#impish crow

Tsugumi: Okay, let’s get this party started—Blast kickoff celebration project! An interview showdown between Impish Crow and RUBIA Leopard! Akane: Huge thanks to all the Jewels and Colors who sent in your questions. Today, we’ll be answering some of the ones our manager picked out. Hope you enjoy! Tsugumi: Honestly, I wanted to answer all of them~! Toki: There were a ton, and there’s a lot of us today… Hibari: I bet even between bandmates, there are still things we don’t know about each other. Mashiro: If we get another chance, send in more questions. I actually really like reading them. Tsugumi: Me too! I love this stuff! Akane: Alright then, shall we get started? Kurono: Looking forward to working with you today, Impish Crow. Toki: Likewise, RUBIA Leopard.

Q1. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Tsugumi: Open my eyes! Hibari: Uh, Tsugu-chan, I don’t think that’s quite what they meant… Akane: They probably mean like your morning routine? Haiji: I wash my face, brush my teeth, get dressed, open the curtains in the living room, and make breakfast… Nothing too fancy, really. Kurono: That’s pretty much what most people do, right? Haiji: I think whether you’re living alone or not changes what you do first thing in the morning. Mitsuru: True. When I’m home alone, I don’t really have a routine, but if I wake up at Hibari’s place, I say good morning to him and Tanaka-san first. Kurono: That’s sweet. Greetings matter. Hibari: I guess I check on Tanaka-san. Tsugumi: Uhh… I don’t really have a routine… Toki: At the very least, wash your face, brush your teeth, and put on clothes when you get up. Tsugumi: Yeees sir— Akane: What about you, Toki? Toki: I tidy up my bed and toss the comforter in the dryer. Mashiro: You really like things clean, huh? Toki: Coming home to a messy house after a long day is just depressing… Haiji: I totally get that. So Mashiro-san and Akane-san, any habits? Mashiro: First thing I do is hop in the shower. You? Akane: Nothing set in stone. If Kurono’s not around, I just go make coffee… Well, really, I just toss some beans in the machine and hit the switch.

Q2. Got any embarrassing live-show fail stories?

Mitsuru: Embarrassing, huh… Kurono: Can’t think of any off the top of my head. Mashiro: Same here. Toki: Basic stuff, maybe—like messing up your lines or stammering during the MC segment… Mitsuru: Funny how you don’t get nervous playing guitar, though. Hibari: Right? Even when your strings snap, you just coolly switch to a different solo. Kurono: That takes guts. Toki: One time I went onstage with my T-shirt on backwards… Haiji: Ahh, that’s so awkward once you realize! Tsugumi: That happens to me all the time! Also, I once rushed to change and forgot to put on pants, almost went on in my undies! Mashiro: Wait… why were your pants off to begin with? Toki: Or when Tsugu trips or rolls onstage and steps on the effects pedal, killing the sound. Akane: (laughs) Tsugumi: That was a tiny accident! Toki: We call those "user errors." Tsugumi: I haven’t done it since! Hibari: This is basically just a list of Toki’s flubs. Mitsuru: True. Neither Tsugu nor the rest of us really get embarrassed.

Q3. Got anything to say to your manager?

Tsugumi: Tobi-chan, let’s keep doing our best together! Toki: I owe you so much… Really, thank you for everything. Haiji: Tobikura-san’s the kind of manager who really sees things from the artist’s perspective. Hibari: Doesn’t look it, but he’s surprisingly stubborn and dependable. If I had to say something—it’d be, don’t push yourself too hard, okay? Mitsuru: I want to work hard so Tobi-chan can keep smiling. Hibari: What about RUBIA Leopard? Akane: We’re counting on you, so keep up the good work. Mashiro: I can already picture Gan-chan making a fed-up face at that line. Akane: I meant it as a compliment? Mashiro: Sounds more like, “Take care of all the annoying stuff, thanks.” Akane: I just meant I appreciate getting to focus on the fun parts. Kurono: I trust Akane-san’s talent completely when it comes to music, and our manager supports us in the most detailed ways. We’re honestly really grateful. Mashiro: Can’t imagine anyone but Gan-chan managing rubire. Tsugumi: Is Iwahara-san, like, a super strong manager? Hibari: I’ve heard he’s one of the best in DIGPRO. Mitsuru: Tobi-chan’s always singing his praises. Tsugumi: But he also kinda seems scary… Haiji: Ahaha… Toki: Huh? Haiji-san? Akane: Got something to say? Say it now. Haiji: Uh… Iwahara-san is the one who introduced me to RUBIA Leopard, and I’m super grateful. But… lately he’s gotten really into fitness, and I wish he’d stop buying every workout gadget he finds online… Mashiro: Ah… so those muscle-training rumors were true

Q4. Who’s the strongest at arm wrestling?

