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Nijichizu Walking Guide - MEMORIES WITH NIJIGAKU MEMBERS

(This article was published in Love Live! Days June 2025 Issue, released April 30, 2025)

Game Release Commemoration

Don't get lost in the story of you and the Nijigaku members! A special navigational feature to a happy future

Nijichizu Walking Guide

This article is packed with the charm of the visuals and story of Nijchizu, which has finally been released, as well as exclusive messages from the cast and a newly-written talk. Please enjoy it along with the game!

What is Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: TOKIMEKI Roadmap to Future (Nijichizu)?

The School Idol Club is in turmoil! The 12 members think of various ways to restore your memory….

You suddenly have amnesia! A story of past memories and the search for a future beyond the present

Nijichizu is a visual novel about the daily lives of you, a supporting member of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, and the other members of the club. You suddenly lose your memories since you first encountered school idols, and while living out your high school life with the members, you try to find out the cause of your amnesia. Deepen your bond with the members by interacting with them on weekdays and weekends, and after 4 weeks, your route will change depending on your existing relationships with them. A key feature of the game is that it partly reflects the story of Love Live! School Idol Festival ALL STARS (SIFAS), which was available until 2023, in the form of your past memories. You'll get deeply emotionally invested as you retrace the stories that you and the members have accumulated!

4 Weeks with the Nijigaku Members

Weekday

Twice a day, you can choose a destination on the map and enjoy conversations with the members there. You'll also encounter characters other than the members.

Day Off

A story will unfold on the weekend featuring you and all of the members. You'll enjoy outings, training camps, and even a confrontation between sentai heroines and the forces of evil!?

Check Out Unlocked Stories in the Extras!

You can view stories that have been unlocked by fulfilling conditions in the main story by selecting “Extras” on the title screen.

Member events are stories that take place after your memory loss, while bond episodes are recollections of the past.

MEMORIES WITH NIJIGAKU MEMBERS

Ayumu Uehara

Story Spotlight

Memories Because of Childhood Friendship

In response to your behavior and statements, Ayumu tells you a variety of similar anecdotes from your past. It gives you a sense of the depth of your bond.

Aguri Onishi (Ayumu Uehara)

Are you playing Nijchizu right now? Your childhood friend Ayumu-chan is waiting for you, you know! During the recording, I was able to relive my memories of working hard like this for SIFAS! Not only will it reaffirm the bond between you and Ayumu-chan, but it'll also deepen it even more than before! Please nurture your bond with her a lot through Nijchizu!

Kasumi Nakasu

Story Spotlight

Adorable Wuv Attack

Kasumi's fondness for you for rebuilding the club is clear. Pay attention to the endearing way she overexaggerates to win your affections and her efforts to recover your memories.

Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu)

Congratulations on the release of Nijchizu! This time, the main character has amnesia! For those who played SIFAS, there are some nostalgic moments and little references to enjoy, while new players can experience it with a fresh perspective! You'll discover new aspects of each member, including your favorites, and fall in love with Nijigasaki even more! Please enjoy all the members' routes♡ I'm also really looking forward to it!

Shizuku Osaka

Story Spotlight

Her Glimmering Acting Ability Abounds

As expected of someone aiming to become a top actress, Shizuku offers praiseworthy performances. She's so good that there are times when the difference in intensity between hers and that of the other members is astonishing.

Kaori Maeda (Shizuku Osaka)

Finally, congratulations on the release of Nijchizu!! I'm so glad to meet you in-game again in a new form! As “you” start from a point where you have no memories, I'm certain you're looking forward to seeing how the story will unfold. Shizuku-chan's lines are also really lovely, so I hope you'll enjoy her story too! Have fun!

Karin Asaka

Story Spotlight

The Sexy Sister's Secret Side!?

Karin has a reputation for being cool and sexy, but she also displays a lot of cute aspects, such as being surprisingly competitive and having a lack of sense of direction.

Miyu Kubota (Karin Asaka)

It's finally out! I've been active in various capacities as Nijigasaki, but I still felt nostalgia for this art style and type of gameplay screen. I haven't played it yet myself, so once I get it, I'm going to enjoy Karin-chan's route as one of you! Let's have fun together!

Ai Miyashita

Story Spotlight

Love and Happy Words

Since Ai has a spirit of enjoyment and entertainment in everything she does, she's full of positive words. If you try saying some out loud, you too may become happy.

Natsumi Murakami (Ai Miyashita)

Nijchizu is now on sale! Did you get it yeeeet?? I thought some of the scenes were pretty sweet when I recorded them, so I'm looking forward to everyone playing it through to the end! I bet that once you complete the game, you'll want to replay it, so please play it a lot!★

Kanata Konoe

Story Spotlight

To Nap or Not to Nap

Kanata has the image of being an opportunistic sleeper, but she's equally adept at lulling you to sleep on her lap. You can't resist its magic… How could you?

Akari Kito (Kanata Konoe)

As Nijichizu has just been released, I can say that there were so many delightful moments that made me smile while recording them! Please enjoy to your heart's content the wonderful time with Kanata and the members of Nijigasaki that you can only experience in Nijichizu!

Setsuna Yuki

Story Spotlight

Passion for Everyone's and Her Own Love

Setsuna works to spread her love to everyone. You can feel her passion in every word. You can also feel her gratitude to you for rekindling her fire and supporting her.

Coco Hayashi (Setsuna Yuki)

I remember how truly happy I was when I heard that the journey you and Nijigaku have taken together would become a Nintendo Switch game. Thinking of you, the player, I tried to express Setsuna's coolness, cuteness, strength, and weakness in the recording. I hope that your “love” for Setsuna and Nana will grow even bigger throughout Nijchizu.

Emma Verde

Story Spotlight

The Ultimate Relaxation Space♥

Plenty of time is provided for you to be soothed by the kind and devoted Emma. It seems that there are other members besides you, such as Karin, who surrender themselves to the healing.

Maria Sashide (Emma Verde)

Have you been playing Nijchizu!? There are 12 highly unique members, but I hope you'll also interact with Emma-chan a lot to deepen your bond! You'd better! Your choices determine what kind of future awaits you! Please enjoy a wonderful school life full of thrills while remembering the stories from SIFAS!

Rina Tennoji

Story Spotlight

Truly the Angelic Genius Tennoji!

Rina's knowledge of science is exceptional, and she demonstrates her tech prowess to the fullest. Could your amnesia be solved with technology!?

Chiemi Tanaka (Rina Tennoji)

Finally, Nijchizu has been released! I'm sure that playing it will bring back many memories for you. During the recording, I also remembered the many stories from SIFAS, which made me nostalgic and filled me with gratitude that Nijigasaki has been loved for such a long time. I hope you'll continue to make lots of new memories and keep on being thrilled with Nijichizu!

