Our Music History ～Ongaku to Watashitachi～ Morning Musume。’14 Special - Part 3 of 3 (2014/10/08)

This special show happened during MBS' 'Music Week', held in October 2014. In it, four members of Morning Musume。´14 talked about the Musume。's music history. Our hosts for this programme are Morning Musume。 9ki Fukumura Mizuki and Sayashi Riho, and 10ki  Iikubo Haruna and Ishida Ayumi.

If you missed them, here's the first part and here's the second part.

A comment concerning music
Sayashi Riho: 'Music is something that brings out your uniqueness'

MoMusu Lyrics Talk

To commemorate the upcoming release of Morning Musume。´14's triple-A single 'Tiki Bun/ Shabadabadoo/ Mikaeri Bijin', the girls will be picking out a random word from the song lyrics, and they'll talk about something related to the chosen word.

First up is Tiki Bun! While the other girls go on about how cool it is, Mizuki likes the positive lyrics. Fuku-chan makes the first pick, and gets 'Uso' - 'Lie', in the sense of not telling the truth. The girls do often tell many small lies, like to family. Iikubo dredges up an incident where she had ice cream from the fridge without telling her mother.

Iikubo: And when my mother asked me if I knew what happened to her ice cream in the fridge, I was like 'No idea, I was at work the whole time, I wasn't at home'.

Fuku-chan then brings up an incident that happened to her: She was using her phone in the bath and fell asleep. Her phone ended up submerged in the bath. By the time she noticed it, the screen was no longer responding, stuck at Michishige-san's blog. Fuku-chan didn't admit that it had gone underwater. Instead she went for the classic kid's standby: feigning ignorance. 'Why isn't it moving?'

Ishida admits that the same thing happened to her recently. Ishida's mother had often been telling her to stop using her phone in the bath, so when it happened, Ishida said that her phone had been left in the wash instead of admitting that it had fallen in the tub.

Iikubo: And your mother still hasn't found out?
Ishida: I haven't been found out yet.
Iikubo: What'll you do if your mother's listening to this show?
Sayashi: Let's just keep it to ourselves, okay?
Ishida: Please don't spread this story.

Our Music History ～Ongaku to Watashitachi～ Morning Musume。’14 Special - Part 1 of 3 (2014/10/08)

This special show happened during MBS' 'Music Week', held in October 2014. In it, four members of Morning Musume。´14 talked about their music history. 

In the second part, they talk about Morning Musume。 history from the joining of the 9ki. In the third part, they take random lyrics from their latest single and talk about something related to those lyrics.

We start with introductions from the girls.

10th gen member and subleader Iikubo Haruna would be turning twenty in a month's time, and is the oldest among the four of them. She'll also be chairing this 2-hour special. She hopes that she'll become more mature, having arrived at the two-decade milestone.

On the other hand, 9th gen subleader Fukumura Mizuki would be celebrating her 18th birthday on that month. Turning eighteen would also widen her scope of work, as it would allow her to participate in late-night programmes.

9th gen Sayashi Riho is 16, while Morning Musume。has just turned 17. In other words, Riho was born after Morning Musume。's formation - to be exact, the day after Morning Musume。's 'Summer Night Town' was released.

Lastly, 10th gen Ishida Ayumi is 17, but since she was born in January, she's in the same academic year as Fukumura Mizuki. However, she doesn't act her age - she likes messing around, so she says that she's the mental equivalent of a three-year old. However, she's almost 18 too, and even Tsunku♂ has told her recently, 'Ishida, you've turned eighteen, so do things properly', so she'd like to do her best to act grown-up.

Also, September also marked the 17th anniversary of Morning Musume。 At this point, they've been running high, with 5 consecutive first place singles.

♫ Morning Musume。’14 - Love machine (Updated) ♫

A comment concerning music
Fukumura Mizuki: 'Music is something that can unite everyone'

Part 1: Influential songs

For this first part of the show, the topic of discussion is 'A song that influenced my life'. They'll be going through it in the usual order, but before each member talks about their chosen song, Tsunku♂'s latest comments on the girls would be read out.

For those not in the know, Tsunku♂ usually writes liner notes on his blog upon the release of a new song. Also included with the liner notes are comments on the girls. This time, they'd be looking at his comments from the release of Tiki Bun / Shabadabadoo/ Mikaeri Bijin.

