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Liella! USEN encore Interview - June 11th 2025

Here’s the translation of interview originally from USEN encore interview.

The school idol group Liella!, born from Love Live! Superstar!!, released their 3rd album Aspire on May 28. We interviewed three members — Liyuu (1st gen, Tang Keke), Misaki Nako (1st gen, Arashi Chisato), and Emori Aya (2nd gen, Onitsuka Natsumi). About the live tour and their thoughts on the album Aspire!

— How should we describe today’s combination of members for this interview?

Emori Aya: “It’s a rare combo, isn’t it?”

Misaki Nako: “This is actually the first time these three have been together for an interview!”

Liyuu: “That’s true.”

Misaki: “Do we have anything in common?”

Emori: “We all like mascots! Everyone has one attached to their bag today.”

— So let’s call you the "Mascot Trio" then.

— What kind of presence are the other two members to you personally?

Misaki: “For me, Li-chan (Liyuu) is my fellow 1st-gen member, and honestly, every time I see her I’m like, ‘Wait, is time even passing for her?’ Her looks are always so consistently cute. She’s always Keke-chan, always has that youngest-child vibe.”

Liyuu: “???”

Misaki: “You’re a baby. (laughs) But honestly, I really appreciate how you always say what you think directly. I really love how straightforward you are. As for Aya, we have a lot of similar hobbies, so we share a lot in common. Our taste in games, clothes, it’s all pretty similar. Among the 2nd-gen members, she’s the one I share the most private hobbies with.”

Emori: “Yeah. We hang out and chat quite a bit.”

Misaki: “I can be my true self around her. Of course, I’m always myself with everyone, but with Aya I can go even deeper and talk about all sorts of things.”

Emori: “We even like the same clothing brands, so whenever I find a brand I like, I’ll message her like, ‘Hey, I think you’ll like this!’”

Misaki: “So even though she’s technically one of the youngest, she’s super reliable and kind of feels like a big sister to me.”

Emori: “Yaaay! Woohoo!”

— (laughs) And for you, Liyuu, what are these two like?

Liyuu: “Nako has been with me since 1st-gen, so we’ve experienced all the changes together. Even during rehearsals, she doesn’t just focus on her own moves, she watches everyone else’s too, so she’s really dependable. As for Emo (Emori), even though she’s one of the youngest, I’ve never once felt like she’s a ‘little sister’…”

Misaki: “Right? I totally get that!”

Liyuu: “She’s always so composed and calm that I forget about the age difference.”

Emori: “For me, these two are actually the top two people I contact the most outside of Liella! activities, even in my private life.”

Liyuu: “Really?!”

Misaki: “Maybe that’s why it’s us three here today.”

Emori: “Could be! (laughs) Actually, Li-chan might be the person who’s changed the most in how easy it is to talk to her since I joined. I think because Li is naturally shy, at first I didn’t know how much I could approach or how personal I could get. So when I first joined, she was actually the person I spoke with the least among the 1st-gen members. But at some point, we started talking a lot more.”

— Do you remember when that shift happened?

Liyuu: “I think it was probably around the rehearsals for the 9-member lives. We were seeing each other a lot more during practice and naturally started chatting. I don’t usually initiate conversations myself, so it all felt very natural.”

Emori: “With Nako, we talk a lot even privately, and I really rely on her. Since we’re also in the same unit (5yncri5e!), she’s the 1st-gen member I spend the most time with during unit activities too. I often find myself quietly watching her big, reliable back from behind. But when we hang out, we end up talking about all sorts of silly things unrelated to work. Even though she’s my senior, it honestly feels more like a friendship between people our age.”

Misaki: “Yay!”

— Thank you very much.

— Right now, you’re in the middle of the Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour Let’s be ONE. This is the first tour after both the anime’s Season 3, where Liella! became 11 members and also depicted the 1st-gen graduation. How has this tour felt for you so far?

Emori: “It really feels like the songs are continuing to evolve and become more complete. Of course, even when we release a song on CD, that’s one kind of ‘finished form’ too. But when we perform them live, the way the fans join in with calls and chants brings something new. We’ve finished 8 shows across 4 cities so far, but during the Fukuoka show in particular, I felt like Fighting Call had really leveled up. Until then, it felt like everyone was simply watching the 4 members of 2nd-gen. But starting from Fukuoka, the audience clearly started singing along with the parts inside the parentheses in the lyrics (“ii n da yo”). It felt like the audience was now actively pushing the 4 of us forward, giving us a boost. So as we keep doing these lives, I feel like the songs are evolving in different ways.”

Misaki: “It’s been a while since we’ve done a live that was directly tied to the anime. For Season 3 of the anime, it was the first time we got to see the 3rd-gen members acting as part of Liella!, so I really didn’t want to leave those two behind. And I wanted everyone supporting us to feel like, after seeing us sing and dance as 11 members, ‘Yeah, this is the way it’s meant to be.’Even for songs people have heard before, we’re putting on this tour so that new charms come through depending on the venue. Whether someone can only attend that one show or they’re going to multiple dates, I’ve been really impressed by how everyone finds new ways to enjoy the shows depending on where they sit or the angle they see us from. I really feel like it’s thanks to this kind of back-and-forth relationship that we’re able to create a new kind of live each time. Lives can easily feel one-sided, like ‘just watch us perform’, but I’ve truly come to realize how much lives are only possible because of the people supporting us. And right now… above all else, it’s just fun!”

— Liyuu, how does it feel for you?

Liyuu: “I don’t know if we’ll ever have another live that’s tied to the anime like this again… In the anime, the 1st-gen members graduate, so with every show, I find myself wondering, ‘Is this the last live where we’ll be carrying the anime on our backs?’ I think my feelings overlap with the storylines of the anime characters. I just want to create a live where everyone who comes can go home with wonderful memories together with us. And I want to keep running all the way to the end.”

— And during the tour, on May 28th, your 3rd album Aspire, now including the two 3rd-gen members, was released.

Misaki: “Yay~! (laughs)”

Emori: “Honestly, I think the songs are really good. There are 12 new recordings—the group song Aspire and then solo songs for all 11 members. The solo songs reflect each member’s individuality and strengths, but for people who’ve watched the anime up through Season 3, I think how they interpret the lyrics will change even more. Like, ‘Oh, maybe this is a song about siblings,’ or ‘Maybe this is a song directed at someone special,’ or ‘This member wouldn’t have been able to sing these kinds of positive lyrics when they first joined, but now they can,’ the lyrics often show that kind of growth. So if you listen while reflecting back on Seasons 1 to 3 of the anime, I think the songs will feel even deeper.”

Misaki: “The fact that Aspire—meaning ‘to aim for, to long for’—was chosen as the title feels very fitting now that Season 3 has ended. You can really feel everyone’s desire to reach even greater heights, and for me, I just felt honestly happy about that.”

Liyuu: “When I heard the new song Aspire, it was after Liella! had won back-to-back championships in the anime’s Season 3. So to me, it feels like this song expresses the feelings of Liella! after achieving that second victory. The song has a bit of a different vibe compared to what we’ve done so far, and I hope we’re able to share this new side of Liella! with everyone.”

— The new song “Aspire” turned out to be one of the hardest-hitting electro tracks you’ve ever done.

Emori: “I still can’t really picture us performing it yet…”

Liyuu: “Yeah, same.”

Emori: “It made me realize, ‘Wow, we’re at a point where we can sing such a cool song now.’The girls who once sang ‘I want to chase my dreams’ have now shifted to ‘I want to aim even higher.’ Like Li(yuu) said earlier, I think this is a song we can only sing now, after Liella! won back-to-back championships.”

Misaki: “Personally speaking, I really like songs with this kind of cool vibe, so when I was singing it, I was like, ‘This is so fun!’ But when I thought about it as Chii-chan singing, not me as Misaki Nako, it became really tough… I don’t think people really imagine Chii-chan singing such an intense and cool song like this, so recording it was honestly pretty difficult.”

Emori: “I think that applies to all three of us, doesn’t it? (laughs) None of us are usually the ‘cool-type’ members.”

Misaki: “Yeah, we’re more of the bright, cute vocal style. If I lowered my tone too much, it wouldn’t feel like Chii-chan anymore, so it was really tricky trying to find the right balance. But because of that, the sense of accomplishment I felt after recording was the biggest I’ve ever experienced for any song.”

Liyuu: “Me too. When I started recording, I couldn’t even imagine how Keke would sound singing it. I was figuring it out while singing, like, ‘Is this the right vibe?’ as I went along.”

Emori: “The hardest part was figuring out how to make it still feel like Liella!If you just sing it coolly, it stops feeling like a Liella! song. But if I sang it too much in Natsumi’s usual voice, we worried it might not blend well when all 11 members sing together. So the very first stage — figuring out the tone — was probably the trickiest part. It’s a super cool song and I love it, but the question of ‘Where do we show the Liella!-ness?’ felt like a brand new challenge. But when I listened to the finished version, it really does sound like Liella!, and I realized, this is the result of each of the 11 of us thinking deeply about it.”

— What did you think when you first heard the title Aspire?

Misaki: “It’s kind of hard to put into words... Is it about each individual member personally longing for something? Or is it about the 11 of us aiming to grasp something together? Honestly, I still don’t quite know the ‘right answer.’ But like Aya said earlier when talking about the live, I feel like our songs only truly become complete when we perform them in front of everyone, and the voices and reactions of the audience combine with us. Since this song doesn’t have choreography yet and we haven’t performed it live, I feel like we’re still on the journey of discovering what exactly we’re ‘aspiring’ toward.”

Liyuu: “Since the Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour Let’s be ONE isn’t finished yet, we’re still very much carrying the emotional weight of the Season 3 story. To me, this song Aspire feels like it reflects where everyone’s hearts are at after Season 3 ends. Like I’ve said before, it feels like: ‘We’ve won twice, now let’s go even higher!’ That’s the kind of feeling I get.”

Emori: “I think there are members who want to keep growing individually, and others who want to push even further as a team. If you listen to the song while imagining what each member might be thinking, I think that makes it even more fun.”

— Now let’s talk about each of your solo songs. Going by the tracklist order, first is track 7: Onitsuka Natsumi’s Pastel Collage.

Emori: “Her growth honestly feels almost scary. There’s definitely a part of this song that reflects her as a sister, and I’d like to leave some of it up to everyone’s interpretation. But personally, I feel like it also portrays Natsumi from her childhood days. She was once a girl who almost gave up on everything, but now she’s singing ‘I’ve found a moment that makes me forget time / I’ve finally found it!’ I feel like it’s only because she met Liella! that she can sing this song now. Musically, it’s not really a ballad though…”

— It has a city pop vibe to it.

Emori: “Yeah, the melody feels positive and uplifting, but when I think back on everything that led up to it, it almost makes me tear up. So for those who’ve enjoyed the anime, I really recommend listening to this one with a handkerchief nearby. If I ever get the chance to perform it live, I’m honestly worried about how I’m going to hold back my own tears. Even the lyric ‘Ai kurete ita koto (The love you gave me)’ connects back to Natsumi’s first solo song Eye wo Choudai, so I hope people enjoy those little connections too.”

— The lyric ‘yaburi suteta peeji (the pages I tore out)’ brings to mind the “Dream Notebook” she carries.

Emori: “Right! And after that, the line (proud of it) is placed in parentheses, so it’s a subtle message you might miss if you don’t pay attention. But the fact that she’s able to say she’s proud of her own messy, imperfect past. That, to me, shows how much she’s grown.”

— Next, we have track 8: Arashi Chisato’s Rhythm, which follows her joining the dance team after graduation.

Misaki: “It really made me think ‘She’s grown up so much.’When I first heard it, I felt like it was a blend of Chii-chan’s previous solo songs Yuuki no Kakera and Flyer’s High. In Yuuki no Kakera, she was still battling with herself, struggling, and her steps still felt a bit heavy. Then in Flyer’s High, she was facing school idols head-on, wanting to share the fun with everyone, and wishing to create a big circle together. Now, in Rhythm, you can feel how she’s joyfully facing herself, and that made me so happy.”

— What would you want to say to Miyajima-san, who wrote the lyrics?

Misaki: “There’s a line: ‘I’m here, and I can proudly say it.’ In Yuuki no Kakera, she had sung ‘I want to have the confidence to say I’m here.’ Now, she’s standing firmly on her own two feet. That ‘fragment of courage’ (yuuki no kakera) has now become something shining like a diamond. Of course, I don’t think this will be her last solo song, but I was really moved to see how Chii-chan’s three-year journey has formed a complete story.”

— Track 10 is Tang Keke’s Fundamental, which turned out to be a warm ballad.

Liyuu: “I personally feel like it connects really well with all of her previous solo songs. From her very first solo, every song has matched the storyline of the anime, with each one expressing what Keke-chan was feeling at that point in time. This time, I think the song reflects the state of mind she reached after worrying about her future path in the anime, and finally making a decision. Keke-chan had so much fun after meeting school idols, but the part where she sings ‘I’ve found the future I want to choose, for the first time’ reflects the backstory that was revealed for the first time in Season 3. Up until now, she’s always been like ‘I want to do this!’ or ‘I love this!’ Happily doing school idols with everyone. But when it came to thinking about her future, she struggled a lot, and it was only after working up the courage to make her decision that this song could exist.”

— Both Chii-chan and Keke really feel like they’re heading toward graduation now, don’t they?

Misaki: “Yes. You can feel how they’re looking ahead to the future.”