Shioriko Mifune

Story Spotlight

Serious yet Genuine

While Shioriko's earnestness shines in her appreciation for you and willingness to help you overcome your amnesia, her authentic appearance with her peers is also striking. Enjoy the contrast!

Moeka Koizumi (Shioriko Mifune)

TOKIMEKI Roadmap to Future has been released, and I can't wait for you guys to play it! When the game's story was revealed, I assume you were surprised to find that your memories had disappeared…. We're bringing lots of thrills just for you, so please take in all of them, okay? Be sure to enjoy everything it has to offer!!!

Mia Taylor

Story Spotlight

A Strong-minded Attitude, but What's in Her Heart?

Mia is just as attentive and helpful as usual despite your amnesia. Even though she appears to be fine, you can sense that she's still insecure.

Shu Uchida (Mia Taylor)

Nijichizu is finally on sale! I hope you'll take note of Mia-chan's cute inability to be honest, her youthful side, and of course, her struggle to bring back your memories. During the recording, my heart was pounding the whole time because of how much Mia-chan had grown — more than ever before! Please enjoy the world of Nijigasaki to the fullest while looking forward to the other members' routes. May your memories return safely!

Lanzhu Zhong

Story Spotlight

Powered by Meat!

Lanzhu, who's notable for her catchphrases sprinkled throughout her speech, is a huge meat lover. It's no doubt the source of her vitality.

Akina Homoto (Lanzhu Zhong)

At last, Nijichizu is out! I'm so happy to be able to bring you a new story with Lanzhu-chan and the gang! You have “amnesia,” so both those who have and haven't played SIFAS can enjoy it. What's more, the bond episodes from SIFAS have also been re-recorded for your viewing pleasure! There's a ton of content (lol). You can also see everyone in beautiful 3D with a new song. There are so many highlights! I'm really looking forward to playing it too!!

[massivemochi]

Love Live! Series Joint Asia Live Tour Event Commemoration: Nozomi Nirei CAST Q&A

(This article was published in Love Live! Days March 2025 Issue, released January 30, 2025)

Love Live! Hasunosora School Idol Club Nozomi Nirei (Kaho Hinoshita) CAST Q&A Yokohama Performance (February 1 & 2, 2025)

Love Live! Series Asia Tour 2024 ~The Story We Realize Together~ Yokohama Performance ■ Date: February 1 (Sat) & 2 (Sun), 2025 ■ Venue: K-Arena Yokohama Cast: Love Live! μ's Emi Nitta (Honoka Kosaka), Aya Uchida (Kotori Minami), Pile (Maki Nishikino) Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours Shuka Saito (You Watanabe), Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko Tsushima), Ai Furihata (Ruby Kurosawa) Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Aguri Onishi (Ayumu Uehara), Kaori Maeda (Shizuku Osaka), Miyu Kubota (Karin Asaka), Coco Hayashi (Setsuna Yuki), Maria Sashide (Emma Verde), Chiemi Tanaka (Rina Tennoji) Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya), Liyuu (Keke Tang), Nako Misaki (Chisato Arashi), Naomi Payton (Sumire Heanna), Nagisa Aoyama (Ren Hazuki), Nozomi Suzuhara (Kinako Sakurakoji), Akane Yabushima (Mei Yoneme), Wakana Ookuma (Shiki Wakana), Aya Emori (Natsumi Onitsuka), Yuina (Wien Margarete), Sakura Sakakura (Tomari Onitsuka) Love Live! Hasunosora School Idol Club Hasunosora School Idol Club Nozomi Nirei (Kaho Hinoshita), Kokona Nonaka (Sayaka Murano), Nina Hanamiya (Kozue Otomune), Kotoko Sasaki (Tsuzuri Yugiri), Kanna Kan (Rurino Osawa), Kona Tsukine (Megumi Fujishima), Hina Sakurai (Ginko Momose), Fuka Hayama (Kosuzu Kachimachi), Rin Kurusu (Hime Anyoji) AiScReam Ai Furihata (Ruby Kurosawa), Aguri Onishi (Ayumu Uehara), Wakana Ookuma (Shiki Wakana)

Q1. What was your reaction when you first heard about the Asia tour?

When I first heard about the Asia tour, the scale of it was so huge I was just completely shocked (lol). At the same time, I also received the materials for the Asia tour theme song, "Bring the LOVE!" and as I listened to it, I gradually felt a growing sense of joy, thinking, "I get to sing with my seniors again…!" The lyrics even include words from the places we’re visiting on the Asia tour, which made me feel excited both when listening to and singing the song!

Q2. What are your thoughts on the response to the performances so far?

Seeing how happy everyone was through the live stream and receiving so many warm comments on social media made me really glad! I also felt truly blessed that our seniors performed songs from Hasunosora…! [From all of Hasunosora] "Dream Believers" is a song that holds the heartfelt desires we cherish in Hasunosora. Once again, thank you so much for carrying those feelings with you on this tour!

Q3. What is your image of the venue of the Yokohama performance?

When I think of Yokohama, I associate it with Yokohama Arena, the venue of both Hasunosora’s 3rd Live Tour finale and the Love Live! finals, so it really feels like a "decisive battleground!"! At the time I'm writing this, I still don’t know whether they’ll be able to claim victory, but I know Kaho-chan and the others are going to give their all on stage to make their dreams come true, so we cast members will also be putting our full strength into the Asia Tour’s Yokohama show!

Q4. What are your feelings toward the Yokohama performance as Hasunosora, and what are you talking about with your fellow members?

The 104th Class members have been saying, "This Asia tour will be our first time performing on the same stage as our seniors from the Love Live! Series, so we're looking forward to it!" With all 3 grades together, Hasunosora has grown to a 9-member group, bringing even more power to our performances, so we’ll do our best to showcase this to everyone attending in person or via livestream and of course to our seniors as well! As a member of the Love Live! Series, I want to come together with everyone to create a wonderful stage!

Q5. Please give a message to everyone who's looking forward to the Yokohama performance of the Asia tour!

Since October 2024, our seniors have been carrying the torch of the Asia tour, and now, at the final stop in Yokohama, Hasunosora will finally be joining in. I’m incredibly excited for it! I hope we can create the greatest and most passionate time together with everyone there. We’re bringing a massive dose of "LOVE" packed with everything that makes Hasunosora so special in this moment, so please be ready to receive it!!

[massivemochi]

Looking Back on Nijiyon Animation With Manga Artist Miyakohito and Director Yuya Horiuchi!

(This article was published in Love Live! Days January 2024 Extra Issue: Love Live! Days Nijigasaki SPECIAL 2023, released November 21, 2023)

Looking Back on Nijiyon Animation With Manga Artist Miyakohito and Director Yuya Horiuchi!