Tsunku♂'s comment:
'I think she supports Michishige silently. And because of that,  she's levelled up, and it feels like she's got this drive to press forward.
In both dancing and singing, I think that she's grown to be a person who adds flavour to each of the new songs.'

Mizuki: It made me nervous to listen to it again.

Haruna really likes Mizuki's stylish dancing - it's intense, dynamic, suggestive - which comes as quite the contrast when compared to her calm looks. Riho touches on Tsunku♂'s mention of supporting Michishige silently: early on, Fuku-chan would focus on talking about her love of Hello! Project. But now, she contributes comments and properly wraps up MC segments. Mizuki herself has nothing to add, as this discussion is making her feel self-concious.

Well then, back to the topic of the song that influenced her life. Mizuki liked Mini Moni, finding the lyrics and the dances to their songs easy to remember. She would remember their songs in their entirety, and sing them with her mother.

The one she'd like to single out in particular would be Mini Moni's 'Rock 'n' Roll Kenchoushozaichi ~Oboechaina Series~'. It was an up-tempo song that she found easy to remember. As a plus, it also helped her in school, since it referenced all the prefectural capitals. It came as a surprise to her that the song was even included in school textbooks.

Iikubo agrees that the up-tempo beat makes it easier to remember. While it is up-tempo, Riho thinks that it isn't too fast, so parents and children can memorise it together. And in the middle of tests, you can play the song in your head.

Miyagi resident Ishida comments that the song even mentions local delicacies from some of the places, like sasakama from Miyagi, so you get to learn about local delicacies as well.

Hyadain no 'Girlpop!' 14th Nov 2014 (Guest:Michishige Sayumi)

Michishige Sayumi made a guest appearance on Hyadain's radio show, Hyadain no 'Girlpop!', which aired 14th November 2014.

I listened to it a few days after it aired, tweeting what I found interesting. Was thinking about polishing it up for Hello! Pro Radio, but life got in the way. Found the semi-complete draft half a year later while doing some spring cleaning, so I thought I'd just brush it up a little and throw it up here. Enjoy.

♛♕

This is the first time for Hyadain to speak directly with Sayu, and he's kind of scared. As a Morning Musume fan, he's always been watching them. Which means that he's been observing Sayu, from the 6th gen auditions to her graduation.

♛♕

Reading her profile, he touches on her gradual growth and development as an idol.

Sayu: That's to be expected.
Hyadain: But some, like Oda-chan, started out already being amazing.

He does like Sayu's sweet voice though.

♛♕

The move to the EDM and formation dances that started with One Two Three was something that made Sayu happy. Before, they had been obliged to perform the old MM classics. However, now that they perform their current songs as 'One Four', it gives her confidence - they're acknowledged as what they are now, rather than being tied to the past.

MaaDuu Returns: Sayu interview - Top Yell November 2014

{Note that the interview itself was conducted on the 22nd of September, a week before the 12th gen were revealed at the Nippon Budokan. Also, included in the compilation is a short discussion between MaaDuu and the interviewer while they waited for Sayu to show up, which doesn't appear in the pages of the magazine. The interviewer even alludes to their pre-interview discussion near the end.}

▬○▬○▬

---[H]as your impression of Michishige-san changed  from the time of your début?

Sato: At first, I was really scared of her. It was the same for Minishige-san, Tanasa-tan, Niigaki-san, Takahashi-san... I was scared of all of them.

▬○▬○▬

I want people who are older than us to join as 12th generation members.
Since I want the MaaDuu combi to eternally be junior in age
(Sato Masaki)

In the final stretch towards her graduation, what's in the hearts of the MaaDuu combi?

Twitter Tidbits #9: Sayu grad edition part 2

Goto Yuki (The Possible)

道重さゆみさん、とても可愛くて最後までカッコよかったな。ハロプロエッグ時代から今まで、回数はそんなに多くないけど道重さんと同じステージに立てて嬉しかったです！ご卒業おめでとうございます。そして12年間お疲れ様でした。♡ pic.twitter.com/yAHbmGcOLd
— 後藤夕貴 (@yukigotuuu) 2014, 11月 26

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

Hashimoto Aina (The Possible)

横浜アリーナでの、道重さゆみさんの卒業コンサートへ行ってきました！！ 最後までかわいさと芯のある強さを持っている、尊敬する大大大好きな先輩でした。。！ ご卒業おめでとうございます！ 私たちも、もっとがんばらなくては。
— 橋本愛奈 (@aitune84) 2014, 11月 26

