Saturday 29 April 2017

Momochi no Kimochi - 22 idol guidelines in the style of Momochi



I: One should treasure the things that don't change.
Idols provide people with dreams, so it's really important to have something that remains constant. While looks will change with age, it's important that you put in some effort and have some tricks up your sleeve so that you don't show how you've aged. In that sense, I really admire and respect Matsuda Seiko-san, who doesn't seem to have changed even despite growing older.

II: One should remain firm to their own style
Establish your own style, something that you'll keep on doing no matter what. My pinky that's always standing at attention, my nickname Momochi - these are things that I persisted with despite facing resistance. At some point, people stopped mentioning anything about them, and they've now become my trademarks. Whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

III: One should think positively
At first, I used to have a 'heart of glass'. It's better to do something and fail rather than to fail without having done anything at all. Even if you fail, that's that, then move on to the next thing.

IV: One should learn how to forget
While I occasionally fail at auditions for shows, it's common for me to naturally forget about it. The other day, a producer apologised to me for not being able to cast me in a prior show, but I had already forgotten about that rejection in a heartbeat. Forgetfulness is also useful is refreshing your emotions as you head on to try the next thing.

V: One should sing even if they are on a basket
People often say that they made their start using a box as their performance stage. But when I was small, I flipped over a red laundry basket and used that as a stage. It might have been less steady than a box, but that was how strongly I admired idols. It showed how much grit I had. The power of chasing one's dreams is majestic, isn't it!?

VI: One should take up opportunities with everything they've got
There are lots of people who came to learn about Momochi through 'MechaIke'. At the time, I faced it full of spirit, and thought of it as a turning point for my life. I only thought about putting myself forward. In the past, Tsunku♂-san would always scold me, telling me that the senpai-kouhai relationship doesn't matter when on-stage. Victory goes to whoever stands out. I think that things turned out nicely. It resulted in a lot of people getting to know me, so I'm grateful to Tsunku♂-san ♥

VII: One should also accept the haters
When you've appeared on various programmes, there'll be more people who like you. But it doesn't just end there: there'll definitely also be a rise in the number of haters. Yet, it also provides opportunities to change that 'dislike' into 'like' someday. The scariest thing is actually when people are 'indifferent'. So on the contrary, I'm grateful for the haters. If you take their words as advice, you'll be able to accept and understand them.

VIII: Firstly, one should love oneself
As a basis, you should only watch idol DVDs which you appear in. Even on concert DVDs where all the Hello! Project members appear, I watch the other groups at 5x speed. If I see a flash of myself sitting in the bleachers, I go back, and once that's done with, I speed things back up. (laughs) To everyone in the other groups, yurushite-nyan ♥ While it's obviously fun to watch yourself, if you check yourself out with such zeal, you'll learn and discover all sorts of things about yourself, so don't make light of it.

Tuesday 25 April 2017

Momochi no Kimochi: Nervousness (Essay #17/22)



Recently, I haven't been nervous at all during concerts. It's like I've almost forgotten how it's like to be nervous.

Before, I used to fret about making mistakes, but nowadays, I'm fine even if there are 5000 people in the audience.

And yet, I get nervous when I have to talk in front of about 30 people.

In the past, I used to be bad at reading aloud in classes, so bad that I'd even read out '.' as 'full stop'.
Or my palms would get sweaty as I waited for my turn to arrive.

Even now, when I have to make presentations in front of ten people at university seminars, just standing in front of people makes my heart pound, my face red. I feel running away while screaming 'Please don't look at me!'

At those times, I'd cheerfully start with a 'Right, let's get this talk started♪' This makes me feel like I'm pretty much at a concert, which steadies myself a little. I bear these words in my heart: 'This isn't a classroom. This is Nakano Sunplaza!'


Tsugunaga Momoko Photo Essay "Momochi no Kimochi" / Momoko Tsugunaga
Momoko Tsugunaga

Saturday 22 April 2017

Maruwakari Summer 2016: Summer Girl

Hello! Project Maruwakari BOOK 2016 SUMMER / Hello! Project

Q4. Who is the 'summer girl' amongst the (current) H!P members?

