モーニング娘。とハロプロメーバー圖像転錄

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Ishida Ayumi!!

Ishida Ayumi ● =Born January 7th 1997, Hometown Miyagi. Blood Type O. 10th generation member. Nickname is Ayumin.

Q1: Tell us your name origin!

The “yu” kanji in Ayumi has the meaning of being helpful, and my parents told me that they had wanted to use that kanji.

Q2: What senior do you aim to be like? Michishige Sayumi-san. Her way of living is cool. In her time with Morning Musume it felt like everything she did was for Morning Musume, she had a straight-forward attitude towards her work; I respect her as an idol and as a human. Michishige-san is beloved by a lot of people, she has received love; I also poured that love onto her. I want to also become a person that can receive that kind of love.

Q3: Who would you like to be reborn as?

I want to become Nakazawa Yuko-san. She was the first leader, and I’d like to experience it from the top. She has come to watch us at many concerts; I was surprised at that gap with Nakazawa-san’s image. Because I had heard that she was scary, when she told us “I’m happy that everyone is really doing their best right now,” the gap suddenly became huge because of her kindness.

Q4: What do you think you’re number one at in Hello! Project?

It’s a little different from being number one; I was born in Miyagi, and I’m very proud that I’m the only person in Morning Musume that is from Tohoku. When I joined, the fans from Tohoku were very happy about it, because of that I had confidence that it was a charm point only I had. Therefore, I want to do more and more work in my homeland!

Q5: Please tell us something that you think is amazing about Hello! Project!  

There are a lot of different genres of songs. At Hello! Project concerts as well, you can listen to the different songs from the different groups and not get tired at all. Because the groups all have a variety of songs and dances in different genres, you can also see many different facial expressions from the members.

Q6: Who would you want to join a Hello! Project Special Unit?

I’d want one with me, Ikuta Erina-san, and Taiyou and Ciscomoon’s Miho Shinoda-san. Shinoda-san has taught us a lot about acrobatics, we’ve had many lessons where she has taught us things to show off at concerts. During rehearsal Shinoda-san has said “I remember a bit of that Morning Musume song,” and then she’ll show off the dance. I’ve thought ‘wouldn’t it be interesting to have a stage performance with her?’.

Q7: Please tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“I Wish”. The lyrics say things like “Life is wonderful” and the like; it’s a big thing to sing that song. Saying ‘life is wonderful’, is something that perhaps ‘you cannot think!’ but, when you’re listening to the song its like “Ah, that’s how it is,”. The lyrics, “Its that because we are alive we are able to laugh and cry,”, it pulls you in all of a sudden. One can feel the wonderfulness of the lyrics time and time again.

Q8: What is your favorite song in all of Hello! Project?

I’m really into it right now, Berryz Koubou’s “Otona na no yo!”. I’ve turned twenty, but I also like childish things, and I like playing around with the younger members. Because of that, I don’t have 20 year olds around me, so I’ve childishly been getting into the phrase “I’m an adult!”; recently I have heard it a lot.

Q9: What are the differences between current and former Hello! Project?

The heat of the lives. Of course, I haven’t experienced the old lives so I cannot confirm this, but the fans souls and ours collide in the heat, the space that we make within the live; I think that there is extremely strong passion now.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is your oshi in Hello! Project?

Angerme’s Murota Mizuki-chan. The gap between when she is singing and dancing, and when she is talking and playing around is amazing. Murotan has a really fun and familiar presence.

Q11: What is the number one thing you want to see yourself?

I have a bit of a complex because I’m smaller than most of the members, I try to not show that when I am on stage; that is the sort of thing I think I want to see.

Q12: What kind of work would you like to try?

“Something-something Amabassador” is a kind of work I’d like to do. Something local. Up until now I don’t have experience like that, but there are members within Hello! Project who have done that, so I don’t think it’s something that is a distant dream. Q13: What is the number one thing you want to see from Morning Musume?

I want you to know all of our various specialties. I’ve been told that dancing is my specialty but, because of that there are times when I have to rely on the other members singing. But, Morning Musume ’17 has become the type of group that helps each other out, so I’d like it if people paid attention and found out everyone’s specialty.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

I want to be vigorously doing activities. Because I really like moving my body, its likely that I’ll start doing other activities immediately following my graduation. I also like standing on stage, and I like being in the public; doing things like radio talks are things I want to do.

Q15: Because it’s the 20th anniversary, please tell us a special secret!

I can’t throw anything away! Like useless things like cute candy boxes. Movie and performance ticket stubs, I store them on shelves for some time. The setlist from the first tour I did and lyric cards, I have it all. They’re filed away.

Q16: What do you want to be able to do next year after the 20th anniversary?

I like cooking so I’d like to be able to make things by eye. I think it is cool that my mother will investigate each recipe one by one till she can do it without looking. Once I find a recipe, I only want to taste it with my tongue.

Q17: Why did you become an idol?

I wouldn’t have become an idol if I had not felt the need to dance. I’ve been learning dance since I was small, I enjoy showing it off in public, I’ve always had fun showing off my dancing. I like standing on stage, so it was like ‘why don’t I try doing it in public’.

Q18: What is the number one thing you’re into right now?

Reading peoples blogs. I read the members blogs, and also recipe and café traveling blogs by people I don’t know at all. I’ll be like ‘I want to got there’ and bookmark it. Its fun to see how people write their sentences differently. There is a funny blog that I read that is about reading.

Q19: Who do you get along with in Hello! Project?

Recently, I had a sleepover with Kudo Haruka-chan, Haga Akane-chan, and Tsubaki Factory’s Ogata Risa-chan. I have stayed over with other people before, but this was my first time with juniors. I wasn’t someone who was super well-liked by my juniors, so I was happy to have them want to hang out with me. With the sleepover I was able to make friends without thinking about it. They are my juniors but, they feel like friends. We watched past DVD’s together, we made breakfast together, I’m happy that I was able to have that kind of a connection with my juniors.

Q20: What is an idol to you?

Being an idol is a dream job, so I think that it is a good job for myself that has many dreams. Because you can see these people with dreams, I think people will also want to have dreams, I will also see those dreams; I want to be a person who can give people dreams. Talking on stage or in blogs, I don’t want to show things that are painful or moments of weakness. If I write fun things, I think that maybe I can make someone a little happier from having read or heard it.

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Iikubo Haruna!!

Iikubo Haruna = Born November 7th 1994, Hometown Tokyo. Bloodtype O. 10th generation member (Sub-leader). Nickname Harunan.

Q1: Tell us the origin of your name!

There really isn’t a reason for it, my mother just thought it sounded cute so she used it (lol). It seems like she had gotten the Haru from ‘haruka’ and ‘getting lost’, but my mom liked Nakamori Akina-san so I got the “na” from her, and it became Haruna. Even though I was born in the winter. (the kanji for Haru in her name means spring)

Q2: What senior do you aim to be?

