#Japan tours for seniors

[laurustravel]

Japan tours for Seniors

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[freakingoutthesquares]

Russell's Japan Tour Diary (Part One) (Part two is here) Words: Russell Senior, Photographer: Richard Priest Taken from the New Musical Express, 24 February 1996

Tales of debauched saké-fuelled revelry, Yakuza baiting, sexually perverted roadies and scantily-clad schoolgirls kicking giraffes - yup, it's Pulp, of course, on tour in Japan as seen through the hi-tech shades of guitarist/violinist extraordinaire Russell Senior. Russ takes us on a trip through the neon-lit cartoon ultraworld where Shampoo are huge and the 'fans' come bearing gifts...

Arriving at Osaka airport, the overwhelming impression is of having arrived on another planet sometime in the future. Everyone waits in silent order for a silver machine to take them to an antiseptically clean lounge where perfect chrome dustbins with colour-coded liners are each filled with perfect rubbish. A vending machine dispenses a bilious looking green fluid which is probably the most refreshing drink on earth. Our host arrives bowing, and instinctively we bow back. Our bags disappear without our noticing, only to reappear later in our rooms.

It's a very cold day, but huge heaters warm the air outside the hotel. I order a green tea and put sugar in it. Our host gasps and sits back in amazement. "What's wrong?" I say. "Is it rude to do this?" "Oh no," he says, laughing, "just... unusual." Diplomatic incident over - respect shown. I think it's like putting milk and sugar in beer.

Awaking very early in the morning, I take a walk outside and realise that I'm being followed at a distance by a group of girls. After politely asking for autographs. They then pump me for information on our movements. There's obviously some kind of network here because during the course of our stay, the groups become crowds, very polite and apologetic but nonetheless, there, the whole time.

I despise the hard style of English malls, but here they seem more relaxing, 'soft' even. And although you look different, nobody seems to hate you for it. In the video games arcade, a disgruntled teenager spends a small fortune trying to get a very realistic image of a nubile schoolgirl to shed her clothes. Rover, one of the more hairy arsed roadies, regards touring Japan as something akin to a well-paid prison sentence, presumably, because he's heard that you can't get Watney's Red Barrel and chips here.

"This channel is pay TV. If you wish to continue viewing this programme, please press the button marked 'pay'," says the telly. I don't think I'll bother, the free clip involved a scantily-clad schoolgirl in a bar, kicking a giraffe. On the cartoon channel all the heroes have wide eyes. Perhaps we'll do well here. I think everything here is intensely symbolic in a way that will remain forever mysterious.

However, by accident, it may be possible to do things which key in with this symbolism and have some resonance. I don't think you should try too hard at this - it has to be something you are. Shampoo are huge here - apparently the colour pink is associated with Lolitas and, what with their gumchewing punkiness, they look like Manga cartoon heroines. It works... by accident.

As we arrive at the venue the entire street is lined with girls waving, screaming and pointing cameras into the van. I've always had a problem with the word 'fan', but here it seems apt; they really won't let us bow lower than them. An elevator takes us to the dressing room. Westerners have been here before, so every inch of wall space is covered in graffiti - something almost entirely absent from the rest of Japan. There is, uniquely, no obscene graffiti, that will have been removed. They have, however, respected the Western custom of no-hoper bands to forge a spurious immortality in this enclave - I wish they hadn't.

Due to technical problems we keep the fans waiting one-and-a-half hours in sub-zero temperatures. During the concert Jarvis apologises for this - no response. He apologises later, saying, "We meant no disrespect" - huge applause, by accident. I try on some new sunglasses which have beams of light at the sides to help me see the violin - very hi-tech, very popular.

Candida, with her love of plastic jewellery and ballet, seems to make more sense here than Courtney Love. Jarvis receives a huge electric-shock during the concert. I've seen him throw a fit for much less than-that, but tonight he shows... endurance. The one thing I really regret about getting big in England is that you don't really get to meet as many people.

They're either too in awe or too shy or too pushy. Here, despite the mayhem, it seems more comfortable. Apparently you get Americans, working with bands, coming here giving lots of attitude and generally laying down the law. This is counter-productive. If, by contradicting the Japanese, you cause loss of face on their part, this will not be to your advantage. So we play it their way and they seem to appreciate it. Not, I think, because they have won, but because we haven't embarrassed them.

I can see why the Yanks might get bolshy. The Japanese are even more efficient and give even better service and it all functions perfectly in a totally non-Western way. So what can we possibly have that they might want? I have a theory and it is based on very little knowledge: innovation is not something they excel at. Individualism is not a big deal here... Ergo they would perfect the best way of dragging things around but would not invent the wheel.

Musically this is evident, crap copyist bands abound. If a Western band could accidentally do something that made sense to them, it would probably seem intensely original - and exciting. With our wide-eyed love of the future and junk and style and toys and teendom and funfairs and pop and just-so-ness and colour and space and modernity in general, perhaps we can set a few little patterns off in their strange minds.

8am. Moved by the spirit to embrace all things Japanese, I decided to go for a traditional breakfast. I do not regret this, nor do I wish to repeat it. It entailed a formal ceremony conducted in silence. The most yummy thing by quite a long chalk was raw eel. I will draw a veil over the contents of the rest of the meal, other than to say that I dare not eat anything else the rest of the day lest the things I had eaten at breakfast gorge themselves and burst, Alien-like, out of my stomach. Nonetheless, I felt I had passed the kind of initiation ceremony which would entitle one to join a particularly sadistic religious cult. The Japanese will eat almost anything for breakfast, it seems, as long as it isn't food.

The scene at Osaka train station resembled the evacuation of Hanoi. Huge crowds bearing gifts, which we ended up carrying in our teeth, accompanied us to the bullet train which we entered as the whistle blew. We have our own carriage but are hemmed in at either end. One intrepid girl gets on at the next station to give us a gift, only to be ejected, without her bag. I think everyone feels a little shaky, it's rolling like a snowball now.

In Nagoya the venue is actually in the hotel, so it's pretty clear where we're going to be staying. Fans have to be ejected from the lifts so we can get to our rooms. I can't remember much about the concert, I think we gave a good show. I don't know what they made of the music, they seem to be equally enthusiastic about everything we do. What they make of the lyrics is anybody's guess. You sometimes see comical re-translations of the lyrics from the Japanese. I don't think it's so much that the words don't translate, it's the concepts.

After the concert we go to the hotel bar to have a drink with Rover and our host. The hotel has been cleared of fans. About ten girls, however, have taken the precaution of booking rooms in the hotel so they can't very well be cobbed out. Personally, I think any fan has the right to pester a pop star to a small extent. As long as they are being pleasant, it seems part of the deal that you sign autographs, have pictures taken and answer the odd question. Cumulatively, this can be very wearing, but then if you don't like it you can always go and work in a bank.

Some of the girls in the foyer gradually pluck up the courage to come into the bar and sit across the way, not making any nuisance of themselves at all. The women who work with us here instinctively seem to sit back from the tables to let the men get on with business. Earlier in the day someone had seen women asked to leave a table so men could talk business and - shock horror - it had been implied to Candida that she might be bored or offended at a meeting (You'll be glad to know she told them where to get off).

Meanwhile, the table next to us has become vacant and some of the fans come and sit at it. They aren't taking photos, they aren't giggling, they aren't being a nuisance. This seems to make our host very uncomfortable. They get shouted at to go away. This is very difficult. It appears to me that if they were male they wouldn't be treated this way. It seems rude and, well, disrespectful.

However, our host is treating us very well and it's not our country, we don't want to get into a row with him, and, worst of all, confront him and cause loss of face. We try to politely explain that we don't understand why this is necessary, that we don't need protecting and that, ultimately, it's the fans that pay all our wages. The worst thing is that the fans accept it meekly with a slight tear.

One of the hotel staff is now hovering around and looking concerned. It transpires that he is concerned that they may be underage drinkers. Those without ID are asked to leave. I must confess to being quite relieved by this; that they were being harassed because they were underage in a bar, not because they were women - fair enough.

So now, there are three or four left, over-age hotel residents. Our host, however, still seems very uncomfortable and the hotel employee even more so. It's all very odd. We're fair game at stations, hotel foyers, venues, where we get pestered to death, but here, where fans have been no trouble at all, they're made to feel like dirt... And it's just faintly possible, is it not, that they aren't even fans or that maybe they were staying here anyway and happen to know who we are - should they get sent to their rooms just because we arrived?

Well, obviously, they can't be, so we still have some kind of diplomatic incident here. Although it's almost midnight, our host suddenly decides that he's very hungry and wants to take us out for a meal. The hotel employee also thinks this is an excellent idea and will personally escort us to a place that we will like very much. We, who have not previously expressed any desire to eat a second evening meal, are encouraged to find ourselves hungry too!

With many smiles and gestures we are shepherded out of the bar into the bitter cold and through a labyrinth of winding streets. Our host is much happier now; little does he know that we know that he knows there's some kind of subtext going on.

Part two: Here.

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[yridenergyridenergy]

Toshiya's interview in Ongaku to Hito 2024/06 - translation notes (re: Atsushi Sakurai)

Toshiya mentioned that no matter the race or country, those in front of him at concerts are all human beings, in the end. The only difference is that people outside of Japan are more free.

He was given Atsushi Sakurai's shoes by "Sakurai-san"'s family and was told: "Take me to many places with these shoes." For that reason, he felt kind of obliged to get out and visit Europe on the last tour.

Toshiya thinks that if Dir en grey had not been invited to tour in Germany a decade ago, they may have stalled in Japan and, without room to grow, the band might have been over. It was the mentality that they were in when composing Withering to death.

He went to see Buck-Tick's concert at Garden Theatre (after Sakurai's death?) and he was moved by his mentions of the parade continuing forever, even if he becomes a ghost.Toshiya got a DVD as well but he has not been able to watch it yet.

Apparently hide was supposed to attend Dir en grey's first concert at Shibuko in their debut but he passed away just a few days prior. He went to hide's funeral and, from what I gather, seniors were very emotional about that.

The same day that Toshiya first wore his Atsushi Sakurai-inspired costume to film Yurameki, the news of his death came... But he had learned of it a few days earlier, when it actually happened. Otherwise, if he had discovered it on the same day of the music video being filmed, he simply couldn't have done it.

