Merry Christmas forum people! My gift to you!
MM x Tsunku 2
Takahashi Ai
For growth, everything is “fuel.”
Seeing, listening, and wanting to know anything and everything. She cannot help but have fun absorbing everything. Right now, Takahashi Ai is just full of curiosity!
Although, the girl on stage has become more and more reliable recently, this curiosity is related. The music that she loves, movies, theater, and books… everything is “fuel’ for growth. But the one thing that the girl wants to see and know the most is probably is how she will steadily change in the future.
Birth date: 1986/9/14
Blood type: A
Birthplace: Fukui Prefecture
Debut Song: “Mr. Moonlight –Ai no Big Band-“ (2001.10.31)
Stage Debut: Himeji Central Park (2001.10.21)
Iida’s graduation just passed.
Today was the recording of “Hello! Morning;” it will circulate after Iida’s graduation. So, from now, since it is the graduation live, while each person commented, we all cried. And I resolved not to cry. I still did.
Your feelings just came flowing out?
Yeah. Until the recording, my true feelings didn’t come out at all, but at the end, when I saw Iida crying…
When 5th generation joined, Iida said something like, “I may have scared the new members.”
Even though we are the same members, an older member is an older member. Especially, Iida because she is the leader and the oldest. Therefore, in the beginning, there was a bit of distance… Now, when I talk with Iida, I never got anything, while listening. But, recently, we talk about music and movies. We finally come to talk about lots of normal things. But then she graduates…
What kind of message did you get from Iida today?
The last thing she said was something like, “I understand leaving your home area and I understand being separated from your parents and feeling lonely, so I didn’t want to get mad. But it was a situation I had to get mad at you.” When I heard that, I couldn’t endure it anymore. The tears came flowing.
Iida said it with her parental feelings.
Yes. In the beginning, I didn’t know anything, so I thought, “scary.” I also thought of why I had to get scolded. But, looking now, if I didn’t get scolded like that, I know that I wouldn’t be who I am now. I’m thankful for that.
This will be your 4th year [in Morning Musume]. Do you feel that you have matured?
I think I have changed, even a little, when I’m glad that I have got it together. Therefore, next time, I want to have the same feelings that Iida has and I want to become a person who can tell the members after me various things. Today, I promised that with Iida.
From now on, you will be one of the older members.
When Ishikawa graduates in the spring, I will the 3rd person from the top (laughs). By age, Miki is older, but since she is 6th generation, I’ll be the older member.
Ah, is that so?
Will it be ok? Me, that is.
Please hold it together (laughs).
Yes, I’ll do my best!
The 3rd, huh. Lots of things have happened. You have experienced graduations a lot, huh.
Whenever a person graduates, of course, I have feelings of “sadness.” More than before, I think I have been able to look forward more. From now on, I have come to want to see me of doing solo activities. And, as I see that, I want to do my best. I also want to see how we will change too.
For example, the solo parts that the older members sang during lives, you want to inherit it, but that comes with a great responsibility.
That’s true. When Abe graduated, I received quite a bit of Abe’s parts. That was my chance and my feeling of responsibility increased greatly.
Were you able to grow at that point too?
Yes. Recently, at Morning Musume lives, I sang Abe’s parts in “Memory Seishun no Hikari.” At that time, I felt again, “This is really great,” and I thought, “Ah, Abe has always sung this song.” When I listen and sing the song, it is completely different, but it is to be expected. And it just happens that I bought the “Memory” CD.
Before you joined Morning Musume?
Yes. I thought it was a good song. Therefore, right now, it’s amazing that I’m singing the song and I have great responsibility to sing it well. No matter how much I like Abe’s singing, I don’t want to say, “It was better before.” When it is said, “It’s a good difference,” or “I can hear a different song,” etc, I tried my best up to that point.
It’s a different difficulty than when you get a solo part of a new song, huh?
It’s different. With a song that has a history, it becomes the target to compare with the old one.
Are you prepared for the good and bad for both versions?
Of course. It’s natural that there will be people who think that Abe’s version is better. But, among those people, there maybe people saying, “But, this version is also good.” I’ll gamble on that side (laughs).
Maybe those who think the previous version is better will turn their heads.
Yes, that’s what I think. Like, “How was it?!” But, that might be too cool [stylish]. Usually, I’m not that cool at all. I become cool on stage, huh. It’s probably because it’s something I like to do. I like to dance and sing, so the live is always the only place that is cool.
But that might be the real you?
Maybe?
The Takahashi on stage is quite strong.
Ahaha. Maybe.
When you dance, your expression also changes.
