(2025-12-04) non-no: Yokoyama Reina Graduation Commemorative Web Series

【Morning Musume。'25】Yokoyama Reina Graduation Commemorative Web Series　Part 3　A natural expressive talent that draws people in, and messages of love to beloved members

 

With the "Morning Musume。'25 Concert Tour Aki ~Movin' Forward with Hope~ Haga Akane & Yokoyama Reina Sotsugyou Special" being held at Yokohama Arena on Friday, December 5th, Yokoyama Reina will graduate from Morning Musume。'25 and Hello! Project, and at the same time retire from the entertainment industry. To commemorate her graduation, we are presenting a short web series. 

In this first installment, we look back on how she changed from an insecure, shy girl into the cheerful personality she is today, eventually joining her beloved Morning Musume。and becoming known as the "bright member" of the group.

The COVID-19 pandemic that brought major changes to idol life. Days spent constantly thinking about what she could do.

— In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began and many scheduled events and concerts were forced to be canceled. It was a time of rapid change for society as a whole. How did you spend that period, Yokoyama-san?

I'm the type of person who takes time to adjust to new environments, so suddenly being told to stay home and having so much "at-home time" was honestly pretty tough. Still, I remember spending that time thinking about what I could do and searching for things I'd always wanted to try.

— On the group's official YouTube channel, videos were released of you playing the alto saxophone, but also of a piano & saxophone performance where you handled both instruments on your own. That felt like something only someone skilled at instruments like you could do. Were there other things you wanted to try?

It wasn't related to work, but the first thing that comes to mind is making candied strawberries. They started getting popular a little before the pandemic and once I learned you could make them at home, I’d wanted to try for sooo long (laughs). If I hadn't had that much time at home, I definitely wouldn't have done it, so it was really fun.

I also played online games with the Morning Musume。members! Playing the alto sax at home and just trying lots of different things during that time are all good memories now.

— "Hello! Project Hina Fes" which was scheduled for March 2020, was canceled, but a few days later it was held as a live broadcast without an audience.

I remember it clearly because an audience-free, streaming-only concert was pretty rare. When I wasn't performing, I could sit a little away from the stage and watch, and that time was incredibly valuable! You rarely get the chance to see other groups' performances up close, it made me learn so many things. Since there were no fans directly in front of us, I spent a lot of time thinking about how to make things enjoyable for everyone watching through the screen. It was a little lonely not being able to see the fans, but now that I'm able to stand in front of them again, I really feel just how happy that makes me.

— In the fall of that year "Hello! Project 2020 ~The Ballad~" began. What did you think of this new style of concert tour?

There was no dancing at all. It was a live focused purely on singing, so I was nervous from the beginning to the very end ... Standing alone on a big stage and performing songs outside of Hello! Project felt incredibly fresh! The fans also had a totally different atmosphere than usual. Seeing them quietly watching in a seated, no-cheering style made me feel kind of strange (laughs). It was all new experiences, and it was fun. After "Ballad" concerts were often held with smaller lineups, included ventilation breaks, required masks, and banned cheering, all with careful consideration for preventing the spread of infection.

— You're referring to the "Kachou Fuuetsu" tour that started in spring 2021, correct? It was held in place of the usual Hello! Project concerts.

Yes. The five groups that usually gathered together were reorganized into four teams, and I was part of Team Hana. Even looking back now, I think it was a tour where I grew a lot!

— Could you explain a bit more about how you felt you grew?

With smaller-group Hello! Project concerts, you feel more fired up emotionally, and you're able to understand the strengths of members from other groups in more detail. Songs performed by everyone had far fewer people than before, and performing as part of the same team with members from other groups gave rise to new perspectives and ways of expressing things. It was also a great opportunity to learn a lot from senpai of other groups. And since there were no cameras on this tour, I focused on conveying the song's appeal with my whole body, not just facial expressions.

— So it was a time of trial and error in finding ways to entertain fans. How was "Solo Fes" where members showcased solo performances through self-production?

It was broadcast as a special program on TV Asahi Channel 1 and Sky PerfecTV!, and it was a huge five-hour program. I performed Berryz Kobo's "Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi" and once again I kept thinking "Let's make this a performance that both the viewers and I can really enjoy!".

— Is that where the flip-board comedy came in?

Yes! I wanted to incorporate elements of comedy, which I love (laughs). Since "Tsukiatteru no ni Kataomoi" has a fairly long instrumental break, I asked my manager if it would be okay to do it then. The bit was titled "Konna Kataomoi wa Iyada" (I don't want this unrequited love) and I introduced my generation mate Kaga (Kaede) and other Hello! Project members I'm close to using flip boards.

