#sayuri's theme

[sanrioblr]

★。＼｜／。★

[serexvu]

sayuri haruno from bonjour sweet love patisserie

[gorekissed]

❛ ⠀I  KNOW  I  MUST  BE  IMPOSSIBLY  WRETCHED.  GOD  MADE  ME  SOMETHING  SO  TERRIBLE,  SO  UNFORGIVABLY  DAMNED  ー  FROM  BIRTH,  I  WAS  MEANT  TO  BE  DESPISED  .⠀.⠀.

♯ 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃    ;   independent,  selective  &  mutually  exclusive  original  character  SAYURI  TAMASHIRO,  based  on  Sui  Ishida's  𝑻𝑶𝑲𝒀𝑶  𝑮𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑳  (トーキョーグール).  first  established  04/2020.  devoured  by  light,  26,  she/her  (CET).  triggering  themes  will  be  present,  please  read  my  rules  before  interacting  ! 

⤿   NAVIGATION.   carrd   ┊  pinterest   ┊  soundtrack   ┊  writing   ┊  prompts   ┊  plotting   call   ┊  promo 

⤿   A   DARK   HOMAGE   TO   THE   LITERARY   ARCHETYPES   OF     :       girlhood   caught   in   the   jaws   of   monstrosity,   the   mind   adapts,   the   heart   calcifies,   all   one   can   do   is   live   as   they   endure   loss,   a   kiss   as   the   prelude   to   ruin,   the   untamed   essence   of   womanhood,   the   delicate   threshold   where   life   bleeds   into   death   &   feminine   wrath,   delicate   as   a   dagger   and   sharp   as   its   edge.

 .⠀.⠀.  AND  I  CAN  NEVER  BE  ANYTHING  MORE  THAN  THE  POISON  I  WAS  BORN  WITH  FLOODING  MY  VEINS. ⠀❜

[pochqmqri]

It has just been announced that Sayuri, the Japanese singer and songwriter, whose songs were used as themes in several anime such as Erased, Scum's Wish, My Hero Academia, and Lycoris Recoil, has passed away at the age of 28, following a battle with a chronic illness.

This is incredibly tragic news, as she was taken too young. May she rest in peace.

To commemorate a part of her life, I want to share the ending theme used to Erased, "Sore wa Chiisa na Hikari no yō na" ("That Was Like a Small Light"), one of my favorite series. It has always been one of my favorite ending themes, for both music and visual tone.

[otsanda]

So @sayuri-of-the-valley and I were talking about the music in Good Omens 2 and particularly the similarities and differences in the music that happens 'Before the Beginning' (that's the song title) and at The Kiss (that's not the song title) and I have accidentally developed Theories and had Thoughts, so I’m gonna share them in case anyone else wants to weigh in.

First of all, the general musical structure is similar. They are both dramatic moments that start quietly, grow to a powerful crescendo at the Big Moment, and then resolve more quietly again, but with subtle changes that make them feel very different. Without actually going through and checking it, they sound to be at roughly the same tempo (around 140 BPM) and comparable time signatures.

Now, I'm treating these two dramatic moments and the surrounding music as two songs, although in the soundtrack the music surrounding The Kiss is actually divided into two songs itself: I Forgive You and Don't Bother, so that's. Fine. I'm normal about that. I'm sure dividing that in half doesn't Mean Anything at all. I'm NORMAL about it!!! Ah... anyways.

The instrumentation for both Before the Beginning and The Kiss is also very similar. Both songs start with orchestral winds and strings and add a powerful choral part (on the same pure round vowel sound, no less!) on the big crescendo. Both add orchestral chimes (bells) for that epic religious feel. Both the nebula creation and the kiss were a revelation. Something like a religious experience.

And then both songs resolve featuring wind and strings again, among other instruments. The "after" part of both songs also features more pitched percussion (harp, maybe a celesta, glockenspiel, possibly a dulcimer or some other fun, ethereal pitched percussion in Before the Beginning, but interestingly a piano in Don't Bother). Ouch. That hurts.

Now, to me: the piano is possibly representing the nightingale, Crowley and Aziraphale's love of Earth and humanity, whereas the glockenspiel and etc. may be more representative of heaven. Just a guess. I would have to do more careful listening for a more solid theory.

