永遠に描いた

That's why, even though the tour is only partially cancelled, I feel so much regret, and I think we've caused a lot of trouble for our fans. After all, you made plans for us, booked your transport and hotel etc. all for it to come to nothing. More than anything I feel like we've betrayed everyone who was looking forward to seeing us.

 We want to make everyone smile with our singing and dancing, yet right now we're making everyone sad. You could say it's due to the circumstances, but it feels like failing as idols.

 But I - no, not just me but all of us - we don't want to give up being idols, which is why we made this choice. Sorry for being so selfish.

 Even though it's partially cancelled, the contents of our performance won't change.

Since the world is in chaos at the moment we can't 100% promise, but if the concerts are held then we'll definitely make sure you have fun, and I want to make our performances so good that you can look back on these hard times and smile!!

 Now we're aiming to perform at Nippon Budokan. Sometimes I see people saying that after we get to Budokan we're going to quit, but I've dedicated my whole life to this, so from the bottom of my heart I want to keep going beyond that dream!

 But I know that the way things stand it'll be really difficult, since we're not appearing on TV or even really in magazines that much,

 However

 Wouldn't it be amazing if we, who are only really known by a few people on the internet, could become well-known nationwide?

 I want to become an idol who's unique for that.

 That's why it's no lie that I hope everyone will support us, and no matter how much I thank you guys it'll never be enough.

 The current situation is really tough for all live artists active in Japan, but I want everyone to take care of their health and not push themselves too far. I'm cheering for you all as much as you're cheering for us, and I'll show you that through singing and dancing!

The 9 member boys group MeseMoa. was formed in 2012 on a video sharing website. The 'self-proclaimed idols', who completed a nationwide 47 prefecture tour in 2016, have faced a sudden rise in popularity. In the MV for their song Shadow Kiss, included on their 1st album Secret that was released in April this year, the members shocked the world by kissing each other and became a hot topic. It was announced that 2 of those members, Tomitake and Nibansenji, will release their own fashion books this winter.

Starting with the first photobooks of the members who boast outstanding style, we talked frankly about their winter fashion and their views on love.

Does Tomitake practise his poses in front of the mirror?

How did you feel when you first heard that you were releasing these photobooks?

Tomitake: Because we're idols, I didn't expect we'd have the opportunity to release photobooks in the way that fashion models do, so I was surprised. I couldn't believe that a stylist who works for famous fashion magazines would do the styling for us!

Nibansenji: I've taken a step into a world that I'd thought was irrelevant to me, so somehow I still don't get the sense that it's something that I've done. Even when I look at the photos that have been taken of me, my reaction is more like, "I've seen this kind of photo somewhere before!" (laughs)

What kind of fashion tastes did you have shootings in?

Tomitake: Within MeseMoa., my image is soft and cute, so in contrast to that there was a lot of cool fashion this time around. I was hoping for a wild, masculine kind of styling. That's why I think that people who know me as Tomitake from MeseMoa. will find so many never before seen versions of me included in the book. But we also shot some cute scenes where my true nature just jumped out. I dragged Niban into it as well (laughs).

Nibansenji: I was well and truly dragged in.

Tomitake: I dragged him in for the cuts in the animal costumes (laughs). I'd said that I wanted to take some photos dressed as a rabbit, and they made that come true. I was a rabbit…

Nibansenji: And I was a giraffe. I'm tall so a giraffe seems pretty close to my image. Tomitake was a rabbit just because he likes them.

Tomitake: Right (laughs). From what I've seen, Niban generally wore a lot of beautiful fashion.

Nibansenji: I wore loads of clothes that I usually wouldn't, but my personal experience of the shooting was that it was less like a photobook and more like shooting for a slightly casual fashion magazine. Personally I think that in the photos we took, it wasn’t that the clothes looked good because I was wearing them, nor that I looked good because of the clothes, but that the clothes and I had a pretty harmonious balance (laughs).

I'm sure you've taken on various jobs as part of MeseMoa., but did you have any previous experience being fashion models?

Tomitake: Not really, so it was pretty difficult. For example, Niban had this cut where he was wearing a beret. Wearing a beret as part of a costume and trying to express the natural way it would be worn during everyday life seemed difficult to me when I was watching.

When shooting for fashion purposes, you have to think about the best way to show off the clothes while you're working.

Tomitake: Right! I learnt so many new things while we were shooting.

Did you make any special preparations before the shooting? Maybe checking your poses in the mirror?

Tomitake: Nope! I did…not at all (laughs).

Nibansenji: I didn't either, but I'm pretty sure Tomitake was definitely posing for the mirror (laughs).

Tomitake: I didn't! (laughs) There wasn't anything particularly troubling for this shooting. Often I watch overseas dramas that have fashion as their main theme, and I like to check fashion magazines if I have time, so maybe I just naturally absorbed some information about posing and stuff from there.

Nibansenji, the 'raw gemstone' that dulls as soon as it's been polished

Apart from dramas and magazines, how do you learn about the latest fashion?

Tomitake: I also use Instagram and other social media. Overseas fashion and Japanese fashion can be completely different so it's fun to look at. I actually prefer flashy clothes, but I tend to choose plain clothes for my everyday wear…I'm Japanese after all (laughs). That's why I was really glad to wear the clothes I actually wanted to wear this time.

Tomitake seems to take a lot of interest in fashion, but we've heard that Nibansenji is the complete opposite.

Nibansenji: I honestly don't care.

Tomitake: (laughs)

Nibansenji: I don't read fashion magazines or check fashion on the net. Most of the clothes I regularly wear are presents from fans…actually today's clothes are pretty much all presents (laughs). I don't have anything I'm particular about, but because I'm tall it's hard for me to find a size that fits. That's why when it came to the shooting I really didn't know how to act. Probably the first thing I asked was, "What should I do?". When it comes to MeseMoa., we usually shoot as a group of 9 or at least on a set with someone else so I'm used to that. But I really didn't know what to do when I was shooting alone, especially since I was trying to show off the clothes for the camera, so that was tough.

Tomitake: Niban honestly never buys clothes by himself. And this jacket he's wearing today? I'm pretty sure he's been wearing that same one for years and years (laughs).

Nibansenji: It's probably been about 5 years. I take care of my possessions.

Tomitake: You never change your wallet either, do you?

Nibansenji: I've been using this one for about 10 years now (laughs).

Tomitake: See! The way he takes care of things is just in a completely different league to me. He always uses things for several years, so I'd say in a way he's good at buying items that aren't influenced by trends (laughs).

Nibansenji: All the things I like are basically the same. So if you think that you haven't seen me using something for a while, please just assume that it was torn or broken (laughs). I do hear about some trends, and think that they're cool or unusual. But I don't leave the house unless I have plans, so the variation in clothes I wear outside will probably never increase.

Does that mean that you never really consider going out to buy clothes?

Nibansenji: Not really. Sometimes I'll go shopping if somebody invites me though.

Tomitake: He says that, but we've known each other for years now and yet I've only been shopping with him once and that was when we were abroad (laughs). I want to see him wearing lots of different clothes, so I'm persistent in inviting him. Niban can pull off stylish clothes, so we members try to get him to wear various things. By the way, I think of him as a 'dulled gemstone' (laughs). A gemstone that rarely lets you polish him, and when you think you've managed he grows dirty again in an instant…All of his own accord. Even though he's been nicely polished, he deliberately walks right back into the mud.

Niban: It's like, 'The polishing's done now? Sweet, I'm off to roll around in the mud' (laughs). Staff members often say I look completely different when I'm wearing our outfits and have had my hair and makeup done.

By the way, have you bought any trending fashion items recently?

Nibansenji: Last year I bought a blouson jacket from MA-1.

Tomitake: The most recent one was last year? (Laughs) It's true though, when I was at school I'd often talk about the latest fashion and trends with my friends, but as a group we prioritise music and dance instead. Honestly, we members rarely ever talk about fashion together.

Underwear particulars and confessions

Were there any outfits or items used during the shooting that you especially liked?

Tomitake: I had an on-location shoot in a leather biker jacket, and I really like that kind of rock-style, it packs a punch. I also came to like clothes that show off my body line.

Nibansenji: I wonder what I liked.

Tomitake: What I liked when I saw your photos were the outfits that used colour! Since you usually wear completely plain outfits. That orange knitwear and other slightly brighter clothes suit you surprisingly well!

Nibansenji: You think so? I tend to wear loose clothes, but I think maybe clothes that show my body line suit me more. However I still can't handle clothes that feel really tight to my body…

Speaking of, do you have any particulars when it comes to underwear?

Nibansenji: I won't wear anything other than trunks! Tight clothes and tight underwear are both bad.