I auditioned for Morning Musume becaue I like Michishige Sayumi-san. She always had a presence of admiration for me, I’m someone who respects her. Michishige-san really touched the staff with her love; I also want to work towards doing activities with that love.

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Fujimoto Miki-san. I would feel like I had been sent a life of smooth sailing. She was popular enough where lots of people called her ‘Mikitty’; she wasn’t just cute, she had an enviably amazing voice too. She has no faults.

Q4: What do you think you are number one at in Hello! Project?

I’m a manga otaku, I don’t think I would lose to anyone in my knowledge of manga. The 13th generation member Kaga Kaede-chan has said the anime, manga and games are her hobbies but, I feel that I could absolutely blow Kaga-chan out of the water. There is no one I would lose to, I think I’m number 1 in it when it comes to idols. I’m currently reading 100 series that are currently being published.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

Our abilities, of course. Also that there are a lot of songs. None of us were in Hello! Project originally; in order to not copy our seniors, we understand the songs as ourselves, and try to interpret them as ourselves.  When thinking about how I should express something, I look at the past like they’re a rival.

Q6: Who do you want to be in a special Hello! Project unit with?

Because I get along really well with Angerme’s Wada Ayaka-chan, I want to sing just the two of us together. If I’m thinking of gathering people I like, I’d want to form a group with Wada Ayaka-chan, Michishige Sayumi-san, and Nakajima Saki-san. I want to do songs that are like “The Idol”. We would wear outfits with cute lace and ribbon; we would sing with a cute atmosphere.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Muusme song you like!

I like the song “Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou?” that comes from our previous members. The lyrics are very warm, when you listen to it you really feel like you’re going to cry. When people listen to it, you think of your own father and mother.

Q8: What is a song you like in all of Hello! Project?

I like Michishige-san’s song “Shabadabadoo~”. It was Michishige-san’s last song while she was active and I listen to it about every day. Its cute and stylish. I like Michishige-san’s singing voice now.

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Morning Musume?

I don’t know about Morning Musume but, other than individual dances, the groups as a whole look cool when they dance. In Morning Musume previously, the standing position was decided and from there we would learn the rhythm; now we have formation dances and move with strength. The performance genre suddenly changed. Before the choreography for songs was small, if you didn’t pay attention to the rhythm properly it could be difficult.

Q10: Other than yourself, what Hello! Project member is your oshi?

Kobushi Factory’s Inoue Rei-chan. At first it was because I thought her eyes were similar to Nakagawa Shouko-san’s. Her eyes are bright and big on her small face; her smile is cute. With her tear bags her eyes look very ‘the idol’, and the gap between when she is performing is amazing. Her voice is big and powerful. Her shape is delicate, its like ‘where is that power coming from?’. That’s all it takes to be done in.

Q11: What is the number one thing you want to be seen?

I’m the oldest so, I want to be able to charm you with my expressions more than the other members. So, I want to increase my expression power.

Q12: What is work you would like to challenge that you haven’t done before?

I’ve thought that I really want to do solo work but really, I want to do a travel location shoot. I want do a Mystery Hunter “Discover The Worlds Mysteries!” thing. I like the scenery that I see in my books, I don’t just want to go, I want to know the land more and have fun doing it.

Q13: What do you want people to see the most from Morning Musume?

The gap. Everyone during a concert is moving sharply, but in the dressing room everyone is chattering around; when watching the behind the scenes shootings, we’re completely different. Because everyone is a real-life girl, I want you to enjoy seeing that gap.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

I want to have my own brand of clothing. Right now, I use the fashion coordinator app “WEAR”; I’m really happy to see my followers increase day by day. With examining colors and the like, I think I’d like to study this in order to show more beautiful clothing. Eventually I’d like to get my hands on Morning Musume’s costumes.

Q15: Because it’s the 20th Anniversary, tell us a secret!

I only keep $100 in my wallet. I will spend my money on pointless things, so in order to not do that I will only keep $100 on me.

Q16: After the 20th Anniversary, what would you like to do?

To not get older. I turned 23 this year, so I’ve been treated like an aunt from the other members. So as to polish myself, I’d like to become even prettier than before.

Q17: What would you have done if you weren’t an idol?

I think I probably would have been a NEET. Around now, I would’ve been a hikikomori otaku NEET.

Q18: What is the number one thing you are into right now?

I like watching TV shows. “Kanjani∞ Chronicle” “Sanma’s Comedy Improvement Committee” and “ “Nightly Comparison” are the three shows I definitely try to record. With “Kanjani∞ Chronicle” I study the show because the MC’s are idols.

Q19: What Hello! Project member do you get along well with?

Wada Ayaka-chan. Also, the members of the same generation. Out of them I get along best with Kudo Haruka-chan, we talk often. It was easy talking with her even from the beginning. Kuduu and I will laugh and talk about the same things together.

Q20: What is an idol to you?

A feeling of being unbeatable. Like you can do anything. Not just with idol concerts, doing variety shows and modeling, you wonder what they’ll do. Because they are glittering, they want to show their brightest side of them to the fans.

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Ikuta Erina!!

Ikuta Erina = Born July 7th 1997, hometown Fukuoka. Blood Type A. 9th Generation Member (Sub-leader). Nickname Eripon.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

The “e” came from the kanji in the word ‘clothing’. Pears (nashi, also ri) have a lot of moisture in it so it became ‘ri”. The “na” came from “Nara”. Nara is a place that is very open so it seems like a nice place to live. My grandmother gave me this name so I would not have to worry about the necessities in life.

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

Niigaki Risa-san. She is skilled at acting, singing and dancing, and also her nature as a person is perfect. She has a goddess-like presence to me. She celebrated my 20th birthday with me. Even now I’ve stayed over with her!

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Niigaki Risa-san. Because I really respect her I want to become her. Also, Suzuki Airi-san. Because everyone admires her. I want to be someone who is admirable.

Q4: What do you think you are number one at within Hello! Project?

I can’t lose when it comes to reflexes! I do acrobatics and golf. There are a lot of flexible people who dance, but I like my strong dance power. I keep that in mind when I dance.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

There are a lot of people but everyone has their own personalities. Every unit has their own color, and there are many colors within that unit. Don’t you think there will be someone who suits your tastes!?

Q6: Who would you want to form a Hello! Project special unit with?

Niigaki Risa-san and Yajima Maimi-san. They were the ones who made me want to be in Morning Musume, so I of course want to do it with them (lol). Since joining Morning Musume, Niigaki-san was someone who taught me various things about my dreams. I want to work with people who have given me inspiration to live my life.

Q7: What is a Morning Musume song you like!

