#rex typesetting

[rexwrendraws]

haven't gotten around to editing the final scans of this zine style typsetting/mini-bookbinding project i did last december after finishing arcane, but it felt weird to just be sitting on a project i had so much fun making!! so here's a sneak peak!! 🩻⚙️

origin of sickness by whiskeyuncle is maybe my favorite jayvik fic ive ever read, and i really wanted to bind it to look like viktor's independently published theory of the same name from the fic! once i've cleaned up the scans, i'll probably put the readable pdf as well as the printable files on itch.io :]

[allqrcoded]

Devlog 6: About the lingering dread over the horizon + game summary

Oh, no, no, no. I think we're about to go to the 2nd act of game devving... The scary part -- oh, yes, we're going to bug fix. Sooner than later, apparently.

But before that, happy holidays and a merry new year to all of you. As expected, I spent this time slaving away in the game dev mines and, of course, here's the story on how I did so/what I did. January's a busy month! Both IRL and in the coding sphere of things in this project.

(Also, a very late addition on the summary of Descent to Negative Zero is because I didn't add one):

Descent to Negative Zero follows our protagonists, Josh Lorenzo and Rex De Los Santos in a reunion/birthday road trip gone awry. After pulling up to a motel to close in for the night, instead of seeing their room, however, they both wake up locked in prison cells. As the two work their way out, they slowly uncover the underlying reason on why they're both there and maybe even personal secrets between them.

Maps, sprites & assets

As I'm writing this, we currently have around 45 parallax maps done in the game's folder! While overlays and all that fancy lighting stuff is pushed to the side, a majority of the maps needed in the main game itself are finished. A couple of extra Rexosh (AKA Rex/Josh) face/in-world sprites have also been taken care of, specifically for a section in the opening cutscene itself.

On that note, now that we're here, may I reveal to you an old (as in... Very old) screenshot I tested with when I was trying to figure out a face style for the portraits (painted vs pixeled). In the end, pixeled won.

Now that most of the game's maps have been taken care of, I've also made more maps that're specific to the end game itself.

I especially had fun making this map, even if it's simple (just a road with a bus stop and nature in the BG) because I loved the way it turned out. The sky is my favorite part of this thing.

I've also been bogging down on making individual assets on things such as lore letters scattered all over the game that'll lead to an ending. While I do know that I could've gone the easy way and made it so that the important things get conveyed through solely message windows and nothing more, I wanted to do something a bit more fun (even if it's to future me's detriment).

Albeit, that element is highly inspired by ZENO -- the whole main setting of this game is, really -- but I adored the tiny story telling techniques the custom assets gave me if I were to go that route instead. Yes, I know the text in the screenshot is inherently illegible, but you can't go wrong with a bit of extra censoring. Typesetting is a pain to do, especially on Aseprite, where I make the majority of the assets for this game on, but if I made that phone section in angel care possible, I know damn well I can do this, too. The visual puzzle hints are also on their way to completion.

1/27/24 update: most of the logs have been type-setted and done! It's only log 6 that still needs text, but I'm sure it won't be long until all of those assets are done.

End branches/puzzles galore

In the month of January, I have successfully coded in the 4 main end branches of the game! Woohoo! While the number "4" is questionable because I technically didn't code in the rest of the that end branch's dialogue + still have a bit of writing work to get done before I can be really satisfied with it, the main mechanics of how you get there is already in game. Writing down the dialogue doc before copy pasting the hell out of them into the game engine really helped me out in not getting lost in what I should do next. I also started to hunt down some ending music in freemusicarchive.com for the different credit rolls -- just to add a little more spice/impact once you reach the end.

Speaking of mechanics, the main semi-complicated/not-find-key-to-unlock-door puzzles have also been coded in! A specific wire puzzle did chop off a bit of my sanity last month, but, after a bit of tinkering and script hunting, I got it down. Turns out, it wasn't that complicated at all -- I just didn't know what the hell I was looking for, exactly. The core chase mechanic have also been added in the end game. While the chase itself still needs pizzazz like visual changes whenever you reach a certain point, chase music to set the mood and etc., I got that element done within this month.

What next?

In terms of what I'm doing right now, it's just directing the cutscenes, making custom assets for sprite interaction along with checking whether or not the variables line up with the events corresponding to them. Yep, it's bug fixing time. Right now, I'm trying to fix up a bit of code from the early game and took a break around the 2nd puzzle floor you encounter. It's, as usual, a bit tedious and frustrating at times because I kinda changed the way you solve puzzles by actually pulling up the inventory and using the item itself (sorry, future me), but either way, the good thing is that the core game -- up to the different endings are set in stone and just need detangling, polishing, and what have you.

Bug fixing Dt-Z compared to AC will certainly be a different experience because unlike AC, this game isn't a walking sim. However, if I went through the headache of bug fixing that game, then I'm sure that I'll do just fine with Dt-Z... Even if I hate doing it right now.

[drawdownbooks]

Collection of Research on Chinese Typography (中文文字设计研究选集) A three-volume collection of on-going research and writing about typography and design in China. Includes coverage of typography and design's history and development, conventions and contemporary practices, as well as applications in transcultural contexts.

Available at Draw Down Books

This set has been produced by The Type (Type is Beautiful), an online platform that has promoted an awareness of typography and design to the Chinese-speaking public for over ten years. The Type introduces Western typographic theories and knowledge to its readers, conducts independent research on Chinese typography, and aims to address both typography education in China, and the lack of exchange Chinese designers have typically had with the international community of designers.

This compact set includes:

上海活字：管窥现代中文字体设计史 Shanghai Type: A Slice of Modern Chinese Type History

The development of Chinese type design since the foundation of the People’s Republic in 1949 has cast a significant influence on contemporary practice. Yet this history has remained as much a mystery to the outside world as to local designers. This volume, based on designer Li Zhiqian's Shanghai Type research project, illuminates a portion of modern Chinese type design's history—tracing how it began as a groundbreaking state-initiated endeavor, and then gradually was transformed, fading in the age of commercialization. Consultant: Chen Qirui. Edited by Richor Wang.

跨文化字体设计：中文语境下的讨论 Transcultural Type Design: a Dialogue from China

Among Chinese-speaking designers, discourse around transcultural typography is still in its infancy. This volume is the record of the first of a series of open discussions moderated by The Type, which addresses both this global trend as well as the debate and strategies that are specific to the Chinese context. Moderated by Mira Yang, with panelists Peiran Tan, Li Zhiqian, Zheng Chuyang, Du Xiyao, Tien-min Liao, and Roman Wilhelm.

孔雀计划：重建中文排版的思路 Kǒngquè: Restoring the Mindset of Chinese Typesetting

The convention and wisdom of Chinese typography that was developed over centuries has failed to be inherited by designers today. This is caused partially by the domination of Latin-orientated computer software, coupled with negligence in Chinese design education. The Kǒngquè project aims to fill this gap by revisiting the typographic traditions of China in the modern context and restoring the traditions and mindset of native Chinese typography. By Eric Liu.

Editor-in-Chief: Rex Chen Series Editor: Mira Ying Translators: Hui Jing, Peiran Tan

Designed by Atmosphere Office

Published by The Type, 2020 Bilingual, text in English and Chinese

3 volumes: (Shanghai Type) 116 pages, with 2-color 7.5 × 11 inch mini-poster / (Transcultural Type Design) 122 pages / (Kǒngquè) 104 pages, b&w, 4.3 × 5.75 inches

ISBN: 978-1-91-624848-0-7

[justheblueberry]

stab binding of Rex Incognito

English version on the leftbound side, traditional chinese version on the rightbound side

more on the process after the cut

I typeset everything on LaTeX, because I wanted to play around with it and see what else it could do, which made the english side very easy and fun and the chinese side absolute hell.

I wanted to have the chinese typeset vertically (so that the book could be double-sided) which was my first problem because the version of latex I used did not support that and the version I could find only had instruction manuals in chinese or japanese. I'm too illiterate for that so I thought since rex incognito was only four short volumes it wouldnt be too big of a deal if I just powered through and copy and pasted each character and fiddled with the spacing 

halfway through I realized I didn't make any paragraph indents and cried a little but just kept going until I was done.

the most fun part was making the graphics for the title cover and scene breaks:

I referenced some calligraphy and ink paintings, and just went wild depicting Zhongli's dragon form, and then flipped it for the chinese title

I also added a bowen cross at the top of the volume titles to reference the pattern on zhongli's clothing, and that was basically it for the typesetting

thanks for reading through the process! I've got a few more progress photos I took that I'll leave here too

the test prints:

photos of the final product:

[crowwithaccesstotheinternet]

I just realized I never made a post about my recent foray into fanbinding... time to fix that! I first heard about the concept of fan binding a little over a month ago, and I immediately knew I had to try it out for myself. The first fanfic I selected was the incomparable Rex Nemorensis by dirtybinary, aka enemyofrome (who is an incredibly nice person, as well as a fantastic author!) Below the cut is a few more pictures, plus some more specific ramblings about my inspiration, methods, learning curve, etc.

My inspiration for this book was for it to look like a copy of the (made-up) book that’s integral to the plot of the story, ‘The Golden Bough’, which is described as “an ancient cloth-bound hardback with a bright red cover and broad margins crowded with scribblings, the leavings of generation after generation of harried students going all the way back to the 1800s”. I attempted to emulate that with a red cloth cover and a gold stenciled decoration copied from an actual Victorian book cover I found on Pinterest, as well as leaving my own little notes in the margins. 

The pages were sewn using a simple five-hole saddle stitch, and I used cardboard for the cover. The text was typeset in Google Docs (which I do not recommend- it was a struggle, and I have since discovered that Microsoft Word is infinitely better). 

If I were to do this particular project over again, there’s definitely a lot I would do differently: more polished typesetting, for one, and since there ended up being more pages than I expected I’d probably also do more than just one signature.  

All in all, I learned a lot from this project, such as bookbinding methods, stenciling techniques, proper fanbinding etiquette, and even the existence of fanbinding as a subculture! The book itself is definitely far from perfect- I made dozens of mistakes, and I still have a long way to go- but I’m really super pleased with how it turned out. 

[kuuxkat]

[EN]Lisani Vol. 27.1 Interview with Tokui Sora

Translated by: @kuuxkat​ / Additional TL from: tenno

Typeset by: @kuuxkat​ / QC by: @yujachachacha​ @ #teamonibe

Originally TL by: 端木靖雨_Forever

Sourced from: 端木靖雨_Forever

Images from: @emitsunosaurus-rex​

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES!

Contents under the Cut!

Typeset images can be found: here

Projects will continue spreading from word of mouth, so I hope that the number of “Love Live! fans” will continue increasing day by day.