— All three of these songs include the word “future” in their lyrics. In Pastel Collage it’s ‘The future where we’ll laugh our hardest is right around the corner.’ In Rhythm, it’s ‘Look, the future smiled.’ And in Fundamental, after asking ‘Am I worried about the future?’ it answers with ‘Of course I am, and that’s what fires me up.’ What kind of future do you each see for yourselves?

Misaki: “Ahh... honestly, I’m just doing my best to get through each day.”

Emori: “Yeah, I just want to keep my feet on the ground and focus on living in the present.”

— (laughs) Lastly, can you tell us about your goals going forward?

Liyuu: “Season 3 of the anime and the Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour Let’s be ONE kind of feel like one chapter is wrapping up, right? But this summer, we still have the Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! First Generation LoveLive! Wonderful Starlines and other event lives too, so both 5-member Liella! and 11-member Liella! will have a chance to create new memories together with everyone. Once we reach that next milestone, I want to search for what’s next together with everyone.”

Misaki: “2nd-gen and 3rd-gen members actually came up with the idea of doing a revival live for 1st-gen, so we’re kind of going back in time for a bit. But personally, now that the anime’s story has reached its conclusion, I’ve realized just how much of an empty space that’s left in my heart. I can’t deny there’s definitely a sense of loss. Still, since we were able to present a new version of Liella! with Aspire, I feel like there are new perspectives that don’t exist yet. There must be even more possibilities out there. So, just like Li-chan said, I want to search for those new possibilities together with everyone. Right now though… there’s just so much to do in front of me… I’m doing my best just to keep going each day!”

— (laughs)

Misaki: “If I focus too much on what’s far ahead, I might lose my footing, so I honestly can’t see too far into the future yet! But then again, I’m not sure if it’s okay to just be like ‘Let’s have fun right now, yay!’ (laughs). I wonder... is it different for 2nd-gen and 1st-gen?”

Emori: “Aqours are having their finale live this June, and it made me feel like, ‘I really need to stay focused too.’ We’re the fourth generation of the Love Live! series, following μ’s, Aqours, and Nijigasaki. Now that the second group is reaching their finale, every time we’ve gotten to perform together with our seniors in joint lives, I’ve felt like we’ve learned so much from them. Their presence is so big—we’ve been chasing after their huge footsteps all this time, and I want all 11 of us to keep pushing forward while staying grounded. We don’t know what the future holds, but for now, I just hope we can keep having fun together while giving it our all.”

Misaki: “Sorry for ending with such an elementary school-style comment. (laughs) (I kinda answered like a little kid, didn’t I?)”

Emori: “Let’s aim for Liella’s 100th anniversary! Just 95 more years to go!”

Liyuu: “Impossible~ (laughs)”

(End)

Interview & text: Atsuo Nagahori Photography: Isao Nakamura

[yumemiru12]

Liella! Billboard Japan Interview - June 6th 2025

Here's the translation of Billboard interview originally from Billboard Japan Interview.

The TV anime Love Live! Superstar!! portrays the journey of the school idol club at Yuigaoka Girls’ High School. In Season 3, which aired last year, the third-year members graduated, and each of them took their first steps into a new chapter of their lives. Without missing a beat, Liella! launched into a series of major activities: the Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour ～Let’s be ONE～, the April debut of their first terrestrial TV show Liella! no ChuutorieLLA!! (on Nippon TV), and the May 28 release of their 3rd album Aspire. One after another, these exciting announcements sent fans into a joyous frenzy.

From Liella!, this interview features four members: Naomi Payton (Heanna Sumire), Aoyama Nagisa (Hazuki Ren), Yabushima Akane (Yoneme Mei), and Ookuma Wakana (Wakana Shiki). With Aspire being a massive volume that includes anime songs from Season 3, new group tracks, and solo songs from all 11 members, we spoke to them in depth about the album. What are the things that these four are currently aspiring to? And what story is embedded in the upcoming Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! First Generation LoveLive! ～Wonderful Starlines～, scheduled for July and August? “There’s no time to feel SupaSuta-loss*,” they say, as they excitedly share their thoughts.

*The original text is in japanese “スパスタロス”, which is Japanese slang term made by combining スパスタ(Supasta; Japanese way of saying Superstar) and ロス(Rosu; borrowed from english “Loss”), often used in Japanese to express emotional withdrawal or a feeling of emptiness after something ends. So it can roughly translated as, “the feeling of emptiness or sadness after Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3 ended”

“Liella!’s All-in-One Combo Set”

—Your 3rd album Aspire is being released. What kind of album has it become?

Naomi Payton: If I had to sum it up in one phrase, it’s “Liella!’s all-in-one combo set” (laughs). It’s packed with a lot of songs, including solo tracks for all 11 members, and every single one is high quality. They’re all songs you’ll want to listen to over and over again. With just this one album, not only can you learn about Liella! as a group, but you also get to know each of the members individually. Even if you don’t know the anime storyline, I think the solo songs are relatable, you can connect to the lyrics or link them to your own experiences. In that sense, it’s a truly wonderful album. I hope lots of people will pick it up soon.

Wakana Ookuma : There’s such a huge gap between this and Liella! no Chuutoriera!! (ChuutoLiella!!), our TV variety show, it might be hard for people to believe we’re the same group! (laughs) But for me, Liella! has always had this cool image, and I think this album really brings out that coolness and all the best sides of the group.

Nagisa Aoyama: Musically, it spans a wide variety of genres. Honestly, you could build an entire live setlist just from the songs on this album, and it would totally work. It has so many flavors that you can choose songs depending on your mood, making it a really satisfying listen. Since it’s being released right after the airing of Season 3, you can feel how much the members have grown—both as characters in the story and as performers. I think listeners will pick up on that growth. If you can, I’d recommend listening to the songs while watching the anime from Season 1 onward. That would make me really happy.

Akane Yabushima: I think a lot of fans were like, “Finally, solo songs!” and honestly, we felt the same way. For the second-years like us, this is only our second solo song, so it was like, “We finally got a second one!” and that made us super happy. Some people might find a solo song by their favorite member surprising, but that just shows a new side of them. With 11 members, each with a different personality and color, I hope this album helps fans discover new charms in more than just their favorites. Especially the title track “Aspire,” which is a full-group song—it’s one I hope everyone listens to over and over again.

—The title track “Aspire” even has a rap part, and it has a coolness that feels almost K-Pop-like. What were your first impressions, favorite parts, or thoughts from singing it?

Yabushima: It really goes all out!

Payton: Yeah, it’s super bold. Before recording, we were all like, “Did you listen to the new song? Isn’t it insane?” We kept shouting the opening line, “Genkai nanka naiya” (“There are no limits”), over and over just for fun. I think a lot of fans will love that part too.

Aoyama: When we’re stressed or overwhelmed and someone says, “Ugh, I can’t do this anymore,” someone else will burst out singing “Genkai nanka naiya!” That’s kind of the trend among Liella! right now (laughs).

Ookuma: Let’s make it a national trend!

Payton: So when you feel like you’ve hit your limit, just say “Genkai nanka naiya!” out loud (laughs).

Ookuma: There’s a rap part in the second half too.

Yabushima: The rap is handled by Sumire-chan, Margarete-chan (CV: Yuina), Shiki-chan, and Chii-chan (CV: Misaki Nako). Up until now, we’ve never had rap in an 11-member group song, so this track really squeezes a lot of different elements into one.

Ookuma: Recording was intense. They kept saying, “Make it cooler!” and I was like, “Wait, I can go even harder?” We went back and forth like that a lot. I felt like a real rapper!

Payton: Wakana’s been acting like a rapper in everyday life lately (laughs).

Ookuma: Well, I’ve always loved rap!

Payton: Then it’s great that you got the rap part! (laughs). As for me, I rapped in English with Margarete, and honestly, I’m already nervous about doing it live. English isn’t my strong suit to begin with, and on top of that, we have to sync perfectly together. But I feel like Sumire—the character I voice—would totally pull off something like this in style, so I’ll do my best not to lose to her!

—With such a cool song, the choreography is something to look forward to, isn’t it?

Payton: It seems like it’s going to be really tough.

Aoyama: When I first heard it, it reminded me of “Jump Into the New World.” So I’m guessing the choreography might be similar to that.

—The dance for that song is seriously intense in terms of energy.

Ookuma: That one was brutal.

Yabushima: I remember it being the hardest of them all.

—Do you think this might surpass that?

Aoyama: There are lyrics like “We’re going to rise up” and “That’s not good enough—aim higher,” so when you think about that... yeah, it’s kind of scary.

Thoughts on the Solo Songs

—Let’s talk about the solo songs. Yabushima-san, your solo as Yoneme Mei, “Sky Linker,” is a grand, rock-style track.

Yabushima: I think from the intro alone, you can immediately tell, “This is Mei-chan’s song.” Her solos have always expressed her internal struggles. Instead of denying her fears and doubts, the song embraces them while encouraging her to keep moving forward. It carries a strong, determined message.

—The powerful phrase “Don’t lose!” in the lyrics also feels very Mei-chan.

Yabushima: That’s a line only Mei-chan could say. Reading that lyric made me feel like I also need to keep pushing forward and not lose to myself.

Aoyama: To me, this song feels like Mei-chan is singing to her juniors and friends as the new leader of the School Idol Club. It’s like she’s expressing her resolve to lead everyone forward. Even in the tone of her voice, you can sense the inner conflict, but she doesn’t show it outwardly. That was the image I had.

Ookuma: I think there’s definitely strength in it, but maybe it’s also her way of convincing herself. Like Nagi said, it’s probably also her way of passing on what she’s learned to the next generation. Because she knows she’s been supported by others, now she wants to be the one doing the supporting. I think that comes through too.

—Next, Payton-san’s solo as Heanna Sumire, “Just woo!!,” is also a very Sumire-like song. It feels like she’s confidently striding through the city.Payton: It’s the Sumire. I felt it was a song made exactly for her, with a showbiz flair in mind. When I read the lyrics and saw phrases like “I’m in love!” and “Madly in love with myself,” I was honestly shocked. It made me realize how much she’s grown, to the point where she can compare her own feelings to being in love. And seeing how much she’s come to love herself made me happy too. These days, there aren’t many people who can say they truly like themselves, I used to be the same. But I really admire Sumire’s ability to do that, and I hope I can be more like her. When I was singing this, I felt a deep love for Sumire from the bottom of my heart. During the recording, I kept imagining her face the whole time. I really poured myself into it, trying to express both my love for Sumire, and Sumire’s love for herself, all at once.

—It feels like a self-affirmation song.

Payton: Yeah, exactly. I want people who struggle with confidence to hear it. I hope it can be a spark for someone to think, “It’d be nice if I could love myself like this,” or “Maybe I should try accepting who I am.”

Yabushima: I’m not a particularly positive person myself (laughs), but when I listen to this song, it doesn’t force me to be upbeat. It makes me feel like, “Maybe I can do it,” or “Maybe I’m already good enough just as I am.”

Payton: The arrangement is so stylish too, it’s an amazing song! I want to brag about it (laughs).

—Ookuma-san, your solo “LiLiA” also gives off a cool vibe that feels very Shiki.

Ookuma: The composer for this one is actually the same person who did my previous solo “Glass Ball Rejection,” so it shares a similar atmosphere and nuance. I wanted to sing it with a dreamy, mysterious, hard-to-pin-down feeling.

Aoyama: Shiki-chan’s last solo, “Glass Ball Rejection,” had super cool choreography, and that left a big impression. But this time, I actually don’t want to dance, I just want to listen to it. I want to be captivated purely by her voice and facial expressions. Like, give me a full close-up shot the whole time! (laughs). Shiki-chan doesn’t show big emotions, but she’s able to express so much through subtle things like her gaze or small movements. Even in this song, every extended note at the end of lines is slightly different. The nuances are so delicate. I’d love to see her convey all of that on stage. But… Wakana, you want to dance, right?

Ookuma: I’m not sure yet (laughs). But when I first got the song, the reference materials actually said, “The image is club music.”

Aoyama: Wait, really!?

Ookuma: Yeah, and when I listened to it, especially the section before the Dメロ (bridge section), it had a solid rhythm, so I thought, “Oh, that makes sense.”

Aoyama: Then maybe just the first part, keep it still and let us soak it in.

Yabushima: Yeah, I’d love to see that!

Payton: You’re kind of singing it like you’re speaking too.

Ookuma: I’ll do my best! (laughs)

—And Aoyama-san, your solo as Hazuki Ren, “Musubiba,” feels open to interpretation—whether she’s singing to her mother far away, or to her friends. What’s your take on it?

Aoyama: I think she’s singing to her mother. I felt that Ren-chan is trying to say, “I want you to be at ease.” When I first heard the song, I thought it sounded really smooth and easy to sing. But when I actually looked at the sheet music—it was wild. The pitch jumps from low to suddenly very high, and the melody line is extremely difficult. I even thought maybe this would be better expressed through a string instrument, like a violin, rather than the human voice. So practicing for the recording was a real struggle. I had to figure out how to sing such a complex melody in a way that would sound effortless.

Payton: I also thought “Musubiba” sounded kind of classical. That classical feel really fits Ren-chan, and the lyrics—like something from a handwritten letter—felt elegant. It left me with such a warm feeling.

Yabushima: The Aメロ (verse section), Bメロ (pre-chorus section)—every part feels like a chorus, honestly. Every phrase stood out so clearly. And with Ren-chan’s gentle voice and the letter-like lyrics layered on top, it just slips right into your heart. I think it’s because the words come directly from what she truly feels, that it hits so deeply.