“Mukidashide Mukiatte”. I only have duet lines it but, I like that the PV makes the song and dance perfect. I like that I can really take a strike at loving or falling in love. I think that it appeals to men and women that we take off and putt on our jackets in the dance.

Q8: What is a song you like in Hello! Project?

7AIR’s “Kowarenai Ai ga Hoshii”. If I had been of that era, it would’ve been a group I wanted to be a part of. There are a lot of seniors I don’t want to perform with because I think I’ll be nervous, but, but I strongly feel as if I want to do it with Satoda Mai-san!

Q9: What is the difference between previous and current Morning Musume?

The dancing. Before the hand gestures were something you could imitate. Now there are many people who can’t do the dance because the choreography is often times complicated. Before it was said In a way that could be joined in with karaoke like “Wow wow yeah yeah” (lol). But now there is no gap like that! After a lesson we are all stiff up, it is difficult now when you make a mistake.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is your oshi within Hello! Project?

I want you to look at me! I can’t think of anyone other than myself. I of course thought only of myself, since I possess variety of good things (lol). I’d like to refine my cuteness and my beauty, so I of course want you to look at me.

Q11: What is the number one thing you want us to see from yourself?

My face (lol). The greatness of my face is the crème de la crème!

Q12: What is work that you would like to challenge?

Action Actress. I like stage fighting. I like it when I go and see a play or see it in a drama, it’s something that I like that I would like to make use of. I think that the number one most fun work for myself would be stage fighting. When I had the opportunity to do it previously the teacher said I was good at it.

Q13: What is the number one thing you want people to see from Morning Musume?

Perhaps the members facial expressions. At live events we release DVD Magazines, I’d like you to see the backstage expressions of the members on them. There isn’t really an atmosphere of it being a dressing room but, I recommend it because everyone really expresses themselves for who they are. There are nervous scenes and smiling faces while choosing what to get from the catering; there is also like a “Today I’m happy because of this!”. I think that sort of thing is good.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

I’ll be 40, huh…eventually I’d like to have a family. But I do think I want to do work in the entertainment world, so I’d like to do successful work within that. I’d like to be an idol producer. I think that I am an ideal so I’d like to reproduce that kind of ideal perfectly. “It would be an absolute dream come true!” (yell to herself)

Q15: Since it is the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

I love cosplay! I get to do it in plays, but I like to do it on my own, too. As an idol as well as being an idol. I often take cosplay purikura of myself in private. I’ll return to a high school outfit or characters. Because the Koizumi Kyouko that comes out in “Ama-chan” is very pretty, I’d like to challenge a Koizumi Kyouko cosplay (lol).

Q16: After the 20th anniversary, what would you like to do?

I want to golf a regular 80. I can golf a 90, but if I can get to an 80 I wonder if I could get a bit more golf work that way.

Q17: What would you have done if not become an idol?

A hairdresser. I like making people pretty. When a member graduates for instance, I want them to graduate in their most perfect condition. Their appearance will remain (in photos and video), so I want to help them look pretty.

Q18: Right now, what is something you are into?

Movies. When I am watching movies is when I am the most happiest right now. Recently I watched “Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimashite”; I was impressed with it and bought all of the original works.

Q19: Who in Hello! Project do you get along with?

The one I don’t have care about things around, of the same generation, Fukumura Mizuki-chan. It is just the two of us when we are in the dressing room, but we will sit next to each other. Recently in private, I went to a Summer Television Event with Fukumura-chan and her brother.

Q20: What is an idol to you?

Ideally they have a familiar presence. You want to like them as well, but I think they feel human-like because they are not far away. Therefore there are lots of girls who want to become idols, and I also felt that because I wanted to become a Morning Musume.

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Oda Sakura!!

Oda Sakura = Born March 12th 1999, Hometown Kanagawa. Blood Type A. 11th generation member. Nickname Sakura.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

From the movie “Being a Man is Tough”’s Tora-san’s little sister’s name. My father likes the movie and he wanted me to become someone who was Sakura-like. The balance between the kanji for Sakura and my last name was poor so they just wrote it in hiragana.

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

All of the people who have been involved in Morning Musume. Its not aiming to be them per se; the good things in the people of Morning Musume, another person will have something another person will not, and isn’t that something you can learn from? Also, in studying the same singing part that a previous person had.There isn’t just one person.

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Suzuki Airi-san. She can sing and dance; I think she was born with talent, but she is also an amazingly hardworking person. I only do my best at things I like, so I want to become a person who likes doing her best. Certainly, that ranks her high as an amazing human.

Q4: What do you think you are number one at within Hello! Project?

Looking at things objectively. If its something I’m not doing enough, for the fans, for the staff, for the members, I try to think of the things I’m lacking consciously. Looking at it from above, I can see the good and bad things.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

Isn’t it the history? We can be where we are now thanks to our seniors. Also, there are a lot of people who have joined Hello! Project that like Hello! Project, so we really love our groups. In order to like people, I think that we look to the people of the past. There is a large past, so I think that makes the love deep as well.

Q6: Who would you want to be in a Hello! Project special unit with?

With Tsubaki Factory’s Ogata Risa-chan, Angerme’s Wada Ayaka-san and Kamikokuryo Moe-chan, Nakajima Saki-san, and Kago Ai-san. I have a thing for voices, so I’d like to gather those with voices I like. Focusing on the song, I want to sing a medium cute song.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like! “I WISH”. “LOVE Machine” and “Renai Revolution 21” are kind of weird and clattery-like, but “I WISH” is soft, cute, and energetic, I think Morning Musume is able to have all kinds of songs.

Q8: What is a song you like in Hello! Project?

Matsuura Aya-san’s “Suna wo Kamu you ni…NAMIDA”. The lyrics are painful, but also cute, it’s a song where you singing and expressions ability are important. Not just with technique, its important for it to have a feeling of being cute and fresh, it really feels like the kind of song an idol would belt out. Its like if I got to sing this song, it would be cool.

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Hello! Project?

It’s the dancing, after all. We dance in amazing-like ways. Also, there is now a precedent of 20 years. Aren’t there things you can simply learn? There is plenty of material to study the seniors, I’ve thought ‘isn’t there a lot I can learn?’.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is your oshi within Hello! Project?

Sato Masaki-san. Amongst the things that I know, I seriously think she is a genius. I think that gap between her performances and in private is amazing.

Q11: What is the number one thing you want to show from yourself?

My performing and singing. But not just with singing, I also want you to see that I can dance. Speaking objectively, out all of the members I think I am the most “THE Woman”. That could be a bad thing, though. I’d be happy if you could remember that I was a very adult-like person within Morning Musume.

Q12: What type of work would you like to challenge?

I’d like to try singing alone on television. You don’t have to remember my name, but it would make me happy if you would remember that there was a skilled singer in Morning Musume. From there, you can get charmed by the 14 members and get into us.

Q13: What is the thing you want people to see from Morning Musume the most?

