Dyrea's Translations

Archive of translations (mostly) done by me.

[dyreatic]

LLDays Vol. 21 Liyuu Interview - Misaki Nako / Liyuu / Payton Naomi ~The Trio’s Origins~

Liyuu-san has loved Love Live! from a long time ago. Because of that, we’re here to ask her about the challenges she faced and the path she took to seize her dreams. We’ve included a few important pictures too!

When I was fifteen, I saw μ's and was entranced by them. When Keke-chan was also fifteen, she came to Japan because she aspired to be a school idol.

A special existence just for us. Her encounter with μ's, who gave her a dream to pursue.

Liyuu-san, when did you first discover the Love Live! series?

It was during my third year of middle school. Around the time that μ's-san released their fourth single*(1), my classmate recommended it to me. Just watching the animated PV made me really excited, and I felt like I wanted to keep on watching it forever. At that time, there was barely anyone in school who was interested in anime or games, so I think it was just the two of us who knew about Love Live!. From then on, I joined an online community of around a hundred Love Live! fans, and it became a place where we all exchanged information. The music shops in China didn’t sell any Love Live! CDs, so I specially requested help from someone I met there and borrowed and watched the DVD of the 1st Live. The series was nowhere near as popular then, so it felt like a secret that only a hundred of us knew about, which was quite thrilling.

You followed the series before it had an anime. What did you feel when the anime was confirmed?

I tried to imagine what kind of anime it would turn out to be, but it ended up being completely different from what I’d expected. What I imagined was that μ's was already a complete group from Episode 1, with everyone friendly towards each other. I thought that it would be a slice-of-life anime, where they would chit-chat with each other peacefully. When I saw that it started off with singing and dancing outside, with the members not all knowing each other yet, I was very surprised, and even more so by the fact that they were aiming to win a competition! Because of the anime’s announcement, it became very popular in China, so I was a little sad that it got so big (laughs). “It was a special thing just for us to know about!” I thought. That was also when our hundred-member community dissolved because it was much easier to get the news from the internet.

Akihabara, her heaven! Where she was also moved by the emas in Kanda Shrine.

You also went to Akihabara, the setting for μ's, right?

When I first went to Japan on holiday in 2015, I was there for around a week, the first half of which I spent entirely in Akihabara. μ's songs were playing in all corners there! There was also merchandise in the arcades and the shops, so it felt like heaven… “This is so good, that’s so good,” I said to myself as I bought it all, which meant that I ended up with a lot of luggage. I didn’t know that the shrine in the anime also existed in real life, so when I heard about that, I went to Kanda Shrine. I climbed the stairs just like the practice scenes in the anime, and saw that there were many emas with Love Live! drawings on them. It really felt like a holy land, which really moved me. After that, I returned to Shanghai, and in the next year, 2016, μ's-san came to Shanghai for a fan meeting. Attending a concert in Japan was quite difficult, so I thought that if I wanted to meet them, this was my chance, so I applied for a ticket. I managed to get one, but it was for a seat in the back, but a friend gave me a ticket for the very front! That instantly made my day. After that, the next time I could see μ's-san with my own eyes was in their Final Live*(2). At their Final Live, what moved me the most was being able to see μ's-san’s performance live in such a big venue. At the very end, just like in the movie, a big flower bloomed, and they all performed in the middle of it, which made me cry really hard.

Overcoming their challenges and seizing their dreams! The two of them who looked up to school idols when they were fifteen.

Could you tell us about what happened leading up to you getting the role of Tang Keke?

