hellopedia-translations

[hellopedia-translations]

HOMINIS Interview: Kobushi Factory talks about their most unforgettable memory & their passions before their disbandment concert

Kobushi Factory will end its group activities and disband on 30 March 2020 (Monday) at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL in Tokyo. The concert after 5 years of activities will be shown at cinemas around Japan, and will be broadcasted live on Tele-Asa Channel 1.

Additionally, “Kobushi Factory Special Program ～ Everyone has bloomed into Flowers of Youth～ will be broadcasted on BS Sky Perfect TV a day before the concert. Kobushi Factory and Tsubaki Factory will compete in 9 matches, confessing their true thoughts/feelings for each other, and looking back on the activities of both groups by conducting a chronological review.

This time, we interviewed Kobushi Factory, asking them what they thought about recording the special program, their current feelings since there’s about less than a month till their disbandment concert, their most memorable memory, their enthusiasm for their disbandment concert.

— How was the recording with Tsubaki Factory?

Hirose Ayaka: It was really fun! Although there are many members of Tsubaki Factory that were either in the same generation as me when we were kenshuuseis, or that I’m close to, but as we rarely have the opportunity to talk or have a showdown, it was absolutely a fun time. Also, being able to hear “we’ll miss you” directly from the Tsubaki members, who has always been doing their activities together with us, really touched me emotionally and just thinking of it warms my heart.

Nomura Minami: From the bottom of my heart, I really enjoyed the ‘showdown’. We were also able to look back on our memories during those times with the “chronological chart”. I also felt really happy when the Tsubaki members told us encouraging words during the ‘real feelings talk corner’.

Hamaura Ayano: As I haven’t been able to properly talk to the Tsubaki members up till now, I’m really glad that I was able to hear what the Tsubaki members felt/thought during this special program. Looking back on the activities of both groups, I was able to once again feel that “We’ve been working really hard as groups of the same period during the past 5 years”. Knowing that this is what the Tsubaki members think of us has really made me very happy.

Wada Sakurako: Tsubaki Factory was a group that was formed shortly after us and they worked really hard, but there are things that I’ve learnt for the first time today. I was able to learn about the greatness of the group and each of the members all over again. I’d like to support them even after my graduation!

Inoue Rei: Although we’ve performed at concerts with Tsubaki Factory and challenged them in the same corner, but this is the first time we’ve talked so seriously about what they think of Kobushi. I’m really happy that we had such a chance to do so.

— What are your current feelings since there’s less than a month left till your disbandment concert?

Hirose: As events have kept on getting cancelled, we haven’t been able to meet with the fans. Although I really want to meet with each of the fans during this last month, but I thought that if I bring these feelings of frustration to the concert on 30th March, something really really amazing might happen there. That’s why, from now till 30th March, I want to polish up myself and make the concert an explosive one.

Nomura: For me, I thought that our disbandment would feel more real to me after we meet our fans at events and such, but as the events have been cancelled, I’m anxious as to whether I’m able to actually feel such feelings. However, I want to go the final concert with actual feelings that “this is the end”. So during the remaining time, I would like to be able to reach/make such feelings.

Hamaura: It’s the same for me too. I’ve been thinking “how am I going to actually feel that we’re disbanding” since the events have been cancelled. But when I realise that the time that I won’t meet the members will increase, I think to myself “is this how it’ll be since we’ve disbanded?”… But, as I’m looking forward to the future after we’ve disbanded, I’m going to try to pursue my own way of life from the start line on 30th March.

Wada: Out of the five of us, I think that I’m the one who still hasn’t felt that it’s real yet. I honestly can’t imagine not being able to meet the members anymore, and how I’m going to live after that. Of course, I feel sad and lonely that we’ll be disbanding, but right now it just doesn’t feel real at all to me.

Inoue: For me, I feel that it's quite real, and every time we do an activity for the last time, I always think “this is the end”. Of course, I’ll actually feel we’re disbanding on 30 March at our last concert, but I think that the first thing that I’ll actually realise we’ve disbanded is when the concert ends, and I can no longer meet everyone of Kobushi anymore…

— What’s the most unforgettable memory in the past 5 years?

Hirose: In the past, all of us got to throw water balloons at each other at Yoyogi Park and it was really fun! At the time, we went for yakiniku, watched a movie and went around together. That period of time was the most memorable since I think that doing all of that together really deepened/strengthened our friendships.