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

Morozuka Kanami (The Possible)

道重さゆみさんの卒業コンサートを観に横浜アリーナ行ってきました。 途中アクシデントなんかがありながらも最後まで堂々と笑顔で歌い踊りきる道重さんとそれを支える周りのメンバーの姿に感動して涙こらえるのに必死でした。 道重さんは永遠のアイドルだ。 ご卒業おめでとうございます！
— 諸塚香奈実 (@kanami_moroduka) 2014, 11月 26

I went to Yokohama Arena to watch Michishige Sayumi-san's graduation concert。

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

Michishige-san is an eternal idol。

Congratulations on graduating！

Shibata Ayumi (Melon Kinenbi)

しげさん卒業おめでとう♡ そして12年間お疲れさま(*˘︶˘*)
— ayumi shibata (@ayumishibata222) 2014, 11月 26

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

Kobayashi Kana (AKB48)

やっぱり道重さんはかわいかった！ 感動ー！！！ モーニング娘。さん素敵でした♡ pic.twitter.com/5HSqXL4HU6
— 小林香菜 (@Kobayashikana48) 2014, 11月 26

Michishige-san was definitely cute！
How movingー！！！
Morning Musume。-san was wonderful♡

Oomori Seiko

すごくさゆだったなあ！人生を魅せてくれる人だよなあ ありがとう∞ 全ての間が、呼吸が、表情筋の1ミリの動きが、愛おしかった 手紙を読まずの最後の演説が オバマかタモリか道重かみたいな完璧さで あれ何年もあたためてたんだろうなあ 好き pic.twitter.com/BWKodJbsDZ
— 大森靖子(おおもりせいこ) (@oomoriseiko) 2014, 11月 26

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

Tanemura Arina

道重さゆみちゃん卒業コンサート最高でした〜☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆ さゆのソロで『赤いフリージア』、涙腺崩壊しました…。 さゆ、輝きの時間をありがとう！ お疲れ様でした！！ 今日のさゆ、今までで一番可愛かったよ！！ pic.twitter.com/uIjkuxQ4FD
— 種村有菜 (@arinacchi) 2014, 11月 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What she leads, is Morning Musume.

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

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

Hello! Pro Great Assembly

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

A line-up of self-styled number ones(!?)

Pretty!? Cute!? Showdown at the Summit ♥

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Being an idol is a wonderful occupation

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

Tsugunaga: Ayacho answered 'The arts'.

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

Wada: That isn't the case---

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

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

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

Momochi is unanimously the number one ♥

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

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

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

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

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

I love Hello! Pro since everyone's so cute ♥

Michishige: By the way, what was Momochi's theory? Was it 'Idol is life'?

Wada: That's nice, life.

Tsugunaga: Just a 'That's nice'?

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

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

Tsugunaga: Just the name?

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

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

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

Enveloped in their own characters, they declare war!? A showdown between Hello! Pro's strongest narcissists

These 2 continue to be in great demand by variety programmes, and, waiting for an opportunity with their cuteness, they're having a showdown at the summit! Although they're verbally sparring with barbs like 'Lower than the average within Hello! Pro' or '82 points for cuteness', it seems that deep inside, they both respect one another...

(2013 TopYell+ compilation magazine version:

Even within Hello! Project, Michishige Sayumi and Tsugunaga Momoko continue to be in great demand by variety shows. For these 2 who emphasise that 'I'm definitely the cutest idol', this is a showdown at the summit, waiting for an opportunity with their cuteness!)

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

Sayumin

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

Momochi

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

Enveloped in their own characters, they declare war!? A showdown between Hello! Pro's strongest narcissists

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

Sayumin x Momochi

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

A large portion of the photos in their phones are selfies

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

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

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

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

(Starts from about 14:20~)

MJ ちゃゆ by dm_526e8a36be26f

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tsunku♂

H!P Summer 2014 KOREZO: Share it if you like it (Part VIII - 6 Sept)

For the KOREZO! performances held during the current Hello! Con (Summer 2014), there's a corner where the girls can bring up photos they want to highlight. A  Facebook page has been set up, entitled 'Hello! Pro Ki ni Ittara Share'. (H!P Share it if you like it). 