Tomitake: You seem not to care about your underwear. That's why I always tell him to stop wearing pants that look like a middle schooler would buy them with their pocket money (laughs). By the way, I prefer boxers. My desire to wear flashy clothes comes out strongly in my choice of underwear, so I like to wear bright patterns. But today they're just a simple blue! (laughs)

Thanks for letting us know (laughs). We've heard that more and more people are moving away from wearing trunks, but how's the situation among those you know?

Nibansenji: Nobody else except me wears them. That's why Tomitake and even others ask me if I don't want to change. But I still don't like boxer types…

Tomitake: He'll probably be wearing trunks his whole life (laughs). One time he stayed over at my place and I lent him an entire outfit, including underwear. At the time he said he'd put up with it for a short while, but it was clear even then that he wouldn't want to keep wearing them. Or he could go full circle and start wearing fundoshi (laughs).

Nibansenji: That's never happening! (laughs)

Analysing their ideal types of women

Are there any items of women's fashion that you specifically like to see?

Tomitake: If Niban were to start talking about girls' fashion here, even his fans would get mad and wonder what the hell he's talking about (laughs).

Nibansenji: Especially since my own fashion is so slapdash (laughs). I guess it's okay to say that you like certain things, but if you start to say that you don't like something then it gets difficult, right?

Tomitake: That'd be so annoying! (laughs) I like seeing people who stick firmly to their principles, or seem to be having a lot of fun with their fashion. On a basic level, my eyes are drawn to flashy clothes. I'll probably see a lot of leather items that excite me in the coming season. But I also like a sweet and spicy mix, like a biker jacket over a dress or something.

Nibansenji: A sweet and spicy mix…?

Tomitake: It's a style that mixes sweet, feminine items with cool items. If I saw someone wearing a biker jacket over a pretty red dress I'd definitely look at them and think, 'What a cool rock style!'. But I also like very sweet, cute outfits. Also I think girls who can pull off woollen hats and berets have a high fashion sense. Berets in particular seem like they'd be hard to match with your clothes, but they leave such a girly impression so they're an interesting item.

Nibansenji: Damn…there's so many words flying around that I've never heard before (laughs).

Tomitake: Make sure you're following along properly! (laughs)

Nibansenji: I'll remember the sweet and spicy mix (laughs). I can't really give a concrete idea of fashion I particularly like, but for me as long as the person suits the clothes they're wearing then I think that's good fashion. But I do get intrigued when someone has a 'gap', I quite like that. Take our fans for example, if there's a girl who always wears skirts and suddenly one day she turns up in pants, then in my mind I'm kind of like, "Oh!". This is pretty clichéd , but I also like fluffy clothes.

Tomitake: You say all that but I can't even picture the type of girl you'd like. I think you can easily imagine my type though.

Nibansenji: Yeah. A dazzling girl, wearing black leather clothes that show her body line with her nails neatly painted. And uniform length hair.

Tomitake: Ah~ You know me so well. I like girls who are like divas from overseas. Like Beyoncé (laughs). A tsundere but without the 'dere' part (laughs). I like to be the one doing the chasing…I think.

Nibansenji:  Well, you tend to go for a pretty dazzling look when you crossdress.

They do say that when men crossdress, they tend to choose the style of their ideal woman.

Tomitake: I get that! My crossdressing was pretty damn dazzling (laughs). Niban dresses like a quiet girl who seems like she'd spend time reading books in the library. But then when she takes her glasses off she's really beautiful!

There's the 'gap' as he said.

Tomitake: What I can tell is that he prefers girls who aren't so flashy. This is kind of a different subject, but Niban is really close to what many girls hold as their 'ideal boyfriend'. I've got a lot of peculiar traits so there's a clear divide between those who like me and those who don't, but Niban's not like that - he's the type to be liked by everybody. Just saying it out loud annoys me! (Laughs)

Following on from your types, could you tell us about how to capture each other's interests?

Tomitake: Niban says that he's sloppy, and from the outside he seems like he's not too bothered about the fine details, but sometimes he's very particular about certain things that make you wonder why. I guess it depends on how you would approach that. He's not the type to get fussy over lots of things, but nobody understands his targets except him, so you might have to keep an open mind with him.

Nibansenji: I guess so. I think for Tomitake, it's best to firmly take the lead but also indulge him a little on the side. It's definitely better to take control over him. You need to be the type who'd tell him to stop hesitating over the same thing forever and a day.

Tomitake: You might be right! I don't think I could fall in love with someone who's not firmer than I am. Someone who can get things done makes me want to chase after them. If they were to say, 'Follow me!', I'd just be like, 'Yes!'. That's why I only need the 'tsun' part of a tsundere (laughs). Ah, but when it comes to our fans I like people who are kind and cheerful!

The photobooks are connected to the dream MeseMoa. is aiming for

It looks like you'll be holding lots of events around the release of the photobooks. What kind of events would you like them to be?

Tomitake: It's been a long, long time since we did an event with just the two of us. In the past Niban didn't really talk much, but recently he's become more proactive.

Nibansenji: I can talk in situations where my speaking partner won't, but if I'm with someone who talks a lot then I don't really speak.

Tomitake: Are you calling me a chatterbox? (laughs) Well then, this time I'll leave it to you. But when you start talking, you keep going for ages! (laughs) I'd like to give these events a sense of being special, but also with our usual unchanging atmosphere. Everything we're doing right now is all working towards the dream that MeseMoa. is aiming for. That includes the photobooks. The opportunities are increasing for many people to see our photos lined up in the bookshop, so that becomes part of MeseMoa.'s dream.

Nibansenji: We're really grateful for this chance. I'd like it to be seen by lots of people who are seeing us for the first time, but also both Tomitake and I believe we've taken some photos that will really satisfy our current fans, so I hope everyone is looking forward to it.

The Janai's goods

Were designed by me 🙇

 FRONT

I thought it was kind of 🤔

To just write 'Janai's' in hiragana,

So the idea is that

The 'Notズ' logo on the FRONT

Is written as 'Not's', but read as 'Janai's'!

I asked Nozaki and Ani what they thought

And they both said it was good

So that really helped me!  😇

Just in case we get to do an event as Janai's again one day

And we get to release more goods then

I made some coloured versions that we could expand upon

Within the limits of my imagination.

  Maybe I could put a black border around it and make it into a BOX logo?

Stickers or rubber keyrings would be quite easy to make

So maybe they'd be good to release too? Right? Do you think so?

  I tried to write our name in hiragana

Using various pens

But the English version came out better -

It's probably a matter of preference 😓

If I get the opportunity

I'd like to try out the hiragana version some more!

BACK

  The tickets for the event are electronic tickets

So I decided to make the BACK print

Into a ticket-style design.

I made up an event name

And there's various other things written on there

But I hoped it would be nice memorabilia

For the date, members' names and location

To commemorate the first time we held our own concert

And the first time we had our own goods sale too!

The memories of the electronic ticket will be on your phone

And the Janai's ticket will be on your back.

  I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT ANYMORE

  The barcode is a JAN code

But the numbers are made up of the members' birthdays.

Paper tickets often have the names

Of the shops that issued them in the background

But I replaced that with the Janai's pose.

 It's based off Nichan's hands

明日 12/06 TIME TRAVEL.6 京都公演 Day1 ソロパートを担当します、じゃないず よりコメントが届きました…！ pic.twitter.com/CH164EhCiV

— MeseMoa.公式 (@info_mesemoa) December 5, 2019

From this video ✋

  I did think about just having 3 of these marks

Lined up on the right shoulder area for the BACK print

But it was too simple 🤦‍♂️

Maybe it could be a logo on a hat or something 🤦‍♂️

  When I was thinking about all this I had no idea what was right or not!

I find it difficult to design for my birthday event goods as well 🤷🏻

  But because the event tickets are electronic

I really hope that people will go home with the tickets on their back

As a replacement!  😤

Next time I'll get Ani and Nozaki

To do some of the designing!

  I started working on it

As soon as our event finished in Thailand 🇹🇭

And I got some help from Kamapoyo when sending it to print

Since he's familiar with the final stages of this kind of design!

I'm both anxious and excited to see how the final thing turns out

  Our preparations for the concert are continuing steadily!

じゃないズも2/23に向けて練習ガッツリやってまーす！ pic.twitter.com/cp6Hd7038x

— フォーゲル(めせもあ。) (@forgeru) February 18, 2020

Tickets for the PARTY PARTY Janai's event

Can be found here ⬇️

https://c-r-e-a-m.jp/category/hytown/

  I was even thinking about the design on the plane ✈️

On the way back to Japan 🇯🇵 from Thailand 🇹🇭

But because I was trying to avoid jet lag I stayed awake

So when we got back to Japan I was so tired

That I thought why not get the piercing I've been wanting to get.

