◎EMusic

So here’s the set up:

Emitsun and her team at EmiRing◎ planned to have their annual bus tour around Nagano around this time, but because of the current circumstances, they wouldn’t be able to do it in person, so they thought of a way that they could still have fun and spend some time with everyone. Thus, we had a virtual bus tour. There were two types of tickets for the bus tour, just the regular viewing, and premium tickets. The premium tickets allowed for a one minute zoom call with Emitsun, and additional goods. There were only 90 of these premium tickets, and they would be given out through lottery.

At first, I wasn’t going to attend, but when I saw how affordable it was, I immediately tried to apply for the premium tickets.

This was the first event I ever applied for, and I remember freaking out with Lucy about whether or not we’d get chosen.

As luck would have it (or though Gushi san’s intervention) Lucy and I won premium tickets to get to speak with Emitsun!!!! Everyone who got a ticket was freaking out because…what are you going to say to her??? There’s so much and you only have one minute. Plus. Neither Lucy nor I were native Japanese speakers so we also had the double panic of not being able to converse properly from our lack of knowledge.

As the date drew closer our excitement and tension rose; We speculated what the event would be like, and what our experience meeting Emitsun would be. Spoiler alert: it was nothing like our expectations.

A week before the event, we got an email which dictated our position for the Zoom meeting. As fate (or Gushi san) would have it, Me and Lucy, the only two English speaking, western foreigners, would be the two last people that Emitsun would speak to in the Zoom call. I was 89, and Lucy was 90.

I was freaking out because two things, we’d be last so that means we’d be able to make an impression on Emitsun, also being last meant that I would have to stay up until 4am my time, and Lucy would be up all night until 9am her time.

Here’s the structure of the event:

the Bus Tour would start at 2pm JP time

the tour would last for around 2 hours, after that Emitsun would starting meeting with the premium ticket holders in the zoom link that was provided for us

Me and Lucy planned to sleep off as much as we can during the day so we’d be able to stay up all night. We also practiced speaking Japanese on zoom with a twitter mutual.

At first it was around 7pm my time and some of our online friends were playing Cards Against Humanity and it was a lot of fun ^.^ Afterwards, some said their goodbyes because they were normal human beings that knew the definition of sleep. Our friend Luka was kind enough to hang out with us while we waited for the event to start though, so we got to watch μ's First Live, cried over that, and just enjoyed hanging out together.

After this, the main bus tour event started, and we were all really hyped. Everyone on twitter was saying that it was time to board and ‘I’m on board!’ etc. It was a really fun atmosphere. Emitsun took us around her hometown and showed us a lot of really cool sights that I hope I’ll be able to visit in person some day. She then played a little katakana game with us, and as non-native Japanese speakers Lucy and I were so lost lol. I did manage to sort of get one question though! I was ridiculously proud of that.

After the bus tour ended, the long wait began.

The tension was palpable, and our hearts started racing as one by one, people started entering the zoom link. There was this sort of silence as we waited for the first few people to finish, and eagerly waited their stories so we would have some idea of what to expect as well.

After the first few people finished, it was like a floodgate had opened; emotions were overflowing and it became hard to discern what was happening. Twitter was a whirlwind of emotions; wanting to cry, shaking from anxiety, excitement for the awaited moment.

Everyone who came out of the zoom link were overwhelmed with Emitsun’s kindness and how cute she was speaking with each and every one of them. There was a bell that signalled the end of the one minute, but Emitsun would take the time to finish speaking with them properly, and it made every one of them feel special.

Cue me and Lucy freaking out because at the this point, we still had 2 hours to go.

We started hyping ourselves up, as well as trying to control our nerves. We both got dressed and started getting ready for our turn.

We both had things that we wanted to say to Emitsun written down, things we’ve thought of for the past few years, and finally we’d have the chance for these thoughts to reach her.

As the time drew nearer, Lucy and I fell into this silence as we waited. We provided a good balance, I think; I was fairly calm and Lucy was very energetic. I’m really grateful I had someone to bounce off of while we waited, I don’t think it would have been nearly as reassuring as if I had done it on my own.

When our time came, we entered the zoom link together, and patiently waited for the host to let us in. My turn was first, and when my screen changed to the meeting room, I could hear Lucy scream in the other call, and I could swear my heart stopped beating.