Hamaura: It’s the concert that we performed at Toyosu PIT last year! At that time, we showed off songs from our new album for the first time, but as we hardly have the chance to perform our new songs at a Kobushi-only concert, the cheers at that time were all so fresh! The fans’ cheers from the moment the introduction was played were cheers that I’ve never heard before. I remembered having goosebumps at the time. Also, unlike hall concerts, the distance between the fans and us was much closer which made me really happy. It was a super fun concert!

Wada: My favourite solo concert was also the Toyosu PIT concert. But for me, the most memorable event was definitely the joint gig concert this year! Although we were tasked as the last to perform, the audience was still really hyped up. After the staff said “one more song, please”, we were able to do an encore straight away. It was a really happy and memorable event for me as I felt everyone’s love and affection.

Nomura: I’ve done many activities as an idol, but I personally feel that every single concert/performance was memorable. As there has been changes to the composition of the members, the feeling at this time or that time has been different. But ever since we became 5 members, I’ve felt a sense of unity, and the members have also smiled….Every single concert/performance will always remain in my heart.

Inoue: For me, it’s the five person training camp which lasted for 3 days and 2 nights. Initially, I thought that it would be tiring since all of the members have different personalities. However, when I went there, it was surprisingly very fun and we were all having a blast before we went to sleep (lol). At that time, I thought that I wanted to do more things like this as the 5 of us. However, that was the only time the five of us stayed together overnight. I would like for the 5 of us to stay overnight together again even after our disbandment. 

ー Lastly, please tell us your enthusiasm and a message for your fans!

Hirose: We, as Kobushi Factory love our fans “Kobushi Gumi” and I think that it’s because of you that we’ve been able to come this far. It’s all thanks to Kobushi-gumi’s support that we’ve been able to continue despite all the twists and turns that Kobushi Factory has experienced. I hope to convey these feelings to you on 30th March. 

Nomura: As the hall on 30th March is quite a large hall for a hall concert, but I don’t think we would be able to succeed without the help of our fans. That’s why, we’ll send energy and entertain our fans more than ever. So I hope everyone will also be excited together with us and create the best last concert ever!

Hamaura: I think everyone will say that the last concert was fun. But as this is the first time we’ll be challenging such a thing before, I’m a little nervous, but I hope I can enjoy the entire thing. Also, I think that there will be some people that has never seen Kobushi’s concerts before, but I will do my best so that they’ll say after watching the last concert “I wish I had watched all of the Kobushi Factory concerts (up till now)”.

Wada: I think that I’ll surely cry since I’m easily moved to tears/sentimental, but if I cry, I won’t be able to sing well. I’ll do my best so that I can deliver a proper performance from the start till the end!

Inoue: I think that a lot of fans are anticipating a lot since this is our last concert, so I want us to perform in a way where we can exceed all of those expectations. We’ll make this a concert where you’ll look forward to our next activities after our disbandment.

Original Interview: https://hominis.media/category/idol/post5511/

[hellopedia-translations]

Morning Musume ‘20 Ayumi Ishida’s love for her Hometown Suumo Interview: “Tohoku Soul” is always in my heart

For the past 22 years of Morning Musume’s history, Ishida Ayumi-san is the first member that is from Tohoku. After passing the 10th generation auditions, she had to move to Tokyo from her hometown, Sendai city, at the age of 14.

“I dream of becoming a celebrity who can’t walk along Sendai’s Arcades (streets),” says Ishida with passion. She has a regular program on a local TV station, where she shows her love for Sendai and recommends popular souvenirs.

|| “Tohoku Soul” is always in my heart 

― Whenever Morning Musume has a concert at her hometown in Sendai, Ishida-san often shouts out “Tohoku” isn’t it?

Ishida Ayumi (will be hereinafter referred to as Ishida): It’s all thanks to the fans that made me think that “the 6 prefectures of Tohoku are as one”. I introduced myself as “Born in Sendai City of Miyagi Prefecture”, but fans of other prefectures told me that “we’re happy that a child from Tohoku has joined Morning Musume!”. From then on, I became to want to “make Tohoku as my home”.

― It’s probably because your love for Tohoku got across to others, that you became an “Eagles Girl” for Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.’