 Leo 🐺 was the first to notice

ENGLISH TRANSLATION - HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

Irumii-chan,

The day that you were born is so important

So let us celebrate along with you

I want to see your joyful smile

Dear irumii,

Every time the candles on the cake increase

I hope that your smiles will increase too

We'll make this a big celebration!

For irumii,

I've been looking forward to this day most of all

I'm so happy to have met you

Next year let's celebrate together again

It's embarrassing to put it into words

But I can be honest when I'm with you

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Let's add another light and make another memory

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

Irumii!

Today is a special day I get to spend with you

Have an amazing birthday!

You're doing great just by being alive!

For irumii

Growing older might be scary

But be yourself and you'll be fine

Hold your head high with confidence and say

I'm going my way

Irumii-san

I know today is a day for celebration

But rather than congratulate you I just want to say

A huge thank you for being born!!

I'm sure the reason I was born

Was to tell you these words

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

You'll climb one more step and become an adult

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

Irumii-san

Today's the day you're in the spotlight

I hope this day will be wonderful for you  ♪

Let's continue to celebrate together like this!

Irumii!

The one who always lights up my life is you

Today I'll use that same light for your sake too

And set the candles for you to blow out

Irumii-chan

I loved you this time last year

I love you this year as well

And this time next year

I'll love you even more!

Words alone aren't enough to tell you how I feel

So let me sing by your side a little longer

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Let's add another light and make another memory

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

You'll climb one more step and become an adult

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Our only treasure in the world

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

We'll live through the same time as you

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

Have a really amazing birthday!

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

We're living through the same time as you

We'll live through the same time as you

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

ROMAJI - HAPI HAPI BASUDE

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

Irumii chan

Minna ga umareta taisetsu na hi

Bokutachi ni mo oiwai sasete yo

Yorokonderu sono egao wo mitai nda

Dear irumii

Rousoku no kazu ga fueru tabi ni

Egao ga motto fuemasu you ni

Bokutachi ga me ippai

Oiwai suru yo

Irumii e

Sekai de ichiban machi nozonda hi

Kimi to deaete hontou ni shiawase

Rainen mo isshoni iwawasete

Kotoba ni suru no wa tereru kedo

Kimi no mae da to sunao ni nacchau yo

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu akari to omoide wo fuyasou

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Irumii

Kyou wa kimi to sugoseru kinenbi

Hontou ni tanjoubi omedetou!

Ikiteru dake de daiseikou da yo!

For irumii

Otona ni naru koto wa kowai kedo

Ari no mama no kimi de ireba ii

Jishin motte mune hatte

Going my way

Irumii san

Medetai no wa wakatteru keredo

Omedetou yori iitai no wa

Umaretekite kurete

Honma! Arigatou!

Kotoba wo kou shite todokeru tame

Kitto boku mo umaretekita nda ne

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu kaidan wo nobotte otona ni naru

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Irumii san

Kyou wa anata ga shuyaku no ichinichi

Suteki na ichinichi ni narimasu you ni

Kore kara mo isshoni oiwai shiyou ne!

Irumii!

Kimi ga itsumo terashite kureru

Akari wo kyou tomosu no wa boku

Rousoku fukikesu kimi no tame

Irumii chan

Kyonen no ima no kimi ga suki

Kotoshi no ima no kimi mo suki

Rainen no ima no kimi wa motto suki!

Kotoba dake ja tsutaekirenai kara

Mou sukoshi kimi no soba de utawasete

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu akari to omoide wo fuyasou

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu kaidan wo nobotte otona ni naru

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Sekai juu de hitori dake no takaramono

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Bokura onaji toki wo ikiteiku

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

Hontou ni, otanjoubi, omedetou!

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Bokura onaji toki wo ikiteiku

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

JAPANESE - ハピハピバスデ

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

イルミィちゃん

みんなが生まれた大切な日

僕たちにもお祝いさせてよ

喜んでるその笑顔を見たいんだ

Dear イルミィ

ロウソクの数が増えるたびに

笑顔がもっと増えますように

僕たちが目一杯

\お祝いするよー/

イルミィへ

世界で一番待ち望んだ日

君と出会えて本当に幸せ

来年も一緒に祝わせて

言葉にするのは照れるけど

君の前だと素直になっちゃうよ

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

1つ灯りと思い出を増やそう

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代（とき）を生きている

イルミィ

今日は君と過ごせる記念日

本当に誕生日おめでとう！

生きてるだけで大成功だよ！

Forイルミィ

大人になることは怖いけど

ありのままの君でいればいい

自信持って胸張って

Going my way

イルミィさん

めでたいのは分かってるけれど

おめでとうより言いたいのは

生まれてきてくれて

ほんま！ありがとう！

言葉をこうして届けるため

きっと僕も生まれてきたんだね

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

1つ階段を昇って大人になる

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代（とき）を生きている

イルミィさん

今日はあなたが主役の1日

素敵な1日になりますように♪

これからも一緒にお祝いしようね！

イルミィ！

君がいつも照らしてくれる

明かりを今日灯すのはぼく

ロウソク吹き消す　君のため

イルミィちゃん

去年のいまの君が好き

今年のいまの君も好き

来年のいまの君は\もっと好きー！/

言葉だけじゃ伝えきれないから

もう少し君のそばで歌わせて

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

1つ灯りと思い出を増やそう

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代（とき）を生きている 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

1つ階段を昇って大人になる

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代（とき）を生きている 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

世界中で1人だけの宝物

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代（とき）を生きている

僕ら同じ時代（とき）を生きていく

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

ほんとうに、お誕生日、おめでとう！

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

君と同じ時代（とき）を生きている

僕ら同じ時代（とき）を生きていく

ENGLISH TRANSLATION - HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

Aoi!

I can't believe how quickly you turned 20!

You’re already 20!? Yet still only 20!!

I'm so excited to see what your future has in store

Aoi

Now that you've turned 20 you've become an adult

I’m sure there will be a lot of changes

But if ever you're struggling you can count on me like always

Aoi

Before I realised it we'd spent 6 years together

You dedicated your whole youth for us

You really are an amazing guy

No-one knows how much farther we can go

So let’s have fun together until the very end

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Let's add another light and make another memory

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

Aoi-kun

I thought you would become a fine adult

And grow taller than me too

So don't you dare stop at the same height!

Aoi-chan

I'm sorry for always treating you like a child

Like a family! That's us down to a T

No matter how much you grow up, that'll never change

Aoi-kun

You've overcome so many hurdles

I'm sure I've hurt you at times

But thank you for always staying with me

The days we’ve spent together as a family

Are just like treasure to us

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

You'll climb one more step and become an adult

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

Aoi-san

I’m so glad we've been together this long

And now I get to share this day with you

First of all let's grab a drink and make a toast

Aoi-kun

You've come to smile so much

And that makes me happier than anything

I might be an unreliable older brother

But I'm always on your side

Aoi-kun

I'm a little sad to see you so grown up

You're as cute as you are mischievous

Everyone's star and our little brother

That's right, our kid is the best!

You worked harder than anyone else

And we saw that closer than anyone too

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Let's add another light and make another memory

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

You'll climb one more step and become an adult

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Our only treasure in the world

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We're living through the same time as you

We'll live through the same time as you

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

Aoi-kun, congratulations on your 20th birthday!

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

We're living through the same time as you

We'll live through the same time as you

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

ROMAJI - HAPI HAPI BASUDE

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

 Aoi!

Aoi ga hatachi toka meccha hayai

Mou hatachi!? Mada hatachi!!

Mada mada kono saki ga tanoshimi

Aoi

Hatachi ni nattara mou otona dashi

Ironna kankyou ga kawaru kedo

Komatta toki kore made doori tayotte ne

Aoi

Kidzukeba roku nen mo issho da ne

Subete wo sasageta seishun jidai

Hontou ni omae wa sugoi yatsu da

Doko made ikeru ka wakannai kedo

Saigo made isshoni tanoshinde ikou ze

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu akari to omoide wo fuyasou

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Aoi kun

Boku yori shinchou ookiku natte

Otona ni naru ka to omotta no ni

Onnaji kurai de tomaru na yo

Aoi chan

Itsumo kodomo atsukai shite gomen

Like a family! Tsumari sou iu koto

Ikutsu ni nattemo kaemasen

Aoi kun

Ironna kabe wo norikoete kita

Tsurai omoi saseta koto mo atta

Sore demo isshoni ite kurete arigatou

Kazoku no you ni sugoshita hibi wa

Bokura ni totte takaramono da yo

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu kaidan wo nobotte otona ni naru

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Aoi san

Konna ni nagaku isshoni orete

Kyou wo mukaerarete honma ureshii

Mazu wa osake de kanpai shiyou ya

Aoi kun

Takusan waratte kureru you ni natte

Sore ga ureshikute ureshikute

Tayorinai niichan yakedo zutto mikata ya de

Aoi kun

Okkiku natte sukoshi samishii

Te wo yaita bun dake kawaii

Minna no star bokura no brother

Sou uchi no ko ga ichiban!