“Like a gift from the juniors”

—The solo songs from the other members are also so rich and rewarding, it really feels like an album you could listen to for a lifetime. Let’s move on to live shows: in July and August, Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! First Generation LoveLive! ～Wonderful Starlines～ will be held. The key visual only features the five 1st-gen members, which has everyone wondering what kind of live this will be.

Aoyama: It’s a revival performance that re-structures our 1st live tour and 2nd live, which Pay-chan and I did back in 2022 during the COVID era, when audiences couldn’t cheer out loud.

—You mentioned before that it really left a mark on you, like something unfinished. So this is your chance to revisit that?

Payton: Back then, it was so frustrating, so this feels like a dream finally coming true.

—So is the concept that you're returning to those feelings and recreating that live as it was?

Aoyama: Not quite. Think of it more like: in the timeline after the 11 of us win two consecutive Love Live championships in Season 3, and just before the 1st-gen members graduate. Within that story, this live is something proposed by the 2nd- and 3rd-gen members—a kind of “gift” from the juniors to the 1st-gen members.

—So it’s like another episode that wasn’t shown in the anime?

Aoyama: Exactly. It’s not about going back in time, but about taking on something we couldn’t do back then, finally giving it another try.

Ookuma: I wonder if we’ll be watching from the audience?

Yabushima: This might be our first and last chance to watch a Liella! concert from the crowd, so I’m really excited!

Payton: Not fair, we’re the ones who want to watch! (laughs)

—Lastly, the word “Aspire” means “strong desire” or “ambition.” What is something each of you is aspiring to right now?

Yabushima: I still think the most inspiring thing is seeing the members move and perform. It’s what energizes us cast members too. So I really hope we get to see more of that somewhere. But honestly, as long as the girls are moving and looking cute, I’m happy no matter the format.

Aoyama: I also really want to see the members animated and moving again. But lately, a lot of people overseas have been posting their thoughts on Season 3 on social media. I’ve been seeing more and more feedback in languages other than Japanese. So I’d love for us to create more opportunities to meet the overseas fans who support us.

—You’ve already been to Shanghai before, right?

Aoyama: Yes. We’ve gone to more places with the smaller units, but as full 11-member Liella!, we’ve only been to Shanghai and Guangzhou. Since anime festivals are held all over the world in places like America and Europe, I really hope we get to go to those kinds of events too.

Payton: I want to go!!

Ookuma: As for me, I just want to try things I’ve never done before. Doing variety shows like Liella! no ChuutorieLLA!! (Liella! no ChuutoLiella!!) was such a refreshing challenge, and it really energized me.

—So after variety, maybe a drama next? (laughs)

Ookuma: Ehh~!! But actually, we did something kind of like a drama in that April Fools’ video “Onifessional: The Way of Work”, so I guess I’m mentally prepared for it now (laughs).

—What about the type of challenge that pushes your physical limits?

Ookuma: Bungee jumping sounds fun.

Payton: Absolutely not!!

Yabushima: You can go ahead and do it, by yourself! (laughs)

—And finally, Payton?

Payton: Mine’s a bit of a different vector from everyone else’s, but what I truly aspire to is for everyone to stay healthy. Being well is the most important thing. That goes for the members, us cast, the fans who love Liella!, the staff, and everyone involved. I just hope everyone stays healthy and smiling.

Aoyama, Yabushima, Ookuma: Ooh~! That’s beautiful!

[yumemiru12]

Liella BRODY magazine Interview February 2025 Issue

[This interview was published on BRODY's magazine, released Dec 3, 2024.]

Thank you so much @Xeraeulius for providing the full interview pages!

Liella! From Love Live! Superstar!!

Yuina x Suzuhara Nozomi x Misaki Nako x Sakakura Sakura

“Let our singing voice shine, let our feelings connect.”

Yuina as Wien Margarete

“I think the biggest sign of her growth is how much more she smiles from the bottom of her heart now.”

[PROFILE] Yuina = Born on September 27, from Kanagawa Prefecture. She voiced Wien Margarete in the second season of the anime Love Live! Superstar!!, which aired in 2022. On April 28, 2023, she officially joined Liella! as a 3rd-generation member.

Sakakura Sakura as Onitsuka Tomari

“Tomari is the kind of girl whose overwhelming love makes things complicated. I can relate because I also tend to say things that contradict my true feelings to my family precisely because I care about them, so I felt a connection with her.”

[PROFILE] Sakakura Sakura = Born on April 3, from Saitama Prefecture. After passing the 3rd-generation public audition, which was announced after the broadcast of the second season, she joined the school idol group Liella! from Love Live! Superstar!!.

Suzuhara Nozomi as Sakurakouji Kinako

"At first, after joining Liella!, she was working hard to catch up with her seniors, but with the addition of cute juniors, I felt like something started to blossom within Kinako-chan's heart."

[PROFILE] Suzuhara Nozomi = Born on November 1, from Miyazaki Prefecture. She made her voice-acting debut as Kinako Sakurakouji in Love Live! Superstar!!. Her first photobook (published by KADOKAWA) is scheduled for release on February 12, 2025.

Misaki Nako as Arashi Chisato

"No matter how much we practice the choreography for the songs, in the end, we align ourselves with how the members are shown singing and dancing."

[PROFILE] Misaki Nako = Born on March 8, from Hyogo Prefecture. Her notable works include Love Live! Superstar!! (as Chisato Arashi) and the mobile game Nobunaga's Ambition: Hadou (as Midoriya Yoshino), among others. She is actively involved in live performances, events, and radio programs.

[INFO] The Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour Let's be ONE will be held from March to June 2025! Starting at Tokyo's National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium, the tour will feature two-day performances in five cities across Japan. Blu-ray releases of the third season of the TV anime and a new single, scheduled for release from December 25 to March 2025, will include priority lottery application tickets for the tour. For more details, check the official website.

A Meeting We Had Been Waiting For

— Yuina-san and Sakakura-san had already been active as part of Liella! through live performances and other activities, but at the time when the third season of the TV anime started, Margarete and Onitsuka Tomari had not yet joined Liella!, right? In fact, for Tomari, we had only just gotten to see her moving in the anime.

Sakakura: That's right. Margarete-chan had already appeared in the second season of the TV anime, but for Tomari, this was her very first appearance. So, the opening was the first time I got to see her smiling while singing, and it was really touching.

Even though I had already performed on stage many times as Liella!, there were times when I wasn't sure what kind of expressions I should have while performing, but I kept doing my best. That’s why I was so happy to finally see that this is how Tomari smiles and sings.

Yuina: I had been really looking forward to this as well. In the second season of the TV anime, Margarete-chan was more like a solo competitor facing off against Liella!, so we never got to see her singing as a member of the group.

When she was solo, there weren’t any scenes where she gave a big smile; she was always a cool and composed character. That’s why seeing Margarete-chan naturally smiling while interacting with everyone in the opening and ending really left an impression on me. I thought, “Wow, she has this kind of side to her too!”

— The facial expressions of the members in the TV anime are something you pay close attention to, right?

Misaki: No matter how much we practice the choreography for the songs, in the end, we align ourselves with how the members are shown singing and dancing. Things like, “They winked here, right?” or “They smiled at each other here, didn’t they?” Those details become really important.

That’s why I’m happy that from now on, we can align ourselves with the members even more closely.

Suzuhara: That's right. In the ending theme song “DAISUKI FULL POWER”, there's a dance where each member strikes a pose one by one. I remember talking with Aya (Emori Aya, who plays Onitsuka Natsumi) about how we should do it.

So the moment we saw the footage, we were like, Oh, this is how it's done! And of course, they make that kind of expression! We kept talking about it the whole time (laughs).

— In the third season of the TV anime, Shibuya Kanon (CV: Date Sayuri) temporarily left Liella! to form a group with Margarete and Tomari called Tomakanote, where they challenged and improved each other. How did the members you portray grow throughout the story? First, how did Kinako Sakurakouji develop?

Suzuhara: In episode 10, there was an episode where we could really see Kinako-chan’s growth. Hazuki Ren-chan (CV: Aoyama Nagisa) asked Kinako to become the student council president. At first, she ran away from it, but later, after talking with Margarete-chan, she decided that she actually wanted to take on the role.

I don’t think Kinako-chan before entering Yuigaoka would have been able to make that decision. At first, after joining Liella!, she was working hard to catch up with her seniors, but with the addition of cute juniors, I felt like something started to blossom within her heart. I think that’s where she really grew.

Misaki: The scene that follows with "Egao no Promise" is really great, so I definitely recommend watching it! Also, I want everyone to see the scene where Kinako-chan sings while drawing.

You kept singing during the recording too, right?

Suzuhara: There's a scene where Kinako is working on songwriting and sings alone, and I received a lot of vocal guides for it, so I ended up singing a lot (laughs).

So, please pay attention to that part as well!

— How about Arashi Chisato?

Misaki: She has become more mature and has grown a lot, but at the same time, I feel like she might have become a bit more childlike as well. I think that's probably because the second-year members have become more reliable, which has allowed Chii-chan to show more of her true self and even express her selfish side.

Seeing that side of her peek through makes me really happy.

— She’s a dependable senior, after all.

Misaki: Because she’s so reliable, I wish she would rely on others more and become someone who can open up about her weaknesses.

She doesn’t have to do it with everyone, but I think the fact that she was able to say “I feel lonely” to Kanon-chan was a sign of her own growth.

— How about Margarete?

Yuina: In the second season of the TV anime, I love how she had such a strong side—she love singing, pursued her dreams with unwavering determination, and never gave up once she set her mind on something. That part of her remained in the third season, and I thought it was wonderful.

As for what changed, I was happy to see her enjoying conversations with others after meeting Liella!. In the flashbacks to her childhood, she was often alone, spending time with stuffed animals, so I think the biggest sign of her growth is how much more she smiles from the bottom of her heart now.

— It seems like Tomari changed the most. Sakakura: That's right. Tomari was someone who wouldn’t do anything that wasn’t profitable, and at first, she used to argue with Aneja (Natsumi). But in episode 8, they reconciled.

From that point on, she gradually became more honest and expressive about her feelings, and I think that’s where she grew as a person. Initially, she questioned why people would engage in school idols when it wasn’t profitable, but as she gained stage experience, she came to understand the joy and the irreplaceable value that can’t be measured by profit.

I think the biggest sign of her growth was discovering her desire to continue as a school idol.

— How was the recording for the reconciliation scene with Aya Emori (episode 8), with whom you are usually close?

Sakakura: Tomari is the kind of girl whose deep love for others can sometimes make things complicated. I think I can relate to that because I also tend to say things that don’t directly show my true feelings to my family precisely because I care about them.*

For this scene, it felt like I was expressing my genuine feelings of affection toward Aya-chan just as they are. Aya-chan also told me that she put her feelings for Sakura (Sakakura) into her voice, so I felt there was a strong connection between the cast and the characters.

That being said, their sibling relationship is just so precious (laughs).

*TL NOTE: In Tomari’s case, the idea is that she loves deeply but doesn't know how to express it well, which leads to misunderstandings or tension in her relationships—particularly with Natsumi. Sakura is saying that she can relate to this tendency because she sometimes acts the same way with her own family.

PAGE 2

— All of the insert songs were amazing, but is there one that you would call the standout song?

Misaki: The one song where even we didn't know what kind of performance it would turn out to be was "Dazzling Game."

Sakakura: That song plays right during the Onitsuka sisters' reconciliation episode, doesn't it?

Misaki: Yes! It's a song where Liella! and Tomakanote go head-to-head, and since the song "Zettaiteki LOVER" that they sang earlier in Shanghai was super cute, it made us wonder, How is this going to fit in? (laughs).

It’s a song that unlike anything Liella! has done before.

Sakakura: This song serves as the turning point where Liella! and Tomakanote come together. That’s why the representative members from each group collaborated on writing the lyrics and composing the song. I feel like it combines Liella!'s cute style with the stronger, more assertive elements that Margarete and Tomari bring to the table.

Yuina: It’s not that they dislike or are outright opposing each other—it’s more like because they care about each other, tension arises. So rather than aiming to bring the other down, I think the song conveys their desire to become one. But at the same time, there was a part of them that couldn’t quite accept it yet, which is why they felt the need to have a proper showdown first.

Misaki: The idea that Kanon-chan had from the beginning—of pushing each other to improve and returning as 11 members—is fully embodied in "Dazzling Game." The song incorporates both the battle and the reconciliation within it.

The Miracle of Soap Bubbles

— Now, stepping away from the TV anime, I’d like to ask about your memories as Liella!. Are there any particularly memorable moments?

Yuina: I had already participated in the 3rd Live Tour as Margarete, but not as a part of Liella!, so in terms of working as a group, I was the same with Saku.

Before officially joining Liella!, we had been taking lessons together, so I actually met Saku before meeting the rest of Liella!. I was so hyped, wondering what kind of person would be joining, that I think I ended up approaching it with a super ‘Yay!’ kind of energy... I did, didn’t I?

Sakakura: No, but compared to now, you were way more reserved.

Suzuhara: If you had come in with your usual energy, I would have been really surprised (laughs).

Misaki: Saku-chan, how did you feel?

Sakakura: I wasn’t told that I’d be meeting Yuina, so I just went in thinking it was a regular meeting. Then they suddenly told me, “Yuina’s in the next room, let’s go.” I wasn’t mentally prepared, so I panicked a bit, but Yuina approached me in her usual cheerful way and started talking.

Yuina: We actually ended up having a pretty good conversation, didn’t we?

— So, that was when you met the rest of the Liella! cast. The footage from that moment was even shown during the release event for the Season 3 OP & ED theme songs, right?

Misaki: Saku-chan was super nervous.

