zic88 - Tumblr blog

zic88 · 8 years ago

Text

[Translation] 100% SKE48 vol.1 Takayanagi Akane

Here goes another interview of this volume. Churi’s spirit is always fired up and I love her for that!

Dear all Churi fans, let’s do our best for this year, too!

*note* This interview is from last year (2016).

“We are out of crisis”

Though many members said that

But Takayanagi Akane is still “not satisfied”

She has gone through the days of glory and the days of pitch-dark slump

That’s why she can feel the crisis

Unshakable believe that is burning inside her chest keeps her walking forward

The life in SKE48 in these 7 years, the only answer I got

is “doing with all my might”

A thoughtful running for general election

- In 100%SKE48 deluxe edition this time, we mainly ask 2 things. Firstly, let’s start with general election.

Churi: Why does BUBKA-san invite me for interview every time there’s general election? *laugh*

- It became tradition *laugh* Please start with the reason that made you run for election this time.

Churi: Last year, I got 14th. I got works as AKB48 Senbatsu, showed at Music station and 24 Jikan Terebi. Fans were overjoyed because of this. It was unforgettable summer in my 48 life. It was so fun. However, after that, there were many frustrating things. So, if I want to enjoy with fans again, maybe general election is the only way.

- I understand.

Churi: But, I also hesitated a bit because my position in SKE48 Senbatsu is still not as expected even though I got 14th. I can’t truly say that I work for SKE48 to the fullest. Last year, I thought “I have to make people aware of SKE48’s Takayanagi Akane again” “I want to do more various things”, so I ran for election. Anyways, those goals are not all achieved. That’s why I’m so thoughtful about running for election.

- This must be the thing that made you worried. To be honest, when I knew that Takayanagi-san will participate, I thought “Here’s Churi!” because last year, I felt like you would never participate again.

Churi: There are many people said that “Did you say last year would be your last!?” but I’ve never said “last” at all. I also didn’t think about this when I participated last year. It’s just that if last year I got into Senbatsu and had a big change, that might be the last time.

- If there are more works as SKE48 and you see your own new direction…

Churi: That’s right. If there had been more individual works, if I had chosen which way to go and if my position in SKE48 had been clear, last year may have been the last.

- 2 days ago, when you were hosting your regular program “Umarete kono kata” with Matsui Rena-san, you also talked about general election.

Churi: Actually, I didn’t prepare to talk about it. The time when we record it was the same time as application period. I still hadn’t decided yet whether I should apply or not. But, the topics that staff-san provided me, there was “consulting about Churi’s worries” At first, I thought we would talk about election privately, never thought we would talk on air *laugh* Rena-san told me that “No matter how it will turn out, it is still general election” These words saved me.

- Just applying or not, you worry that much?

Churi: Since they applied candidacy system, it’s never been the same. If I didn’t apply, I would be asked “why didn’t you apply?” and if I applied, I would be asked “why did you apply?” Though I thought about it real hard but they said “maybe you should step down for juniors already”. Of course, there weren’t many who said that. I think that’s too kind. Shinoda Mariko-san also said “members who can’t step up unless someone hand over positions to them will never win in AKB”. I will not back down…moreover, my position in SKE Senbatsu is still behind juniors, so I think “since I’m still at the back in Senbatsu, at least, I will be at front in General Election!”

- That’s right!

Churi: I’ve been participated in General Election all along. Even though Jurina-san and Rena-san from SKE48 didn’t rank at the first election, when I saw those 2 seniors ranked wonderfully, I deeply felt “I want to stand on that stage, too!” That’s why I also want juniors to look at me on that stage and think “I want to get ranked, too!”

I only have NOW

- Understood. Speaking of phenomenon of this year’s election, it must be that SKE48 members withdrew one after another, especially, members who are close to Takayanagi-san and members who got high rank last year, also.

Churi: (Ishida) Anna from 2nd gen and (Oya) Masana-san from 1st gen decided not to participate. They had their own reason, so I will not talk about that much. In fact, you need to be very courageous to decide like that. During application period, the thought in the morning and the thought in the evening are totally different. You may change your mind every hour.