Dare yori mo ganbatteru sugata wo

Dare yori mo soba de mitekita yo

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu akari to omoide wo fuyasou

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hitotsu kaidan wo nobotte otona ni naru

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Sekai juu de hitori dake no takaramono

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Bokura onaji toki wo ikiteiku

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

Aoi kun, hatachi no tanjoubi, hontou ni omedetou!

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

Kimi to onaji toki wo ikiteiru

Bokura onaji toki wo ikiteiku

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

JAPANESE - ハピハピバスデ

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!

あおい！

あおいが２０歳とかめっちゃ早い

もう２０歳！？まだ２０歳！！

まだまだこの先が楽しみ

あおい

２０歳になったらもう大人だし

いろんな環境が変わるけど

困ったときこれまで通り頼ってね

あおい

気付けば６年も一緒だね

全てを捧げた青春時代

本当にお前はすごいやつだ

どこまで行けるか分かんないけど

最後まで一緒に楽しんでいこうぜ

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

1つ灯りと思い出を増やそう

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代(とき)を生きている

あおいくん

僕より身長大きくなって

大人になるかと思ったのに

同じくらいで止まるなよ

あおいちゃん

 いつも子供扱いしてごめん

Like a family!つまりそういうこと

いくつになっても変えません

あおいくん

いろんな壁を乗り越えてきた

辛い思いさせたこともあった

それでも一緒にいてくれてありがとう

家族のように過ごした日々は

僕らにとって宝物だよ

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

1つ階段を登って大人になる

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代(とき)を生きている

あおいさん

こんなに長く一緒におれて

今日を迎えられてほんまうれしい

まずはお酒で乾杯しようや

あおいくん

たくさん笑ってくれるようになって

それがうれしくてうれしくて

頼りない兄ちゃんやけどずっと味方やで

あおいくん

大っきくなって少し寂しい

手を焼いたぶんだけかわいい

みんなのstar ぼくらのbrother

そう　うちの子が一番！

誰よりも頑張ってる姿を

誰よりもそばで見てきたよ

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

ひとつ灯りと思い出を増やそう

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代(とき)を生きている 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

ひとつ階段を登って大人になる

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代(とき)を生きている 

Woh

Woh oh oh

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

世界中で一人だけの宝物

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

君と同じ時代(とき)を生きている

僕ら同じ時代(とき)を生きていく

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

あおいくん、二十歳の誕生日、本当におめでとう！

Woh oh oh

La la la la la…

君と同じ時代(とき)を生きている

僕ら同じ時代(とき)を生きていく

Likes and Dislikes

Favourite food: Sliced senmai (boiled tripe), vegetables in general, meat in general (especially meat sashimi), seafood in general (especially octopus and oysters), anything cherry blossom flavoured, anything yuzu flavoured, rice, miso soup, soba, udon, niboshi ramen, yakuzen herbal soup, grated yam, tofu, shiokara, sushi, sashimi, seaweed, mochi, rice flour dumplings, wheat gluten cakes, keihan rice, oyster soy sauce, slow-boiled eggs, Indian curry from Tokachi, ice cream (especially citrus, mint chocolate, watermelon and vanilla flavours), hard gums, mini Ramune candy, agar jelly, almond tofu pudding, oroblanco

Least favourite food: None.

Favourite drinks: Tea in general, kale smoothie, scented but not sweetened sparkling water, vegetable juice, tomato juice, soba water, miso soup, dashi, non-alcoholic beer, ginger ale, black coffee

Favourite alcoholic drinks: Campari-based cocktails (especially Spumoni), Violet Fizz

Favourite animals: Daring crabs, spotted garden eels, owls, sea urchins when they eat cabbage

My type: Someone with a big heart, who isn't rude and doesn't complain all the time. Decisive, speaks logically and is a fast worker

Favourite scents: Bergamot, yuzu, oroblanco, lemongrass, lemon and lime, eucalyptus, vanilla, incense, hinoki cypress, the smell of hot springs, medicinal water, struck matches

Favourite sports: Table tennis, endurance running, non-competitive swimming, walking

Favourite instruments: When I listen to bands, I tend to focus on the drums, bass and keyboard. If I go to see a symphonic orchestral concert or something, I tend to watch the percussionists. I myself can't play any instruments.

Hobbies: Gaming, listening to game soundtracks, table tennis, reading, darts, being enveloped in aromas, checking my daily electricity bill using a bill management app

Special skills: Ability to work as a librarian, can sing The Tortoise And The Hare starting from different positions, a little bit of competitive eating (can eat up to about 2kg)

Qualifications: Librarian, teacher's licence (for primary, middle and high schools), certified member of the Sports Boy Scouts (link in Japanese), Kanji Aptitude Test Level 2, driving licence (for manual cars)

Person I most respect: My mother

Favourite subjects: Japanese (especially modern Japanese), contemporary society, ethics, politics and economics

Favourite season: The shade in midsummer

Favourite phrases: 

80% Preparation 20% Performance (dandori hachibu)

The early bird gets the worm (sente hisshou)

Niche business (sukima sangyou)

Information, Communication, Discussion (houkoku renraku soudan)

Easier said than done (iu wa yasuku okonau wa katashi)

Haste makes waste (tanki wa sonki)

Drink if you want, but be swallowed up (sake wa nondemo nomareru na)

The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean (i no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu)

A picture is worth a thousand words (hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu)

Stress-free

Favourite Japanese poem:

'If I live long,

I may look back with yearning for these painful days -

The world that now seems harsh

May then appear sweet and good!'

By Fujiwara no Kiyosuke, translation by Peter McMillan

Favourite place to hang out: Inside a game

Favourite characters: Domo-kun (NHK), Moji-kun (Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan), Zushi Hokki (official mascot of Hokuto city in Hokkaido), Jack Frost (Megami Tensei series), Morgana (Persona 5)

Favourite anime: Eureka Seven

Favourite manga: Love Roma by Toyoda Minoru

I Wonder If I Can Make 100 Friends by Toyoda Minoru

Yoake no Toshokan by Nonou Tao

Other manga I like: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun, PAPUWA, Final Request, Yu☆Yu☆Hakusho, Revelations: Persona, Mind Assassin, Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei, Arakawa Under The Bridge, Fushigi Yuugi, Ranma 1/2, Psychometrer EIJI, The Kindaichi Case Files, Rakudai Ninja Rantarou, Soul Hunter etc.

Favourite game: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers

Other games I like: Shin Megami Tensei 1-4, Shin Megami Tensei 4 Final, Shin Megami Tensei if, Persona 1-5, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 1 and 2, DIGITAL DEVIL SAGA Avatar Tuner 1 and 2, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 1 and 2,  Little Magic, Jake Hunter: Let Time Pass By, LIVE A LIVE, Final Fantasy 5 and 8, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem, Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana, Schoolhouse Horror Story, Banshee's Last Cry, Jungle Wars 2, Ranma 1/2: Hidden Treasure of the Red Cat Gang, Renegade, The New Hot-Blooded Tough Guy: The Eulogy of Kunio and Co., Puyo Puyo, Puyo Puyo 2, Saga Frontier, Monster Farm, Monster Farm 2, KOF98, SAMURAI SPIRITS, vib-ribbon, Clock Tower 2, Clock Tower Ghost Head, Maria: Kimitachi Ga Umareta Wake, Double Cast, Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die, Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan, RPG Maker Series, etc. As for social network games, I like Kuroneko no Wiz Dx2 Shin Megami Tensei Revelation, and Ensemble Stars!

What I most want right now: Time

Do I smoke? Never. But I have nothing against those who do. I don't mind if someone smokes next to me.

Things I struggle with: Exercise, exercise, exercise, exercise, English, mental arithmetic, making other people cross.

What I like about myself: Large earlobes

What I don't like about myself: The fact that I easily neglect my work if I lose focus.

Do I like nurses? I like them if they're good at giving injections.

Favourite way of heating things up in a microwave: 2 minutes at 500W

Ideal way to spend a day off: Sleep like I've melted into the bed, do the cleaning and laundry when I wake up, play games like I'm bathing in them, sleep again.