Being able to talk to Emitsun was a surreal experience. She was really kind and really patient while listening to me speak. She wrote down the names of every person she spoke with on a name tag to help simulate the bus tour which I thought was a really cute touch. I told her that I was participating from Canada and that it was 4am and she was really surprised. She said that she was grateful to have this opportunity to meet, even in this situation. She had a really friendly and calm aura to her, and in a different situation I knew that she’d be a person I could get along with and listen to for ages. 

My minute was quickly over. I took a deep breath and wished Lucy best of luck in my head.

After Lucy’s turn, the two of us could barely breathe, and although we hadn’t slept in almost 18 hours it was the most energy we’ve ever felt. 

From the very beginning: freaking out over getting tickets, planning out what to do, having fun while we waited and that special moment meeting Emitsun; All of those things together was such an awesome experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I can’t wait for the day that I will hopefully be able to participate in an event live and get to tell Emitsun in person how much I appreciate her and her music. 

OMAKE:

March 2, 2021

As voice actresses, actresses, and solo artists, Emi Nitta and Suzuko Mimori have continued their activities in very close fields.

Even in keeping a moderate distance, how did these two people who have come to think so much of each other meet, spend the same time together and walked this far?

From first encounters to experiences faced together, we deliver a special talk session overflowing with Emitsun's and Mimorin's emotions.

Conversations between you two are surprising and fresh aren't they.

Emitsun: Speaking of conversations between the two of us, this feels really nostalgic.

Mimorin: Yeah, ever since we first became seiyuus and I met emitsun for the first time. It was T.P. Sakura Time Paladin right.

Emitsun: After the recording for T.P. Sakura, since the fall of 2010, we spent a lot of time together; We met up a lot, and we were given the chance to go around locally and do radio shows, right?

Mimorin: Yeah yeah! So nostalgic~

Do you two still remember the time you met?

Mimorin: I remember the impact the first time we met (lol). From the moment I entered the studio, there was a really friendly feeling when we talked...

Emitsun: I think the first time is really important (lol).

Mimorin: She said “We’ll be together for Love Live! too!”, and had the impression of a really sweet girl.

Emitsun: The first time we met I was really nervous so I searched on the net to see what kind of person she was (lol). However, it was the time where Suzu was just starting out at Milky Holmes.

Mimorin: There wasn’t any information at that time yet (lol).

Emitsun: While we were talking about various things, I heard that she had done musicals, and I also loved musicals, and we realized that we had a lot of things in common…

Mimorin: I thought that our upbringing was similar.

Emitsun: Yeah, yeah, our upbringing was similar (lol). Back then we had a lot of time so after recording we’d go for tea, we had a chance to talk about a lot of things.

Mimorin: Yeah, like ‘what kind of part-time job are you doing?’ (lol)

Emitsun: I still remember the first time we went for tea! (lol)

Mimorin: We drank lavender earl grey tea lattes side by side (lol).

You remember all the way back then (lol). After that, you did Love Live! together and had more chances to talk right?

Emitsun: Normally, Suzu and I aren’t the clingy types, the both of us are relatively the type to just watch over no?

Mimorin: Yeah, the two of us don’t really meddle too much. But you know what, ever since Emitsun started her solo activities I’ve been really worried (about her). Honestly, it’s because she works from morning until night. During the time of Tantei Milky Holmes TD Emitsun was already as busy as a demon, behind the dubbing tears were falling from her eyes.

Emitsun: That’s completely the both of us (lol). I was worried about you too, you know (lol). During μ's Third Live especially (μ's’ 3rd Anniversary Love Live! held at Pacifico Yokahama).

Mimorin: I didn’t really think much about myself during the time when I was really busy, I was more worried about Emitsun. When she told me she had to head out before 10am for an on-site job I thought, will she be okay?

Emitsun: There was a time like that (lol). Ever since μ's’ activities came to an end, we’ve had a lot more chances to meet.

Mimorin: That’s true. We’ve been able to make more time compared to then. Anyways, during that busy season I was so frantic I have no recollection of it (lol). I think we still went out for tea during that time but, I wonder if people can lose their memories from being too busy...Likewise I think I’d remember the times when we went for tea when we weren’t busy better.

Emitsun: The Suidobashi Starbucks right? (lol) Suzu and I are really close in age and the time we debuted is the same so it feels like we’re walking together (lol).

Mimorin: Me too, I think we’re walking together too (lol). 