I don’t have perfect pitch so it’s hard to tell without getting out my instruments or transcribing the piece, but I’m willing to bet ‘I Forgive You’ is in the relative minor key to Before the Beginning’s mostly major key (I *think* ‘Before the Beginning’ might be mostly in the key of C major and ‘I Forgive You’ in A minor, but I could be wrong). Regardless, the former is major and the latter is more minor, but otherwise a lot of the chord structures, especially at the big moment, sound very similar.

More on instrumentation: ‘Before the Beginning’ uses more (ethereal?) flutes in the wind sections and The Kiss uses more reed-based, (earthy?) winds like clarinet, bassoon, oboe, etc. Different feel, but the same kind of structure. Both moments heavily feature a big string section for the nice full orchestral sound.

Before the Beginning has a lot going on musically before the crescendo and it intentionally feels kind of chaotic and unformed bc each instrument family is doing something a little different, building anticipation, etc. and then at the big crescendo, they all come together. Very powerful. Then after the crescendo, we get a subtle, playful reprise/variation of the Good Omens Main Theme. The strings and the winds are no longer entirely together at this point. They’re sort of playing off one another, leaving space. Having a conversation.

By comparison, in ‘I Forgive You’ the wind/strings start off playing together, in a sad version of unison before the crescendo (they both knew the conversation they were having wasn’t going to end well but they fundamentally *understand* one another now; they’ve been talking for millions of years). And AFTER the crescendo of The Kiss, the song ‘Don’t Bother’ DROPS the majority of the string section and gives the melody to a solo violin (alone!!!!). Even worse (better) the strings and the woodwinds and pitched percussion are no longer playing together. This time, they aren’t even having a conversation. They’re musically doing a separate lines. It feels extremely lonely (because it is). The violin is very exposed. The piano is very exposed. Even the chorus sounds exposed (smaller group of singers?). This ALSO includes a reprise/variation on the main GO theme, but instead of being playful it’s extremely sad (as though you didn't notice). The rest of the orchestra is still there, providing background, but it's not the same.

The Biggest Decision (the song after Don't Bother) has a lot more of those ethereally coded instruments again. Harp, pitched percussion. Full string section. Angelic chorus. Aziraphale is making the hardest/worst decision to return to heaven.

And to round it out, once we get to "The End?" we are back to piano. Our duo is separated. Now in place of the solo violin we have solo cello and piano. Gutting. We get notes of the ethereal celesta (I think). The piano keeps us grounded, but cello is a big focus. We also get more of that haunting chorus and violin runs. And then we end with solo piano playing the same 5-note run three times. Alone. After every other instrument has dropped out. Very lonely.

Just for fun, (and to end on a slightly more positive note), I went back and listened to the ox rib music as well, which was surprisingly consistent with some of my theories from up above and also not on the soundtrack so although I'm sure it has a name, I certainly don't know it.

In the ox rib section, there are more instruments before the first big moment (when Aziraphale tries the food) that are going back and forth. Again it sounds to me like they’re having a conversation… tempting and being tempted. Winds and strings (strings are tremoloing like at the kiss for that sweet, sweet tension), but also brass instruments. We have some more ethereal sounding pitched percussion, especially *before* he tries the food but afterwards it... switches to piano! Like I said: Earth!!!

The choir is on a different vowel altogether for this part (more aggressive and ominous, a taller Ah instead of a round Oh/Aw like the first two musical moments). The choir is also much more rhythmic. Again, increasing tension. And, of course, after he tries the food the music supports the tension of the scene by gradually building, getting louder and bigger after the key moment has already passed. It's super interesting that Aziraphale trying the food is actually quite quiet, but the music grows quickly afterwards. Sort of the inverse of how the other two scenes play out musically! Fascinating!!

Anyways, let me know what you think I got wrong and what I missed and if I thought something was a celesta when it was actually a glockenspiel or something. I am thrilled and devastated by this incredible music.

[idol-murder-mystery]

Idols x Murder x Romance?

So I'm making this game called Whispers of the Luminaries. It's an idol-themed murder mystery visual novel that blends investigative gameplay (inspired by Danganronpa) with social sim gameplay.

Play as a detective

Follow 4 idol trainees trying to make their dreams come true

Make friends or choose to work on the case in your free time

Piece together clues to unravel a dark, yet heartfelt story 

Check out the characters!