Yuina: Since I already knew everyone in Liella!, I thought it would be nice if I could help bridge the gap. But Saku's social skills were so good that she was already chatting away with everyone in no time, and I was like, Wait, I’m not even needed here! (laughs).

All: No way! (laughs)

Yuina: The most memorable thing was when we were talking about how Saku had been a fan of Liella! even before joining, we asked her, "What did you originally call everyone?" She was like, "Sayurin, Nako-chan, Emorin, Kuma-chan..." but when it came to me, she said, "Yuina-san!"

(Everyone bursts into laughter.)

Yuina: I was like, "Am I the most distant one?"

Suzuhara: (laughs) That really stuck with me.

Yuina: Even though I was supposed to be the closest one to her, I was like, huh?

Sakura: When I was a fan, Margarete-chan felt like an unattainable flower, with this cool and distant aura (laughs). But now, that image is completely gone.

Misaki: And you know, Saku-chan, I was the one who brought you here, right?

— Oh, really?

Sakakura: During the 3rd Live Tour (Miyagi Day 2, in “Dreaming Energy”), Nako-chan was the one who showered me with soap bubbles.

Misaki: Our eyes met back then.

Yuina: You remember that?

Misaki: Yeah. I didn’t realize it was Saku-chan at the time, but I do remember seeing a girl there, and I was like, “Ah!” So I was the one who brought her in! That’s why when Saku-chan mentioned this story, I was like, “Yay!”

— Lastly, please tell us something you’d like everyone to look forward to.

Sakakura: The biggest thing is the "Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour ～Let's be ONE～", which starts in March 2025. This tour carries the weight of the Season 3 anime, and since it’s my first time performing with the anime behind me, I really hope everyone will come and see it. We’ll be giving it our all!

Misaki: I’m looking forward to seeing how Tomari-chan and Saku-chan synchronize, and also seeing Margarete-chan smiling, as well as Yuina’s smile syncing up with hers.

Suzuhara: The 3rd Live Tour was a performance that carried the weight of the TV anime's second season, and it was such an incredible experience! Kinako-chan was right behind me, and being able to perform like that made me really happy.

Now that we'll be able to do it with all 11 members, I can't help but smile when I think about the 6th Live Tour, and I can't wait for it!

Yuina: I'm already imagining how it will feel like we're stepping into the world of the TV anime ourselves. From the costumes to the stage production, I'm excited about everything!

Misaki: I think the 6th Live Tour will be a huge milestone for both us and the members. As we've talked about many times, one of the most wonderful aspects of the Love Live! series is the synchronization between the members and the cast. I believe the true charm lies in how we inspire and elevate each other.

I hope we can create a show that welcomes everyone into Yuigaoka and captivates them at the same time. During the gap between the second and third seasons of the TV anime, we've been working hard to grow just as much as the characters, and we can't wait to show that in our performance.

Be sure to come and see it!

[yumemiru12]

LisAni INTERVIEW 2024

[This interview was published online on the LisAni website, released Dec 16, 2024.]

As Episode 12 Approaches, Liella! Members Look Back on the Story So Far and the Songs That Have Brought the Series to Life! Interview with Date Sayuri, Aoyama Nagisa, Yabushima Akane, Ookuma Wakana, and Sakakura Sakura.

Set between Omotesando, Harajuku, and Aoyama, Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3 continues to depict the inspiring journey of the school idols Liella! from the private Yuigaoka Girls' High School. Beyond the story’s brilliance, the insert songs that color the narrative are also charming.

We spoke at length with the cast members about the already released OP theme single "Let’s be ONE" and ED theme single "DAISUKI FULL POWER", as well as the insert songs featured in each episode. Joining the conversation were 1st-gen (3rd-years) Date Sayuri (Shibuya Kanon), Aoyama Nagisa (Hazuki Ren), 2nd-gen (2nd-years) Yabushima Akane (Yoneme Mei), Ookuma Wakana (Wakana Shiki), and 3rd-gen (1st-year) Sakakura Sakura (Onitsuka Tomari).

--- INTERVIEW & TEXT BY 塚越淳一

'Let’s be ONE,’ a song that gives you the strength to push yourself forward

—The OP/ED theme song singles have already been performed at release events. First, tell us about the OP theme song, “Let’s be ONE”. What are your favorite phrases or memorable moments from the live performances?

Date: When we record, we aren’t told the specific parts assigned to us at first, so we record the full song. So during the recording, I didn’t think Kanon would sing the opening lines, and I was really surprised when I heard the finished track. Actually, it’s quite rare for Kanon to start a Liella! song.

Despite that, this time the song begins with Kanon’s voice, so I was just really nervous (laughs). The recording itself (for Let's be ONE) was done quite a while ago, but there were moments when I broke down crying and couldn’t sing. Back then, I was struggling to overcome a personal wall, and the lyrics of this song encouraged me so much...

That’s why, when I perform it live, I want to surpass the version of myself from the recording. For me, this is a song that gives me the strength to push myself forward—it’s a song that fills me with determination.

Aoyama: I thought it was such a poignant song. In the D-melody (bridge section that comes between the second chorus and the final chorus), Ren sings the line “Kono toki ga owatte mo” (Even if this moment ends), and when I looked at those lyrics again, I felt it reflects her awareness of being a third-year student and the reality of graduation approaching. It’s like she’s singing while reminiscing about everything that’s happened so far.

During the recording, I sang it as usual, but at the release event, when I sang that part for the first time, I genuinely thought, “I don’t want this moment to end.” I feel like Ren was probably singing with that same emotion too.

—It’s also quite emotional that the D-melody is sung mainly by the third-years, isn’t it?

Aoyama: It feels like it’s perfectly suited for the third-years to sing. I think the phrases really reflect and align with their emotions.

—What about you, Yabushima-san?

Yabushima: When I saw the lyrics, “Important feelings are something you can’t understand on your own,” I thought, “That’s so true!” There are times when you overthink things so much that you lose sight of where your feelings are heading. In those moments, it’s often the people close to you—family, or everyone in Liella!—who help you realize what’s truly important.

There’s only so much you can do to save yourself alone. I’ve been reminded of what’s important and saved by those around me so many times. Also, in the first half, the line is “We’re always one,” but in the final part, it changes to “We’ll always be one.” I love that it emphasizes “always” here, as if to say that even if we’re far apart, our hearts and precious feelings will always be united.

Ookuma: When we sang this song at the release event, I found it really easy to sing. The OP theme for Season 2, “WE WILL!!,” conveyed the desire to win in Love Live!, to become number one, and that feeling was reflected in the choreography as well. Naturally, that made us put a lot of force into our performance.

But “Let’s be ONE” is a refreshing song, and its lyrics express our emotions more gently. The choreography also felt delicate, with an overall relaxed flow, which made it easier for me to perform. Personally, I found it very comfortable to sing. Additionally, I felt that this song really fits the vibe of a Japanese anime opening theme.

Sakakura: I might be a little different from everyone else here, but I’ve always loved the opening themes of the Love Live! series. Being able to sing one myself as Tomari, and as a member of the Liella! I love so much, made me really happy and filled me with energy.

I think I was able to sing it with all those feelings still intact. The melody line has that signature school idol feeling, and the straightforward lyrics are so impactful. The choreography includes two-step movements and other elements that really make you feel the Love Live! series vibe, so performing it was a lot of fun.

—Sakakura-san, you were originally a fan of the series, right?

Sakakura: Yes, I love the Love Live! series, and since I applied for the third-generation open audition because of that, my purest feelings are just happiness and enjoyment—that’s my biggest impression.

Also, I really love the line at the end of the D-melody: “Saa susume! Ima” (Now, let’s move forward!). In this part, the choreography has the third-years standing in a line while the first- and second-years suddenly move forward to sing. Our dance instructor even said, “I want this to feel like the ultimate Love Live! moment,” and it truly does. That choreography feels so inspiring, and it carries the strength and essence of school idols.

Additionally, at the very end with the line “Bokura wa kitto meguriaeta musubaretanda ne” (We surely met by fate and are now connected), the first-years, second-years, and third-years step forward in turn. I felt like that was such a Liella! moment!

—How was the release event? For the third-years (first-years in the story), this was the first time singing with the Liella! animated performance playing in the background, right?

Sakakura: I’m not usually the type to get nervous before live performances, but this time, I was unusually nervous. However, once it started, I couldn’t help but have fun (laughs).

Before it began, I kept thinking, “I have to sync perfectly with the animation, and I absolutely can’t mess up the lyrics or choreography here,” but once I got into it, I was able to simply enjoy performing.

—The third-years are so reliable…! The coupling track “Seishun HOPPERS” was definitely a song that stood out in live performances. How did it feel to perform it?

Yabushima: The tempo is fast, and the hand-offs between singing parts happen quickly too. I think those who watched the performance might have noticed, but there’s a lot of dancing even during the parts when we’re not singing. I feel like people might not have enough eyes to keep up with everything that’s happening! (laughs)

Aoyama: This was my first time doing rock-style dancing. Ren usually has a lot of elegant choreography, so doing this kind of dance for the first time was really fun. At first, I was worried, like, “Can I really pull this off?” So during rehearsals, we kept checking and practicing together.

Sakakura: This song is so exhausting… We’re literally moving our bodies the entire time, so I couldn’t stop sweating (laughs). There’s a lyric that says “Toni kaku tada zenryoku da” (Just go all out), and our performance really reflects that.

Aoyama: At the release event, “Within a Dream”, a full-on ballad, came right after this song, so we were desperately trying not to get out of breath (laughs).

Date: This song is the kind where, if you let your guard down even for a moment, you won’t be able to get back on track. Keeping everything in sync was incredibly tough.

Ookuma: If we end up performing this song during the 6th Live Tour, I hope they don’t put it near the end… Please put it early in the setlist, while we still have energy (laughs).

—Next, let’s talk about the ED theme song, “DAISUKI FULL POWER.” It’s truly a wonderful song.

Sakakura: This song is so uplifting and feels very much like a Love Live! series ending theme—I love it. The first time I saw the ending animation in the TV anime, I was surprised, thinking, “Wow, Tomari smiles like this!” She was shining so brightly as she sang.

Until now, I’ve always been conscious of performing with a cool expression, but after seeing the ending, I thought, “For this song, I’ll just let go of overthinking it, sing with all my heart, and enjoy it with a smile.” I even listen to it a lot in my personal time!

Yabushima: I really love the line “Minna no yume yo, kienai yume yo” (Everyone’s dreams, dreams that never fade). I feel like once a dream takes root inside you, it never really disappears, even if you think, “This might be impossible for me.”

For me, the reason I’m able to stand on stage as part of Liella! now is because, somewhere deep down, I had a dream to be part of the Love Live! series. I’m so glad I kept chasing it with all my might. I think that feeling is shared by Mei-chan and all the other members, too.

Ookuma: I really love lyrics written by Aki Hata. Her choice of words and the meaning behind them always resonate so deeply with me—it’s almost embarrassing how close they are to my own feelings. It’s like she puts into words exactly what I’ve been thinking: “Yes, this is how I feel.”

In Japan, people often hesitate to express their feelings directly, or they end up saying things in a roundabout way. But Hata-san’s lyrics are so straightforward, and they carry the exact warmth or emotion they’re meant to convey.

When I saw these lyrics, I thought, “This is what being a high school girl is all about.” It’s a song that can speak to anyone working hard in their club activities. It also feels like it’s singing about Liella!’s future, which I really liked.

Aoyama: The lyrics are truly beautiful. The line “Datte datte kokoro ni wa, junsui de mubou na jibun ga iru / Joushiki o utagaeba dekiru kamoshirenai yo” (Because, because in my heart, there’s a pure and reckless version of myself / If I question what’s normal, maybe I can do it) reminded me of when I decided to audition for the Love Live! series.

At that time, I thought, “There are probably so many applicants—I have no chance of getting in.” But I clicked the apply button because I wanted to become part of the Love Live! series. I gave everything I had in that audition, thinking, “This is my absolute best!” and I was accepted. This lyric reminds me that I should never forget those pure and reckless feelings.

Date: I felt like this is the kind of song that would play as background music when school idols look back on their time together after they’ve grown up. The struggles, the tough times, and the happy moments—all of them are packed into the melody and lyrics of this song. Like everyone else, I love the lyrics of this song so much.

In my personal image, past ED themes always felt like they had to be performed very “cleanly” or perfectly, but this song has the members holding megaphones and features animation depicting their everyday lives after school.

When we performed it at the release event, it felt like the vibe of the song perfectly matched a group of high school students joking around together. So instead of trying to make it overly polished, I went with a more relaxed and natural performance, which turned out to work really well. I think as we perform this song more and more, everyone’s expressions will become even softer and more natural.

—The megaphone dance is really cute, isn’t it?

Date: It’s actually really difficult to pull off... Being cute is definitely hard work (laughs).

—How was it performing the coupling song “Within a Dream” at the release event?

Sakakura: The style was so different from usual. It’s not the kind of song where you go all out with full power, and the dance had a vibe we hadn’t tried before. It was so completely opposite to “Seishun HOPPERS” that it was honestly quite difficult...

Aoyama: I think this might be the first time we’ve done a song incorporating jazz dance. Especially during the instrumental section, it’s fascinating to watch each person individually, but when you look at the full formation, it’s incredibly complex, so I think it’s going to look great live as well.

Sakakura: We spent a lot of time practicing this one, didn’t we?

Aoyama: Yeah, we did. The formations are so intricate that even one extra step forward can throw everything off, so we practiced a lot.

