Fresh Idol Kobushi Factory

First half of a November 2015 Hustle Press interview with Kobushi

The dreamed-of major début

They froze in surprise!?

――How did you feel when you found out that your major début was set in stone？


Hirose「It was a surprise announcement, so my mind was completely blank immediately after. I couldn't make head or tail from it、 but when I got back home and my parents greeted me with a 『Congratulations』, that was when the feelings gushed forth。 While we ushered in our major début on the 2nd of September、 there hasn't really been any drastic changes. But it's a big step on the way to our dreams、 so I'll be grateful and will do my best」

Ogawa「Kobushi Factory had no idea whether we'd be able to make our major début when we were formed. But our début came as a surprise when they made the announcement、 and we got to go around the whole country to do promotions. The realisation gradually welled up」

Hamaura「I'd been a Kenshuusei for about 4 and a half years、 and I had lots of worries, like would I be able to make a major début？ Would I get into a new unit？ I was really glad when Kobushi Factory was formed, and my tears really flowed despite me being completely clueless. On the way to our major début、 Kobushi Factory got to experience all sorts of things like stage-acting。 I don't think that anything changed on the 2nd of September、 but at handshake events、 everyone would give me words like 『Congratulations』、 『You'll be making your major début』 That's when the realisation hit me、 and I was really glad」。

Taguchi「For me, the announcement went 『You'll be making your major début this autumn！』、 but at the time、 everyone froze for a moment. After that、 everyone was screaming out 『Kyaー！』。 However、 at the time、 I didn't cry。 I was looking at it quite objectively、 without thinking about myself」。


――Ah、 that's somewhat mature。 Taguchi-san commenting about the rest in such a way doesn't jive with your image though （laughs）。


Taguchi 「Thank you very much （blushes）。 I was glad、 but we had to do all sorts of things until the 2nd of September。 I was a Kenshuusei for ４ and a half years as well、 so I've been active just as long as Hamaura Ayano-chan、 and we were able to do performances and promotions at places that we hadn't been able to go to as Kenshuusei…Ah、 I'm gonna sneeze…」。


――（laughs）。 That's fine。


Taguchi「…It's gone （laughs）。 When the 2nd of September came、 I understood that I was able to make my major début as a member of the Hello！ Project that I admired」。

――Amongst the songs in your 3 major début songs、 please tell us what you'd like to highlight。


Hirose「I like 『Nen ni ha Nen （Nen-iri Ver）』. The whole song is cool and makes use of all our members' punchiness。 But、 what I want you to keep an eye out for most is the interlude for 『Dosukoi！ Kenkyo ni Daitan』、 where Fujii Rio-chan and Wada Sakurako-chan have a sumo match、 and I act as the referee。 I'm also in charge of saying the line 『Mattanashi！』、 so I want you to watch that！」。

Ogawa「Mine is from 『Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san no Uta』、 where there's a call ＆ response after the interlude。 We couldn't really hear the voices the first time we performed it 、 but slowly、 everyone matches their voice to our call、 and that sense of unity lifts me up」。


――Because it's built up with the fans、 you can enjoy how it gradually grows。


Hamaura「For 『Dosukoi！ Kenkyo ni Daitan』、 I'd like you to keep an eye on the choreography when you watch it at concerts. But since it's a song with positive lyrics、 I hope you pay attention to the lyrics when you listen to it」。


――Eh？ Although I'd heard that Hamaura-san was the one who liked ramen the most…（laughs）。


Hamaura「I really love ramen！　As for how frequently I have it…。 I had it at night the day before yesterday、 but I had it in the morning of that same day as well…。 If we go far away、 I'll have it in the mornings、 and I'll eat ramen again at the hotel」。


――You eat it in the morning!?


Hamaura「If I go to a place that I've never been before、 I'll find cup ramen that doesn't get sold in Tokyo or Saitama。 I want to give them a taste、 so on days that we'd be staying overnight、 I'd buy ramen from the convenience store、 and I'd put in about 4 into my bag」。

Hirose「If I'm in the same room as Hamaura Ayano-chan、 there'd be the nice smell of ramen in the morning （laughs）。 Ramen or edamame （laughs）」。

――Doesn't that make her like some hybrid of an old man and a young girl （laughs）！


Hirose「When I get up、 I'd see Hama-chan in her pyjamas, slurping up some ramen （laughs）」。

―― 「Ramen Daisuki Hamaura-san」。 I wonder if the fans know about this？


Hamaura「I think they know about it。 They'd tell me 『Be careful about eating too much ramen！』 at handshake events」。

―― I heard that you actually do eat a lot though…。

Hamaura「I don't know if it's a lot、 but I only eat the things I like。 Like Hamburg steak or omurice or noodle dishes」。

―― How impish。 Do you eat quite a lot, quantity-wise？


Hamaura「To the extent that I eat other people's ramen portions！」。

Source: https://hustlepress.co.jp/kobushi_interview02/

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.

