(2023-06-27) Tsunku♂ note (Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, Haga Akane, Yokoyama Reina)

A special roundtable discussion with Morning Musume。12th and 13th generation members!

From the left: 12th generation Nonaka Miki, Makino Maria, Haga Akane, 13th generation member Yokoyama Reina

How did you end up joining Morning Musume。?

Tsunku♂ : First, I'd like to go back and ask you about when you joined Morning Musume。. Nonaka, did you always want to be a part of Morning Musume。? Or were you auditioning for various idol groups?

Nonaka : The first audition I ever took, at 14 years old, was for Morning Musume。. I had admired them since I was little, so I was fully dedicated to Morning Musume。.

Tsunku♂ : What songs do you remember listening to when you were younger?

Nonaka : I especially loved "Koko ni Iruzee!". There’s even a video of me singing it.

Tsunku♂ : What made you decide to audition when you were 14?

Nonaka : I was deeply inspired by the lyrics of "Egao no Kimi wa Taiyou sa" specifically the line "Do what you want to do now, because you can only do it now". I thought, "This is my only chance to audition" and that pushed me to go for it.

Tsunku♂ : Oh, I see. Did you have a feeling that you might pass the audition?

Nonaka : At the time, the audition guidelines said "English speakers are especially welcome" and, since I had lived in the United States and was good at English, I thought maybe I had a chance.

Tsunku♂ : I like that confidence! Next, Makino, you joined Morning Musume。after being a trainee, but there was a chance you could've ended up in a different group or unit, right?

Makino : That's right. When I auditioned for Morning Musume。after being a trainee, someone from the staff asked me "Do you want to join Morning Musume。? Or would you prefer to be part of a new group?". I had become a trainee because I wanted to join Morning Musume。, so I'm really happy that I was able to become a member.

Tsunku♂ : What would you have done if you hadn't made it?

Makino : I honestly never imagined anything but joining Morning Musume。 so... it's hard to say.

Tsunku♂ : Haga, you also joined Morning Musume。after being a trainee, right? Did your time as a trainee go by quickly?

Haga : I joined as a trainee in sixth grade, and by the time I was in my first year of middle school when I joined Morning Musume。. So yes, it felt like it flew by. What was harder than the lessons was commuting alone by the shinkansen from Nagano Prefecture.

Tsunku♂ : I see. Were you lonely?

Haga : I was. There weren't any other members riding the same train, so I ate alone. Even now, the music they play on the shinkansen is kind of a trauma trigger for me... it reminds me how tough that time was.

Tsunku♂ : Yokoyama, how did you find your way to Morning Musume。?

Yokoyama : I had been taking dance lessons since kindergarten, and while I was browsing dance videos online, I happened to come across the music video of "Sou da! We're ALIVE". That was my first encounter with Morning Musume。.

Tsunku♂: How old were you then?

Yokoyama : I was in sixth grade, so around 12 years old.

Have you been popular in love so far?

Tsunku♂: Now I would like to ask about your lives before joining Morning Musume。. When you were in elementary school, were you the popular type? Or more like, "I have nothing to do with boys"?

Nonaka : I was kind of popular overseas (laughs). But honestly, that might've been my peak when it comes to being liked.

Makino : In sixth grade, the boy who sat next to me confessed his feelings. Just one person, though.

Tsunku♂ : What kind of confession happens in sixth grade? Like, does he actually say "Will you go out with me"?

Makino : He had been reading a book on sign language and during class, he told me "I like you" in sign language.

Tsunku♂ : And you understood what he was saying?

Makino : He asked me "Do you know what I just said?" I said "What did you say?" and he replied something like "I like you".

All : That's so cute~!!!

Tsunku♂ : That’s sweet (laughs). How about you, Haga?

Haga : I wasn’t really interested in romance. All my close friends were girls, so we never really talked about that kind of stuff.

Tsunku♂ : What kind of group were you girls?

Haga : It wasn't like we were part of a clique. I just spent all my time with one close friend. So I don't think I was a loud or flashy type.

Tsunku♂ : And you were commuting from Nagano, right? Did that friend ever ask 'Why do you keep going to Tokyo?".