I heard that they were looking for someone who could speak both Japanese and Chinese. I sent in a recording of me singing Snow halation, speaking some lines, and a dance video, which led to my acceptance. It was my first time doing something like this. I had zero performing experience. I’d also never really danced before, so at the start, I was also just like Keke-chan in the anime, falling down with a Clunk! (laughs). I really racked my brain on how to approach the whole thing. My Japanese also wasn’t very good, so I wondered if I could actually do the dubbing properly. In addition, just by joining the Love Live! series, my 20s life completely changed. I dedicated myself completely to Love Live! Superstar!!, which brought along a lot of troubles. I left my friends and family and moved to Japan, which was a struggle. And of course, μ's-san’s existence was also another issue. After their Final Live, I felt an emptiness within me, and just hearing their music hurt me, so I couldn’t listen to it at all. μ's-san was a really important memory that was locked deep within my heart, so I wondered if I could give my all for the Love Live! series.

That sounds like quite a struggle.

However, my friend said to me, “Because you love it, you should do your best for it, right?”, which gave me encouragement. That’s true, it was an opportunity. If I let it pass by, I wouldn’t get another one. After that, I was able to resolve myself to give my all if I did it. In addition, Keke-chan was also a little similar to me from the past. When I was fifteen, I saw μ's and was entranced by them. When Keke-chan was also fifteen, she came to Japan because she aspired to be a school idol. Because of that, I understood her feelings perfectly. If I was with Keke-chan, I felt like the Love Live! series that I had once left behind could take off once again.

What was your first impression of Keke-chan?

When I first saw the Love Live! Superstar!! visual of the people crossing at the Omotesando junction, I looked at Chisato-chan, and thought, “She has buns in her hair, is she Keke-chan?” (laughs). After I saw the names, and realized that Keke-chan was actually a different girl, I remember going, “Oh?! I’m sure that the Chinese fans will be really happy with this!” She didn’t feel like yet another girl from an anime in Japan, but instead one from the present. I was really happy that I would voice such a girl.

Last, please say some words for the readers!

Discovering the Love Live! series is surely a miracle, regardless of if you were a fan from way back then, or if you started following because of Liella!. Next up, we have our 1st Live Tour*(3), so I’m really excited that we can be together in the same place! Right now, I really want to perform while seeing everyone’s faces. I also hope that we’ll get to perform overseas, whether it’ll be in Shanghai or elsewhere. Please continue to support Liella!’s activities from now on!

Footnotes

*(1): μ's 4th Single Mogyutto “love” de Sekkinchu *(2): Love Live! μ's Final LoveLive! ~μ'sic Forever ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪~, held in Tokyo Dome on 31st March and 1st April 2016 *(3): Love Live! Superstar!! Liella! First LoveLive! Tour ~Starlines~, held nationwide in 10 venues, with 20 legs

Picture Captions

Pic 1: She probably had a seat close to the stage during μ's Final Live. Pic 2: A picture from when she went to Kanda Shrine. She said that she was completely mesmerized then.

Biography

Liyuu Voice of Tang Keke. Born in Shanghai, China. Her childhood dream was to become a singer, but she gave that up in high school to pursue Art History. Because of her cosplay work, she was able to fulfill her dreams.

P.S. Special thanks to yuja for QC

[dyreatic]

Liella! Cross Talk 02

The trio voicing Tang Keke, Heanna Sumire, and Onitsuka Natsumi sit down and converse with each other, engaging in lively conversation over their journey since the release event towards the 3rd Live Tour!

Liella! has nine members now. Has adding new members made you nervous or stressed?

Liyuu: Honestly, before we met face-to-face, it wasn’t on my mind at all (laughs).

Emori: Huh?! Really?!

Liyuu: I’m someone who leaves the future for later, so I decided to worry about the increase in members when it would actually happen… It was also around the time of our 1st Live Tour, so my attention was focused entirely on that. Even so, after we met face-to-face, there was still some time until we would actually work together… So I dodged the issue!

Emori: True, it took the longest for me to get close to Lichan!

Payton: She even talked to me about it! (laughs)

Emori: While on the train, I kept on thinking to myself, “What does she think of the 2nd gen members?”... (laughs)

Payton: I think I responded something like, “Lichan’s probably just focused on what’s right in front of her.”

Liyuu: Wow, Paychan! You really understand me well!

Emori: (Laughs) Naomi said to us, “Lichan thinks of everyone the most, so she’s waiting for you all to reach out”, which gave me the confidence to do so.