Maruwakari Summer 2016: Hamaura Ayano

The colonel's figure is at admiral level!
Her first photobook is currently selling well!

Q1. Who is your favourite H!P member (including OGs)?

Country Girls' Tsugunaga Momoko-san! I think that it's cool how Tsugunaga-san is able to self-produce herself. I really like her since I think that she's perfect as an idol.

Q2. What H!P song would you like to sing solo?

'Zutto Suki de Ii desuka' (Matsuura Aya)

Watching videos of it being performed live and at events, I think that the facial expressions required, the way it's sung, they're really at a high level. It's a bit difficult for me as I am now, so I'd like to sing it when I've raised my level a bit more.

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

Morning Musume。´16's Oda Sakura-chan!! I'm good friends with Ooda, but we haven't hung out as we haven't been able to make our schedules match... And so, I'd like to go to the sea and have kakigoori together ♥

Q4. Who is the 'summer girl' amongst the (current) H!P members?
Morning Musume。´16's Ishida Ayumi-san! Since she really likes watermelons! I think that Ishida-san goes well with watermelons and the sea.

Q5. If you were to come out with a photobook, please tell us where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do.
I'd like to have a photoshoot at the lovely beaches of Malaysia! Since Malaysia's seas were super duper pretty when I saw them on TV!

Q6. What is your treasure?

Family and friends! Family of course includes our cat 'Non-chan'. Family is definitely the most important. Friends always tell me interesting stories, and it's fun to spend the days with them.

Q7. Is there anything that you'd like to make a start on?
Piano and rhythmic gymnastics! Learning the piano will definitely develop my sense of pitch! It's important for singing. Doing rhythmic gymnastics will make my body more flexible, and I'd like to leverage that in my dancing.

Q8. Please make a new unit by picking a person from each group.

℃-ute's Suzuki Airi-san

Morning Musume。´16's Sato Masaki-san

ANGERME's Murota Mizuki-chan

Juice=Juice's Uemura Akari-chan

Country Girls' Inaba Manaka-chan

Tsubaki Factory's Kishimoto Yumeno-chan. 

We'll be a group that can do anything. We'll do our best, with Suzuki-san and Sato-san taking the lead in singing, Muro and Inabaccho bringing on the dance moves, and Uemuu and me for expressiveness! Kishimon's really upbeat, so the group would be fun with her around!

Q9. Please tell us what's the best thing about your own group.

The impact that comes from our 8 different personalities. Our songs and group name have an impact, and I like how all 8 of us are interesting, which leads to a very nice atmosphere

Finally, please give a message to all the fans

Thank you very much for all your support ♥

 I'd like to work hard in order to raise the level of my singing and dancing and talking and comedic skits! 

[Image] ←This isn't a 'frog', it's a 'Hama heart' ★★ 

I'll be counting on your support from now on as well 

Hamaura Ayano

More from the same book

Digging into the '8 mysteries' of Kobushi Factory (Top Yell Jan 2017)

H!P's biggest mysteries

We dig into Kobushi Factory's '8 mysteries'!!

One can't help but say that Kobushi Factory's mysteries are some of H!P's biggest mysteries.
This time around, we attack them directly about eight of these mysteries.

Ultimately, what sort of answers will they respond with...

Mystery number one
Why are all of you always so loud!?

Taguchi: Hmm... You're immediately going for the group's biggest mystery. (laughs)

Hamaura: But honestly, what's the real reason?

When you're on tour or doing promotional activities, you're always together with the members, aren't you? Don't you run out of things to talk about?

Taguchi: Now that you mention it, what do we normally talk about......?

Hamaura: We generally start by reporting what happened during the day.

Isn't that what little kids do at home, reporting to their mothers what happened during the day?

Hamaura: Well there is that. (laughs) Which reminds me, we often talk of family as well. Actually, we get to hear lots of stories, like why someone got into a fight with their mum in the morning. Those are pretty funny.

Taguchi: Family stories are a staple.

Hamaura: For example, Ogawa Rena-chan's mother has the same personality as Ogawa Rena-chan.

It must get pretty crazy in the Ogawa household!

Ogawa: Maybe I'm in my rebellious phase, but whenever my parents say something, I always talk back. Then I get a really intense scolding. But at night, they'll throw me a 'Ganbarenako again today!'

Taguchi: It's weird to use say things like 'throw' when referring to your parents. (bitter laugh) But Rena definitely loves her mother. That's the reason why they often clash. She'll say things like 'I really hate you! You don't understand anything!' Immediately after that, with a wheedling voice, she'll call her, 'Mama~? I'm coming back home now, ok~♥'.

Hamaura: The funny thing is that when we talk about our families, we'll act it out.

Act it out? In what sense?

Hamaura: Everyone gets a role, like 'father', 'mother', 'myself'. We have fun acting out not just the Ogawa household, but the funny Taguchi household as well.

