Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Tsugunaga Momoko 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.

Tsugunaga Momoko X Okai Chisato

The 2 of them have asked their Hello! Project senpai 'How about making a unit with us?'
10 years ago they were as close as sisters, but now??

What was the sequence of events that led you to go around proposing such a thing to your senpai?

Okai: It was about 5 years ago, when they were making bonus footage for a concert DVD. The staff suggested that we try it out, it sounded like fun and we did it.

Tsugunaga: At the time, it was when Nakazawa (Yuko)-san and Yasuda (Kei)-san were still around, and there wasn't much involvement between the senpai and the kouhai, so I guess the idea came about as surely people would want to see us getting involved in all sorts of ways.The reason it was us who took on that role was probably due to our characters, that we'd forgive whatever the senpai said to us.

Okai: Actually, at the time, we called out to the senpai while reading the mood. However, while we called out to Nakazawa-san, Iida (Kaori)-san, Ishikawa (Rika)-san, our hearts were actually pounding. I wondered what would happen if they got annoyed. And, we did it once again about a year ago. It felt like a continuation from 5 years ago.

Tsugunaga: As there were hardly any senpai around, that time it was the kouhai. We'd go around to the H!P Egg girls, asking 'Who would you like to team up with?' We told them that not teaming up wasn't a choice (laughs).

Okai: That put even more pressure on them.

New Faces: Senpai's dancing (H!P Maruwakari Winter 2015)

The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, mainly asking about other members.

As new additions to H!P, the Kobushi and Tsubaki Factories also get an additional questionnaire - the 'New Face Maruwakari Special''.

Q5. Senpai whose dancing I like

Fujii Rio: Sato Masaki-san. She has flexibility as well as power. Take one look and you can't draw your eyes away from her.

Hirose Ayaka: Sato Masaki-san. She's flexible, it draws your eyes.

Nomura Minami: Sayashi Riho-san. I look up to her because of the way she uses her hair, angles, how she moves, everything's cool and beautiful!!

Ogawa Rena: I pay rapt attention to Sayashi Riho-san's super sharp and attractive dancing.

Hamaura Ayano: Sayashi Riho-san. I like her dancing because of how cool she is when she stops and builds up the dance.

Taguchi Natsumi: Ishida Ayumi-san. Her sharp dancing is really attractive, and she's flexible. I think that her tidy dancing is beautiful. My eyes are always fixed on her. I like her!

Wada Sakurako: Kudo Haruka-san. Her dancing is large and cool.

Inoue Rei: Fukumura Mizuki-san. I like how she puts in heart-thumping cuteness within her cool dancing.

Q5. Senpai whose dancing I like

Ogata Risa: Miyamoto Karin-san. Her dancing is sharp and really cool, and yet it's careful. I'd like to dance like that.

Yamagishi Riko: Sayashi Riho-san. Even dancing within Morning Musume。´15, Sayashi-san's cool and sharp. I'd like to try dancing with her someday!

Niinuma Kisora: Inaba Manaka-san. Her dancing is sharp, and it made me happy that she taught me about all these dances that I didn't understand. Her performance in the dance club is awesome as well!

Tanimoto Ami: ℃-ute-san. Because they're all good at dancing.

Kishimoto Yumeno: Hagiwara Mai-san. The way she moves is girly and seductive, yet sharp. I always watch her!!

Asakura Kiki: Sayashi Riho-san. Because her dancing has this cool sharpness to it, she moves with the rhythm, and she has facial expressions for each and every move.

Notes and observations:

• Looks like most of them like Sayashi's cool dancing, with 5 mentions.
• The only other person to be mentioned more than once was Maachan, with her flexibility seemingly playing a big role.

Other questions from this book

 

To all of you who have always been giving your support (Message from Konishi Ayano)

Message from Ayano

I lack the confidence to keep up with Tokyo Girls' Style, who have been gradually pushing on ahead as we entered this year.
To celebrate our fifth anniversary, we went through with our fifth anniversary commemoration concert, and seeing the smiles on the faces of the other members on that day
From the bottom of my heart, I was glad that the 5 of us went on until then, without any changes
And at the same time, I was satisfied to have got that far.

It just so happened that as we had some time to breathe after the concert, there was also the pain that I had been bearing,
So thinking once again about our activities so far, I had a chance to rest.

