[Translation] Kitagawa Ryouha Model Press SSK 2018 Interview
Kitagawa Ryouha ranked #33 in prelims
Until now I thought ranking #55 in prelims was good, didn’t think I would be called into higher than that. I thought it would be quite upsetting if I wasn’t called this year, but somewhere in me, I believed in my fans and I am glad. Honestly though, if asked I actually thought I would rank somewhere along 60s. I thought for sure because that was how my rankings had been in the past years. I was the happiest when my rank was called out. But of course, its not all about the prelims, which is why finals has me anxious. I am hear in the prelims all thanks to my fans.
Reason for aiming for senbatsu
Originally a fan of AKB48, I wanted to be like the sparkling personas I saw on the TV programmes. I am still their fan and I really want to be such a member like that. I know I can’t reach their alone. Hence, I want to seize that together with everyone with the help of their power.
For Ryouha, how do you perceive the votes?
Of course, for me votes are all the “love” I receive. I am been improving myself every year, and the number of people who give me their love has been increasing. In the first place, I am someone who doesn’t have that much confidence. So knowing that I have even one person who votes for me, makes me glad I work hard. These votes are the one thing that gives me confidence and have a precious existence for me.
Thoughts on this ssk that has been bothering you
It’s the 10th year so I feel like its the last chance. I have wanted to takeout a photobook when I was 18, and even at 20 I still do. Not just for now, but even for the future I feel like the result will be needed. I got such a good rank and thats why I have to keep going is probably my biggest thought. So in twitter for election “#綾巴再ブレイク” was decided. (which kinda translates to score well against the opponent?? lol idk) Though I decided that as a New Year’s resolution, when I hesitated Team S’ Sugiyama Aika said “That sounds good no?” The SSK is in Nagoya Dome which is my home ground, so family members and friends would notice. It is also SKE48′s 10th anniversary I want to leave behind a good result.