Tsugumi: In Impish Crow, Hibari's definitely the strongest! Akane: And for us, it’s gotta be Haiji, right? Mashiro: Yeah, probably. Toki: Well, drummers tend to be pretty unbeatable in the arm strength department… Haiji: Haha… People are always surprised when I roll up my sleeves. Hibari: It’s hard to find clothes that fit properly around the arms and shoulders. Haiji: Ah, totally! The overall fit gets thrown off. Hibari: Right? And then the sleeves end up feeling too tight. Haiji: Exactly! Yes! Mashiro: You two could write a whole guidebook on drummer fashion. Anyway, who’s next strongest? Akane: Kurono, maybe? Mashiro: So between Akane and me, who’d win? Kurono: Obviously Akane-san. Mashiro: That’s just favoritism. Akane: Alright, Mashiro. Let’s settle this next time. Mashiro: Yes yes, whatever you say~ Mitsuru: What about us? Tsugumi: Hmm… After Hibari, probably Mitsuru. And the weakest is Toki. Toki: You didn’t have to say it like that.

Q5. Where did you put the sample plushie?

Haiji: I picked it up from the office and took it home! It’s sitting on display in my room now. Mashiro: Same. They did a great job on the details—it’s super cute. Mitsuru: I want to collect everyone’s once they’re out. Line them up by the window! Kurono: I’ve got mine on a shelf in the living room. Akane: You suddenly started rearranging things, so I thought you were about to do a full room makeover. Kurono: It’s a special piece, so I wanted to give it a nice spot. Mikado-san and Kaede-san gave me great feedback when I sent them a pic. Mashiro: I bet they’re gonna buy, like, a truckload of them… Akane: Don’t remind me… I’m trying not to think about that. Hibari: I need to be careful with mine or Tanaka-san will end up playing with it. Gotta figure out a safe display method. Toki: Tsugu left his at my place. Tsugumi: It’s fine! I’m always over anyway! If I left it at my place, it’d probably go missing!

Q6. Who had the biggest gap between expectations and reality?

Mitsuru: RUBIA Leopard definitely gave off a different vibe than expected. I thought you’d all be more intimidating. Haiji: Probably because of our music and jacket visuals? Toki: And your live performance videos, too. Mashiro: Yeah, compared to our stage presence, our off-stage vibe is pretty different. Akane: I mean, if we acted like that 24/7, we’d be totally unhinged. Kurono: You embody charisma on stage, but off-stage you're calm and grounded… Akane-san is perfect. Akane: Kurono, you're kinda off-topic. Mitsuru: How about you guys? Any surprises when you met us? Mashiro: I didn’t really have expectations going in, so no gap. You’re all pretty much exactly how you seem. Kurono: I feel like you all come off more approachable now than on day one. Mashiro: Ah, we were all tense at first. Toki: …To be honest, I’m still kinda nervous. Mitsuru: Huh? Why? Mashiro: You were way too relaxed from the get-go. Haiji: I didn’t really feel a gap. It all made sense once I saw your playing styles. Mitsuru: Come to think of it, Tsugumi had seen RUBIA Leopard live before, right? Mashiro: Wait, really? Tsugumi: Uh… yeah, kinda. Akane: Oooh? Tsugumi: What? Akane: So? After meeting the real deal, did your impression change? Tsugumi: …You’re weirder than I thought. Akane: I’m weird? Tsugumi: So chatty. Loud… always laughing. Hibari: Right? You totally give off spoiled-youngest-child energy. Akane: You mean the only sane middle child. Tsugumi: What about me? Did I match what you imagined? Akane: Yes and no. You’re exactly what you seem… and also not. Tsugumi: That’s such a vague answer!

Q7. What do you do before going to bed?

Mashiro: Ooh, spicy question~ Kurono: Keep it PG, you degenerate. Mashiro: Come on, it's just a joke. Lighten up. Kurono: Don’t drag RUBIA Leopard’s reputation through the mud with your nonsense. Akane: Okay okay, both of you, cool it. We answered the morning routine earlier—now it’s bedtime. Hibari: Aside from the basics like brushing teeth… I try to soak in the bath if I can. Toki: I listen to the radio. Usually fall asleep with it still playing. Haiji: I put on some soft music and do light stretches. Kurono: That sounds nice. I’ll try that tonight. Akane: I’ll help you out, just call me. Mashiro: Kurono’s so stiff, though. Kurono: …Shut up. Haiji: Kurono-san, Akane-san—any habits before bed? Kurono: Nothing specific. If I can’t sleep, I’ll read a book. Akane: I scroll through social media. I know it’s not good before bed, but still. Mashiro: Oh, I do that too. Sometimes when I post, Colors will reply with “Good night!” It’s so cute, I love it. Mitsuru: I drink warm milk. Tsugumi: I don’t really have a nighttime routine either… Honestly, my schedule’s messed up because of my part-time jobs. Kurono: Tsugumi-kun, please take care of your health.

———

Impish Crow

Tsugumi Nonoka

Vocal  CV. Yuuma Uchida

Vocalist of Impish Crow. Not only does he have overwhelming singing abilities, but his cheerful and honest character is also popular. He’s a genius who can calm down a situation, but is also fearless. Anyway, he loves singing and getting involved in singing. 

