So many interview translations recently
This time with Cap'n Umechan:
Thanks to
http://yukirena88.tumblr.com/post/39918603293/umeda-captain-x-ponkotsu-paruru-interview-translation for the translation
From Bubka 2013 February edition (published 2012 December) Shimazaki Haruka X Umeda Ayaka Interview
Paruru’s Astonishing Actions
-It’s hard to imagine how this interview will turn out, so I’m looking forward to it. Thank you in advance. This is the second time you’ll be on our magazine, Ume chan.
Umeda Ayaka (abbreviated as U below): That’s right. Previously, it was a conversation with (Miyazawa) Sae chan.
Shimazaki Haruka (abbreviated as P below): This is the first time for me.
-It seems like you read it in the dressing room just now, so what do you think about “Bubka”?
P: I read it just now. There’s a lot of AKB in it. In fact, most of the articles are about the 48 groups, isn’t it?
-That’s because we love the 48 groups (laugh).
P: Really? Thank you for your continuing support.
-I went to the theater performances as a fan, and from there I was given the privilege to cover [the 48 franchise].
U: I see! Most magazines write about us in a general sense, but “Bubka” writes from the point of view of fans
-That’s because I am a fan (laugh).
U: I would go “So this is how fans feel about us”.
-Does that mean Ume chan reads “Bubka” frequently?
U: Yes I read it (a lot).
-Has Paruru read it before?
U: He asked if you’ve read “Bubka” before.
P: I just read it now.
-And your opinion?
P: I said there are a lot of articles about the 48 groups.
-I asked another time expecting a more detailed opinion but that’s all, huh? (laugh) You might be featured again, you know?
U: Really? I’m looking forward to that.
-Anyways, this pairing is fresh, isn’t it?
U: I thought so too. I was surprised.
-Umeda Team B has started from November, so I wanted to hear from the captain and the next generation ace. What kind of person is Paruru from Ume chan’s point of view?
U: My impression of her is changing every day. We didn’t crossed paths much when she was in Team 4. Since she was called “Ponkotsu [klutz]”, I thought that’s how she is, but she showed more and more emotions each time at [dance] lessons. I saw that first hand and thought “So that’s how she is!”. During the performance, she’s right beside me when changing costumes backstage, and she often watches DVD videos until the last minutes.
P: Eh, I don’t do that!
U: You do, you watch DVDs often, don’t you?
P: Do I?
U: She often watches DVDs on the go too.
-What DVD is that?
P: The dance choreography DVDs.
-I see. So you’re studying.
U: Also, when she misses something, she would say “I could have done better” to herself. So I thought “So that’s how she is.”
-So you’re saying she shows her feelings a lot more than you thought.
U: She does not only show her feelings but she also puts them into words. My impression of her changes so much every day.
-In all that, were there any klutzy episodes?
U: Let me think… She ate lots of pudding during the break just now, didn’t she? That was astonishing (laugh).
-Just so that our readers get the picture, we bought 3 cups of pudding and Paruru opened up each one and started eating all of them at once (laugh).
U: You really wanted to eat them didn’t you, Paruru? It was a luxurious feast (laugh).
-She looked so happy while eating it, so it was worthwhile bringing [the pudding]. It was the first time I saw someone eating 3cups of pudding at the same time, one bite from each cup (laugh).
P: It was really delicious!
-Thank you (laugh). I think Paruru is someone who can’t be summarized with common sense.
U: But I think her personality makes everyone agree that she is “cute” in that sense.
-What do you [Paruru] think about Ume chan?
P: She’s kind.
-Did she do anything to make you think that she’s kind?
P: All the time. She was kind from the beginning.
-I asked hoping that you had a specific example but I guess you don’t (laugh).
P: Yes, coz she’s always kind.
-Never mind then (laugh). You didn’t cross paths before that then?
P: No, I don’t think we did.
-I think strong relationships form during the [dance] lessons a day before the premier performance. You would spend a lot of time together and also share the same goal of making the performance a success. What did you think about the captain, Umeda Ayaka during that time?
P: She was kind to me so I was happy.
-So she wasn’t a captain who leads with an iron hand?
P: I think she leads us well.
U: I’m glad (laugh).
-Do you have the awareness that you are leading them as a captain?