- apply, not apply, apply, not apply…right?

Churi: Yes. When night falls, you would be panic. There were lots of time to think. I also saw fan’s feedback from blog and Twitter. Of course, I was scared to face the result but I already promised my fans. No matter how frustrated I will be, I will not cry. I will not cry regardless of the result.

- As you mentioned, Masana-san didn’t participate this year. When you know the news, you said you’re “shocked”, was that because you feel lonely?

Churi: Yes. Although I never told her, Masana-san has the goal to be in Senbatsu same as me. Since “namida no seesaw game” (Undergirls song in 2010), we’ve been in Undergirls together. If there’s Masana-san, I would feel relieved.

- To be honest, what’s your goal this year?

Churi: About this, I’m still worried whether I should say it clearly. I want to hold a meeting with fans.

- Why is that?

Churi: I want to talk with fans directly for quite an amount of time. Just writing blog, it’s hard to express my feeling to them. They also don’t know how I feel when I write it. Some may say “there’s handshake event, anyways” but I think you can’t speak it all in just few seconds.

- I understand.

Churi: I also want to hear what my fans say, speak to them openly. If that can align my fans’ feeling, that would be good. The time that I can be idol is limited. During this time, I want them to like me till the very end because I only have ‘NOW’. Anyways, once I say like this, it may seem I already decided to graduate. Please don’t worry, I am going to graduate soon *laugh* but I’m thinking about many things. I don’t know what’s right, maybe nothing is right.

Takayanagi Akane’s status at the present

- Then, let’s move to next topic. Actually, you already mentioned about it. It’s related to last topic, also.

Churi: It’s about “SKE48 from now on”, isn’t it?

- Including that, but what I would like to ask is what “status” do you think you are now in SKE48?

Churi: I see. I also want it to be clear.

- That’s great. Takayanagi-san was always KII leader. You were discharged from this position. You’re also neither vice-leader nor captain.

Churi: It’s been 2 years already.

- That’s right. Then, where do you think you should be?

Churi: In my opinion, for SKE48, except for Jurina-san who is center, others have no fixed position. Members, aside from those promising juniors, are also like that. But AKB48 is different. For example, Kojiharu-san is model, Paruru-san is actress, Watanabe mayu-san is the face of AKB48, Mion-chan is the next gen center. If it’s AKB48, everyone clearly has her own job. But for SKE48, only jobs in the group that’s clear…

- Like captain and leaders, those are jobs in the group, right?

Churi: Yes. But outside jobs are not clear so I don’t know what I should do, wouldn’t it be better if it’s clear?

- I think so, too.

Churi: Ah! I want to tell everyone that “If you think about live performance, it must be Takayanagi Akane” I’m in charge of heating up the live performances. I was gone wild at national tours *laugh*

- I went only at Ibaraki, it’s really lively.

Churi: The time when I could be myself the most is when I stand on the stage. If I could be the one that everyone thinks “rest assured, this girl is here”, that would be good.

- Current national tour switches between each team and Kenkyuusei, right?

Churi: I want everyone to be together, explode with full strength. I want to tell them “you can go a bit wilder” Both (Suda) Akari and Yakata Miki-chan also said to me“ If there’s Churi in the live, it gets fun” My comrades who were in the same team said this to me, I’m so glad.

All for SKE48

- Last summer, Rena-san graduated. I would like to know how Takayanagi-san’s feeling has changed since then.

Churi: First of all, once Rena-san graduated, I felt “I’m alone now…” Rena-san, Miepii (Sato Mieko), (Furukawa) Airi, everyone’s gone.

- Those whom you are close to graduated one by one.

Churi: It’s sad without the ones who are close to me. I also thought that I don’t want to get close to any members again. Last autumn, I was always alone in KII dressing room. Everyone was so kind to me, anyways. They asked “Churi-san, anything wrong?” such as Arai Yuki-chan, Kitano Ruka-chan and Ego-chan. They saved me, brought me back to resume trying again.

- When Rena-san graduated, how has the group changed?

Churi: Last autumn, there was next gen unit “Love Crescendo” This spring, there were many children at the front in “Chicken LINE” I think that was result from Rena-san’s graduation.