Ishida: “Eagles” is the main symbol of Tohoku. Above all, I think that “Tohoku” Rakuten Golden Eagles is even better. I love the feeling that “Tohoku is as one team” rather than a different team for each prefecture. They were not a strong baseball team from the start, instead there was some drama. But when Eagles became the best team in Japan in 2013, I remember that in Tohoku, it was merry just like a festival. As it is an icon of Tohoku’s revival, I will always be supporting them.

|| Moved to Tokyo with a longing for 109

― Ishida-san moved to Tokyo from Sendai when you were 14 years old, isn’t it? Before joining Morning Musume, did you ever feel that “someday I want to visit Tokyo” ?

Ishida: As I was still a kid back then, and although I didn’t know anything about Tokyo at all, but I strongly wanted to go to Shibuya’s Marquee. For my junior high school’s school trip, we went to Tokyo. There was a free day where we could go anywhere we wanted, so I decided to go to Shibuya 109 without any hesitation, and I was really looking forward to it. However, since it was before the earthquake, I couldn’t go in the end…

― Did you have any interest in gyaru culture, even just a little bit?

Ishida: No, I was just an ordinary junior high school student that read “Pichi Lemon”. But for me, when it comes to Shibuya, I had the image of Shibuya 109. Because I didn’t know anything else about Tokyo. I thought that there was only 109 in Shibuya from shopping segments on TV programs. Only after moving to Tokyo, I realised that Shibuya is such a big city.

― When it comes to a shopping centres for youngsters in Sendai, people would think of “Forus”. Where did Ishida-san go for shopping?

Ishida: The elementary school that I attended had rules governing areas where we could go alone. So I hardly went to Sendai Station to play. At that time, I thought that “Forus” & “E Beans Sendai” were places that “I will only have fun at when I grow up”. It was only when I went out with my family, that they would sometimes buy me clothes.

|| Classmates who warmly sent me off without saying anything

― What were the reactions of your friends from your hometown when it was decided that you’ll be joining Morning Musume & moving to Tokyo?

Ishida: I didn’t tell my classmates that I had auditioned or had passed the auditions. But, it seemed that everyone knew the day after the announcement was made at Nippon Budokan. I was grateful to be treated with the exact same attitude as before.

― If you pass, normally you would be in high spirits, but why did you keep it as a secret?

Ishida: I was somewhat embarrassed, so I couldn’t tell my friends about it. Of course I was happy that “I’ve become part of Morning Musume”, and although it was an amazing thing, but at that time I only decided to join. I felt that as I hadn’t accomplished anything with my own strength yet, I thought it wasn’t something to talk/brag about.

― Although you were only 14 years old, you were already so mature. Did you not miss your friends from your hometown when they bade you farewell?

Ishida: When it was decided that I had to move to Tokyo to debut with Morning Musume, everyone in my class surprised me during my last English lesson. When I was reading out an example sentence, something like “I’m good at taking photos”, the teacher suddenly started to do a skit (lol). I also took a group picture with everyone…it’s so nostalgic.

 ― Are your friends from back then still supporting you today?

Ishida: Actually, when it was decided that I will be joining Morning Musume, my handphone number and email addresses were all changed. “It’s because I’ve become an idol”. So, there will probably be people that are suprised. But, whenever we have a concert in Sendai, some of my friends will come. I’m really happy when that happens.

|| The goodness/merits of my hometown that I felt after coming to Tokyo

― As Sendai is an urban area, did you feel any gaps/differences between living in Tokyo & living in your hometown? 

Ishida: I struggled a lot with the trains. In particular, it took me about 5 years to get used to Shinjuku Station. Although I checked the train’s route map with the app and what train to change, but I didn’t know which stairs I should go down smoothly. It’s difficult to get to the meeting point for work without knowing the exit. As I couldn’t afford to be late for work, I was terrified every time.

― Shinjuku Station is challenging, isn’t it? Even people in Tokyo sometimes get confused.

Ishida: But when I went back to Sendai a few years after I moved to Tokyo, I thought “Eh? The trains aren’t coming at all”. As Sendai is quite an urban area and although there are many trains, I was surprised to see myself getting used to the feeling of Tokyo where the trains come one after another in just minutes.

― Did you ever become Sendai-sick (home-sick)?

Ishida: When I first joined, I didn’t really feel home-sick. As Tokyo and Sendai are both wonderful towns in their own ways, I liked them both. But after a few years, I suddenly felt that I wanted to go back to Sendai.