"Then, for the first time in years, I cried a lot... Like, I was scared."

Music helped him heal.

In Europe, he saw people wearing T-shirts (of Buck-Tick or Atsushi Sakurai). Toshiya took pictures and sent them to Yuuta from Buck-Tick, which made him happy.

[alienpossession]

Annual Leave

I spent 16 days touring across East Asia and Southeast Asia. I made a lot of friends throughout the solo trip and that's all thanks to Pelle. You see, I did say to people that I have a solo trip and just luckily made tons of friends, but it's always been a game of two from the get go.

I was so stressed out in my first day when I landed in Japan. They don't like or feel too comfortable to converse in English and boy it was a great sight yet so draining due to all the confusion. So I resorted to my back-up plan that I stored in my suitcase once I checked in to my hotel to relieve me from the stress of this whole solo trip. Pelle is a friend of mine that came from millions of light years away. He's been very important for me as he helped me to solve my bullies problem ever since my senior year of high school until now in my 3rd year with my roommate and those frat boys. Pelle slid off the jar quickly as soon after I opened the lid and just like that, he was gone for the moment as he already knew what it meant for him when he's released.

Around an hour later, someone knocked my hotel room and when I opened the door, this Japanese guy starts speaking in an accented English telling me to skip shower and let him guide me around the bustling megacity. A quick glance to his eyes confirmed my suspicion, Pelle override whoever this guy is already and used his body as as vessel

Aki shown me around his hometown, Tokyo, and then packed his bag to the countryside for 3 days where his built and of-course-fluent Japanese helped us to survive and have fun without getting lost.

I think the time where he practically slut me out to the whole onsen where my head was pistoned in several succesive cocks truly left a memorable impact in me. Pelle's decision to take over Aki's body back in Tokyo despite me insisting on making this trip an actual solo trip was eye-opening (and hole-opening of course). Not only did that solve a lot of potential problem, having a local guide that you can have fun together with and not going to be fussy about your itinerary is a total blessing because it's still feels like the one that drive the trip is you and you only have someone to fully help you around.

But Japan was just the first out of many country I planned to visit. Pelle slid out of Aki in one of the toilet in Narita, and minutes later he messaged me that he already joined the flight directed to my next destination, Beijing. During the flight, I got informed by the flight attendant that my seat was upgraded to Business Class. I was quite suspicious to the studly flight attendant but as soon as I got escorted to the Business Class section, the flight attendant quickly shoved me to the carpeted floor much to my surprise. He then said

"Sniff and bark like the dog you are!"

I glared at him wildly, but then I realized that he's merely puppeteered by Pelle. So, Pelle is not inside the flight attendant any longer and he's instead hidden in one of this private cabin. After forced to be on all fours sniffing my way to find in which section the mysterious guy hid himself, I finally caught whiff of this leathery perfume and oaky stench. That's when I opened the private cabin to eventually stumbled with the sole passenger in the Business Class section.

"You found me,"

"Not like you can hide such strong smell,"

I once again got shoved by the flight attendant that just came outta nowhere, and then I literally fell on top of this buff young guy with his chiseled face and equally appetizing body. I can smell him even clearer now, he even smelled expensive yet super sexy too and he just giggled at me for being so awestruck with him

"Never been so up close and personal witb a hunk like me, huh?"

Which is clearly wrong because all those frat boys already left me cop a feel anyway, but I did have to admit that this guy is great on his own way.

He's a Beijing native and he own a pad overlooking the city where I stayed for 3 days having the best time getting pampered by him.

He also introduced me to his 2 best friends who willingly tag-teamed to destroy my hole from both ends while he's busy working in the next room.

Pelle's control on the young, cocky businessman is a true masterwork on its own, but the way Pelle managed to also affect the businessman's two best friends without even needed to slid into them clearly shown how amazing his computational capability to manage 3 different human being doing activities of their own.

Then, after some digging, Pelle realized that the young businessman also have private jet he rarely used because he knew it was totally monitored by his parents. After influencing the pilot (that's also in his parents paycheck) to ensure that no tracking devices left behind the private jet, he let me use his private jet for the remainder of my trip. I asked the pilot to drop me in Hanoi.

I went to Hanoi a lot during my childhood since my dad is a Vietnamese immigrant but I've never been in Hanoi ever since I graduated elementary school. My companion in Hanoi was Van, a gym cutie I stumbled in this rooftop bar I went to during my 2nd night in the city.

Pelle slid into Van when he eventually left his table that he shared with his 5 other friends for some quick fix in the restroom. Pelle did give Van a quick fix as the loud-mouthed asshole that slapped on girl's butt that went pass his table all night long turned into a horny gay motherfucker as he rode me to town in the cramped bathroom stall. We consummated our relationship all over town as he literally fucked me in his parked G-Wagon before heading for some 2 AM pho fix. Van lived in a high-rise apartment paid by this lady that frequent his gym and paid him as her boytoy. Pelle observed that Van's misogyny and rudeness came from the fact that he's self-aware that he's practically just a slut and that hurted his ego and I just nodded in silence when he explained all that. I don't know, I wanted to pity him but at the same time, isn't it his life choices? Who am I to judge anyway, he's just a guide too for me to shown me around so I decided to not be too sentimental about some life story of random meat puppet my alien friends worn

Van continued on to become my Vietnamese trip companion as I went to Sa Pa, Da Nang and closed the Vietnamese leg in Ho Chi Min.

We left his body in the hotel room in the old quarters of Ho Chi Minh as I travel to Bangkok, still with the trusted private jet Pelle made the businessman let me use. In retrospect, I think Pelle enjoyed our Thailand leg the most. The country was in the middle of a heat wave when we came so everyone was wearing the thinnest shirt possible and the club is filled with people ditching their shirts and just danced the night away. That's when I also stumbled with Pat, who didn't even need to be taken over by Pelle to be nice to me.

I just instantly have a good vibe from seeing him and talk to him briefly, but alas, I'm not here for niceties and it was actually thrilling to see how Pelle made that beautiful face of his smirked when he managed to take over Pat's body and directed me to meet him in the club's bathroom.

Pat, obviously, is a model and social media personality. An engagement for a brand in Pattaya the following day caused us to tag along for that event where Pat influenced one of his local friends to show me around while he's shooting all day. That's when I realized that Pat might be too busy of an individual to show me around so I contacted Pelle to just left his body. You know what he did instead? He wrapped up the shoot in lightning speed as he influenced the producer to not ask him for another take and then solely guided me around the places while occasionally grumbling on how I would be punished later for making him do all this work and almost jeopardizing his career.

We spent 4 days in total in Thailand and Pelle, as Pat, showered me with attention, affection and his seemingly unrelenting amount of cum. He was the light of the party so it was easy for him to lure in some friends that quickly turned into a temporary additional muscle puppet as he put his own friends under his control. We literally spent our final night in Bangkok fucking like there's no tomorrow, the crowd of Pat and his friends all trying to get a piece of action with me and with each other as if they weren't bunch of straight guys or married man themselves before Pelle's takeover of Pat and the subsequent mind control he unleashed to these oblivious men. As we finished with him and his friends, we just silently left him in the aftermath of the orgy in his apartment to close off my Thailand's leg and headed to the real closing leg of my holiday trip

The final part of the trip put me in Bali where the jet eventually returned back to China too after we landed in the airport. Pelle of course remained by my side as we went into this well-known beach side gym with outdoor setting where one of my bully, Kyle, already waited for me and Pelle. He's been taken over by Pelle before so there will be no issue for Pelle to slid back into Kyle and after that, we departed back to the States

*** 18 hrs later, Hamad International Airport, United Arab Emirates ***

"What do you think of Europe?" asked Pelle through Kyle as he already in control of the jock's brain ever since our meet-up in the beach yesterday

"Huh? What are you talking about? My leave----"

He shushed me and then he winked at me as he motioned me to look into the opposing chair where a stud comfortably manspread in the chair with his headphone on while his left hand rested on that visibly hard groin. I licked my lips, thinking about Pelle making that dude's mine for the time being until we get called to board. But then, Kyle whispered to my ear

"What if I told you that you could be him?"

[thiziri]

The Princess Royal gives Army generals history lesson.

The Princess Royal gave an impromptu history lesson to senior Army officers as she opened a new accommodation block named after a war hero.

Her Royal Highness had unveiled a plaque naming the new officers’ accommodation at the Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, after Colonel James Carne.

Col Carne had been the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment during the Korean War in 1951.

At the River Imjin, the battalion were overrun by Chinese forces – winning the nickname The Glorious Glosters and earning Col Carne the Victoria Cross.

The Princess Royal was taken on a tour of the new single living accommodation block by Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse, commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), which is based at Innsworth.

After unveiling the stone plaque, Anne asked Sir Ralph: “Is there an explanation here of the name?”

“Funnily enough, when I went to Korea the first time, they took me out to the Glosters’ memorial.”

When told there was not an explanation, she replied: “It seems very relevant to Gloucestershire, and I was at a reception the other day for Korean veterans.

“As it happens, I think it is much more relevant to go and see the territory and terrain that they had to fight in. It was horrendous.

“The temperature in winter… they said minus 40.

“The Winter Olympics only got to minus 15 and even then, for most Winter Olympics, they actually had to stop things.”

“You cannot believe a peninsula that size gets so cold.

“More than 60% were National Servicemen, which is an equally extraordinary thought and a lot didn’t come back.

“One had joined, I think, four days before and off he went.

“Someone started a rumour apparently that you got more money as a National Serviceman if you served further from home.

“That didn’t happen. They ended up in Japan for quite a long time.”

The Princess Royal added: “For Gloucestershire that is a very important bit of history.”

The Carne building is the “most advanced Smart building on the Government estate”, which allows for energy saving by monitoring consumption.

© The Independent | Forces News

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 ✧• ─

𝟐 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : A personal tweet by William was released offering condolences on the passing of Bob Burrow.

𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William held an Investiture.

𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : The Prince of Wales, The King & The Queen attended the National Commemorative Event to mark the Eightieth Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. They were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire (Mr. Nigel Atkinson), Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak) and Defence Services Secretary (Major General Eldon Millar). Later, they met Veterans of D-Day and their families.

𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William was received Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Paris (Mr. Theophilus Rycroft) in Normandy, France for D-Day Commemorations. He attended the Canadian Ceremony of Remembrance to commemorate their role in the D-Day Landings at Juno Beach Centre. Afterwards, he met veterans at Arromanches. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the International Commemorative Ceremony at Omaha Beach.

𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Landings. The Earl of Chester attended the Wedding Ceremony of the Duke of Westminster & Miss Olivia Henson.

𝟏𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He visited the England Men's European Football Championship Team at St. George's Park.

𝟏𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : Kensington Palace released a photograph of William on route to Cardiff. He was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan (Mrs. Morfudd Meredith) as he met representatives of the United Kingdom and Australian seaweed industry at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He subsequently visited the Zero2Five Food Industry Centre.

𝟏𝟑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : The Prince of Wales visited the Secret Intelligence Service.

𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended the Senior Colonels' Conference at Clarence House as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.

𝟏𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William took part in The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade. Later, he appeared on the Balcony along with Catherine and their children for the RAF fly-past.

𝟏𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : A photograph of William with George, Charlotte and Louis (taken by Catherine) was released to mark Father's Day. Additionally, a photograph from 1985 of William with King Charles was released by Kensington Palace accompanied by a personal tweet from Wills.

𝟏𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, he was present at the Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Garter. Subsequently, he attended the Order of the Garter Installation Service at St George's Chapel.

𝟏𝟖 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He held a Meeting at Windsor Castle

𝟏𝟗 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended the second day of the Ascot Races and presented trophies for the Prince of Wales Stakes.

𝟐𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : Kensington Palace released William's photograph with King Frederick & Princess Josephine of Denmark as he attended the UEFA 2024 Group Game between England and Denmark at Frankfurt Arena.

𝟐𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William celebrated his 42nd Birthday. Buckingham Palace released a Birthday Portrait featuring William with King Charles was released to mark the occasion. Additionally, Kensington Palace released a Birthday Photograph of William with their three children taken by Catherine. He was spotted at Windsor Castle arriving for a Meeting. In the evening, William along with George and Charlotte attended London Night 1 of Taylor's Swift Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.

𝟐𝟐 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked Windrush Day. Kensington Palace released a photograph with Taylor Swift featuring William, George and Charlotte. A selfie by Taylor Swift was also shared on her socials from the meeting.

𝟐𝟑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William marked World Female Rangers Week.

𝟐𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council.

𝟐𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William took part in the Japanese State Visit. He welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at their Hotel. He then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards for the Ceremonial Welcome. Afterwards, they viewed an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to Japan and attended the luncheon reception. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the State Dinner at Buckingham Palace. He also appeared in a video message during the Zero Suicide International Summit.

𝟐𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He attended tthe Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Herefordshire. He also visited Yeo Valley Organic at the event. A tweet from William and Catherine was released congratulating England's Qualification in the next stage of the UEFA Euros. An unseen photo of WillCat from 2006 was released by Pat Tigrett.

𝟐𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He attended the Earthshot "Stories of Impact" discussion at their Innovation Camp. Afterwards William attended the Breakthrough Energy Summit as part of the London Climate Action Week.

𝟐𝟗 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked Armed Forces Day.

𝟑𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He released a personal tweet congratulating the Three Lions on their Euros Quarter Final Qualification.

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.08.05] AERA x Yuzuru Hanyu: 24.8.12-19 No. 37

person in focus

"After all, it's frustrating when I can't perform well."

A session with photographer Mika Ninagawa for the first time in a year. In a long interview exclusive to this magazine, he talks about the ideals he pursues.

Writer: Takaomi Matsubara

Professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu

Born December 7, 1994 in Sendai. 2009 Won the Junior Grand Prix Final at age 14. 2010 Became the youngest Japanese male to win the World Junior Championships. 2011 While practicing at a rink in Sendai, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, and he had to live in an evacuation shelter. The rink where he was training was temporarily closed. 2012 First participated in the World Championships, coming in third. 2013 Graduated from Tohoku High School. Enrolled in a correspondence course at the Faculty of Human Sciences at Waseda University, studying human informatics and cognitive sciences. Won his first Grand Prix Final. Won four consecutive titles thereafter. 2014 First Asian gold medal in men's figure skating at the Sochi Olympics. First World Championship win. 2017 Second World Championship win. 2018 Second gold medal in men's figure skating at the Pyeongchang Olympics. 2020 Won his first Four Continents Championship, becoming the first man to win all major international junior and senior competitions. 2022 Participated in the Beijing Olympics. In July, announced his professional career. The ice show "Prologue" was held in Yokohama in November and in Hachinohe in December. 2023 In February, the ice show "GIFT" was held at Tokyo Dome. In March, the ice show "notte stellata" was held in Miyagi Prefecture. In March and April, he appeared in the ice show "Stars on Ice" (Osaka, Iwate, Yokohama). In May and June, he appeared in the ice show "Fantasy on Ice" (Makuhari, Miyagi, Niigata, Kobe). In November, the ice show "RE_PRAY" tour began at Saitama Super Arena. The following year, it was held at SAGA Arena in Saga in January, Pia Arena MM in Yokohama in February, and Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi in April. 2024 In March, the ice show "notte stellata" was held in Miyagi Prefecture. In May and June, he appeared in the ice show "Fantasy on Ice" (Makuhari, Aichi). On September 15th, he will be performing in the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance Challenge" in Ishikawa Prefecture.

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It has been two years since he made a new start as a professional figure skater in the summer of 2022. In 2024, he led three successful ice shows: "RE_PRAY" (Saga, Yokohama, Miyagi performances), "notte stellata" and "Fantasy on Ice".

The shoot with Mika Ninagawa for the first time in a year began with a cheerful greeting from each other, "Thank you for your continued support this year," and "Thank you." When she said to him, "You're still as young as ever!", Hanyu replied with a smile, a little embarrassed, "I'm almost 30."

"Move freely."

With those words, he made expressions and gestures as he pleased.

Various scenes were set up in the vast studio. Hanyu, who changed costumes and was photographed in each scene, moved and made expressions freely, sometimes under instructions and sometimes as if he was imagining (creating) a story himself. The people watching repeatedly let out gasps of amazement as the images were displayed one after another on the computer monitor. It was nothing short of amazing how he instantly exuded various moods - from boyish with a hint of innocence to cool and seductive.

His creativity was not limited to the way he behaved as a subject. When the BGM was played during the shoot, his body naturally responded to the music, and he also requested songs himself when he saw the costumes. There was also a moment when he saw a prop that had been set up and asked, "Do you have one more of these?" This revealed his high level of creative awareness.

The shooting has completed.

"Thank you very much," he said, and there was something light-hearted and cheerful about it. After a year, what he showed in the studio was a more mature and expressive side to him.

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Exclusive interview with this magazine

[In pursuit of a distant ideal]

He is now in his third year as a professional figure skater. Reflecting on his days of taking on unprecedented challenges, he spoke about what he has gained from them and what the future holds.

Photo: Mika Ninagawa    Writer: Takaomi Matsubara

Yuzuru Hanyu, the journey continues

hair & make up: Noboru Tomizawa  styling: Masataka Hattori costume: NEEDLES    BED j.w. FORD    YUKI HASHIMOTO  prop styling: Ayumi Endo

Yuzuru Hanyu started out as a professional figure skater in 2022. In his first professional ice show, "Prologue," he performed the first solo ice show in history. He skated for nearly two hours, with a structure that richly conveyed his skating career. Following "Prologue," he then performed a solo show at the Tokyo Dome for the first time in history, "GIFT." The ice show filled the gigantic venue, which had never been seen before.  After "Prologue" and "GIFT," he held the performance "notte stellata" in March 2023, which was filled with thoughts and prayers for March 11. It has been a year since our interview last summer, following those three performances.

Changes in the "depth" of thinking

"When I was interviewed a year ago, it had just been a year since I turned professional. I had a desire to grow and learn more specialized things. In the year since then, I think that my technique, expression, and many other aspects have changed. Among them, I feel that I have had many more opportunities to think about expression. I have been thinking about expression even in my daily life. I think that the way I think about my show, the way I think about each program, the depth of those things has clearly changed." He talks about what triggered the change in the past year. "First of all, I had to spend more time thinking about writing a new ice story after GIFT and also about my own performance.” The new ice story was "RE_PRAY", under the title "ICE STORY 2nd".  It opened on November 4, 2023 at Saitama Super Arena. It was performed in Saitama for two days, on that day and the following day, and in the new year it was performed in Saga on January 12th and 14th, and in Yokohama on February 17th and 19th, for a total of six performances in three cities. After the premiere in Saitama on November 4th, Hanyu said the following. "First of all, I myself have learned from games, manga, novels, and various other sources, about what life is all about, how precious life is, and other similar things that everyone else roughly feels.

In games, the concept of life is really light in a sense, and you can repeat it, so you can use characters to do all sorts of things and push forward with curiosity. If you apply that to the real world, you might be a person who has the drive to grab hold of dreams, or conversely, from a different perspective, you might be a very terrifying person. But if you could do it all over again, I'm sure people would try it."

24 hours a day, always skating

In this story with a game motif, the question of "choice" is often depicted. We make choices in our lives, even if we are not aware of it. What if you choose a different option than the one you originally chose? Or would you choose the same option? This story asks the audience, which serves as an opportunity to reexamine their way of life. Of course, just like "Prologue" and "GIFT," the fact that this story was completed and received with overwhelming acclaim was due to the performance of Hanyu, who was the sole performer. And even after six performances, he did not try to stay in the same place. He continued to evolve. There were many evidences of this growth at the final performance of the Yokohama show, for example. The movements in the performance of "Chicken, Snake and Pig" where he moved forward as if resisting the shackles. The performance of "Megalovania", following a silent performance without music with only the sound of his edges resonating, was more integrated with the music than in previous performances. Not only in the production aspects, but also in the details of Hanyu's performance itself, there were traces of refinement here and there. After the Saga performance, Hanyu spent his days preparing more rigorously for the Yokohama performance.  "Of course, I trained and restricted my diet. Well, how should I say it, there are 24 hours in a day, but I spent the entire time on nothing else but skating. In other words, skating was always present, 24 hours a day.” "That's right. To put it simply, it felt like I was spending every day just working on 'RE_PRAY'." The reason he spent all his time facing skating was because he had regrets about the Saga performance. "After all, it's frustrating when I can't perform well." However, the standards of frustration have changed from when he was a competing athlete.