Liyuu: I’ve never been involved in club activities, so I have no idea how to interact with my juniors. I ended up deciding to just wait and see, so thanks, the both of you~

Liella!’s already been active as nine for some time. When did it feel like you finally clicked together?

Emori: The release event!

Liyuu/Payton: I agree!

Liyuu: During the fan meeting, only the 1st gen members performed, so it still felt like our activities were separate. Our tasks were also different, so it was hard to feel the same way as each other. That’s why I was really happy that we were able to perform together as nine for everyone during the release event!

Payton: For me, I think it was the time that we formed a circle during the release event. It’s a tradition for the Love Live! series, and it reminded me once again that we were going to sing WE WILL!! as nine members. I also thought back to the previous Hajimari wa Kimi no Sora release event where we stood as five. Now, we would be taking a brand new step forward.

Liyuu: It was our first performance as nine, so we faced the same goal and strove to achieve it together.

Payton: We’d been going at our own paces, so this was the moment that it felt like we were finally walking in step.

Emori: During the fan meeting, we only wore the school uniforms, so we couldn’t wear the same costumes as the 1st gen members, which was a big hurdle. Because of that, I was really happy that all nine of us could wear the same costumes!

Payton: Yeah, I feel that!

Emori: Also, when I watched the archive after the concert, the sight of the curtain rising and the spotlights shining down on us made me finally feel like the era of nine had finally begun. During the actual performance, I was focused on what I had to do, so I don’t really remember it that clearly… (laughs).

It really does hit you once you see your performance from the audience’s point of view. What’s changed on-stage since the days of five members?

Payton: Now that we’re a group of nine, we’re closer to each other while dancing. Sensing that there's someone close to me makes me feel much more reassured.

Liyuu: Our formations have become more complex too.

Emori: If we don’t keep track of our movements, we’d end up colliding with each other, so we have to practice slowly know our movements well.

Payton: Also, the 2nd gen members are really putting in a lot of effort!

Emori: (Laughs)

Payton: If I were a 2nd gen member, I’d want to catch up to the 1st gen and perform at the same level as them, so I totally understand. I can feel the amount of effort they’re putting into it. During our rehearsals, I always see them practicing, so we gotta do our best to make sure that they don’t catch up to us. Wait no, I’d be happy if they caught up to us, but not if they left us behind… It’s a complicated feeling (laughs).

Liyuu: I think they’re pretty admirable and awesome. Everyone’s doing their best. We can’t lose to them!

Emori: It’s because we have something to chase after that we can do our best to do so. Actually, I just talked about it with my family yesterday! I watched the release event’s footage with my mom, who praised me, saying, “You’ve come so far!” I knew that was because I had giants next to me all this time. It’s difficult to go from zero to hero, but that’s what the 1st gen did for us. We're only able to aim high because they were there to set an example for us, so I’m really thankful that they were there to become our goals.

Liyuu: Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! Payton: Thank you!

Looking back at the release event, did any particular moments stand out to you?

Emori: The moment at the very start when the curtain rose and revealed the nine of us with individually colored lights shining down on each of us. I was looking down while waiting, so I had no idea that that moment was actually such a beautiful sight.

Payton: For me, it would be the 9-member version of Watashi no Symphony. Up until the end of the first chorus, it was just the 2nd gen members, and we joined in after that. The sea of lights in front of us only consisted of four colors, and it instantly changed to nine colors then. Before then, there were only five colors, so seeing such a beautiful sight moved me.

Liyuu: As for me, it would be how our performances as five and as nine have felt completely different. I danced a lot during the rehearsals but watching everyone sweat and move on stage made me realize once again that this is what a performance as nine looks like.

Sorry for the sudden change in topic. Among the members here today, is there anything that you admire or want to learn from them?

Emori: I’ve got it written down! For me, it would be Naomi’s singing power and her humility.

Payton: Wha-?! That’s embarrassing!