Ah, that’s often said. But, I don’t really know. But, well, that might be my cool face (laughs).
Since you joined, which part of you, you think that changed the most?
The part of me during lives, maybe. I think, in the end, the best place to grow during work is on stage. I did lives in the middle of my first year. I think I changed a lot during that time. For example, before, I just thought of not making any mistakes and having to catch up. But, in the middle of doing lives all the time, the way I think changed. Not making a mistake is important, but more important than that is I have to convey. For the expression of the world, I think I have come to understand that just trying my best is not enough.
It is not the things you learn that comes to you perfectly, but you still haven’t been able to perfect it?
Yes, that’s true. Before, if I messed up anything, it will immediately show on my face. But, recently, it seems it doesn’t come out. Even though I make a mistake, I think it is good to show it. I’ve come to notice that it is more fun at lives that way.
If that’s the case, then that might be the reason we can see your strength.
Maybe. But, really, even if I make a mistake, it maybe good that it’s done without hesitation (laughs).
When you first come on stage, I get the impression of a feeble girl, but…
Hahaha. When I first come on stage, my attitude is too weak. I still have the sense of “ballet” within me.
You started learning ballet since you were little, huh.
The other day, I saw a video of Mako-chan when she first started. And I thought her frank attitude was good.
Do you think you have to have an attitude?
Not necessarily so. When doing ballet like behavior, in the end, it is not cool. Isn’t it cooler to crumble your behavior a little bit? Well, it is not cool if you start stooping.
Do you feel like a bit of a rock?
Maybe. Before, I might have held on the feeling of “I did ballet,” a little too long.
I’m sure that the feeling of the beat is completely different.
Yes. When I was learning ballet, I never heard of a 16 beat. Really (laughs).
During these 4 years, you sure have remembered a lot of things.
I was still my 3rd year of middle school, so I knew way too little. But, in a blink of an eye, 4 years have passed. I still remember my audition as if it happened just recently. The boarding house, the front of the boarding house, the pictures that have been drawn, but I didn’t draw any (laughs). Anyways, the speed the day passes by is fast. 24 hours just doesn’t seem enough.
When running around, in a blink of an eye, 1 year has passed.
When thinking of taking things importantly, time passes by too quickly. So, now I have come to think of valuing my own time more preciously. Until then, I thought, “It’s ok even if I don’t have time for myself?” So 1 to 2 years passed of time that I didn’t have to myself.
Right now, how do you value [treasure] it?
The little things. When I go into the bath, the time from bath to when I sleep, and etc. At that time, even if I’m not doing anything special, I’ve come to feel, “Ah, time like this is good.”
That is not Morning Musume Takahashi Ai, but just Takahashi Ai?
Yes, normal time (laughs). Without thinking and suddenly noticing, the “Ah, its already this time?” ; that time passes.
What do you do to pass the time?
Nothing too important. Usually, while grumbling to my mother, it becomes sleeping time (laughs). But, recently, I thought of learning English. Therefore, when I choose a movie, I can watch it again on DVD, but it is difficult. I can’t keep up.
Even when you are busy, that’s great.
First, while watching with Japanese subtitles, I listen to the English. Then I watch it with English subtitles. But, when watching with English subtitles, I only try to catch the spelling, and in the middle, I go, “Ah, what’s the meaning?” and don’t understand. Recently, I feel like I understand more than before, but I can’t keep up speaking yet.
Always with the same movie?
Yes. That’s why I look for a movie I won’t get tired of. Right now, it’s “Coyote Ugly.”
Wow, cool. Fits the image perfectly. If this is said to be, “A romance day off,” it’s still surprising (laughs).
Is that so?! Not too long ago, I was thinking of taking English classes. I want to learn everyday conversational English than English taught in school. I think I’m more attached to watching movies.
Other than movies, you can also learn from music.
That’s true. You can also dance in “Coyote Ugly.” Moreover, right now, I want to be able to sing like Leann Rhymes, whose song is in the movie. Yeah, right now, I think I want to learn songs more than conversation. I listen to a lot of Western music. If I don’t look at the lyrics, I don’t understand. Therefore, I want to get to the level where while listening to the song, I can go, “Ah, so that’s meaning of the lyrics.” I want to understand English to that extent.
You seem to get absorbed into things…
It might be a good thing.
Do you like studying?
More like I like seeing all kinds of things. Not only just Japan, I want to try to see things all over the world. Each country has their culture and traditions, right? Someday, it’ll be good if I can go around and see lots of things. But, first, I have to study Japanese culture.
So when a foreigner asks, “What is kabuki?” you won’t be in trouble when explaining (laughs).