Q: It has already been half a year since “μ’s Final LoveLive” ended, so how do you feel about it now? Soramaru: It was just half a year ago, but it feels like it was something even further back. As Final Live passed by just like a hurricane, when I’m watching the Live footage that was being peddled, there would be a situation similar to: “I did something like this huh---” (laughs). As I am busy with my other jobs every day, without realizing it, half a year has already passed by. Q: What was your initial reaction when you first heard that you would be performing for two days at Tokyo Dome? Soramaru: Although before this we had lives at other large stages, (in comparison with Tokyo Dome) the scale was something completely different... I totally could not imagine what a live hosted at such a big stage would be like. In any case, I carried with me strong feelings of wanting to go down that stage without any regrets, as I wanted this live to be the mother of all lives. Q: What was the atmosphere like for the preparatory work and the rehearsals for the live? Soramaru: The schedule for the rehearsals was done in the same vein as the Fan Meeting Tour, as the atmosphere where all the members gathered together was very natural and relaxing. It was akin to club members gathering after school for very enjoyable club activities, so it was really a very remarkable feeling indeed. In the time frame when everyone gathered together, I thought of leaving behind some memories, so I took many photos of everyone. Q: On the other hand, did you have any sense of nervousness towards Tokyo Dome? Soramaru: There would naturally be a sense of nervousness, but as everyone was waiting for us (there), I felt that the feelings of the members were all in sync, so in summary we wanted to express the feelings that we had. In contrast to the tranquil times we spent during our breaks, the rehearsals were distinctively done with our full focus, and the atmosphere was really great. We carried with us the anticipation for the live with its ups and downs, knowing that we had to do our best because it was the Final Live, after all. Q: On the day of the live, what was your experience like when you stood on the stage and saw the large audience? Soramaru: At first, the stage was simply just too wide, so rather than say that I saw everyone in the audience, why not say that I saw a single beautiful body...although we frequently do describe cyalumes as an ocean or universe, it truly did feel just like that. But when the performance officially began, I could clearly see everyone’s faces. As I sung, I held with me the thanks I had for every single one of the fans. It is as if the audience was a single beautiful body, like a sea of penlights Q: Recapping the two days of the live, what was the most memorable moment then? Soramaru: At the rehearsal before the actual performance, we watched the entirety of the opening animated sequence for the first time. When we saw the sequence with the passing of the heart shaped balloon, everyone was shedding tears and the first song was performed while we cried. I said: “It would have been bad if we saw that for the first time during the actual performance, right?” (laughs). I felt that it was great to be able to be in a state of full mental preparation to welcome the coming of the first day. Q: As it was such a huge live, the live performance would have to be done to the limit too, right? Soramaru: In summary, in order to achieve the goal that we had set, the dance moves within the the dance performances were decided on by discussing them with the staff. So, I was eagerly awaiting that very instant when we would be performing in front of everyone. The enthusiasm and calls from everyone totally blew my expectations out of the park. While it shocked me, at the same time it made me really happy too. Q: Even if it was a long awaited live, did you still feel loneliness towards the end? Soramaru: On the second day, as I performed each song one by one, I was doing so with the thoughts of: “I will never perform this song again”. It felt like each and every song was the last song that would be sung at a graduation ceremony. Even though I had resolved to definitely not cry after all the songs are done, in the end all of the members did shed tears. Of course, in the heart of all the members as well as the audience, we all wished to convey the feelings of “Thank you very much”, but I do feel that It was really great that at the end, every one of the members could gather together to form the circle formation. Q: So with the live being over, what are your feelings as you go over all the activities that you have done over the past six years? Soramaru: I received support from many people, and it felt like I was able to do a large variety of things in one go. The time that I spent with everyone was just so long, to the point that the thoughts of “Is it really over?” would still occur to me even now. A TV anime where I can gain growth together with Yazawa Nico. Q: Recapping the activities at the start of the entire project, what were your initial impressions of Yazawa Nico? Soramaru: I felt that appearance-wise, she was very cute, and at the very beginning there was the line “Nico~ Nico~ Ni-” - she really was a very remarkably energetic child, huh (laughs)? At that time, I did not think even once that this particular line would become a line that would be used for such a long time. Q: Before the TV anime began, did you think about how would you portray Nico? Soramaru: As “Love Live!” was my second or third project that I had worked in as a voice actress, at that time, I had yet to think of a detailed plan on how to perform. I believe Nico was someone who, although in the initial design her expression was one of maturity, internally was more aware that, “I am cute you know?”, so she gave an impression of being brazen. In summary, for my performance I went with the momentum of going with my cutest expression and voice. Q: What were your thoughts when going through the recording process for the first few songs? Soramaru: The memory of the time for “Snow halation” is still very impressionable...at that time I had not gotten used to recording, too. When I set foot in the recording studio, as I heard my own voice from the earphones, my thoughts were, “It is different from karaoke, huh?” (laughs). At that time I was totally clueless, regardless of whether it was the method used to sing or the kind of voices used for very specific times. I had to rely on the staff members to be able to continue the recording smoothly. Until the time for the 3rd single, I guess I was charging ahead with my mentality fixed on how it would be bad if I did not do my best. Q: In your struggles, was there a song where you “grasped” something? Soramaru: Starting from the song “Mogyutto ‘love’ de Sekkin Chuu!”, Nico’s part in the drama CDs started to increase, and gradually I was able to understand her personality and traits. It was during the 4th single that I became able to put emotions together with my singing style. Q: So Nico’s personality and traits were gradually being developed, but was it all exposed in one shot during the TV anime? Soramaru: We were slowly establishing what kind of girl she was, and I felt that our two hearts were slowly getting closer, to the extent that I was able to perform very naturally for her. Rather than say that I thought of how I was going to perform, I would say that it was akin to Nico possessing me and borrowing my voice (laughs). Q: Your hearts were in sync to this level, huh? In TV anime season 1, Nico-chan was akin to a popular mascot for “Love Live!”, and she became a very good entry point for first time viewers of the project. Soramaru: The process in which I performed was very fun, too. Before the TV anime began, I was very touched when I heard from the animation director, “It is finally time to add corresponding actions to “Nico-Nico-Ni--” (laughs). As there wasn’t a set pose before the TV anime, I felt that the pose from the cover of “Natsuiro Egao de 1,2,Jump!” was great. I do have a memory of mentioning these particular words. Q: Besides having a very fashionable side, the TV anime did reveal a side of her that shows her blending in together with the other members collectively. Soramaru: Even if up until now she had always worked on Idol Research Club activities by herself, she had always been looking forward to holding lives and dance practices with comrades. As I too am the type with very little friends, it was as if I synchronized with Nico, emphasizing with her as I did dance practice at the same time. It did feel like we were growing hand in hand with each other. A grand affair created between μ’s and their supporters as the anime and reality crisscrossed with each other. Q: Just like the script, the popularity of the real members of μ’s rose greatly as well. What were your feelings with regards to the first ever live that was held in Yokohama BLITZ in the year 2012? Soramaru: At that time, we had to perform and reenact the exact same actions as the full animated PV. We totally could not imagine what kind of emotions would be going through the audience who would be watching that. On the actual day itself, we heard the cheers from everyone, and we could clearly feel that many people were having fun together with us. I felt that all the hard work that we put in had finally blossomed, and we were enjoying the fruits of our labor. Q: When you first took the stage in Animelo Summer Live, the cheers were very loud and clear, too. Soramaru: It was all due to how the PV of “Natsuiro Egao de 1,2,Jump!”, which was played at Animelo Summer Live, was very cute, and how the synchronization of the songs was done to a very high level. We stood on the stage performing while praying that we would get more people interested in μ’s with this opportunity. Q: Following that, on June of 2013 at PACIFICO YOKOHAMA, you announced the second season of the TV anime and the mobile game, as well as the decision to host a live at Saitama Super Arena; it feels like everyone got fired up in one go. Soramaru: Even though the “NicoRinPana” broadcast had the three members always using, “In any case let’s increase the number of fans for Love Live!” as our tagline, we totally did not expect the number to increase so drastically in these few years. It was simply jaw-dropping. It was the same with regards to the performance at Saitama Super Arena the following year. As it was a stage where very famous performers from Animelo Summer Live had gathered together, we couldn’t imagine at that time if our oneman show could carry the atmosphere for the entire arena. Q: For such a large venue, would there be any changes in the performance style on stage? Soramaru: That’s right. As the stage became larger, I would wish to make everyone experience even more joy. There's a strong desire to make everyone have more fun. I feel the same for new fans too, and so for the fans that had supported us from the start, we do not wish to let them feel that “μ’s had become an existence that was far away”. These were the feelings that we wished to convey to everyone. Despite how the members had previously always discussed many different things together, in order to prepare for the live at Saitama Super Arena, the things that we would have to discuss for the performance did increase significantly. Q: In the year 2015, besides the movie, there was the organizing of the Fan Meeting Tour, appearing in “Music Station” and “Kōhaku Uta Gassen”, and so on - it was an attention grabbing year, right? Soramaru: As I had never once imagined that we would be able to appear on a TV program in the role of a singer, I was very shocked that it happened just like the story in the TV anime. I had never once considered us appearing on that kind of music program. But from the perspective of the fans, they see it as, “μ’s is after all one of the top ranking idols in the Oricon chart, so why couldn’t they appear in the program?” - opinions like that were conveyed to us (laughs). Knowing that the fans had merged the anime with real life to cheer us on, it truly made us feel that the line between the anime and reality had been blurred. Q: So you welcomed the performance at Tokyo Dome in such an unprecedented and grand fashion? Soramaru: Before Final Live, there were lots of jobs like the practice for Kōhaku Uta Gassen, interviews, and song recordings. For that stretch of time, every day was very hectic. From now on, I hope that the number of fans will continue to grow. Q: What were your reactions and thoughts after Final Live ended? Soramaru: Although afterwards I did continue doing other jobs same as before, of course there were opportunities where we would speak of things regarding μ’s. Even now, I can still hear from fans who say, “Final Live really was great.” I feel very happy that even at the end, they are still looking over me. Q: What would the situation be like when you meet with the other members on the set of different jobs? Soramaru: Previously, we had always regularly met with everyone in the “NicoRinPana” program, so I guess it was something like, “Ah, good afternoon”? If we meet at a worksite now, the mood would be similar to, “Oh, you’re here, huh?” (laughs). Q: We can say that you have very deep camaraderie with the other members whom you have walked with for these past six years? Soramaru: I have some things I'm bad with in socialization. Honestly, I didn't have any bond with anyone that I could call a friend until now. I had the opportunity to realize the importance of having companions when I met with everyone in μ’s. Finding a place where I am needed, and where I belong, is something really huge to my life. Working hard for the sake of my friends, and wanting to give them something - I started to think like that. Q: Do you have something to say to the comrade that walked hand in hand with you, Yazawa Nico? Soramaru: I would say words like: “Today, you are very cute too!” (laughs). I would be thinking,“I hope you could always be as cute as ever,” and the feelings of liking her would never ever change. Rather than say “reminisce” or “It has been a long time”, I would say that even now, it feels like she has always been by my side, and that will never change. Q: Finally, please say something to the readers and the fans. Soramaru: To everyone who has supported us, really, thank you very much. I myself have always thought that μ’s really is something that would make people feel happiness. It has an uncountable number of shining points, and the songs are full of charm, too; isn’t it an existence that will continue shining on forever and ever? From now on, regardless of how things will change, I hope that you will be able to continue supporting it. Rather, I’d say that from now on, I wish for there to be even more fans of μ’s. Even now, I still would like to let people who like anime know about this project called “Love Live!”, and I hope they could fall in love with it. I hope that “Love Live!” fans would always continue to increase!

[arishamod]

LisAni Vol. 27.1 Interview with Kubo Yurika

Translation by: ArishaMod (JP > EN)

QCs:  @yujachachacha​ , as part of Team Onibe

Typeset: [Source] by ArishaMod

Scans by: @emitsunosaurus-rex​

Page 1 Quote:

“There were unexpected moments where my voice came out as Hanayo’s. Hanayo existed within me, and I also existed within Hanayo.”

Ribbon Quote:

I noticed that after singing over and over again, I actually felt so much love.

1.  As half a year has passed since “µ's Final Love Live!”, have you had a chance to look back on “Love Live!”?

Shikaco: After the Final Live, there was not a single time when I was properly interviewed about µ's. It really has been a long time since I was able to talk about it thoroughly. The Final Live in 2016 became a turning point in my life. It felt like it just happened 3 days ago, but on the other hand, it also felt like something that happened a really long time ago. When I stood on stage, I thought, “I don’t think I will forget this for the rest of my life”, but despite this I cannot recall some of the small details. However, the moment we were leaving the stage was the one I will always remember. Isn’t it like those really nice dreams where you can’t recall the theme of the dream? That might be the closest feeling.

2. So it was that kind of emotion that got you excited, but what did you do before the start of the live?

Shikaco:  Up until the Final Live, I was the number one person who had  been moving forward without actually experiencing it. As far I was concerned, when compared to my solo activities or other productions, µ’s activities were the most special to me. Personally, it felt like I had entered through a different door when I was in other productions. Therefore, every time before a live I entered this mood of “It’s the Live!”… … Before the Final Live there were events such as fan meetings, “Music Station” and “Red and White Song Battle”. There were an absurd amount of activities up until April, and it was not the time to settle down (laughs). At the time I was thinking, “Why can’t I take it easy!”, but thinking about it now, I feel glad that I  gave it my all for those activities. For someone who concentrated only on what was in front of her, I think that this was very good for me.

3. At that time, you were in a situation where you could not stop, right?

Shikaco: That is why at this point in time where half a year has passed, it is wonderful to be able to receive an interview (laughs). If I had been interviewed as soon as the Final Live ended, I still really would have been unable to express my thoughts. Even if I had those thoughts, putting it into words would have just given the feeling that I was lying, and I could not properly summarize them on social media. Now the history is already this long. If each of us started writing it down, the 9 of us could probably fill up a book or so (laughs).

4. What were your feelings when you saw the audience?

Shikaco:  Every time I would go “Wah!”. Compared to the rehearsals, the sight during the performance was definitely different, but this time I teared up and felt like I was about to cry. It might be because during the Final Live, there were many instances when I had thoughts to reflect upon. Every time, I would think, “I cannot make a mistake here”. But whenever I concentrated on singing, I thought that on Day 2 I would surely be like, “This will be the last time for this song! I will not be able to dance to this song anymore!”. This gave me the sensation of there being was a set of candles, and each flame was getting extinguished one by one. I was composed on Day 1 since I was thinking, “This song will be performed tomorrow, whereas this is the last time for this song!”