Emori: All of the 1st gen members are like that, but her singing voice is so stable that it’s so good. She’s also way too humble but in a good way. Humility is a trait that people have to be mindful of all the time, so I want to learn from that. As for Lichan, it would be how she completely understands her own cuteness. She always knows how to look cute from any angle!

Liyuu: (Sits up straight)

Emori: Also, whenever I ask her, “How should I do my makeup today?”, she always responds immediately (laughs). She’s so well-informed about what it means to be cute.

Liyuu: I think Paychan is “frank”.

Payton: Frank?

Liyuu: She always speaks her mind in private, though she always ends up apologizing right after (laughs). It’s great that she always says what she wants to say. Though she’s probably only like that to me!

Payton: (Laughs)

Liyuu: Emorin is really cheerful, as everyone probably already knows. She’s always showing 100% of it. I also really like how she always speaks up immediately if there’s something on her mind.

Emori: It shows on my face too.

Liyuu: Yeah! I never really thought about the 2nd gen’s point of view, so when we were talking with each other, she brought it up to me, and that was when I first realized how much pressure they were facing. I think it’s great that she said that to me. Before that, I’d only seen them work their utmost best and didn’t understand what they were going through.

Emori: I’m so happy! I remember that conversation when we were taking the same train.

Payton: I’ll go next. Lichan is really positive and doesn’t worry too much. I’m always feeling down about what I say or do and end up worrying a lot, so Lichan always says to me, “Huh? No need to worry about that~”.

Emori: I totally get what you mean!

Payton: Because of that, I started realizing that I shouldn’t get hung up over those small things, which made me want to change myself. Now, I’m working to change my negative streak into a positive one. Lichan changed my negative personality.

Emori: I completely get it. I agree with everything you said.

Payton: In the past, Lichan declared, “I’m cheerful!”, which I found really interesting. I want to be able to say that too!

Emori: During the rehearsals, there were many times when Lichan was the only one who was still cheery. Even though the other eight were completely spent and feeling like they wanted to hurry up and leave, she was still imitating everyone else (laughs).

Liyuu: That’s because everyone was there too! We’d all gathered together, so it would be a waste if it wasn’t lively.

Payton: It’s that part of Lichan that helps us through! Aya is really good at putting her thoughts into words. She has a good vocabulary and is really good at speaking, so I’m always impressed by how she can convery her thoughts in interviews and live streams. It makes me want to work hard to improve too.

Emori: I’m really happy! It’s the first time someone’s said that to me. I’ll continue polishing my language skills.

The theme of the teaser visual for the Anime’s second season was “Chasing after them, surpassing them”. How did you all react to this?

Emori: Oh yeah, during the 2nd gen’s foundational lessons, I told the staff, “I want to chase after and surpass them!”

Payton: I didn’t know that!

Emori: That’s why they were like, “Aya, that’s what you said!” I’d made that declaration, and when the teaser visual came out, I felt that it was a theme born out of the feelings of the first years towards the second years..

Payton: No matter how you look at it, it was clearly a theme born out of the 2nd gen’s point of view. But after thinking about it, the 1st gen also shares the same feelings, and for me, my target would be Sumire-chan. Even if it's the same words, it means different things to different people.

Liyuu: As for me, I want to surpass the past me!

Emori: Wow, so cool!

Liyuu: Doing the same things over and over again won't lead to any improvement.. Because we became a group of nine, I could take on new challenges and surpass my past self!

I’m sure everyone’s preparing for your 3rd Live Tour right now. First, Emori-san, you’re a 2nd gen member. What’s your biggest task or goal?

Emori: There was something that the staff said to me during the release event. “I can’t feel Natsumi…”

Liyuu: Oh my god!

Payton: That must’ve been such a shock.

Emori: It was a total shock, and it hurt to hear. I had been trying my best, so I had no idea how to appear like Natsumi for some time. I had studied everyone’s dancing for myself, but I still haven't completely figured out how to stand together with Natsumi on stage yet, so I'm still thinking about it. Since then, I’ve kept that goal in mind, and know that I need to work even harder.