U: I am still in the process of trial and error myself. What should I do to be more like a captain? Since I do not have the temperament of a leader originally, I’m experimenting and asking myself “What should I do? Maybe I should do it like this?”. During the first lesson, nobody talked. I thought “This atmosphere is bad”. During the team shuffles 3 years ago, everyone started breaking the ice after a while. That was because everyone was about the same age and our relationships were somewhat closer. But in this team shuffle, we had members from the 1st generation to the 9th, 10th and 11th generations [in one group], and we had age differences of almost 10 years apart and thus, I figured out I had to take the first step and talk to them. It’s common sense though.
-It’s hard for juniors to approach seniors, I guess. When did the relationships between members start to change?
U: I think that each time we had dance lessons, our relationships improved. Apart from lessons, after each performance, I would get in contact with the members and discuss things such as “We couldn’t get that part right” and “Lets try to do it this way next time”. It has developed into a relationship in which we could debate in this way. I think that’s a good thing. I’m trying to prevent members from piling up frustration.
Set list
-The “Waiting Girls” performance which started in November is made up of songs from all of the 48 group franchise which the members of each team has chosen, right? How did you decide on the set list?
U: Firstly, Yukirin (Kashiwagi Yuki) came up with a set list as the springboard for discussion and then Mii chan (Minegeshi Minami) and Kojiharu (Kojima Haruna) and the rest revised it. I think it is the one performance which reflects the members’ opinions the most. I realized this after I talked with [Oshima] Yuuko and (Shinoda) Mariko the other day. We also asked the members assigned as center of the unit songs, “Which one do you want?”. Since we can choose, we might as well choose the songs that we like. It would be reflected in our face expressions too.
-So, Paruru’s unit song “Kimi no c/w” was also Paruru’s own decision?
P: My song (Kimi no c/w) was decided naturally. But I’m happy with it.
-A and K included songs with Shinoda san and Oshima san as center but, Ume chan didn’t do that, right?
U: Oh! That never crossed my mind.
-I was thinking why the popular song in which Ume chan was center for the first time, “Dakishimecha ikenai” was not in [the set list].
U: Oh, that never crossed my mind. But on the day before we thought about the set list, I watched all of B’s songs on DVD and made my decisions with “So B has these types of songs” in mind. Besides I don’t think there’s much reason for the captain to be in the center. Mariko chan and Yuuko have a lot of songs with them in the centre but as for me, I wouldn’t want people saying “Hey, Ume chan, isn’t it odd to bring yourself to the center suddenly with ‘Dakishimecha ikenai’?”
-I don’t think anyone would say that (laugh). I’m sure “Mechaike [Dakishimecha ikenai]” would sound great in the theater.
U: Really?
-Also, I thought you would come up with a set list which has some team K features.
U: No way. I don’t want that. I don’t want people to think that “It seems like Ume chan still feels attached to Team K”. I didn’t want people to think I still feel attached to Team K, and I thought it would be better to show that B is really strong, showing off the original strengths of B as well as the new side of B. It’s a set list comprised of all the songs up till now so, [the team’s] image does not change completely. [Fans] would always have a prejudice for the original members of a song so, instead of doing a song from another team, I thought it would be better to do a B song and show that “We can change it”. We don’t have a lot of K songs?
P: We have “Virgin love”.
U: That was because Kojiharu wanted to include it. B has performed it in the past though. We don’t have many [Team K songs] in the unit songs, as well as the team songs.
-Isn’t Ume chan = K? I was surprised that I saw none of that.
U: I thought so. I’m no longer K.
-I see. What do you think now that the show has started?
U: Team B has had the image of being a failure even if we have a shuffle, right? That was frustrating and I didn’t want that image to stay. On the day before the premier, the staff was really angry at us. We really regretted it… Both Team A and Team K already had their premiers and both were “Good”, so Team B which was the last to premier had a lot of pressure on our shoulders. But after the premier, I think that worked for the better in the end.
-Was the premier fulfilling?
U: For me, while performing one of my favorite songs, “Tanpopo no Kesshin”, I finally realized that I’ve changed teams. I guess that was too late (laugh).
-The last song. What do you mean by “changed”?
U: Up until now in team K, I was the one who was following the leaders and the songs were cool, consisting of choreography such as punching your fists up, but in B I became a captain and needed to be the leader, as well as wearing cute costumes and performing “Team B oshi” and “Shonichi”. When I saw the members’ face around me, that was when the fact that “I’m in a different team” hit me.
The relationships in B
-Ume chan’s unit song is “Omoide Ijou”, right? It is originally a Team S song, but the choreography is completely different.
U: We asked the choreographer who made the choreography for “UZA” to make the new choreography.
-Did you think about doing a different choreography from the beginning?
