[t/n: Some translation (mixed parts) from the National Tour book Vol 3, specifically on the Kanagawa performance]
Team 4 in Kanagawa & Takashima Yurina’s last concert.
Behind the scenes and various emotions.
The Kanagawa performance turns out to be the final performance for Team 4. It was the triumphal return for Iwatate Saho, Omori Miyu, Kobayashi Marina, and Murayama Yuiri but because Takashima Yurina announced her graduation in 2014, it also turned out to be the final stage that all of the Team 4 members were present for. Due to that, everyone behind the scenes have been flooded with mixed emotions even prior to the performance.
When Minegishi told Takashima about the provision of an MC corner that is created for her, Takashima said "I'm gonna cry~. I'm happy that I received an MC spot but I'm really sorry that I'm going to cut everyone else's time."
Even then she was modest. Looking at her, the members shouted
"You're too humble~"
"Don't worry about it"
Even Minegishi said "You're the star of the national tour”
The national tour allows people to get to know the charm of the members who are not usually in the limelight at Dome performances or television appearances. Such is it's significance. This is mentioned by each team captain. Those words said my Minegishi is by no means meant to worry the soon-to-graduate Takashima, but rather, it must have been her true feelings towards all the members.
After the enjin, vice-captain Kizaki Yuria’s voice could be heard "We went to various places during the national tour. We ate together, laughed together, and talked together.. I feel that we are becoming a team that's well accustomed to one another. Even from the start of the tour at Wakayama, Miichan as captain and I as the vice-captain thought of the set list together. We are making today's final stage into a one where fans have never seen before. Since we have also included the song that Yurina wanted to sing, please look forward to the main part.”
That speech made the reporters think that not only does the management likes surprises, but the members and fans like it as well. Through continuously giving surprises, it keeps everyone intrigued.
The teary mood from the enjin took a complete turn after the curtain was raised as the members danced full strength to the song 'Heavy Rotation'. Perhaps it was also because it's their final leg of the tour that the audience is by far the most heated.
They performed songs such as 'Christmas ga Ippai' and plenty others in the setlist. Also, triumphal return (of members from Kanagawa) performed 'Namida no Shounan'. And then, for the 24th song, they unveiled 'Otona e no michi' towards Takashima who will be graduating. In the middle of the song, Minegishi pulled Takashima to the stage center and suddenly a huge 'Yurina' call broke out from the audience.
The members delivered a message for Takashima one-by-one. Takashima couldn't stop crying from the first person.
"Even though I won't be around anymore but this makes me feel that I'll always be part of the team. Thank you very much for going to such an extent for me."
Still engulfed in tears, the curtain closed down on the main part of the final day.
After the performance we got to hear Takashima's impressions:
"Even before the curtain opened, Miichan shouted to me 'Yuurin, thank you!'. So I was crying even from the first song.
I really didn't know about 'Otona e no michi'. I heard that we were actually supposed to do an MC, but who would have thought that they instead planned it to be this amazing performance.... Even when Miichan pulled me to the center of the stage it didn't hit me, until I see her returning to the corner then it made me think 'oh it was this kind of surprise' lol.
Everyone cried for me and although I was sad, I felt happy as well. It will be lonely but they gave me a boost and made me think that I'll have to work hard after graduation! Position-wise I'm hardly the one in front so it makes me really happy that there's people who comes to my handshake events or supports me. To the fans, thank you very much for being able to find me!"
Right until the end Takashima was cared for by both members and fans. She may have been an outstanding existence to AKB48.
Takashima Yurina who is loved by the members received a flower bouquet on top of the lovely surprise. The memories will last forever for the fans who attended the Kanagawa performance.
jbbartram-illu
areudirty
snowghoul
stormborns
blakekathryn
andulkaphoto
ellievsbear
vaporwave