Haga : Probably, yes. But she also got along well with boys, so I think she didn't feel too lonely even when I wasn't around.

Tsunku♂: What about you, Yokoyama?

Yokoyama : I was unbelievably popular in kindergarten. My teacher even said "It's embarrassing how popular she is". There were three boys who would let me go ahead of them in line to wash our hands. I think kindergarten was my peak in terms of popularity.

Tsunku♂ : Were you more of a cheerful kid?

Yokoyama : Up until around third grade, I was super shy, I could barely even talk to my friends. But around fourth grade, I started volunteering for committees and class leadership roles, and I think that's when I became more outgoing.

Tsunku♂ : You've all spent your prime youth years as members of Morning Musume。. Has there ever been a time when you looked at your friends or other kids your age and thought "Was this the right path for me?" or "Did I make a mistake?".

Nonaka : Sometimes when I see people having fun on social media, I do feel a bit envious or even lonely. It's like that lyric from "Be Alive" : "Fame is the flip side of loneliness". I really relate to that sometimes.

Tsunku♂ : Yeah, those feelings happen.

Nonaka : But when I'm performing or working, all those thoughts completely vanish because it's so much fun. So I really feel in my heart that this was the right decision for me.

Makino : I've never really felt jealous of my friends. Back in elementary and junior high, when we were asked "What do you want to be in the future?" I always wrote : I want to join Morning Musume。. So just thinking about not having achieved that scares me.

Haga : I've had moments of thinking "I wish I could go to Disneyland in my school uniform" or "It would be fun to hang out in Shibuya and take purikura photos". But more than that, I just really love Morning Musume。and the other members. The people who understand me the most are my fellow members. I respect them, I can talk to them about anything, and the time I spend with them is the happiest in my life. I truly believe that the path I'm on now is not a mistake, in fact, it was 100% the right choice. I often think "Thank you so much, past me, for applying to that audition".

Yokoyama : I've never really felt jealous of my friends either. I absolutely love Morning Musume。and I really like the fact that I'm doing something different from everyone else. Becoming an idol, something only a few are chosen for, makes me incredibly happy. I honestly can't even picture myself enjoying a normal college life (laughs), so I really believe this was the right path for me.

12th & 13th generation members talk about rumors of former members and their favorite lyrics

Tsunku♂ : Looking at the other Hello! Project groups, are there any aspects that make you think "That group has something really nice"?

Nonaka : Each group really has its own personality. For example, Morning Musume。feels like a family ; it's warm and affectionate, but there's also a kind of disciplined vibe. ANGERME feels more like a group of really close friends, full of fun energy. I think that's great too, but I always end up feeling, "Morning Musume。is still the best for me".

Makino : When I was a trainee, I had the chance to join ℃-ute on their tour. Their performances were so cool. I admired how they danced in pumps, so I started wearing pumps from the spring tour onward. I think if we could blend some of ℃-ute's elegant, mature style into Morning Musume。's dancing, it would be unbeatable.

Tsunku♂: That makes sense.

Makino : When I met Suzuki Airi-san back then, she even taught me how to walk properly in heels. Dancing in heels is really difficult, I don't think I could've done it five years ago. But now I'm around the same age they were back then, so I'm working hard to take on that challenge.

Haga : I've always been devoted to Morning Musume。. Just like Nonaka said, the group is full of warmth and love, but when it comes to concerts or work, the passion is intense. I think this is the kind of group that Fukumura Mizuki-san built. Also, each member stays true to their own path, so you don't see a lot of trends or fads within the group. I love that about it, and I'm really glad I became a part of Morning Musume。.

Yokoyama : I really admire how intense ANGERME is in their performances, and how BEYOOOOONDS entertains people with their super quirky songs. Watching other groups' concerts is always fun and a great learning experience. But still, Morning Musume。is the best for me.

Tsunku♂: Do you have any stories or rumors you've heard about former Morning Musume。members that stuck with you?

Nonaka : Is it okay if it's just a rumor? I really love Tsuji Nozomi-san, and I heard something interesting from a makeup artist.