Mystery number 2
There are rumours that Hamachan is the boss-in-the-shadows. Is that true!?

Hirose: It's true! She's guilty!

Taguchi: You're calling her 'guilty'? (bitter laugh) She's not a suspect...

For the fans who have been watching her since her H!P Kenshuusei days, it's hard to imagine the sight of Hamaura-san mercilessly taking control.

Hamaura: Is that so? Near the end of my tenure as a Kenshuusei, I was relatively quite in charge. And it was simply due to me being more senior in years.

Taguchi: That's true, they might have a slightly different image of her if they've watched her since she was in primary school. Since she was really small. But we've grown.

Hamaura: They generally know what I'll nag about. It's when they just up and change the choreography of their own accord, doing the moves differently from what our sensei taught us!

The nuance of the dance is forced to change because they insert their own adjustments to the moves?

Taguchi: Nothing so presumptuous. For example, as Kenshuusei, we got to dance 'Piriri to Yukou!' on the same stage as Berryz Kobo-san. At the time, even though the correct move was to spin our arms right, everyone except me spun their arms left. I'd even reminded them before the rehearsals. I'd told them to spin their arms right at that point. That's when I got angry.

Hirose: You really blew your top then~. What's more, everyone was telling you to correct yourself since you were the odd one out. Even though you were the only one who was correct. (laughs) She then reminded us that she had already mentioned that we should spin our arms right earlier, before the rehearsals. Then Hamachan gathered us all up for a huge lecture. Just as the song title means 'Let's spice things up!', things got spicy backstage. (laughs)

Taguchi: When it comes to performing, Hamachan is the most serious. Even when she says that we've got to stir things up, she always wraps things up perfectly. On the other hand, Fujii Rio-chan and I will check whether we're doing the right thing by looking at Hamachan.

Hirose: It's not that she's got a good memory, it's that she's got a serious personality. She doesn't remember the moves just by happenstance. But girls like Taguchi Natsumi-chan are able to grasp the general movement, but when they get to the studio, they'll panic and ask for help. That's a common situation. (laughs)

Poor thing. There's no need to name names. (laughs)

Hamaura: No, it's the truth. She promised me in the past. That once we became Kobushi Factory, she would stop that. So from then onwards, I stopped teaching her.

That sounds like something a drill sergeant would say. (laughs)

Taguchi: Did you hear that? Hamachan, you're a real Spartan. (laughs)

Hamaura Ayano's thoughts about being accepted into a new unit (Idol Frontline 2015)

[Note: For reference, this was after Kobushi had been announced as a new unit, but before they had been even assigned a name, say nothing of member colours or of Tsubaki.]

(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ

With the establishment of your new group, you'll be appearing in a stage-play and releasing a CD. So have you heard anything from your Kenshuusei senpai who have already made their debut?

Hamaura: Takagi Sayuki-chan sent me a congratulatory message. She wrote quite a long message, which made me happy. She wrote all sorts of things, giving me things like advice and so on. And she also said that she was glad that Tagucchi (Taguchi Natsumi) and Rena and I got into a new unit.

Did Tsugunaga Momoko-senpai, whom you admire, say anything?

Hamaura: Tsugunaga-san just happened to be next to me at the Hello! Con rehearsals. She told me that it made her so happy that she felt like crying! Besides that, Ikuta Erina-san, Makino Maria-chan, Sasaki Rikako-chan, Fukumura Mizuki-san...... they all wished me congratulations!

Did the other Kenshuusei say anything?

Hamaura: Many of the Kenshuusei girls cried... I think that those were tears of frustration. It really is frustrating to not get picked.

Hmm? Were they told on a different day, not on the day you got the surprise announcement [that you would be part of a new unit]?

Hamaura: It was on a different day. It was announced in front of everyone that there would be a new unit at the rehearsals for the winter Hello! Project concerts. And then, everyone cried...... We were at a loss as to what to do. We should have gone to talk to them perhaps, but that might have come off as being condescending. And I really understand how frustrating it is to not get picked. [For reference: Hamachan failed the Morning Musume。 9ki, 10ki, 11ki, 12ki auditions as well as the S/mileage 3ki auditions. She was ineligible for the S/mileage 2ki auditions due to being below the age requirements.]

A brutal contrast. Since all Kenshuusei are aiming for a debut. If that's the case, do you think of the other members as rivals that you have triumph over? Or comrades-in-arms?

Hamaura: The basics of the Kenshuusei is that the senpai teach the kouhai. So we may be rivals, but we're also close comrades that can teach one another as well. Even in this group, Taguchi Natsumi-chan and I have spent the longest time as Kenshuusei. So I think that we have a role to teach the rest as well. Not just singing and dancing, but also common courtesy. Not that I'm good at teaching, but I've got to work hard at that.

(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ

I still remember the tiny little Hamaura-san.