- Takayanagi-san, how do think personally?

Churi: I got to be in “Transit Girls” unit. When I knew that “Transit” means “change”, I didn’t think it represents me well. I didn’t want to change or anything yet.

- Still waiting at the airport *laugh*

Churi: Yeah *laugh* Though I felt discontent a bit, I didn’t say it out.

- How about “Chicken LINE”?

Churi: It was very cool song. If not from Takayanagi’s point of view, it was a great song.

- And your point of view was?

Churi: I was frustrated. In fact, I thought I would spend the time teaching juniors which I’ve been doing all along, but no one came to audition to be behind juniors.

- No one would.

Churi: Like (Takagi) Yumana, she likes SKE48 children, wants to support each and every one of them. That’s wonderful. But for me, I dream to be idol that shines. Of course, there are juniors I like. I also want them to get more attention.

- Could you please tell me the name?

Churi: For example…I couldn’t tell*laugh* I already said to those children because I saw potential in them. At times like this, I couldn’t tell their name.

- How many of them?

Churi: Yeah, there are some which I want them to get to Senbatsu and some that are already in Senbatsu but I want them to get praised more…many of them.

- Takayanagi-san, Jurina-san and Rena-san were called “JRA”, maybe around 2011-2012, how did you feel at that time?

Churi: That time, there was nothing to be afraid of because I got the position unexpectedly. When I got in “Aozora kataomoi” Senbatsu, I felt pressure from seniors like “ah! Crap!” *laugh* After that, I was so glad that I got to sing with Jurina-san and Rena-san. I like them and respect them for a long time. Getting to sing with them, but…what did I think at that time? I don’t remember at all. Maybe, wanting to be center?

- The reason why I ask is that I think the answer may lead juniors a way.

Churi: I can only tell that I do it with all my might to be center someday. Effort you put today will get back to you someday. I did it with that thought in mind. What I can say is “Though effort doesn’t payback, since you’re here, you only have to do more, don’t you?” Don’t think too much. That’s the only thing I can proudly say. These 7 years that I’m in SKE48, no matter it’s working time or private time, I always think of SKE48 except only when I play with birdies at home.

- That time, please leave it *laugh*

Churi: But I really love birds so I want to work involving with birds. If birds get protected and live happily, that would be good.

- You think that far!?

Churi: Yes. I want bird population to increase. I want people to love these birds because they can live only around 10 years…we need to talk about this.

- Maybe next time *laugh*

Churi: Anyways, what I want to tell is I do it for the sake of SKE48. In order to avoid misunderstanding, I didn’t attend coming of age ceremony. I also didn’t walk with brothers when my family gathered during new year holiday.

- That’s “SKE48 people” *laugh* By the way, Saito Makiko from the same gen got to be captain.

Churi: I told her that “you need to be yourself. No matter what happens, we are with you” She’s been a good model for everyone all along, just do like she always does.

- As I asked many members from interviews this time, everyone said the same thing “the feeling of the group has changed, not stagnant anymore” What Takayanagi-san thinks?

Churi: I still feel that it doesn’t change much. So, we need to continue changing, try something new. For example, when center was changed in “12 gatsu no kangaroo” but that time, it was NMB48 that changed first.

- If we try something new, we want to be the first, right?

Churi: That’s right. Actually, I want regular TV program *laugh* Up until now, there are many people who like us because of TV program. It’s also a good opportunity to let people know each member’s personality.

- It’s an interview that we can truly understand Takayanagi-san’s thought.

Churi: I’m happy to hear that. Also, about last year’s “Kouhaku” that we couldn’t get there, I was so frustrated that I cried. However, it seems there are not many members frustrated about this. This makes me even more frustrated. Sometimes, I think that’s how SKE48 situation is like right now. I want everyone to be confident to get back there!

- That’s alright. SKE48 still can go on!

39 notes · View notes

zic88 · 8 years ago

Text

[Translation] 100% SKE48 vol.1 Takayanagi Akane

Here goes another interview of this volume. Churi’s spirit is always fired up and I love her for that!

Dear all Churi fans, let’s do our best for this year, too!