Tsunku♂: Tsuji had already graduated long before you joined, right?

Nonaka : Yes. I never worked with her directly, but I looked up to Minimoni。so I've always liked her. I heard that during the filming of the Otomegumi music video, she had to wear her bangs up and hated it so much that she cried her eyes out. As a fan, I just thought "That’s so cute!". It really left an impression.

Makino : Last fall, I got to go to Disneyland with my idol, Michishige Sayumi-san. I mentioned wanting to go with her and she made time in her schedule. We wore matching dresses inspired by Frozen and Michishige-san even bought me a headband. We had so much fun in the park, but the most touching part was when she gave me a present at the end of the day and thanked me. I felt like the whole Disneyland experience with Michishige-san included the moment I got home.

Tsunku♂ : What was in the present?

Makino : A cute Alice in Wonderland-themed baumkuchen cake and a handwritten letter that said "Thank you for today, Maria-chan". I was so happy.

Tsunku♂ : That's awesome. What about you, Haga?

Haga : This is a pretty well-known story within Morning Musume。but I heard that Tanaka Reina-san finished the recording of one song in a single take. It wasn't planned as a one-take session, but after one try, the staff was like "Okay, that's good" and that was it. It's become a kind of legend. I could never do that. I almost can't believe it's true, it's that amazing.

Tsunku♂ : I'm not sure which recording that was, but depending on the type of song, it's definitely possible. If the director thinks it's good enough, that's all that matters. And with Tanaka, I could totally see it happening.

Haga : I love Tanaka-san and often watch her live performances. It's like the sound source is coming straight from her mouth, everything is just so perfect. With recordings, you have your own interpretation, but you also have to incorporate input from Tsunku♂ and the director. I try to take in all those opinions when I sing. But I feel like Tanaka-san understands everything : the intent, the meanin, and reflects it in her singing. I really felt like she embodies what Hello! Project is all about.

Tsunku♂ : Tanaka actually lied about her age when she first auditioned. She didn't meet the age requirement and got rejected. I remember thinking "She's awesome, so rock'n'roll! Let's just let her in!". But in the end, the organizers decided that breaking the rules would set a bad precedent. I agreed, and I told Reina and her family "You have to come back next year!".

All : No way!

Tsunku♂ : And sure enough, she didn't give up. She auditioned again the next year and got in. I still remember thinking how amazing that was. At that age, most kids would've lost interest or moved on to something else after a year.

All : That’s incredible!

Yokoyama : I don't really get to talk to many former members or see them in private, but I do have conversations with Sato Masaki-san from time to time.

Tsunku♂ : Oh yeah? What do you talk about?

Yokoyama : Just yesterday, she randomly called me and said "Wanna go on a day trip next week?". I was caught off guard (laughs). She's an amazing senpai with so many admirable qualities, but even when she was in the group, I always thought she was a bit mysterious. Now that she's graduated, I've learned all these things like, on concert days, when we all did vocal warm-ups and stretching together, she was never in the dressing room. I thought maybe she just wanted to be alone or was warming up somewhere else, but it turns out she was cleaning the venue's bathrooms. Apparently she would do her warm-ups while cleaning and then head into the show. I've come to realize she truly was a one-of-a-kind idol.

Tsunku♂ : Hahaha! That's so her. Classic Sato. Okay, next question. What are some Morning Musume。songs that really left an impression on you?

Nonaka : "Jinsei Blues" really resonated with me. At first, I thought the melody was kind of strange, but the more I listened, the more I came to appreciate it. The chorus line "Life always finds a way through impossible situations, so it'll work out" (人生って　なんとも無理な場面から　なんとかするから　なんとかなる) is something I want to carry with me as a life lesson.

Tsunku♂: So you didn't wonder "What does this mean?"? Did you understand the lyrics right away when you read them?

Nonaka : In the case of "Jinsei Blues", lyrics from the chorus just naturally sank in for me. I didn't question them at all. I felt a strong sense of empathy more than anything.

Tsunku♂ : That's wonderful! By the way, what kind of situations did you feel were "impossible to deal with" ?