Hamaura: I became a senpai in the blink of eye. I was still very much a kid when I joined, and I hadn't thought about making my debut at all. Back then, I was just giving it my all in order to not be left behind by the senpai. But then, the senpais left in a stroke, and before I knew it, I was the most senior.

How did you feel when you saw your kouhai make their debut before you?

Hamaura: Of course I felt frustrated. However, be it Uemura Akari-chan or Kanazawa Tomoko-chan, their performing ability has soared ever since they entered Juice=Juice. They're not the two that I used to know when we did the occasional performance together at the Nama Tamago Shows! Honestly speaking, Uemura Akari-chan wasn't that comfortable with singing back then, but now she's really good...... She's even better than me. It's good motivation.

Are there any Kenshuusei that you've got your hopes up for in the future?

Hamaura: Kaga Kaede-chan! Besides that, Kishimoto Yumeno-chan! The two of them are pretty level-headed, and I hope that they'll take the lead.

(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ

Any hopes for your member colour?

Hamaura: Pink or orange. Pink is Tsugunaga-san's colour, and I personally really like it as well. However, I really like orange as well. Orange is a colour that really lifts your spirits when you look at it, isn't it? So I like it.

Tsugunaga-san's name has been coming out everywhere. What do you respect about Tsugunaga-san?

Hamaura: She's a quick-thinker, and her singing and dancing are perfect. Her quick wits in particular, it's something that can't be mimicked. I'm really amazed by how she's able to respond to anything.

(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ

You have teachers for dancing and teaching, but how do you practise talking?

Hamaura: I make notes. I write an assembly of words on paper, and figure what simple words I could add in to make it easier to convey, that's how I do my research. While it's possible to not use a notebook and do it on a mobile phone, somehow or the other, if I don't write it down in words, I end up being unable to figure out what I'm talking about. Who's there, where it is, what I'll do, what other people are doing...... I also include those elements when I write out my sentences, then I have someone like my older sister take a look at it. I ask if they understand what it means. If I'm told that it doesn't make sense, I fix it.

That's amazing! You put together what you want to talk about by establishing it logically and systematically.

Hamaura: Yes. I really learnt a lot when I got to follow ℃-ute-san on their concert. And of course, I learn from Tsugunaga-san's talking as well.

(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ(≧∇≦)ゞ

Your new group is just getting started. Frankly speaking, what sort of group would you like to be in the future?

Hamaura: I'd like to become the liveliest group in Hello! Project! Colour-wise, we'd be something bright like yellow. And I also feel like I'd like each and every one of us to fully bring out our individual characteristics.

Kobushi Factory in Me magazine

Excerpts from Kobushi Factory's 27th July 2016 interview with Me magazine, where Kobushi Factory members Fujii Rio, Ogawa Rena, and Hamaura Ayano promote their single Samba! Kobushi Janeiro / Bacchikoi Seishun! / Ora wa Ninkimono.

⚾⚾⚾

Firstly, let's have you introduce one another! How do the two of you see Fujii Rio-san?

Hamaura: Fujii-chan is our subleader, the oldest in the group! She keeps making puns, and she doesn't tire of it (laughs). The other members may give her the cold shoulder, but she doesn't get discouraged, so she's got a strong heart.

Ogawa: I personally like her face! Besides that, she's smart, and she's got good reflexes! Even though she's the oldest, she often plays around, but that contrast makes her cute.

Fujii-san, please give us your current favourite gag!

Fujii: My current number one is 'Kono isho, iissho~!' (This outfit is great)! I highly recommend it!! (laughs)

Hamaura: I like Ogawa Rena-chan's singing, just listening to her singing calms me down. Also, when she gives me a tsukkomi with a 'What is it~', she's really strong! While she possesses girlishness, she also got this boyishness to her... (laughs).

Fujii: She looks like a cool-headed beauty, up until she opens her mouth (laughs). The things she says are truly miraculous! While we're doing a talk, she'll be the only person talking nonsense. It's funny how she'll deviate from the rest. Hamaura Ayano-chan is stoic, a real perfectionist! However, she becomes useless when she loses steam, it's really cute~.

Ogawa: With her good figure and skilful dancing, she doesn't have a single flaw! What's more, she's recently been saying that I'm cute, so you know, I think she's fallen for me~. She looks at me a lot.

Hamaura: The heck are you talking about? (laughs)

Hamachan's Day Off (Gravure the Television vol. 46 - July 2016)

On a certain day, Hamachan suddenly

On such a sunny day, it'd be such a waste to go to school---.
Suddenly getting of in the middle of the Yamanote Line, Hamaura Ayano decided to spend her momentary time away as she pleased.
In the streets of Shibuya that she rarely frequents, the first thing she heads to is, what else, ramen!
*This story was completely fictional

I'd like to go around having ramen. I'd like to go to five stores in a day. I think that my tummy will go down as I go searching for the next store (laughs)

♥♥♥

The setting for today's shooting was 'Ramen Daisuki Hamachan's Day Off'.