Sakakura: It’s a formation that works only because we trust each other. There are moments where you move without seeing where the others are, so it’s something we can do because of the bond we share as a group.

Date: It really made me think, “So this is what it means to synchronize our breathing!” I worked hard during rehearsals because it’s a challenging song where you have to communicate with everyone to make it work.

Ookuma: Jazz dance is different because it doesn’t strictly follow a set form—there’s room for us to adjust it to our own style. That was another challenge. There are moments where we synchronize, but we’re not just matching each other completely. Instead, it’s about how each of us takes the choreography and makes it our own, which really highlights our individuality.

Yabushima: The expressions we use are so gentle and bittersweet. I think this song allows everyone to show a new side of themselves.

Looking Back on the Story So Far as Episode 12 Approaches.

—We’d like to reflect on the insert songs as well. Early on, Kanon temporarily steps away from Liella! and forms the group “Tomakanote” with first-year students Wien Margarete (voiced by Yuina) and Tomari. It almost feels like a challenge to Liella! itself. What did you think of Kanon’s actions during this part of the story?

Date: I felt like she was acting less like a third-year high schooler and more like an alumna or senior graduate (laughs). You can see her meddlesome side peeking through at times, and that’s part of what makes her so cute.

But as the story progresses, you realize she’s acting with her own intentions and thoughts in mind, which really reinforces that she’s such an important member of Liella!. One of Kanon’s charms is that she doesn’t take herself too seriously—she’ll suddenly come out with something that even surprises me. Her decision to step away from Liella! was exactly one of those moments.

But in the end, I think that’s just who Kanon truly is. And forming a unit with her juniors like this is only possible because she has her childhood friend, Chii-chan (Arashi Chisato), right there by her side. Their relationship in this part of the story was also really wonderful.

—In Episode 2, Tomakanote performed the song “Bubble Rise”, and this anime live scene was really wonderful, wasn’t it?

Date: This group name reminded me of "KuKa" (the unit of Kanon Shibuya and Tang Keke, who sang "Tiny Stars" in Episode 3 of Season 1). For Kanon, I feel like this song has a sort of smiling warmth to it. It’s as if she’s stepping back a little and letting Margarete and Tomari take the spotlight while she observes from a slight distance.

—That feeling really came through in the visuals as well. Sakakura-san, what did you think of the visuals for “Bubble Rise”?

Sakakura: It was so beautiful! The stage design, inspired by the deep sea, really amazed and moved me. I couldn’t help but wonder how they created it.

The lyrics of this song were shaped by Margarete’s ideas, and when Tomari sings the line “Mujaki ni omoi kotoba ni dekita osanai hi wa tooi ne” (Freely expressing our thoughts with innocent words—those childhood days feel so far away), it carries a lot of weight.

Tomari saw her aneja (older sister, Onitsuka Natsumi) working so hard toward her dreams, only to face failures and heartbreak. Because of that, Tomari now values reality more than chasing dreams. That’s why her singing those words feels so meaningful to me.

I’m sure Tomari sings this song with a lot of emotion, so I hope people listen to the second verse as well, even though it didn’t play in the anime. The way the three voices come together is so pleasant and beautiful, so I really want everyone to experience that.

—Meanwhile, with Kanon absent, Liella! performed as an eight-member group in Episode 3, where Shiki took on the role of center for the first time, performing “Special Color”. It was an episode that also highlighted Shiki and Mei's bond, wasn’t it?

Ookuma: They said Shiki was the center, but after watching the episode, I really felt it was more of a double center. Shiki isn’t quite used to being in the spotlight—when she stands out, she tends to feel a bit lost. But by standing on stage together with Mei, they’re able to shine as one.

That’s something I felt while performing “Special Color”, so I’m starting to think we shouldn’t overly emphasize “Shiki’s center song” (laughs). It’s something she was able to achieve because Mei was there, and because everyone was supporting her, she was able to sing.

Yabushima: Mei wrote the lyrics for the song, but even though she’s the closest to Shiki and understands her feelings, there’s always some hesitation when it comes to putting someone else’s emotions into words.

I feel like I was able to connect with these lyrics because they reflect a part of myself as well. While the lyrics were written with Shiki in mind, I think the words and emotions also resonate with me in some way. And the lyrics have a very Mei-like quality—they’re not overly grandiose or exaggerated, and that’s something I really like about them.

—The lyrics really feel relatable to everyone. I thought it was a song that encourages people who want to change but can’t quite break out of their shells. After that, there was an episode (Episodes 5–6) where everyone visits Tang Keke’s (voiced by Liyuu) hometown in Shanghai. It was so striking to see Liella! sing together as 11 members for the first time with “Zettaiteki LOVER.”

Sakakura: This song really felt like it was made for Keke—it’s packed with “cuteness.” I remember thinking, “Keke, I’m so glad you got to sing this song!” It even has lyrics in Chinese, which made it feel even more special. The costumes were also incredibly cute.

—Before the live performance, there’s a touching exchange where Kanon confronts Keke, who is considering ending her school idol journey after high school to focus on university.

Date: In Episode 1 of the Season 1 anime, when Kanon couldn’t face the thing she loved most (singing), and she felt like it had become her enemy, Keke was the one who gave her the opportunity to reconnect with it. Keke said, “Is there really such a thing as an end to working hard for something you love?”

Even in moments not depicted in the anime, I feel like Kanon has been saved by those words so many times. As the cast member playing Kanon, I also love those words dearly. In fact, Saku-chan (Sakakura Sakura) has mentioned that she remembered this line when she decided to audition.

It’s such an important line that has changed so many people’s lives, and this time, Kanon gets to say it back to Keke. Hearing those words come from Kanon’s mouth made me so happy, and when Keke said those words were a treasure to her, that made me even happier.

Personally, I’ve also been helped by Keke’s words, and I think it’s something I’ll continue to carry with me and remember for the rest of my life.

—In Episode 8, Liella! and Tomakanote face off in a decisive showdown at the school festival live, where they performed “Dazzling Game.”

Date: It’s wild—like hair-whipping wild (laughs).

Sakakura: It really feels like a battle. Just by looking at the lyrics, you can tell which parts belong to Liella! and which parts are Tomakanote. I have a really strong attachment to Episode 8. That’s because right before singing this song, Tomari finally reconciles with her aneja (older sister, Onitsuka Natsumi).

The key moment that leads to that is Shiki pushing Natsumi forward, and I really love that it was Shiki who gave her that push. In Episode 3, it was Mei who encouraged Shiki to step forward, and this time, Shiki is the one pushing Natsumi. I feel like this kind of “passing it forward” is so fitting for high school students.

—That part was really moving, too.

Sakakura: Up until “Dazzling Game”, when singing as Tomari, I intentionally avoided putting too much emotion into the lyrics during the recordings. At that point, Tomari hadn’t fully opened her heart to those around her, nor had she completely understood the appeal of being a school idol. So I tried to keep a cool and composed impression in the way I sang.

But this song comes after she reconciles with her aneja (older sister, Natsumi). At that point, you can feel Tomari’s emotions finally bursting out. From this song onward, I’ve made a conscious effort to change the way I express myself—sometimes fully embracing cuteness or going all out for a cool and powerful vibe.

—It was really nice to see them reconcile. They were at odds for a lot longer than expected, weren’t they?

Sakakura: Exactly! So thank you, Shiki-chan!

Ookuma: Oh, you’re welcome (laughs). Shiki and Mei had moments where they fought, too, but even then, Natsumi was always there supporting them in her own way. I think the Onitsuka sisters were a central part of Season 3’s storyline.

I also feel like Shiki and Tomari have a lot in common. Maybe that’s why Shiki was able to give Natsumi the push she needed.

Sakakura: But seriously, it took so long! When we realized they didn’t reconcile until Episode 8, both Emori Aya (Natsumi’s voice actress) and I were shocked (laughs).

—The two of you as cast members get along so well in real life, don’t you?

Sakakura: We’re always so lovey-dovey (laughs). From here on out, I think Tomari’s expressions will also start to soften!

—Episode 10 featured an episode where (Sakurakoji) Kinako (voiced by Suzuhara Nozomi) becomes the student council president.

Aoyama: In Episode 10, Kinako-chan is entrusted with writing the lyrics for a song. When Ren sees that, she feels that Kinako is someone she can trust and asks her to take on the role of student council president. The way Ren chooses her words in that scene is also very gentle—it’s not forced, as though she’s waiting for Kinako to step up on her own.

Watching that scene, I really felt once again how hard it must have been for Ren as the student council president. She wants people to join the student council, but when no one steps forward to become president, it must have been so sad and lonely for her.

At that moment, Ren sees Kinako standing alone and singing, and she instinctively knows she can entrust the role to her. That insight shows how much Ren has grown as a student council president—she’s learned to observe people from multiple perspectives. That growth made me really happy.

And then, the song “笑顔のPromise” (Egao no Promise, lit. Smile’s Promise) is performed. Kinako appeared in the anime at the start of Season 2 but hadn’t had a center-position song, so I was thrilled to finally see her get that spotlight here!

Yabushima: At the start of Season 2, Kinako-chan couldn’t even find her way to the school because she kept getting lost. To think that same girl would become student council president! I got so emotional when I read the Episode 10 script.

The image of a student council president is often someone perfect, like Ren—beautiful, intelligent, and talented in every way. But as Ren herself says, what’s truly important is being able to see and understand those around you better than anyone else.

When you think about it that way, Kinako-chan really is the perfect choice for student council president. The song “笑顔のPromise” follows this heartfelt conversation between Ren and Kinako, so I really hope everyone gets to see and enjoy it.

—It ("笑顔のPromise") really felt like the quintessential idol song. In Episode 11, the third-years decide on their respective paths for the future. Meanwhile, the second-years are working on creating the song they’ll perform at the Love Live! finals, and that’s when “スーパースター!!” (Superstar!!) is played.

Aoyama: This song shifts into a triple meter partway through. That kind of rhythm is something we haven’t really had in Liella!’s songs before, so I felt it showed a new possibility for Liella!. I could tell we’re taking on a variety of musical styles, and I fell in love with this song after just one listen.

Sakakura: I cried! I was reading the lyrics while listening, and there was one line that resonated so deeply with me—it reflected exactly how I felt when I auditioned. I genuinely thought, “I’m so glad I had the courage to take that step back then.”

If we ever get the chance to perform this song live, I’ll have to be careful not to cry. I love the lyrics so much that I need to stay composed (laughs).

Aoyama: The insert songs and coupling tracks after Episode 10 really tug at your heartstrings.

Yabushima: I think everyone came to Yuigaoka Girls’ High School with their own dreams and goals. But as they spent time there as students, new dreams emerged, or their current dreams began to change.

It’s not just about their personal dreams either—eventually, they start carrying dreams for Liella! as a group. Listening to this song made me realize that having a dream isn’t the end; it’s something that grows and changes over time.

—The third season of the TV anime has truly been an emotional rollercoaster, bringing tears every week. I feel like I need to carve it into my heart. By the way, in 2025, you’ll be performing at “LisAni! LIVE 2025” on January 24th during the FRIDAY STAGE. Date-san, could you share your thoughts on this?

Date: I heard it’s the 15th installment of the event, and I’m so honored that we get to perform on such a milestone occasion. We’ll be standing on the stage of Nippon Budokan, so I want us to bring something uniquely Liella!, something that only school idols can deliver, and celebrate the 15th event in grand fashion.

We’ll give it our all, so please look forward to it and support us!

—Finally, what kind of year was 2024 for you?

Sakakura: I’ve been active as part of Liella! since 2023, and I really feel like 2024 was the year when all that effort finally paid off. Before the TV anime started airing, I often struggled with how to express Tomari. I wanted to like her so badly, so I just kept pushing forward.

When the anime finally aired and Tomari was introduced, I felt like all the effort leading up to that moment had truly blossomed. It might sound like I’m being too easy on myself, but I thought, “Maybe I can finally give myself a little credit for everything I’ve done so far.”

Moving forward, I want to continue sharing Tomari’s charm and Liella!’s appeal with as many people as possible—to fans and potential new fans alike.

Ookuma: For me, 2024 was a year where things settled down in a good way. When I first joined Liella!, I felt like I was constantly sprinting at full speed, with emotions running high—joy, anger, sadness, everything was so intense. Looking back, I think I was often spinning my wheels and overthinking things.

But after gaining experience, I’ve had people say to me, “Wakana, you’ve really calmed down lately.” (laughs) I think this was the year where I started to understand my role and where I fit in.

At the same time, I’ve realized that no matter how much you plan or try to express something, there are things that won’t come across unless you actually do it. That experience taught me that charging ahead on my own isn’t always the answer. In short, I’ve grown up (laughs). This year was about finding my footing and settling into it.

Yabushima: I’ve always loved expressing myself through acting, but when it came to expressing myself on stage, I always felt this lingering sense of uncertainty. Because there’s no definitive “correct” way to do it, I was constantly wondering, “Is this the right way?” That uncertainty stayed with me.

But this year, I realized that it’s okay to embrace those uncertainties and include them in my stage performance. I used to think that expressing my doubts, even during MCs, was something I shouldn’t do, but when I started sharing those feelings, people told me they felt encouraged or found courage in hearing that.

I’ve come to understand that it’s okay to accept even the weaker sides of myself. Those parts are part of who I am, and there are things I can do precisely because of that. This year was about embracing all of me and finding what I alone can bring to the stage.

Aoyama: 2024 was a year full of so many emotions. After Season 1 and Season 2 of the TV anime ended, we went straight into live performances and fan meetings, so there was always something happening. But then we had two years without any new anime. During that time, we struggled a lot with figuring out how to convey Liella!’s charm without the support of the anime visuals.