Do you guys check in on each other’s solo activities?

Emitsun: Even if we don’t check on each other, the information still reaches us. When Suzu  appeared in West Side Story (End of 2019 to January 2020 Mimori Suzuko played the role of Anita in the Broadway musical) as well, when I heard it was decided, I said ‘I’ll definitely go!’. 

Mimorin: Me too, when Emitsun appeared in Legally Blonde, I went to see the very first performance as well as the final. It was really good! I saw the original movie as well, but Emitsun was perfect as Vivienne. She has a foundation in singing so I thought “Emitsun even shines in musicals!” and I was so so proud. Ever since I was a child I’ve been a musical fan, so I was super happy to see the ‘Emitsun that appears on a musical stage’. Speaking of which,  back then there was news coverage of us going to see a musical together right?

Emitsun: Oh yeah, the Four Seasons production of Beauty and the Beast! I saw it went along in a TV broadcast section.

At that time did either of you think you’d appear in a musical?

Emitsun: I knew I wanted to appear in one, but I didn’t think I’d be able to.

Mimorin: At that time, I was just focusing on my voice acting work and nothing else. By no means did I think I’d be playing Anita (lol).

Nitta san you went to see it, how was Mimori san’s Anita?

Emitsun: Honestly it was wonderful. Instead of seeing ‘Mimori Suzuko’, I saw ‘Anita’. Although when I saw the poster I thought: ‘Suzuko!!!!!!!(pleased)’ (lol). When you say Anita, you think ‘strong woman’ and you have a “girl boss”-like impression, but Suzu’s performance brought a charming side to her. I think she became a woman you’d want to support and protect.

By the way, what’s a musical production that you two would like to be a part of?

Emitsun: There’s a whole variety so it’s hard to choose, but I like Wicked and Mary Poppins.

Mimorin: Magical group! I like Chicago.

Emitsun: Cool Dance group!

Divided between fantasy and reality right (lol). Aside from liking musicals, there are a lot of things you two have in common.

Emitsun: Speaking of common points, they often used to say we had similar singing voices* back then. (*T/L: Emitsun says ‘utagoe’ [singing voice] but in this context I would interpret it as singing styles)

Mimorin: Yeah they did. Maybe it’s because we both did vocal music?

Emitsun: I think so. The two of us did vocal music so we still hadn’t figured out how to sing character songs. 

Mimorin: I’m not like Emitsun who studied at a college of music, but I did vocal music so maybe it was like we had the same vocalizations…?

Emitsun: But while there are parts that are the same, I feel like our routes went in very different directions. 

Mimorin: Similar and dissimilar. I think the most dissimilar point between me and Emitsun is that she’s really serious. I might look like the serious one but actually it’s the opposite: I really like to cut corners (lol).

Emitsun: That’s not true! Suzu’s really good at balancing and placing her energy (lol).

Mimorin: Emitsun’s sense of responsibility is really strong, that’s why she became the center. That’s why I feel comfortable next to her. She’s someone I love being next to. She’s really reliable so she’s someone I can stand beside with a sense of security.

Emitsun: When I rush forward too hard and get stuck, Suzu goes beside me and softly tells me ‘it’s okay’ and makes me feel better. After all I have a lot of respect for Suzu, and my admiration for her is strong. How can she do everything so perfectly? So skillful.

Mimorin: That’s right I’m skilled (lol).

Emitsun: Suzu’s dance is really pretty so I thought I’d imitate it but just from the start our arm lengths are different (lol), There’s a lot of parts where I can’t catch up. In the μ's song where I make a heart mark with her it’s completely uneven*. It’s because our arm lengths are different (lol). (*T/L: the end pose in Snow Halation)

Mimorin: It’s because my arms are a bit longer than the average person (lol).

You guys were able to stand on the Love Live! Fes stage after a long time, were there any parts that had changed?

Emitsun: If you say whether we’ve changed or not changed, we haven’t changed but I think we’ve developed. Instead of saying if there’s something different, It’s more like the impression of getting a power up.

Mimorin: Our trust and relationship with each other hasn’t changed. Everyone, the nine of us, have taken a step past that time where it was all chaos, and so because our hearts were composed it was a calm time. Each of the nine of us have our own way of presenting to the audience, and we all knew it so there was a feeling of comfort.

Speaking of which, do you talk about things like work to each other?