Right. But, if somebody asks me about Takarazuka [an all female musical troupe], I have confidence in explaining.
Right now, do you think you not satisfied with yourself?
Maybe. I always think, “I can still do better.” I think that kind of thinking is negative. And then, last year, during the musical, I sought advice from the people who were co-starring. They said, “That is positive thinking.”
On the “not good enough yet” thinking?
Yes. The “I’m not recognizing myself, up to now,” is something I’ve been moving forward to. I completely understood. When I worry, I need proof that I’m moving forward. I felt quite relieved. That’s why, right now, I’m able to talk about it.
It was quite a big change?
It was big. I’m really glad I sought advice.
What you thought was negative turns out to be positive, just like when you think your blood type is A, but it turns out it is B.
Yes, yes (laughs). When I think I can’t, the me, right now, thinks I can do better; it’s a big reversal. Therefore, I will continue to think that way from now on.
Do you have fun as you gradually build a new self/
Ah, I might have that happen.
Right now, do you have some new interest that came to you during work?
In terms of trying something fun, I want to try drama or theater. I still don’t have self-confidence and to be able to say “I can do it!” yet. Recently, from the bottom of my heart, I thought, “Ah, this is fun.” I’m bad at remembering monologues and it takes time for me to remember. Therefore, I’m pretty sure I’ll be bad at dramas and theater, but I think it is really fun, so perhaps I can become good at it. I’ve come to feel that way. And so, I go watch a lot of theater shows.
To study?
Not only for that reason. Nevertheless, when I watch it, I think, “If it is me, I want to do this.” “Ah, I want to stand there.” Recently, I feel like on my days off, I go watch.
But, from when you debuted, you experienced theater in “Morning Town.”
But, at that time, it wasn’t good at all. I still didn’t have self-confidence [self-conscious]. I was already composed with my back facing the guests. That’s so long ago. At that time, I mailed Tsunku for advice saying, “I going to mess up my monologue.”
He replied, “Don’t worry about it, and do your best on the play,” huh.
Yes, yes. That’s memorable. I was really like a kid. Asking advice for that.
Well, last year was a big turning point year then.
Yeah. Last year, I turned 18. It was one year full of things. There were times where it was painful, but thanks to that, my way of thinking has changed. I’m glad I got over that.
Were there a lot of painful times?
Yes, but, of course, there were lots of fun times too. The painful things… were quite painful! When thinking like that, I become negative again (laughs). There are things I couldn’t do and I get depressed, but it was a good experience. Members, staff, and the people around me, all encouraged me. No matter how hard it was, it’s a blessing that I was in a good environment.
Right now, are you glad you are in Morning Musume?
I really do. I’ve been with the members longer than with my family, so we can understand each other very well. Therefore, recently, in the opposite, when I have long holiday, I miss them.
You want to meet them again, huh.
So, even on our days off, we all mail each other (laughs). That happens a lot. Therefore, it feels like family.
Being together that long, I would think you guys don’t want to see each other’s faces (laughs).
That’s what I think. But, not at all. Even in private [off time], we are together more than friends at school. Even during work, we promise to go together. Especially, with the same generation, we are the closest family.
Has it gotten so painful that you want to stop being in Morning Musume?
Hehehe, yeah. Honestly, it was right after I joined. I really got homesick. First, transferring schools was tough.
What time was the most painful last year?
At that time, I didn’t have any feelings of wanting to quit. Moreover, the musical was a big thing. The experience then really saved me. In the musical I received a major role. There was a great pressure, but at the same time, feelings of me wanting to do this came out. There was also a responsibility to convey the message that was in the story. Therefore, there wasn’t this pain of wanting to stop. It was wanting to be able to play the role.
When you are pressured, do you get pumped up?
Hmm, I wonder. I’m pretty sure that the more pressure there is, the more I want to do it, I think. In the beginning, I thought, “I can’t do this,” but in some time, my feelings change and I become fired up. When I think, “Ah, I’ll be ok,” I change to, “Ok, I can do this!”
You turned 18 now, are you feeling more mature?
Yes. But, long ago, I thought the 18 year old me would be more mature.
When you joined, did you think you would still be in Morning Musume even when you turned 18?
I didn’t have time to think about it. I didn’t even think about tomorrow (laughs).
What will 20 year old Takahashi be?
Hmm, I wonder. From how I think now, I want to it to change then.
But, you don’t want the curiosity that you have now to change?
That would be nice. When I have time, I want to be absorbed in things. Even now, even a little, I want to be in to a lot of things. It’s because I don’t want to feel like I’m not doing anything. I always want to do something. That’s why going to bed is wasteful.