*note* This interview is from last year (2016).

“We are out of crisis”

Though many members said that

But Takayanagi Akane is still “not satisfied”

She has gone through the days of glory and the days of pitch-dark slump

That’s why she can feel the crisis

Unshakable believe that is burning inside her chest keeps her walking forward

The life in SKE48 in these 7 years, the only answer I got

is “doing with all my might”

A thoughtful running for general election

- In 100%SKE48 deluxe edition this time, we mainly ask 2 things. Firstly, let’s start with general election.

Churi: Why does BUBKA-san invite me for interview every time there’s general election? *laugh*

- It became tradition *laugh* Please start with the reason that made you run for election this time.

- I understand.

- If there are more works as SKE48 and you see your own new direction…

Churi: That’s right. If there had been more individual works, if I had chosen which way to go and if my position in SKE48 had been clear, last year may have been the last.

- 2 days ago, when you were hosting your regular program “Umarete kono kata” with Matsui Rena-san, you also talked about general election.

- Just applying or not, you worry that much?

- That’s right!

I only have NOW

- apply, not apply, apply, not apply…right?

- As you mentioned, Masana-san didn’t participate this year. When you know the news, you said you’re “shocked”, was that because you feel lonely?

- To be honest, what’s your goal this year?

Churi: About this, I’m still worried whether I should say it clearly. I want to hold a meeting with fans.

- Why is that?

- I understand.

Takayanagi Akane’s status at the present

- Then, let’s move to next topic. Actually, you already mentioned about it. It’s related to last topic, also.

Churi: It’s about “SKE48 from now on”, isn’t it?

- Including that, but what I would like to ask is what “status” do you think you are now in SKE48?

Churi: I see. I also want it to be clear.

- That’s great. Takayanagi-san was always KII leader. You were discharged from this position. You’re also neither vice-leader nor captain.

Churi: It’s been 2 years already.

- That’s right. Then, where do you think you should be?

- Like captain and leaders, those are jobs in the group, right?

Churi: Yes. But outside jobs are not clear so I don’t know what I should do, wouldn’t it be better if it’s clear?

- I think so, too.

- I went only at Ibaraki, it’s really lively.

Churi: The time when I could be myself the most is when I stand on the stage. If I could be the one that everyone thinks “rest assured, this girl is here”, that would be good.

- Current national tour switches between each team and Kenkyuusei, right?

All for SKE48

- Last summer, Rena-san graduated. I would like to know how Takayanagi-san’s feeling has changed since then.

Churi: First of all, once Rena-san graduated, I felt “I’m alone now…” Rena-san, Miepii (Sato Mieko), (Furukawa) Airi, everyone’s gone.

- Those whom you are close to graduated one by one.

- When Rena-san graduated, how has the group changed?

Churi: Last autumn, there was next gen unit “Love Crescendo” This spring, there were many children at the front in “Chicken LINE” I think that was result from Rena-san’s graduation.

- Takayanagi-san, how do think personally?

Churi: I got to be in “Transit Girls” unit. When I knew that “Transit” means “change”, I didn’t think it represents me well. I didn’t want to change or anything yet.

- Still waiting at the airport *laugh*

Churi: Yeah *laugh* Though I felt discontent a bit, I didn’t say it out.

- How about “Chicken LINE”?

Churi: It was very cool song. If not from Takayanagi’s point of view, it was a great song.

- And your point of view was?

Churi: I was frustrated. In fact, I thought I would spend the time teaching juniors which I’ve been doing all along, but no one came to audition to be behind juniors.

- No one would.

- Could you please tell me the name?

Churi: For example…I couldn’t tell*laugh* I already said to those children because I saw potential in them. At times like this, I couldn’t tell their name.

- How many of them?

Churi: Yeah, there are some which I want them to get to Senbatsu and some that are already in Senbatsu but I want them to get praised more…many of them.

- Takayanagi-san, Jurina-san and Rena-san were called “JRA”, maybe around 2011-2012, how did you feel at that time?

- The reason why I ask is that I think the answer may lead juniors a way.

- That time, please leave it *laugh*

Churi: But I really love birds so I want to work involving with birds. If birds get protected and live happily, that would be good.

