Translated by Fenrir
MM x Tsunku 2
Niigaki Risa
Morning Musume is still like a dream while living it in reality.
The moment the dream came true, it became “reality.” Occasionally, reality is harsher than the dream. But, Niigaki Risa is very lucky. While her dream came true, reality is much more fun. Everyday, she goes and creates feelings of happiness with everybody in Morning Musume; showing more brilliance than anybody. Challenged to open a hole in the wall, the younger members do their best, as they are uneasy of the wonderful “continuing dream.” Even though the times have change, she continues the mission of protecting the unchanging “pride of Morning Musume.”
Birthday: 1988.10.20
Blood Type: B
Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture
Debut Song: Mr. Moonlight – Ai no Big Band- (2001.10.31)
Stage Debut: Himeji Central Park (2001.10.21)
Yuki Nohji: It’s been two and half years since the previous book “MM x Tsunku.”
Niigaki Risa: It feels so long ago. It was just around the time of “Do it! Now,” so it wasn’t that far back…right? I wonder if I have changed. At that time, I was still middle school 2nd year student.
You’ve become an adult. Speaking of that, at the last Hello Pro live, when I saw you singing the Mini Moni song, I mistaken you, thinking “I wonder if that person is part of the kids?” (laughs).
Ahaha. The kids are rapidly growing up too. Right now, because of my height, I get mistaken for other people in Hello! Project.
It’s been three and half years since you joined Morning Musume. What point about you that has changed the most?
When I joined, I have never really danced or sung. It felt like I started from the very, very beginning. Up until then I’ve only copied what Morning Musume did when I watched them on T.V. But now, I’ve grown accustomed to being able to sing and dance normally. When the younger members joined and if they asked a question, I think I’m able to answer their questions. Before, because I was the youngest, I always had the spoiled thinking of if there’s something I don’t understand they will tell me. But, now, I’ve come to think of I have to hold it together more than before.
When the 6th generation joined, was it big?
Let’s see. When I heard about them joining, I was surprised. My feeling of being the youngest was still strong, so I couldn’t believe that I can’t be a younger member.
Were you also worried?
I had the feeling of, “Did they join already?” It might have been a little too early.
When the 6th generation members joined, did the group changed?
I think it has changed.
Did you remember the time when you first joined?
In the beginning I did. When they joined, the 6th generation was just settling and when I saw their restless worried figures, I thought they were the same as us. And when we were worrying the same way, the generation that told us various things casually was the 4th generation. Therefore, for 6th generation also, I think the closest group for them to ask questions easily to would be us. We talked amongst ourselves that we had to teach them. But, the difference between us and the 6th generation was that at first we couldn’t even greet each other…
What happened to the 5th generation?
Completely opposite, we thought we had to greet everybody. No matter who, we greeted them happily and energetically. In the company, everybody, even if it was a random encounter, even to the post office person, we say “Good morning!” in a loud voice and surprise them that they said, “Eh?” (laughs). Afterwards, we all got together and talked about whether greeting everybody was needed. Therefore, when I couldn’t properly meet with the 6th generation, I thought “Huh?” when I saw them. But, now, we’ve properly met each other.
The 5th generation has become the generation in the middle.
That’s right. I suddenly realize that above 5th generation there are only Yaguchi, Yoshizawa, and Ishikawa, so it’s a big shock. I still really don’t have the feeling that I’m an “older member.” Iida is graduating in about 2 weeks, but I still have the feeling that we will still always be together. And after, I think Ishikawa’s graduation will just come in a blink of an eye, but right now, it still like, “Is she really going to graduate?” However, until the day that Iida and Ishikawa graduate, there still are lots of good Morning Musume points to teach. I feel that I have to be able to teach the 6th generation kids and when the 7th generation join.
In two and half years, 5 people graduated. In spring, Ishikawa will graduate too, so from now, the younger members will seem to increase.
It’s like in a flash there are lots of people graduating. When it was decided that Non and Aibon were graduating, I thought, “No way!” We’re only 1 year apart and with the 5th generation, I felt that the 6 of us were like always together at school. They taught us a lot of things, and when we are depressed, they make us laugh. They were so close that I couldn’t believe that suddenly they were going to graduate. The two of them that are so bright, energetic, and create the Morning Musume atmosphere are graduating together, so at first, when I heard it I was like “That’s a joke, right?”
The time when you were still watching as a fan, the heart of the members, Tsuji, Aibon, Goto, all left, so have the atmosphere of Morning Musume changed?
It has. But, even if those two leave, Morning Musume will still be Morning Musume. Goto, Yasuda, Abe, W, Iiida; they each taught various things that I won’t forget and I don’t want to break the Morning Musume that the older members have created. In order to be able to become “New Morning Musume,” I also need to grow.