5. Which song felt the most emotional?

Shikaco:  Although up until now the song that had been performed the most was “Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE”, the live version of “Snow Halation” will always be the most memorable song because of that strong moment. However, the rest of us would never get to see that moment when the audience did the color change! Since at that moment, our backs were facing the audience (laughs). “In the end, I did not get to see it!”, was what I thought, and at that moment a bad thought came to mind: “It’s the last time, so at least let me see this moment!”. As there was a lot of impressive choreography, I thought to myself, “I should not do this now!”.

6. Just now, you said that the moment that you left the stage at the end of Final Live was the one you would always remember, so what kind of feelings did you have?

Shikaco: The excitement felt when we were able to hear the audience’s singing voices is roughly the same sensation we felt towards the end. I thought, “Although we, the 9 members, had to memorize so much, the audience memorized it too!”. Immediately after that, I realized that rather than deliberately memorizing the songs to sing with us,they were able to sing due to listening to the songs over and over again, and this is why I really felt that they loved us so much. The sensation of not being able to hear their voices was a stronger feeling than the end of Final Live.

7: What was the situation of the members immediately after the end of Final Live?

Shikaco: We huddled in a circle, and I think we shouted “Waaa”. I really cannot recall.

Q. Could it be that you are keeping it to yourself?

Shikaco: Possibly, as it is something that I would not tell anyone for the rest of my life. It might be something that I want to be able to feel myself. Since we all felt that we wanted it to absolutely be an experience which only involved the 9 of us in that moment, we thought it would be nice if we could keep it a secret (laughs).

Now, I will treasure the moments that are right in front of my eyes.

8. Please tell us about the first time you met Hanayo.

Shikaco: Even though I got to know her personality before the recording of the songs, I was not conscious of Hanayo at first. This was due to me simply thinking, “For this song, I want to present it in the best way” when I sang. After that, there were self-introductions of Hanayo and all the past productions we had made and recorded up until today… …Oh no, even now I do not listen to them as I am embarrassed (laughs). Since 6 years have passed, now I am able to talk about it in this way. At that time, the role I received felt fresh to me - how strange that feeling was! As a matter of fact, I had short hair during the audition, I even voiced Rin-chan and Honoka. I cannot remember what I performed at that time. However, if you asked me to do it again, I would not be able to do the impersonation (of Honoka) in the same way that Emitsun does it (laughs). Around the start of the project, I thought of the various possibilities we had. When the 9 of us each received our roles, the rest of the cast did not think about it too deeply, and the roles became established. I thought of how amazing this was.

 9.  Upon performing as Hanayo, did you get influenced by any part of her? 

Shikaco: From the start, I thought that I did not share similarities with Hanayo’s personality. I thought of Hanayo as a child who lacked confidence whenever I was acting as her, but recently I had the sudden thought, “I am pretty unconfident too, right?”. I was pessimistic towards quite a few things and I would doubt someone when I was praised by them (laughs). I would ponder on why it seemed to be happening, and the reason might be that I lacked self-confidence. I felt that such a basic attribute was what we had in common. It was interesting how Hanayo gave me this chance to become aware of myself, and that there were things about myself then I did not know about.

  10. At any point in time, did you feel that you received a large influx of responses after the lives and TV anime? 

Shikaco:  Basically, µ's one-man-lives happened once a year, and during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lives, I was thinking, “I want to have more lives!”. However, thinking about it now, I realized that these were the stages that we went through in order to rise. It was around the 4th live that we received a large amount of responses, and there were increasingly more people from other workplaces who I co-starred with who said to me, “It is amazing that you rose up!”. Even for those in the same business, they would not be very aware of other animes. To have a portion of them saying such sincere feelings, it was from around this time onwards that I decided, “I should treasure what I have now, instead of looking at what I had before”

 11. So after a certain point, the phrase “this moment” had become a keyword for the series itself, is that right?

***TL Note: The original word used for the phrase is 今(ima), likely a reference to the line “いまが最高!” (Ima ga saikou!)  from "Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari"***

 Shikaco: I feel that the style of Yamaguchi Momoe-san is the best.

***TL note: Yamaguchi Momoe is one of the most successful singers in Japanese music, who secured her legacy by retiring at the peak of her career***

Besides, although in the eyes of the public I am young, I am getting older with each passing year. I had reached the part of my life where I am experienced, but I had also reached the part of my life where my body could not follow. Although it would be a pleasure to continuously receive support from everyone, we had thought about the fact that we would gradually not be able to do the performances, and how we ended it was important. Especially since the essential point was to make the choreography in µ's performances identical to the animated PVs, it felt terrifying being unable to do that. With that being the case, while we were still able to put up the best performance, I had always personally felt that I want to end this completely. So when I first received word of the plans for the Final Live, I genuinely felt that it was a great thing.

 12. There were plenty of fan meetings held in 2015 - in any case it was the year that received the most responses. While being in the center of it, what were your views on it?

Shikaco: It is amazing that the fans nominated us for “The Words of the Year Award”. The average person would not understand why those who love “Love Live!” would shout that much about it.  During the fan meeting tour, each of us did a lot more twirling. When I was twirling, I had the thought, “I still have the physical strength to do it!”. Now that I think about it, I felt that it was good that I was able to do it. The distance had shortened between the fellow members, the staff and everyone in the hair and makeup team that had always been with us. Everyone who was a part of the µ's team was great. After going through this, even if we did not say anything, there were things that were communicated between us. All of us were having more and more of this feeling.

Whether it was good or bad, there is nothing more exciting than that.

  Ribbon Quote:

From now on, I don’t think I will ever experience something more exciting than this.

13. Once again, what state is Kubo-san in after 6 years of µ's?

Shikaco: Even though the six years of my twenties were extremely long, when I recalled the times we went through as µ's, including the Final Live, I had firmly decided on the intention that for the rest of my life, I would not want to show this to anyone. No matter what, we did continue for 6 years, but I once seemed to have a moment in which I wanted to run away, thinking, “I might not be cut out for this”. µ's had risen to the top, and such anxiety surfaced from it. However, looking back now, I felt that it was an absolute blessing to be able to shape the future ahead of me during the precious phase of my twenties, and being able to spend it as part of µ's. Whether the past had good significance, I would still cherish it. Although there were plenty of thoughts that could not be put into words, I really did it as µ's. I felt that if I was not part of µ's, my life would be completely different. Whether it is good or bad, what I experience from this point onwards would never again be more exciting than that. While working on other stuff, I would casually recall the moments, such as, “While eating this, were the other members doing something like this?” (laughs) It seems that I would continue to feel like this for the rest of my life - isn’t it strange? The people who share this feeling will soon not be with me… Wait, isn’t this the kind of thing you say to someone you love who has passed away? (laughs) Even though that is the case, it really feels like that.

 14. What are the thoughts that you have towards Hanayo?

Shikaco: I wonder… For Hanayo, I really had the feeling that she was like me. When I was asked, “What do you want to tell her?”, it gave me the feeling that I was being asked what I wanted to say to myself. Immediately after the end of Final Live, I felt like I couldn’t help recalling everything about Hanayo. There were unexpected moments when my voice happened to come out as Hanayo’s, and this has become something amusing (laughs). So, even when no words are spoken, even when there are no new opportunities to perform as her, as long as Hanayo exists within me, it feels like I also exist in her. If there is something to say, it would be, “Best regards to you after this”.

  15. Lastly, please leave a message for all the readers.

Shikaco: So far, there were many times where I have been able to be on stage, but I think this might be the last time that I will be published on “LisAni!” as Kubo Yurika of µ's. This is truly a strange feeling. If there was a large event in 5 or 10 years, it would be interesting if we all gathered together like a school reunion. However, as one would expect, it would be a bit too much if at the time we all appeared wearing the same costumes again (laughs). After the end of Final Live, there were not many chances to talk about µ's, and they even said something to me like, “Kubo-san has already moved to the next step!” (laughs). Of course I thought, “No, not at all! Tell me that at a better time” (laughs). That is why it was really nice to receive such an opportunity. To go through it as Koizumi Hanayo’s Kubo Yurika is the biggest fortune I had. By listening to µ's songs and watching the BD, I would be able to encounter her anytime. The “Love Live!” series will continue, and I think it would be nice if this is how the history will go on. Everyone, please continue to love “Love Live!” after this. Although each person has their own way of expressing their love, I think it would be nice if I could communicate some of my feelings.

-----End of Interview------

[trailersoftheweek]

Trailers of the Week 11th August 2017

Mother! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpICoc65uh0 The Death Of Stalin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukJ5dMYx2no Our Souls at Night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjVzSnkmF2Q Gun Shy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0mmLQsnd_I Netflix's The Crown: Season 2 (TV) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k15O_eBfUuk HBO's The Deuce (TV) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7YMlL8x8GE Showtime's SMILF (TV) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r_AFiC_Lak THE GIFTED (TV) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyScVAJxKYc The Wilde Wedding - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwdZUFYiJU0 Wonder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDPEKXx_lAI The Tiger Hunter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u8gbBgbCuo In Search of Fellini - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJtUr2hHGGs Keep Watching - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60k00AuJS1k

‘The Disaster Artist’: Lego Trailer — http://bit.ly/2vwXXuS The History of Movie Title Sequences - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMgtHXwZ_U Why Paul McCartney Let Valerian Use A Beatles Song In The Trailer - http://bit.ly/2wNVEAW Trailer Trend: Music Drives the Action - http://bit.ly/2wAoyp1 Dear Video Games: Please Reconsider Your "Emotional" Trailer Music - http://bit.ly/2uuVbXt Sony Sued For Lacking License To Use T. Rex Song in Baby Driver - http://bit.ly/2uuZYsa Edgar Wright Music Reel (2001-2014) - https://vimeo.com/132035430 TYPESET IN THE FUTURE - http://bit.ly/28O7BuP

[rexwrendraws]

Sandcastles: Year One, A Sandman Fan-Fic Anthology ⏳

To celebrate The Sandman's one year anniversary this past weekend (how has it been a year already!?), I started a self-indulgent project and decided I wanted to take a crack at typesetting for the very first time.

So, I'm very proud to present: Sandcastles, an 180-page digital anthology that celebrates some of my favorite Sandman fics from the past year! Sandcastle collects shorter fics ranging from gen to mature, and is print-ready and available to be downloaded for free. Through this anthology, I hope others can get the same joy from these fics the same way I did over the past year (think of it as a glorified fic rec list)! (And, if anyone's interested, the print-ready files are available for download as well, if anyone wanted to print their own copy of Sandcastles!)

✨ Download Sandcastles here!

Thank you to all the authors for giving me permission to include their work in this anthology! This is my love letter to all of your work! Please check them out and leave a kind word or two!

The fics included in Sandcastles, in order of the Table of Contents, are the following:

Companions - Picture_Yourself (@anthrossandman)

Fridays - hardly_an_escape (@hardly-an-escape)

Warning Sign - issylra (@issylra)

Snacktime - fishydwarrows (@fishfingersandscarves)

Stray - softestpunk (@softest-punk)

Aulon Raid - moorishflower (@moorishflower)

Unbidden Miracles - mostlybuddingthoughts (@mostlybuddingthoughts)

Available - softestpunk (@softest-punk)

Points of View - cuubism (@cuubism)

Fern-Fevered - notallsandmen (notallmaenads) (@notallsandmen)

The Last - secondjulia (@secondjulia)

Scratch a Little Itch - sanyumi (@valeriianz)

Simple Dreams of Comfort - softestpunk (@softest-punk)

The Apocalypse is Nigh! - cuubism (@cuubism)

To Those Who Dare Wonder - Astrophel_Hireath (@mentallyinvernation)

The Perils of Inebriation - Lilibet (@the-slow-arrow)

Touch - softestpunk (@softest-punk)

Passing the Time - Anonymous

I'm Stuck on You (I'm Mighty Glad You Stayed) - hardly_an_escape (@hardly-an-escape)

Hob Gadling vs. The British Museum (Unknown Artist, c. 2022, Oil on Canvas) - TheAllKnowingOwl (@theallknowingowl)

This also counts as my submission for Day 1 of @mr-sadman 's Sandmanniversary 2023 prompts (Collection) :)

_ _ _ _ _ (Post & files updated — 29.08.2023)

[rexwrendraws]

Sandcastles: Year One has been UPDATED! ⏳

Hello all! I just recently received permission to include one more fic in the Sandcastles anthology, so I decided to update all the files to add it in :) I also used that opportunity to fix some of the typeface issues that didn't export well the first time as well as some text formatting issues in the Table of Contents.