Birthday: 6/9 Age: 21 Height: 177cm

Toki Mizukawa 

Guitar  CV. Eguchi Takuya

Guitarist of Impish Crow. A leader who pays attention to his surroundings and loves the band more than anyone else. He has a straightforward personality and can’t stand when things get awry, but when it comes to the band, he doesn’t like to lose. Tsugumi’s childhood friend. He’s also in charge of writing lyrics.

Birthday: 5/30 Age: 21 Height: 180cm

Mitsuru Hayama

Bass  CV. Wataru Hatano

Bassist of Impish Crow. He often absent-minded and goes at his own pace with low blood pressure. Although he tends to look cool, he is calm and doesn’t talk much. Hibari and he have known each other for a long time since they were students. 

Birthday: 5/2 Age: 22 Height: 178cm

Hibari Shibasaki

Drum  CV. Shinnosuke Tachibana

Drummer of Impish Crow. A prince with a put-together face and good-natured mind. He often comments on issues and activities within the band. He’s known for his appearance and friendliness, but he doesn’t hold back his words.

Birthday: 6/6 Age: 22 Height: 178cm

RUBIA Leopard

Akane Higurashi

Vocal  CV. Furukawa Makoto

Vocalist of RUBIA Leopard. He’s known for his overwhelming singing ability and songs with honest lyrics that are powerful and straightforward. Because his mother is half-British, he is fluent in many languages. Besides his singing, there are many fans of his visuals. 

Birthday: 12/6 Age: 24 Height: 180cm

Kurono Tokitou

Guitar  CV. Ishikawa Kaito

Guitarist of RUBIA Leopard. His ultimate principle is to be loyal to Akane and take care of him an extraordinary amount. He’s always competing with Mashiro, who is the same age as him and also knows Akane. 

Birthday: 2/22 Age: 25 Height: 182cm

Mashiro Fuyuki 

Bass  CV. Sato Takuya

Bassist of RUBIA Leopard. He likes women, alcohol, and cigarettes, but he’s also light-hearted and friendly. At heart, he is serious and unyielding. Kurono knows his true personality and they’re close to each other, but Mashiro enjoys quarreling with him.

Birthday: 11/11 Age: 25 Height: 182cm

Haiji Sumizome

Drum  CV. Hanae Natsuki

Drummer of RUBIA Leopard. As the youngest member, he helps organize the band and bring together the other members. He’s good at reading the atmosphere based on words and facial expressions, especially for the members with strong personalities. 

Birthday: 10/10 Age: 23 Height: 176cm

HOUND ROAR

Hibiki Kouno

Vocal  CV. Toshiyuki Toyonaga

Vocalist of HOUND ROAR. He has a slightly small presence, and is popular for his cool features and mysterious atmosphere. He doesn’t realize that he’s an overwhelming genius. Although he’s passive in making decisions, he’s practical when he speaks.

Birthday: 8/17 Age: 23 Height: 177cm

Shouma Endou

Guitar  CV. Ryohei Kimura

Guitarist of HOUND ROAR. Although he has great visuals and no issue with his performance skills, he makes all his judgements based on instinct. He isn’t very cooperative, and could break up a band immediately after joining.

Birthday: 9/20 Age: 23 Height: 178cm

Touya Hayama

Bass  CV. Hikaru Midorikawa

Bassist of HOUND ROAR. Older brother of Impish Crow’s Mitsuru. His personality doesn’t resemble Mitsuru’s at all. He always observes people, thinks ahead, and doesn’t reveal his feelings to others.

Birthday: 10/11 Age: 26 Height: 180cm

Shion Onozato

Keyboard  CV. Yuichiro Umehara

Keyboardist of HOUND RAOR. He tends to care about details and is a bit of a music nerd. Since he grew up playing the keyboard, he has extraordinary passion for playing and towards musical instruments. He’s truly happy when he’s involved in music.

Birthday: 1/4 Age: 24 Height: 178cm

Sougo Kido

Drum  CV. Takashi Kondo

Drummer of HOUND ROAR. As the oldest member along with Touya, he offers the members various advice and scolds them when they do something wrong.

Birthday: 8/26 Age: 26 Height: 182cm

Managers

Sora Tobikura

Manager  CV. Kent Ito

Manager of Impish Crow. He’s new to the company. He’s soft-mannered and kind to his talent, but very scary when he loses his temper. His nickname is Tobi-chan.

Birthday: 5/5 Age: 27 Height: 177cm

Shiki Iwahara

Manager  CV. Wataru Komaeda

Manager of RUBIA Leopard. He’s a senior of Tobikura, who recently joined the company. His friendliness durign business hours is well-known in the industry and many find him reliable. His nickname is Gan-chan.

Birthday: 10/10 Age: 29 Height: 183cm

Takaaki Kasuga

Manager  CV. Tarusuke Shingaki

Manager of HOUND ROAR. He’s somewhat famous in the industry with a laid-back attitude and loose expression. Though he doesn’t seem to think much, he’s always conscious of how to best sell his artists. His nickname is Haru-chan.

Birthday: 3/24 Age: 37 Height: 180cm

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