Nijiyon Animation is a slice-of-life short animation series that aired in January 2023. Let's take a look back at this show depicting the day-to-day lives of the Nijigaku members, along with commentary from the staff involved in its production♪

Question for Manga Artist Miyakohito! Q. What did you focus on when creating the story?

Question for Director Yuya Horiuchi! Q. What did you focus on regarding the direction?

Episode 1: "The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club"

Yu arrives at the School Idol Club with a video camera. She films their snack time to introduce their everyday lives to their fans. When the camera is finally turned on her as "the one thing in the club that can't be left out," she boldly states, "I'll be the one to make all of you happy!" She's then confronted with the question of who her number one is.

Miyakohito's Comment: Throughout this series, it was a new experience for me to think about how to present it not only as a manga but also as an animation. It starts from a first-person perspective because Yu-chan's existence was born from "you."

(TL Note: "You" refers to the player character from Love Live! School Idol Festival All Stars)

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: All of the storyboards for Nijiyon Animation were based on Miyakohito-san's manga, but we expanded the parts of the story that weren't long enough during the storyboarding process. Because of this, I felt like I had to do my best to make the show more appealing in those parts.

Episode 2: "Lanzhu, Ai, and Cuteness"

Lanzhu and Ai have a cuteness contest with Mia, Shioriko, and Emma as the judges. They try the cute poses they learned from Kasumi, but they can't seem to get them right. Mia and Shioriko, the harsh judges, give accurate scores, but Emma's overly sweet evaluations keep skyrocketing, eventually exceeding a "kazillion"…!?

Miyakohito's Comment: The various animation techniques used make it really enjoyable to watch. Their calculated cuteness is nice too, but the 2 girls getting flustered and showing their true selves is worth 100 kazillion points.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: Episode 1 was mainly about introducing the members, so Episode 2, with Lanzhu and Ai's cuteness, Lanzhu pressuring Shioriko, Kasumi getting carried away, and Emma's sweet scoring that knows no bounds, is one with the Nijiyon style on full display.

Episode 3: "Mia, Ayumu, and Horror"

The club members watch a scary movie together. Mia falls asleep and gets lost in a dark school building in her dream. Rina-chan Boards are pasted all over the walls, and Ayumu's hair bun falls off and starts saying, "Let's play…"!? When Mia wakes up, she's still afraid of Ayumu, unable to shake off the lingering memory of her nightmare.

Miyakohito's Comment: I didn't realize how much funnier the second half would be as a horror when it's animated…! I mean, the production was so over the top I laughed.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: Since I like horror, I made them create an unconventional work (lol). Mia's cheeky attitude adds a nice bit of character. By the way, I call that round part of Ayumu the "Ayumu Orb." I'd like to make something similar for the other members to replace the Ayumu Orb—in other words, I want to make more horror episodes.

Episode 4: "Karin, Shioriko, and Futures"

Karin came from her home island to become a model. She shares her childhood memories as a troublemaker living on the island with Shioriko, who says she wants to use her story to help the students. However, she looks a little sad, saying she left because she wanted to be a cool older girl who lives in the city. Shioriko then tells her her dream has come true.

Miyakohito's Comment: I had the pleasure of drawing the first appearance of little Karin-chan. The content also goes a step deeper this time. In the manga version, which you can read as an included bonus in the Nijiyon Animation Blu-ray, you can see the students in the last part.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: It seems Karin has loved pandas since she was little. I thought the visuals of her in her childhood looked boyish and the contrast between then and now was cute. I was a little obsessive about the squishy texture at the beginning.

Episode 5: "Emma, Mia, and Songs"

Mia hears Emma's singing voice and encourages her to become a singer. She dreams of making the songs herself and recording them in New York City, but Emma tells her she hasn't thought that far ahead. She says she wants to gently be there for people, just like the school idol songs that gave her courage in the past….

Miyakohito's Comment: Mia came to Japan to achieve results while hiding what she truly wants to do, whereas Emma came to Japan to do what she truly wants to do. I'm certain Emma's singing voice makes Mia's heart feel warm and fuzzy.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: I hadn't seen Emma and Mia talk much, so I thought it'd be a nice change of pace. Emma's bashful "What?" is my favorite part because it's adorable. I thought it might be hard to include 2 a cappella songs, but I'm glad they made it in.

Episode 6: "Rina-chan RunRuns"

Rina develops a new mobile game. She asks Yu, Ai, and Shioriko to playtest it to make sure even beginners can enjoy it. A week after the 3 have fun playing together, many people have played Rina's game, and the rankings have become a hot topic. However, the person ranked higher than Setsuna and Mia, who are skilled at games, is… "SASUKE"!?

Miyakohito's Comment: This is the essence of CG animation. Thank you for the fantastic visuals that make me want to actually play the game! The 3 players' names were a particular point of attention in the manga version.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: The storyboard for this episode was drawn by 3D Director Tatsuguchi-san. Thanks to his work, the characters in the game world were cute, and it turned out to be a wonderful scene. It'd be a shame to have that game world appear only once.

Episode 7: "Lanzhu and the Joker"

The club members play cards in the clubroom. Lanzhu's more eager than anyone to play Old Maid, but when she sees the only joker left at the end, she dejectedly muses, "The special card is always alone in the end." To cheer her up, Ai pulls out another joker and passes it to her. Now with a pair, Lanzhu is overjoyed!

Miyakohito's Comment: The joker watches alone as those around him pair up one after another. The once-lonely Lanzhu, who had always been on her own, is paired with a special place thanks to the hand that was continuously extended to her. The way the background music "Tokimeki e! (To a Thrill!)" comes in is the best.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: This episode is a heart-warming one, showing once again how Lanzhu is accepted by the club. I figured she'd be bad at Old Maid since she has an easy-to-read personality, so I brought back a familiar card game scene. By the way, Lanzhu's shotgun shuffle scene is my favorite.

Episode 8: "Kanata, Shizuku, and Little Sisters"

Shizuku meets the Konoe sisters while walking her pet dog Ophelia. She and Haruka go all out playing on the beach while Kanata and Ophelia enjoy relaxing in the sun. The 2 pairs are somewhat similar. Finally, tired out from playing, Haruka falls asleep and mistakes Ophelia for Kanata in her stupor!?

Miyakohito's Comment: A very laid-back episode. It was difficult to add more members to the show, but I was happy to see Haruka-chan and Ophelia make an appearance.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: The episode is about Kanata and Shizuku, but I think Haruka stood out the most… But it's okay because she was cute at the end, right!? As for why Shizuku is taking a walk in Odaiba, I think she wanted to show Ophelia the scenery there. I'm sure her parents gave them a ride.

Episode 9: "Bestest Little Sister Tournament"

Kasumi proclaims, "Cute people have what it takes to be little sisters!" and holds the "Bestest Little Sister Tournament." Shioriko and Mia, who are actually little sisters, are somewhat embarrassed when the topic comes up. Rina, who was watching the situation, mutters, "Big Sis Yu," and Yu melts…! Showing overwhelming little sister power, Rina is crowned the winner.