And so, I had time to take a good long look at myself,
I thought seriously about whether or not I should do it once again, and as a member of Tokyo Girls' Style
I had no confidence that I could continue on working hard, with my eyes on the same dreams as the others,
And while the 4 of them have been aiming even higher,
It was inexcusable for me to go on with such half-hearted feelings,
Was I not just dragging my feet? And thus, that is how I came to this decision.

When I made my debut, I was still very much a child, and enjoyed myself dancing and singing without thinking too deeply about it,
But as I developed physically, though I had so much confidence in singing, I couldn't sing well,
I was always out of form because I'd noticed the difficulties of singing while dancing, but I couldn't bring time to a halt.
As time gradually passed, my feelings weren't keeping pace, and countless times, I wanted to run away,
But standing on-stage, with the fans who received me warmly,
The time spent singing and dancing with everyone was the greatest, most enjoyable bliss... That's how I've been doing it so far.
I really do love performing live.

My current self stems from the fact that whatever happened,
All you fans would watch over me and cheer me on.
And also the members of staff who would take everything head-on, moving frantically.
My family, who gave me support and were my staunch allies no matter what happened.
And, the members whom I love, with whom I've shared the tough times and the fun times together,
With whom I've spent more time together in these 6 years than with my family.

It's thanks to everyone that I've been involved with.

Despite being really cared for and brought up by all sorts of people, I'm sorry that I couldn't live up to your expectations.

From now on, to not lose to the members who are pushing ahead gradually ,
I may be going on a different path, but I'll face forward, and do my best with confidence.

Finally
To everyone who's been giving your support until now, thank you so so very much.
I'm full of gratitude. I love all of you.

From now on as well, I beg for your kind support for Tokyo Girls' Style.

Konishi Ayano

Momochi no Kimochi: Jeans (Essay #8/22)

Here's a riddle.

'If chosen to match leg length,

hips don't fit,

and if matched to the waist

there's an excess at the legs,

What is it?'

That's right, the correct answer is 

jeans for Momochi. 

It's also written in the title (laughs).

With that said, cutting the cuffs off of jeans

is something I definitely have to do.

Some may be of the opinion that 

'You don't have to expressly go and get it cut, 

wouldn't folding it up be fine? ', 

but it's of a different scale. 

As it's quite a staggering length,  

I have to fold it so many times over 

that it stops the blood 

from going to my ankles, 

which grows into a big problem.

Before, girls with long legs 

would happily report 

that they'd finally found a store 

where they could get jeans 

with sizes that fit, 

which made me slightly irritated. 

You know, while there are stores 

that deal with jeans 

with built-for-foreigner lengths, 

I've never seen a store 

were they have Momochi versions. 

Can't there be a shop 

where they sell jeans 

for super Japanese physiques?

More from this book

Tsugunaga Momoko Photo Essay "Momochi no Kimochi"

Momoko Tsugunaga

Sayashi Riho - Go Step Forward Ahead (B.L.T. U-17 vol 32)

It's your first solo appearance in 'BLT U-17'! How was your photo shoot at Tsukiji Fish Market?

It was like I was spending time in a dream. Ehehe.

There were lots of delicious things, weren't there?

I've gotten interested in Tsukiji recently. Of course I enjoy the eating, but I also do enjoy taking shoots at places to eat. Because it's said that places food spots make great pictures (laughs). I'm glad to have done a shooting at a place where I shine.

What was your favourite at today's location?

I ate lots, but the tamagoyaki was delicious.

Do you prefer your tamagoyaki sweet? Or salty?

When I came to Tokyo, I had sweet ones for the first time, and got into them. I'll go with either! At home we have salty tamagoyaki, so it makes me feel like I want to have something sweet as a side dish. But sweet ones are delicious even when they're cold, right? Freshly-made salty ones are super delicious. I like both!

How passionate (laughs).  Well then, what food brings out the energy of Sayashi Riho?

I love anything if it's delicious though...... (laughs) Ah, but there's a store called 'Atomu' in Okonomi-mura though.

There's stores like that in Hiroshima?

There's a building like that, and in it are several stall-like stores. I've only been there once though. My parents have lived in Kansai, and the Sayashi household okonomiyaki is in the Kansai style.

Oh my! Even though you're from Hiroshima!!