Detective Taichi Fukuda

Detective Eiji Hoshiko

Meet the idols!

May Ayano (Keytarist)

Miyuki Fujikawa (Vocalist)

Sayuri Kobayashi (Percussionist)

Akane Asagiri (Bassist)

Idol Instructor Tanaka

Bartender Yuki Hirota

Miyako Koike

Gameplay

I wanted to make a detective game where you can choose to hang out at different places, meet new characters and make new friends ^^ (Kinda like Persona, Coffee Talk, and VA-11 Hall-A)!

Free Time Events

There'll be 'free time events' and a 'world map system' where you choose where you want to hang out:

Trust Meter

During free time events, you get to meet different characters and deepen your relationship with them - learning more about their backstory.

There'll also be a 'trust meter' for each character.

Unravel the Mystery

Instead of visiting places like the bar, park or gym, you can also choose to visit your detective's office. Here, you'll be able to unravel the mystery by choosing which leads you want to investigate further:

Investigating leads is crucial to solving the case, but spending too much time here can lower your sanity, so be careful.

Once enough evidence is collected, there'll also be a deduction phase similar to Danganronpa/Ace Attorney, where you must select evidence to support or contradict a statement!

Join Our Debut ✓

We're launching a Kickstarter this month, aiming to bring more art, music and content! Look forward to new poses, costumes, character designs, and adorable CGs 😇

Follow our Kickstarter pre-launch, and be the first to grab Kickstarter-exclusive rewards like:

cute idol merch

early access to the game

special scenes featuring your favorite idol

design a costume for any character of your choice

early bird discounts!

Thank you so much!!

I want this to be the best mystery game you've ever played! ❤️

Whispers of the Luminaries: An Idol-themed Murder Mystery 🔔 Follow Our Prelaunch | ✨Try the demo

[nero-draco]

Both Hakuno break skill are theme song of OP and ED of Fate/Extra Last Encore, "Bright Burning Shout" and "Moon and Bouquet".

The ED song "Moon and Bouquet" is sung by Sayuri, who has just passed away today. Rest in peace.

[yuisdad]

DIABOLIK LOVERS & WASURENAGUSA Theme Songs

[fizzycarbon]

Junji Ito brain rot where Tomie, Pretty Boy, Chizumi, and Souichi all play Minecraft together. They have a server and built their houses, villages, etc.

Souichi being a try hard, staying up until 4 a.m, trying to learn red stone but ends up forgetting everything when he wakes up.

Chizumi who loves to collect loot from mobs. She definitely has a farming area.

Tomie is the best builder out of all of them. She built herself a castle and everything has little details everywhere.

Pretty Boy organizes their minigames. Those lucky/unlucky block game, obbys, bedwars, etc.

What if they had like a channel or something?

Scratch that. Tomie, a popular twitch streamer, randomly does a live that isn’t scheduled (which is out of the norm on her channel) and tons of people pop in and see Souichi being chased by creepers, Chizumi trying to the kill said mobs, and PB, in the distance, pointing an arrow at Tomie herself.

I need to draw a comic of this. BAD. Popularmmos is my childhood and that channel gave me huge inspo. Most likely will try an animatic with some clips from that channel.

Bonus:

Kouichi, Sayuri, and Souichi made a YouTube channel when they were like really young. They uploaded them going into the forest, pranking their parents, and Souichi chasing them with the Michael Myers theme song in the background, armed with kiddy scissors.

They eventually forget about the channel. They had all forgotten the password along with the email attached to it so now it’s just in the past.

Until years later and one night where Souichi is bored with a ruined sleep schedule, stays up at 3 a.m randomly, and tries to guess the emails and passwords to their childhood YouTube channel.

He gets it right after trial and error, and nearly jolts up. He texts Sayuri:

“U awake?”

And she responds:

“Yeah whats up”

He sends her a picture of the unlocked channel and can hear her loud ass gasp from his room.

They spam Kouichi’s notifications until he wakes up. Being mostly asleep, he can barely read, but after rubbing his eyes a few times he reads the words on the screenshot Souichi sent.

“No way”

It’s 11 a.m and their parents can’t understand why their kids are randomly getting along so well and recording themselves baking a cake with nothing to celebrate.

The little channel those three made blew up a bit over the years that went inactive. Some comments under their early videos were:

“Where are they now??”