It was fun! For the ramen store shooting, I had tonkotsu-style miso ramen at the first store, and I ordered miso ramen at the second store as well (laughs). I like miso ramen, so I wanted to compare how they tasted. Both were delicious though ♪

We were surprised that you finished up both of them!

Ahaha! I always get a large serving plus gyoza, and I even eat the members' leftover ramen. I still haven't had gyoza today, so it feels like I still not stuffed.

Kobushi Factory on the New Artist Award

♣♣♣♣♣

The biggest change since the last time you were here was that you were chosen for the 'Japan Record Award New Artist Award', right? How was it when you first heard about the award?

Hirose: We had the day off on the day of the announcement, so we were contacted by e-mail: 'We have something to discuss, so please all gather up tomorrow'. I thought that all of us were going to get a scolding (laughs). We contacted one another, wondering what was up. And then we got another message, and we knew it was about the New Artist Award. In one stroke, the dread gave way to a sense of relief (laughs). But at the same time, the New Artist Award is awarded to artistes that have been active over the past year, so it hadn't really hit us that we would be receiving that award, that we would be standing of the stage of the Japan Record Award on the 30th of December. As we got closer to the day, we slowly started feeling it, and happiness gave way to a desire to win the Best New Artist Award.

Nomura: I was at home as we had the day off, and received a message. I was with my mother, and my phone indicated that I'd got a message. I thought that it was from one of the members or a friend, so I didn't take a look. And then, my mother received a message at the same time as I did. When I was about to check to see if it was something work-related from our manager-san, my mother had already checked the message. With joy on her face, she excitedly called out 'Minami, Minami!' I wondered what was up, and as it turned out, we had received the Japan Record Award New Artist Award. I remember seeing my mother being so happy for the first time, it came as a surprise!

Hamaura: I was at home on that off day as well, but receiving that message made me really happy. Whenever I get any announcements, I always go on my bed.

Uh, what (laughs)?

Hamaura: I get on top of my bed and announce it! And when I announced 'We got the Japan Record Award New Artist Award~!' from atop my bed, my whole family were glad and happy for me!

Wada: When I got the message, I was by myself. There wasn't anyone around me, and I didn't feel it too much. I generally don't get hit by emotions, but after a bit of time had passed, I realised that we'd be standing on that stage on the 30th, which made me happy.

Moreover, you got the Best New Artist Award! Did it lead to a change of mood?

Hamaura: The Best New Artist Award was a huge award, so the eight of us in Kobushi Factory had to give a performance that had to live up to it. We all braced ourselves.

Nomura: Since we had received the Best New Artist Award, I felt that I had to take another look at our usual conduct. Even more than before, I should follow the rules, and take care of my looks.

♣♣♣♣♣

Ishida interviews Kobushi Factory - MoMusu Ishida Ayumi's unexpected '0% Approval rating'

The summer Hello! Cons have started.

Ishida: At Hello! Cons, we go beyond the borders of our groups and perform together, so it's like a summer festival. I hope that you'll be able to enjoy the different harmonies through the shuffle units. Also, this is Morning Musume。´16's first 11-person concert, after the graduation of Suzuki Kanon-san. I hope that we'll be able to bring out another different kind of charm.

Hirose: We don't want to lose to the groups of our generation, and we'd also like to absorb more and more from the senpai groups during rehearsals. There are two types of patterns this time around, so I want to enjoy that.

Together with the senpai you admire.

Ishida: That's right, Hamachan has told me that she mimics how I dance, but I know that she looks up to Tsugunaga-san from 'Country Girls'. But I don't know about the two of you, so I thought I'd ask.

Hirose: I admire Fukuda Kanon-san, who recently graduated from ANGERME, but among the current members, it would be Ikuta Erina-san.

Ishida: Eh~~~! That's the hardest for me to react to! What do you admire about her?

Hirose: Ikuta-san has stated that 'There isn't a single kouhai who says that they admire me', right? So it troubles me: Should I say that I admire Ikuta-san? But at the previous Hello! Cons, she wished me good luck backstage, and she brought me some omurice.

Ishida: And that's your reason?

Hirose: Ikuta-san knows that I look up to her, but she knows that I look up to Fukuda-san as well, so she's like 'Eri isn't your number one, right?'

Ishida: She wants to protect her own character, and she wants to treasure her kouhai (laughs).

Hirose: And so, I have to puzzle over how I should answer. At first she had this impressive, carefree smile, but her cool facial expressions are also cute, her dancing is sharp, and her acrobatics are amazing. And her other face that's guy-like is nice.

Ishida: I have an idea of how Ikuta-san reacted when you told her that~ She'd be self-conscious, and saying 'That's not the case'! She'd deny it a little, but she'd look happy.