Still not enough

"Gradually, the focus is shifting from scores to an evaluation. If something technical that I had planned didn't go well, then my evaluation vector changes and my perspective shifts. I couldn't accomplish what I wanted to accomplish in Saga, so I was simply disappointed." After spending 24 hours focused on skating, the Yokohama performance came. After the final performance, he said, "I feel a sense of accomplishment like winning the Olympics." While he felt a sense of fulfillment, he wasn't completely satisfied. He also felt that his ability had not yet caught up with what he wanted to do. "So I feel like there are still things I need to study more. Of course, I think I'm evolving. I think I'm getting better. But I still feel like it's not enough. As I keep digging deeper and deeper, my ideals become higher, and the things I want to express are becoming more and more specific. The more my ideals become more concrete, the more I feel like I'm not catching up." He is aware that he still has areas where he needs to improve, especially in the finer details. This is something he realises now, which he didn't feel this way when he was competing in the sport. "It's impossible to realise this when you're a competitive athlete. After all, if you can jump, you win. To be honest, if you couldn’t jump, there was no point in talking about it, as the outcome of the competition was pretty much decided by how many types of quadruple jumps there are and where you put them in the program. For example, what memories do you have of this song, the background of this song, what is the story you want to express, how will the story and the song fit together, or what meaning is in the choreography, to be honest, there’s not much room to think about them. You have to complete all your technical elements in one go in the four minutes of a competition (free skate), so that's all you can focus on."

A world not in first place

Win the match. In a competition, that is set as a goal. "Since I had already achieved that, there was no way I could go any higher. If you think about it in the world of competition, I won first place, so even if I tried harder, I couldn't get any higher than first place. In other words, I just tried to see how long I could maintain that first place position.

But in the world I'm in right now, even if I think I'm in first place, it may not be. It’s a place where I can think, "I'm still at the bottom". When I look at the various works of art or technically excellent things from around the world, I feel that there are still many things I can't do, so I think that I still have a long way to go." When he moved from the world of competition, which was fixed in a sense, to a new world, it was no longer a confined space. However, whether one knows its vastness or not, whether one feels that there is an endlessly wide world out there, is up to the individual. So even though the world is infinite, some people only notice a limited space. Or, there are those who limit the space themselves.

Right now, Hanyu thinks, "I still have a long way to go." He feels like he's at the bottom. This is because he knows that the world is endlessly vast. The reason he feels this way is because he has the ambition to move forward without being content with the present. So instead of seeing the place he has arrived at as the end point, he knows that there is still space to go beyond that.

Ideals evolve

"I may have surpassed the ideal I had a year ago. But the sense of distance between me and my ideal is probably the same as it was a year ago. For example, if the distance between me and my ideal a year ago was 10 meters, it may be 10 meters, no, 11 meters now. That's how I feel. I'm living and experiencing life, I see information every day, and in the midst of that, my ideal evolves. My ideal gets further and further away. But at the same time, through what I have seen and experienced, I'm sure I’m also one step closer to my ideal." Then, after a short pause, he continued with a smile. "As long as I want to, I think I can continue for the rest of my life." The skater is still on his journey, striving towards the ideals he has built with his own will. 

Source: AERA issue 24.8.12-19 No.37, pg 9-15 Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0D89L6LS2

[starstruckzine]

Here is a look at two more of our six headliners!

Explosion Murder God (EMG) - EMG is the biggest punk rock act on the global music scene these days. They got their start around the end of their senior year, but their lineup was slightly different in those early days. The original lead singer for the band was Yo Shindo, a graduate of Ketsubutsu Academy, but following some contention within the group, Katsuki Bakugou took center stage as the lead vocalist and turned his position as drummer over to Eijiro Kirishima, a close friend who previously played for a few other local bands around the city.

The group rebranded themselves as Explosion Murder God and created an entire repetoire of new songs that leaned more heavily into the punk genre than their previous music. The change caused people to sit up and take notice, including Golden Imperial's top talent manager, Tenya Iida, who also oversees idol group Ringo Ame.

EMG will be headlining on one of the three main stages at the festival.

Mirko - Mirko is the only solo artist who was invited to perform in the Star Struck music festival, and she is also the newest act in the lineup, having found her success only six months after she released her first song. Her inclusion came as a surprise when the announcement was first made, but there isn't anyone questioning her place in the event.

The story of Mirko's rise to the top reads like something out of a movie. She was discovered by a Golden Imperial talent scout in a karaoke bar while celebrating her birthday with friends. Her powerful vocal style garnered her a contract with the famous label, but rumors claim it took a lot of convincing to actually get her signature on that life-changing document.

Along with her music, fans love that the rock star makes herself highly accessible. They say she never turns down an autograph request and shares the selfies taken with her fans on her own social media accounts.

Star Struck is Mirko's first tour, and her admirers from outside of Japan are desperate to see their favorite idol perform live. 

[eldesperadont]

hello and welcome to the start of my rough Despe/Hiromu recap essay! I'll go over their history in relation to one another. A big reason for this recap is to explain my fascination with the 10+ year long history of these characters, and why I, a queer person, is so drawn to it — this post will include links, spoilers and cover the first 9 years of their careers. If you have corrections or additional infos pls DM me!!

egg, (2010-2012)

Hiromu Takahashi and El Desperado started their pro wrestling training around the same time in NJPWs dojo – both passing NJPW's entry exam in 2009 and training for roughly a year till they officially debuted in 2010.

Desperado in March under his real name, Mikami Kyōsuke, and Hiromu later in August. And here we already have some key moments:

Takahashi's professional debut was a singles match against Mikami. (its on YouTube btw)

Despe's first ever singles victory was defeating Hiromu in said debut match.

Mikami is older and ahead of Takahashi, going on to have an impressive winning record over Hiromu, who only managed to get a sole victory over Despe during their time together as students. (two if you count in a dark match)

Hiromu genuinely struggled a lot as a Young Lion (dojo trainee), having been close to giving up on wrestling if it weren’t for main roster wrestler Tetsuya Naito, who took him under his wing.

So yeah starting off Despe had the upper hand.

This part of their career is the hardest to research given that 1.) the language barrier was way higher a decade ago, 2.) there straight up is barely any footage. So instead, I want to explain the emotional importance of the NJPW dojo background:

The time as Young Lions in NJPW is kayfabe canon. These guys are rivals but also teammates, live and train together, fight with/and each other, cheer each other on in their bouts with the seniors, carry each other to the back when they once again got beaten – these guys are close, they have to, it's them against the world.

And that is the case for pretty much all the homegrown NJPW talent. This system provides feuds with an emotional core; why would someone who was that close be so cruel to each other now? What turns brothers, best friends, partners into enemies? So much room for juicy rivalries with a real weight behind it, after all we watched these guys grow and learn, saw their highs and lows.

Also on a less serious note it's simply amusing to watch old stuff and see two guys that will be bitter rivals, who’s matches will get praise and awards - tag together in mostly fruitless efforts, stumble behind the curtain together and be so clueless about all the greatness they’ll achieve one day thanks to each others hard work.

Young Lions my beloved <3

oceans apart, (2012-2016)

As is custom with most Young Lions both went on excursion: Mikami graduating first, in 2012, and working in Mexico for a year as "Namajague" - Hiromu leaving Japan the year Desperado debuts on the New Japan main roster, in 2014, touring in Mexico and the US as "Kamaitachi" till August 2016.

Both worked in CMLL as heels, as is custom for foreign trainees, starting as masked wrestlers, loosing them in a stipulation match, and also getting their hair shaved at some point.

Here you have unmasked Namajague, who went on to rock a half facepaint look and had half of his hair bleached (in 2014, a trendsetter)

and here you got a young unmasked Kamaitachi (yes he was in a team with Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian in RoH)

These are the years Mikami and Hiromu don’t interact in canon, but in an 2020 interview Desperado confessed that he kept an eye on Takahashi during the latter's excursion, cause of his success in Middle/North America and spectacular matches with Dragon Lee.

Love confessions, (May - June 2018)

Their rivalry was fully rekindled in the “Best of the Super Juniors 25” tournament, so let’s set the scene:

Takahashi’s successful: having won the most important championship for their weight division in his first year on the main roster. He’s beloved by fans and critics and a valuable member of his mentor's faction, Los Ingobernables de Japon.

El Desperado is struggling: unsuccessfully having fought for singles titles several times in the last couple of years. His only championship victories so far having been in the tag division, after joining Suzuki-gun, a shady group that tolerates him, but not without hurdles. The masked man debuted in 2013 as a cheerful honourable guy, but by now he was just a bitter, sinister bastard.

They will have their first singles meeting in 6 years, and their first on the main roster.

They are winking and nodding towards the fact that Desperado already has several wins over the younger guy, but do not address who Despy really is - officially Mikami Kyōsuke hasn’t wrestled in New Japan ever since he left for Mexico.

Leading up to the BOSJ Hiromu made a booklet in which he describes all of his possible opponents, Desperado's page is kept blank at first, but later Takahashi adds “I know who you are, and I hate you.”

Despy wants to impress Hiromu. He was one half of the IWGP Jr. Tag champs at that point and took both belts with him to the ring - he's also wearing a special mask, that is mostly white, a colour Japanese wrestlers tend to only wear on special occasions/in big matches.

A lot has changed since they last fought 1 on 1 - except one thing: Hiromu cannot beat Desperado.

Both didn’t shy away from using dirty tricks, but in the end Despy has the upper hand once more. As his opponent lays defeated in the ring the masked menace has this to say:

(postmatch promo) (the match)

Hiromu will go on to win the tournament and IWGP Jr. Heavyweight belt from Will Ospreay at the 2018 Dominion show, but the loss to his fellow former Young Lion means that the latter has the right to challenge him, and so he does, in this now infamous promo.

please watch the whole thing: link

(funfact, this happened the same night Kenny won the IWGP Heavyweight Title with Ibushi in his corner, the gays were EATING that day, in pride month no less)

Leading up to their confrontation Hiromu would post a video on his twitter playing the 'love me/not' flower game, landing on "he loves me" - which promptly makes him eat the flower in frustration

On the day of their match, June 18 2018, he brings Desperado a present:

A bouquet in a guitar case, a cruel call back to Desperados main roster debut back in early 2014: after Kota Ibushi won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight belt at Wrestle Kingdom 8 a masked stranger approached the ring with a guitar case, revealing it to carry a bouquet of black roses for the freshly crowned champ (who was a lil confused by the whole situation)

It was the start of Despes unsuccessful run as a face and partnership with Ibushi (which you can read as the first man he tried to pursue).