Especially for Saku-chan (Sakakura Sakura), since Tomari hadn’t appeared in the anime yet, I imagine she was carrying a lot of pressure. Everything she did would define Tomari as a character.

Finally, when Season 3 started airing, all that uncertainty turned into relief. By the latter half of 2024, I felt so much more at ease. Now, I feel like I can see a bright future for 2025, filled with hope.

Date: For me, 2024 was a year of big changes, and I found myself smiling more than ever. Honestly, I’ve only been able to keep going because of the support of my fellow members. They’re the ones who put smiles on my face, and my gratitude toward them keeps growing every day.

With the start of the TV anime’s third season, the things my fellow members talked about—whether in character or as castmates—helped me realize what I really want to do. Before, I felt like a part of me was lost or wandering, but now, I’m starting to see, “Ah, this is what I want!”

The time I’ve spent with everyone this year has been so much more fun than ever before.

—With the “Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! 6th LoveLive! Tour ～Let’s be ONE～” approaching, it looks like 2025 will be another fulfilling year.

Date: Season 3 of the TV anime really allowed me to feel the love within the group. I want to fully embrace and express the fleeting nature of their青春 (seishun; youth)—something that passes by in an instant—by carefully reflecting on each and every part of their story as I take on this challenge!

And above all, I will never forget to enjoy it!! That’s my promise to everyone!

[yumemiru12]

Liella - Billboard Japan INTERVIEW

[This interview was published online on the Billboard Japan website, released Dec 16, 2024.]

Interview: After TV Anime Season 3, All 11 Members Finally Unite—Liella! from ‘Love Live! Superstar!!’ Embark on Their 6th Live Tour with a Variety of Theme and Insert Songs

The Love Live! series, with the keyword “A story we all make come true,” unfolds across all forms of media. The fourth installment in the series, Love Live! Superstar!!, portrays the story of the school idol group Liella!, who are based at the private Yuigaoka Girls’ High School. The third season of the TV anime began airing on NHK E-Television in October. Alongside this, singles featuring theme songs and insert songs have been released one after another.

Released on October 23, Let’s be ONE and DAISUKI FULL POWER are singles featuring the opening and ending theme songs of Season 3, respectively. Each single also includes contrasting coupling tracks: the funky and wild guitar with high-speed beats of 青春HOPPERS (Seishun HOPPERS; Youth HOPPERS), and the dreamy, floating sensation of the mid-tempo ballad Within a Dream, as its name suggests.

Additionally, on November 13, Bubble Rise / Special Color was released, featuring the insert songs from Episodes 2 and 3. On December 11, Zettaiteki LOVER / Dazzling Game will be released, featuring the insert songs from Episodes 6 and 8. Reflecting on the story of Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3, the members discussed these songs: Date Sayuri (1st-gen, Shibuya Kanon), Aoyama Nagisa (1st-gen, Hazuki Ren), Yabushima Akane (2nd-gen, Yoneme Mei), Ookuma Wakana (2nd-gen, Wakana Shiki), and Sakakura Sakura (3rd-gen, Onitsuka Tomari).

About Liella! in Season 3 of the TV Anime

—The third season of the TV anime Love Live! Superstar!! surprised viewers right from the beginning. Shibuya Kanon’s overseas study plans were canceled, and rather than rejoining Liella!, she began activities as part of a new school idol club with first-year students Wien Margarete and Onitsuka Tomari. Date: The development was something I hadn’t imagined at all, so I thought, “Ah, so that’s where they’re taking it.” For Kanon, Liella! is something very important, and the members are people who changed her life. So when she decided to leave that behind, at first I couldn’t quite understand why. I found myself thinking, “Why would she do that?” But as the story progressed, I thought, “Ah, I see.” It made me happy to discover that Kanon is someone who acts while thinking far ahead into the future. I got to see a new side of her.

—As someone who plays Ren Hazuki, also an original member, how did you feel about this development? Aoyama: Ren was initially opposed to school idols in the first season. But this time, just as Kanon had spoken to her back then, Ren is now the one advising Margarete, saying, "You're also a student of Yuigaoka." Seeing her grow more and more through the story made me very happy as well.

—That scene conveyed her current role within the group. Aoyama: That’s right. Ren is also active as the student council president, but ever since meeting Liella!, her heart has gradually softened. After opening up to everyone, she started smiling more and more. I feel like she might be the member whose impression has changed the most.

—Yoneme Mei and Wakana Shiki, who have gone from first-years to second-years, also show further growth in Season 3. Yabushima: The four second-generation members started out as first-years, and at the beginning, I had the strong impression that they were each struggling with themselves. They often couldn’t be honest with their feelings, got discouraged, or became negative. However, in Season 3, now as second-years, they’ve developed a sense of responsibility as seniors. They’ve started thinking about how they can contribute to Liella! and what they can do to make Liella! even better. Some of them have even begun to take action based on those thoughts.

I really felt their growth, and I think this development overlaps with the cast members’ experiences as well.

—Being the middle generation, they are both in the position of following their seniors and showing the way to their juniors. Yabushima: That’s right. It’s because our seniors keep running forward that we look at their backs and feel inspired to push ourselves to do the same. Ookuma: As for Shiki and Mei, they’ve always had a dynamic like that of a duo, but that doesn’t mean they only act together. We’ve also discussed the relationships among the four second-generation members, as well as how they should interact with both their seniors and juniors.

—In Episode 3 of Season 3, “White-colored Center,” Shiki takes on the role of Liella!’s center for the first time. Ookuma: Shiki wasn’t originally someone who joined Liella! because she wanted to be a school idol, so it was difficult for me to fully grasp her character at first. But by Season 3, through her interactions with Mei and other moments, I began to understand her personality and what drives her. What made me especially happy in Episode 3 was that she herself realized those things. I think that kind of self-discovery is really important in high school, and I believe it will connect to Shiki’s future growth from here on out.

—Shiki's center song, "Special Color," features lyrics written by Mei within the story. Yabushima: I really felt that the lyrics were something only Mei could write. Of course, Mei is the closest to Shiki among the members, but I think the song reflects more than just their relationship. It also captures the changes in Shiki’s feelings and the sides of her personality that she was able to show because she met Liella!. I believe it’s because of Liella!'s existence that their bond deepened even further. Their world expanded, and I feel like they’re moving in an even better direction because of it.

Aoyama: At first, I avoid looking at the song title or lyrics and just listen to the instrumental track. I enjoy imagining, “What kind of story will this song accompany?” When I heard Special Color, I thought it had such a transparent and pure quality to it, so when I found out it was Shiki’s center song, I felt it was absolutely perfect for her. Yabushima: The lyric “I’m the strongest—I’m telling myself that right now” being sung by Shiki alone really hits hard. It feels deeply impactful, and I thought Mei was really bold to write those words for Shiki. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like these are not the kind of lyrics you can casually decide to write for someone else to sing. That’s how strongly Mei must have felt when writing them. It’s such a powerful and meaningful line—I really love it.

3rd-gen member Sakakura Sakura is 'strong-hearted'

—Along with "Special Color," the insert song single also features "Bubble Rise," which was performed in Episode 2. This song is by "Tomakanote," the group formed by Kanon, Margarete, and Tomari. For Tomari, it marked her debut performance on stage. Sakakura: I was truly moved. The first time I saw it, I was so overwhelmed with tears that my vision was completely blurred—I could barely see it properly...

—What was your first impression of the song? Sakakura: From the time we recorded it, I felt it wasn’t a typical school idol song, in a good way. It’s a very mysterious and beautiful piece, which made perfect sense knowing that Margarete wrote the lyrics. I also predicted that Tomakanote wouldn’t lean entirely toward the “cute” style, so I thought the song fit the three of them perfectly. I was so excited wondering how they would move and perform while singing, and it went far beyond my expectations. Especially for Tomari—I kept thinking about what kind of expressions and emotions she would show while singing. From the time of her debut up until now, I have been eagerly looking forward to this moment. Because it was something I had been wishing for, I think my strongest feeling was simply pure happiness.

—When you saw the performance scenes (from the anime), was there anything that surprised or stood out to you? Sakakura: In the line “Soredemo kienai Wishing” (Even so, the wish remains), there’s a close-up of Tomari during the “Wishing” part, and I thought, “So that’s the kind of expression she makes.” I had imagined that she would perform with a cool and beautiful look, but she went beyond my expectations—it was really surprising. At this point in the story, Tomari doesn’t have much passion for being a school idol yet. She’s participating in school idol activities to evaluate whether her older sister (her biological sister, Onitsuka Natsumi) is justified in putting so much effort into it and whether being a school idol is suitable for her sister. Even so, seeing Tomari express so much in her performance made me think: once she truly understands the appeal of being a school idol and stands on stage with that realization, what kind of amazing things might happen? I’m really excited for what’s to come.

—Were you conscious of those subtle nuances during the recording? Sakakura: Yes, definitely. The song itself isn’t the kind of piece you sing passionately, and since Tomari isn’t someone who naturally puts a lot of emotion into her actions, I wanted to create a performance that felt more composed and relaxed, rather than overly intense. However, since I’m still relatively new to recording, I worked really hard to bring out that sense of composure. It was a challenge in that way as well.

—Date-san, how did you feel about singing this song? Date: Since Margarete has always sung alone, and this was Tomari’s first performance as a school idol, I was worried that if Kanon would sing with her usual Liella! energy and the sparkling idol vibe, there might be a noticeable contrast in tone. But Kanon is a third-year now, so I felt she could convey a sense of composure. With that in mind, I tried singing it in a way that felt a little different from usual, aiming to bridge the gap.

—In June 2023, Sakakura Sakura, who plays Tomari, and Yuina, who plays Margarete, joined Liella!, starting the new 11-member lineup. Could you tell us more about Sakakura-san? How do the rest of you see her? Date: She’s an amazing person.

—What do you mean by that? (laughs) Date: Both Saku-chan (Sakakura) and I joined through open auditions, so in that sense, our journeys are a bit similar. But looking at her, I feel like I was taking things too easy by comparison (laughs).

Sakakura: That’s not true!

—Is she very stoic? Date: Yes, I’d say so, especially in terms of her mental strength.

Yabushima: It’s a bit hard to put into words, but she has this unwavering core—a strong inner strength she always carries. Wakana (Ookuma) might know this, but at the start, I was crying all the time. During the early days of practice, I was almost always discouraged and felt down. Even now, seeing Saku-chan makes me think, “I need to work harder.”

Sakakura Hana (Onitsuka Tomari): What!?

Yabushima Akane (Yoneme Mei): She’s incredibly inspiring, and there’s so much I’ve learned from her. I think she’s truly a strong person. Of course, she must have faced a lot of struggles and hardships, but she’s overcome them, and now she’s standing on stage as Tomari. Watching her, I can only see her as Tomari now.

Ookuma Wakana (Wakana Shiki): That’s why I think she was chosen. There’s a clear reason for it. With this many members, you’d expect some overlap in character traits or roles. But when Sakura-chan joined, it felt like she had something unique—qualities and talents that none of the others had.

Sakakura Hana (Onitsuka Tomari): That makes me so happy.

Aoyama: If I had to describe Saku-chan in one word, I think "strong-hearted" (強心臓) would suit her perfectly. The moment she steps on stage, she must feel nervous, but she never shows it on her face. I think that’s why the rest of us can carry on as usual without feeling unsettled. She’s always loved the Love Live! series and came into this as someone who had been cheering for it from the outside. If it were me, I don’t think I could remain as calm as she is. She’s openly expressed her admiration for Liella! many times, and I could really feel her strong desire to connect with us as a teammate. That’s one of the moments where I thought, “This girl is amazing.”

—As you’ve been active as part of Liella!, was there a moment when you really felt a sense of unity within the group or a bond with the other members? Sakakura: Recently, I felt it strongly during the Asia tour. Everyone was working so hard, pushing themselves beyond their limits on such a tough schedule. That experience really deepened our bonds. I think it’s because we had that time together that we’re now able to fully embrace Season 3 of the TV anime as a united Liella! team and enjoy watching it together as one.

About Liella! in Season 3 of the TV Anime

—On October 28, the [Season 3 OP & ED Theme Song Release Event] was held at Omiya Sonic City. It featured the first live performances of the Season 3 opening theme, "Let's be ONE," and the ending theme, "DAISUKI FULL POWER." Aoyama: We all talked about wanting to show the absolute best we could at this moment. Even during rehearsals, we practiced through our breaks, striving for the very top until the last possible moment. Additionally, this time, we tried something new by doing a live broadcast on YouTube. The archive is still available, so I hope it becomes an opportunity for more people to watch the anime. It’s also a chance for those unfamiliar with Liella! to get to know what kind of performances we do. With that in mind, we put a lot of effort into this event.

Yabushima: We also performed the two coupling tracks (青春HOPPERS then Within a Dream) back-to-back, and since their styles are completely opposite, switching our emotions and expressions was challenging. The reason I was first drawn to Love Live! series was the synchronization between the cast’s performances and the anime visuals. I’d love for people to focus on that aspect as well. Of course, there was also a talk segment, and I hoped that anyone watching the live broadcast might find something that sparked their interest. I think we gave everything we could in all parts of the event, showing the best of what we’re capable of right now.

—On December 11, a new insert song single, Zettaiteki LOVER / Dazzling Game, was released. Zettaiteki LOVER is the first song performed by all 11 members together in the series, right? Yabushima: I felt like there were a lot of straightforward expressions of emotion, like “Daisuki sa” (I love you) and “Aishiteru!” (I love you deeply). That stood out to me. I don’t think we’ve had many songs like this before. It felt like they really wanted to convey those emotions with that much strength and sincerity.