℃-ute
Yajima MaimiHagiwara Mai
Nakajima SakiMurota Mizuki
Suzuki AiriHagiwara Mai and Murota Mizuki
Okai ChisatoHagiwara Mai and Nakajima Saki
Hagiwara MaiSasaki Rikako
Morning Musume。´16
Fukumura MizukiYajima Maimi
Ikuta ErinaTakeuchi Akari
Iikubo HarunaSasaki Rikako
Ishida AyumiTakeuchi Akari
Sato MasakiYajima Maimi
Kudo HarukaYajima Maimi
Oda SakuraYajima Maimi
Ogata HarunaKishimoto Yumeno
Nonaka MikiTaguchi Natsumi
Makino MariaYajima Maimi
Haga AkaneTaguchi Natsumi
ANGERME
Wada AyakaWada Ayaka
Nakanishi KanaANGERME members
Takeuchi AkariMurota Mizuki
Katsuta RinaKatsuta Rina
Murota MizukiTaguchi Natsumi
Aikawa MahoMurota Mizuki
Sasaki RikakoMurota Mizuki
Kamikokuryo MoeYajima Maimi
Juice=Juice
Miyazaki YukaTaguchi Natsumi
Kanazawa TomokoIkuta Erina
Takagi SayukiTaguchi Natsumi
Miyamoto KarinKanazawa Tomoko
Uemura AkariTaguchi Natsumi
Country Girls
Tsugunaga MomokoIikubo Haruna
Yamaki RisaYajima Maimi
Morito ChisakiYajima Maimi
Ozeki MaiTaguchi Natsumi
Yanagawa NanamiTaguchi Natsumi
Funaki MusubuTaguchi Natsumi
Kobushi Factory
Fujii RioKishimoto Yumeno
Hirose AyakaOzeki Mai
Nomura MinamiWada Ayaka
Ogawa RenaMurota Mizuki
Hamaura AyanoIshida Ayumi
Taguchi NatsumiMurota Mizuki
Wada SakurakoOgata Haruna
Inoue ReiTaguchi Natsumi
Tsubaki Factory
Yamagishi RikoYajima Maimi
Ogata RisaYajima Maimi
Niinuma KisoraYajima Maimi and Okai Chisato
Tanimoto AmiHagiwara Mai
Kishimoto YumenoTaguchi Natsumi
Asakura KikiTaguchi Natsumi

Tuesday 18 April 2017

Momochi no Kimochi: The illusory flavour (Essay #16/22)


When I was in primary school, the dish I liked the most at the lunch service would be the miso soup.
The taste of miso is extremely to my liking.
It's the best match for my palate. 
The was another kid in my class who also liked miso soup, and that kid would often slip out in the ruckus before we said grace to quickly top-up their miso soup. 
With its mild taste and condiments such as radishes immersed in it, that miso soup was really delicious. 
The other day, I just happened to get the opportunity to savour the miso soup from the primary school that I attended, but unfortunately, the taste had changed a little. 
At this point in time, that miso soup has become an illusory memory. 
From the bottom of my heart, I really regret that I never asked what sort of miso they used. 
However, if I you were to ask me what I'd like for my last meal, without hesitation, I'd pick yakiniku ♥


Tsugunaga Momoko Photo Essay "Momochi no Kimochi" / Momoko Tsugunaga
Momoko Tsugunaga

Saturday 15 April 2017

1001 Nights - The 42nd Night: 100 questions to Tsugunaga Momoko (Part 2)

On the 31st of March 2017, at long last, we finally have ‘Momochi’ Tsugunaga Momoko holding her first and likely only talk event in this 42nd instalment of the 1001 Nights series of Hello! Shop talk events. With this show, all the Berryz members have appeared at this series of events, though Momo's by herself - all the other members appeared in pairs.


Usual disclaimer that these are based on tweeted fan reports and thus should be taken to be an interpretation of the event rather than comprehensive coverage. Momochi herself answered at a rapid pace, taking a total of answering 47 minutes per part to answer 50 questions.