The masked lad wasn't that fond of Hiromu bringing back old memories.

Their match is an all out war, both using underhanded tactics to keep the other one down, including Hiromu unmasking Despy, who shockingly doesn’t care at all - which is a huge deal, I'm going to quote Japanese NJPW commentator Milano here because he said it best:

“To a masked wrestler that’s your identity. It’s everything. But Desperado has it ripped off and then just puts it on like he was fixing his necktie. He was saying that this very essence of himself wasn’t as important as Hiromu or the belt." (translation by Chris Charlton)

But in the end Hiromu is victorious, finally ending his losing streak. After the match he has some interesting things to say:

(postmatch promo) (the match)

Life’s a b*tch. (mid 2018 - late 2019)

Hiromu's next title defence is in August 2018 in the USA against Dragon Lee, a match I still haven't been able to watch and probably never will. Due to a messed up move from his opponent, Hiromu lands hard on his neck, breaking it in the process. He somehow managed to finish the match but collapsed backstage, immediately being rushed to a hospital.

In the documentary RED HEADED REVIVAL Hiromu shared that he knew right away that something was wrong – he saw his life flash before his eyes and feared that this is the end of his career, but he decided against stopping the fight:

It took Hiromu over a year to fully recover.

That wasn't the only unfortunate incident though: in spring of 2019 Desperado broke his jaw in a deathmatch against his idol Jun Kasai. The timing couldn't have been worse: the highly anticipated BOSJ Tournament for that year being just about to start. Despe had to withdraw mere days before its opening.

Neither of them would make a return till late 2019. And their next actual confrontation wouldn’t be till 2020.

It was a sad time to be a fan of either - with Hiromu we didn't know till his return if he will even be able to wrestle again. And with Despy we had to witness fans being unnecessarily rude to him, ridiculing him about doing a deathmatch in the first place, eventho the injury could have occurred in any type of match. (if I remember correctly, Desperado even deleted his twitter due to the fan backlash)

BUT I'm gonna end this post on a good note:

1.) Despy's return marked the start of a new era for him:

He wasn't gonna apologise, he broke his jaw, so what? Shit happens. He wasn't going to pretend that the situation didn't happen either tho, hell - Despe returned in a shirt covered in blood spots, making direct references to the match he got injured in. (sth he talked about in this video) And his mask? Dons a fractured jawbone now, the cracks filled in with gold - reminiscent of kintsugi, a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The philosophy behind the technique is to recognize the history of the object and to visibly incorporate the repair into the new piece instead of disguising it.

2.) Hiromu wasn't giving up on his way of life either, making a spectacular return - the best was yet to come. Individually and together/against each other.

Stay tuned for the next part, that will absolutely also take me ages to finally put out, I'm apologising in advance,, anyways thx bye!! <3 👹🐱

[dejwrld]

˚₊𓆩༺🎸༻𓆪₊˚ — summer of 22', choso kamo

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐈. — WHO THE HELL LISTENS TO CLASSICAL MUSIC?

ᩍ before reading please be advised of the following warnings — female reader, written with black reader in mind, humor/crack, noritoshi & choso are cousins in this cause i said so, profanity, this is quite self indulgent and kinda my own assumption & characterization of modern day choso, mentions of choso having a scar, mentions of character death (reader's mom), record shop boss!geto lol, two idiots that bond over music | mdni, taglist, masterlist, other creations

chapter playlist | are you with that by vince staples, wait a minute by willo, the less i know the better by tame impala

JAPAN WAS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE STATES. A huge cultural shock compared to your busy lifestyle in New York City. You still could remember your father’s long lecture about being aware of your surroundings, don’t talk to strangers, going with your instincts in some locations, and so much more. You would think you were still that young sixteen-year-old girl who was raised by their single dad after the death of her mother, but you were of age. In the fall you would be a graduating senior at Julliard, living alone in a lovely apartment in New York City, teaching dance classes when you had free time, and doing many adult types of activities. You were a functioning young adult whose father still wanted to shelter you away from the world as if you were a hopeless Rapunzel. 

It took some convincing for your father to let you go to a ballet convention in Japan for the summer, especially if he was going to be funding it. You planned to rent out a room, get as much knowledge as possible at this convention so you could be prepared for your senior year at Julliard, and then return home. Your father didn’t agree with that plan. He only agreed when your godmother Utahime Iori agreed to keep an eye on you. 

Utahime Iori was an international ballet superstar and your late mom’s best friend. They met when they both were competing for the lead in Swan Lake, which was given to your mom. But your mother stepped down from the role when she became pregnant with you. The friendship between the two still blossomed from your mom being in the front row on the opening night to cheer Utahime on to your mom even keying Utahime’s boyfriend's car while six months pregnant with you. Utahime would always admit to you that your mom felt like she was her twin flame. They were insufferable when they were apart and together. Such a close bond and your mom’s death took a toll on Utahime. It hit her like a truck hitting a concrete wall at full speed. It sucked Utahime’s love for ballet right away, but the woman still stuck by your side during the journey of your ballet career.

She held your hand as the people around you threw pity your way during the funeral. She defended your passion for dance to your father as if she was defending an important law case. She did your hair for recitals. She stayed up late helping you come up with your Juilliard audition piece. She played the role of your godmother so well that you knew deep down your mom was smiling down on the both of you. 

You were so excited to spend the summer in Utahime’s home country. You knew she was going to want you to practice for the ballet convention because every summer—a dancer is chosen to dance an original piece in front of many known people. From choreographers, dance tour coordinators, and of course, famous ballet royalty. You didn’t want this spot to be given to you considering who your mother was and the fact that Utahime helped fund the convention in the first place. She told you specifically that you won’t get special privileges, that if it’s a better dancer—they will not think twice about replacing you. That’s just how wicked the world of ballet was. When it came to ballet, you didn’t have time to cry about not getting the lead in a dance when the time you were feeling pity for yourself—you could be using it to make yourself better. Those were the words your former ballet instructor explicitly told you and those were the words you kept in your head up to this day. 

“We need to lay down some ground rules,” Utahime stated as she placed a plate of food in front of you.

“Please don’t tell me, my dad gave you some rules.” You whined.

“No, these are my own rules,” Utahime said. She sat down at the table clearing her throat. “Practice comes first. I don’t care what you’re doing, I text you to come practice…come! This is not like the states, the dancers here sleep, eat, and breathe dance.”

“Okay.” 

“No big distractions. I understand you most likely will want to mingle, you’re my very beautiful goddaughter—but please remember what you’re originally here for.” Utahime adds.

“No Summer flings, gotcha!” 

“Okay, I didn’t say that. Just be mindful of who you are flinging with.” Utahime corrected.

“During your free time, please don’t associate yourself with the wrong crowd,” Utahime adds. “A ballerina with a criminal record isn’t cute no matter how good you look in your mugshot.”

“Don’t get arrested, noted. Any other rules?” You took a bite out of your food.

“Enjoy your summer, but please be mindful of what you’re here for. If you get to dance an original piece, it will look wonderful in your portfolio for when you graduate next Spring and that’s the endgame.” 

“Of course! So, can I go exploring?” You eagerly asked. You gave your godmother those innocent puppy dog eyes that she has seen so many times since you were younger.

“Fine, but please be safe. I will be stopping at the dance studio, so when you’re done exploring—meet me there.” Utahime says.

You pushed yourself out of your seat and would go over to Utahime pulling her into a hug. Mumbling many thank yous and even kissing her cheek. “Thank you! I promise I’ll be at the studio at a reasonable time!” You yelled as you were going to leave. 

You didn’t even let Utahime get a word out before you’re heading out of Utahime’s apartment and essentially you're home for the summer. You walked towards the elevator as you were walking, your face was buried in your phone updating your father on how you were doing. Even though he was most likely sleeping soundly back in New York, you still didn’t want to have him so worried during your three months here. You never understood the protectiveness your father had over you. Although it was a duty for fathers to protect their children as if their life depended on it—your father took it a little too far. Especially after your mother’s death, he once tried to take your love of ballet away from you. Arguing that it was the reason that broke your mom down and he refused to let you follow your mother’s dark path. Whatever that meant. Your mother’s death was a hushed secret that no one wanted to talk about. No one talked about what pushed her to do it, not even Utahime. 

So what exactly did your father mean by ballet being why your mother took a dark path?

When you made it to the street, you opened Google and decided to search if any record shops were nearby. In the guest room, you were staying in, Utahime mentioned it being a record player a close friend gave to her and you were eager to use it during your time here. However, she didn’t have any vinyl records at all. She claimed that her career pushed her away from home quite often, so what was the point of buying vinyl records for a record player that only was collecting dust in her guest bedroom? 

The first record shop that popped up was Suguru Records. You clicked on how far it was and wasn’t much of a walk. You placed your earbuds in your ear and soon Jazmine Sullivan was blasting through your ears. You took in everything around you as you were walking. From the architect of each building to the locals that are out and about. You enjoyed this atmosphere so much better than the busy streets of New York City during the rush hour of going to work or coming home from work. It was a soothing atmosphere and it made you even more excited to spend a summer here. Granted, the stares you were receiving as you were walking to your destination—it wasn’t anything new from the stares you received when you went to different ballet events around the world. 

When you finally got to the record shop, you entered it with a smile. The scent in the store was comforting, homely at most. The first thing you noticed when you entered it was empty. To you, that wasn’t good considering that anyone could come in and take what they wanted and leave. You figured that the familiar bell that would annoyingly ring when the record shop door would push open would cause the employees to hurriedly run to the front of the store. You let your fingers brush against the records as you walk down a random aisle specifically looking for the classical section. You can already imagine how beautiful the tune of a popular classical song humming out the record player while you practice in the living room of Utahime’s place. But as you walk around the record shop, you didn’t even see a section for classical music. However, you did pick up a couple of your favorite R&B albums as you were snooping around.