Later on, Funaki-san teased me on her blog, saying "My name wasn't on the flip board!" (laughs). She wrote things like "I'm close with Kaede too" and "Where did the "Minmin Rock'n'Roll!" bond go?" ... Seeing that made me happy, because it showed she treasures our song just like I do (laughs).

A natural expressive talent admired even by her fellow members. The decision to graduate from the beloved group.

— Having used the new-style concerts held during the pandemic as a stepping stone, you continued to grow even further. In an interview when you appeared on the cover of non-no, your fellow members spoke highly of you saying "Her expression in every song stands out". Is there anything you personally keep in mind when performing?

I'm really grateful that the members say things like that, but personally, it's not like I consciously think "Let's express it this way!" when I perform. More often, I just let myself go with whatever expressions naturally come out while I'm singing. I've always liked thinking about the meaning of the lyrics and listening while making my own interpretations, such as "Maybe this is how they're feeling at this moment". I think the emotions born from that process naturally show up in my performances.

— If it comes naturally like that, you're truly the "genius type". Were there any songs you struggled with expressing?

Overall, I remember struggling quite a bit during "Morning Musume。'22 spring tour "CONCERT TOUR ~Never Been Better!~". The setlist had a lot of cool songs and heartbreak songs with many of my vocal parts, and throughout an entire show the staff kept telling me "Yokoyama hardly smiles at all" (laughs). I remember agonizing over where in the songs I should show different expressions, and it ended up being a very valuable experience.

— Then is there a performance you found especially fun?

The spoken-line parts are always fun, no matter the song! You have to deliver them within a very limited musical phrase, so what matters is how well you can convey those lines to the audience. It makes me feel like I'm competing in some way, and that really fires me up. I practice relentlessly until I'm satisfied before going on stage. Fitting them cleanly into the melody is surprisingly difficult (laughs)!

— You mentioned Morning Musume。'22, and in 2022, your generation mate Kaga Kaede-san and your close friend Morito Chisaki-san both graduated. When did you start thinking about graduating yourself?

Not just their graduations, but every time a senpai graduated over the years, it made me think about it. I probably started seriously thinking about it around 2023. But there wasn't any single, specific trigger.

— How did you feel after you had made up your mind to graduate?

I'm really bad at expressing my feelings or what I want to do to other people, so it took me a long time to work up the courage to tell the staff at the company about my intention to graduate. Honestly, even now I get nervous just asking to change my hair color (laughs).

But I'm glad I found the courage to tell them at that time. When I was finally able to tell the fans about my graduation, I felt so relieved I almost cried.

— Did you reach out to any former members after deciding to graduate?

Before it was announced to the fans, I contacted Tanaka Reina-san. Even though she had just given birth and was going through a very busy time, she replied right away with a fairly long message! She always takes two-shot photos with me whenever we work together, she's such a kind senpai.

— You share the same name as Tanaka Reina-san, and it sounds like you're close.

She came to see the final show of the 2017 spring tour, which was the first tour I ever participated in, and we've been close ever since. During that tour, we performed "Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari (Morning Musume。'17 Ver.)" and in my self-introduction lyrics there's a line that goes "I'll be the second Reina, Yokoyama Reina, nice to meet you all". After the show, she came up to me and said "Oh, you're the second Reina!".

Even though it was a set lyrics, as a newcomer I was unsure whether it was okay to call myself the "second Reina" so I was really happy that she reacted so positively. Among all the Morning Musume。 OG members whose active periods didn't overlap with mine, she's actually the only one whose contact information I've exchanged.

A final autumn tour packed with personal touches. Thoughts on the graduation single.

— From here on, we'd like to ask you about the final autumn tour you'll be participating in, "Morning Musume。'25 Concert Tour Autumn ~Movin' Forward with Hope~". The tour drew a lot of attention for its packed setlists with multiple variations. What kind of discussions did you have with Haga Akane-san, who's graduating at the same time?

We presented two different setlist patterns, each one focusing on either Haga-san or myself. Among the fans, it seems they were calling them the "A Pattern" and "R Pattern", using our initials. It wasn't that we decided from the start to do different setlists, but rather that when we tried cramming in all the songs we wanted, it somehow ended up being 40 songs total (laughs).

— Out of those 40 songs, while some were shared or performed as medleys, 16 songs differed between the two patterns. That's quite a challenge for a final tour.