You sure are greedy (laughs).
Ahaha. I know there are more important things then sleeping, it’s the time of growth. But, even though I have to go to sleep, I look at my watch saying, “Just a little more,” when I watch movies.
Life goes by fast?
Death might come quickly (laughs). But, that kind of time is not even bitter. It’s not that I don’t have a sense that I have to study. I think it’s more like a vitamin for growth.
When you turn 20, you might have graduated from Morning Musume.
I don’t know, I haven’t thought of that far yet.
What time do you think you will be graduating?
I don’t know anything about that. But, I want it to be a time where I think I can graduate. Doing the things you want to do; to graduate because you want to, it’s something like that. Umm, I really don’t know.
Well, then, there are two questions from the community. First, what kind of person do you think Tsunku is?
A great person. Even during recordings and lives, when I see Tsunku’s thinking and decisions, I always think, “That’s good.”
Up to now, have you sought various advice from him?
We mail each other quite a bit. Recently, I asked him for advice for the Hello! Project live that we are doing now. At that time, what Tsunku told me is Morning Musume sings other people’s songs and other people sing Morning Musume songs; for this reason we are great… something like that. Therefore, he says it’s ok to try harder and study music. Please sing the songs more carefully. Yeah, I really agree.
He somehow knows what you are thinking?
At the Hello Pro live, I sang Akai Nikkihchou. Just before the live, my solo part increased rapidly. Actually, it was really fast. Because of that, I think my expression, honestly, was feeling “composed.” I think that’s what Tsunku wanted to say.
The pain stabbed you.
Without getting the lyrics all mixed up, my head was filled to the fullest. So, I sang each line carefully, and I felt that my feelings didn’t get out of hand. But, I sensed what Tsunku said changed me. But, I’m still not there.
Something like, you can do more.
Yes. But, sometimes I try too hard, “go too far,” and I get mad (laughs). In “The Manpower!!!” they say I did way too much. It’s like, it’s fake, and even though I want to stop, I can’t.
Ahaha.
Isn’t my back small [proverb: I can’t remember what the meaning is, maybe she’s being literal..]? That’s why I want to show it’s big. Maybe that’s why I over do it (laughs).
Maybe, recently, we can see the big back.
Ah, I’m happy. But it is still small, because of Mini Moni (laughs).
Well, then, the last question. What kind of person is Morning Musume Takahashi Ai? Last time you answered “my pace.”
The “my pace” hasn’t changed. I still barely rush forward.
But, you know you are positive. More than before, you became the type to go forward continuously.
Right. It seems like I grew. But, up to now, my worries still haven’t run out yet. When I go home, I remember and worry about that stuff that happened that day.
But, you don’t show that on your face?
I plan not to show it to myself, but it seems [bare bare]. They often ask, “Ah, what happened?” (laughs).
My pace and…
Stubborn. Ehehe, it can’t be helped, but I’m stubborn. I’m stubborn, but I can be indecisive. If I’m set on one path, I only go that way, but even if a little doesn’t go right in the middle, I go, “Ah, what should I do? What should I do?”
Somehow, this peculiar characteristic runs through the 5th generation.
Really? But, I’m usually like this. Really like this.
But, it’s normal for people to think they are normal.
Unn, it might be a little [zure]. When it’s good not to be impatient, you are impatient. That might be a little weird. It’s like to praising a point, but you don’t praise it.
In other words? Something in work?
Yes. For example, after a live, when somebody said, “That was good,” I reply, “No, it still not good enough.”
Stubborn.
No, more than stubborn, when I’m praised, I definitely think, “Really, why?” I’m not obedient (laughs).
It might be that you think if you acknowledge that, you will stop growing.
Yes, I think so. I’m happy that I’m praised, really happy. I want to be praised. But, I still don’t want to acknowledge it. If I acknowledge it, I think that’s the end.
The next time you want to be praised more.
Yes, undoubtedly.
(2005.01.26)
Morning Musume My Best Song “Do it! Now”
More than “something like me,” the moment I heard the intro, inspiration hit, and I thought, “I love this song!” Until then, comparatively, when energetic songs continued, this mature, cool song was shocking. After this PV was shot, I knew Goto was graduating, so I thought, “This is the last song,” and wanted to sing it seriously. Up to now, it’s a reviving song where I remember things of that time.
Just a reminder, if you guys want to use these translations anywhere else but here, please, please, please ask me first. That's all I ask. 
Topic: Hello! Pro TRANSLATION & LYRICS (Read 203838 times)