Theme for this event was ‘Tsugunaga Momoko’. The event was split into two parts, where Momochi would answer 50 questions from the fans during each part, for a total of 100 questions. Twitter hashtag for the event was  #ももち (#Momochi). This post covers the second part - see the first part here.

C8P59VjVYAU_kqf[1].jpg

(Second part of the event starts!)

Everyone in Osaka, maido. (Another Kansai-ben version of 'thank you')


We already know how this goes, so on to the questions.

Wota: Eh~

So when? What’s normally done during the opening?

Wota: *mumble mumble*

You can’t answer, can you? It's because you only come to Momochi’s events, right~😒


Q51. Honestly, what do you think about marriage proposals at handshake events?

I think that people who do so are very fortunate people. It's completely fine.
Handshakes are a special privilege to those who have purchased our CDs. So it's fine to do anything with the time that you've acquired, as long as it's within the bounds of morality.
I don't know what I myself will think about it though.

Q52. Of incoming and outgoing H!P members, if you pick your future children?

I’m sorry, is there a problem with my reading comprehension?
I don’t understand this, I can’t figure out your Japanese.
Is my reading ability the problem? No, your Japanese is the problem!

Q53. If you could go back to the past and redo something in your idol life, when would you choose?

I'm always content, but at the first GekiHaro, I wore an Edo-era wig. I really hated that wig. That was the only thing I hated about that play.


And yet, in the posters and pamphlets, my hair was done in a half-up, not much different from what I've got going at the moment. So it would have been fine if I had appeared like that at the real performance…

If I did the hairstyle I had in the pamphlet, it would have been the best GekiHaro.
That's what I’d like to tell myself when I go back.

Wednesday 12 April 2017

Suzuki Airi - True Colours (Update Girls July 2016)


℃-ute celebrated the 11th anniversary of their formation this June. Suzuki Airi has continued to be an active member of the group the whole time. She turned 22 in April.

'Compared to the past, I get the impression that the themes and atmosphere of our songs have become really mature. Actually, as the years have gone by, all of us have gone past the age of twenty. If you were to ask us to perform with the same energy we had like when we did "Meguru Koi no Kisetsu" (2007) for example, it'd be difficult. We'd try, of course. (laughs) Thinking of it that way, it's because of how we are like now that we're able to perform our latest single, "Naze Hito ha Arasoundarou? / Summer Wind / Jinsei ha Step!"

Indeed, their three songs have the allure of a mature group that has gone beyond the idol framework: The calming, soulful pop of 'Naze Hito ha~' with its gospel tinge, the impressive, cool groove of 'Summer~', the fusion of swing jazz and electro in 'Jinsei ha~'. But the girls had no intention of shifting gears from so-called idols to a mature vocal & dance group. Instead, through the mature mood of these 3 songs from their latest single, they themselves realised that lying beneath their performances and at the root of their minds was that they want to be 'idols' until the very end.

'We can't forget how ℃-ute are as idols, I can't forget how Suzuki Airi is as an idol. Even if we built up personas, the fans would acknowledge us as idols. While things are different from how they were in our teens, it's not like we're forcing ourselves to appear mature. You could say that as idols, we're acting our age. I'd prefer naturally radiating an idolness that can only be produced by the ℃-ute of the present, the Suzuki Airi of the present.'

She tells us with a smile on her face that she believes that being an idol suits her. The reason for that suitability? It's because she possesses a certain trait within her.

Tuesday 11 April 2017

Momochi no Kimochi: Tokyo Tower (Essay #15/22)




Currently, the Skytree is the talk of the town.
The Skytree, which is capable of making digital broadcasts.

But honestly, I sometimes get worried about those.
Those high-definition broadcasts.
The high resolution reveals even the nooks and crannies,
So while I'm of course happy
That you get to fully enjoy Momochi's cuteness,
When my skin isn't doing that well......
I've have just a bit of a grudge towards the Skytree. (laughs)

On that point, I often go to Tokyo Tower because it's close to the office,
And I've grown used to it,
So for me
I still prefer Tokyo Tower over the Skytree.


