They can no longer be sworn allies... BeriKyuu arch-rival interview (Shimizu x Natsuyaki x Suzuki x Okai) - Top Yell Sept 2013

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute

A 12-person human drama

It's been 11 years since they met one another - a conflict where neither will yield

Top Yell September 2013 opening blurb:

These bunch of primary school girls were assembled because of their admiration of Morning Musume。 11 years have passed since they started activities, and before anyone knew it, they've become groups who shoulder the burden of being the central pillars of Japan's idol scene.

Berryz Kobo and ℃-ute are called Hello! Project's Minister of the Right and Minister of the Left. With ℃-ute announcing that they would be advancing upon the Budokan, their rivalry heated up beyond anything that had been seen before, but what's really happening inside? The gong has finally rung on this extremely stinging round-table discussion that could only be pulled off by this magazine!

Top Yell + H!P Compilation 2014 version:

The story of the rivalry between BeriKyuu that started with the announcement that ℃-ute would be advancing to Budokan became a staggeringly huge topic in 2013. Being overtaken by a group from their own generation, Berryz Kobo's Captain Shimizu Saki expressed her determination through her blog posts. Three weeks after that, Berryz Kobo's Budokan was announced......

In the midst of all sorts of speculations happening amongst the fans, in the September edition of Top Yell, we pressed ahead with a hard-hitting interview with the members of both groups caught up in the maelstrom.

Looking back, they were partners who were always there. Now both groups motivate one another, but that doesn't imply that they had a rivalry from the very start. In 2002, when they were assembled as the Hello! Project Kids, they were a group of people who were united in the goal of making their debut. The four of them look back on those times.

※※※

You weren't broken into groups at first, and there wasn't any sense of hostility. When did you start thinking of one another as rivals?

Okai: It somehow came up naturally...... I guess. At the start of the Kids, just remembering the choreography had me grasping at straws, so I think that I couldn't look beyond myself.

Shimizu: That's true, there wasn't any rivalry between us before the formation of Berryz. We were just friends, playing tag together..... If I had to say, it felt like being with my usual friends.

I think that the formation of Berryz Kobo in 2004 had a huge effect on how your relationship changed. At the time, there was talk that there would be a rotational system, with 8 names being nominated as Berryz Kobo's starting members.

Shimizu: Yup, so at the time, I probably might have felt a stronger sense of rivalry towards those who were in Berryz. I remember thinking that I might get dropped if I were to lose to another girl. Just that thought was terrifying to me!

Natsuyaki: I didn't think much of it...... I didn't really feel it in particular. Even with talk of the rotational system, I felt that it would be a group that would change according to Tsunku♂-san's moods, so I didn't feel a sense of tension. Even if someone were to drop out or someone were to come in, there would probably still be a chance for people to make a comeback. I guess I kind of accepted it..... In the end, it felt more like a club activity back then.

You weren't concerned about the danger of being dropped?

Natsuyaki: ... I wasn't (laughs).

Shimizu: Well, that's Miya (laughs). The ones who felt it the most were the girls who were on the edge.

Natsuyaki: Eh~! But back then, there wasn't an established centre or an ace, right?

Shimizu: Nope! I may have been Captain, but it wouldn't have been strange for that to change. I was constantly in fear. Whenever the staff would call us, that's when I got the most nervous. I thought that the time had finally come..... (laughs).

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk 15: Tokunaga Chinami x Natsuyaki Miyabi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Tokunaga Chinami X Natsuyaki Miyabi

They have similar fashion senses and food preferences, and they even start getting hungry at the same time. These two close friends are the same age, and with their preferences at the front and centre of this discussion, they look back on the past ten years.

I get the feeling that the two of you really enjoy fashion. Have you gone shopping together before?

Tokunaga: We often do. We go to places like Harajuku and enter all sorts of stores. We tend to like the same clothes, so we also like to go to the same stores.

Natsuyaki: At stores, we'd both think about how we'd match the clothes, and on that note, we'd coordinate. Like what sort of clothes and accessories we'd use to bring out the style we'd like.

Tokunaga: Like we're store assistants (laughs). Whenever I hear any news about our favourite stores stocking new products, I'll generally get in touch with Miya immediately, and invite her to go the next day.

Natsuyaki: That's right, Chii will bring me along to stores that she'd like to recommend. She pretty knowledgeable about those things. She's very good at finding her way to them as well.