Novels I’m glad to have read and why: There's a lot, so I'll just list what I can remember off the top of my head.

★ Criss Cross - Konton no Maou by Takahata Kyouichirou, published by MediaWorks. This was the very first book that made me interested in reading novels.

★ Natsu no Niwa - The Friends by Yumoto Kazumi, published by Shinchousha. When I felt down, I read this and my heart was cleansed.

★ Rirekisho by Nakamura Kou, published by Kawade Shobou Shinsha. Because it gave me courage.

★ Tsubasa wa Itsu Made Mo by Kawakami Ken'ichi, published by Shuueisha. I simply thought that it was a really good book, and reading it made me want to read more books like it in the future.

★ Tsumetai Kousha no Toki wa Tomaru by Tsujimura Mizuki, published by Kodansha. This was the book that reminded me that I wanted to keep reading novels forever.

NicoNicoDouga and Dance covers

When did you start using NicoNico? 2007, in the earliest days of the RC version.

What kind of videos do you watch on NicoNico? Anything.

Were you learning how to dance? I've never learnt how to dance.

Why did you start dancing? I wanted to take part in the first large-scale Cirno meeting. (T/N: An event where a whole bunch of people from NND get together to dance to Cirno's Perfect Math Class. Here's the 2009 version.)

What's the average production time for a single video? It varies.

What's been the most fun thing to dance to so far? Ren'ai Hunter

Which of your own dance videos are you most satisfied with? Domo-kun's dance to MERRY GO ROUND

Where you happy to be chosen in the Geiran videos (A series where a gay man ranked dancers on NND)? I was.

Which version is your current Domo-kun?

Hokkaido and Tokyo version: Tiramisu (Original version. Mainly stays at home. On active duty)

Osaka version: Chocolat (Retired)

Fukuoka version: Fondue (Retired)

Tokyo version: Belgium (Retired)

Tokyo version: Demel (Retired)

What kind of expressions do you make and what feelings do you have when dancing as Domo-kun or in the blue full bodysuit? None

What would happen to you if you drank a strange potion? I'd become aggressive.

Aren't you going to wear a wig anymore? I'd like to wear one again some time soon.

Other

Were you in any clubs during middle school? I was in the table tennis club for all 3 years. My high school club is a secret.

Do you have a girlfriend? It'd be annoying to have to update this page if I got a girlfriend or if we broke up so that's also a secret.

What are your dreams and goals? To make the people I love happy. I want to live in a way that I can look back when I die and think that I lived a good life.

What are your habits? Looking at the ingredients and nutrition facts labels on food. Looking at the ingredients labels on shampoo. Moving around unsteadily. Clicking my tongue without any thought behind it.

What are your typical phrases? Okay (ii yo), I see (naruhodo), Why?! (nande dayo), hahahaha, hah hah hah hah, HAHAHAHA

What are your main principles? To always live calmly, and to never miss an opportunity

Does your Roomba have a name? It's called Junpei.

When did you first meet Domo-kun? A friend gave me a Domo-kun plushie for my birthday and the rest is history.

What was it that drew you to Domo-kun? His loveliness.

Where did you get such a large number of plushies from? Some of them I bought, some of them I received. A few of them I got from a crane machine.

What do you want to do right now? Sleep.

What part time jobs have you done in your life? Waiter at a sushi restaurant, library work, private tutoring.

If you have a child in the future, what book would you absolutely want them to read? You Are Umasou by Miyanishi Tatsuya, published by Poplar

Do you have any rivals? No (because no-one will compete in the same ring as me).

What's your image of the ideal human? Someone who can do fundamental things reliably.

What's your motto? Stress-free

What's the reason for your name?

Nozaki → Named after Nozaki Megumi from the idol group CHECKICCO

Bento → My inspiration

 -------------

MeseMoa. have released their new single 'Crossing Threads'. The complete opposite of their previous release 'Heisei Paradigm Change', which brilliantly expressed the beginning of the new era, this single is a dark number about a complicated romance set to a serious melody. Their heartrending voices and beautiful harmonies make the finished piece worthy of a listen.

To commemorate the single's release, in addition to the 9 members we invited the songwriter halyosy, who has been working with them since their days as Musumen., and the YouTuber Bunkei, who directed the music video, to join us for an interview at Music Natalie. We of course heard about episodes from the song's production and highlights of the MV, but also about how they came to be a team and how it feels to work together.

Interviewer: Kawakura Yukiko

Photography: Soga Mime

The reason he began writing songs for MeseMoa.

 ·         First, could you tell us about how halyosy and MeseMoa. met?

 Nibansenji: Originally he was friends with Shirofuku, right?

 Shirofuku: Right. We were both active on NicoNicoDouga.

 halyosy: Shirofuku was uploading dance covers as an 'odorite' and I was uploading vocal covers as an 'utaite', but we often watched each other's videos. Actually, I wanted to see him dancing live, so I went to see him perform at an event in Akihabara long before Musumen. became a thing *laughs*

 All: What!?

 Aoi: You're just a fan!

 halyosy: Ahahahaha. After that we exchanged contact details, and then one day we went to karaoke together.

 Tomitake: How was it? Were you disappointed? *laughs*

 halyosy: Not at all. I was surprised when he shoved the table out of the way and suddenly started dancing in the karaoke booth though.

 Nichan: Heh!?

 Aoi: So Shirofuku can be that active…

 Nozakibento: And? What did you dance to?

 Shirofuku: I'm pretty sure it was by Perfume. After that we discussed about performing together at one point, and halyosy even composed a test song for it, right?

 halyosy: Yeah, I remember that.

 Shirofuku: Before Musumen. began, I was in a trio called perfumen, so he brought along an EDM type song influenced by Perfume. I was amazed by how high quality it was. In the end we never released that song, but when Musumen. was born I knew I wanted him to be the one to make our songs.

 ·         So that's how it all began.

 halyosy: I kept telling him that I wanted to make a song with him, so later on he came to me and said, "Actually, I'm thinking about forming a dance cover group," and asked if I would write an original song for them. That was the beginning.

 Aoi: And that turned into our 1st single 'War Cry ~What's Wrong with Pretending to be an Idol!~'

 halyosy: Right. But at first it was just meant to be a commemorative thing. We were kind of joking around *laughs*

 ·         But from then halyosy became something like MeseMoa.'s exclusive songwriter.

 Shirofuku: That's right. We're always so grateful to him!

 halyosy: And I to you.

 ·         When did the members other than Shirofuku first meet halyosy then?

 Kimagure Prince: I think the first time I properly spoke to him was the recording for 'War Cry ~What's Wrong with Pretending to be an Idol!~' He was really famous on NicoNicoDouga, so of course I knew a bit about him already.

 Nozakibento: I was really nervous that first time.

 halyosy: Really??

 Nozakibento: Yes, because you were such an amazing person……

 Tomitake: 'were'?

 Nozakibento: Of course you still are now! *laughs*

 The new songs are a challenge from halyosy

 ·         Now that you've been working together for over 6 years, what is halyosy to MeseMoa.?

Tomitake: Ummm, a very close friend?

 Aoi: A papa?

 Kimagure Prince: A slightly older brother?

 Aoi: Eh, only 'slightly'……?

 halyosy: I always get teased like this *laughs*

 Tomitake: He takes it like a champion though. No matter how much we tease him, he accepts it without an issue.

 halyosy: Wahahahaha

 ·         What do you think about the appeal of halyosy's songs? Maybe there are parts that draw out your own abilities, or songs that resonate with you?

 Kimagure Prince: I get that a lot.

 Tomitake: halyosy's songs often include our own feelings or obstacles we're facing at the time in the lyrics, so we can always sense ourselves in the songs. There's quite a deep meaning.

 Nokkuso:  He also decides carefully who gets which part in the song. Like, he'll get someone to sing certain lyrics because it suits them as a person, or something.

 Shirofuku: In regards to overall quality, halyosy is really particular. I'm sure other songwriters can be fussy too, but he puts so much care into the most minor sounds or lyrics. That's why whenever we get to hear the demo songs, they're immediately recognisable as halyosy's songs.

 Tomitake: halyosy songs are very characteristic.

 halyosy: I'm glad to hear it. By the way, I'm always surprised to see which sounds the choreographers choose to pick up on. That's why I can't even be careless when it comes to the fine details.

 Tomitake: Like how sometimes they don't focus on the main sound, but the rhythm in the background?

 halyosy: Exactly that. I often watch the dance and think, 'Wow, they really chose to use that bit?'. Another difference between writing for MeseMoa. and for other artists is that when I'm reaching the final stages of production, I get sent a video of the members performing the choreography so I can check that there's no gap between the music and the video.