Tsugunaga Momoko Photo Essay "Momochi no Kimochi" / Momoko Tsugunaga
Momoko Tsugunaga

Saturday 8 April 2017

1001 Nights - The 42nd Night: 100 questions to Tsugunaga Momoko (Part 1)

On the 31st of March 2017, at long last, we finally have ‘Momochi’ Tsugunaga Momoko holding her first and likely only talk event in this 42nd instalment of the 1001 Nights series of Hello! Shop talk events. With this show, all the Berryz members have appeared at this series of events, though Momo's by herself - all the other members appeared in pairs.


Usual disclaimer that these are based on tweeted fan reports and thus should be taken to be an interpretation of the event rather than comprehensive coverage. Momochi herself answered at a rapid pace, taking a total of answering 47 minutes per part to answer 50 questions.


Theme for this event was ‘Tsugunaga Momoko’. The event was split into two parts, where Momochi would answer 50 questions from the fans during each part, for a total of 100 questions. Twitter hashtag for the event was  #ももち (#Momochi). This post covers the first part. The second part is in this post.

C8P59VjVYAU_kqf[1].jpg

Entering to the tune of Peanut Butter Jelly Love, Momochi waved to the camera that was streaming to the Osaka Hello! Store.
Momo: Ookini! (the Kansai-ben version of ‘thank you’)
Audience in Osaka
: ...

Momo: I can’t hear you! 💢 Okay, one more time! You guys in Osaka, give a round of applause! I can see you! Don’t let your mind wander!
Unlike other events in the 1001 Nights events, regular chairperson Nishiguchi-san would not be appearing at this event.

Q1. Kumaicho is flourishing as a model and a general talent. At this moment, is there anything that you would like to tell her?

Out of the blue, we're talking about Kumaicho?
While we were both at the HinaFes and Satoyama Satoumi event at Makuhari Messe, the only time we met was when we passed by one another. She was going to a Matcha-zu activity, while I was heading to Country Girls' booth. When we passed by one another, she said, 'Momo, you're so tiny~', and that was it.
There were a million more things that she could have said, right!?
Next time we meet, I hope that she has something more tasteful to say.

Q2. I'm currently studying for qualifications that will help me realise my dreams. Momochi, is there a trick to how you kept yourself motivated when you were doing both studies and work?

Is this person here? What are you doing?
Graduate school? Vocational school? You've got to work hard at it.
What difficulties are you facing? Is it because I'm graduating? Everyone's sad about that, so it's the same for everyone.

Anyway, if I visualise things going smoothly, things do go smoothly. So it'll be fine.

Wota: Ohhh...

(Surprised by the admiration shown by the audience) Eh, is it not the same for all of you? This is the kind of person I am. (smug look on her face)

Q3. Your brother has mentioned that in Country, his preference looks-wise is Chii-chan, and Yanamin personality-wise. What if, in ten to fifteen years time, your brother is going out or is married to Morito or Yanagawa?

So you're saying that he would introduce his girlfriend to me, and out of the blue it would turn out to be Morito or Yanamin?...
That would be the worst! I mean, of course I like the both of them...
Yanamin, calling me her sister? Nope nope nope nope! (laughs)
I wouldn't want to give Yanamin's children New Year's money.

But thinking about it again, I pity my brother, he must have a hard time. After all, he's been brought up with someone as cute as me in the family. Any girl will get compared to Momochi. Wouldn't that inflate his standards?

Q4. How is it like when you feel Fuku-chan's gaze on you?

It's doesn't frighten me, but if we're close, I put some distance between us. And Fuku-chan doesn't come to talk with me.
With that distance between us, it really feels like we are idol and fan.

When I watch Fuku-chan perform on-stage, I feel like cheering her on as an idol, but nothing beyond that.

She’s good friends with Yamaki Risa-chan though. This is what I suspect - Fukumura Mizuki-chan likes me, and Yamaki Risa-chan likes Michishige-san, right? I'm sure that they exchange information about Michishige-san and myself between one another.