Do you have any thoughts of taking over?
With all my feelings, I really do. But, I don’t know if I will be able to do it… To say something “Morning Musume-like” is like even if the person graduates, I feel that their thoughts and feelings are still there.
How do you go about conveying something “Morning Musume-like?”
I wonder. For example, this time, when we heard about Iida’s graduation, there was worry about the member who was there from the beginning leaving. But, the things that Yaguttsan and Yoshizawa were taught until now… The choreography that we didn’t know, they would teach us saying, “It’s more like this feeling, but doing it this way will change it,” and “Singing this song with feelings this way will have meaning.” And the things we have learned, we will need to teach the younger members. I feel by doing it like that, we will be able to convey ourselves.
For example, does Tsunku say, “Be sure to take over the “Morning Musume-likeness?””
No, not at all.
Then it’s spontaneous?
It’s more like it’s something we should tell them. Of course, if the member isn’t here, then they won’t understand the “feeling” part. You learn the dance from the teacher, but that is just copying the form.
At first, you were probably the member that was the most “Morning Musume fan.”
Yeah, probably.
From that standpoint, when you watched from the outside and when you watched when you joined, did you tell the difference in the “Morning Musume-likeness?”
When I saw it from the outside, it was a really sparkling image. Everybody was dancing and singing energetically and it was bright, so just by watching, I would become energetic. Therefore, I would check all the shows that Morning Musume appeared on. If I couldn’t see it, I would record the show. Not just the songs, but also variety shows, shows that have talks, lives… I love everything. That’s why I entered the auditions with the feeling of “I definitely want to join!” If I joined, of course it’s not just having fun, singing, dancing, and being vibrant (laughs). In order to create that kind of Morning Musume, in the shadows, everybody puts in a lot of effort and practice countless of times. When I see that, I think, “Ah, with that much effort, when it is seen on T.V. it shines that much.”
If you were still in the position of a “fan” right now, what would you think of the Morning Musume right now?
I think I’ll be thinking it’s steadily changing. New members are coming in. But, even with that, it’s still has that Morning Musume likeness, so I think that’s one of the interesting points. It’s steadily changing, but it’s always becoming like “if this member is not here, then they can’t do it” Morning Musume. But that is mysterious. It’s like only that member can do it. Even in “The Manpower!!!” it’s a world if it isn’t this many people then we can’t do it.
Even if you were to continue on as a normal high school student, would you still be a Morning Musume fan now?
Yes. I love them. I would sing “The Manpower!!!” at karaoke. I would still collect the cards and be told, “You are already a high school student” (laughs).
You seem to collect a lot of cards.
Yes. When I go to the convenience stores I go buy them and it’s fun collecting them. Even now, if I see a store selling them, I would think, “Maybe I should buy it.”
Even if you don’t buy them, you still have it.
Yeah, that’s right (laughs). But it’s not because I can get those. It’s good that stores have them. I think its good to go look for them and buy them while thinking, “Ah!”
A model of a true fan.
Actually, when I joined, I bought them countless of times. When I find them in convenience stores, I’m happy.
A real mania (laughs).
Ufufu, I really love it.
When a member is going to graduate, do you guys still talk?
With each person, yes. Around the time when Yasuda graduated, all the 5th generation members sighed and were sad. Not only with Yasuda’s graduation, but with each person, we were worried about different things. And then on her graduation day, Yasuda said, “Come here,” and all of us gathered around. She told us, “Today, I’m graduating, but if you ever have any troubles, mail or call me.” When I didn’t understand, I would go ask the older members, so no matter what, if the new members don’t understand, I want them to ask me for advice. That would make me very happy. Yasuda doesn’t usually say it, but in the shadows, she’s always a person who looks after us.
So she secretly looks after you guys.
When we are really troubled, she would ask, “Are you ok?” and there’s a lot of something like, “Eh? I didn’t say anything, so how did you know?” Iida is also like that too. Not only for work, but she will say, “If anything happens, it’s ok to call me,” and when you are worrying alone, mail me…
At first, were you afraid of Iida?
Yes. Also, we were bad. No matter how many times they said the same thing, we couldn’t do it. It happened a lot at first; but in dances, even if we knew it in our heads, our bodies wouldn’t move. But, at that time, they didn’t get mad at us, and probably it’s still like this even now. Therefore, I’m really grateful.
At that time, what was your impression of what Iida said to you?
She didn’t just scold us, but also gave lots of advice. For example, when in a dance lesson, she would say, “Even if they say to take a break, if you practice, you will become even better.” And then, during break the next day, during that time, you can review the parts you couldn’t do. Before coming, everybody practices ahead of time. With everybody doing something like that, in the end we really did improve. If you didn’t mention it, I wouldn’t have noticed. Probably, if you say to take a break, you would think you have to rest.