Hirose • Ogawa • Hamaura: Ah~ We can see it!

Ogawa: For me, it would be Sugaya Risako-san (from Berryz Kobo). She's got an aura, and while she may seem scary at first, she'll let you take photos with her, and there's her singing and expressive ability. In Morning Musume。-san, it would be Kudo Haruka-san!

Ishida: And that's someone from my generation~

Ogawa: Kudo-san will casually start conversations with a 'Yo' or 'Morning'. I think she's cool, and I really like her husky voice. And I learn from watching her facial expressions when she comes on-screen.

Ishida: I'd like to ask Hamachan about this as well.

Hamaura: For Morning Musume。, it'd be Sato Masaki-san!

Ishida: Another one from my generation~ (cries).

Hamaura: I like how she gestures and expresses herself during solo parts.

Ishida-san, not a single one of them are lending you any support. There must be some problem with Ishida-san as well.

Ishida: Th, that's right. I guess friendliness is important. Maybe I should start with casual greetings like 'Yo'....

Source: http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/entame/entertainment/566711/

Interview with a selection of H!P's Next Generation Aces, Complete version!! (Weekly Shonen Sunday)

An interview with a selection of H!P's Next Generation Aces, Complete version!!

The grand unveiling of the complete version of the [Selection of H!P's Next Generation Aces interview] published in Shonen Sunday issue 34, including parts that weren't published in the magazine!!

Miyamoto： Today's the first time it's just been the 4 of us grouped together. How did you find it？

Makino： It's not like we were always together the whole time though…

Miyamoto： It was kind of fluffy, like a cloud. We're pretty much the kind of people who don't take the initiative to get close to others, even those in our own group. Well, Maria-chan probably does take the initiative though (laughs)。

Makino：（For the photoshoot） The 4 of us, we had to get on top of one another, right? I'm sorry if I was too reserved.

Morito： Even below you, I knew that you were holding back (laughs）。

Hamaura： It definitely feels like there's still a wall between us (laughs).

Makino： A wall that's as thin as cling film though (laughs).

Miyamoto： Since this issue is going on sale in the summer, is there anything that you want to do when summer comes along？

Makino： Yup. I want to eat warabimochi。

The rest： Warabimochi？

Makino： Ones chilled with ice are delicious. I prefer ones made from kinako though. At times when I'd be taking an afternoon nap, a cart would pass by,  'Waーrabiーmochi♪　Warabiーmochi♪　They're cold and delicious. Waーrabiーmochi♪　Warabiーmochi♪　 You've got to be quick！'

The rest： Ehー That's interesting.

Makino： It's just that I've never bought warabimochi from a cart, not even once. I never make it in time (laughs). After I hear it, I'll go to the supermarket to get some (laughs).

The rest： Ehー We'd like to go and buy some someday.

HP Maruwakari Winter 2016: Aarii, Yamaki, Funakki + extras

While I don't have a copy of the 2016 Winter Maruwakari myself, I stumbled upon a small selection of good quality scans. So I translated a few that piqued my interest.

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Uemura Akari

Q1. In 2015, what was something you were able to actualise, in your own way?
That we’ll be appearing in a drama! I’m happy, as it was one of our goals.

Q2. On the other hand, in 2015,  what was something you weren’t able to actualise?
My goal at last year’s birthday event was to have Sayashi Riho-san teach me kendama skills, but I wasn’t able to achieve that.

Q3. Who is the Hello! Project senpai you have as your goal, the senpai you respect?
Sayashi Riho-san. I really respect her!!

Q4. Member that you’ve currently got your eyes on (excluding the H!P Kenshuusei)?
Sasaki Rikako-chan. In music videos and performances, her sharp dancing draws your eyes before you know it. As it’s combined with everything.

Q5. If you could be together in a unit with H!P members for just a day, who would it be with? Please tell us your reason.
Wada Ayaka-san. I’d like to sing laid-back songs, like Peaberry's. Also, her airy atmosphere is soothing!

Q6. Who’s the H!P Kenshuusei you’ve got your eyes on in 2016?
Ichioka Reina-chan. She’s always smiling, and seeing her teach the kouhai girls how to dance, I feel like ’That’s Reina-chan for you’.

Q7. Please tell us who’s H!P’s number one for each of these genres? Singing, dancing, talking, looks, character.
Singing: Too many that I can’t narrow it down.
Dancing: Sayashi Riho-san. At any rate, she’s amazing.
Talking: Kanazawa Tomoko-chan.
Looks: Yajima Maimi-san. Because she’s got a great figure as well.
Character: Sasaki Rikako-chan. Because she likes solid soap.

Q8. Write your aspirations for 2016, illustrated in your own handwriting !
I want this year to have happier [something I can’t make out] compared to 2015

Hamachan on dressing room antics and producing herself

Excerpts from Hamachan's 20th February 2016 dwango interview, 'I want to be number one' With her eyes on the Japan Record Award, Hamaura Ayano's great ambitions.