Tokunaga: If I see a store in a magazine that tickles my fancy, I like to look up where it is. I get all sorts of information from my sister who's two years older than me.

Natsuyaki: I circle the places that I'd like to go in the magazines I read as well, but it often doesn't materialise. Having done that, Chinami will know the store, so she's a real great help.

Tokunaga: That's important. Having properly made arrangements, I figure out how to fully utilise the limited time we have.

Natsuyaki: And so, things fit quite well. Chii makes the plans, and I'll just follow along. I don't really try on clothes, but I'll properly try things on on the days when I'm with Chii, who'll keep on telling me that it'll work. That's really helpful.

Did you always have an interest in fashion from way back?

Tokunaga: I always thought that Miya was fashionable, ever since we were small. When we first met, her hair was blonde, and she was wearing an in-fashion sun visor. It felt like she was a camisole-wearing, outgoing girl.

Natsuyaki: Chii has really changed. At the start, she wore rainbow trainers (laughs). She was so plain that if you were to see how she looked like now, you'd wonder what was up with her.

Tokunaga: When I was small, I generally liked colourful things (laughs).

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk 24: Tsugunaga Momoko X Natsuyaki Miyabi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Tsugunaga Momoko X Natsuyaki Miyabi

Tsugunaga-san is a woman of many mysteries, one can't even begin to fathom how she is in her normal life. Honestly, what sort of person is she?

We get Natsuyaki-san, who has worked together with her the most, to talk about her frankly!

♥♥♥

The person herself insists that 'I've always been like this', but how is the normal Momochi like? It's an eternal conundrum. It's like she doesn't really have a private life, so we would like to ask the person who has spent the most time working with her.

Tsugunaga: That is true, I'm together with Miya in both Berryz Kobo and Buono!, so when we start with our concerts, like in the summer, it's like we're together every day. But am I really that full of mystery?

Natsuyaki: I don't find anything to be out of the ordinary when we talk to one another. In that sense, Kumai-chan is the one that I can't read, so she might be the mystery instead (laughs). Other people might wonder 'What's up with that girl?' when they watch her on the telly. But since I've seen her when she's not like that, I find it normal.

On the contrary, how do you see the Momochi on TV?

Natsuyaki: I think that's she's working hard, or that she's going in a direction that only she could pull off. In Berryz Kobo, she's the sole person with that character, and she heads towards areas where she's most preeminent.

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk 05: Sudo Maasa x Natsuyaki Miyabi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Sudo Maasa X Natsuyaki Miyabi

Sudo and Natsuyaki both support their group by bringing out their abilities in different ways.
The same age, yet different types, we hear how the two of them do their best.

While the two of you are the same age, your characters are remarkably different. I feel that the two of you take opposing approaches, though the both of you want the same thing: for the group to become even better.

Sudo: Probably, we're completely different.

Natsuyaki: Maa's level-headed, while I'm not, so we're already different from that viewpoint (laughs).

Sudo: But when all the members are gathered around and discussing things, Miya would say things directly, like 'Wouldn't it be better if we did things this way?' You'd take the lead. That's a great help.

Natsuyaki: Probably from way back, I'd say what's on my mind. You'll usually say things while properly thinking about the others. but I often say things without thinking, so I often catch myself thinking that it would have been better if I hadn't mentioned something (laughs).

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk 36: Natsuyaki Miyabi X Suzuki Airi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Natsuyaki Miyabi X Suzuki Airi

Natsuyaki and Suzuki have worked together in units such as Aa! and Buono!
As they talk about their eagerness to show-off (!?), for some reason, we get shown drawings of baby chicks?

Has the impression you have of one another now changed from when you met at the 'Hello! Project Kids Audition'?

Natsuyaki: At the auditions, we didn't really have any opportunities to talk, so from what I saw, Airi was really good at singing, and she could dance as well.... that was what I felt. But when we were in the same group, 'Aa!', I found out that Airi really does things at her own pace. And recently through Buono!, I found out that she's a real gourmand (laughs). When I talked with her, I thought that she was level-headed, a girl of this generation, who, just like (Sugaya) Risako, will give out her own opinion.