Check out the fic, Passing the Time by Anonymous, as well!

All the updated files are available on the same original itch.io page linked, and the original Sandcastles announcement post has been updated accordingly. If anyone has any questions about any of these files or anything else that's relevant, shoot me a dm!

Thanks for the love on the original post!! :] <3

✨ Download Sandcastles here!

[rexwrendraws]

bound a little journal last month! first time ever doing anything like it, i sorta messed up the coptic stitch but its holding up!! :]

[kuuxkat]

[EN]Lisani Vol. 27.1 Interview with Pile

Translated by: @kuuxkat / Additional TL from: tenno

Typeset by: @kuuxkat / QC by: @yujachachacha @ #teamonibe

Originally TL by:  端木靖雨_Forever

Sourced from: 端木靖雨_Forever

Images from: @emitsunosaurus-rex

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES!

Contents under the Cut!

Typeset images can be found: here

“Being together with Maki who has grown as a school idol, I feel that I too have gained growth.” I really feel joyous that we are able to properly express “It is ending for a while”. Q: It has been around half a year since “μ’s Final LoveLive”; Pile-san, did you have an opportunity to look back on the six years of μ’s? Pile: Actually, I haven’t even finished watching the BD (laughs). As expected, because it was a huge live, I feel that I couldn’t just skim through it. But recently, when I went to Tokyo Dome to watch a live, I thought: “I think I stood at that part of the stage before, right?” At that time at the dome, I felt that, “To think that it is such a vast stage, but unexpectedly you could see all corners of it clearly”, and I was able to clearly capture all the audience’s gazes. Q: Being there again would result in the resurgence of the reality that you did perform at the dome, right? Pile: That was indeed the case. Although I thought, “If the stage got bigger, the distance with everyone would be further”, once I was sitting in the audience seat myself, unexpectedly there doesn't seem to be any sense of being distant. When I was there, I recalled and thought, “Everyone was looking at us in this way, huh?”. Q: Before performing in person at the Dome, what were your impressions about the name “Tokyo Dome”? Q: With regards to the fact that I would be performing at the Dome, I actually didn’t have any special attachments to it. But, after looking at the sight of all the audience members filling up the entire dome, I thought: “To be able to gather such an audience, we seemed to have come to a very amazing place, right?” Q: When the Live was in progress, did the fact that you were able to look at the audience while performing cause your inner thoughts to be calmer instead? Pile: Indeed. But no matter what I did, I had to remember where I needed to move next after each step. For a stage with such a large breadth, you could never salvage the situation the moment you went in the wrong direction (laughs). So we took photos of the stage prior to this, and we put in our full effort to confirm the steps. Q: Considering the extent of the stage, it would not do if you did not pay attention and follow the guiding lines, right? Pile: That was the case. But as we had years of experience with lives, I did not feel it was that hard to memorize new content. While trying my best to show my performance to every nook and cranny of the stage for everyone, at the same time I wanted to see everyone who was in the audience. Especially when I was riding the gondola, I was very happy to be able to see everyone in the audience. In the BiBi performance, I even went up a very high platform (laughs). Q: It is really a performance that starts from top to bottom, left to right, and with many different angles, yes? Pile: Yep. To all the audience members in the mikire seats too, when we came down from the stage and were passing by those seats, the members all turned off their microphones and shouted, “Please enjoy yourself!” and the like. So I also thought to myself, “Mikire seats are really VIP seats, huh?” (TL note: Mikire seats are seats that are visible in the BD footage.) Q: Being on stage for the two days, did the reality of this being the final chapter, this “Final Live”, gradually rear its head too? Pile: It didn't, I was still very calm. It was exactly because I realized, “This might be the last time I am performing with everyone,” that I could retain the calmness to consider the fact that “I should strive more for excellence”. I could say that I pulled off all the dance moves without any errors, too. Q: At the final moments of Day 2, after completing the performance of “Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari”, were there any emotions and thoughts which bubbled up as you slowly descended down the stage while looking at the audience? Pile: Hmm... perhaps it's because I was still in an excited state, but rather than having clear thoughts, it was a “Aah... it's over, huh...” kind of feeling. I mean, I believe that being able to properly convey to everyone that “it's ending for a while” in that manner is something really wonderful. Q: Indeed, as it is something that was accomplished and completed in its greatest state by completely adhering to its values all the way until the end. Pile: That is right. And after it ended, I felt, “Adrenaline really is amazing”. As to why I thought that, it is because the day after Day 2 had ended, the bottom half of my body suffered from muscle aches to a terrific degree (laughs). Before then, there seemed to be nothing wrong, but suddenly it hurt so much to the extent that I couldn’t even walk. So I spent the entire second day sleeping at home, and in the end the muscle aches took the better part of around 2 weeks to completely subside (laughs).

Although she appears to have an aloof existence, in reality she is very pure.

Q: So next up, let’s ask about things that happened a significantly longer time ago. Firstly, do you remember what your initial impression of Maki was? Pile: Initially, my impression of her was of, “This child has tsurime, huh?” At that time, I was in a situation where I had no idea what kind of child she was. (TL Note: Pile is referring to 'tsurime', a trope in manga/anime where characters with slanted eyes are typically tsunderes and/or have an arrogant disposition.) Q: In this period where you walked forward together with Maki, did you ever feel that there were similarities between the two of you? Pile: I have always been the type to not form relationships with the people around me. But after becoming friends and opening my heart to them, I would hold things that were related to them close to my heart and think of them as precious to me. I believe that in that way, we are similar. I'm a very shy person, but when someone approaches me, I'll also step up and do the same. I think that part of our personality is also similar. Q: These parts were actually shown in the process where Maki joined μ’s. She went from an aloof existence, to a comrade of the other eight individuals. Pile: That is so. Although she does look very aloof, in reality she is very “pure” (laughs). I really do empathize very much with the situation where it feels like, “Although it does seems like I was being dragged into this, I am actually overjoyed that it turned out this way.” Q: With regards to the TV anime, do you still remember the time when you did the initial recordings? Pile: I do still remember. As it was my first ever recording, and due to how shy I am, I couldn’t ask how could it be done better. I overheard someone from the side saying that there would be someone who would be coming to instruct us. So my thoughts were along the line of, “I see…” and I mimicked how the rest did it to finish the recording (laughs). And along the way, I slowly began asking questions on my own as well. I too gained many experiences that I am able to make use of in the future... being together with Maki who has grown as a school idol, I feel that I too have gained growth. Q: With regards to recording for Maki, do you have any particularly memorable recollections? Pile: Actually... there wasn’t any incident where I had difficulty during recordings. Simply by imagining, “Maki is singing this song with these emotions, huh?”, I would be able to decide clearly on how to proceed. I think I was able to do this from the time where I did “Natsuiro Egao de 1,2,Jump!” and in BiBi’s first single. Q: That might be so, as from then on it felt like Maki’s voice became a particularly colorful addition among the nine members, and the songs that could properly showcase Maki’s voice are very exciting. Pile: Indeed. “Wonderful Rush” is one of them, it has the feel of: “With the naturally talented voice of Maki; no matter how high the song is, she could still manage it”. Q: Among all the many songs, could you bring up a few that left Pile-san with the deepest impression? Pile: There really are a lot, aren’t there? … It should be the piano version of “START:DASH!!” that was shown in Episode 2 of TV anime Season 1. Although it was only included in a CD after the release of the single, the recording job was done significantly earlier than for the single. In a certain way, what I used during my performance was a straightforward singing method that invoked the feel of inelegant indifference. I feel that moment shown was a vividly different side of Maki. Q: In the year 2012, what were your initial thoughts when you heard that μ’s First Live was going to be held? Pile: I went: “...are we going to do it?” (laughs). I vaguely remember thinking that, “It’s about time for us to do so, right?” But at that time, the decision to animate the series hadn’t been finalized yet. As the development of the story went hand in hand with the CD and magazines, I wondered in high spirits, “How many individuals would come to our live and from which medium?” Q: But in reality, this project started to flourish with an astonishing rate starting from 1st Live, right? Pile: That’s right, I was very happy too! Even as the TV anime was being broadcasted, everyone’s reactions would be conveyed to us, but if it was a live, couldn’t we experience the reactions directly onsite? So, as expected I felt that this was really an interesting idea.

The days that we went through akin to that of a hurricane have became unparalleled memories. Q: From then on the scale of the stage would gradually become bigger; does Pile-san have any moments that left particularly deep impressions? Pile: There are countless ones in μ’s solo live...but in reality, the opportunities for μ’s to stand on the stage of the Nippon Budokan was only limited to that one time while performing for “LisAni! LIVE”. At that time, the outfit and shoes used were those from the initial design, and besides that we were accompanied by a live band, so it left a very deep impression. Q: Ever since the movie was released, the popularity level of the project would naturally rocket straight up, and as the days went by there really seemed to be more avenues where you would be able to admire the active and lively μ’s. Pile: Indeed, it was akin to a torrent of activities - from Music Station to Kōhaku Uta Gassen, everyone was able to appear on many TV programs. It is thanks to those program that the time everyone was able to take part in activities together also greatly increased, I feel that it was so to give birth to innumerable amounts of memories for Final Live. Yes, I do feel that those memories are unparalleled. Q: Indeed, you even toured the country through the fan meetings too. Pile: I feel that year was the year where μ’s used up all the stored energy and charm from before and displayed it to everyone in one go, in many different avenues. As the activities would be coming to an end in a while, the momentum was akin to that of a hurricane. I feel that it was great, too. Q: But because of the various preparatory work needed for the performance at the Dome, did it become even busier? Pile: That was so, there were many things that needed to be done. Just for the rehearsals for “Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari”, to be able to understand what it would be like to stand in the middle of lilies, we went to Chiba. Q: Ehh, just for that? PIle: Yep. The actual stage was just too spacious, as during rehearsals, the large props would not be set up. So just to confirm the setup, we went to another practice site; we did all of this to prepare for the day where we would be taking on the stage at the Dome. Q: While doing the preparatory work for Final Live, I think there were other jobs, like the recording for the final single “MOMENT RING”, right? Pile: Indeed there were. When I heard the rap portion for the first time, it left me with very deep impressions. I thought: “As expected, we would end with a candid song that was μ’s to the core, huh?”. In reality, this song did not resonate with me at the start. But in the process of listening to it repeatedly for the Live, I gradually came to like it and felt, “Isn’t this a good song!” When I performed this at the Live, I experienced the same feelings. And at the end, when everyone posed as the characters they performed as, it was also very breathtaking. It was extremely moving to have the first few dance teachers for μ’s be instructing us for the dance steps at the final live... So for me, I really like the dance steps for this song. Q: After working hard and charging forward as a part of µ’s during these past six years, what is your mental state now? Pile: Mm... Well, nothing has changed. I guess the other members feel the same way, since we are not just μ’s after all. It is not as if we debuted as μ’s, performed until now and then disbanded. But rather, it is a case of, “To be able to end properly as μ’s is great! From now on let's continue working hard!” as well as the mentality of, “A very important job has ended.” The self-awareness that you would have when you stands as yourself on a stage that you have stood on as part of μ’s is very interesting, too. For example, in last year's Animelo Summer Live, the day after μ’s performed, I performed too under my own name. I had the thoughts of: “I was so carefree yesterday...and today I am so nervous instead” (laughs). From this, I can say that the me that is part of μ’s and the usual me are different existences? Q: If you were to say something to Maki, what would you like to say to her? Pile: Yes, while… although at the start I did not think we would be compatible, in the end, I still formed the greatest duo with Maki-chan. And it allowed me to go through many different kind of experiences, so I really feel “very thankful”. Q: And finally please say something to the readers and the fans of μ’s. Pile” In this past six years, at the start we only held activities near the Kansai region; following that, we gradually started to host activities nationwide, and eventually we managed to garner love worldwide. For me to be a member of the μ’s that everyone loves, I really have to thank everyone who has always supported Maki-chan, the staff, and a large variety of individuals. And thus, the story that was realized with everyone from the very beginning until the very end would definitely never fade away. So from now on, if you could continue loving “Love Live!” and μ’s, I would be very happy. And with regards to μ’s, from now on I will continue to be in your favor. The story that was realized with everyone from the very beginning until the very end would definitely never fade away.