Miyakohito's Comment: The many faces of Kasumi are one of the highlights of this episode (and the next), as is Rina-chan's destructive power. I also drew the mascot characters at the end.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: Rina has a mysterious wave (brainwashing?) called Little Sister Aura. I like it. The mascot characters at the end were drawn by Miyakohito-san, but some are cut off due to space limitations… Sorry… If you're interested in them, please check the manga included in the Blu-ray!

Episode 10: "Kasumi, Setsuna, and Surprises"

Setsuna always gives perfect performances as a school idol. The members of the club, led by Kasumi, discuss ideas for playing a surprise on her, but they're unable to come up with any good ones. The next day, there's trouble when the sound and lights go out during her actual concert. She starts singing a cappella, captivating the entire audience…!

Miyakohito's Comment: The fact that the lighting and sound weren't fixed until the end can be explained as them being seen and heard in Setsuna's performance ability. I made some excessive requests for the live show scene and special ending song… Thank you.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: Setsuna does a live performance during the end credits. I'd be happy if we could do a live show scene with all the members someday. I like Ai's surprise plan idea "Pandemonium With Pandas" very much.

Episode 11: "Yu and Childhood Friends"

Ayumu turns down Yu and Lanzhu's invitation to go out to practice instead. When Yu sees her worn-out shoes, she decides to watch her. Shioriko sees them together and says she has a childhood friend she's proud of as well. Yu can't take her eyes off Ayumu's hard work and continues watching her practice into the evening….

Miyakohito's Comment: Yu-chan has been seeing Ayumu's profile more since she became a school idol. The way Ayumu chases her dreams with expressions unlike those she usually shows her must be stirring up all kinds of emotions within her. By the way, Ayumu is practicing "Awakening Promise" in the manga version.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: When I saw the manga from Miyakohito-san, my first thought was "the origin and the peak." Thank you! It's funny how the image of childhood friends is completely different for Yu and Ayumu, and Lanzhu and Shioriko.

Episode 12: "The Piano and School Idols"

The music room echoes with the sound of the piano played by Yu. She tells Setsuna, who's come to cheer her on, that she's grateful to her for inspiring her to pursue her dream and introducing her to her thrill. Then, as if guided there, the members gather and begin to sing in chorus to her accompaniment. Surrounded by everyone's singing voices, it brings a heartfelt smile to her face as she realizes how glad she is to have joined the club.

Miyakohito's Comment: I wanted this episode to be a finale, so I included references to the Nijigasaki anime throughout. The first scene is also a homage to the first episode of the Love Live! TV anime (the scene where Honoka meets Maki playing the piano in the music room), as it has been exactly 10 years since it aired.

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: Thank you for such a wonderful episode to conclude Nijiyon Animation. There's an emotional intensity that can only be felt through the relationship between Yu and Setsuna here! A rainbow appears at the end, which is a nod to the events of the Nijigasaki anime.

BD Bonus Episode 13: "Yu and the School Idol Club 1"

Now presenting, Kasumi, who wants to make Yu fall for her; Shizuku, who wants to make Yu a pair of gloves; Karin, who wants Yu to compliment her makeup; and Ai, who wants to make Yu laugh with her jokes♪

BD Bonus Episode 14: "Yu and the School Idol Club 2"

The selfish princess Kanata, Setsuna who loves lots of things, Emma using Yu's lap as a pillow, and Rina drawing Yu's face as a Rina-chan Board. It's an episode with all of them.

BD Bonus Episode 15: "Yu and the School Idol Club 3"

Shioriko wants to be pampered by Yu, Mia wants to be depended on by Yu, Lanzhu is flustered by Yu's feelings, and Ayumu is embarrassed by Yu's support… Everyone's daily life is lively!

Miyakohito's Comment: Most of Episodes 13-15 were adapted from the manga I made years ago in preparation for the day when I could draw "you" in Nijiyon. It worked out perfectly to use them, as 3 episodes amounted to 12 4-panel comics. By the way, I also pitched ideas for the ending visuals. I compiled a collection of everyday scenes that couldn't be depicted in the main story. I'm glad they were brought to life so cutely in animation! Furthermore, I'm deeply honored to have been given the opportunity for such a valuable experience and a new challenge. I'd like to take this chance to once again express my gratitude to all the staff, cast members, and to you. Thank you so much!

Yuya Horiuchi's Comment: Each of the bonus episodes have stories with Yu. Although they're short, there are many highlights such as Kasumi falling hard, Shizuku's casual appeal, Karin's embarrassed self, Ai's panic, Kanata's indulgent ways, Setsuna's forgetfulness, Emma's honesty, Rina's sociability, Shioriko's little sister attribute, Mia's simplicity, Lanzhu's fluster, and Ayumu's cuteness!

[massivemochi]

A Year Full of Hopes With the Nijigaku Members♪

(This article was published in Love Live! Days April 2024 Extra Issue: Love Live! Days Nijigasaki SPECIAL 2024 WINTER, released February 29, 2024)

A Year Full of Hopes With the Nijigaku Members♪

A new single to recharge your energy, “New Year's March!/Radio Taisou Daiichi (New Year's March!/Radio Calisthenics 1),” is now on sale! The 12 cast members talk about “New Year's March” and the charm of the new song. Hinaki Yano, who plays Yu Takasaki, appears with a comment on “Radio Taisou Daiichi"!

✦ CD Information ✦ Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! Collaboration Single_type-A New Year's March!/Radio Taisou Daiichi (Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Ver.) ■ Release Date: January 24, 2024 ■ Price: ¥1,430 (10% tax included)

January: Chiemi Tanaka (Rina Tennoji)

There are exactly 12 school idols in Nijigasaki, so it's perfect! It's a really enjoyable song that makes you want to sing along and cheerfully welcome the new year. Rina-chan's in charge of January, and as the lyrics say, it's truly a new start! You can rest well through New Year's and feel ready to work hard again this year. I'm also making a lot of goals, and I hope I can make them come true!

February: Natsumi Murakami (Ai Miyashita)

For me, the song that almost made me cry the most at the 6th Live was “New Year's March!" It was surprising even to me, but I think the beginning of something like a new year brings both anticipation and uncertainty. But when all the members sang this song together from January to December and Yuyu and everyone watching started to call out, I was so happy I felt like I was going to cry because I knew it'd be another fun year for sure (lol). Ai's part for February has a cute pun, and I love it!

March: Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu)

Dividing the year and the 12 months by each member for a song is something only Nijigasaki can do, and I feel this song could only be sung by us! Each of us is assigned a month, and Kasumin's in charge of March! March is Hinamatsuri! I'm glad cute little Kasumin gets to be in charge of the month of Hinamatsuri! Personally, I have the impression March is a month of meetings and partings, with graduation and such, but when I listen to this song, I feel like I'm spending a whole year with Nijigasaki, which makes me happy!