Suzuki: Miyabi was already cute from back then, so I was sure that she'd pass. We started talking when we joined 'Aa!', but since we were kids back then, we'd talk about work. But I really liked how, even from back then, Miya was able to catch the rhythm, and she was fashionable, so I had this great impression that she'd be admired by girls. At rehearsals, I watched her in secret, but there weren't any occasions for me to tell her that (laughs). Miyabi has all sorts of unexpected facets to her. When I'm thinking that she's cool, she'd be anything but, talking with a with a shriek, building up a fuss with a 'yay' (laughs). Also, Miyabi eats quite a lot as well (laughs).

The 2 of them thought up moves that would make them completely stand out!?

[2ch] Mob boss Natsuyaki and henchman Nksk

1 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 20:52:43.41 0
Here's the latest picture of mob boss Natsuyaki and henchman nksk

By the way, here are past photos

3 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 20:58:46.58 0
They're pretty close in height

4 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 20:59:07.82 0
Wish we could have seen them in the same group

2 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 20:56:38.22 0
There definitely isn't a henchman photo that can beat this one

11 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 21:15:37.79 0
>>2
I really like this photo

7 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 21:02:55.67 0
Anyone will look like a henchman if they're together with Natsuyaki
nksk isn't at fault！

16 ：名無し募集中。。。＠転載は禁止：2014/10/28(火) 22:08:50.10 0
>>7
No, you're wrong！
When nksk's around, anyone will look like a mob boss

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk 44: Natsuyaki Miyabi x Okai Chisato

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Natsuyaki Miyabi X Okai Chisato

xXxXx

Firstly, what led to Chisato-chan becoming a fan of Miyabi-chan?

Okai: I'm actually not the kind of person who'll easily say that someone's cute. I'll say it if I feel that something is cute, but it's not like I get seriously enamoured. But I just happened to go to a Buono! concert, and though (Suzuki) Airi was my reason for going there at first.....

Natsuyaki: At first, huh (laughs)?

Okai: Before I knew it, I noticed that my eyes were only on Miyabi-chan, I realised that, could it be, I liked Miyabi-chan (laughs)!? I think It was Buono!'s second concert tour (Buono! Live Tour 2010 ~We are Buono!~'). Miyabi-chan had extensions on, her hair was long, and she was wearing a pink and black dress. I completely fell for her. At first, I was using glowsticks that were green (Airi-chan's member colour), but I changed to red ones (Miyabi-chan's member colour) midway through (laughs). Miyabi-chan's hairstyle and air changes every time I see her. I look forward to it, and she gives me inspiration every time. I admire her.

Natsuyaki: Is that so (laughs).

Do you remember the impressions you had of one another at the 'Hello! Project Kids Audition'?

Okai: At the auditions, my Papa said that Miyabi-chan was cute! Like 'Oh my, there's such a cutie here, you're gonna fail!!' (laughs). But I was on the borderline of passing and not passing, so just going with the flow, I became friends with Maasa-chan and Mai-chan who lived near me. Actually, I've only recently started talking with Miyabi-chan. There was the age gap, and I was just sticking behind Momo-chan.

Natsuyaki: That's right, it doesn't feel like we really talked. Early on, Chisato and Mai were both like babies, and I thought that they were cute when I looked at them. My impression of Chisato at the auditions was that you were boyish, with your short hair.

Okai: But our mothers were friends.

Natsuyaki: Yup. They'd go for meals together, or karaoke.

Okai: Our mothers went to the same senior high. They were senpai and kouhai.

That's quite the coincidence!

Natsuyaki: Quite (laughs).

Okai: However, I was very much a child within an already childish group (laughs), so I looked on Miyabi-chan and the rest as oneechans. As for Berryz Kobo, I used to chat a lot with (Sugaya) Risako-chan, from way back. Because of that, since (Shimizu) Saki-chan and Miyabi-chan were there as well, that's when I started talking a lot with Miyabi-chan.

Natsuyaki: We also started exchanging messages.

So the cupids that connected the 2 of you were Saki-chan and Risako-chan (laughs). Miyabi-chan, did you know that Chisato-chan liked you that much?