Payton: Anyone would feel the pain from those words…

Liyuu: That’s the first I’ve heard of that. Wow, that’s quite a situation…

Emori: The juice of my heart (tears) spilled out. They told me that precisely because they had high expectations of me, so I worked hard in response to that. I’ve never danced with a carefree style before, but her expressions are always really dynamic, so I had to discard all the baggage I had and start from scratch.

Liyuu: No need to worry too much~ Emorin, you can do it!

Emori: That’s what I love about you, Lichan!

This question was asked previously in a Liella! special feature for the 1st gen members. Liyuu-san, you said that dancing is your weak point.

Liyuu: Yeah, dancing! I totally couldn’t remember the choreo for Tiny Stars. It took me twice as long as the others to remember it.

Payton: But recently, our dance instructor commented, “Liyuu, you’re memorizing the choreo faster now.”

Emori: Yay, that’s an improvement!

Liyuu: Thank you! But I particularly remember the time when I remembered the choreo to Shooting Voice!!. I took the same amount of time as everyone else, and I was like, “Wow, I’m pretty good!” (laughs). It was the most complex choreo we’ve had so far, so I was happy that I could match everyone else. I hope that I can slowly improve myself.

Payton-san, you also talked about your own dancing skills too.

Payton: I had my own solo dance section for Nonfiction!!, so I knew it was the perfect time to give everyone a great show! Because we’re now a group of nine, I felt like I had to reevaluate Sumire-chan’s position. On stage, Sumire’s the type of person who would perform something that screams “Look at me!”. I studied her movements and tried to figure out how to overcome my own desire to stay low-key. I heard “You’re not showy enough” quite a lot, so I wanted to show myself off more.

Liyuu: We’d already gotten used to performing as five after over a year, so I wanted to show our improved selves as nine. I’m working hard so that I can show off our powerful, shining selves to everyone!

Payton/Emori: Let’s do our best together!

Last but not least, a message for the fans!

Payton: Our 3rd Live Tour will start real soon, so we’ll do our best to perform each and every single leg while also keeping our health in utmost on our mind. I’ll perform together with Sumire-chan in a way that shows off all her charms to everyone. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone!

Liyuu: There'll be people who first watched us perform as nine, whether it be in the release event or in our 3rd Live Tour. Because of that, I want to show off how much we've changed from we were five. I’m in the middle of practicing really hard, so please look forward to it! Let’s make some really great memories together!

Emori: Thank you very much for supporting Liella! all this time! I’m so excited about what kind of tour our 3rd Live Tour is going to become. I want to perform to the best of my ability, so I’m preparing myself while also thinking of everyone. Even if you’re still not sure about coming, there’s still time! I’ll make sure that it’s a concert that you’ll walk out completely satisfied with and leave with no regrets, so please look forward to it!

TLC: xIceArcher QC: Yujacha

[dyreatic]

Liella! 2nd Gen Interviews - Emori Aya

Then, when I saw the visuals for the 2nd gen members, I was somehow drawn toward Natsumi-chan. I remember thinking, “She’s the only one suitable for me.”

She’s Emori Aya, the voice of Onitsuka Natsumi. She’s also the youngest in Liella!, but that doesn’t stop her from being a total boss when she’s supporting the other members or hyping them up. Now, let’s hear some words from her about her audition experience behind the scenes!

Once, she couldn’t even bring herself to look at anything Love Live! related. Then, she worked hard and succeeded in the next audition.

Emori-san, you’ve been involved in showbiz in the past. Tell us the details of how you first came across the Love Live! series.

I’ve been in showbiz since kindergarten, but those days felt more like a learning experience for me. In the past, I modeled and did idol work while also going to school and taking part in club activities. That was when I first came across the Love Live! series, through SIF. I loved the songs, so I really got into the game, but it wasn’t until my first year of middle school that I started watching the anime, starting with Love Live! Sunshine!!. When the original Love Live! anime aired, I was spending most of my time doing club activities, so I barely had any time to watch anime. But even though I first got into the series through the anime, it was when I saw the preview of μ's Final Live on a video streaming site that I grew to love it even more. Since I was also involved in idol activities of my own, I think it was only natural that I was drawn to them.