April: Aguri Onishi (Ayumu Uehara)

It's a really cute song I could imagine everyone singing as they march like marching band conductors. I want you to be a part of this march with us! Ayumu-chan's in charge of April, and I think it's perfect for her because it's an important month for the beginning of new things. If you start something new when you're with Ayumu-chan, I'm sure she'll give you a push on the back and the strength to work hard.

May: Moeka Koizumi (Shioriko Mifune)

It's too genius to have each of the 12 members sing the 12 months! Moreover, the content of each of them was super clear and perfect for each member. We performed it for the first time at the Kanagawa performance of the 6th Live, and I'm glad we were able to sing it in January when the timing was good. I'm looking forward to spending another fun-filled year with you all!

June: Kaori Maeda (Shizuku Osaka)

From the moment I heard it, I was impressed by how much I liked it! It's cheerful yet somehow tearjerking and full of the good qualities of Nijigasaki. The lyric “We'll be together 365 days!" is great, and the solo parts are like a calendar, so you can see everyone in Nijigasaki whenever you listen to it. It's a wonderful song that makes me feel like 2024 will be the best year yet. In terms of seasonal memories, I love spring! Partly because both myself and Shizuku-chan were born in spring, but also because I enjoyed seeing the cherry blossoms! It's nice to feel the warmth of spring and the atmosphere of something beginning.

July: Shu Uchida (Mia Taylor)

"New Year's March!” really matches the members and the vibe of each of their assigned months, making it a song that feels unique to Nijigasaki. Mia-chan's in charge of July, and I thought the refreshing feeling of summer and the twinkling stars in the night sky on Tanabata were perfect for her. The other cast members were humming Mia-chan's part during rehearsals, so I felt the melody and mix of good English and Japanese were very catchy and memorable!

August: Akari Kito (Kanata Konoe)

I love the lyrics, which are so cute, and I can picture each member having fun in each month. The month Kanata's in charge of, August, has an image of "The peak of summer! Beaches, pools, and the sun!" but I thought it was really nice and like her to mention snoozing on the porch. I also like to take naps on the porch at my grandma's house, so I sang it while thinking, “I know what you mean!"

September: Miyu Kubota (Karin Asaka)

When I received the song materials, I thought, “How genius is it that they assign each of the 12 members to sing a month from January to December!?" Karin-chan's in charge of September, and the lyrics include the phrase “night of the full moon.” In another song, "Sweet Eyes," she sings the phrase “the scent of night,” so I guess she must be a girl who's suited to the night (lol). I don't usually eat hamburgers, but I look forward to the moon-viewing burgers that go on sale this time of year so much every year!!!

October: Coco Hayashi (Setsuna Yuki)

It's a song that lets you imagine spending an exciting year with everyone in Nijigaku! Since it's a march, it's a fun song with a rhythm that makes you want to skip. Setsuna's in charge of October, and I think the words “with all my might” and “our passionate feelings don't stop” are typical of her as a serious school idol. I like to picture her running with a smile, all fired up for sports day! I was in the brass band when I was a student, and I once played the drum major during sports day. They lead and conduct the march! I think that's why I was able to sing “New Year's March!” with even more enthusiasm than usual!

November: Maria Sashide (Emma Verde)

I often listen to songs associated with each season, but it was refreshing to sing a song about the year! When I first heard about the concept of the 12 school idols singing the 12 months, I was impressed at how well it suited Nijigasaki! I think it's a song only we could've made! The lyrics for each season are also unique, such as “Eating roasted sweet potatoes warms the heart,” and it's cute how they reflect that girl's personality! It's an exciting song that makes you wonder what will happen in the coming year, so I hope everyone will listen to it while looking forward to Nijigasaki's future activities!

December: Akina Homoto (Lanzhu Zhong)

When I first heard the song, I thought it was astoundingly genius how each member could be assigned exactly 1 month (lol). I feel it contains the message of wanting to spend the year doing lots of fun things together, both to each other and from the members to “you,” and that's why I was so happy to be able to deliver it to everyone at the turn of the year. I think it fits perfectly with the theme of the concert. Lanzhu-chan's in charge of December, and she really loves to “party,” so I hope she'll have a Christmas party with everyone, just like in the lyrics, and eat lots of meat, her favorite food. Please listen to this song as often as you like!

COMMENT from YANO HINAKI: Let's Try Radio Calisthenics With Yu's Voice!

✦ CD Information ✦ Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! Collaboration Single_type-B New Year's March!/Radio Taisou Daiichi (Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Ver.) ■ Release Date: January 24, 2024 ■ Price: ¥1,430 (10% tax included) ■ Contents (Same between type-A/B): 01. New Year's March! Singer: Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, Composer/Arranger/Lyricist: Ayumu Nakamura, Hiroto Kikuchi 02. Radio Taisou Daiichi (Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Ver.) Voice: Yu Takasaki (CV. Hinaki Yano), Composer: Tadashi Hattori 03. New Year's March! (Off Vocal) 04. Radio Taisou Daiichi (Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Ver.) (Off Vocal)

Hinaki Yano (Yu Takasaki)

I was surprised to hear I was going to record the radio calisthenics! (lol) But I thought this would give me more opportunities to do radio calisthenics with you, and if we do it together, we can loosen up our bodies in a healthy way, so it's killing two birds with one stone… or even three birds! I recorded it as if Yu-chan was doing the exercises with you, so please pay attention to her voice.

[massivemochi]

Love Live! Series Joint Asia Live Tour Event Commemoration: Aguri Onishi CAST Q&A

(This article was published in Love Live! Days January 2025 Issue, released November 29, 2024)

Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Aguri Onishi (Ayumu Uehara) CAST Q&A Seoul Performance (December 14 & 15, 2024)

Love Live! Series Asia Tour 2024 ~The Story We Realize Together~ Seoul Performance ■ Date: December 14 (Sat) & 15 (Sun), 2024 ■ Venue: Korea University Hwajeong Tiger Dome Cast: Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Aguri Onishi (Ayumu Uehara), Natsumi Murakami (Ai Miyashita), Coco Hayashi (Setsuna Yuki), Chiemi Tanaka (Rina Tennoji), Moeka Koizumi (Shioriko Mifune), Shu Uchida (Mia Taylor)

Q1. What was your reaction when you first heard about the Asia tour?

First of all, I thought it was genuinely amazing. This joint Asia tour was made possible thanks to all the people around the world who love the Love Live! Series. I'm happy to be able to perform as well. It'll be our first time performing overseas since the festival in Shanghai(*), which I participated in before, and my first time in Seoul. Whenever I come to Seoul for Nijigasaki events, we always talk about how we wish we could meet them in concert sometime, so I'm really glad to be able to do so this time!