♥♥♥

We (Kobushi Factory) really get along. In the dressing room, someone said 'Let's do some arm wrestling!', and all of us started a showdown.

An arm wrestling tournament started?

We started one (laughs). We're all competitive, and we were like 'Let's do it!' I was the weakest though.

What led to the arm wrestling backstage?

Let me see.... We were talking about who was the strongest (laughs).

How did that development come about (laughs)?

Ogawa Rena-chan insisted that she was the strongest, but actually, Fujii Rio-chan is stronger. Yet Ogawa Rena-chan didn't yield from her declaration that she was the strongest. But she's about the second strongest.

A clash of egos.

All-in-all, Fujii Rio-chan was victorious.

You do amazing things in the dressing room.

In the intermissions, we'll start playing tag, or statues (laughs).

Like primary school kids!

Taguchi Natsumi-chan may be in her 3rd year of middle school, but her mental age is that of a child, her personality is like that of a baby's. She'll immediately say 'Let's play tag~!' While everyone else is exhausted, she alone will be full of energy.

♥♥♥

Is there a senpai whom you respect?

Country Girls' Playing Manager Tsugunaga Momoko-san. I really admire her.

Eh? Momochi-san?

Yes!

She's such a different type from Hamaura-san that your statement came as quite a shock.

She's really amazing at being her own producer. I think that's really something. Even from the singing aspect, she's amazing. She can sing really cute songs as part of Country Girls, but she can also sing cool songs. Plus, when it comes to dancing, it's also amazing how she studies up to make sure the curve of her palms and how she claps looks cute. Even when she's talking, she can respond to whatever anyone says, you'd expect no less from her.

Hamaura-san, how will you produce yourself?

I have to discover methods of singing, behaviours, dancing methods that suit me.

Hamaura-san, do you have an image of the ideal idol in your mind?

I'd like to become a perfect idol.

A perfect idol?

Capable of singing and dancing, as well as talking. Also, I think that Tsugunaga-san is perfect when it comes to acting and talking. I'd like to become like Tsugunaga-san.

♥♥♥

If you include other idols, is Momochi-san the closest to being perfect as an idol?

For me, she's number one.

But there's also people like ℃-ute's Suzuki Airi-san, who's popular with girls....

She's a different number one.

Eh? Different?

There are various number ones!

Source: dwango

Spring's Pure Whistle (H!P Kenshuusei - UTB June 2014)

Here's a H!P Kenshuusei interview from June 2014, in a school and club setting. A year on, almost all of them have been allocated into groups, though we sadly lost one along the way. For now, let's take a look at these rising rookies from a year ago.

Twitter Tidbits - 17th March 2015

(Wota) life after post-Berryz

ガールズライブ、ベリの映像少し見ただけで。。。やっぱり行きたかった。。もうだめだ、ヲタ卒だ。まで考えたけどその後のカントリーガールズがかわいくてときめいたのでやっぱり私はまだ現役なんだと思う。。
— 指原 莉乃 (@345__chan) 2015, 3月 5

I watched Berryz' video on The Girls Live。。。 I really wanted to go [to the last Budokan concert]。。 It's no good、 I'll grad from being a wota。 My thoughts had already gone that far along, but Country Girls who appeared after that were so cute they made my heart throb, so looks like I'll still be active。。

Mano Cover

稽古向かってる最中 ハロプロをシャッフルで聴く。 「涙が止まらない放課後」とか 「お願い魅惑のターゲット」 歌いたいな。 ハローの曲いろいろ歌いたいっ！ ハロカバとか、 あたしも出したい(´･ω･｀)
— 真野恵里菜(Mano Erina) (@erina_mano) 2015, 3月 6

On my way to practice
I listened to H!P on shuffle。

I want to sing songs like
「Namida ga Tomaranai Houkago」 or
「Onegai Miwaku no Target」。
There are all sorts of Hello! songs that I want to sing！

I'd like to come out
With something like a Hello! Cover (´･ω･｀)

Treasuring gifts

こんばんはー❤︎野村みな美でっす！！今日は、私のお誕生日の時にモーニング娘。'15の譜久村聖さんから頂いたスカートを履いて稽古場へ向かいました！私のお気に入りです〜☆☆ウキウキッ♪♪ #劇女 pic.twitter.com/PN082qpkqc
— 演劇女子部 - 劇女 (@_gekijyo) 2015, 3月 13

Good evening ♥ This is Nomura Minami!! Today, I went for practise wearing the skirt that I got for my birthday from Morning Musume。'15's Fukumura Mizuki-san ! It's a fave of mine~ ☆☆ *cheerful* ♪♪