Tuesday 4 April 2017

KSS Otomomochi discussion

At the 4th September 2016 H!P Kenshuusei Happyokai evening performance, a 'KobuTalk' segment was held with Kobushi Factory members Fujii Rio and Hamaura Ayano as well as Kenshuusei Takase Kurumi and Kiyono Momohime.


The theme was 'Members that love Tsugunaga Momoko'.
Which begs the question of why notorious Yaji-oshi Fujidon was doing there.
Makoto: Their stories of their admiration of Tsugunaga-san will be balanced out by her love of Yajima-san.
Topic: What they find attractive about Tsugunaga Momoko
Takase: She's perfect.
Takase goes into further details about how Momochi leads Country Girls and keeps them in order.
She also enjoyed Momochi's expressions at the Buono! Budokan, where she got teased and babied by the other members.

Hamachan talked about how Momochi glances upwards and to the left after she's done singing a solo part, using examples from 'Mousou Rehearsal'.

Kiyono elaborated on the way Momochi pronounces her 'Koyubeam' - her 'ko' sounds close to a 'ka'.
Kiyono's attempt at a 'K(a)oyubeam!' was met with approval by the wota.

Sunday 2 April 2017

Maruwakari Summer 2016: To the Sea

Hello! Project Maruwakari BOOK 2016 SUMMER / Hello! Project

Q3. Among the (current) H!P members, who would you like to go to the sea with, and what would you like to do?

℃-ute
Yajima MaimiWada Ayaka
Nakajima SakiSuzuki Airi
Suzuki Airi℃-ute members
Okai ChisatoHagiwara Mai, Iikubo Haruna, Kudo Haruka
Hagiwara MaiOkai Chisato and Sato Masaki
Morning Musume。´16
Fukumura MizukiYajima Maimi, Inaba Manaka, Ozeki Mai, Kishimoto Yumeno
Ikuta ErinaFukumura Mizuki
Iikubo HarunaYajima Maimi
Ishida AyumiKanazawa Tomoko
Sato MasakiOkai Chisato and Hagiwara Mai
Kudo HarukaFukumura Mizuki
Oda SakuraInaba Manaka
Ogata HarunaKudo Haruka
Nonaka MikiMorning Musume。´16 members
Makino MariaTakeuchi Akari
Haga AkaneNiinuma Kisora
ANGERME
Wada AyakaANGERME members
Nakanishi KanaInaba Manaka
Takeuchi AkariANGERME 2ki members
Katsuta RinaAnyone, as long as they can swim
Murota MizukiKobushi Factory
Aikawa MahoMurota Mizuki
Sasaki RikakoMakino Maria
Kamikokuryo MoeFunaki Musubu
Juice=Juice
Miyazaki YukaUemura Akari
Kanazawa TomokoAsakura Kiki
Takagi SayukiTaguchi Natsumi
Miyamoto KarinKudo Haruka
Uemura AkariMiyazaki Yuka
Country Girls
Tsugunaga MomokoMiyamoto Karin
Yamaki RisaMorito Chisaki
Morito ChisakiCountry Girls members
Ozeki MaiMorito Chisaki
Yanagawa NanamiFunaki Musubu
Funaki MusubuHaga Akane
Kobushi Factory
Fujii RioIkuta Erina, Ishida Ayumi, Kudo Haruka, Takeuchi Akari, Murota Mizuki, Kishimoto Yumeno
Hirose AyakaOgata Haruna
Nomura MinamiMurota Mizuki, Aikawa Maho, Sasaki Rikako, Yamagishi Riko, Kishimoto Yumeno
Ogawa RenaTaguchi Natsumi
Hamaura AyanoOda Sakura
Taguchi NatsumiOgawa Rena
Wada SakurakoInoue Rei
Inoue ReiSasaki Rikako
Tsubaki Factory
Yamagishi RikoKamikokuryo Moe
Ogata RisaKudo Haruka
Niinuma KisoraAikawa Maho
Tanimoto AmiTakeuchi Akari, Katsuta Rina, Murota Mizuki, Kanazawa Tomoko, Inoue Rei
Kishimoto YumenoNakajima Saki
Asakura KikiFunaki Musubu