You heard the familiar bell and your eyes darted to the door and you saw a man with long black hair carrying a box into the shop. He had gauges in his ears and if you were being honest, if you looked closely—he looked familiar. As if you saw him on a magazine cover or something. When his eyes met yours and then scanned over the shop, he let out a sigh before slowly dropping the box he was carrying near the register. “Welcome to Suguru Records, I’ll be right back.” He flashed you a kind smile before disappearing in the back. 

You heard some ruckus in the back and what you assumed was the guy who greeted you voice, “I told you two gremlins to stop leaving the front end unattended!” 

Soon the gentleman returned with two guys. He had a grip on the back of their work uniform shirts as if he was a father pitbull lifting his pups by their fur to help them get around better. One of the guys looked at the long-haired gentleman and gave him a deadpan smile, “It’s a slow day and it looks like the customer doesn't even need help. You said it yourself, if it’s slow—Choso and I can work on our music.” One said.

The man let go of the back of the two guys' shirts and he would push one of them towards you. “Noritoshi, you start unloading that box near the register. Choso, you go help the customer before I fire both of you.” 

Noritoshi was near the register mumbling something under his breath before his boss glanced in his direction. “Do you have anything to say, Noritoshi?” The long-haired gentleman asked. 

Noritoshi shook his head, “Oh no, just asking if you were stepping out again, Geto?” He forced a fake smile.

“Yes, an old friend is in town. So please be sure to lock up when we close.” Geto pointed his finger at him and then at Choso before he exited again. 

You went back to looking through the records before you could hear someone clear your throat. When you glanced up, there he stood. The one who the guy called Choso, stood right in front of you. His hair was tugged into two ponytails. But it was one unique thing about him that caused you to stare at him as if he was the most attractive guy you’ve seen. A birthmark decorated his face that imprinted from his cheeks across his nose and on his other cheek. It was quite a unique birthmark, something you had never seen before. “Since that guy that just left signs my checks, I am here to ask if you need help with anything.” His monotone voice trailed off as he was avoiding as much eye contact as possible. 

“Oh yes—do you guys have anything from any classical composers?” You asked and you watched Choso’s face scrunched up in pure disgust. 

“Classical?” Choso asked. 

“Yes, I’ll take anything at this moment.” You said. “My godmother has this record player and I just know a classical record would sound so good on it.” 

“Classical?” Choso repeated just to make sure you understand what you just said. 

“Yes, did I not say it loud enough?” You asked in a frustrated manner. 

Choso held up his hand in a defensive mood and would glance over at Noritoshi who was unloading the box of new vinyl records they received. “Hey, check in the back to see if we have anything for the classical genre!” 

“Classical?” Noritoshi looked up and you wanted to question if the two were related with the way Noritoshi mimicked the exact face of disgust that Choso did. “I think we have some stuff in the back though.” 

Noritoshi waltzed into the back to search for the small number of vinyl records they did have. They weren’t selling, so Geto simply thought they were taking up space from other vinyl records. 

You felt the vinyl records that were once in your arms getting gently pulled from your arm. Choso would flip through your options and you watched as he was looking at your vinyl records quite impressed. He held up the vinyl record for Lucky Daye’s Painted, he had a sly grin on his face. If you were bold enough, you would admit that sly grin on his face was cute. 

“I have this one.” He said. “You have nice music taste, minus the classical thing.” He snickered before he handed you the records back.

“You don’t look like the type to like—“ Your words were cut off by him.

“Lucky Daye music?” 

“Yes.” You admitted as you pulled your records closer to your chest.

“Music is something so magical and versatile. It’s a bit insane to stick to one genre isn’t it?” Choso asked as his back leaned against the record case behind him. His arms folded over his chest and you instantly noticed that his broad arms flexed in his black uniform shirt that had Suguru Records on it. 

“But doesn't that contradict you making that face when I mentioned classical music?” You asked, your perfectly arched eyebrows raised at him.

He chuckles at your statement, “I guess it does…” His voice trails off as his dark-colored eyes gloss over your plump lip gloss-covered lips while he is searching for your name. 

“Y/N.” You answered. 

“I’m just curious as to why you would be interested in classical music?” Choso walked towards the register with you not too far behind him. “You don’t look like the type of girl who-“ 

Now it was your time to interrupt him, “See, you’re contradicting yourself again. You just said that music is such a special thing that you can’t just stick to one genre. Judging a book by its cover, something I did a few minutes ago.” You said.

Choso chuckled as he was beginning to ring up your vinyl records. “I guess we judged each other then.” Choso's eyes met with yours. 

“Yup.” You answered before immediately breaking eye contact. Your cheeks felt so hot at the moment like you were standing outside in ninety-degree weather without water.

Noritoshi came back with a box of vinyl records. “These are the only ones we have. I’m pretty sure Geto put them at a discontinued price also.” He placed the box on the counter. “If we were the managers, we would give you this box for free.” 

You giggled at his comment before flipping through the box. “It’s okay.” You picked three random types of vinyl and placed them on the counter. “I’m sure I’ll  probably buy them all by the time the summer is over with.”

You paid for the records and Choso gave you the bag with all of them on it. It was a cute black reusable bag with the store’s logo on it. Choso leaned against the counter and placed his head in the palm of his hand, never actually taking his eyes off of you. There you were completely avoiding his eye contact. 

Noritoshi was looking through the box of classical music vinyl records. “So, are you saying you actually enjoy this stuff?” He asked while flipping through the box of classical records. 

“I’ve listened to that genre since I was in my mother’s stomach. It’s practically imprinted in my brain,” You admitted as you could feel your phone vibrate in your back pocket.

You quickly looked at the text and saw Utahime’s S.O.S text message. She must have needed you at the dance studio. “But I have to run, godmother needs me. I think I’ll see you guys around.” You began to walk towards the exit but Choso’s voice stopped you & caused you to turn to look in his direction.

“Yes, you will.” He admitted with a smile.

Your cheeks burnt, your words got stuck in your throat, and your brain turned into complete mush. You couldn’t say much, but you returned the smile before eventually leaving the record shop as flustered as a teenager in a cliche Netflix-produced romance movie. 

“No distractions this summer, Y/N. No distractions this summer, Y/N.” You repeat to yourself as you are walking back towards Utahime’s place. 

But as you continued to walk, you could hear someone yelling your name. When you turned around, Choso was jogging up to you to catch up to you. 

“You should come out and see me perform,” Choso was fishing in his jeans pockets until he pulled out a tiny folded-up piece of paper.

“You’re a singer? You continue to shock me, but then again that’s me judging you by your looks again,” You admitted.

“I’m in a band. Well, it’s only Noritoshi and me right now. We’re still looking for other members, but I would love for you to come.” He finally unfolded the paper to reveal a flyer. He extended the paper for you to grab.

“I’ll see if I can make it. I’m going to be quite a busy girl this summer, so I don’t want to get your hopes up.”  You said as you took the flyer from him. Your eyes scan over the flyer that looked like he kept it as a souvenir more than to promote that he was performing. 

“You’re only going to be here for a summer?” Choso's eyebrows raised at you.

“Yeah.” You folded the paper back up to give back to him, but he motioned for you to keep it just in case you could make it.

Choso heard Noritoshi calling him from the front door of the record shop and he would slowly walk backward with a smile. His eyes you couldn’t read just yet never looked away from you before he’s parting his lips to speak.

“That gives us three months!” Choso says as he was walking backward.

“Three months to do what?” You asked out loud.

“Three months to get to know each. I’m kinda intrigued on why you’re a classical music fan in this year of 2022.” He yells back at you before giving you a sly wave and heading back into the record shop.

You turned around once again, flustered as ever. You couldn’t even hide the foolish smile on your face at the moment. 

This was going to be an interesting summer.

┍━━━━━━━♡♡♡━━━━━━━┑

tags. @maydayaisha + @spiderpunkfien @bbytamaki @honeybleed @luvliv4lifexoxo @smileyy-cakee

┕━━━━━━━♡♡♡━━━━━━━┙

[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.

[simpforchuchu]

A HELPFULL GUIDE TO THE RAMPAGE FROM EXILE TRIBE BY CHU-CHU

Hi Guys! I see that there are many new Rampage fans - Ravers - among us and I would like to introduce the members to you. Other than formal group information, some of it will be my own opinions. You can easily find other official informations about the group on the web. Rather, I want to share with you how I see each member, what impression they made on me, and what I liked or found interesting about them. So please keep in mind that these are my opinions. And of course, I'm not a very old fan either. There may be things I don't know or misunderstand. You can share with me what you want to add or correct 💜

-I am also sharing with you some blogs that I know who is posting about Exile Tribe/The Rampage. You can check them out too 💜I will continue to introduce the members when I have time :') I hope you like it :D 💜

@ataryutaro @banqanas @elenilote @fextsubs @rainisawriter @rowdyshogun @thistaleisabloodyone @zhaolusi (Hope I didn't forget anyone :( )

The Rampage

A Japanese dance & vocal boy group formed and managed by LDH JAPAN.

16 members: 3 vocalists and 13 performers. 

They made their major debut on January 25, 2017 with the single “Lightning”.

Fandom name: Ravers ( RAmpage loVERS)

Formation: September 12, 2014

Debut: January 25, 2017

Genres: J-pop, hip hop, dance pop

Leaders: Likiya and Zin

16 Members: Likiya, Zin, Riku, Kenta, Rui, Yamasho, Kazuma, Hokuto, Iwasho, Shohei, Itsuki,Kaisei, Makoto, Ryu, Takahide and Takuma

And yes they have a hip-hop sub-unit : Ma55ive the Rampage (Likiya, Kenta,Yamasho, Shohei, Takahide)

I also didn’t know this part;

At the beginning it was unclear how many and which candidates would be chosen for the group's final line-up, the members later described the time as a desperate, harsh and stressful "survival situation". According to Kawamura Kazuma, the three vocalists were especially tense and taking the situation very seriously, thinking that one of them was going to be cut, due to the fact that LDH only had a two-vocalist system for all of their boy groups at that point.

But luckily they were all chosen :’)

However, while they were training for their debut in the public eye, the members later revealed that the group had been struggling behind the scenes and actually went on a hiatus the year after they were formed until their debut. Several members mentioned that they considered quitting during that time as it was mentally and physically difficult.Also Fujiwara Itsuki revealed that the members had also been working as staffs of the company behind the scenes in that time period, for example as tour staff for senior groups, or in Fujiwara's case, as staff of EXPG schools.

