backstage at ribbon no kishi mini live
While watching over the performance of "Watashi ga tsuiteru" Rika Ishikawa talks about the events of last year with a staff member.
Ishikawa: I was in this group last year.
Staff: So, did you decide on your own to graduate?
Ishikawa: Nope, it wasn't me.
Staff: Does Tsunku decide?
Ishikawa: It's like...The top person at out company or something proposed it and and I was like "hmmmm". [painful smile]
Staff: But you can't graduate unless you're capable of acting solo, right?
Ishikawa: Well yes. But my case was the first of its kind, graduate to form a new unit.
Staff: But when Ogawa graduates someone will come in to take her place, right?
Ishikawa: They're conducting an audition now.
Staff: Ah.
Ishikawa: It's already on the 8th generation. And I was 4th generation.
Staff: I see.
Ishikawa: I haven't really spoken with Koharu Kusumi.
Staff: Hmm.
Ishikawa: She was added to replace me...how interesting. [smile]
Staff: But you know, occasionally at Hello Project concerts and stuff everyone gets together.
Ishikawa: Yup.