Nonaka : Around the time I was in my late teens, I had some clashes with other members over differences in how we viewed performance. During that time, I listened to "Jinsei Blues" and it really resonated with me.

Makino : For me, "Sou Janai" of Morning Musume。'16 was the first song where I was center. At the time, I was being taught so many different things and getting so much advice that I ended up not knowing what was actually right anymore.

Makino : At that time, I heard the lyrics Tsunku♂-san wrote "Just let it slide from right to left" (右からね左へスルーだな) and I realized "It's okay to let things pass". I didn’t have to lose my own way of thinking, and that really helped me.

Haga : I really love the melody of "Teenage Solution". I'm a huge fan of the Precure series, so when I heard the intro of "Teenage Solution", I imagined a scene where the whole world is covered in dark clouds, then a transformed female warrior bursts out from the clouds, and a single ray of light breaks through. That's the image it gave me.

Haga : Tsunku♂-san, you once mentioned that the song has the image of "taillights lighting up the night city", so I thought maybe our imagery is actually quite similar. It's a song I truly love, I'm confident I'll never get tired of singing it, no matter how many times I perform it.

Tsunku♂ : Yeah, that imagery might be the same.

Haga : Also, I really love the lyrics of "Ai no Gundan". I feel like I can relate to every single line, but the part that stands out the most to me is: "Without really knowing the world, I ran out into the city, And now I live here, Before I knew it, this place felt as warm as my hometown" (世間を知らず　街を飛び出し　ここで暮らす今　いつの間にやら　ふるさとのような温もり感じてる). That part left a strong impression on me.

Haga : I also came to Tokyo without knowing anything, but I kept working hard while thinking "Someday, Morning Musume。and Tokyo will feel like home". Now, I feel like I can't even live without Morning Musume。so I really believe the lyrics came true for me. Also, I was deeply inspired by the line "If you really want to protect someone, you won't care what others think" (本当に誰かを守りたけりゃ　他人の目なんて気になんない). It made me want to become the kind of person who, when I have someone or something to protect, won't be swayed by outside opinions and will just focus on that person. "Ai no Gundan" has been a song that continues to move me, from when I joined until now.

Yokoyama : I really love "Please! Jiyuu no Tobira" and have sung it at nearly every one of my birthday events. I always thought it was such an amusing concept, idols singing about asking for the "door to freedom". Lines like "This time, I'll dream big enough to get in the Guinness Book" (今度こそギネスに載るくらいの　素敵な夢を描くよ) and "The door to freedom is waiting" (自由の扉が　待ってるから) aren't something you usually hear idols sing. Before I joined the group, I thought "Idols running toward freedom? That's kind of a contradiction, but interesting". But when I sang it on my first tour after joining, my interpretation of the lyrics totally changed. Achieving my dream of joining Morning Musume。made me realize what it means to start dreaming new dreams. Since then "Please! Jiyuu no Tobira" has been my favorite song, I listen to it every day.

Tsunku♂ : You're right, when you think about it from a member's perspective, it really is interesting. Sometimes I look back at my own lyrics and think "Hey, I actually wrote something pretty good there" (laughs). Of course the fans are important, but when fans on the street tell me things like "I love this particular lyric!" it reminds me that I can't cut corners when writing lyrics. But above all, I want the members to feel connected to the words. If the lyrics are hard to relate to, that's no good. I always think, "Will this song feel fun to perform? Will it move them to tears?" as I write. There are more songs to come, and I hope everyone continues to enjoy them, lyrics and everything else.

12th & 13th generation members : "What we want to ask Tsunku♂!"

Tsunku♂: From here on, I'll start answering your questions. Let's begin with Nonaka.

Nonaka : I remember being really struck by something you once wrote in an email, that you base your lyrics on things that happen in the members' daily lives and activities. For the more recent songs, what kinds of episodes served as inspiration?

Tsunku♂ : I think a lot of what you all talked about today will probably end up in lyrics at some point. For example, if I were to write lyrics about the differences in common sense or rules between Japan and America, I'd probably write them while thinking "Nonaka, who lived in the United Stated, would understand this". Until now, the worldview in many songs has been that of junior high and high school students, but moving forward, things might start to feel more grown-up. Like how Disneyland might be replaced by the night view of Yokohama. I think it's good to start becoming aware of those things. I'll do my best to express them well in lyrics.