Here's a selection of what piqued my interest. As the page says, if you like any of these photos, then 'Like' and 'Share' them on Facebook. Links are in the first line below the photo, the post titles.

If you missed them - Part I (12, 19 & 26 July), Part II (27 July), Part III (2 Aug), Part IV (3 Aug), Part V (9 & 16 Aug), Part VI (17 Aug), Part VII (29 Aug)

Photograph from　Berryz Kobo　Natsuyaki Miyabi
I tried doing what you would say was Makoto-san's trademark from ages ago, the mushroom hairstyle。
The members of Hello! Pro have raised the topic、
That recently、 Makoto-san has been wearing a hat
But we want the old “as he is” Makoto-san to come out on-stage。

H!P Summer 2014 KOREZO: Share it if you like it (Part VII - 29 Aug)

For the KOREZO! performances held during the current Hello! Con (Summer 2014), there's a corner where the girls can bring up photos they want to highlight. A  Facebook page has been set up, entitled 'Hello! Pro Ki ni Ittara Share'. (H!P Share it if you like it). 

Here's a selection of what piqued my interest. As the page says, if you like any of these photos, then 'Like' and 'Share' them on Facebook. Links are in the first line below the photo, the post titles. They're also announcing the number of 'likes' and 'shares' each photo has gotten at the concerts, so you can show your support by doing so.

If you missed them - Part I (12, 19 & 26 July), Part II (27 July), Part III (2 Aug), Part IV (3 Aug), Part V (9 & 16 Aug), Part VI (17 Aug)

Photograph from　S/mileage　Tamura Meimi
I've never really been asked by the fans to show my swimsuit-clad figure、
But now、 for the very first time in public in this country, here's a daring shot of me in a swimsuit in my private time！
It's a shot from when I went to the pool with my family when I was 2～3 years old。
I apologise if that dotted swimsuit went overboard on sexiness（lol）

Dressing Up Duu

Just thought I'd give a homage to my very first translation post by updating it and putting the translation into the dialogue bubbles. By the way, if anyone knows where the source is, please hit me up.

H!P Summer 2014 KOREZO: Share it if you like it (Part I - 12, 19 & 26 July)

For the KOREZO! performances held during the current Hello! Con (Summer 2014), there's a corner where the girls can highlight photos taken during the tour. A  Facebook page has been set up, entitled 'Hello! Pro Ki ni Ittara Share'. (H!P Share it if you like it).

Here's a selection of what piqued my interest. As the page says, if you like any of these photos, then 'Like' and 'Share' them on Facebook. Links are in the first line below the photo, the post titles.

【KOREZO！ Okai-chanNeru！？】
Photograph from ℃-ute Nakajima Saki
Backstage at Nakano Sunplaza、 there's a sofa that can fit ２ people、 and that's become the place where Okai Chisato always takes a nap。
Once、 when Okai was intending to take nap、 it just so happened that Hagiwara was already sleeping there、 and this photo shows the conduct of Okai, who wanted to sleep no matter what。
At the table where they normally fix up their make up、 she messily swept out the stuff that was on it、 and after making some space、 she just slept like that。
By the way、 the light bulb just above her stomach gets so hot to the extent that touching it will give you burns、 so it's a pretty thrill-seeking sleeping form。 It might help out for dieting・・・ but everyone, please do not copy this！！

Mano-chan on Sayu grad

え?!?! 道重さん秋でモーニング娘卒業?!?! びっくり、、、 なんて言うんだろ 道重さんが卒業したら あたしの中での 小さい頃から憧れて好きだった モーニング娘。さんが なくなってしまうような感覚。 まさに次世代になる感じ。 あたしの中で、ね 卒業ライブ行きたい(._.)
— 真野恵里菜(Mano Erina) (@erina_mano) 2014, 4月 29

Eh?!?! Michishige-san is graduating from Morning Musume in autumn?!?! What a surprise 、、、 How should I say it If Michishige-san graduates Then it feels like The Morning Musume。-san That I looked up to and liked since I was small Will disappear。 It feels like we're on the verge of a new generation。 Inside myself、 you know I want to go to the graduation live (._.)