June 16 had been chosen as "RAVERS DAY". This specific date was selected because it is the only month out of the year that does not have a member's birthday, and because the number "16" is important to the group :D

During the first five years, all members of the group lived together in a dormitory.There were four rooms, and four members lived in each room, sharing bunk beds. Each room also had a room manager.

-I don't plan to mention TV series, movies, awards, songs, albums or tours. I get most of the information from Exile Tribe Wiki, you can read more there :’)

MEMBERS

1) LIKIYA : Elliot Likiya (エリオット·力矢)

Born: November 28, 1990 (age 32)

Birth Place: Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Height: 170 cm (5 ft 6.9 in)

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Emoji: 👨‍🍳

Leader and performer of THE RAMPAGE and a rapper in MA55IVE THE RAMPAGE.

DAD of the group

He may look serious but he is literally a cinnamon roll

I love Likiya, with his style, personality, sweetness and everything

Someone who is frequently teased by other members

When group members were asked who they would like to date, most of them chose Likiya.

Also, Elly from Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS is his older brother. That's why he said that he was often compared to him and that he was flustured.

According to Wiki;

He participated in the EXILE PERFORMER BATTLE AUDITION, but did not make it to the finals.

LIKIYA's father is Carlos Elliot, a former professional boxer and LIKIYA started practicing boxing as a hobby.

He loves basketball and cooking. That's why his emoji is a cook. 👨‍🍳

Described as a calm, quiet and very reliable person with a strong sense of leadership. According to his members, he also has a mischievous side and occasionally makes a joke to calm the mood.

In charge of the choreography of THE RAMPAGE.

He is very good at cooking. His skills are so good that he even invented his own curry, "Likiya-man's Indian Spinach Curry" (リキヤ～マンのインド風ほうれん草カレー), which is actually sold in Japan. In 2020's first broadcast of "RMPG DOPE STATION", he talked about his dream of appearing on a cooking show.

His favorite color is white. He collects white clothes and white things, and most of his furniture and accessories are white.

2) ZIN : Sakamoto Zin (坂本陣)

Born: April 28, 1994 (age 29)

Birth Place: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in)

Zodiac Sign:  Taurus

Emoji:🐴

Leader and performer of THE RAMPAGE

MOM of the group

I LOVE HIS SMILE <3 HIS SMILE IS SO PRETTY <3

He is really like a mom even to the older members. He is fun, funny and really so cute. And I really love when he talks :’)

Probably the one who gets bullied the most

He is one of the tall members

According to Wiki;

He participated in the EXILE PERFORMER BATTLE AUDITION, but did not make it to the finals.

Described as a good talker, mood-maker and hard worker. His members appreciate his cheerfulness, responsibility and communication skills.Additionally, he is also described as compassionate, tearful and a bit clumsy. Because of his friendliness, he is often teased even by the younger members.

Usually takes the lead when it comes to interviews and has a natural talent for hosting live performances and events

Didn't like his smile very much for a long time, but after he joined THE RAMPAGE, people started to tell him that he has a nice smile, which changed his view. :’)

Has a cat named "Luky".

Likes the manga Jujutsu Kaisen.

His favorite color is red.

3) RIKU: Aoyama Riku (青山陸)

Born: August 10, 1994 (age 29)

Birth Place: Asaka, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Height: 174 cm (5 ft 8.5 in)

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Emoji: 🐶

Maybe you think Rampage’s only vocalists are Kazuma and Hokum but no. This handsome man is a vocalist too and he has an amazing voice…

He is really good at teasing and annoying people and a bit savage.

He has that prince vibe and has a really charming visual.

His English is pretty good and wants to speak English to reach international fans &lt;3

IwaSho and him are close friends

He likes going GYM… really…

He loves playing soccer and really good at it 

He really loves children and A RIKU WITH KIDS ALL YOU NEED BELIEVE IN ME :’)

According to Wiki;

A very good dancer and known for his ability to dance with the same level of sharpness as a performer while singing stably.

Initially viewed his high-pitched voice as a complex. He is often jokingly imitated and teased by the members for it and he consciously keeps his voice low in magazine interviews.

Taught himself how to play the piano.His first keyboard was gifted to him by SHOKICHI.

Often compared to a golden retriever due to his cheerful, communicative, clumsy and soft nature and muscular physique.

Went to an all-boys high school for six years.

Always keeps a list of restaurants that interest him on his smartphone.

He has a friendly rivarly with KAZUKI and Sato Taiki, who attended EXPG Tokyo at the same time as him.Initially, he felt inferior to KAZUKI, which motivated him to practice harder.

His favorite color is pink.

Used to be the centre of the group, but the position was reappointed to Kawamura Kazuma.

4) KENTA: Kamiya Kenta (神谷健太) 

Born: May 27, 1995 (age 28)

Birth Place: Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Height: 170 cm (5 ft 6.9 in)

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Emoji: 🐿️

Performer of THE RAMPAGE and a rapper in MA55IVE THE RAMPAGE.

Even though he is a performer and rapper, he has great vocals. And I'm so happy ma55ive used him as vocals &lt;3

He's funny, sweet and entertaining

I think he has a flirty personality

He and Rui are childhood friends and very close friends. (But he'll never admit it)

He has interesting and funny drunk memories...

He has a lot of questionable (in a good way) behavior and always makes me laugh

He's one of the oldest members but he definitely doesn't act like one :D

When he was a kid, he wanted to be a FBI Agent but I think he still does :D

According to Wiki;

He participated in the EXILE PERFORMER BATTLE AUDITION but didn't made to the finals.

In 2013, he was introduced as a member of the trainee group EXILE GENERATIONS.

He has a childhood friendship with fellow group mate Yonamine Rui

Him and Yonamine Rui together are called the "Haisai Duo" or "Haisai Combi". They are from the same hometown and the first students from EXPG Okinawa to join LDH.

Described as a mysterious and quiet person. He says about himself: "I'm not a loner, but I'm a free spirit and have my own pace". However, he also has a playful side characterized by strange moves, peculiar laughter, and eccentric worldview.

Has a curious nature and likes to try new things.

His favorite artists are Michael Jackson and Chris Brown.

In 2017, at the start of the group's first solo tour THE RAMPAGE LIVE TOUR 2017-2018 "GO ON THE RAMPAGE", he launched a video corner called "The Two Who Can't Talk" (しゃべれない2人) together with Fujiwara Itsuki in order to improve their talking skills. :D

According to his members, he is always late in his private life.

His favorite color is black.

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[diamondtaem6v6]

✨SHINee for ELLE MEN / Elle Japan April issue

“We will keep on shining through the future”

Photoshoot and interview in collaboration with luxury jewelry brand “Boucheron”.

(All active members’ interviews included)

-KEY-

— Please tell us about the appeal of the Quatre Collection and your impression of the jewelry you wore.

Key: Actually, I have a Quatre ring. I wear it regularly when I go out to high-class restaurants, and I came across a Quatre while looking for a luxurious and classic ring. The bracelet I wore today was also very cute and impressive.

— What do you keep in mind while wearing a luxury jewel?

Key: It’s important to match yourself. Like today, it’s nice to have a mixed style that goes with your daily styling.

— Has the way you wear jewelry changed since your debut?

Key: What has changed is that now that I’m an adult, I can enjoy luxury brands like Boucheron! I think the one thing that hasn’t changed is that I enjoy mixing things with different tastes in my own way.

— What kind of place is Tokyo Dome for you?

Key: In the past, it used to be like an “unreachable future” for us. But thanks to our fans, the dome concerts were realized sooner than we expected. Even now, I will not forget how I felt at that moment and stand on stage again.

(Key’s comment on the jewelry)

“I also like the fact that the Quatre looks different depending on the color, such as the red one I wore today”.

- Bonus interview - (only in the website)

— How do you feel now that you have resumed group activities and completed the Japan tour with great success?

Key: Even before the end of COVID19, was always thinking than I wanted to work in Japan like I used to, and go around the country and perform live like everything is normal. Japanese fans kept asking me: “When will there be a Japan tour?” at online fansigns events, and each time I said “I want to do it too!”… But in the blink of an eye it was already over. Our long-awaited tour is reaching its final day. (laughs)

Oh, this was it after all. It’s been 5 years since the last tour and a lot has changed since then, so I was worried if they would come back (for the tour) again.

— So the Tokyo Dome performances were decided, also to eliminate these concerns

Key: I really appreciate it. I’m grateful. It’s been a long time since we’ve toured Japan, but when we did it... Nothing different from before. I think what has changed is that the members’ Japanese has become better (laughs). I’ve been performing in Japan for about 2 years, but at that time no one could scream because of the coronavirus pandemic. I was sad that there was only applauses, so I feel like I’m completely back on this tour.

— This time, the shoot was in collaboration with Boucheron jewelry. What does jewelry mean to you?

Key: In Korea, jewelry is always included on important events. When a child is born, when a couple gets married, how many days of a couple’s anniversary, etc. I have this image of jewelry being always by your side on important days.

It seems that junior groups often buy friendship items such as team jewelry with their members. I didn’t have that kind of culture at my time... Because each person has a different taste, right? But if I have a chance, I would like to try it in the future. I’d like a necklace or something that I can keep on wearing. However, it seems that it’s difficult for all the members to find something that they like (laughs).

- MINHO -

— Please tell us about the appeal of the Quatre Collection and your impression of the jewelry you wore.

Minho: Last year, SHINee celebrated the 15th anniversary in Korea. The 20 years Quatre Collection is more senior, but I felt a sense of unity that we have experienced the same number of years.

— How do you feel when you wear a luxury jewelry?

Minho: I’ve recently started to take an interest in jewelry, so I feel good when I wear it. I’m not sure if I’ve changed because I’ve grown up (laughs). In the future, I may be more attracted to gorgeous things like the ones I wore today.

— Has the way you wear jewelry changed since your debut?

Minho: I was in high school when I made my debut, so I think there were some things that didn’t suit me at the time. But now that I’m over 30 years old, I feel like the range of items I can wear, including clothes and jewelry, has expanded.

— Please tell us how you felt about resuming group activities in Japan last year after a long time.