What were your feelings when you heard about the auditions?

When I first heard about the first round of the auditions, I was really excited, and thought to myself, “Wow, a new series is starting. It’s a chance for me to join the Love Live! series that I love!” However, I was a complete newbie to the voice acting world, so I asked Komiya Arisa-san, the voice of Kurosawa Dia, who’s also from my agency, for advice. But I failed the auditions for the 1st gen… It hurt so much that I couldn’t even bring myself to look at anything Love Live! related for some time, so I guess I’m a competitive person after all. In the end, I only briefly glanced at the cast announcement for the 1st gen, but one day, I stumbled upon the footage for the Hajimari wa Kimi no Sora release event in my recommendations on a video streaming site. I still hadn’t accepted my loss, but I decided to take a look anyway. That was when I realized why I’d lost. Their singing, dancing, and acting skills were truly out of this world. There’s no way that I could’ve won against the five of them, and I accepted my loss. That was when I decided to support them.

After that, you took part in the auditions for the 2nd gen.

I heard the news when I was in my second year of high school, which was also when I was thinking about my future. Honestly, I was thinking of quitting showbiz and going to college like a normal student, but with the opportunity appearing at the perfect time, I decided that I’d quit if I failed this audition. Then, when I saw the visuals for the 2nd gen members, I was somehow drawn toward Natsumi-chan. I remember thinking, “She’s the only one suitable for me.” However, I didn’t hear anything back from the first round, so I thought that I’d failed. However, one day, my manager called me and said that I was invited to the final audition round, which made me bawl in the parking lot of my prep school (laughs). I was studying for my entrance exams too, so that was the point in time when my future would be decided. I then took on the final audition round, treating it as the culmination of all the showbiz work that I’d done thus far. I thought I’d be fine with singing and dancing since I had experience with those, but then I remembered that I’d still failed the first time, so I knew I had to do even better than before. I then filmed myself singing and dancing, and took note of the parts that I messed up, and I counted about thirty of them.

The highlights of the 1st gen during their concerts. Then, the overwhelming pressure followed.

Emori-san, I’m sure all the readers can tell how serious you were. Now, what were your first impressions of the other 2nd gen members?

Nozomi was very quiet. When I met her at the final audition, she didn’t respond when I introduced myself. I was so confused, but when I heard that she was super nervous because she was from the open auditions, it made sense to me. Wakana also acted as Shiki-chan for the audition, so I thought that she was very calm. On that day, she still had long hair, so she looked like a mature woman. Akane was wearing red earrings, and her nails were a bright scarlet, so I was like, “Wow, we’ve got a gyaru here” (laughs). But still, she was the most lively among the three of them, and I felt like I’d be fine working with her. I wanted to exchange contact information with all of them the first time we met up face-to-face after the auditions, but there was no time… We then slowly grew closer to each other in the lessons after. But as we continued working together, it would’ve hurt me mentally if I couldn’t even open my heart to them. I didn’t want us to remain just coworkers, which was why I proposed that we address each other by our first names. Now, the three of them are all really dear to me.

Emori-san, you’re the youngest among the 2nd gen, but it looks like you really care about the others.

I was the captain of my club, so I led my members many times in the past, and I had to set a good example for them. I feel like I could be a great big sister sometimes too (laughs).

What did you feel when you watched the 1st gen’s concerts together with all of the other 2nd gen members?