[kuuxkat]

[EN]Lisani Vol. 27.1 Interview with Mimori Suzuko

Translated by: @kuuxkat

Typeset by: @kuuxkat / QC by: @yujachachacha @ #teamonibe

Originally TL by: 卫青与百里

Sourced from:  卫青与百里

Images from: @emitsunosaurus-rex

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES!

Contents under the Cut!

Typeset images can be found: here

“These six years were what let me truly feel that, as long as you keep using your own words to carry your dreams, and never stop running towards it, it will eventually be at a distance that you can touch with your hands.”

Although it seem like a scene from a Teen Film, this is not a movie! The comrades do really exist!

Q: It has been half a year since the end of “μ’s Final Live”. In this period of time, have you touched any of the songs by μ’s?

Mimo: Until recently, I haven’t listened to any of the songs by μ’s. As I felt that there were too many difficult feelings that I couldn’t rearrange, I didn’t have the desire to actively listen to those songs. Even as I verified the details of the BD footage of the Live, basically I wasn’t really looking at it, and even now I haven’t broken the seal on the final packaged product. But this past summer, on the return flight from my personal lives, the long absent idea of listening to songs by μ’s grew on me. As the first day of the performance was at Sapporo, I thought, “Around this time last year, I came here too just because of the Fan Meeting Tour…that time was so much fun”, and I felt very nostalgic. Hearing the songs after so many days apart, as expected, I still feel that it is a very good project (laughs).

Q: It just ended a while ago, so you haven’t arranged your thoughts about it, right?

Mimo: Although I must say that at that time, my emotions haven’t quite calmed. But even if that was so, time still marches on day by day. There are many things that have to be handled in daily life, and my own personal tour is also starting soon afterwards, so unwittingly there’ll be thoughts of “W-What do I do?!”

Q: In this period of time, have you met with the other members?

Mimo: In my radio program and my personal lives, I have the other members coming as guests, so you could say that we do bump into each other often. In the TV anime, the second years went to Okinawa, right? So in the real world, the three of us - the second years - said, “Then let’s go too!”, and we went to a Okinawa restaurant together (laughs). Coincidentally, the person who seems to be meeting with the other members the most appears to be me. And for me personally, there doesn’t seem to be any feelings of separation. Rather, there’s a strong feeling that we are still together.

Q: Bringing the topic back to the Final Live, did you feel nervous at that time when you were at the last and biggest stage?

Mimo: I had always been happy throughout the entire process, as I am the type that will get nervous instead when the setting is small. As the stage gets bigger, my nervousness will seemingly be more dispersed. Also, everyone might have gotten used to it while preparing for the live in the past half-year - or rather, you could say that the process unfolded too quickly and everyone was a little numb from it (laughs). During the time of the performance at Kōhaku Uta Gassen, I also spent the entire day in a state of happiness, without a single shred of nervousness.

Q: Which parts of the live do you feel left the strongest impressions?

Mimo: If we are talking about that, there are many… but as expected, it has to the time right before [Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari] started, when everyone was doing our preparations inside the flower and holding each other’s hands. As we were wearing monitor earphones, we couldn’t speak with each other, but the feelings of, “This is the end, let’s work hard together,” were flowing through all of us. At that time, I felt like it was a scene from a teen film – but it definitely wasn’t a film, and was happening in reality. We are really, truly comrades, huh? The things that I would normally be embarrassed about, at that time it felt like they all melted into my heart, so there was not even a single thought of embarrassment.

Q: What did you feel during that instant at the very end of the second day?

Mimo: What I felt at that time was: These are the closing moments of my youth. I guess the thoughts were of “Thank you, my youth.”? As the large screen was slowly pulled up, I thought, “I won’t be able to see everyone again”, and a hundred different feelings rushed to the forefront of my heart.

Q: Then when the performance ended, what was the scene backstage roughly like?

Mimo: Everyone was huddled into a group, crying terribly. It was not just us who were on the stage - even the staff were all huddled together and crying. Although it felt like if we used this in a ‘Making Of’ Episode, we would be able to film some great materials here, at that time no one could spare such thoughts (laughs). When everyone who was outside in the audience seats started shouting “μ’s! μ’s!”, at our end someone said: “Everyone is calling us… are we really not going out to see them again?”. I could not help myself and I said: “Don’t.” - my tears couldn’t stop at all.

The performers working together wholeheartedly, with a kind of “sportsmanship” as we went through these six years.

Q: When the project just started, what was your impression of Umi?

Mimo: When I saw the illustration design, I felt that just by her appearance, Umi was the kind of girl who is very ordinary. As back then, compared to all of the other characters that I have performed for, Umi’s hair color brings a feel of stability right at the start. Her personality is that of a Yamato Nadeshiko too, and she didn’t have any special powers or anything like that. So in this case, it made me feel another kind of difficulty instead: how would I properly get along with Umi? At that time, in my heart I did not have any confidence or answer for this at all.

Q: The job that you started off with was the recording for [Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE], right?

Mimo: Yes, at the beginning it was the recording of the song, and afterwards was the recording of the audio dramas. But at the time when we just started, we didn’t know what direction this project would be heading towards, so it felt like everything was an unknown. It was only when I was starting to do the recording of the audio dramas did I notice the interesting parts about Umi. It felt like she was not just a very talented and cool girl - unexpectedly, she did possess a part in her personality where she could fool around. At that time, I thought: “This project where I am performing as Umi has become something much happier~”.

Q: Then, let us divert to the time after the work for the TV anime began. What do you remember about the recording job for the first episode?

Mimo: It took a very long time to record the first episode - it wasn’t completed until late at night. Although I had the experience of recording for other projects, for some of the members this was their first time taking up recording jobs due to ‘Love Live!”. And back then, I too hadn’t completely gotten used to it, so I felt that the period of time needed wasn’t ideal. But at that time, Nanjou-san, despite having finished her portion of the recording, still stayed behind to accompany us, so there was the impression that all of the members finished the recording together. Small things like these were what contributed to the sense of all nine μ’s members being united as one. At the very beginning, during the briefing we were informed, “This project does in some sense have elements similar to that of a sports project”, so we did take on the same kind of spirit that a sports project would have, and we finished the recording job with the feel of a club activity in mind.

Q: It roughly was because of this that your bonds grew in strength day by day together with the other gradually growing members. And your relationship with Umi became stronger too, right?

Mimo: Yes, at that time I felt that whatever I uttered from my mouth wasn’t just a line, but it would become a part of Umi’s personality and a part of the whole. Rather, I was the one who was setting it off. I did deeply consider questions like, “What should I do to make Umi more charming and cute?”

Q: Which songs do you have the strongest impressions of?

Mimo: Right, I have the deepest impression of [Wonderful Rush]. As μ’s songs are done by first recording the portions where each member would have to sing, subsequently everyone would have to record a full version as well. So, there were lots of portions where one has to sing. Normally, I would be able to finish recording a song very easily, but during the recording for [Wonderful Rush], I was the first to enter the recording studio. However, after a few hours I still hadn’t finished recording, and meanwhile my entire body felt exhausted. At that time I hadn’t tried doing a portion of a song where it would be similar to rapping. For a high tempo style of performing like rapping, I could not associate it with the consistently calm image of Umi, so I felt it was extremely hard to complete.

Q: It is true that there is quite a difficulty curve to finish a rap with Umi’s style.

Mimo: The other members also would probably have their own types (of songs) that they are good at or not too good at, but if I have to use Umi’s style to finish a song, the songs with raps would definitely become harder. Like for [Super LOVE=Super LIVE!], I had many difficulties at that time as well. For songs like these, it would be Nico’s time to shine, and at that time you’ll feel that “Genki girls really are nice~” (laughs).

Q: When it was decided that at the 1st Live in 2012, it wouldn’t be just singing, but dancing as well, roughly how did you feel?

Mimo: I thought: “All right–!!” As at that time, I myself had always been dancing, I felt very happy and eager now that it was finally time for me to display my skill. I borrowed the footage that the dance instructors would be using beforehand, and I watched the recorded dance steps. In the first dance lesson, the teacher praised me with, “You dance very well,” so I felt very happy. As I am the type to get motivated after being praised, my tension hit the max in an instant (laughs).

Q: That particular live and the Animelo concert afterwards, both became a very big turning point for the project, right?

Mimo: For the 1st Live, as we didn’t know how many people would be coming, we felt very uneasy. But as we were adjusting our dance formations in the dark, we heard very loud cheers. All of us were shocked, and as we experienced the feeling of people waiting for us, and being needed by them, we were very happy. That year could also be said to be the year that gave us lots of courage. Before that, in our hearts we had doubts on how the future would be like, so we had feelings of uncertainty.

Q: And up until now, which particular live left you with the deepest impressions?

Mimo: In the Third Live, at the time when the second years did the three-person version of [START:DASH!!], for me personally this left me with the deepest impression. We wore the same outfit that was shown in the TV anime, and we performed the related performance for that song, too…and after that performance, we didn’t get to perform the three-person version ever again.

Q: After that, it become a group whose momentum couldn’t be stopped …. especially from the period in the year 2015 all the way to when you arrived at the stage in Tokyo Dome, we can say that you were in the spotlight, right?

Mimo: The year 2015 could be called the year of µ’s, right? In the summer of last year, there was this constant feeling of disbelief in the air from getting the news that we would be performing at Tokyo Dome and that we would be able to take part in Kōhaku Uta Gassen. At that time, I thought that no matter what, let’s just run forward with all of our might - and then in that confusing rush, the year 2015 was over…but that is also why, no matter how many years have passed, if someone were to ask me about my memories of “Love Live!”, the year 2015 will always be the first thing to come to mind. I guess it was a year that was packed full to the brim.

 It is something that could never be accomplished alone, but because all of us supported each other, we will be able to accomplish it?

Q: Now, after going through these six years, what does the existence of μ’s mean to Mimori-san?

Mimo: I feel that it is an existence similar to “Youth”. It is like the word “Dreams” successfully turning into reality; it is something that could never be accomplished alone, but because all of us supported each other’s existence, we were able to fully complete it. The cooperative strength that came from people around us was really very strong.

Q: This is where the line “Come True, Our Dreams!” get its convincing argument from, right?

Mimo: Indeed! I truly received a very precious gift in life. It is a line from the nine lucky individuals along with the once ordinary Umi.

Q: And what do you feel about the other 8 members now?

Mimo: I feel that all the members of μ’s, including me, are very lucky individuals. I really am very thankful that all of us were so fortunate. Of course, it is because we did put in the effort that we were able to enjoy the final fruits of our labors after so many years, but if we weren’t lucky too, we would definitely never be as successfully as we are now.

Q: If it weren’t these nine individuals, it wouldn’t have worked.

Mimo: Every one of us is a very pure individual who is charging straight towards our dreams. Among us there are many perfectionists, and I am one of them. But at a certain level we are also slightly more mature, and we did experience many setbacks. Speaking from a perspective of human behavior, everyone could be said to be an individual who would not interfere with others; we are not like children who can be jealous or leave people out. This allowed us to have something akin to a good distance to interact with each other maturely.

Q: If you were able to say one line to Umi now?

Mimo: At the start, I felt that you were just a very honest and plain girl, and I did not ever consider that you would shine as much as you do now and carry the attention of so many people. I feel that this is just great. It could be that I really do not have an eye for judging people, right? (Laughs).

Q: I feel that for Umi to become who she is now, there were influences from Mimori-san too.

Mimo: That is true; if I was a person who was more like Umi, perhaps Umi would have always been a simple and plain girl. Looking back now, I feel that it was because of my improvised performance that Umi’s image started breaking apart. In the drama CD for the single [Wonderful Rush], there was a sequence where Umi became the lingering spirit of a fallen warrior. When I was recording this, I recorded it in a more laidback way. From that time onwards, there did seem to be the feel that I was leaning towards a more comedic route. I guess this particular talent is definitely due to my performance in the Niconamas, right (laughs)? If it really was due to how I was keen for the gag personality that caused this to happen, then I would like to tell Umi this: “It is great that we met, Umi – It is okay if you thank me too~”.

Q: I guess only Mimori-san can say that line (laughs).

Mimo: And I would say that while looking at her from above, too (laughs). But for me, after meeting Umi, I learned lots of things, like how to portray the part of a person who is quiet and calm. These are techniques that are very valuable for a voice actress; as expected, the two of us had formed a kind of win-win relationship?

Q: Finally, please convey your thoughts to the fans.