 MeseMoa.: Really?!

 halyosy: Say for example there's a part where the formation suddenly spreads out wide, then I know that the music for that section is important, so I can brush it up for the final piece. The production of the song progresses at the same time as the production of the performance.

 Nichan: I feel kind of overwhelmed. I didn't realise you went quite that far with the details for us.

 Tomitake: Also, every single song is really good! Each one is easily superior to the last.

 Nichan: What I personally think is characteristic of halyosy's songs is his frequent repetition of phrases. The songs are catchy and linger in your mind.

 Forgeru: I also sense from the songs that he's trying to get us to challenge new things. It's always exciting to receive a new song, and it really feels like we're taking a step forward.

 Kimagure Prince: It's like we're being tested, but in a good way.

 halyosy: I'm so happy to hear that. I don't often get the opportunity to hear their impressions on the songs in person like this.

 ·         Do you also feel like you're setting challenges for MeseMoa.?

 halyosy: I am. Every time I see them live, their skills have improved again and it makes me consider what I could try and work with for the next song. For a recent example, when I saw them singing, dancing and acting for a musical, the songs had really beautiful harmonies. I was surprised to hear a chorus that made such good use of their 9 voices, so I decided to create that effect myself, and that turned into songs like Aurora Kyokugidan and Pacific Tenboudai.

 Crossing Threads was born from wanting to make something dark

 ·         What side of MeseMoa.'s charm are you hoping to demonstrate through Crossing Threads?

 Nibansenji: This song especially was made because of how well halyosy understands us all. For example, because my voice is quite low and husky, he gave me parts that make best use of that. The dialogue at the beginning also came about because Oshoi (halyosy's nickname) said he wanted to hear a certain side to my voice.

 Tomitake: My parts were also really easy to sing. He made them all in the most comfortable register for me.

 halyosy: That's the 'I need them…' part, isn't it? I got them all to sing in their preferred register and then combined them to make harmonies.

 Forgeru: Because he's known us for so long, he has a perfect understanding of the breadth of our voices.

 Nozakibento: And also what makes each person unique

 Kimagure Prince: This is kind of a different story, but he often takes notes of the random things that we say during recording sessions. Even when it's a really pointless conversation, he stops us so he can write it down.

 ·         Do you use those kind of things in the lyrics?

 halyosy: I've done that, yes.

 Kimagure Prince: Also he does this kind of research by asking us about recent relationships within the group.

 Forgeru: Often I hear, 'Who have you been close with recently?' or 'Which member are you hanging out with the most?' *laughs*

 Tomitake: He's also thinking about the wishes of the fans *laughs*

 ·         What were your impressions of the new song?

 Nibanseji: To be honest, my first thought was that this was another difficult song. But also that if we could properly express what Oshoi had made for us, then we could show yet another new side to ourselves. Because of those thoughts I was able to work hard on this song.

 Tomitake: For me it was more like, 'Finally!!'

 Nibansenji: The first time I heard it I knew you'd love it.

 Tomitake: It's exactly my taste. I love it so much that I listened to the demo version over and over. I feel like our recent singles can be split into either really bright and cute songs, or really dark and miserable songs. I personally prefer the darker songs, so for me this was like the moment I'd been waiting for.

 ·         halyosy, where did the original concept for Crossing Threads come from?

 halyosy: (to Bunkei) It's finally your turn! Please go ahead.

 Bunkei: Then I'll tell you my side. I first got involved in the creation of MeseMoa.'s songs around the time of Muddy Water (released in August 2017). First a meeting is held with me, halyosy, and MeseMoa.'s producer. That's when the producer will announce what kind of thing they want to try next, but sometimes those ideas are concrete and sometimes they're just based on a general theme. This time they said they wanted to make something dark.

 Aoi: That's vague! *laughs*

 Bunkei: To start with we worked off the basis of a dark theme, and from there we discussed what kind of music we wanted to use, or what we wanted to express in the music video. Then a few months later halyosy returned with that 100 point-worthy song. It's amazing how he always makes something worth full marks.

 halyosy: This time we particularly wanted to emphasise the visualisation of the single, so I just did my best to make the most fitting BGM.

 The variety of MV interpretations is also enjoyed by the members

·         Could you tell us some secret episodes from the production of the music video?

Bunkei: Because halyosy always produces 100-point-worthy songs, I'm desperate to respond in kind. Since he played a lot with the music again, I felt like I had to figure out something similar for the MV…… But there just wasn't enough time to produce the video that Crossing Threads deserves. The lyrics are so deep that I honestly wanted to pack the video with as much as possible, so much so that a 2 hour movie would probably have been more suitable.

 halyosy: I'd love to see that.

 Tomitake: If halyosy's songs are involved then I'd love to watch a movie that just uses music as its motif. I think it could stand alone as its own work.

 Kimagure Prince: I'd like to try that one day. Back to this MV though, I think this is the darkest content we've included so far. It's been a while since we made something where we don't smile even once, and even when we weren’t filming everyone appeared kind of serious.

 Bunkei: There wasn't even anyone messing around really, was there?

 Tomitake: Even those of us who usually joke around were repressing ourselves *laughs*

 Bunkei: Perhaps the general mood of the song was also helped by the atmosphere of the location.

 Nozakibento: But for the dance scenes and the parts where we're moving around, everyone balanced it out. Personally I really like the interlude where Aoi, Pun-chan and Forgeru are dancing as a trio. Their dance styles usually differ, but this time they were beautifully in sync, so I really hope people can see it soon. It makes me want to shout Bravo!

 All: *laughter*

 ·         The main part of the MV sees Nibansenji in the central role. The drama scene where he clashes violently with Aoi left a huge impression.

 Aoi: I shouted so much during the filming of that. I wasn't actually supposed to, but I just naturally did it without realising.

 Nibansenji: His shouting shocked me so much that I found myself drawing back.

 Bunkei: That was kind of overwhelming *laughs*

 Nibansenji: The acting scenes this time were all really difficult. I felt like all the people involved in creating the song, the music video and the dance had slightly different interpretations. If I include my own thoughts, then there's 4 different interpretations to work with, so while acting I was worrying about which one I ought to rely on most. I'm sure there's no right answer, and Oshoi himself said that he likes it when multiple different perceptions come together, so in my mind I was just telling myself to do what I thought was best……but that was still difficult.

 ·         Does halyosy purposefully not tell you his interpretation of the song?

 halyosy: That's right. No matter which song, I never tell 100% of my interpretation. That applies to Bunkei as well. I'd like him to express the story so that it can be interpreted in many ways, so I deliberately try not to reveal the basis of my thoughts. There's also the sense that I'm writing the lyrics as the first step in the creative process, then comes Bunkei's video as the second step, and the enjoyment of the fans becomes the third step……I like the way it spreads.

 Tomitake: Have you seen the comments section on YouTube? The discussion around various theories is amazing. Lots of people are making connections with some of our previous songs and creating their own stories out of it. If I have even a little bit of spare time I like reading those theories *laughs*

 Bunkei: Ahahahaha. It's interesting to see how various songs are connected according to the fans. Like halyosy, I also hope that people will be able to watch the video and interpret it in their own way. Perhaps they're naturally connected simply because halyosy, the members and I are involved in each of them, and perhaps also because in the music videos so far I've often chosen the roles based on each member's character.

 Nibansenji: If each person who watches it can have fun by creating their own stories……then I'm fine with that.

 Tomitake: It's also fun for us to read about too! Sometimes people come up with incredibly interesting stories, so once I started reading I can't get to sleep!

 Bunkei: Some of the stories are so good that it makes me a little jealous *laughs*

 I'm definitely going to make the very best video for them!

 ·         Having all these people gathered together for an interview is a really valuable moment, so finally we'd like to ask MeseMoa.'s creative support halyosy and Bunkei for a message to the members.

 halyosy: The combination of my music and Bunkei's videos is of course designed to draw out MeseMoa.'s current abilities, but also contains the hope of getting more people to find out about them. I do feel a sense of pride that we're the ones who can draw out those different sides to the members, but don't you agree that the most important thing is to help people find them through the song and the MV? That's the starting point necessary to get people to come to their live performances. I'm constantly thinking about what kind of things we can attempt, so I hope people are looking forward to the next time. I hope I can level up my songs at the same pace as everyone's improvement in singing ability.

 Bunkei: I was originally uploading dance covers on NicoNicoDouga in the same world as the members, so to think that we would meet again and form this kind of relationship…you just never know what'll happen in life, but I'm really glad about it. I'm confident that I can understand everyone the best as a director, so I always think that I'm definitely going to make the very best video for them. Each time halyosy produces a different type of song, and each time the members tackle it and take themselves up a level, so rather than supporting them it feels more like I'm growing alongside them. Let's all get halyosy to nurture us together!