Minho: I realized that I missed being on stage more than I had ever imagined. Seeing everyone’s faces and hearing their voices made me feel even more grateful.

(Minho’s comment on the jewelry)

“My favorite item is the black ring. It’s good since it has a casual feel without being too assertive”.

- Bonus interview - (only in the website)

— How was the first Japan tour after a long time?

Minho: I always have fond memories of the tours. For example, there were times when it was hot and cold, and there were times when we celebrated my birthday… So, when there were no concerts, I often caught myself thinking: “Oh, normally I would be touring in Japan this time…”. So when I performed for the first time in a long time, I felt a really big sense of gratitude for the fans. I was really happy to see that the whole venue was waiting for us.

— So what do you think about finishing the tour at Tokyo Dome?

Minho: After all, no matter how many times we experience it, Tokyo Dome is a dream stage for us. I’ll always remember when we always wanted to stand there on our own and worked hard to achieve it. It’s often said that there are feelings that only those who stand on the stage of the Tokyo Dome can understand, and I think it’s true.

— On the tour, all the members talk in Japanese during MCs. How do you study Japanese?

Minho: I watch a lot of Japanese animes, movies, and dramas, and I was able to improve my listening comprehension. The audio is Japanese and subtitles are Korean. The one I watched recently was “First Love” (Netflix series).

— You are also focusing on acting. Are there any roles you would like to try in the future?

Minho: I try not to say “I want to try this genre” because I feel like that would limit the possibilities. I think that if I told people “This is what I want to do”, other works won’t come at me. I’m looking forward to playing many different roles, so please look forward to it!

- TAEMIN -

— Please tell us about the appeal of the Quatre Collection and your impression of the jewelry you wore.

Taemin: It’s wonderful that the concept of Quatre is clearly visible in each of the items. I think it’s great that you can tell at a glance that it’s a Boucheron collection. I wanted to try them for important shoots or when wearing a suit.

— How was it to have a photoshoot wearing luxurious jewelry?

Taemin: I wanted to express the luxury and attitude of the brand in my own way, so I tried to be conscious of a cool and calm atmosphere instead of moving flashy.

— Has the way you wear jewelry changed since your debut?

Taemin: In the past, I didn’t wear jewelry at all because I felt that they didn’t look good on me, but now I enjoy wearing watches and necklaces. I feel that using them as a point, I can create a mature atmosphere.

— Please tell us how you felt about resuming group activities in Japan last year after a long time.

Taemin: It was a long awaited activity, and I want to take care of myself and run through to Tokyo Dome, the last concert of our tour. I would like to use my individual activities as a strength and do my best in group activities.

(Taemin’s comment on the jewelry)

“For stage costumes, I wear flashy accessories as much as I can, but I usually like to enjoy jewelry with basic designs in a point-like way, so I wore the same pair of earrings all the time. I don’t care about memorial days, I pick them up when I want a fashionable item.”

- Bonus interview - (only in the website)

— How was the first Japan tour after a long time?

Taemin: I was finally able to work again. I think the activities with SHINee have given me strength in my individual activities. I think we were able to work on the tour a little more relaxed than we did in the past. When I was practicing the first songs, I couldn’t remember the choreographies, so it was fun to get together with the members and remember them.

— The talk on MCs was done all in Japanese, right?

Taemin: This time, I stayed in Japan for a long time on tour, so I got used to Japanese a little... I’m still not good at it, but even for MC, I can now express myself in many ways in Japanese. I couldn’t come to Japan for a while, so I forgot about it. In the past, there should have been more words and expressions that I knew more... (laughs).

— I think Tokyo Dome is also a place of memories. Do you remember standing in the dome in the past?

Taemin: Yes, I do. When the dome was decided this time, I was reminded of the time when we had worked hard to prepare for it. Of course, the same enthusiasm from before is also felt this time, and I’m sure that the audience will come to see the dome with a special meaning. In terms of distance, it’s harder to see us in the dome than in the arena or hall. But the dome is special. After all, that scenery with the green fanlights is wonderful.

— After COVID19 ended, the life between Korea and Japan and many other countries began again. Did you discover anything new after staying in Japan for the first time in a long time?

Taemin: I feel that there are so many people who really love K-Pop. At the time of our debut, for example, we had no choice but to perform at the dome alone, but now we are in a situation where Korean awards are held at the Dome, which is a very strange feeling. I used to feel like I would come to Japan to meet my fans, but now I feel that the situation of Japanese fans who love K-Pop as a whole is different from the past. As a result, I would like to deepen my bond with the fans even more. I think we have gained so much popularity in Japan thanks to the influence of TVXQ and BoA, and I hope SHINee can contribute something to this new era.

“Our activities in Japan are even more fulfilling. We will continue to be a shining group.”

SHINee is holding their first Japan tour in about 5 years, and they’re working back and forth between Korea and Japan as before. They seem to enjoy their stay in Japan in their own style.

Key: Recently, I have been making restaurant reservations myself and enjoying delicious meals with my friends in Japan. Natural wine is popular here, just like in Korea. I’ve always liked convenience stores, so I’ll go there even just by myself. I love the Napolitan (Ketchup spaghetti) from Japanese convenience stores (laughs).

Minho: I also started to go out and enjoy my meals more slowly than before. Recently, it has become popular among Koreans to enjoy sushi and tempura at “omakase” restaurants, but when it comes to yakitori (chicken skewers), Japan is the best.

Regarding the changes from the past, Taemin said: “I feel that there are so many people that fell in love with K-Pop”.

SHINee has become a role model for the 5th generation of K-pop groups.

Key: Even when I was competing in MMA and other awards, I was surprised to see my juniors cheering me on. There was a time when BoA and other seniors were there, I think that we, who followed in the footsteps, are like a bridge allowing a connection with juniors. I feel that we should all protect K-Pop and work hard together.

Taemin: Instead of just creating contents to be consumed, we have performed in Japan many times in order to be loved by our fans, we’ve been working with the goal of creating bonds.

Minho: We were able to show that we could be active for a long time, so this may have had a good influence on our juniors.

Last year, they celebrated their 15th debut anniversary in Korea. They have been collecting light while overcoming barriers, and they will surely continue to shine even more brightly in the future, working hand in hand with their fans.

Minho: We would like to continue our activities as a group and show our diverse sides. Personally, I would like to take on the challenge of a variety of works as an actor.

Taemin: We want to continue to be loved as a team called SHINee. I want each member to take care of their health, achieve their own goals and succeed. So we can do more powerful activities when we get together as a group. I feel the happiest when I’m on the stage, so I’d like to do more solo tours with new concepts.

Key: 15 years is a long time, but I still have a lot of memories, and it feels like in the blink of an eye I’m already sitting here. I will continue to take care of my health and do my best in the work. I believe that this will naturally lead me to the next great work.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Credits: Elle Japan

JPN - ENG Translation: @DiamondTaem

[yuiyuihan]

The 'Goddess of the Theater' Murayama Yuiri who has performed 1,300 times, the most in history, reflects on the last performance before the AKB48 Theater renovation on September 1st

The AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, Tokyo, which opened in 2005, will enter renovations after the "AKB48 Theater's Final Performance Before Renovation ~Thank you for the memories of 6843 days and 6552 performances~" on September 1st. On the 19th, Murayama Yuiri (27), known as the "Goddess of the Theater" for her record-setting 1,300 appearances, reflected on her feelings for the current theater, which she considers her "starting point," and also expressed her anticipation for the new theater, which will reopen on December 8th, its 19th anniversary.

Having stood on the AKB Theater stage more than anyone else, she harbors complex feelings about its renovation. When she first heard about it, her honest reaction was "sadness." She said, "It was my second home, a power spot, and a place of learning. I grew up in this theater. I’m feeling lonely that it will change significantly." She looked around the theater floor, savoring every moment.

In approximately 13 years of tenure, she reached the highest number of theater appearances in history. “I was just having fun on stage, and before I knew it, I've already reached 1,300 performances.” During the time when the team system was in place, she was prepared to step in for any member who was ill, whether it was for performances for Teams A, K, B, or 4. This effort contributed to the impressive number of performances she accumulated.

Murayama and the other 13th generation members joined in 2011, when the group was in its peak. She entered senbatsu more than six years after joining the group. “I realized that it's not just fun and games. I saw the harsh reality. I was compared to others, I didn't know how to gain popularity, and I couldn't see my goals. The days when I couldn't attend school continued, so I once made up my mind to quit when I was a kenkyuusei. It was to the point where I was ready to announce my graduation on the blog the next day.” However, it was the theater staff at the time who persuaded her to stay.

Above all, one reason Murayama decided to stay was the presence of her senpai, Nakata Chisato. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I was not very good at dealing with my seniors, except Chiichan (Nakata) who has given me great support." As the number of outside work for senbatsu members increased, "Chiichan continued to perform at the theater. And when she told me, 'It's hard to convey the importance of treasuring the theater to the juniors,' I became determined to protect the theater myself." It marked the beginning of her journey to becoming the "Goddess of the Theater".

From that point onwards, her activities focused heavily on the theater. She even cried over her reduced opportunities to perform in the theater when she entered senbatsu and was given outside jobs. After the group's general election's system changed to a candidacy system, she also decided to not participate in it. "I'm not denying the worth of general elections, but I felt it wasn't suited to me, and I didn't want to burden my fans. I wanted them to come to the theater instead," she explained as she maintained a firm resolve to prove that one could still become a popular member by continuously performing at the theater.

Even after experiencing live performances at venues like Tokyo Dome, she emphasized, "I love the AKB Theater the most." She highlighted the charm of the theater’s exclusive intimate setting, saying, "With the concept of being 'idols you can meet', the theater's "sublime proximity" is part of its charm."

From September 2nd, they will be travelling all over Japan for "AKB48 Theater 'Under Construction' Nationwide Tour," with the stage that Murayama produced. Additionally, the new theater, which will be inaugurated on December 8th with an original new stage written by Akimoto Yasushi, is hinted to have 'an even more dream-like world view.'

Murayama intends to continue performing at the new theater. She expressed her determination, saying, "I don’t want anyone to surpass my record (for the most performances)." She added, "For me, the theater is what it means to be in AKB. I've revealed all my emotions here. I want to give back to this theater for the rest of life. I'll work hard so that I can remain the Goddess of the Theater, even after the renovation," reflecting her strong resolve.

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