I want people to see that we are still Morning Musume even after all this time has passed. The members change like crazy but, when the current members perform “LOVE Machine” it is still a “LOVE Machine” only Morning Musume can show off. Other groups can do covers of it, but I don’t think it’s the same.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

It’d make me happy to be a mother. Also, when I graduate from Morning Musume I’d like to go to all of the tours. Not everyone will know all of the members who have graduated, so I’d like to go see them at least once. I’d like to give love to those members when that time comes.

Q15: Since it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

I’m a very anything goes type of person because I have a phobia to aggression. I’m scared of the complaints. There are lots of things I’m scared of. Ants crawling around, goosebumps, thinking about sweat in my pores is no good. The fans in the audience are so unconcerned! I think I like that about them, though.

Q16: What do you want to do after 20th anniversary?

I’m no good at answering questionnaire’s, so its something I want to overcome. I’ll carelessly put off writing things. I was embarrassed when my juniors said “Oda-san didn’t do it,”.

Q17: What would you be if not an idol?

I’ve wanted to become a Morning Musume since forever. I think that my dream before that, was to become a Precure (lol). Or maybe Sailor Moon.

Q18: What is something you’re in to right now?

Trying to get in touch with my friends from middle school. Up until now many of them have been cheering me on and they’ll say they saw me on TV and the like. At that time I send out a “thank you” but there isn’t much more than that.

Q19: Who do get along with within Hello! Project?

Kobushi Factory’s Hamaura Ayano-chan. She was my senior when I was in Hello! Project Kenshuusei, but I made friends with her before learning to use polite speech with her. I say Hamaura is my senior, but its feeble voice saying it. She is an amazing hard worker, I’ve decided to absolutely support her. Because the other side of me calls her a big sister, she will always be someone important who I cherish.

Q20: What does it mean to you to be an idol?

A real idol of worship. People can’t quite be like that. Its showing a glance of my real intentions; I may think idols are good, but they also do things in order to make the fans happy. Idols are not people who don’t have hopes and dreams. They’re people who must aim towards making their dreams come true.

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Fukumura Mizuki!!

Fukumura Mizuki = Born October 30th 1996, Hometown Tokyo. Blood Type O. 9th Generation Member (Leader). Nickname Fuku-chan.

Q1: Tell us the origin of your name!

My mother meticulously picked it out. She wanted to put in a meaning like being raised purely.

Q2:  What senior do you aim towards?

Kamei Eri-san. She has always had a presence of giving dreams to the fans. I admire her the most, when her voice comes out when she sings, it’s something you can look forward towards. When singing, she sings as the main character of the song, and she expresses her emotions in her dancing. As a Morning Musume senior and from a fans point of view, I admire Kamei Eri-san!

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Goto Maki-san. She was a star! I’d like to be overwhelmingly told I’m the center (lol). I think that she did a lot through her own efforts but, I wish that I had been born as such a talented person. I admit that I want to become the fixed center.

Q4: What do you think you’re the best at in Hello! Project?

My love for Hello! Project! When I have troubled or painful times, I strongly feel ‘I love Hello! Project!’. With Oda, we’ll listen to old songs and communicate that with the fans; Morning Musume is an important thing that I have admiration for, but it feels a bit like a rivalry. I won’t lose!

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

Powerful words suit us. Like when I watch the era of Yaguchi Mari-san, Tsuji-san, Kago-san, Takahashi Ai-san, you can feel the power in their movements. Usually idols have strong cute elements to them, but you can feel the power of Morning Musume and Hello! Project!

Q6: Who would you want to be in a special Hello! Project unit with?

I’d like Kamei-san~. I’d be happy with singing anything! With those who are active, I’d like to have a group with Oda and Kudo. We’ve been told that our voices are very compatible with one another. We can communicate our thoughts towards Hello! Project and the songs, so I think we would be able to deliver an amazingly good performance.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“I WISH”. It’s a song that thinks about the big picture and about being happy to be alive. Every day is different in Morning Musume and being able to be truly thankful towards so many people is something I’m happy about. Originally, I was cheered up by this song, but now I sing this song. If we keep singing this song, it’s like the fans will keep wanting to come to the concerts, right? That is what I think while singing this song.

Q8: What is a song you like in Hello! Project?

Fujimoto Miki-san’s “Romantic Ukare Mode”. The song is like a song of royalty for idols to me. It’s the type of song where the fans can enjoy hearing the song, and we are very happy to hear calls and cheers from the fans. Also, there is side stepping and spots where Tsunku digs in his voice. It’s a song that’s full of things I like. It’s not just cute, I like that it can also be cool!

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Hello! Project?

The current Morning Musume has formation complexity. When our seniors go to our concerts, they say things like “I don’t know how you can move like that!” or “There is no way we can do that!”. We listened to that and gained confidence!

Q10: Other than yourself, who is a member that is your oshi within Hello! Project?

Angerme’s Kamikokuryo Moe-chan. I personally really like her voice. When you’re listening to a song, it’s like you’ll turn around thinking ‘whose amazingly pretty voice is that,”. Moreover, her personality is bright and her face is insanely cute. I like that they added another cute and carefree girl to Angerme.

Q11: What is the number one thing you want people to see from you?

How I handle my hair. Recently, I think I’ve done my hair more definitively. Hair will move freely during a live, you know. I want you watch the unmovingness of my hair at lives!

Q12: What is work you would like to challenge?

I want to sing a song kids can dance to! I want to do something like the morning program “With your Mother”. I love small children and I’d get to do something with the children and the mothers; I want to show something different than the typical fierce dancing of Morning Musume. I think that the impact of when you knew about it would be amazing.

Q13: What is something you want people to see from Morning Musume?

Concerts! We are passionate and at full power there. Because you can only experience this at a concert, I definitely want you to go.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

In twenty years….I’ll be forty! Its hard to imagine, but I want to become the kind of adult like my grandmother who didn’t forget her dreams as she got older.

Q15: Because it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

In elementary school, I was the type that would run around and chase others without forgiveness or if they started crying (lol). I wonder if this is something that is surprising for the fans?

Q16: After the 20th anniversary, what do you want to do?

I’d like to level up the group charm. I don’t want Hello! Project to lose the cute, cool, and funny atmosphere that I want to put it out there!

Q17: What would you be if you weren’t an idol?

I’d want to work in a movie theater! I’m also interested in working at an ice cream or popcorn shop!

Q18: What is the thing you’re most into right now?

I’ve been taking my time with baths, so I’ve been soothed by things like bath powders and aroma candles.

Q19: Who do you get along with in Hello! Project?

Of the same generation of Hello! Project Eggs, Angerme’s Takeuchi Akari-chan and Morning Musume’s same generation Ikuta Erina-chan. The people of your same generation have a special presence, after all! We’ll go out to eat together, go to amusement parks together, and go shopping together. Those two are the very best there is!