- You think that far!?

Churi: Yes. I want bird population to increase. I want people to love these birds because they can live only around 10 years…we need to talk about this.

- Maybe next time *laugh*

- That’s “SKE48 people” *laugh* By the way, Saito Makiko from the same gen got to be captain.

Churi: I told her that “you need to be yourself. No matter what happens, we are with you” She’s been a good model for everyone all along, just do like she always does.

- As I asked many members from interviews this time, everyone said the same thing “the feeling of the group has changed, not stagnant anymore” What Takayanagi-san thinks?

- If we try something new, we want to be the first, right?

- It’s an interview that we can truly understand Takayanagi-san’s thought.

- That’s alright. SKE48 still can go on!

39 notes · View notes

zic88 · 8 years ago

Text

[Translation] 100% SKE48 vol.1 Takayanagi Akane

Here goes another interview of this volume. Churi’s spirit is always fired up and I love her for that!

Dear all Churi fans, let’s do our best for this year, too!

*note* This interview is from last year (2016).

“We are out of crisis”

Though many members said that

But Takayanagi Akane is still “not satisfied”

She has gone through the days of glory and the days of pitch-dark slump

That’s why she can feel the crisis

Unshakable believe that is burning inside her chest keeps her walking forward

The life in SKE48 in these 7 years, the only answer I got

is “doing with all my might”

A thoughtful running for general election

- In 100%SKE48 deluxe edition this time, we mainly ask 2 things. Firstly, let’s start with general election.

Churi: Why does BUBKA-san invite me for interview every time there’s general election? *laugh*

- It became tradition *laugh* Please start with the reason that made you run for election this time.

- I understand.

- If there are more works as SKE48 and you see your own new direction…

Churi: That’s right. If there had been more individual works, if I had chosen which way to go and if my position in SKE48 had been clear, last year may have been the last.

- 2 days ago, when you were hosting your regular program “Umarete kono kata” with Matsui Rena-san, you also talked about general election.

- Just applying or not, you worry that much?

- That’s right!

I only have NOW

- apply, not apply, apply, not apply…right?

- As you mentioned, Masana-san didn’t participate this year. When you know the news, you said you’re “shocked”, was that because you feel lonely?

- To be honest, what’s your goal this year?

Churi: About this, I’m still worried whether I should say it clearly. I want to hold a meeting with fans.

- Why is that?

- I understand.

Takayanagi Akane’s status at the present

- Then, let’s move to next topic. Actually, you already mentioned about it. It’s related to last topic, also.

Churi: It’s about “SKE48 from now on”, isn’t it?

- Including that, but what I would like to ask is what “status” do you think you are now in SKE48?

Churi: I see. I also want it to be clear.

- That’s great. Takayanagi-san was always KII leader. You were discharged from this position. You’re also neither vice-leader nor captain.

Churi: It’s been 2 years already.

- That’s right. Then, where do you think you should be?

- Like captain and leaders, those are jobs in the group, right?

Churi: Yes. But outside jobs are not clear so I don’t know what I should do, wouldn’t it be better if it’s clear?

- I think so, too.

- I went only at Ibaraki, it’s really lively.

Churi: The time when I could be myself the most is when I stand on the stage. If I could be the one that everyone thinks “rest assured, this girl is here”, that would be good.

- Current national tour switches between each team and Kenkyuusei, right?

All for SKE48

- Last summer, Rena-san graduated. I would like to know how Takayanagi-san’s feeling has changed since then.

Churi: First of all, once Rena-san graduated, I felt “I’m alone now…” Rena-san, Miepii (Sato Mieko), (Furukawa) Airi, everyone’s gone.

- Those whom you are close to graduated one by one.

- When Rena-san graduated, how has the group changed?

Churi: Last autumn, there was next gen unit “Love Crescendo” This spring, there were many children at the front in “Chicken LINE” I think that was result from Rena-san’s graduation.

- Takayanagi-san, how do think personally?

Churi: I got to be in “Transit Girls” unit. When I knew that “Transit” means “change”, I didn’t think it represents me well. I didn’t want to change or anything yet.