Navigating in theme

【本日発売】『プリンセスBambina春号』では、はまちゃんこと浜浦彩乃ちゃんと、後輩のハロプロ研修生・船木結ちゃんが、サンリオピューロランドをナビゲート！ピンク＆白のマイメロコーデで登場だよ♡ pic.twitter.com/X39NhXLirJ
— プリンセスBambina編集部 (@Pribambina) 2015, 3月 14

【On sale today】 In 『Princess Bambina Spring edition』、 'Hamachan' Hamaura Ayano-chan and her junior Kenshuusei、 Funaki Musubu-chan、 bring you around Sanrio Puroland！ They're appearing in a pink ＆ white My Melody get-up ♡

Remembering old comrades

℃-uteの皆んなありがとう(⑉• •⑉)‥♡ ほんと愛が伝わってくる、、、 pic.twitter.com/o3mpkENL0J
—  梅田 えりか  (@umeda_erika) 2015, 3月 17

Members of ℃-ute, thank you (⑉• •⑉)‥♡

Your love really got through、、、

(Trans: The screencaps Erika posted are from the music video shooting of ℃-ute's GamushaLIFE. Note the 'EU' in the first pic. Umechan didn't screencap these, but there was also a 'KA' and an 'MM' on the background as well.)

A Direct Hit to the new members! - Hamaura Ayano (From Top Yell March 2015 Edition)

Hama-chan: 'Overthrow Country! I'd like us to have a spirited fight!!'

I'd like the 8 of us, with personalities all-over-the-place, to join forces

Still without songs nor outfits, and even without a group name, I think it would be difficult for Hama-chan to explain in-depth about the group. Having said that, what sort of group would you like to become, what are your aspirations beyond this?

I'd like us to be a high-spirited group! As you say, the current state of the group is that nothing's started, but we've got a lot of girls in a world of their own, with preferences that are all over the place, each and every one of us has their own individual character. While that's something good, something I'd like to treasure, I'd like to show how energetic we are, with matching smiles. It'd be the same for songs as well, I'd be happy if we could do cheerful songs. Juice=Juice does mature songs, but over here we've got lots of child-like members (laughs).

From now on, all of you are in this group of newcomers, would you say that your eyes are on a major début?

Yes, that would be the case.

Speaking about newcomers, your members are have experience from the H!P Kenshuusei and Nice Girl Trainees. Is there pressure on you, due to expectations from your ready-to-deploy status?

On things like pressure, I feel that it seems to feel that way. It's just that, honestly, I don't want to lose to Country Girls! We came up at around the same time, and I think we'll be compared, no matter what. We're really aware of it.

Oh! The aggressive Colonel Hama-chan has appeared.

It's just that the other party have amazing people with them, like Satoda Mai-san and Tsugunaga Momoko-san. They're really strong. They're really strong, but I'd like the 8 of us to bring our forces together and set our sights on 'Overthrowing Country Girls!'.

That was sarcasm, right? With the Tsugunaga-san that you love and respect in the other camp, you can't bring them down......

Of course I love and respect Tsugunaga-san, but......

That's right (laughs). This time, 20 new people have joined Hello! Project, are there any members that you're particularly concious of?

Murota Mizuki-chan, I guess. Her singing and dancing was at a high level even when she was in the Kenshuusei, so I really feel like I don't want to lose to her.

Well then, it still hasn't been decided at this time, but personally for Hamaura-san, what expectations do you have about your group name?

I think it might be nice if it was a name that incorporated kanji, hiragana, katakana, English, and symbols.

Everything! Please don't say such preposterous things (laughs).

Sorry (laughs). But, I'd like a group that incorporates all sorts of factors. Even now, I still can't make any predictions about how we'll turn out, but I'd like to expand our possibilities.

Hama-chan blogs about Country Girls' major début

Ohhamaー！

This is Hamaura Ayano！

Today、 we had our Sapporo performanceーー(n´v｀n)

On the way back, it was nice to see the snow falling o(>◡<)o

Today、 Country Girls' major début was announced (^ ^)

Congratulationsー！！！

Our new unit will do our best too、 so that we won't lose to Country Girls！！ （Since Tsugunaga-san is there、 we lose in cuteness though。。。）

Inaba Manaka-chan has gotten way better at singing from her Kenshuusei days、 and I think she's gradually turning into a perfect idol ♡

Yamaki Risa-chan is really good at MC-ing、 so I'd like to work hard to follow her example ♡

For the 8 of us、 we'll make use of the things we've done so far and do our best from the performance aspect (๑ゝڡ◕๑)

That's all from Hamaura Ayanoー！

Bye-bee ♡

Source

Hamaura Ayano - Bringing you along, My Friend (UTB Dec 2014)

Bringing you along, my friend

Before we knew it, amongst the Hello! Pro Kenshuusei,

Hama-chan has become a reliable presence to the kouhai.

With 6 appearances so far [in this magazine], this is the first time she's making a solo attempt.

She's joined by her friend Brown! (named by Hamachan herself)

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