 MeseMoa.: Woo!! *applause*

 Kimagure Prince: (to halyosy) What do you think?

 halyosy: Leave it to me!!

 All: *laughs*

 halyosy: I say that, but I also want to keep everyone together until I've finally finished with all the ideas that I have in my mind.

 Kimagure Prince: I'm so happy right now, because I can really sense how much the two of them care about MeseMoa. We too must do our best so we can respond to those feelings.

 We're like major artists now

 ·         What are your thoughts on MeseMoa.'s future plans and enthusiasm?

 Shirofuku: Having completed our previous hall tour (T/N: You can read the report of the Pacifico Yokohama concert here in Japanese), I feel like we demonstrated our growth very quickly with this new single. This is mostly in reference to the dance and the vocal harmonies, but in this single we attempted some of the things that we'd challenged on the tour as well. First of all I would like people to really enjoy Crossing Threads, and after that our live house tour TIME TRAVEL.6 will begin in November. We're playing smaller venues that basically knock off an entire 0 from the capacity of Pacifico Yokohama, but I think that playfulness or spirit in general is very MeseMoa. so I'm happy with it. I hope this will be a tour where we can do the things we want to and continue to level up.

 Kimagure Prince: Because it's a live house tour, I'm looking forward to performing at a much closer distance to the audience. The tour's title is TIME TRAVEL.6, so we intend to perform songs that are so rare and nostalgic that they might seem like an illusion to some fans. I'd really like people to come and have fun with us.

 Nichan: On a personal note, I think we were able to sell out Pacifico Yokohama, our largest capacity venue so far, because of everybody's cooperation, so I'd like to visit various places in the country to say thank you.

 Kimagure Prince: There's also our plans for next year……

 halyosy and Bunkei: Wait, what?

 Kimagure Prince: I can't say anything publicly yet, so can I whisper it to you? *whispering*

 halyosy and Bunkei: Eh?!

 ·         I suppose that means the readers will have to guess based off those reactions.

 Kimagure Prince: That's right *laughs* Sorry.

 Aoi: We ourselves thought, 'Damn, we're like major artists now.' *laughs*

 Kimagure Prince: But also, we're going to have to work hard for this. We're gonna get fired up.

 Forgeru: Let's roll up our sleeves again and get cracking.

Woo!!!!!!!

 ※This ranking fluctuates a lot.

  3rd place!!!!!

  DA-DUN!!!!!!!

Flower Wind!!!

  This is just such a good song…

Also, when we perform this one live, the fans all feel the joy of the song and look so happy too…

 People also say to me I'm lucky to be the centre for such a good song.

At first I struggled being in the centre (even now I'm not great at it), but the song was so good and I knew that people would enjoy it so I did the best I could～

  Look how serious I can be!!!!!!!!

  2nd place!!!

Mushamusho Thank You!!!!!

  This one is also such a good song…

It's part of our album Thanks! and is kind of like the main song for our 47 prefecture tour I guess? (That's just my opinion though

 I love the bit where we sing

 ♪I'~m ho~me no~w

 And the crowd replies

 \♪We~lco~me ba~ck ♪/

  Also this bit:

 "Thank you for our creation with you!

I gathered 47 loads of love

And came to see you because I missed you

Ah Ah Ah Ah

Thank you for this dream situation!

The view I can see right now

Wouldn't have been possible if just one of you weren't here"

(T/N: This song hasn’t been translated yet, so I might come back and change this in the future)

What a great song this is……

 I know that the happiness I get from meeting fans isn't something to take for granted, but I'm also so glad that we can go to meet people as well as get them to come and meet us.

 Nokkun…loves you guys…really…

Next is the Grand 1st Place!!!!!!!

  DA-DUN!!!!!

Chakuriku! Gestumen ZENBU!!!!!!!!!

This is Zecchan's graduation song

 But I think this will be my favourite song for all my life.

  "The whole history we made!

All of it – together with you!"

(T/N: Lyrics translation by sunflower obtained here)

Everyone has different interpretations about who the 'you' is referring to, but for me I think it's Zecchan.

 Ahh, halyosy is so unfair…

  We also got lots of people to take part in the music video, so the people chatting in the background and the chorus? and the random characters? are all staff members who'd been involved with Musumen., which is another thing I really like about it……

 For me it's a song that combines feelings of love, fun and sadness together!!

 To be honest I don't watch our music videos that much, but I come back to watch this one regularly!!

  I said everything I needed to, but it ended up longer than I expected…

 Well, it's the commemorative 100th edition so I guess it's okay!

 It was really fun to think about which are my 3 favourite songs, so please give it a try too!

 See you!

I'm the type who doesn't have many friends so I was particularly interested.

People who have like 400 or 1000 friends are really amazing huh (monotone)

Both having few friends and having lots of friends seem pointless yet I'm still a bit envious.

What actually is a friend?

Don't worry, I'm not getting all depressive or anything, I just want to think about it casually for a moment.

Looking back, even when I was in primary school I would get sick with nerves when the time came to change classes for the next year.

I was fixated on the idea that I'd end up alone if I didn't make friends.

I think everyone has felt like that though.

As soon as I thought I'd finally made a friend, I'd become closed off to anyone else.

To put it short, I guess I was looking for stability.

Human relationships are a real bother.

I think that they cause the majority of stress, not just for myself but for everyone.

But I can't survive just avoiding human contact.

There are times when I get lonely on my own, but there are also times when I just want to be by myself.

Sometimes I think I'm kind of like a cat.

Nya~

Our activities as Musumen. will always be as a group.

It's not the case that everything will be fine as long as I myself am okay.

As someone who likes to work alone it really makes me think.

I used to wish that people who didn't have the motivation could just be dragged to the back and weeded out, and I didn't expect very much of others,

But the same can't be said when it comes to a group.

If each member does not grow in their own way, the group's strength will not improve.

I think those who are strict with both themselves and others are really admirable.

Even when I look at those who aren't strict but can get people to gather around them, I can see their appeal.

For me, being an idol is a profession where your character is on show, so I genuinely want to become the type of person who draws in others not just on stage, but in day-to-day activities too.

However, as a self-confessed socially awkward person, I don't actually know how to make friends with people LMAO

I'm trying to remember how I've survived so far haha

But the truth is that even I have a few friends who I want to meet up with and talk to sometimes.

It's so difficult to answer the question of what a friend actually is.

Even now I keep writing, erasing and rewriting my sentences…

 I think this will probably trouble me for my whole life haha

Just as evil organisations want to conquer the planet, so idols aim to be loved by everyone in the world.

However, there's no way that you can truly be loved by everyone. Somewhere in the world there will always be someone who doesn't like you.

Idols also sing love songs, even though we're bound by the iron rules of the Love Ban.

We're well aware of that, yet we still sing about love and wish to be loved by people everywhere.

But I think these contradictions and difficulties are what make an idol grow.

It's an extreme example, but in my mind 'Living connected to others' and 'Living by oneself' are always contradicting each other and frustrating me.

That's exactly why I'll probably be thinking about the importance of being grateful to others and being strict with myself for my whole life.

As usual I've lost track of what I wanted to say haha

The title of this blog 'Hey My Friend' is one of my favourite songs by Tommy heavenly6.

It's also the ending theme for the movie 'Kamikaze Girls'.

 'Hello my self

I’ve got a future that I seem to be guided towards

But if there’s a road I can step off onto nearby…

Hey, my friend

Let me know when you realize'

 (T/N: Lyrics translation by kimonobeat obtained here)

It's a good song.

By the way, I draw that picture of a cat but when Tomitan saw it he said, "Hey, what's this pig for?"

He seemed so happy!

At one point he started crying while he was talking and it made me remember so many things that I almost started crying too lol

Shirofuku, thank you for always working so hard for us!

Just a ‘Thank You’ isn’t enough to express what I feel though

There are so many things that we couldn’t do without you

You’re the one who keeps us members going

We will always be here for you,

as will the fans

so you don’t need to be afraid of anything!

Let’s keep doing our best together so that we can perform at Budokan

The last song you sang today left a great impression  🐰🥂

I decided I’ll follow you forever  😁

English Translation - Crossing Threads

If I had answered you with my heart on my sleeve

Would you have loved me?

If I had played the part with all my actions perfect

Would you have loved me?

The hanging thread can only be grasped alone*

What's going on between you two?

“What indeed?”