Emitsun: It’s more the feeling of just general chitchat (lol).

Mimorin: Yeah but we were like that 10 years ago talking about our dreams together (lol).

Emitsun:  Each of us have younger sisters, and our younger sisters have children so lately we might’ve been talking about that a lot.

Mimorin: Like “my nephew did this-” or “my niece did that-”. We don’t really say “How’s work lately?” (lol).

Emitsun: However, there's no way Suzu won’t do well, and no matter what happens to me as well, Suzu will always support me. We’ve made this relationship where we don’t need to say it out loud to each other; there’s a mutual understanding.

Mimorin: My heart is always worried. But Emitsun’s the kind of person where if I say “I’m worried about you” she’ll reject it saying “No worries I’m perfectly fine!”, and I understand but don’t say it (lol).

Emitsun: But, when I restarted my music activities, as expected she confessed: “Actually I’ve been worried about you this whole time” (lol).

Mimorin: Honestly I told her I worried too much (lol). 

Emitsun: From here on I’m taking a step forward so I have to work really hard so I can stand on the same stage (as her).

Mimorin: No no, I should be saying that.

Emitsun: I still want to see the both of us in a stage play.

Mimorin: Yeah yeah! If the two of us appear in a stage play together it’ll be really interesting.

Emitsun: Definitely!

Mimorin: I wonder what kind of cast it would be...I’m waiting for an offer (lol).

I also want to ask about music, Mimorin san, what kind of music do you normally listen to? 

Emitsun: I know that Suzu is a fan of YUKI chan.

Mimorin: I’ve been a big fan of YUKI chan since back then. Lately I’ve been continually listening to Chara+YUKI’s reunion. When I’m at home and wondering what music to put on, I’ll listen to recommendations from a music streaming service like I’ll listen to King Gnu, or ONE OK ROCK. During travels do you ever end up arriving while still wondering ‘what should I listen to today?’ (lol). It becomes like ‘I don’t feel like this song’ (lol).

Emitsun: Yeah I have (lol). Suzu you’re pretty good at responding to situations you might be the type that would directly accept recommendations from other people no?

Mimorin: Yeah, I would be good at that. Lately, I’ve been recommended BiSH quite a bit. In the beginning I had no idea but now I’ve been humming it and started saying ‘BiSH is good!’ (lol). Also, lately I’ve gotten recommendations for ‘Maximum the Hormone’. Although I haven’t really listened to them….

Emitsun: You don’t really pick anything yourself (lol).

Mimorin: The genre I usually listen to is different but I got more interested in Maximum the Homone 2nd Store’s Coronana Moremomo and listened to it; I was like ‘what is this it’s cool!’

Emitsun: It’s amazing you’re able to receive that.

Mimorin: I’m the type to go with anything, I live like Ameba* (lol). (*T/L TV broadcasting program)

Emitsun: I like trying to listen to an artist’s songs in an album once as a production; I do this a lot.

Mimorin: I’m completely different (lol).

Emitsun: I want to know Suzu’s latest recommendation!

Mimorin: For a while I think what I had on repeat was King Gnu’s ‘Flying Boat’. I watched the music video over and over and over again, and the more I listened the more I obsessed I became. I got interested in the Maximum the Hormone’s yakisoba commercial, thought ‘what’s the song in that commercial?!’, researched it and once I realized I got really into it.

Emitsun: As expected (lol).

Mimorin: So obvious. My obvious self is in pain (lol).

Emitsun: But I wish everyone was like Suzu (lol).

Mimorin: Emitsun what do you usually listen to?

Emitsun: It usually changes depending on the situation for me. For example when Spring is coming near, I’ll listen to YUKI chan’s ‘Let’s kiss’.

Mimorin: Ah, that’s a good one. Aww I want to know Emitsun’s private playlist~. I want you to make a ‘Recommendations for Suzuko’ playlist (lol).

Emitsun: The playlist I usually listen to is in this publication! (lol). If they told me ‘Put in as many as you can’ it would become 60 songs…

Mimorin: You can’t listen to 60 songs all in one day (lol). Do you not listen to your own songs?

Emitsun: I don’t really listen to them but there are times where I listen to the song I wrote and composed, ‘Kirameki wo Yume Mite’ when I make a new decision. What about Suzu?