Natsuyaki: The fans told me about it. They'd report things to me, like 'Chissa keeps on saying that she likes you' (laughs). [...] I heard all sorts of things from the fans, and I was like 'Is that so!' (laughs)

Okai: I did a question corner on my blog, and about half the questions I got were concerning Miyabi-chan (laughs). What's more, ever since I said that I like Miyabi-chan, my fans have gradually become fans of Miyabi-chan, which puts me in a situation. At my events, there are fans that'll intentionally use Miyabi-chan's uchiwas, or wear her T-shirts. And at MCs, they'll yell out 'We know how you feel! Let's cheer her on together!!'. Recently, the staff-san have been sending me pictures on Miyabi-chan (laughs).

Natsuyaki: Even at handshake events, I get told 'Don't snatch away Chisato!' I press them, asking 'Do you really like Chisato!?' (laughs). There are people who'll give a serious reply, 'I'll be marrying Chisato! So I don't want her to be stolen away by Miyabi-chan!!'. And that brings out my competitiveness, and I'll fire back by telling them that I'm serious as well! A little battle unfolds between me and the fan (laughs).

xXxXx

Natsuyaki: I'm glad to be told that I'm cute, but since I'm not cute character-wise, it makes me embarrassed to be told that (laughs). 

xXxXx

Chisato-chan, from your point of view, please tell us frankly what you find attractive about Miyabi-chan.

Okai: She has all these contrasting traits to her. She looks cool, but she actually talks a lot. Just looking at her makes me feel happy. 

xXxXx

Well then, 10 years in the future, how do you think your relationship will be like?

Okai: We'll be married with children, and we'd meet up to have meals together (laughs). However, I think that Miyabi-chan's children will be the cutest (laughs).

Natsuyaki: I'd like to meet up for meals. I think that there are aspects in which Chisato and I are similar. So it's fun to be together.

xXxXx

More interview excerpts from this book

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk 39: Shimizu Saki x Natsuyaki Miyabi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Shimizu Saki X Natsuyaki Miyabi

•••

When we asked the members of Berryz Kobo about Captain, they said that while Saki-chan's role was to bring them together, when it comes to the things that are difficult to say, Miyabi-chan would support you from the shadows.

Shimizu: She often helps me out when we're dancing in particular. She'll mention what she notices without any hesitation, like 'Isn't this part of the dance like that?' or 'That part was a bit out of sync'.

Natsuyaki: When we're doing cool songs, there are lots of things that make me feel like 'I want it to look like this', so that's what I'll say. There are times when we've gotten into arguments over things like that, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I think that dancing in-sync is definitely nicer. 

Shimizu: And by tightening things up that way, she helps me out. You'd think that the leader of the group would be the one to take control and give out warnings, but I end up wondering what people will think of me if I say those things, and so I don't give out warnings.

Natsuyaki: Captain does hold herself back in that way. Perhaps you could say that she restrains herself too much (laughs). But if I were the captain of the group, I think that whatever I'd say would end up becoming a huge thing. Captain has that gentleness to her, and I think that's why Berryz Kobo has our enjoyable group atmosphere. 

Shimizu: But at times, I'll ask things like 'Did I say too much just now?' or 'Did I go overboard?'

Dance teacher SHE-sensei comments on the Berryz members - CDJournal Mar 2015

――We would like to ask sensei about the impressions you had while you were watching each and every member。

I guess we'll go by order of age.

Captain (Shimizu Saki) is serious.
Even from our first meeting, she'd ask for review sessions after we finished with rehearsals,
And despite being small, we had discussions about the things she was unclear on,
While we had conflicts at times, she's always been serious since back then.

I think that she's a good girl, be it at work or in her private life,
But roughly when she was a senior high student......
She became unexpectedly funny (laughs).
Doing funny faces and using a weird way of speaking, she liked funny things.
She discovered that aspect at the end of her teenage years though.
Since then, I've often messed around with Captain (laughs).
It's just that, her comicality doesn't really show on-stage, does it?
I think that it's not that she doesn't want to bring it out,
But it doesn't appear because she's in charge of all sorts of things.

Momo (Tsugunaga Momoko) is as she is.
That's probably everyone's impression of her.
She's got a high level of professionalism.
While I thought she was just a 'burikko' when she was small,
I think that she probably understands what the guests want the most,
And she studied up in order to understand them.

Recently, the girls have been proposing parts of their setlists at concerts and events,
But it's mostly led by Momo.
Like, how they'd like the stage direction to go.
She's not just making a fuss and having fun, she properly thinks it through.
But while it doesn't mean that the way she presents herself is just 'for business',
It normally does seem that way (laughs).