U: Yes we did. I discussed it with Mii chan (Minegishi Minami) who said “Which song should we do? There are very few songs with only 3 people.” “’Omoide Ijou’ is a good song, isn’t it. Lets change the choreography too.” That was how it came about. Then [I said] “Lets ask the ‘UZA’ choreographer to do it then” and so we asked the choreographer to change it.
-So generally, Minegishi san is like a supporter to the captain?
U: More like a captain behind the scenes. I always rely on her support. She supported me before the premier, and she is still supporting me now. She also makes all the cues.
-What do you mean by cues?
U: For example, she gives advices like “Lets do it like this”. There are many instances when I am out of ideas and she helps me with a different point of view.
-How about Paruru? Do you feel at home in B?
P: Yes, exactly. I am really glad that I’m in B.
-What do you think about Minegishi san?
P: Minegishi san is a lot like Akimoto (Yasushi) Sensei. She talks exactly like Akimoto Sensei. Even in her emails [sms]. That was really interesting.
-Like “Don’t be afraid of antis”?
P: No, for example, “Paruru should stay as Paruru” and, “Can you do it?” (laugh). I told this to Minegishi san herself too, and she often sends me emails (sms) which read like Akimoto Sensei’s words.
-Yes “Can you do it?” does sound like something Akimoto san would say. So, what do you reply to her when she asks you “Can you do it?”
P: I forgot.
-You forgot? (laugh) What roles do the other members play in the team?
U: Milky (Watanabe Miyuki) influences us a lot. On the day before the premier, there was a dark cloud upon us but once Milky started talking, everyone laughed. Milky’s firm character has become something we all in B appreciate. When everyone is depressed and Milky says “Nothing would come out of this~”, we would go “Oh well, if Milky says so”. I think her presence is very important.
-During the previous performance, someone said “Milky pokes her nose into everybody’s business”. Is that the way it is?
U: She is rarely shy around people. She’s very friendly so it’s easy to talk to her.
-What about Kojima (Haruna) san and Kashiwagi san?
U: Kojiharu has only performed once (※During the time of interview) and she only turned up for lessons twice and yet she performed well during the premier. I was impressed by the power of the 1st generation. She was probably really busy but I think she revised at home. As for Yukirin, when I dance with her, I strongly feel that this is what an idol should be like. [For example], (Oshima) Yuko is more of a performer than an idol. When you dance with her, she’s very competitive and you feel like you don’t want to lose to her, but Yukirin is already a perfect idol so she feels very idol-ish. When I stand on stage with her, I would learn how to make it cuter.
-So she doesn’t voice out her opinions in front of everyone?
U: She does voice her opinions often. Yukirin is the former captain and also the only original B [member] left so, even when we were thinking about the set list, she taught me many things and I appreciate her help.
-What does Paruru think about Kashiwagi san?
P: Kashiwagi san is an Onee san (elder sister). Everyone is an Onee san. Team B is filled with Onee san.
-I guess so (laugh). Are there any imouto (little sister) though?
U: I think it’s Takeuchi Miyu chan.
-(Ishida) Anna san as well.
U: Let me see. (Checks the references) Wow, she’s only 16 years old?
P: Wow, so young!
-Milky came from NMB and Anna came from SKE, right?
U: Both of them are very friendly. The first time I had a long chat with Ishida Anna chan was when we were shooting the MV for “Seigi no mikata janai Hero”. I like to be alone sometimes, you see. The MV was shot at a school and during the breaks, I said “I’m going to the library” in a small voice, and she said “I’m going too!” She was quite forceful (laugh).
P: That’s how she is.
U: So we went together and she said “There aren’t any interesting books, huh?” (laugh). I was like “(intimidated by the forcefulness) I..I guess so” as we went around the library. We have different personalities so it felt weird. It’s not that we do not get along well, but I’m grateful that she changes the mood.
-Since it’s a transfer as well as a concurrent post, it would be boring if someone normal came, right? [It wouldn’t be fun] if they just “blended in”, right?
U: I guess so.
Janken Senbatsu
-On the other hand, both of you are in the Janken Senbatsu together this year, right?
U: That’s right.
-That would mean you often share the same schedule, right?
U: We have exactly the same schedule today.
-What do you think of Paruru as Center?
U: I was impressed. Members with luck are the ones who become number one right. So I was really surprised when she really won. It felt like a fantasy storybook.
-Have you gotten used to being center?
P: I went about it without thinking much about anything from the beginning.
-So it’s not even about getting used to it?