When it came to deciding the setlists, it wasn't like one of us took the lead. We started by suggesting songs we personally wanted to do or songs full of memories for us. At the time, we hadn't told the other members about our graduations yet, so we'd secretly talk things over just the two of us in a separate place after work (laughs). While reminiscing about when we ourselves were Morning Musume。fans, we carefully discussed what kind of structure would be fun for both the fans and for us. Since Haga-san and I like the same eras of Morning Musume。and similar musical styles, everything came together nicely without much trouble!

— Among the carefully chosen setlist, were there any performances or songs you absolutely had to include?

We both agreed right away that the opening song had to be "Love & Peace! HERO ga Yatte Kita。" and we paid special attention to the opening to match it. Making a cool entrance under the lights with sharp dancing, then completely letting loose in the first song, that feels very "us" and I love it!

— Were your requests also reflected in the costumes? The headdress you're wearing in this photo shoot looks incredibly cute!

We did discuss it, but Haga-san handled most of the detailed decisions, and things were decided fairly early on. She beautifully incorporated the styles I like as well, and I'm really grateful to her. Every outfit is cute, and I love them all!

Even while discussing the costume concepts, the two of us kept saying things like "This is cute!" and "This kind of thing is cute too" the whole time (laughs). Since we wanted to show lots of different sides of the members within a single performance, we packed in many charms, from stylish black-and-white outfits to member-color costumes at the end.

— We'd also like to ask about your graduation single entitled "Teka HAPPY no HAPPY! / Watashi no Lamentazione" which is being released on December 3 and is performed during this tour as well. Let's start with "Teka HAPPY no HAPPY!".

My first impression was that it really felt like a song that suits the two of us graduating this time. The rhythm feels great and the melody sticks in your head right away. I was really surprised when they told me during the MV shoot "Your hairstyle will be a pompadour!" but then I immediately thought "Wait, actually, a pompadour would totally suit me" (laughs). I never expected that my final MV shoot would be where I debut a pompadour hairstyle, but it was exciting to be able to take on a new challenge right up until the end.

I also practiced the line "RIIZENTO midareru" ("The pompadour gets messy") like crazy before recording, so I was really happy to successfully get that vocal part. The catchy choreography in the chorus is already something I see fans dancing along to at concerts, and I really love how this song lets everyone have fun together!

— How about "Watashi no Lamentazione"?

When the demo arrived, we happened to be in rehearsal, so several of us listened to it together. From that moment, I thought "I love this song". Since it's a double A-side single, I wanted the two songs to have completely different atmospheres, I also wanted to show a new side of myself right up until the end, so I was really happy that two songs with such different vibes became our graduation single.

Because "Teka HAPPY" had the pompadour hairstyle, I went with half-twin tails (which is something people associate with me) for "Lamentazione". Playing the role of the camerawoman in the final MV shoot is also a great memory. We first performed this song at our final hometown concert in Saitama, and the song's mood is just so good. It adds a really nice accent to the set, and it's one of my favorites!

A dependable presence always by her side. Focusing on the members' charm and expressive power.

— This is our final section. In non-no's graduation interview series, it's customary to ask the featured member to send messages to each member based on a set theme. For you Yokoyama-san, we'd like you to talk about moments where you felt "This expression is amazing!" for each member, along with the song in question.

Let's start in order with the 17th generation. For Getta (Yumigeta Ako), i'd say "Style of my love" which she performed during "Morning Musume。'24 Concert Tour ~MOTTO MORNING MUSUME。~". I absolutely love how cool Getta's expression is, like she's facing every single song head-on with total sincerity. Up until that tour, she often sang bright, energetic songs as unit numbers, but in "Style of my love" which I chose here, she completely changed her usual vibe, and it left a really strong impression on me. Then, when we made eye contact during "What is LOVE?" afterward, she was back to her usual smiling Getta and I thought that her expressive range was perfect (laughs).

Listen to "Style of my Love" 　※ Recording before Yumigeta joined the group

For Haru-san (Inoue Haruka), it's "Nandaka Sentimental na Toki no Uta" released in 2024. I probably don't even need to say this, because the fans already know it well, but... Haru-san's expressive ability is genius-level. My favorite part is especially the final section! That's an expression only Haru-san can do, something no one else could imitate. Morning Musume。has many songs that demand very different kinds of expression, and I truly believe Haru-san can handle all of them beautifully. She's incredibly reliable.

— Next is 16th generation member's Sakurai Rio-san.