Q2. What kind of image do you have of the venue of the Seoul performance?

Korea has an image of really good food! When I ate at a restaurant in Seoul once, I was surprised with a series of complimentary appetizers. It was delicious and healthy with plenty of vegetables. And I really like kimchi, so I was happy to eat it every day during my stay. Speaking of extras, I was also struck by the many products at convenience stores where if you buy two items, you get another one. I was impressed with the culture of freebies.

Q3. Is there anything you would like to achieve or try in the Seoul performance?

I have the impression foreign fans express their emotions with their whole body. I hope to say Ayumu-chan's lines in Korean in a way that will please everyone and make the audience go crazy. I'd also be very happy if we could sing Nijigasaki's songs together in Japanese and do our call and responses during the concert.

Q4. What are your feelings toward the Seoul performance as Nijigaku, and what are you talking about with your fellow members?

In between rehearsals, I talked with the cast members who like spicy food about how we should eat lots of spicy foods. For me personally, I'm really glad my wish to perform in Seoul has come true. I remember how the fans in Seoul told me, “We're waiting for you!” at previous events, so I want to do my best to live up to their expectations!

Q5. Please give a message to everyone who's looking forward to the tour!

The long-awaited Seoul concert. It's very cold in Seoul in winter, but we'll do our best to bring enough warmth to blow the coldness away with our fun live performance! And at the following Yokohama concert, I hope we'll be able to give a final performance that will make you think, “That was the best Asia tour ever! I hope they do it again!" In order to pass the baton to the next leg of the tour, I'll enjoy the Seoul concert with everyone so it'll be a happy time!

* "Lantis Fes 2019 at Bilibili World -Anisong Concert-"

[massivemochi]

Love Live! Series Joint Asia Live Tour Event Commemoration: Shuka Saito CAST Q&A

(This article was published in Love Live! Days December 2024 Issue, released October 30, 2024)

Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours Saito Shuka (You Watanabe) CAST Q&A Taipei Performance (November 9 & 10, 2024)

Love Live! Series Asia Tour 2024 ~The Story We Realize Together~ Taipei Performance ■ Date: November 9 (Sat) & 10 (Sun), 2024 ■ Venue: Zepp New Taipei Cast: Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours Shuka Saito (You Watanabe), Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko Tsushima), Ai Furihata (Ruby Kurosawa)

Q1. What was your reaction when you first heard about the Asia tour?

My first Asia tour in about five and a half years(?) since “LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! ASIA TOUR 2019”! This time I'm going as part of the Love Live! Series, so I'm really excited. I'm happy to be able to share our works across the sea, and since the three of us will be going as group representatives of Aqours, I hope to convey the feelings of the other members and the feeling of “Aqours is the best!" I want to make the best memories with everyone.

Q2. What kind of image do you have of the venue of the Taipei performance?

I visited Taipei in 2019 when Aqours toured Asia solo! I still remember going to the night market back then! It was dazzling and everything was so photogenic! I hope I can go to more places than last time (lol).

Q3. Is there anything you would like to achieve or try in the Taipei performance?

It's been my dream to perform in Taipei again, so I'm really glad to be able to after such a long time! I want to go to the night market again, and I also want to experience the Shifen sky lanterns!! I want to visit Jiufen Old Street too, but I heard it's a bit far from Taipei, so I'd like to go there the next time I come to Taipei!! Also, I want to eat a lot of xiaolongbao!

Q4. What are your feelings toward the Taipei performance as Aqours, and what are you talking about with your fellow members?

I'm thankful the Taipei show will be Aqours' solo concert! First of all, this is my first performance in Taipei in about five and a half years. I hope I'll be able to convey the charm and love of Aqours and Love Live! Sunshine!! to everyone who comes to see us and vice versa. This time, the three of us are representing Aqours, but our feelings are shared by all nine of us. I want to make it a performance of love with everyone.

Q5. Please give a message to everyone who's looking forward to the tour!

This joint Asia tour is a new attempt for the Love Live! Series! There'll be series joint performances as well as solo performances by each group. I hope every performance will bring together everyone's feelings and make you think, “The Love Live! Series is the best!" We have a lot of fun things in store for you, so please look forward to them!! The story we realize together. Let's realize this Asia tour together.

[massivemochi]

Love Live! Series Joint Asia Live Tour Event Commemoration: Emi Nitta/Sayuri Date CAST Q&A

(This article was published in Love Live! Days November 2024 Issue, released September 30, 2024)

Love Live! μ's Emi Nitta (Honoka Kosaka) CAST Q&A Shanghai Performance (October 6, 2024)

Love Live! Series Asia Tour 2024 ~The Story We Realize Together~ Shanghai Performance ■ Date: October 6 (Sun), 2024 ■ Venue: Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center Hong Arena EH Cast: Love Live! μ's Emi Nitta (Honoka Kosaka), Aya Uchida (Kotori Minami), Pile (Maki Nishikino) Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours Shuka Saito (You Watanabe), Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko Tsushima), Ai Furihata (Ruby Kurosawa) Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu), Shu Uchida (Mia Taylor), Akina Homoto (Lanzhu Zhong) Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya), Liyuu (Keke Tang), Nako Misaki (Chisato Arashi), Naomi Payton (Sumire Heanna), Nagisa Aoyama (Ren Hazuki), Nozomi Suzuhara (Kinako Sakurakoji), Akane Yabushima (Mei Yoneme), Wakana Ookuma (Shiki Wakana), Aya Emori (Natsumi Onitsuka), Yuina (Wien Margarete), Sakura Sakakura (Tomari Onitsuka)

Q1. What was your reaction when you first heard about the Asia tour?

µ's has already ended its live activities, but I was happy to be asked to participate in the first joint Asia tour of the series. This will be the first major overseas appearance for µ's since "Love Live! µ's Fan Meeting in Shanghai ~Talk & Live~" in 2016. The time I spent with the fans and the members was intense, and I remember it being a very enjoyable overseas performance.

Q2. What kind of image do you have of the venue of the Shanghai performance?

I think Shanghai is a city where "tradition" and "modernity" coexist. I've visited several times, and each time I feel its evolution and energy. I've had many opportunities to visit China this year, and I continue to make surprising discoveries. This will be my first time in Shanghai in several years, so I'm looking forward to receiving new stimulation and making good memories.

Q3. Is there anything you would like to achieve or try on the tour?

I don't get to see foreign fans very often, so I feel their enthusiasm even more. I'm glad when they call out loudly and sing with us. So this time, I hope to give a performance where I can hear many of their voices. Also, if there's a chance, I'd like to enjoy Shanghai's gourmet food with the members.

Q4. What are your feelings toward the tour as µ's, and what are you talking about with your fellow members?