P: Yes
-So it’s like, “once this period passes, I won’t be center anymore.”?
P: That’s right. It’s only Janken Senbatsu anyways.
-That’s true but (laugh), don’t you feel happy or a sense of responsibility?
P: I don’t feel that kind of pressure because it’s the Janken Senbatsu. I don’t feel anything.
-You don’t feel anything, huh. (laugh) I think these kind of responses is also a good example of Paruru being a new type of idol.
P: Hm? (leans forward)
-I’ve watched idols all my life but, I think you’re a type of idol I’ve never seen before. It’s not because you’re ponkotsu but you’re the type that everyone can’t help but notice. I was watching the B stage performance the other day and I couldn’t help but looking at you. I don’t have the exact words for it but, don’t you get this a lot?
P: People do tell me that “It’s the first time I’ve gotten a cold response from an idol” (laugh).
-Other than cold responses, you’re not very good at MCs either. Also, there are instances when you lose focus during MCs, isn’t it? When everyone is looking for a chance to cut into the conversation, there are many instances when only one person looks lost in all of it. Aren’t you conscious of that?
P: No, I’m not. I’m always being myself.
-I thought you were thinking about something else on stage.
P: It might be that I’m thinking about what I’m going to say next.
-I saw that many a times and thought it was interesting. I think some people might think you were angry.
P: I was probably lost in thought. I was probably thinking about something.
-It’s the fact that you show such expressions and everything else that makes you interesting. That is probably the reason we can’t take our eyes off you.
P: Hmm.
-Don’t your parents say that to you? “What are you thinking about?” for example.
P: My parents know what I think about of course. Members do say that to me. They say, “I don’t know what you’re thinking about”
-Do any of the members understand you?
P: I wonder if any do. Shimada Haruka and (Yokoyama) Yui, maybe. I think they do. I wonder.
-The 2 who are the in the same 9th generation, right? I’ll try asking them next time (laugh).
The Truth of the “Cold Response”
-The other day, the “Mechaike” episode which featured Paruru was broadcasted. Did you watch it?
P: I didn’t.
U: You didn’t watch it?! You were specially featured though?!
P: Coz it’s embarrassing to see yourself on TV.
-The contents were amazing. The view rating was 15.8%.
P: I didn’t think I would be on a show which I’ve watched since I was a kid. I was really happy about that.
-I figured. The most surprising thing was when they showed the videos of the members handshaking with fans. We rarely go to handshake events so we didn’t know but I didn’t think she was that cold. I thought “Is she really that cold?” And in the ones shown before, Oshima was dancing with a fan.
P: Eh?
-A fan suddenly started rapping and she danced excitedly with him.
P: Wow, she’s energetic (laugh).
-And, Milky was doing her popular courteous godly responses, and finally the scene of Paruru’s handshake was shown. It was shocking. And the purpose of the show was to show the change in Paruru’s responses. Did your responses and feeling change after the broadcast?
P: But, if you ask me which is the real me, I would say it’s the former. The undisguised and candid me. The me who tried godly responses was me with a mask. So I’m not sure which of the two fans prefer. The usual me or me who gives godly responses.
-I see.
U: That’s true. If it were me, I would surely prefer the real me over the idol-ish me. I think that’s a given.
-In fact, the people who have come to your handshakes come knowing that you respond coldly, isn’t it?
P: Yes that’s right. That’s why I am really thankful for the fans who have always come to me. I would like to think that they would stay as my fans even after I graduate AKB48.
-I guess they are rooting on you because they like Shimazaki Haruka that way.
P: Yes, that’s it. I’m really grateful for that.
-Have you seen other members’ handshakes before?
P: No, I haven’t. Instead of the individual handshakes, during the national handshakes events, we do it in pairs or a few members, right? That is the only time when I see it.
-Those who have seen the show would be expecting a good response from you and line up for you the next time.
P: I suppose so.
-So would you put on a mask or not?
P: I like idols and talents who don’t put on masks. I like people who feel human and feel close to them. So, hmm…
-I think it might be better to not change your principles.
P: Is that so? So… I think those who want godly responses should go to Milky (laugh).
-That’s true (laugh). But that would mean that the “Mechaike” special was for naught, though (laugh).
P: That program showed me making a big effort, so I’m happy with it!
-You totally changed in those 1 or 2 days, didn’t you? You were giving out pamphlets asking people to come to a Paruru only handshake event.
P: I did my best.
-And those who received the pamphlets really came, didn’t they?