Also, I like Momo's butt. It's like pudding.
Let me talk about an amusing memory I have concerning her butt:
There was a time when her body was still expanding and growing a little.
As she was sitting down in a lady-like manner,
The back of her sweats ripped with a great sound. (laughs)
Her face went completely red. We had a great big laugh at that.

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Natsuyaki Miyabi x Nakajima Saki

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Natsuyaki Miyabi X Nakajima Saki

²²²

It feels like you'll have a girls meet up in 10 years time.

Nakajima: I'd like to have one! We'll definitely have to do that.

Natsuyaki: It'll be just before our thirties though (laughs)!?

Nakajima: Even if we're married, don't you think we'll have girls meetups as friends who are mothers? Like 'Wouldn't you like to have a spot of tea?' (laughs). Miyabi-chan, if you were to ask 'Are you free right now?', I feel like I'd go straight to see you.

Natsuyaki: That's likely, as it goes with Nacky's personality. You're direct.

Looking from as close as possible, the two of you hold similar positions in your group.

Nakajima: Indeed, it does seem that way.

Natsuyaki: Yup. I think so too

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Yajima Maimi x Natsuyaki Miyabi

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Yajima Maimi X Natsuyaki Miyabi

Looking at the two of you, you're like 'stillness and motion', you seem to have really contrasting images.

Natsuyaki: Is that so? Admittedly, Maimi and I are completely different types. While we've worked together at concerts, we've never really had deep conversations with one another.

Yajima: The thing I really remember is that there was a point when Miya cried, when we got to be backdancers at the Kouhaku (31/12/2007 broadcast of the '58th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen').

Natsuyaki: Eh, really!?

Yajima: You don't remember? I was the oldest at the time, and at the rehearsal, I cautioned you.

Natsuyaki: Eh- I don't have any recollection of being told off by Maimi. But at the time, the older girls certainly had to say a lot of things to the younger girls.

Yajima: That's right. But I was startled, as I never would have thought that Miya would cry.

Natsuyaki: I was a girl that cried when something frustrated me, so it's possible, though I don't remember it at all.

Receiving advice from senpai Aichan (Natsuyaki Miyabi auditions)

{From the 'About Miyabi' page from Natsuyaki Miyabi's new group audition website, we have a discussion between her and former Morning Musume。 member Takahashi Ai}

It's the new group of my cute kouhai Natsuyaki Miyabi-chan

Ai：I've known you for about 10 years, but this is the first time we've done a shooting together, right?
Miyabi： Right, I'm a bit nervous (laughs). Shooting in plain clothes, it was fun thinking up how to coordinate outfits.
Ai：There's a mini 'Goes well with sneakers' theme, right? Ever since I saw how Miyabi-chan had coordinated it, I thought about how to make it match. Fully clad in white, it's cute ♥
Miyabi： Aichan's clothes are stylish, I like them. You're adorable as well today~♥ Please go shopping with me next time!
Ai： Right (laughs).  Miyabi-chan, you'll be putting together a group in the future?
Miyabi：That's right. Aichan, from your perspective, what sort of girls would make it a good group?
Ai： I guess individualistic girls, girls who wouldn't lose to Miyabi-chan's character~ Also, girls with good personalities! This is pretty important (laughs)!
Miyabi： Indeed (laughs).
Ai：Also, their goal to make a group with Miyabi-chan would be the same, so wouldn't girls who like singing and dancing be all right? It'd be even better if they're girls who can bring out Miyabi-chan's good taste, who are good at being their own producers.  I look forward to seeing a Miyabi-chan that's different from what we've seen so far~!
Miyabi：Right! Hearing Aichan say that has got me looking forward to it as well ♥ I wonder what sort of girls will appear~ I want to sing on-stage soon~. We'll be waiting for your applications!!

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Natsuyaki Miyabi x Sugaya Risako

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Natsuyaki Miyabi X Sugaya Risako

╫╫╫

Were you close since 10 years ago?

Natsuyaki: That's right. Even the fans said that 'Risako and Miya are always together', and if you were to look at photos from the past, there really are a lot that capture the 2 of us, we were together so much that we really were like sisters. I think it's amazing that we've continued that way since we were small.

Sugaya: In Berryz Kobo, I really get spoiled by Captain and Miya. Captain spoils me, but Miya would say 'Do it properly!, just like an oneechan.