Q20: What is an idol to you?

Energy source! I want to be an energy source for everyone! I want give small children big dreams. That’s what I think

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Sato Masaki!!.

Sato Masaki = Born May 7th 1999, Hometown Hokkaido. Blood type A. 10th generation member. Nickname Maa-chan.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

I was explained why by my parents but, I’m sorry…I don’t really understand it.

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

Goto Maki-san and Tanaka Reina-san. Tanasatan (Tanaka) has been praised that she is really good at rhythm by Tsunku-san, and so I also want to be praised about that! I’ve also come to think that I want to become cute like her. For Goto-san, I really respect her. When I first saw Goto-san when she joined Morning Musume, she was amazingly cool, and I thought ‘I want to be that kind of person!’.

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Tsuji Nozomi-san. When I first met Tsuji-san, the Tsuji-san on TV is different from the Mama Tsuji-san, so I’ve thought that I want to become a mama like Tsuji-san.

Q4: What do you think you are the best at in Hello! Project?

Out of all of the current members, I am the most selfish.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project

There are a lot of members, but each member as their own type of image color. The groups also have their own color.

Q6:  Who would you want to have a Hello! Project special unit with?

Goto Maki-san, Tanaka Reina-san, Minishige-san (Michishige Sayumi), Takahashi Ai-san, Kamei Eri-san. It would be crazy; I listen to them often so I’d want to do a performance with them.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“Fantasy ga Hajimaru”. The effect is very interesting and cute.

Q8: What is a Hello! Project song you like?

W (Double-you)-san’s “Robokiss”. Because the Tsunku-san’s backing chorus is fun!

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Morning Musume?

Its not just Tsunku-san songs, there are a variety of people making the songs.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is a member of Hello! Project that is your oshi?

Angerme’s Sasaki Rikako-chan. She has power in her dance whether she is in the front or back; her eyes are amazing. I don’t mean her insight, her eyeballs are amazing.

Q11: What is something you want us to see from you the most?

For me, it’s that my ears are tiny. Therefore, I want you to look for my ears (lol)! I’m a little embarrassed towards my own performances. If you’re watching me you’ll certainly think that Masaki looks like she is going to faint. When it is a song I like I’ll just enjoy and dance, but if it’s not I might fade away a bit…  (lol).

Q12: What is work you would like to challenge?

The MC of a “24 Hour Television” program. Before, Morning Musume got to do it as a charity personality, so I want to do it!

Q13: What is something you want us to see from Morning Musume the most?

The songs of Tsunku-san, the things Tsunku-san wants to communicate; Masaki and all of us are delivering them to you.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

I want to be doing Tsunku-san’s job. I want to teach the members of Morning Musume the songs one by one, I want to decide the concerts song order. I want to be a producer with the foundation of Tsunku-san.

Q15: Since it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

Someone in my family said this so I don’t know if it is the truth but, I heard that the actor Oizumi Yo-san drank my mothers home-made miso soup (lol).

Q16: After the 20th anniversary, what do you want to do?

I want to be the MC on a 24 hour TV program. When we got to appear on this year’s 24 hour program, Ishihara Satomi-san was very cute. I want to be like Ishihara Satomi-san! I want to challenge being a singer as well as being an MC.

Q17: What would have done if you weren’t an idol?

A Doctor. Someone else had failed a surgery for my family, wouldn’t it be good if I could be the one to say “Ah, I failed,” myself? Of course, I would definitely not fail.

Q18: What is something you’re into right now?

I don’t know what I’m into right now. Right now everything is fun! I mean that I’m always into something. But I immediately lose interest.

Q19: Who do you get along with in Hello! Project?

They’re not in Hello! Project but, Hello! Project Concerts MC Sharan Q’s Makoto-san. Makoto-san might think that I hate him but, he is just my opponent!

Q20: What is an idol to you?

A child. We get to experience a lot of things normal people don’t, but there are a lot of things that seem like you would naturally know that we don’t know about. Therefore, perhaps its like a child.

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Yokoyama Reina!!.

Yokoyama Reina = Born February 22nd 2001, Hometown Saitama. Bloodtype O. 13th Generation member.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

I heard that the “Reina” came from “A pretty jewel” (kirei na houseki) (lol).

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

Former Morning Musume’s Michishige Sayumi-san. I’ve been told I have some poisonous words in me, so I’d like to be able to say words bluntly like Michishige-san can (lol).

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

If I was reborn I would have the same name, but former Morning Musume’s Tanaka Reina-san (lol). I think it’d be nice to have such a strong singing power.

Q4: What do you think you are the best at within Hello! Project?

I have experience with various instruments like the guitar, the saxophone, and piano; I have confidence that I have the most knowledge with musical instruments.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

We can’t lose with our performances, but I think that Hello! Project has the best relationships with each other! We’re good rivals, but I love that we also have amazing friendships.

Q6: Who would you want to be in a special Hello! Project unit with?

Tanaka Reina-san and Ichioka Reina-san (Hello! Project Kenshuusei), to be Triple Reina. I’d like to try doing this once (lol).

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa”. The first time I heard it I started crying because I could relate to the lyrics, I think that sort of thing is nice.

Q8: What is a Hello! Project song you like?

Morning Musume’s “Souda! We’re ALIVE”. It has a good Morning Musume-like sense of rhythm, it’s a song where you can say you pumped up a concert to 100%. I like it the most.

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Hello! Project?

Recently there has been an increased number of groups, I think the spirit to not lose is strong. We are highly conscious like ‘That group is amazing, so I want our group to do our even better!’. I’ve thought, ‘isn’t that why we can put on good performances?’.

Q10: Other than yourself, who in Hello! Project is your oshi?

Morning Musume’s Ishida Ayumi-san. Her face is very cute, she is really hardworking and her dancing is sharp. Above all, her smile is extremely cute. When she smiles widely her face looks like a cats; I think that it definitely hits you in the heart.

Q11: What do you want us to see from you the most?

Facial expressions. Recently I’ve been really studying cool expressions and cute expressions, I definitely want you to pay attention to it at concerts.

Q12: What is work you want to challenge?

I want to go on a quiz show. I particularly like history so I’ve studied it a lot; I’d like to demonstrate my achievements on a quiz show (lol).

Q13: What do you us to see from Morning Musume the most?

Of course my own performing (lol) but, I really want you to see the MC’s! We get along very well in Morning Musume so we are able to have good and interesting MC’s I think.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

I want to do my best to have overcome my poor cooking skills (lol). In 20 years I’ll be 36 so it isn’t something I can imagine right now but, I’ll have a lot of growth and learning from being in Morning Musume, so I want to live happily while making the most of it.