P: We spent only one day calling people to come, and it was also a weekday, and yet in the end more than 1000 people had come for me. I was really surprised that so many people would come for me, and I was really grateful.
-They all came for Paruru. You have to cherish them.
P: Yes.
AKB’s future
-I would like to talk about the future. What kind of team do you want team B to become?
P: The team’s condition is really good now. I would like to keep it from falling. I think the hardest thing to do is to keep it up.
-Apart from the team condition, you have good feedback as well, isn’t it?
P: Yes. The competition is really high right?
U: Yes. I heard that right now, Team B has the highest competition rate for [theater performance] tickets. It’s delightful. The other day when I asked the staff, “How is team B?”, he said “The premier was good so we were worried about the future sales but, we get feedback saying that Team B is the best so, there’s nothing to worry about at the moment.” But I’m not sure if “nothing to worry about” is a good thing or not. I suppose that is a sign that they trust us and it might be best to be able to sustain this condition. It’s funny to think that the premier was our peak but, if we’re getting better that would be best.
-Okay then, instead of team B, how would you like AKB to become in the future? Ume chan will be appearing solo on variety shows, and has also become captain so, I think there are a lot of changes in your mindset.
U: Before I became captain, I didn’t think much about AKB48. I suppose I thought I wasn’t involved deeply in it. I felt that I wasn’t expected to do much. I thought it was more important to do my best on a personal level. Recently, people started asking me that question, and only then did I start thinking about it (laugh).
-So you’ve started thinking about AKB as a whole and the teams?
U: Yes, I have. I think about team B every single day. Even on days when there aren’t performances, I would think “What should we do?” and also discuss about the set list with my manager. I have also started putting myself in members’ shoes. I was also really happy to become a captain in an idol group. I would like more people in the world to know that there are Teams A, K and B, and I hope members who have yet to seized the chance [for fame] don’t become spoilt.
-Do you think about things like that, Paruru?
P: I do think about AKB. I’ve thought about it ever since I was a research student. I thought about how AKB would turn out ever since I entered the group.
-How is it now?
P: For now I think it’s good enough to keep it as it is. I’m hoping we can.
-Are there any new members whom Shimazaki san thinks is amazing?
P: I’m not a producer so I wouldn’t know (laugh).
-Lets not stop at just keeping it as it is. It’s a funny thing to say “Let’s keep it as it is”, isn’t it?
P: Is that so? I think it’s the hardest thing, though. When you’re still not popular, you can only look to moving upwards so, you would just have to do your best no matter what, but AKB has already been given the title of National Idol and yet I think it is hard to keep it up like SMAP. (While saying this, she looked at a “Bubka” backnumber) Hm? “Female Professional Wrestler to Shimada Haruka…” What is this?
-It’s the article in which the female professional wrestler, Horita Yumiko san who watched Shimada san’s acting in “Majisuka Gakuen 3” said “If only you have let me train her!”
U: Eh, she’ll become a professional wrestler? Really?
-She’s encouraging her to become a professional wrestler.
P: That’s funny (laugh).
-Horita san who saw the professional wrestling skills Shimada san showed off in Majisuka 3 said “That’s not the way you do it. Why didn’t you tell me?”
U: Does that mean she has talents?
-Maybe she was saying it’s a waste of her talents.
P: That sounds cool, idol wrestler.
U: It would be the first in AKB. It would be like Aikawa Yuzuki san.
P: I think that would work!
U: It sure is one big decision for a girl to make.
P: She should really do it~
-I think so too (laugh). Alright, please do your best as “Umeda Team B” in the next year as well!
U: I still haven’t gotten used to that name and it makes me embarrassed (laugh).
P: It’s nice though, it’s interesting…Paruru Team B.
U: Eh? What’s that (laugh)?
-She’s just having fun, right (laugh). It feels like a Ponkotsu Senbatsu though.
U: I wonder who would be in it?
P: XXXX chan.
U: Is XX chan like that?
P: It seems so.
U: That sounds really interesting (laugh).
P: Ponkotsu Senbatsu sounds interesting! I want to be center if there’s a Ponkotsu Senbatsu.
-Closing up with that “Center” manifesto, we thank you for your cooperation today!
(Recorded somewhere in Tokyo on December 4th)
Again, translation credit:
http://yukirena88.tumblr.com/post/39918603293/umeda-captain-x-ponkotsu-paruru-interview-translation
Topic: [TEAM A] PARURU ~ The Shimazaki Haruka Thread (Read 285553 times)