Mimo: For me, being able to meet with μ’s was something that, regardless of whether it was as a voice actress or as a person, caused lots of changes. Even I myself had always thought, “Having a dream that is too ambitious would mean it would not be realized, right?”, but in these six years, I truly experienced the fact that, “As long as you keep using your own words to carry your dreams, and don’t stop working hard towards it, you will reach a place where you can touch my dreams with your own hands.” For us who have received everyone’s support, if this can provide the motivation to be something that will help everyone cultivate the courage and confidence to approach your dreams too, then that would be really great. Even if the chances of me appearing as a member of μ’s has become smaller, but for this project, in the instance that you observe it, it will take a life of its own. So for example, if you have lost your confidence, I hope that everyone will go over it from the beginning, to once again dive into the start of this project. A good product, no matter how much time has passed, will never have its polish fade. I hope that from now on, everyone will continue to look at it, and I would like to say to everyone: “Please do not forget us” (laughs). If you could think about us even occasionally, then I’d be very happy.

[kuuxkat]

[EN]Lisani Vol. 27.1 Interview with Iida Riho

Translated by: @astralwinters and @kuuxkat​

Typeset by: @kuuxkat / QC by: @yujachachacha @ #teamonibe

Originally TL by: 凛樂@PTT

Sourced from: chip_17

Images from: @emitsunosaurus-rex

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES!

Contents under the Cut!

Typeset images can be found: here

[I thought it would be sad at first, but it was a refreshing feeling instead. Even though I felt like this, it seems like I have performed it fully.]

Q: So it's been about half a year since μ's Final Love Live, hasn’t it?

Rippi: Even though it's clearly only been half a year since then, it somehow feels like it happened way further back than that - almost as if it's been one, two years since the Final Love Live.

Q: During this time, have you ever tried to relive your experiences, like going back and listening to the songs, or rewatching the footage of your performances?

Rippi: I haven't been listening much to μ's songs recently. I'm not sure myself whether it's because I just don't want to listen to them, or that I couldn't bear to listen to them - put simply, even if the songs are available on the playlist, I wouldn't play them. Listening to any of the songs, though, would probably bring forth countless wonderful memories and dredge up all the emotions that come alongside them. Perhaps it's better for me to explain it as if the countless wonderful memories and powerful emotions were kept inside a treasure chest - to just casually open it up again whenever would never feel right to me.

Q: Winding back a little while further - when you first heard that you were going to have a live at the Tokyo Dome, how did you feel?

Rippi: At that moment I simply thought, "Awesome!" - but in hindsight, perhaps I had held the thought somewhere at the back of my mind, "There's bound to be a day that μ's will be standing atop such a stage, no?", or perhaps I held a goal in mind from the very start - to stand atop that kind of stage - and worked my hardest to that goal; I really can't say. So there was perhaps that part of me that also felt, "Yes, we've finally made it here!" (laughs).

Q: So from the very beginning, you were hoping to perform on such a big stage?

Rippi: Personally for me, it's better to bring the conversation back to when we had our μ's New Year Love Live! 2013. When we were on the stage of Tokyo Dome City Hall, I suddenly had the thought, "Perhaps, sometime in the future, we'll be able to stand on the stage of Tokyo Dome, huh?". And in the past when we appeared on one of the TV programmes, when we received a rather candid question - "What are your plans after this?", we gave a rather hurried reply, "We're gunning straight for the Dome!" in the last 5 seconds of the programme. After all this, not only were we theatrically featured in the Dome, we were actually able to step up to the stage of Tokyo Dome... The feeling of a strange coincidence, that was the premonition that I had within me.

Q: What was your practice like, leading up to your biggest stage performance ever - a marathon of a performance?

Rippi: Wow, this really brings back memories. Our priority was to train up on our stamina for the performance - in addition to stretching and progressive exercises as well as strength training at home, we even tried to cycle in the freezing cold winter days to the practice studio. Even though these were all measures that we had never taken before, we wanted to do this because we really wanted to give our all to our final hurrah, and to never leave behind even a shred of regret.

Q: In the rehearsals leading up to the performance, what kind of impression did you get when standing on the stage of Tokyo Dome?

Rippi: Overall it felt very spacious, and the ceiling was super high - you get a rather strong feeling of being surrounded. Saitama Super Arena was a more oblong-shaped venue, but the Dome gives you the impression that it's a more rounded stadium.

Q: On the official day of the performance, as expected, were you nervous?

Rippi: Until the last moment where we went on stage, I didn’t have a shred of nervousness at all. As there were 8 other inspiring comrades by my side, it couldn’t be helped that I was embracing an unlimited amount of expectations in my heart, right? When I was waiting for the time when we would be raised to the stage, I realized that my hands were shivering very strongly. I thought, “Ah, so I am nervous,” and felt that reality for the first time, but 5 seconds after appearing on stage, I immediately reverted to the state where I was fine again.

Q: How was the view from the stage on that day?

Rippi: It was extremely amazing - it was as if I was being surrounded from all sides by lights. Everyone's cheers rocked the entire place, and I was shaken not through the sounds in my ears, but somewhere deep inside my bones (laughs).

Q: From the very beginning the cheers were very energetic, weren’t they? So the tension of all the members rose greatly due to that, right?

Rippi: Of course, our happiness meter rose straight to its limits, and hit the climax, but the performance itself was surprisingly very calm. We were not caught unawares of our surroundings due to the excitement getting to our heads. Rather, we had the good sense to maintain the calm that we should have had, and continued the performance.

Q: Regardless of whether it is your expressions while facing the camera, or in your performances, we can see that you are in control - you give an impression of being very reliable.

Rippi: I think that is due to the process of going through so many practices, and mentally it feels different from where it was before. As I am harboring passion for it, I would be able to successfully resolve difficulties one after another.

[The feeling I had when I was in Tokyo Dome was that of a strange coincidence, and that was the premonition that I had within me]

Q: As you were immersed in the high tension, at the same time you would have been touched by the loneliness of “This is the final time”, right? What was the performance on the second day like?

Rippi: The second day dawned with the prickling sensation of my entire body aching from the soreness of my muscles, but I didn’t feel any particularly special emotions - everyone also appeared as normal as can be. It was to the extent that it made one doubt whether this was the final performance. But, as the performances neared its end, and when every member entered the flower-shaped stage after changing our outfits - in that space where no one else could see, where it was just the nine of us, everyone exchanged gazes and we all formed a circle with our hands interlinked. That was perhaps the first time that I felt that loneliness. The memory of that very instant, I will forever cherish as a precious memory deep inside my heart.

Q: After singing the final song [Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari], what about the time when you left the stage?

Rippi: At the time when we were exiting the stage, it was as if my vision suddenly became all encompassing, and in an instant I could see with full clarity the individual faces of the audience. There were those who looked overjoyed with happy smiles waving at us, and those who were crying uncontrollably. Regardless of who they were and what their expression was, I could see it clearly. It was an indescribable feeling. Even after we left the stage, we could still hear everyone singing, and could strongly feel everyone’s love. There was an instant when I thought about returning to the stage once more, but in my heart I understood that wouldn’t be right, so I could only continue on, leaving the stage.

Q: What was the situation like on the morning the day after the Live ended?

Rippi: I originally thought that it would be a morning filled with sadness and a feeling of emptiness. But surprisingly, it was one where I felt relaxed and happy. For me to have such feelings, it definitely is because I used all of my strength, and had completed my mission fully.

A period of six years spent worrying about Rin-chan and the growth of μ's, while at the same time working hard to chase them.

Q: We hope to bring you back to the activities that you’ve done for the past six years. Are there any periods or places that left you with very deep impressions?

Rippi: The setting of the first-ever recording was something that left a deep impression on me. Although the recording was done together with Pile-chan and Shika-chan (Kubo Yurika),as it was the first time that we ever met each other, the three of us were maintaining our silence, so we didn’t exchange a single word with each other (laughs).

Q: It was due to the many different recordings that the members gradually become familiar and got to know know each other better, right?

Rippi: That’s right. After that, it wasn’t just recordings, but there were also many songs that would have lines from the nine members; in order to gauge the length of time to record, the individuals who wrote those initial lines would have to have someone to recite all the lines in their designated timeframe. I think it was in [Kaguya no Shiro de Odoritai] and [Mermaid festa vol. 1]? As I was the first to do the recording, I mimicked everyone’s voices and said their lines, and as a result I got responses from them like, “You were able to mimic them really well!” (laughs). It set off a spirited discussion among the members, so it was small incidents like these that left me with very strong impressions.

Q: In the first performance in 2012 at Yokohama BLITZ, what were your feelings like as you welcomed the coming of the Live? The link and relationship between the First Live and the Animation PV is something that is inseparable, right?

Rippi: The memories of the days spent going through my college classes while taking dance classes at the same time are still fresh in my mind. As it was my first-ever experience having to remember the exact same steps in the animated sequence while having the nine of us dancing together, it carried with it a very vivid feeling of it being something totally new. Only, at that time I did not know a single thing about Rin-chan, and even now I’m still too embarrassed to revisit the initial CDs and DVDs. Although my inept performance with dancing was one of the problems, I had never ever considered the level of my synchronization between me and Rin-chan then, so perhaps that caused Rin-chan to appear odd at the initial phase? At that time, the person showed in front of everyone was the person Iida Riho. It is because I didn’t have the spirit of Rin-chan with me, so I guess going back over it would make me feel too embarrassed.

Q: In the script, Rin-chan has always been the one to push others forward, so she has the role of a character who is responsible for bridging the gap between people, right?

Rippi: Surprisingly she is a very serious child, but at the same time she doesn’t lose her cuteness. Internally, I harbor the thoughts of, “I wish to make her even cuter”, similar to that of a parent. It is because of this that I always wanted to let Rin-chan be exposed to the spotlight even more. And it was due to those reasons that there would be times where I couldn’t fully grasp this girl, so I would have an internal dilemma, floundering left and right.

Q: The situation is the same as the story: you were once troubled on how to express yourself too. In this journey, what was the opportunity that allowed you to shorten the distance between you and Rin-chan?

Rippi: It was actually quite late - I think it’s during the time of [Love wing bell]. The footage from the TV anime was great too. I fully felt the love that the staff had (for the project) as I performed.

Q: At the same time that the TV anime garnered popularity, the live concerts received more and more attention, and the venue would get larger and larger accordingly. What are your thoughts about this progression?

Rippi: This is literally coming from a third-person perspective, as in my heart I totally didn’t have a real grasp on the situation. “Eh, how could this group of individuals be so amazing, but speaking for real, the nine of them are indeed very cute, right?” - it’d feel somewhat like this (laughs).

Q: Do you mean that you observed the process by which they became renowned stars from an angle looking over them?

Rippi: Undoubtedly I myself was part of this too, but everyone would still have a part of their psyche that would be observing from the viewpoint of an onlooker, so thoughts similar to, “It feels like it has became something very incredible, right?” were repeated countless times. Even if we appeared on TV, and later saw the footage being aired at home, I still felt as if it was a group of individuals that I did not recognize who were dancing. It is an incredible feeling, and at the end, my feelings would be close to: “Because they wore the same outfits, so we would wear the same outfits”. Looking at μ's on TV or in magazines getting cuter and cuter, we were at the back chasing their shadows - I guess this was the state of mind that we had.

Q: In 2015, there was the Live at Saitama Super Arena, the movie version, the fan meeting tour, TV appearances and etc. In conclusion, it was a very busy year with very packed schedules. Is this one of the difficult points for all of you when chasing after the girls?

Rippi: The period between Music station to Kōhaku Uta Gassen was very short, and at that time it coincided with the practice period for Final Live, too. Everyone pulled out all the stops to manage it, so it felt like a large pile of things were swiftly dealt with in the wake of an amazing momentum.

The thing that directed me in the direction of my goal - that is what we call “Love Live!”

Q: As a member of μ's, for the six years that you spent together with this project “Love Live!”, how were those six years like for Iida-san?

Rippi: I guess it was six years that changed my entire life. When the project just started, I had just turned 18 years old. From entering college until graduation was encompassed within this six-year period, so at the time frame when the first season of the TV anime ended, originally I should have been starting to look for a job like an ordinary person (laughs). If I had left halfway to look for other jobs, perhaps right now I would be leading a totally different life. But as expected of this job, I do wish that I can always continue on with it. The culmination and alignment of a large amount of beneficial coincidences allowed me to walk down the path that I had always wished for internally, and then I too was able to spend the most precious stage of my life together with “Love Live!”.

Q: You can see too that the relationship between the members is a close one where you could always stimulate each other.

Rippi: The days that I could spend with them as part of my school life had influenced me deeply. I have a momentum where I want to absorb all of the other members into me, and I really learned many things from my comrades.

[Even now there are fans that love Rin-chan, and it totally doesn’t feel like Rin-chan is far away.] 