Q15: Since it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

I’ve actually had a funny face battle with Nakanishi Kana-san (Angerme). During the Hello! Project concerts, there are parts where we meet and make funny faces at each other and then burst into laughter. But I lost to Nakanishi-san! Nakanishi-san is the best at making funny faces.

Q16: What would you like to do after the 20th anniversary?

I’ve said this before but, I want to get a World Heritage Site certification. I bought a book, and I’ve been studying it to prepare, but I haven’t opened the book in half a year. So, I want to get it one year later.

Q17: What you be if not an idol?

I’ve thought that I would’ve become a school teacher. I love history, although being a history teacher is restricting (lol). I’d like to communicate the interesting things about history to students!

Q18: What are you most into right now?

I’m really into watching soccer. I really like the Urawa Red Diamonds, I watch them on TV. While watching I swing my towel around the whole time at my house, while singing the fight songs.

Q19: Who is a member in Hello! Project you get along with?

Kawamura Ayano-chan (Angerme). Its like she’ll say “I’m into this thing lately,” and I’ll say, “Me too!” we get along really well. Recently we went out to eat yakiniku together, and I’ve thought that from now on I want to continue being good friends with her.

Q20: What is an idol to you?

To me, an idol has a very important presence. I don’t think anyone will believe me but, before I joined Morning Musume I was always reading; I was a quiet human (lol). But I joined Morning Musume, I’ve been challenging MC’s and various things, I think I’ve gradually grown; I’m really happy that I became an idol. I cherish that I was able to change!

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Ogata Haruna!!

Ogata Haruna = Born February 15th 1999, Hometown Osaka. Bloodtype A. 12th generation member. Nickname Haa-chin.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

When you write “spring” and “water” together it reads as “Haruna”. I was born in February, and it is like ‘when it becomes spring, wont animals wake up from hibernation to seek out water?’. Like spring water that everyone loves, they wanted me to be a person sought out by others.

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

Sayashi Riho-san (previous Morning Musume). We are the same age and were active together for about a year; the gap between her cool performance charm when she was on stage and when she would talk and play normally is really cute. I will forever admire her.

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Makino Maria. We are of the same generation but I respect her. Maria has liked baseball and has been following it for a looong time. Because I get tired of things easily, I haven’t been able to get into anything very long for years, I wonder how it feels. I want to feel that sort of thing.

Q4: What do you think you are the best at in Hello! Project?

Perhaps its that I can change quickly. I think there are good and bad things about myself. There are people who will experience something shocking or pain from losing and they will be like ‘I’ll work hard to bounce back!’ but, I’m the type to immediately forget about it. I’ll be like ‘that’s enough’ and think about something else immediately. I can get help with things, but I wonder if I should face things more head on.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

There aren’t many idol groups who have continued as long as this, and because of that we inherit an amazing 20 year legacy. The members change but, I don’t think the essence of Hello! Project-ness has not changed in 20 years; I think that the tradition is amazing.

Q6: Who would you want to have a Hello! Project special unit with?

Sayashi Riho-san and also, because I like and admire Tanaka Reina-san, us three. I’d be between two skilled singers, although so its ok if I can’t sing (lol). I want to listen to those two sing while being near them.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“What is LOVE?”. It’s a song that came out a bit before I joined; the lyrics are really good and the dance is fun. Every time the song is in a concert setlist, everyone can come together for that song.

Q8: What is a Hello! Project song you like?

Morning Musume’s “Happy Summer Wedding”. It’s a famous song, before I joined I would hear it a lot on TV; as I sing it again and look at the lyrics, thinking about the protagonists thoughts, I’ve come to think that it is an amazing song. Recently, I made a movie for a wedding and used “Happy Summer Wedding”. They were so pleased with it, they said it was the real deal~ (lol).

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Hello! Project?

With the current Hello! Project, the opportunity to meet us has increased so the distance is closer. I think that before you would just go and have fun at a concert, but now you have an opportunity to speak directly with us through handshakes, so I think that the distance between fans is different than before.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is your oshi within Hello! Project?

Juice=Juice’s Miyamoto Karin-san. She has a kind of ‘The Idol’ image. I’ll normally talk about about everyday normal things, so I haven’t really decided on a set character (lol). Miyamot-san is cute, her skin is fair, she has an idol among idols feel. I want to go see her as a fan.

Q11: What is something you want us to see from you the most?

I like talking so, concert Mc’s or radio talks and the like. You say wanting to see but, I want you to listen (lol). Now with SNS and blogs, I have many opportunities to put out my own information. I’d also like you to look at those types of things.

Q12: What is work you would like to challenge?

It may be a big ambition but, my specialty is ice skating as I’ve done it for the past ten years, so I want to skate in an ice rink up on stage. Wearing figure skates, I’d like to have a type of concert where I dance to a number of songs on an ice rink. Everyone else might get scraped up though as I’m the only one who would not fall (lol).

Q13: What do you want us to see from Morning Musume most?

Our formation dances. We challenge various formations, right now there are many formations we can only do with the current 14 members!

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

38-years-old!? I can’t imagine being 38 at all, but thinking about it I’d be parenting as a mama. But, I like radio and having conversations, I also think it might be nice to be able to communicate with people as a job. In 20 years smart phones will be amazing, not just live broadcasts, its like you’ll be able to communicate smells as well! I think it’d be nice if I could also do state of the art broadcasting.

Q15: Since it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

What do I say……I have been told I can be frank and cold when I speak; but I’m probably actually just an attention seeker. I’m embarrassed to speak about myself, so I don’t say it much, but I want attention, so everyone please give me attention!

Q16: What is something you want to do after the 20th anniversary?

I’ve had juniors for a whole year and I’ve been working on memorizing dancing and doing my utmost. After a year I hope to be able to lead MC’s with my juniors, I think it would be nice if I could do that with the whole group.

Q17: What would you be if not an idol?

A school or cram school teacher. With math. Math is my specialty but I’m bad at English; I think I’ve compensated with math because of it. If there isn’t an answer, I’ll be itching to answer; I’ve thought ‘I want to answer it!’.

Q18: What are you into right now?

Watching idol videos. There are various idols so its interesting to look up their concepts. Usually I’ll check out an internet video site, when the girls are cute I’ll look at their blogs. Because of that, when the suggested videos are Morning Musume, it’ll be like “Ah, its me,” (lol).

Q19: Who do you get along with in Hello! Project?

Angerme’s Nakanishi Kana-san. We are both from Osaka, so we talk a lot at Hello! Project concerts.  Recently my skin has been fair and soft so she has called me “ice cream mochi” (lol). I’ve actually never gone out with any of members of Hello! Project, I haven’t gone out with anyone. I’ve talked about going out with Kobushi Factory’s Inoue Rei-chan, we have even exchanged contact information. I can’t easily invite someone……It takes courage!

Q20: What is an idol to you?