- Still waiting at the airport *laugh*

Churi: Yeah *laugh* Though I felt discontent a bit, I didn’t say it out.

- How about “Chicken LINE”?

Churi: It was very cool song. If not from Takayanagi’s point of view, it was a great song.

- And your point of view was?

Churi: I was frustrated. In fact, I thought I would spend the time teaching juniors which I’ve been doing all along, but no one came to audition to be behind juniors.

- No one would.

- Could you please tell me the name?

Churi: For example…I couldn’t tell*laugh* I already said to those children because I saw potential in them. At times like this, I couldn’t tell their name.

- How many of them?

Churi: Yeah, there are some which I want them to get to Senbatsu and some that are already in Senbatsu but I want them to get praised more…many of them.

- Takayanagi-san, Jurina-san and Rena-san were called “JRA”, maybe around 2011-2012, how did you feel at that time?

- The reason why I ask is that I think the answer may lead juniors a way.

- That time, please leave it *laugh*

Churi: But I really love birds so I want to work involving with birds. If birds get protected and live happily, that would be good.

- You think that far!?

Churi: Yes. I want bird population to increase. I want people to love these birds because they can live only around 10 years…we need to talk about this.

- Maybe next time *laugh*

- That’s “SKE48 people” *laugh* By the way, Saito Makiko from the same gen got to be captain.

Churi: I told her that “you need to be yourself. No matter what happens, we are with you” She’s been a good model for everyone all along, just do like she always does.

- As I asked many members from interviews this time, everyone said the same thing “the feeling of the group has changed, not stagnant anymore” What Takayanagi-san thinks?

- If we try something new, we want to be the first, right?

- It’s an interview that we can truly understand Takayanagi-san’s thought.

- That’s alright. SKE48 still can go on!

39 notes · View notes

zic88 · 8 years ago

Photo

Churi Twitter 17/04/08

Good work, members who participated in the national tour!

Kagawa prefecture… and Gomen ne, Summer…

We held a “Ba wo tsunaginagara” [while reaching our destination, pun on te wo tsunaginagara] theatre performance until we reached the island. I was so seasick. I wanted to go to Shoudoshima. We ate udon and the restaurant owner was so memorable. After swimming in the ocean, we all went into the onsen. I miss it. It was fun.

Churi Twitter 17/04/08

We had our ba wo tsunaginagara concert in the ship. (A small one.)

I was very very seasick. (It shook so much that I couldn’t sleep, and I wasn’t able to distract myself back then, those are good memories.)

Rena Twitter 17/04/08

The legendary batsuna :cryinglaughingemojix3:

Churi Twitter 17/04/08

I was totally seasick.

At any rate, that abbreviation is so ugly :cryinglaughingemoji: batsuna

Rena Twitter 17/04/08

I caught up with the lovely Takayanagi-san after a long time. We went to the oshushi cafe. That place is irresistible if you like oshushi. And Takayanagi-san was cute as always.

Churi Twitter 17/04/08

I was impressed by the very artistic limited-time menu at Harajuku’s oshushi cafe. It was also delicious. It felt like half a year since our last reunion, but it was only months ago! But it wasn’t enough!

28 notes · View notes

zic88 · 10 years ago

Photo

Suda Akari & Oya Masana speak about Matsui Rena on the cusp of her graduation [AKB48 Group Shinkan 2015/08, Matsui Rena graduation special]

Akarin and Masana speaking about Rena the way only two veterans can. Proceed if you want to know why Rena was once considered the「loose cannon」 of SKE by her fellow members~ Enjoy! —- If Takayanagi Akane has been Matsui Rena’s 「emotional support」, Suda Akari was her 「motivational support」. Suda didn’t consider Rena as being totally out of reach, but rather 「someone I wanted to chase after, chase and someday surpass」. Suda who had started from the back row and who with untiring efforts was advancing to the front was highly aware of the existence of Matsui Rena who had started from a similar position and raise to stardom. Until that day, when her ascent met an halt for the first time since she debuted with SKE48.