Q: If you can send a message to Rin-chan, what message would you choose?

Q: Even if the activities for μ's have stopped for the time being, the fans still love Rin-chan dearly, so it totally doesn’t feel like Rin-chan is far away from us. To date, with regards to the path that Rin-chan and the rest had taken, I myself feel that I am still chasing them from behind. In the past, when I was in a swirl of many events, there would always be a feeling of camaraderie formed like, “Let’s go forward together, all right?”. But now, even if I put her name down as [The Goal to Reach], that’s not wrong, either(laughs). “I want to try being a person just like Rin-chan” - so from a relationship of camaraderie to being a goal, I guess? Because Rin-chan is seemingly in front and calling out: “Hurry over, all right?”, so if I could pick a message, I guess I would say: “I’m going over now, Rin-chan, I’m going over to your side right now, you have to wait for me, all right?”

Q: Finally, please say some words to the fans.

Rippi: I am very happy to be able to be with everyone through this interview once again. Due to the broadcasted TV anime, it seems that there is still an endless stream of fans touring at the sites that we had appeared in. Looking at that lively image, it lets me sincerely feel that even if it’s after 20 years or 30 years, it’ll be great if μ's continues to be a precious treasure in everyone’s heart. After a period of time passes, I do wish to go on the same tour too (laughs). Even after 10 years have passed, if I could still remain as the Iida Riho who is part of μ's, and be the Iida Riho who voices Hoshizora Rin, that would be great. If everyone could remember this in occasion, I would be very happy.

[kuuxkat]

[EN]Lisani Vol. 27.1 Interview with Nanjou Yoshino

Translated and Typeset by: @kuuxkat / QC by: ~mega and @astralwinters @ #teamonibe 

Originally Sourced and TL by: 埃克斯 here

Images from: @emitsunosaurus-rex

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES!

Contents under the Cut!

Typeset images can be found: here

[Since we’ve walked this path together for the past 6 years, “Eli must be in good health somewhere out there, right now”, I really think is the case.] 

-- It’s been half a year since “μ's Final Love Live!”. Have you had the chance to reminisce on the past six years?

Nanjol: Everything ended on that day… although I would like to say that, but there wasn’t much changes after that. It felt similar to when I was at school and when spring break was upon us, thinking that [We really don’t need to go to school right?]. It’s similar that way. Although I do think that way, I’ve always been moving forward towards the new goal in front of me, this is how I’ll describe my situation recently. On the other hand, for the fans who put their all into cheering us on, and for them to be in a state of “μ’s loss”  where they’re constantly looking for fragments of μ’s in their daily lives. Those feelings, they have been expressed closely in the heels of other projects, and individual activities. They really have been putting their all to cheer for us, being able to say that experiencing this is reminiscing is right too. My real thoughts would be: [So it was just half a year ago, huh?]

-- Asking once more, what was it like before and till Final Live?

Nanjol: First of all, Tokyo Dome is really so big that I wasn’t really clear on how the situation was (laughs). But, on the day before the Live I took part in the dress rehearsal while thinking that: [In two days time we’ll hold the final Live here, in front of an audience that will fill up this entire avenue]. As it is final, us members were still thinking and searching until the last minute about:  [How do we express to everyone all the bright points of [LoveLive!] and μ’s so far]. Although physically it was very difficult, but more importantly was: [If we expressed just a little bit more would it be slightly easier to convey the message]. The degree of work that we put in to express this mentality, it can’t be compared to with the other Lives before this. It felt like each of the members faced the girls who they had performed as up until then once again and completed the live without regrets

-- How did you feel that day when you saw the audience for the first time?

Nanjol: I feel that what I saw on stage at the Tokyo Dome is what made [LoveLive!] distinctive , the audiences who carried the lightsticks in nine different colors. This time; I saw so many different colors in that extreme expanse at the Tokyo Dome. was the deciding difference between rehearsals and the actual performance. To be able to showcase the monotonous practices that had been done continuously for several months in such a beautiful and sparking place, was extremely touching for me.

If I don’t work hard, Ayase-san won’t shine! I carried this mood with me as I stood on the stage. -- When you were the MC, you said: [It’s not 9 of us, it’s 18 of us], during the Live, can you describe how does it feel to be to be together with Eli?

Nanjol: As I worked very hard to stand on the stage, I don’t actually quite remember at that time the distance between me and Eli. But from the different stages of the practises I can determine that, we voice actresses try trying our best to let people understand and experience the child that they are acting for, to show the project [LoveLive!] and to recreate those intense feelings together with [μ’s]. So rather than say that I am working hard for myself, why not say that I am working hard for Ayase Eli. If it is my own live, there would be many places that I can relax (laughs). But at that time if I don’t work hard, Ayase Eli won’t shine, so I want to work hard for her! I brought those feelings with me as I stood on the stage.

-- That performance was born from these kind of feelings right? Nanjol: In the time that I stood on the stage, there were times that I felt unadulterated happiness, looking in all four corners I would discover that there were audiences 360 degrees around me, they kept smiling, but at times they couldn’t stop crying, in some way it’s just like they were looking at Gods while looking at the stage. If that’s the case, from my part I’ll naturally try to go closer to the back or the seats on top, working hard to give: [I saw μ’s with my own eyes], this experience to everyone. So the time when I actually felt my body’s exhaustion is when the Live was over and I’m back to the hotel, [... There’s one tomorrow huh!] like that (laughs). Working hard by myself for Ayase Eli -- Going back to the time when you first saw Eli, what was your impression? Nanjol: As previously I wasn’t casted in a role [slightly big sister-like ]like Eli , I thought: “To think that I would get a child like this?”. After looking at the other 8 concept arts, I wondered how should I perform her? Six years ago it was still at the time where girls with high pitched voices were popular, so I felt [It would be difficult for Eli-chan to gather popularity]. I kept on thinking how should I perform to be able to draw this child’s charm out, to make her into a child who who would interest everyone.

-- Singing is an important aspect of expressing Eli, do you have any songs that leave an especially deep impression? Nanjol: If someone ask me that question, I always answered with [START:DASH!!], but in the end (Bokutachi wa Hitotsu no Hikari (僕たちはひとつの光 lit. We Are A Single Light)) left a very deep impression too. But during the recordings, the one with a stronger impression is actually: [Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE (僕らのLIVE 君とのLIFE lit. Our LIVE, Our LIFE with you)]. My heart faintly had the thoughts of: [Why not perform it with an adult feel?], but when I went for the recording everyone told me: [In any case, be lively a little!] (laughs), as the personalities hasn’t been firmed. But, if at that time I performed too lively, afterwards I would have fretted over the difference between the two. So I thought about the Eli that I had pictured in my heart, and expressed liveliness within the boundaries of that personality, until now I still remember that minor adjustment I made. -- If at that time you sang it differently, perhaps the Eli now would not have existed. Nanjol: It was only when the TV Anime started broadcasting did my initial blurry impression (of Eli)  became a closer match. Before that I always thought I performed a feeling of coolness, during the initial PV that formal and stiff feeling became more obvious….when the TV Anime began I had that feel of [Yes Yes, the Ayase Eli that I wish to perform for is there!] (laughs) -- The cool feel of the Student Council President? Nanjol: The cute points of Ayase Eli would be her inability to be candid, that clumsiness in her inability to express herself clearly. I feel that the previous: “Formal and Stiff-chika” could appear too, but seeing the process in which the distance between the initial concept art and the TV Anime started shrinking, I felt: [This-THIS! What I want to perform is this!] (laughs).

-- At the very beginning, she was written as being the opposition, among the members, the scenes of Eli’s internal conflicts is particularly vivid and the most memorable. Nanjol: I suppose she is fond of thinking all over the place? From worrying at the start whether if it would really be alright, even when Honoka who said: [Let’s try, alright?] and in the presence of all the other members with their [We’ll eventually find a way.], she’ll still ask: [Really?]. I myself had moments like this, so the resonance between us is very strong. -- Including that resonance, what is the relationship that Eli and Nanjou-san have now? Nanjol: At times I feel like she is my own child, and at times she’s my partner, and there are even times that I feel she is me. During the process of making this project, there are times when the members (μ's) would be close to their voice actress, and there are times when I, the performer, would be affected by Eli and naturally pick up things that are ice-blue in color in my hands. I feel that in this six years, there are many areas where we have melded together. There wasn’t any free time to allow me to seriously think about me and Eli’s relationship. We’ve been furiously preparing for Lives that’s just in front of us, recording large amount of songs, where Eli begins and where I end, even I wasn’t clear on that. But, when it came to Final Live, [to let Ayase Eli shine as brightly as she can, I need to work hard.] I’ve considered everything thoroughly. -- In the six years, the year before (2015) has been especially hectic in it’s development to the extent that it must have been hard to breath, what is your view on such a year? Nanjol: At the start, whether it was my confusion of [How to perform as Ayase Eli], those days where no one could truly understand no matter how strongly I stress [I am very cute!] (laughs), I feel that I can never forget them. I hope I don’t cause any confusion, I didn’t become a voice actress for [LoveLive!], as at the same time I took up roles in other projects. But all of them were swallowed up by [LoveLive!]’s wave, for a second I thought I’ll be swept away and cease to exist (as myself), so at that time I clearly felt the danger and had to calm down. The scale in which it expanded was shocking, the level was also indescribable, so it’s not unexpected that there would be a part of me that was afraid. -- At that time, even people who don’t watch Anime, you could hear them talk about the name[LoveLive!], right Nanjol: Although I often hear people say: [That’s amazing], but no matter what, the links I have with it is as a voice actress. Even if it was through TV or through media etc that they knew the ‘real’ μ’s, I really hope that they would continue to link it with the Anime and their related works. Words that you wish to say to those ‘comrades’ that love ‘LoveLive!’? -- After going through this packed 6 years, what are your feelings now? Nanjol: Although I’m doing well in the field of voice acting, but at times I do crossover that boundary to perform Lives. I’ve gone through many things that normal voice actresses won’t ever experience. Regardless as an performer or as a voice actress, there would be times that are very difficult, but I am really very thankful to have learned so much. I have met many people through my activities with μ’s. -- Among those that you have met, the eight other voice actresses. What kind of existence are they? Nanjol: As expected, even now they still have the feel of being family. After all we really went through the same thing together (laughs). As there were periods where we were together almost every day, although right now we don’t frequently meet with each other like before, but whenever we do meet: it’s like I can breathe easier. Even with other people that I have good relations with, there is that small part where you get a different kind of safety. -- If you are able to say one sentence to Eli who spent the same six years with you? Nanjol: I guess it’ll be: [How are you doing now?]. For six years, we have walked here closely together, and even if we have separated, I hope that we would be able to meet again somewhere else. To part ways with someone who has always been by my side, it’s a similar feeling as graduation. I really think that right now she is somewhere out there, full of energy now? Although it feels odd if I say that’s in the second dimension, but because I feel that she’s really living there right now, so I’ll think: [What are you doing now?]. As the comrades who have gone through the same experience as [μ’s], I hope everyone would definitely look forward and in many areas, continue working hard.

--- Lastly, please say something to all the readers. Nanjol: How does the μ’s loss feel? (laughs). There are people who really cried till their tears went dry, and to the messages of [I knew of you guys only recently, I really regret not knowing you guys earlier! ] from people who didn’t know us then. Like [Why didn’t I go to a Live!]. Although what you want me to say is [So didn’t I  let you guys see it?] (laughs) But it’s μ’s fans like this, those that have chased us for the full six years, and those that who only did so for a few years. But no matter the time that we spent together, those feelings can’t be faked. After Final Live ended, there are people who are still in a cloud of sadness, but μ’s hasn’t disappeared, the memories that we have created would never disappear. Especially to those people who say: [I’m so sad… I’m so sad that I can’t see tomorrow...], as the comrades who have gone through all this together with μ’s, I hope that they can stop crying and look forward. If in the future and somewhere out there, μ’s is able to reappear in front of everyone, I hope that we are able to talk about those memories from those six years. Those who have supported us think so, and us performers we think so too. As fellow comrades who went through the same thing as μ’s, you have to look forward, and in many areas, continue work hard. As everyone has their different schedules, there would be people who will discover their next target whom they would inject passion into, and there would be people who would continue to loiter around in discontent after what has already ended. When the haze dissipates and we are able to look back at this six years, if we are able to say [We’ve grown up huh?] , it’ll be great. So I hope that everyone, from now on would as always, continue to treasure the memories and music of μ’s, and in all of your different lives, continue working hard.