なんか、寂しい。 電車の中なのに涙出そう(._.) 卒業は新たな門出だから おめでたいことなのに ファンの皆さんの気持ちが すごくわかる(>_<)
— 真野恵里菜(Mano Erina) (@erina_mano) 2014, 4月 29

You know 、it's sad 。
My tears are coming out in the train (._.)
Despite it being something auspicious
Since graduation means setting out on a new path

I really understand
The feelings of all the fans (>_<)

Bonus: Sashihara Rino

ちゃ、ちゃゆぅ…
— 指原 莉乃 (@345__chan) April 29, 2014

Cha, Chayu...

MM'14 nationwide 10 location simultaneous handshake event: Michishige Sayumi in Ishikawa

【石川／道重】 ただいま、金沢駅前でテレビ金沢の番組出演中です！ #morningmusume14 pic.twitter.com/KFoGB5xxWc
— モーニング娘。'14マネージャー (@MorningMusumeMg) 2014, 4月 2

【Ishikawa／ Michishige】 Currently、 in the midst of a programe recording for TV Kanazawa in front of Kanazawa station！

H!P Blog Relay #1

{Sayumi started this 'blog topic relay' in preparation for the HinaFes. Having translated it for Nacky's post, I decided to take the plunge and follow the thread. I'll be extracting just the excerpts of the blog posts about this topic, starting with Sayumi. Enjoy.}

Sayumi - 3rd March

And then starting from today ♪

To build up to the 'HinaFes'

I think I'd like to do the following

♥ Announcement of Hello！ Project's first blog collaboration ♥

I'd like to link together our blogs with a certain theme, and the blog post's theme will be

♥ Something that recently moved myself ♥

For Sayumi, something that recently moved me was,,,

I was able to set my bangs nicely ♥!!!!

Eh~ it's just something like that~!?

Is that what you're thinking???

No, no

It's only the bangs! Even so it's the bangs!! Right

For Sayumi, bangs are my life
Therefore, being able to set them well moved me

Ah,,
The previous Sayumi photos that were put up
Were photos on days when Sayumi's bangs were done well

↑ Even looking from the side, my bangs on this day look good in a Sayumi-like way

And then, during the Sochi Olympics
Honestly, day in and day out, I was moved by the tenacity, the great efforts, the brilliance of the Japanese representatives

I too, would like to become such a person who can bestow such emotion, I'll do my best!!!!

Well then, S/mileage's Nakanishi Kana-chan,
Do you have anything that moved you recently??

Please tell us in your blog post tomorrow, k

[For an alternative translation of this blog post, see Nantonaku Translations]

{Continue on to Kananan's post}

Speaking of Valentine's

Weekly Shounen Sunday No. 11 26/02/2014
Extract from Morning Musume '14's 4 Musume (Michishige, Fukumura, Sayashi, Kudou) interview

- By the way, as this week's Sunday is the Valentine's issue, what are your memories of Valentine's?
Sayashi: For us, the members mutually exchange chocolates. One time, I made chocolate pie. Despite working hard at making it from the morning, it ended up looking horrible... I cried...
All: Ahahaha
Sayashi: I'll never make it again!
Kudou: Speaking of Valentine's, my younger brother's pretty popular, and since he gets tons, I'm always the one in charge of eating them¹ (lol)
Michishige: For Sayumi, when I was in primary 4th, for the sake of exchanging them with the girls², I brought chocolates to school even though they were prohibited. But, when I was thinking of bringing along the chocolate, I ended up really wanting to have some chocolate, so I quietly ate some. Then, saying that I smelled of chocolate, the sensei discovered it and they were confiscated (cry).
Sayashi: Leader, that's funny
- No stories about guys turned up.
Fukumura: After all, in reality we love nothing but Hello! Pro! That feeling of love is extremely strong (lol)
Michishige: There are other things we like as well!
Fukumura: Ah-, like lift buttons? I LOVE buttons that look round and gothic!
Kudou: I LOVE Komaba Ichirou from "Silver Spoon"!
Michishige: For Sayumi, a person devoted to Sayumi would be great. A person who persists! A person who won't drift to the young ones³  (lol)

¹ Slight ambiguity issue - Duu doesn't actually say that it's her, so it's entirely possible that the brother is the person who is 'always the one in charge of eating the chocolates'. In fact, that might be the more prudent translation. However, given that it's a transcript, and I can imagine how it's possible to interpret it that way given that it was originally spoken, I chose the more compelling story.
² But I thought Sayu's only friends when she was small were pill bugs
³  Sayu's 2012 birthday T-shirt:

In the end, Michishige
I drifted to the young ones, but I came back.