For Rairii, it's "Watashi no Jidai!" from "Morning Musume。'24 Concert Tour ~MOTTO MORNING MUSUME。~". Her expression has this magnetic quality that makes everyone instinctively watch her. In a song like this, that charm shines even brighter, and her eyes were sparkling the whole time (laughs).

You can really feel that very "Morning Musume。like" ambition from her, that "I'm going to do it!" spirit radiating from her entire body. That's what makes her so cool. And you can also tell that she herself is really enjoying the performance, which I absolutely love.

Listen to "Watashi no Jidai!"　※ Recording before Sakurai joined the group

— You were also closely involved with the 15th generation as a mentor. How about them?

For Yamazaki Mei, her facial control, volume, and vocal tone are all wonderful. I love that unique atmosphere she has, that cool expression that's hard to put into words. She has the ability to give the best possible expression in any song, but "Aishite Aishite Ato Ippun" performed during "Morning Musume。’22 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TOUR ~SINGIN' TO THE BEAT~" was especially incredible. Because she's usually so smiley, that gap just hit me hard (laughs).

Listen to "Aishite Aishite Ato Ippun"　※ Recording before Yamazaki joined the group

For Okamura Homare, it's "Narcissus Kamatte-chan Kyousoukyoku Dai 5ban" from "Morning Musume。'25 Concert Tour Spring ~Mighty Magic~". Everyone (both members and fans) loves Homare's cute voice, and it really suits every song. I think that's because she subtly changes her singing style depending on the song. Cute songs and energetic songs, of course, but even ballads fit her perfectly. And for songs that sing about sensitive maiden-like feelings, just like a "clingy girl", she completely makes them her own. The expression she gives when she looks into the camera with that slightly sad gaze really gets to me!

Listen to "Narcissus Kamatte-chan Kyousoukyoku Dai 5ban"　※ Recording before Okamura joined the group

— From here on, let's move on to the senpai. Including Haga-san, who's graduating with you, please share your thoughts for the three 12th-generation members.

I've always loved the fleeting quality in Haga-san's expression, but my favorite is "Futari wa Abekobe" from "Morning Musume。'22 Concert Tour ~Never Been Better! Encore~". Just because a song is cute doesn't mean you can smile your way through it, and that kind of expression is actually difficult for me. But Haga-san's smile shows so many emotions, mature smiles, gentle smiles, innocent vibes. I truly love her expression from the bottom of my heart.

Listen to "Futari wa Abekobe"

For Makino Maria-san, it's "Shouganai Yume Oibito" performed during "Morning Musume。'25 Concert Tour Spring ~Mighty Magic~". I especially love her facial expressions while singing and the way she rides the rhythm. When I watch Makino-san, I strongly feel "I'm watching Morning Musume。right now!". There's no wasted moment, even after she finishes singing, everything is perfect. This applies to other songs too, but even after she lowers the mic, her expression is still cool. I love how she always expresses and conveys everything with her whole body. She's my ideal.

※ The MV has been published before Makino joined the group

For Nonaka Miki-san, it's "What is LOVE?" released in 2014. The song is mostly sung in unison, but the spoken line before the chorus "Is it necessary?" is entirely hers. Even though it appears three times in the same song, she expresses it differently every single time. That's incredibly cool! Doing the same thing with completely different expressions is really hard, yet she sometimes changes it even between performances. And her call-and-response moments in this song feel like something only Nonaka-san can do. She's the best at it.

※ The MV has been published before Nonaka joined the group

— Lastly, there's the 11th generation member's Oda Sakura-san, who you say has stayed close to you ever since you joined.

For Oda-san, it's "Ai no Gundan" released in 2013. I really love her solo part right after the instrumental break. Solo and sung parts are often performed freely without strict choreography, and in concert performers add their own arrangements. But Oda-san has kept the exact same movements from the MV all the way to now!

I clearly remember the first time I performed "Ai no Gundan" after joining. During rehearsal, I saw that part and thought "That's the one I saw in the MV!" and was genuinely moved (laughs). Fans each have moments they want to see, and in that instant, I felt that Oda-san truly understands that fan mindset.

— Thank you so much for sharing so many precious stories. Finally, could you share your thoughts on the interview and a message for the fans?

I don't often get the chance to look back and talk about everything from my debut until now, so even I found myself remembering things as we talked, and it was really fun. I hope everyone who reads this interview also enjoys it with a feeling of nostalgia. Once again, to everyone who found me... Thank you so much!