That's right. So I unexpectedly hadn't had a proper Hiroshima okonomiyaki before. I went to that store for a shooting a year ago, and when I tried eating it, I was like, 'Okonomiyaki could be this delicious?' Like I could cry. It was like I was eating a completely different thing. It had an unforgettable flavour. The volume was good, the texture was good, the taste was good, it was awesome. I remember being impressed!

You wouldn't see this kind of excitement in a normal interview! You're a completely different Riho-chan from usual (laughs). You don't have any preferences?

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that up to this point in time, I've never met a food I didn't like.

You do say some complicated things sometimes (laughs). But normally, senior high schoolers are the generation who are completely picky.  Would you like to tell people like that something?

That pea-green person!

That's right. Ikuta Erina-chan (laughs)

I love eating so much, despite carrying that burden while eating (laughs).

It's the physique, right? Riho-chan, the fans often mention it right, like you're becoming a ponyo (laughs).

They do (laughs). But now I'm told that I'm flat-chested. If I reduce the amount I eat a little, I immediately slim down. The amount you eat definitely shows in your body, right?

By the way, the direct theme of this talk is 'place', but as an example, what's a place that calms you down?

Places like Mejiro are calming.

What? The Mejiro on the Yamanote line!?

Yes. I've gone there alone, to Mejiro. I went to eat shaved ice.

Is that so.

It's a nice district. Even though it's in the city, it's relaxing. The food stores were fulfilling as well. It would be nice to live there.

You've done some full-blown research there (laughs).

I looked it up. It was summer, so I wanted to eat something cold, at a delicious shaved ice store. They poured on syrup that was made from real strawberries that had been boiled down ♥

What basis do you use to look for stores?

I normally like to go to places that have gotten popular. I do have an interest in food. If I could build up my commenting ability, perhaps I might become a food reporter? Like (NiTele's) Miura-announcer.

You'd be forgiven for going ponyo as well (laughs).

That's right! (laughs)

So we'll be going with Mejiro for a calm place?

Ah, Omotesando too.

You're putting in fashionable places (laughs).

Teeheehee. In the past I used to yearn for places like Harajuku and Shibuya, but they didn't feel like places that suited myself. Neither the clothes nor the streets. And then I probably chose grown-up clothes and streets.

Calming and relaxing, yup.

I've changed, because I was in primary school when I joined. Everyone gives up their frilly clothes to their sisters (laughs).

{As renowned as she was for her singing and dancing, I'll remember Sayashi for one thing above all:

That's right, perving on Fuku-chan.

That said, I wish Riho all the best with her future endeavours.

I hope that she'll still pop up from time to time.

Perhaps perving on some hapless foreign classmate.}

New Faces: Goal or Rival (H!P Maruwakari Summer 2015)

The HaroPuro MaruWakari Books are released in conjunction with the twice-yearly Hello! Con tours. The contents usually take the form of questionnaires to the members, mainly asking about other members.

As new additions to H!P, the Kobushi and Tsubaki Factories also get an additional questionnaire - the 'New Face Maruwakari Special''.

Q8. Member you have your eyes set on as a goal? Or your rival?

Fujii Rio: My goal is to become a person that everyone likes, like Yajima Maimi-san. My rival is Horie Kizuki-chan. She's good at singing and dancing, and it seems that the Kenshuusei call her 'Fujii's Successor'.

Hirose Ayaka: My goal is Fukuda Kanon-san. My rival is Danbara Ruru-san.

Nomura Minami: Okai Chisato-san's my goal. I look up to Okai-san who can naturally do tsukkomi, follow ups, boke. My rival is Danbara Ruru-chan. She's good at singing, and I wish that I could become able to move people's hearts like Ruru-chan!

Ogawa Rena: My sights are set on Sugaya Risako-san and Kudo Haruka-san. My rival is Kaga Kaede-chan. Her dancing is sharp and her singing ability is high.

Hamaura Ayano: My goal is Tsugunaga Momoko-san. Because she can sing, and dance, and talk, and act, she's the perfect idol. My rival is Kaga Kaede-chan. She's working hard on her singing and dancing, so I don't want to lose.

Taguchi Natsumi: My goal is Suzuki Airi-san. She's good at singing and dancing, and she's cute and kind at MCs. I look up to her! My rival is Kaga Kaede-chan. Her dancing is really attractive and her singing is unique and lovely. I can't let myself lose to her.