[Synchro] by Suda Akari

I knew about Rena-san’s graduation the evening of the General Elections last June. I had ended up 18th, dropping from Senbatsu, and while I was alone writing my blog in the lobby of our hotel I received a message from Rena-san. I told her where I was and she immediately replied 「Don’t move, I’m coming right away」. She was worried about me 「Have you calmed down a little?」, and she led me to a corner 「There is something you should know. I’m about to announce my graduation.」. My response was just a 「Ohh-…」. (laughs) She was as stoic as ever 「For real.」. I had thought that her graduation wasn’t far ahead anymore, but hearing it first hand I had a hard time believing it was happening. Looking back, I have always had my eyes turn on Rena-san. It started with a strange episode when I joined the group. In November 2009 I had my first handshake event. There someone became my fan upon meeting me. That person sent me my very first fan-letter and here is what was said inside : 「Someday you will get to Matsui Rena’s level, you’ll become someone able to surpass her.」. At the time, I wondered why that fan had written that. I didn’t put too much thought into it but it boosted me still. Then after a month in the group it was one of the staff members who told me something similar 「Set Rena as your rival.」Why was the staff telling me this too?! I didn’t think I would be able to surpass her, but I started paying special attention to Rena-san during lessons and rehearsals. The staff too was talking about how incredible she was : 「Rena puts emotions in her dance even during rehearsal, she never cuts corners 」or 「No matter how busy she is, she always updates her blog」. Measuring how much efforts she was putting in her work, I knew from instinct that no matter how hard I tried, I would never surpass Rena-san. If I didn’t find my own way to be recognized, I would never even manage to stand as her equal. It took me only two months in the group to figure that much. I remember clearly the first time I backed in front of Rena-san. I was the first 3rd generation member to be appointed to perform as under in Team S for 「Seifuku no Me」 stage and I went to attend the lessons all fired up, ready for show off my skills. But being the first 3rd generation member to perform in 「Seifuku no Me」 I could feel my seniors’ eyes on me and nervousness was eating me alive. Although them, all getting along well, were laughing together and casually minding the rehearsal. But suddenly, Rena-san who had been the only one following the lesson in silence, got angry : 「There is no point being here if you don’t do it seriously!」. I thought back then that because juniors were there, she wanted to give them a proper model an show them what professionalism was. That day I understood why Rena-san was such a frequent subject of conversation among staffs. It’s often said that Rena-san keeps herself isolated from others, but it’s thanks to that particular position that she was able to say those things. I learned more from Rena-san than I could tell. It’s thanks to her if after having taken over as Team E leader I have a precise idea of what example I want to set to the juniors. The mails she wrote about me? Those where she said I was her 「motivation to keep improving」 and that 「for me Akarin surpassed me a long time ago」? I don’t agree with them. Because I’ve always been chasing after Rena-san. Ah, except maybe for that one time last year. I had entered AKB48 senbatsu for the first time and even though I was last row on the side, I took my chance and got the mic passed to me during TV program free talk corner. That day Rena-san came to see me after the show 「Today Akarin accomplished something that I never managed to do despise all those years」. In SKE48 Documentary pamphlet, Rena-san wrote about us that 「We’re alike」. More precisely 「I noticed Akarin because on many aspects her stance was in similar with mine when I joined the group, especially how she exerted herself in her own, unique way」. Many fans of Rena-san are probably skeptical, wondering 「How are they similar?」 or even refusing to accept it 「No way!」, but since Rena-san is the one who said we were alike, it can’t be helped, I can’t go against her words. *fufufu*

Once Matsui Rena graduates, SKE48 1st generation members that started with 23 people will be down to 2, making it the smallest number of 1st generation members left in the whole 48 Group. Among them is Oya Masana (24) who witnessed first hand the birth of “Matsui Rena the idol”. According to her tales, when she debuted and in total contradiction with her sweet looking appearance, Rena would hijack their MCs, which got her to be considered back then as the 「loose cannon」 of the group.