Compared with studying at school, what part of learning in Morning Musume is the most different?
For Morning Musume, unlike school, it is not dull. Even the members who joined at the same time, there are people who shoots ahead with just practice. Therefore, it’s not like studying for school, “I’ve done it up to now, it’s good enough.”
The competition is also tough, but it might just make Morning Musume members, who get along well, help each other out.
It really does. Since it’s 12 girls that are gathered together, I think it’s really great that we all get along well.
There is also the power of unity.
Yes. Probably, each of us hold the thought of “being one group.” Even alone, it’s like, “I can do it” and if you only think of yourself, I think it’ll become all over the place. Even in dance, even if the choreography is complete, it should be an impression of being “scattered.” But in Morning Musume, I can do it, I would teach the person who can’t do it and when checking the choreography, I would say something like, “It will be ok if this feeling fit here.”
Why are you able to do it? Usually, if you can do it and your rival cannot, don’t you think, “That’s what you get!”?
Ahaha, I guess so. But I don’t know why it becomes like that. Since I joined, it’s already been like that feeling. In the end, when I see the older members teaching us, I think that this kind of relationships is good, so I also want to give the same kind of feeling to the younger members.
From the beginning, you always felt that kind of atmosphere as “nice?”
Yes. There are times that it is peaceful and there are times where we talk about the dance very seriously. I think that kind of feeling is very cool. With everybody serious, we show the cool Morning Musume feelings that come with it.
Incidentally, what do the 3 younger 6th generation members call you?
Kame calls me “Gaki-san;” another is “Niigaki-san.”
You have reached a position that you are called “Niigaki-san.”
Ahahaha. I don’t think they are type of people who finds that kind of talk “painful.” When the 5th generation members joined, when the older members spoke to us, our hearts would beat fast, but 6th generation is different from us in that they will talk. I’m happy about that because it makes it easier for me to talk to them.
They don’t call you “Omame-chan” and such?
They don’t call me anything like that (laughs). If they did, I might get nervous instead. When Abe said that it’s ok to call her Nacchi, I replied, “That’s impossible.” But, only once did I call her “Nacchi,” she was really happy, and I was happy. We all adored the older members as “a person on T.V.,” but that feeling really exist within ourselves. So ever since when we watched them on T.V., we felt that, but actually, even though we met them, that didn’t change at all. Probably, I think that part is also “Morning Musume like.” Everybody feels like “a normal person.” I think that is ok.
It seems that the human relationship on how you call your older members have changed.
It has. In the beginning I also called Yaguttsan “Yaguchi-san.” After that, Yaguttsan said, “It’s hard saying Marippe, so it’s ok to call me Yaguttsan.” But, at first, in a small voice and timidly, we called her. Now, I call her “Yaguttsan,” normally and I think if humans adore somebody, they will adore them (laughs). I also called Non-chan and Aibon “Tsuji-san” and “Kago-san” at first. But, ever since they said that it’s ok to call them “Non-chan” and “Aibon,” I feel that we steadily got along better.
What is your most painful thing since you joined Morning Musume?
I wonder. I don’t think I have a lot. The most painful thing is when you are doing a live and forget to have fun. And there are more times where it is emotionally moving and fun than painful.
For example, even when you can’t do the dance and are disappointed, if you can remember correctly for the live it’s ok?
Yes. But, since joining Morning Musume, I haven’t thought of anything that painful. Probably. Everyday is fun. Up to now, I haven’t thought of not liking to do the work.
Really?
Yup, not at all. But, I have moments where it’s a little tiring. I really have never thought of not doing this at all.
But you have felt that a little bit?
That’s often said (laughs). It’s really fun. The feelings are completely different from going to school and going to work. Occasionally, I think of, “Ah, I don’t want to go to school today,” but I joined Morning Musume, whom I love myself, so right now, I’m continuing to do something I like. Isn’t it like a dream coming true? Even now, I think, “This isn’t a dream, right (laughs)?”
But it is said that just as a dream come true, it ends. To join Morning Musume is granting a dream and continuing the dream is happiness.
Yes. Even though everybody’s dream of wanting to join Morning Musume comes true, not the entire dream comes true. Actually, I think each person has her own dream. Even though everybody all sings together and dance together, I think each person of “I want to be like this” is different.
What is your dream?
I have a lot. If the kids that are the same age as me when I wanted to join Morning Musume saw us now and want to join, I’ll be happy. If I am able to have a lot of people say, “I become energetic when I see Morning Musume,” that is good.
Is “energetic” a keyword for Morning Musume forever?
I think so. Energetic and power. When I saw Morning Musume on T.V., power really showed. And then, when something good didn’t happen, I’m able to think , “I’ll do my best the next day.” I want to power up more without falling.