[kuuxkat]

[EN]Lisani Vol. 27.1 Interview with Kusuda Aina

Translated and Typeset by: @kuuxkat / QC by: ~mega @ #teamonibe

Sourced from: Nanmiyai / Original TL by: _星小光 here

Images from: @emitsunosaurus-rex

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES! 

Contents under the Cut!

Typeset Images link: here

[Beginning only from 1 CD, being  able to receive so many people’s support and love, I really feel very blessed]

I don’t feel that I am acting as Nozomi, but I feel that [Nozomi] - this person truly exists. -- It has been around half a year since [µ's Final LoveLive! ~µ'sic Forever♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪~], What moments make you think about things relating to [LoveLive!] or µ's? Kussun: Half a year, huh…. It feels like It feels like it's been a lot longer. Whenever I meet people at my new work places,, they’ll always tell me: [You performed in Tokyo Dome before, right? That’s amazing.], topics like that. So there are many opportunities for me to think about those memories. Whenever I think about my voice actress activities, as expected I felt that my first job is the recording of [Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE (僕らのLIVE 君とのLIFE lit. Our LIVE, Our LIFE with you)], to me it’s a very important starting point. -- At the beginning when you heard that you would be performing a LIVE at Tokyo Dome, what were your thoughts? Kussun: [Tokyo Dome… that’s the place where they play baseball right?] I said at that time (laughs). Of course, as I did visit (Tokyo Dome) it before as part of the audience, so I felt that to be able to perform a LIVE at Tokyo Dome is an amazing thing. But, rather than ‘that’, the fact that it’s ‘Final’ really touched me more. Nevertheless, just like all the LIVEs before this, I still carried with me the same serious attitude to make the LIVE successful together with Nozomi and the other μ's members. -- To be able to be at Tokyo Dome (Performing a Live), do you feel that it was a coincidence? Kussun: That’s true… Of course, to be able to be at such a big stage with so many people together to hold a LIVE, I feel that it’s a very wonderful experience. --During the dress rehearsals, what were your feelings like? Kussun: When it’s all empty, the venue gives us the feel that it wasn’t that big… At the top of Tokyo Dome there was a large screen, so even during the daytime, it’s super bright and you can clearly see the audience~ But as the venue is in a circular shape, so I do feel that the rectangular shaped Saitama Super Arena feels further. And after hearing that the back of the stage would have audiences too, it means that from left to right we’ll be surrounded by fans, it really gives the feel that it’s a major event. -- When the LIVE was about to begin, what was the atmosphere like backstage? Kussun: I guess it felt very busy? At that time, everyone has their own way of focusing their attention, we ate while being massaged and then went about our own way with our preparatory work. I kept thinking: [Ah~~ I’m so nervous], like that (laughs). And when everyone was sitting in a row doing their makeup, someone played songs and everyone sang together. These small things, it’s just like what we’ll normally do together. -- When it officially began, it feels like that you were a natural on stage. Kussun: When I first started on stage, the faces of the audiences felt even clearer than any other time. As I could see smiles that were more radiant than anything else, so naturally I felt even happier. Before, I was so nervous that I could not even eat properly, but I was just so happy after appearing on stage, so five hours just passed by without me noticing. -- When an event like ‘that’ LIVE ended, what were your thoughts? Kussun: Although I felt kind of relaxed after Day 2 ended, but actually when Day 1 ended, I had a terrible time. It might be because I had the thoughts of: [Tomorrow is the last!] and it might have made my entire body stiffen a little tightly? I suffered a sprain during the middle of the performance. And the day before, we had a dress rehearsal that lasted quite late, so I guess my body was extremely tired. Although I felt very happy, but when I returned back stage it was like I had asthma, I couldn’t even walk properly… actually I was carried out. -- Eh!? But on stage, with your smiles and dance, we couldn’t tell at all... Kussun: I guess it’s because while you’re on stage, I told myself that I have to gut it out? Although I keep on thinking: [It hurts!], but I felt that if I gave up now, I’ll regret it in the future. And that’s why, on Day 2 after feeling the full extent of everyone’s support, I feel relaxed after it had ended. -- At Day 2, when you left the stage, at that very instant, what were you thinking? Kussun: [I think I remembered hearing that Tokyo Dome could only be used till 21:00 hrs, do we have a problem with the timing?] I was coolly thinking about it at that time (laughs), and I also felt that [This past six years has been a blessing, huh?], there were lots of emotions and thoughts welling about. Of course I did think that [I don’t want to end just yet]. Although I won’t say that my memories keep spinning around like a rotating lamp, but I guess that was the feeling at that time. -- It feels like all the thoughts that you accumulated all this time has been awakened, huh? Kussun: It was a very spacious stage right? But from all the stages so far, it gives the sensation of being closest to the audience. Sweeping over the audience one by one, it’s like I could see everyone’s faces, it makes me feel that I can remember every instant very clearly. Upholding a “Being Ignorant means strength” mindset that surpassed all turmoil for the past six years. -- Do you remember the scene where you first met Nozomi? Kussun: My first meeting with Nozomi was when a file with a concept art was sent to my home. My first impression of her was a very introverted and shy person. The feel of the kind of person that will hide behind someone’s back, I thought too that it could be someone like Hanayo-chan. But after the broadcast [Nice to meet you] and the performances in the TV Anime, my impression of her gradually changed too. -- No matter how you look at it, you’ll feel that Kusuda-san’s distance with Nozomi is very close, it feels like even in reality, the two of you are growing together. Kussun: For me, I don’t feel that I am acting as Nozomi. Of course I am indeed casted in this role, but because [Nozomi], this individual really exists, so I’m not acting, and I’m not injecting life into her or anything, but I feel she is by my side… just like myself, and like a good friend, it feels that we have quite an unfathomable relationship, right (laughs)? -- Both Kusuda-san and Nozomi’s growth has a familiarity that gave everyone strong impressions of it after all. Kussun: It’s true, as the Nozomi in the TV anime grew, I too had places where I grew too, but flipping it over, it is the same too… so it is a little different, it feels like she is a [comrade]? -- Do you yourself feel that the distance between you and Nozomi is getting closer and closer? Kussun: Before I did feel that I didn’t understand Nozomi. When the first season of the TV Anime just began, I came in contact with the Toujou Nozomi before she became a member of μ's, I discovered that side of her that I didn’t know before and it was very unexpected. At that time I was a little lost too. Before the first season of the TV Anime, there wasn’t much content written about Nozomi’s thoughts. Regardless of her background, what was the feelings she carried with her as she helped formed μ's. Regarding those, at that time, I thought about it lots. - After thinking about those for a while, do you feel that the distance did indeed shorten a little? Kussun: As an example, I think that between friends, completely understanding each other is impossible. There’ll always be something that we don’t know. But those portions that you don’t know, will it be important than all the other things from before? After going through the TV Anime and multiple LIVE, I feel that my distance with her had shortened lots in one go, and as a result the special bond between us was formed. -- Do you remember the things that happen during the first ever recording? Kussun: I remember it very clearly~ The one recording before me was Emitsun (Nitta Emi), as this is my first time recording, so they let me sit in. I thought in my heart: [So that’s how you do a recording huh?] and it was filled with a sense of freshness., but I also thought that the air-conditioning was being too effective and thought [it’s so cold!] like that, (laughs). As I’m someone whose hands would go cold when I am nervous, I remember at that time it was just so cold, so when I was singing my voice couldn’t be projected properly. So I couldn’t sing like what I imagined I would be able to, and I felt that the recording was very difficult, I was totally clueless too about the equipment in the recording room. -- The song that left an impression would be? Kussun: All of them~ No matter which song I would remember it clearly,  but if I have to choose, I guess it would be [Snow halation]. The memory of the first time recording it was that of a very bitter fight. In the SOLO version, they allowed me to record it again. As at the time it was just after 1st LIVE, so I was able to sing it out very naturally. During that  time I felt my own growth. As this song was released again as part of the Album [Heart of Magic Garden2] and went through a new arrange by Itō Masumi Itō, we performed it again. So to me it’s a song that was recorded the most number of times, so I had a very strong impression of it. -- Do you have any thoughts about 1st LIVE? Kussun: I guess the staff had it even tougher. To me it didn’t seem that bad, or perhaps it’s the first LIVE that we weren’t too worried about. In any case, at that time it was a case of getting done what we were told about beforehand. Thinking about it, at that time when I didn’t know much about the situation, became a very strong weapon for me. So as after I continued to gain experience, the pressure that I have to face got even stronger. -- So this means that as the event venue changes and it gets bigger, the pressure that you feel also increases proportionately, right? Kussun: The LIVE at Pacifico Yokohama, I was especially nervous. When it came for us to go on stage, I was soo nervous that I almost cried out. I remember Mimorin telling me: [You can’t, okay, not now!] (laughs). -- So I heard that Kusuda-san was already crying at the start, but you cried at the end too right? Kussun: Actually, at that time we already knew that the next LIVE would be held at Saitama Super Arena. So at that time I felt that, if Pacifico Yokohama’s LIVE was not a success, I won’t be able to stand up to the pressure at Saitama Super Arena. At the stage that we stood on during [Animelo Summer Live], only the nine of us would be holding LIVEs on two consecutive days, the uneasiness of whether we could do it and what not kept on growing bigger and bigger. I feel that is the time period when us members spoke to each other the most. It’s also at that time, it was an opportunity for us members to get closer to each other too. -- Following that is last year, a surge of activities that began since Summer. Kussun: As to me [LoveLive!] is an existence that is natural, so although many people said to me: [It’s really amazing~], I have this feeling of: [Is that so?]. Perhaps as during [MUSIC STATION] or [Kōhaku Uta Gassen], we didn’t get to see how the reactions were like during the broadcast, and so it ended without us realizing the full depth of the situation, it is a pity. But after watching the program feed, I could only think in my heart: [So that’s what’s recorded huh?] - I had feelings like that (laughs). I guess this is also the good side effect of being kept in the dark about the situation. If the same situation would happen again, I might be all nerves.

-- So besides preparing for the LIVE, this large swathe of activities does let one being unable to get a firm grip of the situation right? (referring to the large amount of activities last year) Kussun: That might just be the case. But, knowing that so many people recognized and likes [LoveLive!] This is something that makes me feel happy when I knew about this. . Please gift some words to the comrades that walked with you all the way till here. -- We’ll ask again, after going through this past six years period, what are your feelings right now? Kussun: How do I put it, I guess it’s an indescribable feeling. Such incidents you might only meet it once in a lifetime, no, if you are living a normal life you might never meet one right? It has been an unbelievable six years, if I start recollecting from the start, at that time there were definitely many different things happening, and at that time everything that I faced, I put my all to do it. So right now, looking back, to some degree I feel that [All of these, it is just a dream right?]. It really just went by in a flash. I want to say that nothing much had changed, but on the other hand actually these six years had brought many changes… in the end, what am I trying to say?? (laughs)

 -- It’s filled with many different kinds of feelings huh? (laughs) Kussun: Even now just trying to remember the things that happen in the past six years, I still don’t think that this is real. I do feel that if I think about this after 10 years, 20 years, it’ll have a: [it’s really an exciting six years, huh?] - those kind of thoughts, right? -- The eight members that you have spent together in the past six years, what kind of existence are they to you, Kusuda-san? Kussun:  Mm… what kind of existence are they huh… I feel very happy to be able to see everyone performing actively on their own stage, I’ll think that I need to work harder too. They are good rivals, but are also companions, but aren’t friends though. Of course our relations aren’t bad (laughs). Bu rather than call us friends, rather, in this six year period, they are the teammates that have gone through the same activities I did. We are a group whose relations are very good, although we won’t want to play together every day, but we would often think of things about each other. From today onwards we’ll definitely have a camaraderie that would never be broken, that’s how it feels.

 If I can say something to Nozomi now, it’ll be: [I hope you can be happy] -- To who you just said was a comrade, Nozomi. If you are able to say something to her, what would you want to say? Kussun: That’s true, if I want to say something to her… I would want to ask her: [Is the ‘you’ now, smiling? Are you happy?] Although it’s not the same as asking just one sentence, but I feel that if she is happy now, that’ll be great. I guess that’s true, I guess what I want to say to her is: [I hope you can be happy]. -- To be able to hear you say that, I think that Nozomi now would be thinking the same thing. Kussun: Mm…. if that’s the case, I’ll be very happy (laughs). -- Finally, please say something to the fans too. Kussun: Thank you everyone for always supporting us. This past six years, starting from one CD, to being able to be loved and supported by so many people, I am really blessed. This feeling, I won’t ever forget it. Thank you very much everyone.