[Two are left] by Oya Masana

In fact, I had noticed changes in Rena’s behavior for some time. Supposedly since she had made the decision to graduate. During an interview for our Documentary notably, Rena started talking about things she had concealed until then. Like 「I had put a barrier between the other 1st generation members and me」or 「I was alone because I wanted to」, hearing this I thought 「To say those things, she may have taken some sort of decision.」. That’s why I went to find her before the Elections in June. I had planned on having a deep conversation with her but I ended up cutting in the cheese and straight asking 「When are you graduating?」to which she answered laughing 「I won’t graduate yet.」. She is an awfully good liar. (laughs)

The day Nikkan Sports leaked the information, I met with Rena before she went to officially announce her graduation at All Night Nippon. She greeted me as usual 「Good morning」, but I couldn’t return it and cried the whole time. She stayed there with me and apologized 「Sorry for that」. We shot the MV for 「Mae Nomeri」in Okinawa the day after the announcement. Rena arrived after everyone else. The surprise party in the MV was shot the moment we welcomed her, as it really happened. I wonder if my feelings toward Rena came across as I wanted…?

The first time I talked to Rena was during dance practice, before our debut in summer 2008. I asked her something along the line of 「Jurina and you aren’t sisters right?」. But Rena didn’t socialize with anyone. When I recall those times, I picture her with her eyes cast down and covered with compresses. She had an aura that said 「Don’t talk to me」. Rena was a loner but when it was her turn for MCs during stages, she suddenly started being really talkative. When we debuted we couldn’t improvise our MCs yet so we all gathered to draft a script of what we were going to say, word by word. But every time Rena did something totally different and hijacked MCs. Having something unplanned happen was really disturbing for us. For example she would delve into a subject way more than originally agreed upon. That’s why back then Rena stand out, she went out there to catch fans faster than anybody else. With other members we thought 「We can’t let Rena hog the mic, we need to gather to find a solution」and so we made 「Rena counter-plans」. (laughs) But that helped us grow. It made for a good spice to our debuts. Well, if you decide to look at it in a positive light. (laughs)

Rena had observed AKB48 so she understood how to stand out despite her position and knew how important that was. When I later asked her why she acted like that she explained it to me 「That’s why I decided to talk, no matter what」, realizing she had thoroughly considered her actions and done it out of professionalism, I admired her.

Rena is stubborn and has strong opinions. Regardless of the subject she will tell you 「I think that…」and will stand her ground. So for a long time I wondered how to approach her. We talked so rarely together back then that I can’t seem to remember any real discussion we had. It’s when they were only 7 of us 1st generation members left that I started to get closer from Rena. When I addressed the subject of how she used to be, she revealed how she really felt back then 「At the time you know…」. When taking pictures together she would pass her arm around my shoulder, put her face closer, things she didn’t do before. I even asked her if it was just pretending for business. (laughs) Rena also addresses everyone older than her with honorifics, except for me. Even though I’m older than her she calls me 「Masana」. Maybe that’s a sign she likes me *fufufu*.

With Rena graduating it’s only Jurina and me left. I want to lead our juniors, I know I have to, but I don’t have the real abilities to do it. Seeing I doubted myself, Rena told me 「Someone might become leader tomorrow, but there will never be another Masana 」. That made me cry. I wonder how our relation will change when she graduates. Rena is a timid girl so if we don’t see each other for some time I’m worried the distance between us will grow, like it used to be when we first met. I’ll need to contact her from time to time to prevent that… Which reminds me!! She finally told me recently 「You can stay at my place if you want someday」. I wanted to grab my chance at the first occasion, so I had everything ready for a sleepover with me when we met… But Churi got invited first! *fulminating* When something frustrating happens, I usually forget about it in a matter of days. But in that case, comes back to mind every time I see Churi or Rena. I told Rena I had been upset but she laughed at me which only made me more angry 「I’m not laughing here! I was really disappointed!」. I wonder if she had anticipated my reaction and responded that way just to see me all worked up. If so, she is a wicked woman. (laughs)

How things will be in 10 years…? Rena said she didn’t plan on getting married. She didn’t say a word when I told her that I would follow my prince one a white horse. For my marriage ceremony, I want a long procession in a vast pedestrian avenue with me riding on horseback. I’ll definitely make it happen. So in 10 years I’ll be able to tell Rena 「See, it went just they way I told you it would」.

177 notes · View notes