—That’s true. Since the story was set in Shanghai, perhaps that influenced the song as well. Sakakura: The inclusion of Chinese lyrics felt really fresh, and I thought it was a song perfectly suited for Keke being the center. I also felt it was wonderful that she could perform such a song in her hometown.

Ookuma: It felt like the song was designed to fully showcase Keke’s voice to its fullest potential. I also think it suited her voice quality very well. Additionally, the way the song layers voices so much was quite unique, and it made for a very pleasant listening experience.

—On the other hand, "Dazzling Game" is the insert song from Episode 8. It’s a song collaboratively created by Liella! and Tomakanote for their decisive showdown at the school festival live. Sakakura: I thought it seemed like a song that would really excite audiences at a live performance. I imagine it would also elevate our own feelings as performers. I can’t wait to see the Liella! members perform this song.

Aoyama: Liella! usually has a lot of uplifting and positive songs that encourage someone to move forward, but Dazzling Game is different. It’s a song where each member sings about their own determination and their desire to grow and become more. The choice of words is stronger, and the way it’s sung reflects that strength—it feels like we’re emphasizing the consonants more.

Date: At first, I thought it was a song about rivals clashing, but that’s not the case. If you read the lyrics carefully, you realize it’s actually a song about becoming one group. The melody is a bit more intense, and it has a vibe that feels slightly different from the usual Liella! songs. That sense of excitement about something new is really wonderful and makes me look forward to what’s ahead.

Sakakura: In the anime, Liella! and Tomakanote dance facing each other, and I think that’s pretty rare for Love Live! series. This is a song and formation that could only come about because Season 3 focuses on two groups raising each other’s levels. It felt really fresh.

—It’s truly a song that makes us look forward to the live performances. The 6th LoveLive! Tour is set to begin in March 2025. Finally, could you share your thoughts and enthusiasm for it Date: I think the 6th live tour will be a culmination of everyone’s emotions exploding on stage. It’s been such a long time since we’ve performed live with the TV anime behind us. When I used to attend Love Live! series concerts as a fan, I loved remembering scenes from the anime while watching the performances. This time, I think the emotions I’ll feel will be different from any past live show. Since I don’t yet know what those emotions will be, I feel like I need to work hard to express them properly.

Aoyama: This live will follow the anime’s depiction of the 11 members finally becoming one, so I feel like it’s a new stage of beginnings for Liella! in a way. I’m excited for the moment we can proudly declare, “These 11 members are Liella!”

Also, with Season 3, the topic of third-year graduation has come up several times, so I think this tour will bring out even more emotions than before. It makes me realize once again that “This isn’t something that will last forever.” We, too, don’t know how many more live performances we’ll get to do, so I want to give it my all and finish with no regrets.

Yabushima: In the one year depicted in Season 3, the first-year, second-year, and third-year have all grown individually, and there have been significant emotional changes too. I want to take the feelings of all 11 members and express them properly on stage—whether through our expressions, our voices, or our songs.

Sakakura: For us third-generation members, this will be our first live tour where we carry the TV anime’s story and live performances as Liella!. I think it will be an incredibly special experience for us.

As for me, Sakakura Sakura, I’ve been able to build great friendships with all the members, and now I can confidently say, “I am a part of Liella!” But for the fans, I think they didn’t know what kind of performances Tomari would deliver until now. That’s why I’m so grateful to those who have supported us even before Season 3 began airing. I want this live tour to be one where I can convey my heartfelt thanks—"Thank you so much for supporting us until now, and please continue to cheer us on in the future."

Ookuma: I wasn’t someone who had been following the Love Live! series for a long time, but during rehearsals for the 3rd live tour, I watched the synchronized performances of the TV anime characters and the cast. It left me deeply moved, and I realized, “So this is what it’s all about.” I came to understand the feelings and reasons behind why so many people love the Love Live! series.

This live tour will be one where we carry the weight of the TV anime, so I want to deliver even more of that emotion to everyone. I hope it becomes a tour where people can think, “The Love Live! series really is amazing,” and reaffirm their love for it.

[yumemiru12]

Liella! Ani-PASS Plus #13 Another Cover Story Interview — Misaki Nako, Yabushima Akane, and Yuina

[This interview was published in Ani-PASS Plus #13 magazine, released Dec 5, 2024.]

The school idol group Liella!, was born from Love Live! Superstar!!. With the third season of the anime currently airing to great acclaim, we spoke with three members: Misaki Nako (1st generation, Arashi Chisato), Yabushima Akane (2nd generation, Yoneme Mei), and Yuina (3rd generation, Wien Margarete). They shared their passionate thoughts about the series, its songs, their fellow members, and even the relationships among the cast.

Here’s “Another Cover Story” that delves into the “real” (seiyuu/3D) sides of Liella!♪

Interviewer: “At the end of October, a release event for the Love Live! Superstar!! Season 3 OP and ED theme songs were held at Sonic City Large Hall. Those performances are still available to watch on YouTube, aren’t they?”

Misaki Nako: “Yes, that’s right. It’s a little embarrassing knowing the footage is out there for anyone to see (laughs).”

Yuina: “Having it uploaded to YouTube means that many people from all over the world can watch it. I felt nervous on the day because I wanted it to be an opportunity to spread the appeal of Liella! even further.”

Yabushima Akane: “There are probably people who’ll watch the footage and think the songs are great, and others who’ll become interested in the performances. Since we never know what might spark someone’s interest in Liella!, we stayed focused and worked hard.”

Misaki Nako: “Since it was a release event, all the songs were being performed for the first time. Up until now, we’ve taken on many challenging formations and choreographies, but with ‘青春HOPPERS’ (Seishun HOPPERS), the coupling song from the Season 3 OP single ‘Let’s be ONE,’ we tried rock dance for the first time. We were really focused during the actual performance.

Also, I personally had a lot of fun with the megaphone performance in the ED theme song ‘DAISUKI FULL POWER.’”

Yuina: “It might just be me, but when we were practicing the choreography for ‘DAISUKI FULL POWER,’ I found it much harder than I expected, and it threw me off at first.

In the megaphone part of the performance, at the beginning, no one has a megaphone, but during the chorus, Mei-chan (Yoneme Mei) throws her megaphone, and I catch it in mid-air. We did this for both performances during the release event.

During practice, I kept dropping it, but during the live shows, I caught it perfectly every single time! Unfortunately, that part isn’t shown in the footage (laughs).”

Yabushima Akane: “That’s a privilege for those who attended in person (laughs). For those who watched the event online and became interested, I hope you’ll come to the venue for the next opportunity.”

Interviewer: “How did the audience react to the debut of the new songs?”

Yabushima Akane: “I could feel how much everyone was looking forward to it. The moment the intro of the first song started playing, the audience let out this huge cheer, like ‘We’ve been waiting for this!’ It made me so happy.”

Misaki Nako: “At first, the stage curtain was down, and we were standing behind it, so I felt a bit restless—it was such a strange feeling. Even with in-ear monitors on, I could feel the audience’s energy through the curtain. They were calling out our names and making calls along with the songs; the level of excitement was incredible.”

Yuina: “We performed the rock dance for ‘Seishun HOPPERS’ during the interlude, and it was so challenging that we kept practicing individually even during short breaks. When we performed it for the first time, with the lighting complementing the atmosphere, the vibe of the venue shifted dramatically.

I could feel the audience reacting like, ‘Wow! Liella! is really doing something awesome!’ That made me feel like all the hard work paid off, and it got me even more hyped while dancing.”

Misaki Nako: “Since the two coupling songs are so contrasting, we performed ‘Seishun HOPPERS’ followed by ‘Within a Dream’ (the coupling song from ‘DAISUKI FULL POWER’). After everyone got so excited with ‘Seishun HOPPERS,’ transitioning to the gentle and tender vibe of ‘Within a Dream,’ with lyrics like ‘Even in dreams, we can meet,’ was a challenge for us.

While singing, we were trying hard to catch our breath, and I wondered if the audience could keep up with the sudden shift in mood.”

Interviewer: “Both of these songs bring out Liella!’s charm. Now, with the third season of the anime reaching its climax, all the members (characters/2D) are so captivating. Could you share what you think are the standout points of the member you’re responsible for, and any similarities you feel you share with them?”

Yabushima Akane: “Mei-chan, in Episode 3, during Wakana Shiki-chan’s center song ‘Special Color,’ was there to support Shiki-chan. She said things like, ‘I know Shiki can definitely do it!’

If it were me, I don’t think I’d be able to say something like that. If I saw someone struggling, I’d probably say something like, ‘You don’t have to force yourself.’

But Mei-chan realized what Shiki-chan truly wanted deep down. She wasn’t just looking at the surface—she saw right into Shiki-chan’s heart, understood her, and was able to give her that push forward.

That’s something I really admire about her as a person.”

Interviewer: “Mei-chan’s way of speaking can be a bit blunt, but she’s a wonderful person who really understands others’ feelings, isn’t she?”

Misaki Nako: (Looking at Yabushima) “You’re actually pretty similar to her!”

Interviewer: “Oh, really? Yabushima-san gives off such a warm and gentle vibe, so I thought she was the opposite of Mei-chan.”

Yuina: “Akane does have that gentle vibe, but she can be pretty sharp and direct when she needs to be (laughs).”

Misaki Nako: “Yeah, when she needs to say something, she’ll say it. Though her base is definitely kindness.”

Yabushima Akane: “My way of interjecting or calling things out might be similar to Mei-chan’s.”

Misaki Nako: “Yuina is always getting called out (by Yabu), right? (laughs). Not just with words, but with those cold glances too (laughs).”

Yuina: “That’s right (laughs). But even if she seems that way on the surface, behind the scenes, she’s incredibly kind. What you just described about Mei-chan is exactly how Akane-chan is.

She (Yabu) is very passionate, not just about Liella! as a whole, but about each individual member. She knows when to step in with encouragement and when to just quietly watch over someone. That’s why I have so much respect for her.”

Yabushima Akane: “Um… sorry… (embarrassed).”

Misaki Nako: “We really rely on you a lot!”

Interviewer: “So, what are Chii-chan’s (Arashi Chisato) standout points?”

Misaki Nako: “First off, she’s adorable! (laughs). Her very presence is so endearing. When I first saw Chii-chan’s visual design, I thought she was just going to be a sweet and innocent girl, but she’s so composed—it’s like, ‘How many lifetimes has she lived?’ (laughs).

She has this ability to look at things from a broad perspective, which feels very mature.

During the first season of the anime, Chii-chan was just a first-year high school student, so we could see her cute side. But as she moved up a grade and the underclassmen joined, she became even more dependable.

Since the third season started, though, she’s loosened up a bit and started having fun at the same level as everyone else. You can catch glimpses of her as a relatable high schooler.

She’s not just mature and reliable—that’s what makes her so charming. As for what we have in common… maybe just our hairstyles? (laughs).”

Yuina: “Everyone keeps saying, both about her looks and her personality, ‘Chii-chan is just like Nako.’ She’s someone who absolutely needs to be there for the group to come together. Misaki Nako is essential to Liella!, and everyone relies on her and gets so much help from her.”

Yabushima Akane: “She always keeps an eye on the big picture and has incredible insight. (Looks at Nako) Even though she acts like this.”

Misaki Nako: “That makes me so happy! Love you! ♥”

Yabushima Akane: “I think the way she creates this kind of atmosphere makes it easier for everyone to approach her and talk to her about anything. She’s so considerate.”

Yuina: “What I remember is when, as a rival to Liella!, I joined the group of nine Liella! members for their 3rd live tour. I didn’t know how close I should get to them or how to fit in. At one point, when I ended up sitting alone, Nako came over. She didn’t really say anything, but she sat down quietly next to me, and that made me so happy.

It felt like she was bringing everyone together.”

Misaki Nako: “From then on, Yuina would come flying over every time our eyes met (laughs). Speaking of which, what’s your favorite point about your Margarete-chan?”

Yuina: “Margarete-chan’s face (laughs).”

Yabushima Akane: “Everyone has something great about them (not just the faces), though!”

Yuina: “That’s true (laughs). In her debut during the second season, Margarete was always cool and didn’t show much expression—when she did, it was mostly smug faces.

But in the third season, her expressions have become so much more varied—she even makes faces that are practically comedic.

I especially love her angry face. It’s rare to see someone express their anger so honestly.

And then, if someone calls her ‘cute,’ she suddenly mumbles and turns bright red. That gap is so adorable. I love all her expressions!”

Interviewer: “Are there any ways in which you think Yuina is similar to her character?”

Yabushima Akane: “When I think about the gap between my first impression of Yuina and how I see her now, she’s actually quite similar to Margarete-chan. Both Margarete-chan and Yuina seemed a bit hard to approach at first. I remember thinking, ‘Can I really get close to her?’”

Misaki Nako: “It’s because she has such a beautiful aura.”

Yabushima Akane: “Yes, she has this beautiful aura, she’s so put together, and I thought she might be someone from a completely different world. Margarete-chan gives off the same impression at first, doesn’t she? She seems a bit refined and ladylike.

But once you spend time with her, you realize she laughs a lot. That’s something Yuina and Margarete-chan share.”

Misaki Nako: “And when she laughs, she always turns to show you her smiling face (laughs). Also, her sense of humor is pretty simple and childlike. She’ll immediately get excited about something that interests her, or she’ll run over to someone to start a conversation. Those are similar, too.”

Yabushima Akane: “And there’s a bit of a competitive streak in her as well.”