Natsuyaki: When I'm mad, I'm mad. Like 'Risako, that's no good', in a serious tone.

Sugaya: You'd scold me, but you'd also listen to what I had to say and sympathise with me. I'm the oldest girl at home, so I think it would be really great to have an oneechan like this.

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Natsuyaki Miyabi x Hagiwara Mai

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between various pairings of the girls, covering all 66 possible combinations. In the process of reading this book, I'll be putting up some highlights as I read through the interviews.

Natsuyaki Miyabi X Hagiwara Mai

The interview opens with this remark from the interviewer: 'It's a fashion leader showdown!'

Miya starts by commenting about how Mai often used to wear skirts, but now they both prefer casual clothing. While the both of them do feel some pressure to keep up being fashionable, they've always been interested in fashion, even from a young age. Miya even remembers using the pocket money she got from her grandmother to buy clothes from the brand 'mezzo piano', which she wore to the H!P Kids auditions.

The two of them have way too many clothes, so Miya tries to hold back on spending and make use of the clothes she's got. No such thing for Mai, who still buys new stuff. Even when they were on tour together, every time Miya would meet her, MaiMai would be wearing something different.

ëëë

--- Mai-chan, from your perspective, what sort of fashion worn by Miyabi-chan left an impression?

Hagiwara: She suits any sort of appearance. Every time I see her wear something normal, I think it's super cute, so my answer is 'everything' (laughs).

Natsuyaki: That's not the case at all (laughs). During the BeriKyuu concerts, Mai wore this fluffy, inflated skirt, and I thought you looked good even in that. You're cute and there are so many designs that suit you. I like Blythe dolls, and I collected clothes for those dolls, but Mai can wear clothes in the style that Blythe wears. To look like a doll, it's got to be skirts.

--- Now that we've stepped on that, if you were to coordinate one another, what sort of appearance would you like to make?

Hagiwara: Eh, outfitting Miya? That'd be impossible~ (laughs).

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Natsuyaki Miyabi x Kumai Yurina

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hello! Project Kids in 2012, a book entitled Rival - 12 shoujo no 10-nen monogatari - (The 10-year legend of the 12 girls) was released. The book contains 2-page discussions between pairs of girls, covering all 66 possible combinations.

Natsuyaki Miyabi X Kumai Yurina

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What was the first impression you had of one another when you first met?

Kumai: Miya was blonde, so it was like 'Ah, she's a city kid'.

Natsuyaki: For Kumai-chan, I thought that her eyebrows were neatly arranged (laughs). 

Kumai: Ahahahaha. Is that so?

Natsuyaki: Really, that was the strongest impression. 

Kumai: The greatest, huh~. I think so too. Looking at photos of myself from way back,  I'm like 'What was up with those eyebrows!?' (laughs)

Natsuyaki: I don't intend this as a follow-up, but I thought that you were a pretty girl~.

--- Have your impressions of one another changed?

Kumai: There's been quite a change over these many years. When the younger team got to do a radio show together (STAR digio 'Tsuukai Berryz Oukoku'), Miya became the oneesan. If I had to say, before, she had this image of being all noisy, and enjoying the fun things, but she also had this aspect to her, where she properly thought about things, so it was like she was an oneesan!

Natsuyaki: That's probably because it was work (laughs). It was the first time for us younger ones to do a radio show, and there, I was the eldest, so I thought I had to be level-headed, and take control. As I had to let the 2 of you talk as well, at the very beginning, I acted like an oneesan.

--- So you didn't become an oneesan, you just acted as one (laughs).

Natsuyaki: Honestly, I don't really want to be like the oneesan or the senpai. But I thought that I had to take the lead.

Kumai: You led in quite a big way.

Natsuyaki: My impression of Kumai-chan hasn't changed. Airheaded, head in the clouds. But I think that you've calmed down recently. Like I could say that Kumai-chan's the calmest in Berryz Kobo. You used to be noisy in the past, the same type as how Chii (Tokunaga Chinami) is now (laughs), but I feel like you've turned out to be really oneesan-ish.

Kumai: Ah, but I might have calmed down. On the topic of calming down, it might be because I grew older (laughs). I envy the always spirited primary school kids. I think that the types of people like Chinami who are born that way are a different case (laughs), but I think it's amazing to spend a whole day with that much energy.

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Click here for more interview excerpts from this book.