Nonaka : Thank you very much!

Makino : When I was a trainee, I received a kind of report card from you, and it said "It would be good to have your own signature gag or a catchphrase for introducing yourself". After joining Morning Musume。I came up with the catchphrase "Marian LOVE-rin desu!" and now, even people I appear with on TV do it together with me!

Makino : Recently, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' player Matsumoto Go did the "Matsumoto Go LOVE-rin desu" pose and it even got turned into merchandise! I really feel like the catchphrase has taken hold and become something recognizable. So today, I would love to do the LOVE-rin pose together with you, Tsunku♂-san!

Tsunku♂ : (Does the LOVE-rin pose)

Makino : That was adorable! "Tsunku♂-san LOVE-rin desu~!" Thank you so much!

Tsunku♂ : Wonderful. Back when you were a trainee, I think I wanted to break the image that you had at the time. I was worried that the image you created for yourself might become an obstacle in the future. For example, this isn't something I ever discussed directly, so I can't say for sure, but when I look at Tsuji now, I imagine she can't afford to care about appearances when raising kids. I wasn't sure whether to say this during the earlier Minimoni。story about Tsuji, but I'll say it here.

Everyone : (Nods)

Tsunku♂ : Back in the day, Tsuji and Kago used to compete over hairstyles all the time. Of course, it wasn't just Tsuji ; this is something all the girls go through. Whether it was about whose ribbons looked better, whether to go with twintails or ponytails, how to style bangs, or what shape the buns should be... They all started developing their own preferences like "I don't want it unless it's like this". That became a way for them to assert their identity. Since stage costumes are predetermined, their freedom for self-expression was limited. So focusing on hair and makeup was a way to express themselves. I think the makeup artists served as a kind of emotional cushion for that. Even someone like Sato doing bathroom cleaning on the day of a live concert, that was her form of expression too. So when I think back on Makino's trainee days, I really believed she could become someone universally recognized and respected. But precisely because of that, I also felt that she needed to break away from the goody-goody character early on, or else it might become a burden later.

Makino : Thank you so much. Thanks to you, Tsunku♂-san, I was able to come up with the catchphrase "Marian LOVE-rin desu!" and tt makes me so happy. Honestly, you might be more of a mom to me than my actual mom. (laughs)

Haga : Morning Musume。has 25 years of history packed into it, and I strongly feel that I want to help carry on the group for many more years to come. So I'd like to ask you, Tsunku♂-san, what's the one thing you hope we continue to carry on?

Tsunku♂ : That's a good question. Specifically, I'd say it's about keeping rhythm. But you can't just be aware of "riding the rhythm". Just like Americans naturally speak English, when the music plays, I want it to be so ingrained in your body that the rhythm can only be one way. On a more mental level, it's about respect for the younger members. Of course, senpai have their status, but as you become a kouhai, the number of songs you need to learn becomes enormous. Morning Musume。exists because of Tsunku♂ and the senpai before you, but if there's no one to carry the torch, it's all over. So you really have to care for and love kouhai otherwise, the existence of Morning Musume。itself becomes unstable. That's the biggest waste. From what I heard today from everyone, I felt so much love. There are many things to inherit from senpai, but above all, love is the most important.

Haga : Thank you. I'll do my best!

Yokoyama : There's something I've thought about since I joined. On Morning Musume。's official website profile pages, nicknames are listed up to my generation mate Kaga Kaede.

Yokoyama : Actually, my generation mate Kaga was given the nickname "Eddie Kaga" by Tsunku♂-san, but I still don't have a nickname listed. So today, I'd like Tsunku♂-san to give me a nickname and have it put on the website.

Tsunku♂ : What do people call you now?

Yokoyama : Fans mostly call me "Yokoyan" or "Yoko-chan".

Tsunku♂ : I see, Kansai people tend to say "Yokoyan" right?