Mimorin: For me, I have a mini album called  ‘Holiday Mode’ and I’ll listen to it on my days off.

Emitsun: That’s nice. More often than my own, I’ll listen to μ's songs.

Mimorin: Me too, I listen to μ's. During West Side Story, if it was Emitsun coming I was happy, μ's songs would be on in the dressing room all day.

Emitsun: Just as I thought, we listen to μ's whenever there is something. I love it because there is that feeling of the Springtime of youth.

English:

At the end of a long night Seemingly searching for the light From prayer, strength...eyes awaken

What is the truth? Listen carefully while you wander sniff out the lies, run with no goal in mind tragedy, ambush, with a smile

Heaven and earth, hope is Gray But the flowing Fate Wind Demands to touch are overlapping Eyes and arms-

At the end of a long night Searching for the light This flame, is it dusk or dawn? Beyond the many skies Towards where the sword points Finding your now, Starlet Record it in your own voice, Moment

How is the moon there? That's the same question as is Accompanied by shadows from one place to the next Waxing and waning in my chest (within)

Clear wishes are always To the common ones who pray The journey to search may vary Wild horizon

Someone's tears If those are scars Let's embrace softly without words At the end of the sky someday Be relieved of our sorrow We'll be free and move forward

Giving up on days of burden Even then traces remain May hope pierce the darkness It is always beside me

A torn sunrise No matter how many times you receive Kindness will surely be returned to you

At the end of a long night Searching for the light This flame, is it dusk or dawn? Beyond the many skies Towards where the sword points Finding your now, Starlet Record it in your own voice, Moment

Romaji:

Nagai yoru no hate de Hikari wo sagasu you ni Inori kara chikara...mezamete

Nani wo shinjitsu to suru ka mimi wo rurou no naka sumase Uso wo kagiwakete atedo naku hashire Higeki machibusete waraou tomo

Ten mo chi mo kibou wa Gray Demo nagareru Fate Wind Fureyou to motome kasanaru Hitomi to kaina ga―

Nagai yoru no hate de Hikari wo sagashiteru Kono honoo wa tasogare ka akatsuki ka Ikutsu no sora koete Kissaki ga mezasu basho Jibun no ima wo mitsuke Starlet Jibun no koe de shiruse Moment

Tsuki wa naze soko ni iru ka onaji toikake no mama ni Kage wo tsure nagara meguri megutteru Kakete wa michiteku mune no uchi

Sunda negai wa itsumo Tada motomeru hou e Ichizu sa ga surechigau tabi Arekuruu chihei

Dare no namida datte Sore ga kizuato nara Nani mo iwazu yawarakaku dakishimeyou Itsuka no sora no hate Kanashimi wo hodoite Jiyuu ni natte yukeru you ni

Teoi no hibi ni akirame kakete Sore demo nokoru kehai ga atta Yami wo ugatsu kibou no you ni Tonari ni itsumo atta

Chigireta asayake wo Nando demo te ni irete Kimi wo kitto yasashisa ni kaesu kara...

Nagai yoru no hate de Hikari wo sagashiteru Kono honoo wa tasogare ka akatsuki ka Ikutsu no sora koete Kissaki ga mezasu basho Jibun no ima wo mitsuke Starlet Jibun no koe de shiruse Moment

Original:

永い夜の果てで

光を探すように 祈りからチカラ…目覚めて

何を真実とするか耳を流浪の中澄ませ 嘘を嗅ぎ分けて当て所なく走れ 悲劇待ち伏せて微笑おうとも

天も地も希望は Gray でも流れる Fate Wind 触れようと求め重なる 瞳と腕が―

永い夜の果てで 光を探してる この焔は黄昏か暁か 幾つの空超えて 切っ先が目指す場所 自分の今を見つけ Starlet 自分の声で記せ Moment

月は何故そこにいるか同じ問いかけの侭に 影を連れながら巡り巡ってる 欠けては満ちてく胸の中(うち)

澄んだ願いはいつも ただ求める方へ 一途さがすれ違うたび 荒れ狂う地平

誰の涙だって それが傷跡なら 何も言わず柔らかく抱きしめよう いつかの空の果て 哀しみを解いて 自由になってゆけるように

手負いの日々に諦めかけて それでも残る気配があった 闇を穿つ希望のように 隣にいつもあった

千切れた朝焼けを 何度でも手に入れて 君をきっと優しさに還すから…