Misaki Nako: “If Margarete-chan is more of a tsundere, Yuina is all dere-dere (laughs). There’s also a gap between her live performances and how she is in daily life.

During performances, Yuina’s eyes completely change. She fully immerses herself in the world of the performance, and the audience gets drawn into that world, too.”

Yabushima Akane: “I think the most appealing thing about both of them is the charming gap they have.”

Yuina: “Thank you so much! (applauds).”

Interviewer: “It’s been about a year and a half since Yuina-san and Sakakura Sakura (Onitsuka Tomari’s seiyuu) joined as part of the 3rd generation, making Liella! an 11-member group. Could you share your thoughts on how things have changed since then?”

Misaki Nako: “With juniors joining the group, especially the Onitsuka sisters (Natsumi and Tomari), I feel like Aya Emori, who plays Natsumi, has grown even more into her role as an older sister.

Sakakura Sakura, who plays the younger sister, Tomari, started from a different position compared to Yuina, so I’m sure there were moments of uncertainty. But Aya naturally supported her, and their bond developed into something like a real sibling relationship.

Beyond that, seeing the 2nd generation members advising others during lessons is heartwarming. Even though there’s no strict division between senpai and juniors, the way they support each other is lovely to see.”

Yabushima Akane: “In terms of performances, we’ve explored genres we’d never encountered before, and we’ve gained songs that can only be expressed with 11 members. I feel like these songs are unique to this group, and I think they’ve helped bring in new people who’ve become interested in Liella! through one of them.”

Misaki Nako: “Our formations have also changed. From the outside, it might look like, ‘What are they even doing?’ (laughs).”

Yabushima Akane: “Yeah, the more complex formations and dance paths make it harder to move without bumping into each other (laughs).”Misaki Nako: “Even if we solve one problem, we end up bumping into each other somewhere else. For everything to come together and look clean, we need to calculate every movement carefully. There’s a lot to think about, but everyone actively shares their ideas and opinions, so I feel like we’re all growing individually.”

Interviewer: “And from the perspective of 3rd-generation member Yuina?”

Yuina: “I fully embrace being a junior (laughs). I lean into the fact that I’m a first-year student just a little. Everyone has already built up so much and put so much thought into things, which makes it easy for me to feel at home.

Spending time with Liella! is the most fun for me. Just meeting everyone during shoots or lessons is so much fun, and I often feel like, ‘Sorry for always being so loud!’ (laughs).

But I think that if I’m not having the most fun, it won’t come across to the audience. That’s why I want to enjoy my time with Liella! more than anyone and do my best to convey that joy to everyone watching us.

I’ll keep working hard so I can grow even more!”

Misaki Nako:

“As long as you’re having fun and laughing, that’s all that matters.”

Interviewer: “You have the face of an older sister there (laughs). Now, let’s talk about the music. First, what was your initial impression of the OP theme song, ‘Let’s be ONE’?”

Yabushima Akane: “Since we always record individually, it’s hard to imagine what the final version will sound like. It only feels complete when the voices of all 11 members come together, so at first, I just couldn’t wait to hear it with everyone’s voices.”

Interviewer: “When you learned about your assigned vocal parts, did you feel anything in particular?”

Yuina: “In the lines where Margarete-chan sings, ‘It’s not for something,’ and Tomari-chan follows with, ‘It’s because I just love it so much that I dream,’ I could sense their growth since meeting Liella!.

Originally, Margarete-chan’s goal was to win or to be the best, but now she can sing ‘It’s not for something’ because meeting everyone changed her. I felt so happy seeing that.

Tomari-chan, too, used to say things like ‘Dreams don’t fill your stomach,’ but now she sings, ‘It’s because I just love it so much that I dream.’

These two lines really show how much they’ve grown since meeting the nine members of Liella!, and I feel like their growth is packed into these lyrics.”

Yabushima Akane: “The solo parts really do seem tailored to each member’s character, don’t they?”

Interviewer: “It seems like reading the lyrics while considering the personalities of the characters and their stories would add another layer of enjoyment. Misaki-san, what do you think is the highlight of this song?”

Misaki Nako: “The chorus, with lines like ‘Even if we pass through the present, let’s make a promise: we’ll always be one,’ really captures the story of the third season of the anime.

The 11 members of Liella! are making separate choices now, but ultimately, they come together as one.

It’s not an overly upbeat, ‘let’s push through’ kind of song, but it conveys a burning passion from within. Since the third season is about taking on new challenges, I think that’s why this became the opening song.

I’m curious to know how people will feel when they hear it during the climax—I can’t wait to find out.”

Interviewer: “How about the ED theme song ‘DAISUKI FULL POWER’? This might be a bit of a tangent, but I feel like Liella! has a lot of songs overflowing with love.”

Misaki Nako: “Love, indeed! Speaking of this song, it reminds me of something from the release event. During the second verse, just before the chorus with the line ‘I want to deliver it with full power,’ Shibuya Kanon (CV: Date Sayuri) and I made a circle with our hands.

I think you can see it in the footage, but actually, behind the scenes, we were secretly holding hands where you couldn’t see (laughs).”

Yuina: “Oh, is this the first time you’re revealing this?”

Misaki Nako: “Yes, it is. There was some buzz about it on social media, but it was hidden by Keke-chan (CV: Liyuu), so it wasn’t visible (laughs).”

Akane Yabushima: (laughs) “The highlight of this song is how often the word ‘daisuki’ (I love you) appears. Words like that aren’t easy to say.

It’s a little embarrassing, and when you spend so much time with someone, you might assume your feelings are understood without saying them.

But listening to this song makes me realize how important it is to openly say things like ‘I love you’ or ‘thank you.’ It’s a valuable reminder.”

Interviewer: “I agree. The lyrics, filled with a spirit of challenge, are truly inspiring.”

Yuina: “Lines like ‘I won’t stop!’ or ‘If you question what’s normal, maybe you can achieve it’ feel so full of potential.

As humans, we all have our own struggles, and sometimes we might feel down when we’re alone. But when we come together, our energy surges and the lyrics reflect the bright future and possibilities that lie ahead. I think that’s so wonderful.”

Interviewer: “And ‘Bubble Rise’ is performed by the group Tomakanote, consisting of Kanon-chan, Margarete-chan, and Tomari-chan. It has a gentle impression, but what kind of feelings did you put into it?”

Yuina: “Bubble Rise is a song that holds special meaning for Margarete-chan because it helped her rediscover the joy of singing.

No matter how dark it gets, no matter how lonely she feels, or how big the obstacles she faces are, the song expresses the idea of not giving up and reaching out. I think Margarete-chan could feel this way because she met Kanon-chan and Tomari-chan.

But at the same time, it reflects Margarete-chan’s inner strength, which is beautifully woven into this smooth, gentle song.

When I sing it, I feel like Kanon-chan and Tomari-chan are softly singing to Margarete-chan, telling her, ‘It’s okay. You can do it.’

The mutual care and connection they share as they sing together are so wonderful.

No matter how many times I listen to this song, it always tugs tightly at my heart.”

Interviewer: “Special Color is a song where Shiki-chan took on the center role for the first time, showcasing a new side of her. Yabushima-san, as the voice of Mei-chan, who supports Shiki-chan, what are your thoughts?”

Yabushima Akane: “Since Shiki-chan is the center, it’s natural, but the performance has a lot of formations where Shiki-chan is surrounded by everyone. Watching that, I felt like the group was protecting her together.

However, being the center doesn’t mean Shiki-chan is always in the middle. For example, until the chorus line, ‘I’m the strongest—just reminding myself right now,’ she doesn’t have a solo part.

That’s why I think both the formations and the lyrics are designed to create a space where Shiki-chan doesn’t feel anxious. It’s as if the presence of everyone around her reassures her, both spatially and emotionally.”

Interviewer: “The formations seem to tie closely to the story, don’t they? Now, about the insert song from Episode 6, ‘絶対的LOVER’ (Zettaiteki LOVER), could you tell us about it?”

Misaki Nako: “This is the first song in the anime to focus on Keke-chan, so I hope everyone enjoys Episode 6. Keke-chan is delivering her love to everyone, and we’re performing with the feeling of, ‘We love you, Keke-chan!’ I think it’s a song filled with love.”

Yabushima Akane: “It’s packed with the feeling of, ‘We want to say, we love you, Keke-chan!’

”Yuina: “I really love this song. Not just this one, but Liella! has so many songs filled with love, so I hope everyone watches the anime and gives them a listen!”

3 Columns!

01

●Since we're talking about 'DAISUKI FULL POWER' (where 'daisuki' means 'love'), let’s talk about what you’re currently loving. Yabushima-san, what’s your favorite food?

Yabushima Akane: "My favorite food is pumpkin."

Interviewer: "What do you like about it?"

Yabushima Akane: "It’s nutritious, for one…"

Misaki Nako: "Very practical! (laughs)"

Yabushima Akane: "But it’s also cute in shape, and it’s delicious whether you make it into desserts or regular dishes."

Yuina: "True. Pumpkin is strong—it can handle anything!"

Yabushima Akane: "Plus, you can buy it year-round at the supermarket. That’s such a big advantage!"

Yuina: "That’s wonderful! (applauds) I’ll definitely grab some next time!"

Interviewer: "What’s your favorite way to prepare it?"

Yabushima Akane: "I love simmered pumpkin. I make it often at home."

Misaki Nako: "Very homey! My favorite food is noodles, but recently, I’ve been really into bamboo shoots."

Yuina: "Why is that?"

Misaki Nako: "I’ve always liked them, but in spring and autumn, when supermarkets are overflowing with bamboo shoots, I can’t resist. I especially love bamboo shoot rice.

When I make it at home, I usually cheat and use premade rice seasoning. But then I buy fresh bamboo shoots, cut them into big chunks, and add them in for an ‘extra bamboo’ touch—it feels so luxurious!

I highly recommend my ‘extra bamboo hack.’ Please try adding ‘extra bamboo’!"

Yuina: "Extra bamboo! I want to try that! My favorite food is white chocolate."

Misaki Nako: "That’s adorable!"

Yuina: "There aren’t that many white chocolate products out there, but now that winter is coming, there’s been a surge of white chocolate-themed treats.

It feels like my time has finally come! I’m so busy trying everything, but I’m incredibly happy about it."

Misaki Nako: "What kind of white chocolate do you like best?"

Yuina: "I like soft ones, like nama (fresh) chocolate. I never put chocolate in the fridge—I’m the type who prefers it at just the right softness, where it melts in your mouth. I absolutely refuse to bite into it!"

02

●The happiest moment from your activities in 2024

Yuina: "I feel happy all the time—like, constantly happy. But the moments when I feel incredibly happy are definitely when I’m performing live.

If I had to pick something specific from 2024, it would be when the third season of the anime started!

I had been looking forward to it so much, and when it finally began, watching my character perform with Liella! made me think, ‘Wow, this is happiness.’

But really, I’m happy all the time."

Misaki Nako: "Yeah, just being able to say, ‘I’m happy every day,’ feels like happiness in itself."

Yabushima Akane: "That’s so true."

Yuina: "That’s such a good point!"

Misaki Nako: "I moved to Tokyo from Kansai on my own, so I’m always feeling homesick and missing my family. But the members of Liella! have become like a family to me.

We spend so much time together, and just being with them gives me such a strong sense of reassurance."

Yabushima Akane: "Same here. When I started university, it was during the COVID pandemic, so everything was remote, and I had a hard time making friends.

But Liella! feels even closer than friends. It’s different from family, too, but..."

Misaki Nako: "It’s like we’ve created a whole new kind of relationship."

Yabushima Akane: "Exactly. Meeting people who become that kind of presence in your life is so rare, and I feel incredibly grateful for it."

Misaki Nako: "That makes me so happy. Normally, you’d think there might be some arguments or disagreements when people are this close, but even though we all say what we want to say, we’ve never had any super serious fights."

Yabushima Akane: "Maybe it’s because the balance of distance between us is just right."

Misaki Nako: "We don’t overstep boundaries, but at the same time, we’re not cold toward each other either. This isn’t specific to just 2024, but meeting Liella! has been the greatest happiness for me!"

03

●Ambitions for 2025

Yuina: "My ambition was for all of us to go overseas, and since we achieved that, next I’d love for us to do something like a cultural festival together.

It doesn’t have to be anything big—even something small and cozy would be fine. It’s like I want to relive our youth. The Liella! members are super close, and we have this fun, student-like vibe, so I think it’d be awesome to run booths together (laughs).

Of course, it’d be amazing if all our fans could come too!"

Misaki Nako: "I want us to have a tako-pa (takoyaki party) together!"

Yuina: "Yes, please! Everyone making takoyaki together and eating it sounds so fun."

Misaki Nako: "Oh, and not for a shoot or anything—just a totally private party!"

Yuina: "That’s a great idea too!"

Misaki Nako: "When I went to Shanghai, I was so touched by how many people told us, ‘I wish you could come to where I live!’ So, while I’d love to visit more places across Japan, going overseas again would be amazing too."

Yabushima Akane: "There are fans who even cross oceans to come to our live shows. It’d be so wonderful if we could grow big enough to go and meet them ourselves!"

Misaki Nako: "It doesn’t even have to be a live show—something like a meet-and-greet or an event where we can interact with everyone would be great too."

Yabushima Akane: "I’d love that. It’d be amazing if all 11 of us could go together."

Misaki Nako: "I hope we get more opportunities like that next year."

Yabushima Akane: "Then, let’s make world domination our ambition for 2025!"

Nako & Yuina: "That’s it!"