Soon it will be the generation of when kids say, “I saw Niigaki, so I want to join Morning Musume.”
I’m happy that you say something like that. When I was an elementary student, I definitely wanted to join Morning Musume when I grew up.
But someday you will graduate, right?
Yeah. But I still want to be in Morning Musume. Someday, even by myself, I want to be able to do it.
And that is until when?
Many years after… I really don’t know. Right now I still want to be able to train in Morning Musume. I want to create something even more “Morning Musume-like” with everybody.
I have the best image of you being a person who wants to stay in Morning Musume forever, but…
I love Morning Musume, so, of course, I love being in Morning Musume. But, even when it comes to a time where I can do it by myself, there might be kids who love Morning Musume more than me (laughs). Then, I think I will want to hand over my dream to that girl.
When you graduate, what do you think will prompt it?
I wonder? Before, I thought it was just the age order, but when Non-chan and Aibon graduated, it had nothing to do with age. Therefore, I don’t know who will graduate first among the 5th generation members.
And, before you know it, you will be 29 (laughs).
Well, that won’t happen (laughs). I’m still 16. But, since joining Morning Musume, time has gone by fast and it won’t be strange when I turn 20. One year of Morning Musume is really like a blink of eye. Everyday passes by really fast. When going through school normally, one day was really long and felt like, “It’s still not over?” But, when in Morning Musume, one day doesn’t feel as long as one day, I think. These past three and half years were like a blink of an eye.
Will 3 years from now be like a blink of an eye?
I think so. Then, suddenly, I’ll be 19. Oh, my (laughs).
What will you be at 19 years old?
I hope that I won’t change. But, probably, members below me will join, so I’ll probably be teaching them various things with self-confidence. It would be good if it is that. I wonder what kind of members will join; I look forward to it.
As a Morning Musume maniac?
Yes (laughs).
Well then, two questions from the community. First, for you, what kind of person is Tsunku?
Tsunku is a person who changed my destiny.
A person who made your dream came true?
Yes. Since the day I was chosen, my life has drastically changed. Up until then, I was a normal student and I go to school, come home, and watch programs that had Morning Musume, etc; something like that. And then I was able to join the group that I adored. With a meaning like that, if Tsunku wasn’t here, I would have had a completely different life.
Have you received any advice, recently?
He is always mailing me all kinds of things, but after the last Hello! Project live, he wrote something like, “You have a great smile while singing. When I see that smile, I’m deeply moved,” and I was really happy. He really saw me.
Is your smile the point that you want noticed?
Yes. I’m always smiling during a concert. Your not suppose to smile when singing, but, basically, I smile all the time. It’s fun. If he saw that, I would be happy. But, since there are so many members, I’m surprised that he is able to really see each of us. Tsunku is really a person who has love.
Well then, one more question. What kind of person is Morning Musume’s Niigaki Risa? Before, you answered impatient though.
Yeah, that hasn’t changed. Last time, Iida said, “Please use a watch.” It’s said that if one looks at his/her watch it’ll fix impatience. That’s because you will be properly reading the time. I wonder if that’s true. Certainly, when we gather together before a concert, we come quickly saying “U-n”, and that might fix the bad habit, but for me, before the person finishes talking, I reply back… I also have that kind of impatience, so even using a watch might not fix it.
How about if you had a stopwatch?
Ahahaha. Dividing seconds is impatience. In the beginning, I was impatient in feeling the rhythm (laughs). But, recently, I’ve finally come to fix that. Therefore, I’m really an impatient person. Also, I’m a noisy person.
Because you are energetic?
Yup. I’m often told, “You’re loud!” when I get too excited. My tension increases when I talk and I have fun by myself.
Do you feel that life is fun and noisy?
Yes. Everyday is really fun. Therefore, last time, when I had 6 days off, I thought it was too much.
You want to work more than taking breaks?
Yes.
You might be a work-a-holic.
But, it doesn’t feel like “work.” On the other hand, I rather be working than not working and be doing nothing. I want to be moving. Therefore, in the middle of those 6 days off, I felt, “I’ve rested long enough!”
You really love work.
Therefore at the end of a break, when I think of starting work the next day, I’m happy. If I haven’t seen a member for awhile, my tension becomes really high (laughs).
Happiness, right?
Yes, great happiness. That’s because everyday I do things that I like to do!
(2005.1.18 )
Morning Musume My Best Song “The Manpower!!!”
It’s just like Morning Musume power.
The songs I like are slowly increasing. Speaking of which, the songs I like are increasing as it each new song comes out. Therefore, it’s really difficult to decide on one song. Recently, I really like “Shabondama,” but now, it’s “The Manpower!!!” The song and dance is really fun. You can’t do the song by yourself and everybody creates the power… In other words, it’s a song where a great amount of Morning Musume power comes out.