(2022-12-28) Gekkan Entame: Yokoyama Reina × Kitagawa Rio

The idol "Kaga Kaede" from my point of view

Loving members who are both strict and kind.

ーThe other day, Kaga Kaede-san graduated. Yokoyama-san was deeply involved as a generation mate and Kitagawa-san as a kohai.

Yokoyama : When I joined Kenshuusei, Kaga had already joined Kenshuusei for about four years. She was a very good singer and dancer, and was very far along in her idol image. In that way, I had a strong image of her as a "senpai" rather than a "generation mate". I would never have imagined that we would have such a deep relationship.

Kitagawa : When I joined, Yokoyama-san and Kaga-san from the 13th generation were in charge of mentoring three members from the 15th generation. However, Yamazaki Mei-chan and Okamura Homare-chan have both experienced dancing in their own ways, so I was the only one who was a pure amateur. At that time, we had about nine hours of lessons everyday, and I was often criticized for being well behind my level of learning.

Yokoyama : Hahaha! I probably shouldn't laugh about that, but it's true that Kitagawa was like that back then. She liked idols and often watched live videos of them, and she was good at expressing herself with facial expressions and gestures, but it was difficult for her to work in a group, especially on the many choreographies.

Kitagawa : Kaga-san gave us not only advice, but also sometimes harsh words. But that was natural, wasn't it? Even now I would want her to say to me again "practice more" (laughs). But at the time I was so occupied with myself that I didn't realize how much I appreciated Kaga-san's anger.


ーKaga-san must have had a lot of love for you as well.

Kitagawa : I think so. Kaga-san and Yokoyama-san voluntarily come to watch those eight-hours-lessons almost every day, even though the staff didn't tell them to. But there were so many things I had to learn... that practice time was just a pain for me. So it wasn't until much later that I realized the love behind Kaga-san's harsh words.

Yokoyama : Also, Kaga had that strong impact in the group, she was able to express her way of thinking every time. This is not about being eloquent or whatever, but in the sense that she was able to express her own opinions, regardless of whether the other person was a senpai or a teacher. In that way, I think it means that she was always serious about her activities. I took everything from her very seriously.


ーMany people certainly had a stoic impression. 

Yokoyama : But at the same time, she was usually a rather healing person. She likes anime and games, and was always chatting about her hobbies.

Kitagawa : I get the impression that she's always sleeping (laughs). Rather than being stoic, she seems surprisingly poised.

Yokoyama : Many fans would describe Kaga as someone very cool, but I personally doubt that (laughs). In the dressing room, she was louder than anyone else and was always talking. But I was also making a lot of noise while watching videos... (laughs). I think that gap was also a big part of Kaga's charm.


ーAfter her sotsugyo, Kaga-san said that she wants to "study dance from scratch and work in the future in a job that involves dance from many different directions". What do the two of you hope for Kaga-san's future?

Kitagawa : Nothing too specific. I just want Kaga-san to continue being cool until the day she dies. I'm sure that Kaga-san will never deviate from the path she has set for herself, and I don't think there is anything to worry about. Even after I'll graduate, I intend to continue following the back of the cool Kaga-san.

Yokoyama : I want Kaga-san to be famous. I think she was a bit reserved when she was in the group. For example when she appears on talk shows, she used to say "I'm not good at talking" and withdraws. But I know Kaga is more talkative than anyone else. When the roles of group members disappear, the real Kaede Kaga's charms may emerge.

ーWhat are some of the achievements that Kaga-san has left behind for the group that you would like to pass on to the next generation?

Yokoyama : The most important thing Kaga left in the group is still the attitude of honest effort. The seriousness of the performance. I think that's what it's all about. Kaga was a Kenshuusei for four years. She was someone, at the time we joined, with a lot of knowledge. Even the senpai looked at her saying "Kaga can do anything". Maybe that's why Kaga came to help me a lot during our first lessons. That... must have been hard for her. 

Kitagawa : That's right.

Yokoyama : I think she worked even harder because people around her expected more from her. But in reality, it really takes more than an endless determination to join Morning Musume。as a new member. I think it's necessary to convey that to the next generation, who don't know Kaga directly.

Kitagawa : Sakurai Rio just joined us in June this year, but now we are holding auditions for the 17th generation, so we will probably get new members. So I feel like I want to describe myself as a senpai now. I definitely gave Kaga-san the most trouble out of all the members, because I was the biggest dropout at the time. But the advice and love that Kaga-san gave me really became my base... I hope to pass on the same great love to my kohai as Kaga-san did.

Yokoyama : Kitagawa was really close to Kaga. She may be the most sad about her graduation among the members.

Kitagawa : I miss her. But Morning Musume。is a group that is constantly evolving through repeated memberships and graduations, right? I want to keep what Kaga-san taught me in my heart and keep walking forward!