that my first time overseas was with the members!!

Q3. Memories with the members

Shimizu Saki: Thank you for acting as the captain! This story is from when we were small, but it surprised me to hear that 'Because I was Captain, I often got scolded in the past'...... Thank you for always keeping steady and teaching me dancing.

Tsugunaga Momoko: My business partner (laughs). Momo's strong heart is worthy of respect, you know~!? An episode I had with Momo was eating ice cream inside the office during our break time (laughs).

Sudo Maasa: If anything, she likes things being tidy, so she willingly cleans up the dressing room! I think that Maa's the one I've had the most eye-contact with on-stage. We always say that we want to go for sushi, so let's have some soon, okay ♪

Natsuyaki Miyabi: She's good at singing and dancing, I envy her!! When we're doing photo shoots, Miya advises the members on things like our outfits. Even though we're the same age, she's has this image of being grown-up and seems to be handy at anything. I often go for meals with Miya.

Kumai Yurina: Always going at her own pace (laughs). I love Kumai-chan when she's like that ♥ My biggest memory together with Kumai-chan is when the 2 of us went around Shin-Ōkubo ♪ We lined up for 2 hours to get into a Korean restaurant, how nostalgic (laughs). Also, the 2 of us went for a summer festival!

Sugaya Risako: I've had a lot of cup ramen gatherings with Riisan~. It's nostalgic how we used to sleep together in the same room when we were at hotels! I talked about nothing but ramen with Riisan (laughs).

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
I'd like to go on a trip with everyone. Since the 7 of us had fun staying overnight together in a huge room at our bus tour the other day, I'd like to go on a trip in our private time next time!!!

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
Everything. For me...... Without Berryz, I'm confident I'd quit immediately!!!

Monday 17 August 2015

Tsugunaga Momoko: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.


Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!

'Towa no Uta' 
As our last single, the lyrics touch the hearts, but I think it's a Berryz Kobo-ish song, and shouldn't we finish our last single with a smile, whatever the cost! ♥

'Rival' 
Even though the 'Momochi!!' call at the 2nd part's 'I've completely stopped growing in height, even though I'm still gaining weight~' makes me extremely irritated, it's the best!!

'Tomodachi ha Tomodachi nanda!' 
Momochi's profile in the music video was perfect ☆ How spectacular!! The lyrics 'It's meaningless to have friends that you keep a safe distance away from. Nonetheless, I'd like to have a meetup with these friends about once a year even if there are last minute cancellations ♪' are very Berryz Kobo.

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
There are lots, but it would have to be the event that was held to announce our début ♥ Momochi was supposed to do the important job of announcing our name, but I was so nervous that the 'Be' of 'Berryz Kobo' didn't really come out...... I remember that time even now, and it occasionally appears in my dreams.

Q3. Memories with the members

Shimizu Saki: The partner I have the most work discussions with. Every time, I think that she always has the group in mind. That's what you'd expect from Captain! If I helped Saki-chan out even just a smidgen, that would make me happy ♥

Tokunaga Chinami: The partner who I've messed around with the most! Wanting to fool around our whole lives, we played around every day with the motto 'Messing around seriously'. Just because there were times when I wasn't energetic, it didn't mean that she'd give kind words to me, Chinami'd mess around with me full force as usual, which has helped me out several times.

Sudo Maasa: My number one partner to go for karaoke together with! I don't really hang out with members in my private time, but I'll leave home even on my days off to go for karaoke with Maasa! I'm kind of happy that Maasa's recently been saying that she's come to like singing ♥

Natsuyaki Miyabi: My partner with whom I've had lots of activities together with ♥ We got close quickly ever since we started with Buono! activities. I've spent a longer time together with her compared to the other members, and Miya's performances gave me a bucketload of motivation.

Kumai Yurina: My soothing partner ♥ I just can't stop smiling when chatting with Kumaicho (laughs). There are times when I unintentionally tease her because her reactions are adorable, but Kumaicho wams up my heart every day ♥

Sugaya Risako: The partner I was with at Disneyland ♥ The two of us who are no good with thrill rides went on a date. Our conversation started out with 'Do you eat Frisks?', as if you wanted me to say 'Is this our first meeting!?' (laughs), but it was awesome to hog the cute Riichan all to myself ♥

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
There are lots of members who get easily embarrassed, so I'd like to exchange my feelings of gratitude for the role they play! Since they always run when they become the brunt of jokes (laughs). Ah, this is in our private time, of course. Getting embarrassed in a photo shoot is a no-no!!

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
There aren't any complicated dances (laughs). Juice=Juice and ANGERME are young so they've got lots of momentum, and ℃-ute are so highly skilled that we can't catch up. I've tried copying them, but it immediately leads to muscle pains!! Momochi always wants to be in front, so Morning Musume。's formation dances wouldn't be practical...... And so, Berryz Kobo's the best ♥

Sunday 16 August 2015

Shimizu Saki: Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari Special (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)

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

This questions come from the Berryz Kobo Last Maruwakari special, where we get one last, deep insight into the girls before their hiatus.


Q1. BEST 3: Favourite Berryz Kobo songs!

'Koishiteru Toki ha Itsumo' 
I like the lyrics to this song!! It's the coupling song for 'Suppecial Generatio~n', but compared to back then, I think it's even better when I listen to it now.

'Towa no Uta'  
It's a song that touches my heart so much that singing it makes me feel like crying. It's a song that I hope everyone comes to like.

'Rival' 
I like the lyrics of the chorus in particular! ♪ My rival is my own weak self, who looks at the past..... That's definitely how it is!!

Q2. The activity that left the biggest impression after 10 years of activities as Berryz Kobo
There are way too much...... but it'd have to be our own concert at the Saitama Super Arena where we attained the record of being the youngest performers there. It was this huge stage of our dreams, and even though we were still young, I still remember getting a shock!!

Q3. Memories with the members

Tsugunaga Momoko: This doesn't mean that we're the best of friends (laughs), but I feel that when it comes to how we feel and think about work, we're the same. In various ways, I can rely on her.

Tokunaga Chinami: When we were in primary school, our parents would drop us off and pick us up, but almost every time, Chii, Chii-mama, myself, and mother Shimizu, the 4 of us would go for a meal after work ended. Chinami was one who helped me overcome the foods I didn't like.

Sudo Maasa: There was a period of time when I was worried, but the sole person to notice was Maa-chan. She really supports my heart......

Natsuyaki Miyabi: She's my constant consulting partner! Miya was the person who brought an end to the time when I was thinking about quitting work. I have nothing but gratitude towards her.

Kumai Yurina: For quite a while after we made our début, Kumai-chan was the type who didn't state her opinions at all, so it had me worried in all sorts of ways. I've never seen her pamper the members, but it's soothing to watch Kumai-chan going at her own pace ♪

Sugaya Risako: Even though she's the youngest in the group, I don't feel the difference in years at all, I talk with her about everything. She always helps me out a lot by clearly saying 'We can't do the things we can't do!'

Q4. I'd like to finally do this before our hiatus
I'd like to go to everyone's homes! Even though we've been together so long, I don't really know much about their private lives (laughs). As for work, I'd like to do something like a Berryz Fest! Something like a concert that gathers the people who like Berryz Kobo (including performers) ☆

Q5. The things that make you think 'I'm glad to have been in Berryz Kobo'
I don't think that there's any group who does as much as they please besides Berryz Kobo. Even though it doesn't mean that the members are close-knit, but we feel the bonds, having been together for over 10 years with the same members. I think that we were able to go this far because of everyone, I think of it as something to be proud of!