You’ve been hard to get along with from the beginning

Slinging an overly friendly arm around someone's shoulders 

Laughing and chatting naively

You keep your face too close

But you don’t even realise you're giving the wrong impression

It’s the sin of the fraudster

Soon enough you're the favourite

Drawing in the threads of these feelings

Putting up my defences

This isn't a trap, it's a screen

An off-limits dummy

And yet and yet and yet and yet 

(and yet and yet and yet)

And yet and yet and yet and yet 

(and yet and yet and yet)

I picked up on this impossible feeling

Don't touch me with the fingers you loved another with

Embrace me, defile me more than anyone else

These crossing threads are so entangled 

That I can't move, and yet

Don't laugh when you don't know anything

Don't cry so happily like that

The more I wish for it, the less likely it'll come true

I know that already, and yet

I need them

I need them

Oh shit, jealousy, here's the inside story

Oh shit, jealousy, keep it covered up

Oh shit, jealousy, this is a disgrace**

What's going on between you two?

“What indeed?”

The best seat in the house is hidden away

A jewel that nobody else will find

And yet the triangle starts to unravel

When you're you’re together you play the goody-two-shoes

Who's the one that slipped through the mesh

Pulling the strings in the shadows?

Unravelling a taut thread

We're two of a kind after all

There's no sign of a way out

The iron bars are slightly ajar

And yet and yet and yet and yet 

(and yet and yet and yet)

And yet and yet and yet and yet 

(and yet and yet and yet)

I pursued this impossible ending

Don't look at me with the eyes you admired another with

Don't take your eyes off me, dissolve me more than anyone else

I'm cut off by these crossing threads 

And my visibility's at zero, and yet

Don't leave me if your feelings are true

Get away from me if you can't see a future for us

The more I struggle, the more you're out of my reach

I know that already and yet

I need them

I need them

Oh shit, jealousy, everything's inside out

Oh shit, jealousy, keep myself busy

Oh shit, jealousy, this is unbearable

But you wouldn't understand what that's like

“Wouldn't I?”

If I had answered you with my heart on my sleeve

Would you have loved me?

If I had played the part with all of my actions perfect

Would you have loved me?

I believed in you, and yet

I forgave you, and yet

I don't care if you hurt me, and yet

The hanging thread can only be grasped alone

And yet, and yet

Don't touch me

Embrace me

Don't cry

Don't laugh

Don't leave me

Get away from me

Don't look at me

Don't take your eyes off me

I need them

I need them

Oh shit, jealousy, here's the inside story

Oh shit, jealousy, keep it covered up

Oh shit, jealousy, this is a disgrace

So you’re the one who’s to blame here

“Right”

*This line is a reference to the Japanese story ‘The Spider’s Thread’

**In the original Japanese, these lines all originally end with the syllable ‘shi’, and are made into ‘shitto’ meaning ‘jealousy’. It’s almost impossible to replicate this wordplay in English, but if you’re a genius who can think of something then please let me know

Romaji - Magyaku no Ito

Isshi matowanu kokoro de

Kotaetara aishitekureta?

Isshi midarenu shigusa de

Enjitara aishitekureta?

Tarasareta ito wo tsukameru no wa hitorikiri

Naa anta aitsu no nan nano sa

Saa?

Saisho kara ikesukanai yatsu datta

Narenareshiku kata wo kumi

Mujaki ni yoku warai shaberi

Nanka kao ga chikai shi 

Kanchigai sasechau jikaku sae nashi

Hitottarashi no tsumitsukuri

Kidzukeba ano ko no okini iri

Kanjou no ito wo taguri

Yobousen wo harimakuri

Kore wa sou wana janakute ami

Tachiiri kinshi no damii

Nanoni noni noni noni 

(noni noni noni)

Nanoni noni noni noni 

(noni noni noni)

Arienai kimochi ni 

Kidzuiteshimatta no

Sawaranaide ano ko wo aishita yubi de

Dakishimete ano ko yori mo yogoshite

Magyaku no ito wa karamu hodo 

Miugoki torenai no ni

Warawanaide nannimo shiranai kuse ni

Nakanaide sonna shiawasesou ni

Negaeba negau hodo kanawanai 

Sonna koto shitteru no ni

I need them

I need them

Oh shitto shitto urabanashitto

Oh shitto shitto hitakakushitto

Oh shitto shitto hajisarashitto

Naa anta aitsu no nan nano sa

Saa?

Sukoshi okumatta tokutouseki

Dare ni mo mitsukaranai houseki datta noni 

Hodokeru sankakkei

Ano ko no mae ja yuutousei

Ami no me wo kaikugutte

Kage de ito wo hiku no wa dare

Kinchou no ito wo hogushi

Douse nita mono doushi

Ikkou ni mienai deguchi

Hirakikake no tetsugoushi

Nanoni noni noni noni 

(noni noni noni)

Nanoni noni noni noni 

(noni noni noni)

Arienai ketsumatsu wo

Tadotteshimatta no

Mitsumenaide ano ko wo medeta hitomi de

Sorasanaide ano ko yori mo tokashite

Magyaku no ito ni saegirare

Shikai wa zero na no ni

Ikanaide sono kimochi ga honmono nara

Tachisatte mirai ga mienai nara

Mogakeba mogaku hodo toozakaru

Sonna koto shitteru no ni

I need them

I need them

Oh shitto shitto uragaeshitto

Oh shitto shitto himatsubushitto

Oh shitto shitto taegatashitto

Naa anta nya wakaranee daro na

Naa?

Isshimatowanu kokoro de

Kotaetara aishitekureta

Isshimidarenu shigusa de

Enjitara aishitekureta

Shinjita no ni

Yurushita no ni

Kizu tsuketemo ii no ni 

Tarasareta ito wo

Tsukameru no wa hitorikiri nanoni 

Nanoni

Sawaranaide

Dakishimete

Nakanaide

Warawanaide

Ikanaide

Tachisatte

Mitsumenaide

Sorasanaide

I need them

I need them

Oh shitto shitto urabanashitto

Oh shitto shitto hitakakushitto

Oh shitto shitto hajisarashitto

Naa anta ga waruin dakara na

Aa

Japanese - 真逆の糸

一糸纏わぬ心で

応えたら愛してくれた？

一糸乱れぬ仕草で

演じたら愛してくれた？

垂らされた糸を掴めるのは一人きり

なあ　あんたあいつのなんなのさ

「さぁ？」

最初からいけ好かない奴だった

馴れ馴れしく肩を組み

無邪気によく笑い喋り

なんか顔が近いし

勘違いさせちゃう自覚さえなし

人ったらしの罪作り

気づけばあの子のお気に入り

感情の糸をたぐり

予防線を張りまくり

これはそう罠じゃなくて網

立ち入り禁止のダミー

なのに　のに　のに　のに　

（のに　のに　のに　）

なのに　のに　のに　のに　

（のに　のに　のに　）

あり得ない気持ちに

気づいてしまったの

触らないで　あの子を愛した指で

抱きしめて　あの子よりも汚して

真逆の糸は絡むほど　

身動き取れないのに

笑わないで　何にも知らないくせに

泣かないで　そんな幸せそうに

願えば願うほど叶わない

そんなこと知ってるのに

I need them

I need them

 Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 裏話嫉妬

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 真隠嫉妬

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 恥晒嫉妬

 なあ　あんたあいつのなんなのさ

「さぁ？」

少し奥まった特等席

誰にも見つからない宝だったのに

解ける三角形

あの子の前じゃ優等生

網の目を掻い潜って

陰で糸を引くのは誰

緊張の糸をほぐし

どうせ似た者同士

一向に見えない出口

開きかけの鉄格子

なのに　のに　のに　のに　

（のに　のに　のに　）

なのに　のに　のに　のに　

（のに　のに　のに　）

 あり得ない結末を

辿ってしまったの

見つめないで　あの子を愛でた瞳で

逸らさないで　あの子よりも溶かして

真逆の糸に遮られ　

視界は零なのに

行かないで　その気持ちが本物なら

立ち去って、未来が見えないなら

踠けば踠くほど遠ざかる

そんなこと知ってるのに

I need them

I need them

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 裏返嫉妬

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 暇潰嫉妬

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 堪難嫉妬

 なあ　あんたにゃ分からねえだろな

「なぁ？」

一糸纏わぬ心で

応えたら愛してくれた？

 一糸乱れぬ仕草で

演じたら愛してくれた？

信じたのに

許したのに

傷つけてもいいのに

垂らされた糸を

掴めるのは一人きりなのに　

なのに

触らないで

抱きしめて

泣かないで

笑わないで

行かないで

立ち去って

見つめないで

逸らさないで

I need them

I need them

 Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 裏話嫉妬

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 真隠嫉妬

Oh 嫉妬 嫉妬 恥晒嫉妬

 なぁ　あんたが悪いんだからな