Even watching them appear on stage put a heavy burden on my shoulders. I thought, “We’re not qualified to be there…” The fans had been watching just the five of them all this time, which made me even more nervous. The 1st gen had improved so much, which I saw clearly in their performance. That made me panic, as I had no idea how I’d be able to match up to them. I almost felt like it was impossible, but the small voice within me telling me to pull myself together prevailed. And then, when we were revealed to the public, that feeling evolved into my resolve to work even harder instead. We 2nd gen members went to a sushi restaurant together to watch the reactions to our reveal, and when we saw all the comments from people saying that they’d support us, we agreed to work even harder. That was when all my worries were blown away. I’m someone who can do my best because of the fans, so ever since my first live appearance, I’ve been greatly encouraged by everyone.

An explosion during the fan meetings?! The strength of Liella!’s bonds was shown to us once again!

How was your first live stream, as well as the Live & Fan Meeting?

I wasn’t nervous at all about the live stream. Rather, I went into it hoping that everyone would get to know me even better. However, the Live & Fan Meeting was a different story. I had to do so many things for the first time, so I also had a lot to learn, and I received a lot of advice from the people around me. But during that time, it slowly became too much for me, and I broke during the interval between the sessions of the Osaka leg. When I accidentally let slip an insecurity I had to our dance instructor, the tears soon followed, and they didn’t stop. I’d been trying too hard to keep myself together, and that was where it all fell apart. But then, the other 1st and 2nd gen members all comforted me, which made me realize how much I loved Liella!.

Please tell us any highlights in the second season of the TV anime!

Natsumi starts off as the resident gremlin, and she really seems like the type of person to dash off on her own. But in Episode 6, we got to know her true feelings, and understand that she’s actually a serious girl with a strong grip on reality. Her position in Liella! completely changes from the start to the end of the season, so I hope that you can pay attention to her character development. The way she finishes anything that she commits herself to is just like me, so I hope that you can keep that in mind while watching her!

Lastly, please give a message to the fans!

Thank you so much for supporting us all this time. Please watch season two all the way to the end to see what awaits Liella!. Our 3rd Live Tour is also starting, and I’m sure that it’ll be a wonderful chance for the nine of us to leave a mark in your hearts. We’ll continue advancing together as one body so that we can become an existence that inspires everyone to work harder because they know that we’re waiting to meet them, whether in our concerts or elsewhere. Please continue supporting us in the future too.

Emori Aya— Born in Yamanashi Prefecture. Before passing the audition, she worked towards becoming a midwife. Even after landing the role as the voice of Natsumi, she was still bothered by how different it’s been compared to her classmates who were studying hard for their entrance exams, which shows how serious she is. When she started SIF, she rolled two Hanayo URs in a row, which she said was absolutely shocking.

[dyreatic]

Aida-san can cook.

[dyreatic]

“Love Live! Sunshine!! The School Idol Movie Over the Rainbow” Guilty Kiss Interviews #1: Aida Rikako

"From now on, I want to walk with Riko-chan together at my own pace."

The seven turbulent months since last year has been a time for many new people to be introduced to the series.

The time since last autumn has been quite a ride, with your 4th Live at Tokyo Dome and then the special performance at the 69th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen. Looking back, what do you feel about it now?

Rikako Aida (henceforth Aida): Ever since the start of Love Live! Sunshine!!, I've experienced many challenges. Especially the latter half of last year, where performing in 69th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen would allow many more people to be introduced to Aqours as well as the production as a whole. I didn't realize that it would be such a big chance, until I saw on Twitter that many people replied to me saying that they became fans thanks to the movie.

So there were people who became fans thanks to the movie.

Aida: I was also surprised! I guess it would've been possible if they had been brought along to watch by another fan. Even if they had no knowledge about the series prior to it, I'm sure they would enter the fandom just by watching it once (laughs).

In the time leading up to the movie premiere, the 4th Live was held in Tokyo Dome on November 17th and 18th.

Aida: Eh?! It was 7 months ago? It still feels like it was only 3 months... (laughs). Thinking about it, there really have been many important events for Aqours from the end of last year until now.

Was there anything from 4th Live that you are particularly emotionally attached to?

Aida: 4th Live was something especially important to all of Aqours, so I'm emotionally attached to all of it. In particular, the first time we sang Omoi yo Hitotsu ni Nare as 9 stands out, which I had been dreaming about for so long.