They have a presence of always smiling and being energetic. But behind that is certainly hard work; there are painful and awful times, but they have an image of standing on stage and sparkling for the fans. Before I joined Morning Musume, I received amazing energy and smiles from Sayashi Riho-san, so this time I want to return that!

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Nonaka Miki!!

Nonaka Miki = Born October 7th 1999, Hometown Shizuoka. Bloodtype A. 12th generation member. Nickname Chel.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

The stroke count. My father and mother gave it to me; when my parents met each other there seemed to be a lot of cute people named ‘Miki’. Therefore, they first decided on the sound of ‘Miki’, and they had success in finding the same stroke count as ‘all over good luck’; my grandpa knew a lot about stroke counts, so it was all over good luck-like!

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

For performing, Sayashi Riho-san. She is always cool to watch, even now I will watch Sayashi-san videos for reference; I respect Sayashi-san’s performing. Also, Tsuji Nozomi-san. Tsuji-san is why I came to like Morning Musume. I really like Mini Moni, I like the cute-like Tsuji-san of the time, and I really like the cute-like Tsuji-san now, she is a female image aim towards. I’ve been looking into Tsuji-san’s feminine power.

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Perhaps it would be Tsuji Nozomi-san. She joined Morning Musume at the time of “Renai Revolution 21”, weren’t they broadcasted a lot on TV? I’d like to experience that life once! I was only 1 or 2 around that time, so I didn’t get to see that era. So I got into them with Mini Moni.

Q4: What do you think you are the best at in Hello! Project?

One thing is definitely English. Because I lived in America for 8 years, I think I can do it perfectly. In order to correspond globally to things, I’ve been doing my best as the globalization representative! Another thing is my power to continue. I update my blog everyday; also with Hello! Projects mobile site ‘Hello! Pro Mobile” I write for it every day. I’m definitely doing my best for the most for the email magazine. I have confidence that I’m doing quite well in detailed updates.

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

The changes. If you’re only watching Morning Musume there are a lot of graduations but, with all of the members that joined Hello! Project and Hello! Project Kenshuusei, new songs are releasing one after another, there have been a dizzying amount of changes. Every time you look there is something new, every time you look there is evolution. I think that that in itself is really interesting.

Q6:Who would you want to be in a Hello! Project special unit with?

I want to sing with Morning Musume’s Sato Masaki-san. Since I joined I’ve been told my voice quality is similar to hers, we’re the same height and everything as well. We’re left handed, stature, our foot size is the same. Therefore, we can sing a song wearing the same thing. We can both play the piano and like music; I’d like to be in a group with her because I think she is the member I have the most in common with.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa”. For me, this is the song that made me want to audition for Morning Musume. The lyrics “there must be something only you can do,” it put a lot of pressure on my back. Up until then Morning Musume was just a group I really liked but, I listened to the phrase and thought “I’ll say that to myself!”. I had a feeling of ‘I’ll apply now!’ so I applied and I’ve come to like that song.

Q8: What is a Hello! Project song you like?

I like Morning Musume’s “Kimi ga Iruzee!”. I’ve liked it since I was small, despite living in America I would listen to “Koko ni Iruzee!” endlessly; I would sing it enthusiastically at home. I was around 3 or 4 years old. There is a video of, perhaps someday they will be brought into the world (lol). When I stayed in America, I returned home once, Morning Musume was popular and I wanted their DVD’s! Therefore, I have a detailed memory of that era of Morning Musume. Singing “Koko ni Iruzee!” is fun, I sang it passionately when I was younger as well.

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Hello! Project?

The current Hello! Project is cool; smooth. Previous Hello! Project would have a feel of dancing together having fun and being chattery, recently we don’t have those kinds of dances; there are considerably difficult rhythms, there is a demand for skill. The costumes are often cool, so I think it is completely different there. It can be troublesome that the difficulty level is so high, but it is fun and it feels rewarding.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is your oshi within Hello! Project?

Angerme’s Kamikokuryo Moe-chan. We auditioned for Morning Musume at the same time; her voice and face are pretty. She is cute in photos, but if you actually meet her, her eyes are sparkling, her eyes are captivating. Her voice is very clear, I want to see her at a concert! Because we are in the same grade, I’m very conscious of her. Being friends is good, but I look at her first as a rival member.

Q11: What do you want us to see most from yourself?

My singing. Just before joined Hello! Project, I got into music. I don’t know what the surroundings were like, but while moving I always had earphones and was loving listening to music. I really feel like I want to become skilled at singing, from here on I want to extend that. I want to have growth with it.

Q12: What is work you would like to challenge?

I want to do narration. My voice can change, I think it is unique. I’ve been speaking with individuality since I was little, and I want to talk in that voice. I want to send out my voice in a wide range of genres. Perhaps not just a voice actor but a narrator.

Q13: What do you want us to see most from Morning Musume?

There are a lot of members, so I’d like you to see our individual personalities. Recently, you can see that we’ve become thick with individual characters. Particularly in my own 12th generation! When one person puts out their personality, everyone else’s comes out as being a loser, so right now, I think we’re interesting to watch.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

Perhaps I’ll be in America. I want to be in America in my old age. In my hometown in Alabama, It was really countryside-like, and I’d like to live calmly. But since I am young I want to move and do everything that I want to do; I think I’ll move around a bit. I want to do everything for Morning Musume. But moving to America when I’m 37 might be too early. It’s one of my goals, but I’m living in the now, and I haven’t really thought about it, actually (lol). I’m living now!

Q15: Since it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

I just talked about personalities but, I want to gradually develop my own personality. Up until now I’ve been told I’m timid and clumsy, but I really don’t want to be told I’m like that! I was holding myself back, ‘from now on I’m going to release my American side without mercy!’ I’ve thought. I want to be bolder and bolder.

Q16: What do you want to do after the 20th anniversary?

I don’t want to lose anything. I’m the perfectionist type; I never sleep in, I’m extremely strict about timing, but I’ll lose things without realizing it. Recently, I lost my wallet. I lost my insurance card so it had to be reissued…I’m really being careful! I want to fix this.

 Q17: What would you be if not an idol?

When I returned back to Japan with my parents I was still small, but maybe I’d study in America. But, I’ve been to America once with Morning Musume. Because that was my number one dream, I am very grateful for that now. I think that feeling is even more dense now. I can’t imagine what I would be doing besides Morning Musume at all.

Q18: What are you into right now?

Watching videos of Morning Musumes history and lives. I’m conscious of Morning Musume’s 20 years, I think that my seniors are great after all. They’re cool. In particular I’ve been watching my first tour. It was the GRADATION tour; I think ‘small!’ and ‘young!’ when I look at myself.

Q19: Who do you get along with within Hello! Project?