Yokoyama : Yes, probably "Yokoyan" is the most common.

Tsunku♂ : That makes sense, since it would overlap with Tanaka Reina if you used "Reina".

Yokoyama : Exactly. Because Tanaka Reina-san is there, people tend to use my last name as a nickname.

Tsunku♂ : (Thinking for a moment) ...Yossan.

Yokoyama : Yossan!!

Members and staff : (Bursts out laughing)

Tsunku♂ : But there's a theory that nicknames given by Tsunku♂ don't usually stick. (laughs)

Yokoyama : Thank you! From now on, I'll go with Yossan.


What impressions do the members have of the senpai?

Tsunku♂ : Now, let's talk about the members. First, please share your image of Fukumura.

Nonaka : When I joined, Fukumura-san became the leader right away, and her warmth has helped me many times. Rather than giving detailed instructions like "Do this, do that" she gently watches over us, so I was able to grow freely during my teenage years. If Fukumura-san had been stricter, my basic personality might have changed. I'm truly influenced by her warmth.

Makino : My impression of Fukumura-san is Anpanman.

Tsunku♂: Anpanman!?

Makino : She always helps people in trouble. Even when dancing, she watches new members out of the corner of her eye and helps them later. Before a live show, when she says "Let’s do our best" and hugs us, I get so energized. She's just like Anpanman.

Haga : Fukumura-san's charm is her inclusiveness. She has saved me many times since I joined. I went through my rebellious phase while in Morning Musume。so I took it out on her a lot.

Tsunku♂: Really? Like what?

Haga : When I was in second or third year of middle school and in a really bad mood, I didn't even want to sit on a chair, so I sat on the floor. But Fukumura-san, being kind, said, "Akanechin, there's an empty seat here, come sit down". But I ignored her. I apologized the next day, but I felt very sorry for hurting Fukumura-san, who was so kind. I was really happy she watched over me without criticizing. Now, when I'm nervous before a live, I naturally take her hand. Her hand is full of warmth. She has more sense of security and passion for work than anyone, so I'm influenced by her. I haven't told her, but I always want to be someone like Fukumura-san.

Tsunku♂: That's moving. Wonderful! How about you, Yokoyama?

Yokoyama : To me, Fukumura-san is a natural chameleon. There are many sides to her, and all of them are wonderful. She's like an older sister, always supporting us and helping smoothly when we're in trouble. When she finds a character a kouhai likes, she buys it and gives it saying "You like this, right?". She has an older-sister kindness, but since she's the middle sibling in her family, I think she might also be good at getting others to care for her. She often says things that make us chuckle backstage, and on stage, we can see a sexy or cool Fukumura-san. She really has many faces. But all of them are truly Fukumura-san, like a chameleon, which is cool. I'm glad Fukumura-san is the leader during my time here.

Tsunku♂: Next, what kind of person is Ikuta senpai?

Nonaka : Ikuta-san calls me her friend. She might be the person I message the most on LINE.

Tsunku♂ : People say she's bad at reading the room, but how is she really?

Nonaka : This might break her character, but she actually reads the atmosphere very well. Sometimes she says unexpected things, which is probably why she gets called by that. That's her personality, but usually she carefully watches the mood around her. She calculates in her head how she should act, and I respect that.

Makino : Ikuta-san is cool. She might not show it much publicly, but she quietly helps others behind the scenes. When I was practicing dance alone soon after joining, she silently danced beside me. That's why I think she's cool.

Haga : Ikuta-san is the best at reading others' feelings among the members. She's actually very sensitive. That's why she can notice if someone is hurt. Sometimes when someone is alone, they might want to be alone, or they might have suddenly ended up alone. Ikuta-san looks at their expression and decides whether "This person wants to be alone, so I won't disturb them" or "I'll go talk to them" reading the mood well. I love physical contact with people, so when I'm alone, she talks to me or says "Akanechin, you can come sit next to me" and I appreciate this.

Yokoyama : I think Ikuta-san really cares about her kouhai. She tells them what's good about them and what she likes. That makes me really happy and positive. Even in dance lessons, she says "Yokoyama, it's better this way" showing she puts kouhai first. I'm very grateful.