This will be the first time for the three of us to perform overseas and many people will be seeing µ's for the first time, so I discussed with the members things like song selection, who will sing which part, and how to please the audience. I hope everyone will feel µ's style. Having said that, I'll be performing in Shanghai with two trusted and reassuring people. It's sure to be a very enjoyable time. Please look forward to it!

Q5. Please give a message to everyone who's looking forward to the tour!

This is my first live performance as µ's in a long time. I'm happy to have this chance to meet even though it's been more than 8 years since “Love Live! μ’s Final LoveLive! ~µ'sic Forever♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪~." I hope everyone overseas, and of course everyone who supports us in Japan, will enjoy the µ's of today. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces!

Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya) CAST Q&A Guangzhou Performance (October 4, 2024)

Love Live! Series Asia Tour 2024 ~The Story We Realize Together~ Guangzhou Performance ■ Date: October 4 (Fri), 2024 ■ Venue: Guangzhou Asian Games Town Gymnasium Cast: Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya), Liyuu (Keke Tang), Nako Misaki (Chisato Arashi), Naomi Payton (Sumire Heanna), Nagisa Aoyama (Ren Hazuki), Nozomi Suzuhara (Kinako Sakurakoji), Akane Yabushima (Mei Yoneme), Wakana Ookuma (Shiki Wakana), Aya Emori (Natsumi Onitsuka), Yuina (Wien Margarete), Sakura Sakakura (Tomari Onitsuka)

Q1. What was your reaction when you first heard about the Asia tour?

I remember I was like, “What? A concert!? And overseas!?"! (lol). This tour is the first time for all eleven of us in Liella! to go abroad! In the summer of 2023, the nine of us from the first and second generations performed in Shanghai, but at that time I was so nervous I couldn't stop the adrenaline (lol). We talked about how we'd work hard so all eleven of us could perform together overseas one day, so I was really happy to hear the news!

Q2. What kind of image do you have of the venue of the Guangzhou performance?

This tour will be my first visit to Guangzhou!! I knew of course that the Chinese mainland is really big, but I had no idea just how far apart Shanghai and Guangzhou were until this time, and I was very surprised…! I also heard from Liyuu-chan, who plays Keke Tang, that Guangzhou is really humid and hot, so I'm going to set my hair more carefully than usual on the day of the concert so it won't fall apart from the humidity! (lol)

Q3. Is there anything you would like to achieve or try on the tour?

I think it'd be more exciting if we greeted the audience at the beginning of the concert or addressed them during the songs in the local language to make it feel special! We have a lot of fans from overseas who learn Japanese to talk to us at our regular events, so I'd be happy if we could return the favor this time! And if I have time, I'd like to try Chinese-style hot pot, xiaolongbao, and the many other delicious foods I've heard about!

Q4. What are your feelings toward the tour as Liella!, and what are you talking about with your fellow members?

Two days after the Guangzhou concert (the day of the Shanghai concert), the first episode of the third season of the Love Live! Superstar!! TV anime will air in Japan! I feel as if the members are closer to me than usual, and I told them it's really reassuring. My thoughts on this tour are very simple. I'd like to take on this challenge with the feeling of gratitude to everyone for supporting us and letting us hear their voices!

Q5. Please give a message to everyone who's looking forward to the tour!

Thank you very much for your support! Liella! is all about "connection" and "unity." I learned from everyone in Liella! that even if we're far apart or don't see each other for days on end, the feeling of fun can still connect us anytime, anywhere! We'll do our best to deliver our voices so we can share a dreamlike time together that can only be created on that day at that time!! Yiqi xiangshou yanchu ba! (Let's enjoy the show together!) (←Liyuu-chan taught me that♡)

[massivemochi]

Love Live! TV Anime Official Book - Special Interview with Composer Yoshiaki Fujisawa

In celebration of the "Love Live! Anime 10th Anniversary Orchestra Concert," I've translated the special interview with Yoshiaki Fujisawa, the composer for the Love Live! anime, from the Love Live! TV Anime Official Book!

This is my first time translating something by myself, so I apologize for any errors.

Direct quotes from the anime are from the FFF fansub.

The main theme contains all of my initial inspiration for Love Live!. Without it, the soundtrack for the show wouldn't be complete…!

Music: Yoshiaki Fujisawa

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture. From composing and arranging songs for top artists to providing soundtracks for anime productions, he is a music creator active in a variety of genres. His major works include the TV anime series GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, among many others.

Background music, or a soundtrack, which sometimes subtly enhances the story or highlights the emotions of the characters, is an essential part of any production. The last of these special interviews is with Yoshiaki Fujisawa, the musician in charge of the soundtrack for Love Live!!

The first keywords were "hot-blooded passion" He was conscious of creating songs that expand the world of the deeply emotional μ's members

―How did you come to be in charge of the music for the Love Live! TV anime?

I was originally a song composer, but I'd started to do some work on soundtracks as well, and I was thinking I'd like to try my hand at more of that kind of work when I was approached to do it. I remember being very happy, partly because the timing was good. I'd heard of Love Live! through gossip at song competitions. I was under the impression it was about idols, but when the words "club activities" and "hot-blooded passion" came up at our first meeting, I knew exactly what kind of show it'd be. From then on, I completely changed my mindset. I wanted the songs to express the positivity and liveliness typical of teenage girls. I believe this is a time when girls are troubled by small things, thinking various thoughts, and full of emotions, so I wrote the songs with this in mind to expand such feelings.

―Seeing as Love Live! is the first time you've been responsible for the soundtrack of a single production by yourself, what were some of the most significant challenges you faced?

Making 40 to 50 songs in one go. I'd never made that many songs at once. It was all new to me, so it was like I was building my workflow from scratch while making them. Each song was created differently, and the number of recording sessions and time allotted to each was different, so it was difficult to think about all the details. But most of all, I was afraid I'd make the world too small…. I was very concerned with how I could make the world bigger and wider, even within the scope of what was presented. The setting is the school and the Akiba area, which isn't really that big, but perhaps to μ's, who are high school students, that's all there is to the world. Looking back on it now, I think the key point was how I could bring the breadth of the world to them.

―Which songs in particular did you make with a conscious effort to expand the world?

Take "Hanarebanare (Apart)," for example, which plays in episode twelve of the first season when Honoka quits being a school idol. I thought it best to play up the depression in the song to the point that it sounds as if someone is going to die. It's such a shocking event for Honoka's friends, and I think when someone is truly in despair, they feel like they can't see a way forward. Especially when a girl like Honoka says she is quitting, she must be on the edge. If I were to take it easy on her, it'd just make it sentimental, so I made it as if I was kicking her down to rock bottom (laughs). "Hanayo no Ketsui (Hanayo's Decision)" from episode four of the first season is another song that expands the imagery to push Hanayo's back in a grandly powerful way. On the other hand, for a similar friendship scene in episode three of the first season involving the three second-years, I remember writing "Yuujou (Friendship)" with the aim to focus rather than expand. It feels like it's contained within them alone.