Angereme’s Kamikokuryo Moe-chan. We often go out to eat together, and so we of course talk often. The basics are invitations, right. But, we talk to each other deeply, there are things I can talk to her rather than Morning Musume members about. I get to know about the other groups atmosphere and personality, I often think that I want us to do our best!

Q20: What is an idol to you?

Life. I think you do it till your 20’s but, your teens and 20’s are everything in life. Even in my life, I was not an exception to getting into Morning Musume. I wasn’t inconsistent in my interest in them at all. Because I like idols, I’ve looked at other idols, but I couldn’t get into other idols as a hobby (lol). Music, Idols, are everything for me now.

In 2018, Hello! Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so we’re starting a celebratory serialization for it! We have a hot discussion including thoughts towards the 20th anniversary, how they have been active, enthusiasm for 2018, and everyday life as an idol, we have a hot discussion with “20 Questions”~. This time its Morning Musume ’17 member Morito Chisaki!!

Morito Chisaki = Born February 19th 2000, Hometown Tochigi. Bloodtype A. 14th generation member (concurrently in Country Girls). Nickname Chii-chan.

Q1: Tell us the meaning of your name!

I was told there wasn’t a particularly deep meaning but, my sisters name starts with a “chi” and I heard that they wanted it start with the same “chi” and be three characters.

Q2: What senior do you aim towards?

Former Morning Musume’s Sayashi Riho-san. Her singing and dancing was of high quality, I also really like her personality. I like her presence.

Q3: Who would you want to be reborn as?

Former Morning Musume’s Michishige Sayumi-san. Everyone who looks at her thinks she is cute, I’d have proper confidence if I could be cute like that. I think that it would be nice to have a lot of confidence there. She has lots of things I don’t have so, I want to become that.

Q4: What do you think you are the best at in Hello! Project?

I might think ‘there isn’t anything!’ but, I think that my palm readings are different; when I got a palm reading I was told “(my hands) are the same as Tokugawa Ieyasu’s,”. Therefore, I have a ton of confidence when it comes to palm readings, I don’t think there is anyone I would lose to (lol). http://jpninfo.com/39193

Q5: Tell us something amazing about Hello! Project!

When you’re at Hello! Project concerts the power of the songs are amazing. Everyone is cute, but everyone is skilled at dancing and singing. I think that it is impressive that everyone is able to produce a sense of unity together. I’m also included in that so, I’m amazed while I’m being in it (lol).

Q6: Who would you want to form a special Hello! Project unit with?

Former Morning Musume’s Sayashi Riho-san, Angerme’s Kamikokuryo Moe-chan, Juice=Juice’s Uemura Akari-san, Kobushi Factory’s Inoue Rei-chan, and Tsubaki Factory’s Niinuma Kisora-chan. I get along with them, so I chose people who I like their performance and character (lol). I would happy just singing a song with those I like! I think that it would have a happy and fun feeling and I’d like you to see this fun atmosphere.

Q7: Tell us a Morning Musume song you like!

“Wagamama Ki no Mama Ai no Joke”. It was the song that made me really want to join Morning Musume. That song was the beginning of Morning Musume doing formation dances, I thought it was new.

Q8: What is a song you like from all of Hello! Project?

There are a lot of them, but I like Morning Musume’s “Mikan”. It was the song I chose to sing during my audition during the part where I could freely choose any Hello! Project song; when thinking of a Hello! Project song to choose I thought I’ll choose “Mikan” because it is a song I love. I sung it during my audition, so it became a song with memories attached as well.

Q9: What is the difference between current and previous Hello! Project?

There aren’t any members from 20 years ago. The members change, this year in June C-ute-san and Tsugunaga Momoko-san (Former Berryz Koubou/Country Girls) graduated, so I think there is a new face again; I think its amazing that you can see the changes and shifts in the eras.

Q10: Other than yourself, who is your oshi in Hello! Project?

Kamikokuryo Moe-chan (Angerme). Her face is the type that I particularly love. On top of that she is good at singing, I think that its awesome that her voice is so clear. She has the atmosphere of a cute idol, you’ll look at Kamiko and think “Cute! And she can sing and dance,” so I think that you’ll get into her gradually because of that.

Q11: What do you want us to see most from yourself?

I like dancing, so I’d like you to watch my dancing.

Q12: What is work you want to challenge?

I’d like to be in a CM once…Ah, its not good to say only once (lol), I want to try doing it. I’m in Country Girls with Funaki Musubu-chan (Concurrently in Angerme/Country Girls), I think that its nice that she has been on a CM. I also want to do it.

Q13: What do you want us to see most from Morning Musume?

Dancing. With our formation dancing and fierce dances, everyone wants to stand out, so I want you watch the dancing.

Q14: What will you be doing in 20 years?

37 years old~ (lol). Hello! Project has 50 members; I’ve been following many of them since I was little, so I think there are a variety of people. Therefore, each person has something good to see in them, I want to become a person that everyone is absorbed into my wonderfulness! When I’m 37 I want to be able to say “The things I did then were super fun, I wont forget that,”.

Q15: Since it’s the 20th anniversary, tell us a secret!

I’m not hiding it but, this isn’t something I’ve ever said. When Berryz Koubou-san stopped their activities, I secretly, came to really like the member Sugaya Risako-san. I don’t know why but I came to really like her. I collected the live DVDs but,  if I had come to like her sooner I would have been able to buy her goods so I am regretful about that!

Q16: What do you want to do when the 20th anniversary is over?

I’m really bad at talking on my own, in Country Girls everyone was good at MC’s but mine were really rushed. At that the time the members around me were helping out but, I’ve thought that I must start doing it on my own soon, I want to overcome it. I want to be able to give convincing MC’s all by myself.

Q17: What would you do if you weren’t an idol?

An ice cream shop attendant! I super love ice cream, I thought even now that I want to work at an ice cream shop; its an occupation I’d like to try once. If perhaps after I graduate from being an idol there is still a chance for me to challenge it, I really want to do it (lol). I think it would be nice if I could eat lots of ice cream all of the time. I want to make my own kind of ice cream!

Q18: What are you most into right now?

I’m into searching for foods that are chocolate mint flavor. As far as I know, I’ve found chocolate mint taiyaki, steamed buns and bagels, but recently its been like “Of course chocolate mint is coming,” (lol). I think that there will be people for or against chocolate mint, but lots of chocolate mint products are coming out, I think its nice that there is a wide variety.

Q19: Who do you get along with within Hello! Project?

I’m the same age as Angerme’s Kamikokuryo Moe-chan so its easy to talk to her. Recently we’ve become friends; some time before this we went out and got ice cream together. But getting ice cream only takes about 15 minute so it was extremely short (lol). Therefore, when we go out next, I think it’d be nice if we got a meal together.

Q20: What is an idol to you?

Before I became an idol I really liked idols, even now I still go to lives. I like idols other than Hello! Project, so they hold a very important presence in my life.