― Did anything happen?

Ishida: When I was a new member, I just did my utmost best at the work and lessons that were in front of me, and everyday was so packed. I didn’t have the time to think about the memories of my hometown or feel lonely. But after working hard for several years, I realised how intense the activities were and the many difficulties of being an idol. At that time, I suddenly thought “I’ll go back to Sendai in a short while”.

― In any event, your hometown is where you feel the most calm, isn’t it?

Ishida: When I got off the train at Sendai Station, I was relieved. Of course, there are still many things that I can still do when I am away from Tokyo, such as updating my blog and etc, but I cannot completely take a rest. But just putting my feet down in Sendai allowed me to settle down. There’s a unique atmosphere in Sendai.

|| If you come to Sendai, please come to “Akiu”

― Ishida-san performs at concerts in Sendai at least 4 times a year. What are some spots that you recommend fans coming from all over Japan to go to?

Ishida: Although it’s a little far, but I recommend the “Akiu” area. From Sendai Station, it takes about 50 minutes by train and bus. I travelled around Akiu on a bicycle before, and I felt so refreshed since nature is rich there, and there are many many fields.

― Do you have any gourmet that you recommend in Akiu?

Ishida: There is a tofu shop known as “Ota Tofu Store” that is located in between Akiu Onsen and Akiu Otaki, so I want you to stop by. The tofu is served in a bamboo, and you have to sprinkle salt over it. The water is also very clear and beautiful, and it’s really delicious too.

― It’s not only healthy, but also looks very delicious

Ishida: There are many hotels in Sendai, but I would like you to stay slightly  further away, at a guesthouse at Minamisanriku because it is really easy to interact with the locals there. Also, the people of Sendai have a very strong sense of hospitality. I really felt this as I’ve been working with a local eventer.

― What are some of Ishida-san’s favourite classic spots near Sendai Station?

Ishida: If you go in winter, there is an illumination known as the “light pageant”, and it is very beautiful. Also, the area where the statute of Date Masamune is located. You can overlook the city of Sendai, and there are old photos of Sendai, so it would be fun to compare them to modern day Sendai. You will get to study the history of Sendai.

|| It’s not just about ox tongue! Gourmet in Sendai recommended by Ishida-san

― What is Sendai’s PR point that isn’t well known yet?

Ishida: Although ox tongue is famous, I also want you to try Seri Nabe since it is not very familiar to people from areas/regions other than Miyagi. Seri is a leafy vegetable, and it’s known as the seven vernal flowers/spring flowers. As it is usually sold at the supermarkets in my hometown, I like to make it whenever I come home. The roots are also crunchy and delicious. It’s wonderful to be able to eat the whole vegetable without having to throw any part away, isn’t it?

― It’s true that the people of Tokyo are not very familiar with Seri Nabe. It’s a taste that’s unique to Miyagi.

Ishida: I also want you to enjoy the seafood. Until recently, I couldn’t eat sea urchins and oysters and I wasn’t good at eating raw fish. However, I became to like the “Kirakira Don” which can be eaten at “Sansan Shopping Street” in Minami Sanriku. The ikura too, were sparkling and everything was so incredibly delicious and impressive. If you eat the sea urchin here, you might not be able to eat it elsewhere anymore. The contents/ingredients of the rice bowl change depending on the season, so it’s fun every time you go.

Ishida is using her hands to describe and explain how the ikura in the “Kirakira don” were sparkling.

― When you think of Sendai, you’d think of “Hagi no Tsuki”, but what other souvenirs do you recommend?

Ishida: I recommend “Kuma no Te Shurasuku” from the cake shop “Arpajon”. It is a rusk with a baked chou (t/n: pastry in cream puff) inside. It’s reasonably priced and girls will love it. If you’re talking about Sasakama, then I like “Kanezaki”. When you buy a piece, a piece will be given for free. You can also buy it at the Station, so it’s a good deal.

― Such valuable information just like Ishida-san who likes saving! What are your favourite flavours?

Ishida: I like Ox Tongue flavoured, cheese flavoured, savoury flavoured, and although there are various flavours, I recommend the premium Sasakamaboko “Tairyoubata”. Although it’s a little expensive, I hope you can try it and compare it to the normal Sasakama. It is worth much more than it’s price.

Original interview: https://suumo.jp/town/entry/sendai-ayumi_ishida/