#director interview

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> Your impression on being told to be the director of a film depicting the encounter between Aizou and Yuujirou?

I heard this story after creating the Music Video Making recorded in their first album. At the MV Making, I felt that their ordinary colors weren't revealed yet; I want to deliver their true selves to the fans, so I accepted it. I would like to propose the content this time, meticulously depicting the time those two first met each other, hoping the fans would be delighted. And as for me, I also felt a sense of revenge.

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> At the LIP×LIP Romeo Music Video Making, their subtle openness to each other was depicted.

Like rivals, should I say? Or outright admitting they don't get along...? But not only that, I felt there’s absolutely the essence of them both behind that. If the fans can also feel that understanding, then they can love them (LIP×LIP) a lot more. With that in mind, I made this film, giving importance to the never-revealed side of those two.

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> In your perspective as the director, what do you think is the appeal of the two?

Both of them have complicated backgrounds and family relationships. They carry something extremely heavy. And as for me, I knew there had to be something that pulls me there. With that kind of background, you may ask, why now. Why did they jump into a world so glittering. The complicated reason on why they auditioned sparked my interest; and there, lies one of their charms. Actually, I’d been allowed to watch their LIVE performances; and that time, among the fans exchanging impressions of enjoyment with each other, there were also those together with their parents, and also generations similar to mothers and grandmothers. I’m close to that in terms of generation, so I wanted them to also join us in rooting for LIP×LIP. By revealing their background I’m interested in, it may also pique the interest of the parents of the fans. Then that way, the whole family will come to support (LIP×LIP), and I thought it might be possible to create a connection between generations.

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> Even from an adult’s perspective, there is a part that their feelings are said to be “understood”.

That is right. I think for the two, who are burdened with heavy matters, being able to fight on equal footing, can be considered “happiness”. Until now, there was no one who they could go head-to-head with. That’s why, the fight scene has a pretty fun BGM. For them, fighting isn’t being on each other’s throats, it’s about deepening their communication. I feel that they have more connection than their blood relations.

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> What do you think is Yuujirou's appeal?

That so-called part of him persisting without wilting, despite a complicated home environment. It is unlike an average household, you'll come to like him once you know the great effort he puts in.

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> What do you think is Aizou's appeal?

Compared to Yuujirou, he has an uninhibited appearance. First of all, I think this appearance is his charm. But on the other hand, there was also an episode where I'd want to root for him. That so-called part of him is his appeal. And, Yuujirou and Aizou mutually and perfectly understand such parts (of each other).

When the two of them consider the meaning of "the two of us together", they are the ones who understand each other the most, more intimate than family; and I was able to confirm this once more in making the film this time around.

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> The ambience of the first LIVE scene after the depicted episode of their encounter has changed completely from before.

Since they met and because it is the first stage as LIP×LIP, it is different from the drama part before; I wanted to show their sparkling selves with video and music. Their biggest appeal is the LIVE, so I produced it solidly. I also attend artists’ LIVE performances, but I’m mainly in the rock genre, so I studied those of idols’. I wanted to make such a video with those two sparkling as they do. Afterwards, with the cooperation of *Zepp Diver City Tokyo and the others, I did a firm location scouting in the video.

*Zepp Diver City Tokyo - venue of Docchi Kiss First LIVE

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> Speaking of location scouting, it clearly shows in the video that the place in the movie is somewhere in Tokyo.

That neighborhood is where the staff went for location scouting and in which they put a lot of effort in. I also love pilgrimages to sacred places (laughs). I want you to try and find out where it is.

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>  It was a film of the two’s encounter this time, but if you were to make another film of them, what kind of work would you like?

Rather than as a director, but as a fan of LIP×LIP, I want them to see something that makes them want to say, "Hang in there!" to the two. There may or may not be a high wall standing in the way in the near future. That's why, I want to make a work that will depict them overcoming that. Anyhow, I met those two and got to know their charm. I want to continue directing their work. Because I want more people to root for them. I was also able to learn a lot about my own self in making their film; I was shown something wonderful. It is my pleasure to be able to direct a LIP×LIP film.

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*We are re-recording the interview compiled in the pamphlet at the theatrical release.

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