As a bonus, here's my favourite shot from that magazine:


Ref: 2ch Matome

The most beautiful idol

UTB+最新号より、今、最も美しいアイドル・道重リーダーのオフショットを‼︎さゆと言えば、やっぱりピンクです！ pic.twitter.com/PMND7M7Wpu
— 「UTB」(アップトゥボーイ)編集部 (@wani_UTB) 2014, 1月 24

An off-shot from the latest issue of UTB+, currently, the most beautiful idol  ・ Michishige-leader's off-shot!
If you're talking about Sayu, it's got to be pink!

Sato Maa called leader Michishige an old lady lololololololololololololololololololololololol

Nov 24th Pacifico Yokohama 

[…]

Sato: I said to the salesperson when I went to Loft that I wanted their strongest spray, one that wouldn’t come off when I was sweating at a concert

"The strongest ~ I don’t really know which one that would be ~ I think it might be this one~" I was told, so I bought it and it’s amazing

Even after entering the bath 2-3 times it doesn’t come off and I don’t need to do it again

Michishige: 2-3 years!?

Sato: 2-3 times. Are you hard of hearing? (Audience laughs, Sato and Michishige draw closer to an embrace)

Michishige: You said 2-3 years, didn’t you!?

Sato: I didn’t say that~, I said 2-3 times~!

Michishige: You didn’t say (2-3 times)~! (Audience laughs at childish quarrel)

Iikubo: Erm, she said 2-3 times (Michishige stamps her feet at this sudden betrayal from a loyal subject)

Sato: You’re an old lady, an old lady (due to your poor hearing)

Kudou: You shouldn’t call her an old lady

Source(s):

http://hayabusa3.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/morningcoffee/1385288548/

http://helloprocanvas.ldblog.jp/archives/35120678.html

Michishige Sayumi x Sayashi Riho "All the important things, we were taught through Morning Musume"

"Even now, Morning Musume is growing!"

Sensational, causing an uproar. Fascinating their fans with their complicated "formation dance", we have Michishige Sayumi, appointed as leader in May of last year, and ace Sayashi Riho. With successive releases of addictive, aggressive songs, their songs have managed to record 3 consecutive first places on the Oricon chart after 11 and a half years.

Even among themselves, it is thought that the charm of the reborn Morning Musume is their formation dance.

"Especially now, I think the fans have been paying attention to the "formation dance." Up to now, Morning Musume hasn't had such complicated dances, so we discuss things like "Do we pass each other there?" due to the complicated changes in standing position" (Michishige)

With all of the 10 members continuously changing in position, one can't recall seeing such a united dance from a bird's eye view. With such a great amount of memorisation required for the dance, what they thought was difficult was.......

"Generally speaking, there's a lot of movement.......The amount we perspired was amazing (bitter smile)" (Sayashi)

"Until now, for Morning Musume, the solo parts formed the basis, yet the dancing was freestyle, but now we'd like to keep performing formation dances. So recently, while practising everyone has been asking "How do we sing while doing such complicated movements?"" (Michishige)

Besides their dancing, when asked if there were any points that differed from the previous Morning Musume, Sayashi answered, "Instead of cute songs, the number of cool songs has increased," while Michishige commented, "In a good way, we've probably become more carefree (laugh)." In particular, leader Michishige has been paying attention to developing the atmosphere within Morning Musume.

"Speaking about Morning Musume, there used to be a strict hierarchical relationship from long ago. Indeed, weren't there a large number of 13-14 year olds entering? If I hadn't been taught through the "senpai-kouhai" relationship, I would have ended up as a kid lacking common knowledge. When Sayumi first entered at the age of 13, she was unable to give proper greetings, she had to be taught by all of Morning Musume (laugh). But having gathered members that are overflowing with youthfulness and sweetness, it would be a waste if all those merits would be erased by being too strict. In order not to let that wither away, I feel that I have to keep this balance in mind."

The continued effort put in by Michishige who became leader in May of last year seems to have steadily borne fruit.Finally, Sayashi had some words to include.

"Morning Musume got to reappear on Music Station (TV Asahi) after 6 years, so I was glad to get a chance to perform there.It was the first appearance for the 9th gen and beyond, which includes myself, and we were extremely moved after the recording ended that everyone ended up crying backstage (laughs)"

Original (Nikkan Spa)