Wada Sakurako: My goal is Okai Chisato-san. She's cool. My rival is Kaga Kaede-chan. As her contemporary, I look up to her stylish dancing, but she's my rival.

Inoue Rei: My goal is Hagiwara Mai-san. Since I think that we've got similarities in that we're the youngest in our own groups, and we've got unique voices, I should make the most of it. My rival is Horie Kizuki-chan. Because we've been getting lessons in the same classes since we were in the Nice Girl Trainees, and she's good at singing and dancing.

Q8. Member you have your eyes set on as a goal? Or your rival?

Ogata Risa: My goal is Miyamoto Karin-san. I look up to her as 'The Idol' with her flawless dancing and singing. The gradual changes of expression on her face means that you can't tear your eyes off of her when she's on-stage! My rivals are the Kenshuusei. There are lots of girls who are better at me in dancing and singing, but I'll be doing things while thinking 'I'll catch up to them someday!'

Yamagishi Riko: Nomura Minami-chan. Because we joined the Kenshuusei on the same day, and she's my sole contemporary. 'Nomu' is in Kobushi Factory, and I'm in Tsubaki Factory, so from now on as well, as friends and as rivals, I'd like the both of us to work hard in the spirit of friendly competition.

Niinuma Kisora: The senpai I have as my goal is Ishida Ayumi-san. Her profile is pretty, her dancing is sharp...... I really like her. My rivals are Yokogawa Yumei-chan, Danbara Ruru-chan, and Funaki Musubu-chan. Since we're all in the same generation, but they're quick to learn songs and dances, and they're able to express themselves.

Tanimoto Ami: My goal is Suzuki Airi-san. Because her face is cute, her figure's great, and she flourishes in all sorts of arenas. My rivals are my contemporaries.

Kishimoto Yumeno: Tsugunaga Momoko-san is quick-witted, she's good at showing herself, and her singing is stable, she's my goal. She shines powerfully when she's singing or dancing, so I'd like to be able to not lose to that.

Asakura Kiki: Sayashi Riho-san. She's the senpai that I like as well as the senpai I have as my goal. My rivals are the rest, Since we made our début in Hello! Project at the same time, I don't want to lose, and I don't want to lose to my weak self either.


Notes and observations:

• This also feels like it was actually two questions that got changed into one question, since most of them seem to answer them separately.
• Named twice as a goal: Momochi, Airi, and Chisato
• Most named as a rival was Kaga Kaede-chan (4 mentions). Others named more than once were Danbara Ruru (3 mentions) and Horie Kizuki (2 mentions). Kizuki technically has an extra mention as Ami's mention of her contemporaries would include her.

Other questions from this book

 

Berryz Kobo x ℃-ute Cross Talk: Tokunaga Chinami 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 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 Kumai Yurina

I don't feel it's the case right now, but were you said to be similar in the past?

Kumai: People did say that. Then we were put into the 'Toku-san Kumai-san' pairing,  where the two of us sang and read out poems.

Tokunaga: At the start, we were always together at tours. At the concerts we did with W-san ('2004 Summer First Concert Tour "W Standby! W & Berryz Kobo!"', '2005 Summer W & Berryz Kobo Concert Tour "High Score!"'), we sang 'Aa Ii na' and 'Robokiss'.

Kumai: We were called something like 'Dekkai W' (Huge W) (laughs).

Tokunaga: However, we didn't really know that we resembled one another. But one day, when I went to McDonalds, I didn't notice that I was being reflected on a mirror, and I said, 'Ah, Kumai-chan, good morning~', and was like 'Eh?' (laughs).

Kumai: It's been a while since I heard that story (laughs).

It's quite the humorous incident (laughs).

Tokunaga: That was the first time that I thought we resembled one another.  My mother who was behind me had a good laugh watching it. 'Why are you waving at the mirror?' (laughs).

ʕ♡˙ᴥ˙♡ʔʕ♡˙ᴥ˙♡ʔʕ♡˙ᴥ˙♡ʔ

Tokunaga: Indeed, it's amusing to say that we're similar, but it also meant that we lacked individuality. After we had done it to death, the 2 of us gradually stopped being paired once I cut my hair short.

Now, the 2 of you are different types.

Kumai: That's right, we're different in height as well (laughs).