From memorable songs such as the main theme to songs used in unexpected scenes! Many stories about the composing process!

―What was the first song you wrote?

The main theme, "Hajimari no Asa (Morning of Beginning)". This song contains all of my initial inspiration for the soundtrack of Love Live!. Without it, the soundtrack for the show wouldn't be complete. I finished the melody and composition very fast as if the idea I had in my head just popped out. The other song I was able to write without hesitation was "Nozomi no Mune no Uchi (Within Nozomi's Heart)" from Episode 8 of the second season. The story is connected to "Snow halation," and it depicts Nozomi's thoughts and feelings from her childhood to the present, as well as her contributions to μ's, so I had a clear image of what the song would be about. I felt like I was able to create it quickly from the get-go. For the second season, I had some sense of the direction, so it was easier to grasp the main points.

―Was it easier to write songs for the second season?

Of course, after doing the first season, I had set a basic atmosphere for the world. However, since the last part of the story is about the end of μ's, it was difficult to find ways to express that. I wanted to do things I didn't do in the first season, so I tried various approaches, including changing the manner in which I wrote the songs. For instance, in the aforementioned "Nozomi no Mune no Uchi," I tried to do what I couldn't do in "Hanayo no Ketsui," which was to create a gentle image that envelops the listener. "Kinpaku (Tension)" from Episode 4 of the second season is also notable. It's the song in the scene where they're worrying if they'll pass the preliminaries or not. There's a part where Nico crushes her strawberry milk carton and it squirts everywhere (laughs). If they don't make it here, it might be the end. In that sense, it's the most tense scene, but I thought it'd be uninteresting if I just built up the tension in a serious way. I wanted to express the panic of the girls in the music as well.

―Was there any song that was used unexpectedly?

"Yume no Ato (Echo of a Dream)," which plays before μ's perform their encore in Episode 12 of the second season. It was originally supposed to play during the rooftop scene in Episode 13. You can imagine my surprise when it instead ended up in the scene before the encore. This song is very memorable to me because I completely reworked the melody in the middle. It's the original up to the chorus, which is the most climactic part, but the rest of the song was totally different at first. It didn't feel right no matter how many times I listened to it, so I erased the whole block because I felt the melody was out of place. Maybe that's why it worked in the encore instead, but I think it's an interesting phenomenon. It's a simple song with only piano and strings, but the string performance was so emotional it gave me goosebumps while recording it, even though I wrote it myself (laughs). We discussed using it in Episode 13 as planned, but the director wanted to end it on a softer note, so we ended up using a variation of the main theme titled "Urei no Yuugure (Dusk of Sorrow)". This song does indeed have more of a feeling of coming to a close.

―Are there any other songs that were used in unexpected ways?

The intro of "Alisa" was used in the scene where Eli first appears. That phrase has been used quite a bit since then, and it seems to have become the song of the Ayase sisters (laughs). Another unexpected song was ">ω</". It was supposed to be a song for Honoka's house, Homura. I didn't think Rin-chan would take it (laughs). Also, if you look at the series as a whole, "Hanayo no Ketsui" is used in many scenes involving the first-years. As I'm sure the fans are aware, it was used in Episode 5 of the second season when Rin-chan is pushed by Hanayo and the others and in Episode 11 of the second season when Maki-chan tells Nico she'll continue being a school idol at the beach. When I think about it, I feel "Hanayo's decision" was what ended up pulling all the first-years together. The song gained that meaning as well.

―How did you create "Zenkai no Love Live! (Last Time on Love Live!)," which appears in almost every episode?

I knew it'd be distracting to make it too melodious because of the narration, but it wouldn't be entertaining if it was just static, so I found a good balance between the two. I wanted it to have a lively impression, so I decided to use the trumpet as the main instrument. Then, by coincidence, in the opening sequence of the first season, there was a shot of Honoka blowing a trumpet, and I knew I'd made the right choice. I was surprised to hear her singing along to it in the second season. In a way, this might've been the most unexpected song (laughs).

We also asked Mr. Fujisawa about his favorite scene from the TV anime series & μ's song♪!!

―What scene from the TV anime series particularly left an impression on you?

The scene in Episode 8 of the first season where Eli joins μ's. Specifically, the sequence of scenes from the songs "Eli no Yaritai Koto (What Eli Wants to Do)" to "μ's no Hajimari (The Beginning of μ's)". The interaction between Eli and Nozomi, as well as hearing the sound of voices practicing in the distance, really left an impression on me. When Eli says, "I'd do what I wanted if it could get me somewhere!" that's a restraint for people. The members of μ's, especially Honoka, took that restraint away. In contrast to Eli, Honoka has the mentality of doing things because she wants to do them, and even if someone is holding back, she gives them the push they need. I had that idea in mind for "μ's no Hajimari," so I put a synth bass in with the orchestra. I thought it needed that heartbeat.

―Do you have a favorite μ's song?

"Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE (Our LIVE and LIFE with You)" is a great song. "Yume no Tobira (The Door to Our Dreams)" and "Dancing stars on me!" as well. Although "Bokura no LIVE~" isn't the main theme, I like it because it feels like the group's initial inspiration. The melody of "Yume no Tobira" is simply great, and even though they saw their rivals give an incredible performance right in front of them, they sang it without losing their way, so I can feel their will in this song. On that same note, even though they were unsure about it and tried on different costumes, "Dancing stars~" is also a song they sang in their own way in the end.

―What do you think the appeal of Love Live! is?

I think the appeal, up to and including the movie, is that the girls tried to do something with determination. From the beginning to the end, even when they faced obstacles, they thought things over, made sound decisions, and kept moving forward without giving up. That passion is obviously appealing. In Episode 9 of the second season, there's a scene where Honoka, Umi, and Kotori head to the venue in the snow, and even the two who seemed to be following Honoka up to that point expressed their feelings of being involved of their own volition. Rather than going with the flow, they each made their decision on their own accord. That implies they're taking responsibility for themselves. I think that's why they shine so strongly.

―From what you've said so far, it sounds as if you've been making the soundtrack in a way that empathizes with the feelings of μ's. Is that because it's Love Live!? Or do you do the same for other productions?

There are characters in every story, of course, so I consider that in other productions as well. But as for Love Live!, I had the strong impression those 9 girls were driving the story, so perhaps I was thinking more about what they were feeling.

―Please give us a closing message!

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude by saying thank you and also to say Love Live! is not only a fun show but also one that cheers you up when you watch it, so if you're ever troubled or stuck in a rut, I'd urge you to watch it. If there are people around you who aren't sure whether to make a move or not, please encourage them to make a move like Honoka did!!