“They were my childhood”

Turns out when the three of them were given unlimited wifi access, other kids had the same thing.

Anyway this is just an AU that I shall beta name: “if Souichi had a somewhat normal life”

Why? Because he deserves to experience the little things either friends and family. No matter how annoying that stinker is.

[yumemiru12]

LisAni INTERVIEW 2024

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

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

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

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

--- INTERVIEW & TEXT BY 塚越淳一

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—What about you, Yabushima-san?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—That part was really moving, too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[sesskag-week]

Announcing SessKag Week 2023!

I'm happy to announce SessKag Week 2023! 😊

The event will be held from

Monday 17th July till Sunday 23rd July

The week's theme will be EMOTIONS.

More information as well as the week's prompts will be posted on Friday, 16th of June!! I'm hoping this will give all of you wishing to participate enough time to prepare! 😊

Follow our blog and keep your eyes peeled on our hashtags: skw2023 and sesskagweek2023!

Hope to see many of you creating! 💕

-- Admin Chie

The fantastic banner was done by @sayuri-liu

[massivemochi]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[leoprincess777]

i read the memoirs of a geisha,

I dont watch movies often, but I stumbled upon this film on netflix six months ago while waiting for my hair mask to set before showering. five minutes in, I could tell solely from the vibe that I was going to be captivated. by the time it was finished, I was in tears. I rewatched it last week and had the same emotional reaction

since i decided to return to my academic hot girl era by reading more, I ordered the book. it's been a quick read because Sayuri's POV keeps me invested and engaged. and of course, it's hard to drop a book when you can empathize with the protagonist and see parts of yourself in the story

the themes of emotional isolation, devotion, and living for love are stand out to me the most. sayuri starts as a young girl living a humble life, quickly realizing there's no one she can rely on after the first man ever she trusted betrays her and leaves her on her own. she must survive alone, find meaning in her seemingly directionless life, and cope with emotional isolation—even her own sister abandons her

when she's desperate for hope, a handsome stranger shows her a kind gesture as she cries on a bridge one day. from that moment on, she lives for her love for the Chairman, clinging to the brief moment of care he offered. the chairman symbolizes everything Sayuri needs to keep living; salvation and love

when they reunite for the first time two years after their initial encounter, Sayuri firmly declares that if anyone is to save her, it must be no other than the Chairman.

the chairman is a soft-spoken, tall man with a wide face and prominent cheekbones. throughout the book, not only do we see the psychological impact he has on Sayuri, but also how she is just mesmerized by his beauty and charm. she also mentions that his existence alone feels calming to her. of course, she's idealizing him and their relationship the entire time, which might be a common experience for women in similar circumstances. maybe my newfound obsession with this book stems from its divine portrayal of the profound devotion and dedication to a cause that serves one's own needs. It's a selfish love, but it's also sacred in its intensity and purity. that's how it felt to me

[jenreaderwriter]

✨ Review: What you are looking for is in the library

📚 Book 1 of 2025

✍️ Author: Michiko Aoyama (Translated by Alison Watts) 

📑 Pages: 250 / Paperback

🎭 Genre: contemporary, literary, translated fiction

💫 Themes: life, loss, purpose, emotional, reflective, inspiring, slice of life

📖 Started reading: 01/01/25

📕Finished reading: 03/01/25

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

💬 "Readers make their own personal connections to words, irrespective of the writer's intentions, and each reader gains something unique.”

💭 SYNOPSIS: Sayuri Komachi is no ordinary librarian. Sensing exactly what someone is searching for in life, she provides just the book recommendation to help them find it. In this uplifting book, we meet five of Sayuri's customers, each at a different crossroads

💕 MY THOUGHTS: This book was a Christmas present from my good friend Anne (thank you!) It has just 5 chapters which are more like 5 short stories and are a slice of life into 5 very different people who are all seeking something subconsciously: which is where our librarian comes in. She is our main connection between the chapters and characters although I did delight in some little cameos later on. The pace was steady and light and even though I could've easily finished this within a day, I wanted to take my time and savour every little detail and ensure each character’s story was properly absorbed before moving on to the next. I found the last story perhaps the weakest but honestly, they were all good for different reasons. I just wanted to know more about the librarian but I suppose that's part of the mystery. What a lovely little book: gently written and quietly pleasant reading experience.