Tsunku♂ : Next, what impression do you have of Ishida?

Nonaka : Ishida-san changed the most in my impression.

Tsunku♂ : Not her looks?

Nonaka : Her personality. Before joining, I thought she was very comical, bright, funny, and great at dancing. After joining, I saw her very stoic side and noticed she values her alone time, which was a little intimidating. But later, I felt she is really warm. Ishida-san speaks honestly about what she truly feels, so I can also speak from the heart.

Makino : Ishida-san is cute. Recently, she said to me "I'll put my sweets in a bag far away because if it's in front of me, I'll eat it" (laughs). She has many cute parts.

Haga : Ishida-san tells us all the good parts after a live, like "Akanechin was great here" or "Akanechin is good here, but if you do this, it'll be better". That made me really happy, so I try to point out good things about members too. I really like Ishida-san's warm side.

Yokoyama : Ishida-san is like a mom. She's someone you want to talk to about funny stories or anime recommendations. Like telling your mom "Hey, listen" when you come home from school. She listens to happy or fun stories from members from the same perspective, so you want to tell her everything. When I say "This anime is good, you should watch it" she watches it immediately. Talking with her is always fun.

Tsunku♂ : Finally, what about Oda Sakura?

Nonaka : From my point of view, Oda-san is often the complete opposite of me. For example, Oda-san wants others to understand even unspoken feelings, but I don't need that, I just want facts. So sharing values and ways of thinking with her is very fun. Everyone is different, and I'm very influenced by Oda-san.

Makino : From the 10th generation audition, I mostly remember her strong singing. When I first heard her sing, I thought "She's so different from me". Now Oda-san thinks about sound and helps me, saying things like "Maria-chan's voice is like this, so maybe try this". I rely on her a lot, especially with singing.

Haga : I want to protect all members and want them to get home safely every day. Among them, I especially feel this toward Oda-san. On stage, Oda-san performs very coolly, but backstage, she often spills food or gets something on her sleeve. I want to help her a lot. When we walk together and the wind blows, I want to stand on the windward side. If she spills food, I want to be the first to offer tissues. That gap between her stage presence and backstage is so cute.

Yokoyama : Oda-san is like a hero full of justice. As Haga-san said, she loves the members a lot and immediately helps if there's trouble. She holds her own opinions firmly but also listens carefully to members, which I respect a lot. I admired Oda-san when I joined, and my impression hasn't changed. She truly feels like an idol.

The right way to perform at a festival is to perform just like you always do

Tsunku♂ : Lastly, Nonaka asked me about the mindset when performing at festivals, so I'll answer that. I watched some footage from when Morning Musume。performed at festivals, and it seemed like they were trying to prove themselves and compete to be recognized. That feeling is great, but if you want to add to your mindset going forward, you don't need to think "I'm going to show them" or "I can't be underestimated". The right approach is to perform just like you always do. At festivals, you can only perform about seven songs, so maybe your movements got a little bigger thinking "I'll show them". It might be better to relax a bit more and focus on "What can I do?" before going on stage. Now, I'd love to hear each of your thoughts. Thanks everyone, today was fun.

Nonaka : I rarely get the chance to talk while looking at Tsunku♂-san's face, so I really appreciate this precious opportunity. You mentioned the image of the songs would shift from Disneyland to the night view of Yokohama, so I'm looking forward to the more mature songs coming up. We all need to prepare to express the world of the songs together.

Makino : I was a little nervous before it started, but Tsunku♂-san listened with a smile, which made me very happy. Also, seeing "Tsunku♂-san LOVErin" made me really happy!

Haga: I haven't had many chances to talk with Tsunku♂-san until now, but since he's like a father figure to Morning Musume。I felt very reassured. Getting words directly from Tsunku♂-san was very encouraging.

Yokoyama : I also hadn't talked much with Tsunku♂-san before. Actually, the 15th generation kouha had conversations with him first, so I was a bit jealous. That's why I was really looking forward to finally talking with him today. I'm very happy I got to hear so much. I want to make sure what we talked about today connects well going forward!