Around a month after 4th Live, you performed at the 69th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen. How was the sight from the stage at the NHK Hall?

Aida: Every year, I end the year by watching the Kouhaku Uta Gassen. Never would I have thought that I'd be performing there... Of course, it wasn't that I didn't feel anything, but instead, the sights were so different on TV and in real life that it was a big learning experience.

In addition, you also had the National Subunit Battle Tour, as well as the Asia Tour.

Aida: Thinking about it, we really did a lot of lives and events in these 7 months (laughs). This time, it was called the National Subunit Battle Tour, so we went around as the three members of Guilty Kiss, and had fun with our fans in the various locations around the country without thinking too much about the difficulties. As for the Asia Tour, the setlist was very reminiscent of 1st Live, so it was a live where we had a chance to show our growth since then.

In local and international performances, did you see different things from on stage?

Aida: We could feel the different atmospheres of fans from different locations. Of course, fans always welcomed us warmly no matter where, but they differed in how they enjoyed themselves and hyped up everyone else. For example, in Seoul, the audience sang Thank you, FRIENDS!! as their encore call. Their unity really surprised us, and it felt like a present for us instead. It was a tour that was filled with everyone's kindness and love.

Did you feel like you yourself grew after these activities in the last 7 months?

Aida: Having performed so many lives, I feel like my stamina improved, but I can't say that it's an improvement just yet. If you ask me, I think it's a feeling that slowly started to appear. But the more I performed, the more I realized that I could do even more things on stage. By the way, after 4th Live, we started worrying over where our direction would be.

How is that worry right now?

Aida: The recent 5th Live was a live tied closely to the movie, and our performance reflected the current state of Aqours in the anime. Now that 5th Live is over, I feel more lonely than worried. I really want to meet the anime Aqours again in the future.

Next page: Seeing Aqours' future from Ruby's growth

[dyreatic]

Aqours 5th Live Next SPARKLING!! Pamphlet: Aida Rikako

The quick change that everyone’s looking forward to in 5th Live’s Brightest Melody is definitely...

I too believe that I can do it... so I want this power that is welling up within me to reach everyone ♪

This live is called "Next SPARKLING!!". What do you think of when you hear SPARKLING?

SPARKLING: Bubbles popping and vanishing in a moment, like youth!

Please tell us your honest feelings regarding Saint Snow!

Saint Snow is both an important rival for Aqours and also their comrades. There's no way that Aqours would be able to grow to this point if they didn't exist. They were worthy rivals and we pushed and supported each other from the back. I daresay that even the cast members felt the same way too.

Which song from the movie left a particularly strong impression on you?

Brightest Melody. In the movie's storyline, it's the last song of Aqours as nine that represents their position, but somehow the lyrics also signify a new beginning. The first time I heard it, I felt goosebumps. And just like the title, it truly is Aqours' brightest song!

This is somewhat related to Hop? Stop? Nonstop!, but tell us something that recently made you excited!

I was excited when looking for cosmetics in the department store!

Do you have any strong memories of any feelings that you felt during the movie talk show?

We held it in various locations, so I was able to recognize once again that there are fans who support Aqours all over the country. Because of that, I feel that we must go and spread our feelings to everyone even more.

Are there any special scenes in the movie which are imprinted in your heart?

The scene immediately preceding Next SPARKLING!!, the last song. It is the scene where the six members stand in a circle and count off before they stand on stage.

What scenes do you think that the member you perform as shine in?

Every scene in which she's interacting with Chika!

What do you like/where do you want to go to in Numazu?

Grandma. They have great sweets and cake.

Three things that you have to take with you on vacation!

1) Bath powder 2) My favorite dressing gown 3) Moisturizing face masks

Tell us something you want to change and something that doesn't.

Want to change: My terrible sleeping habits Doesn't change: My "me" way of life

Thanks to Mega for editing.

[dyreatic]

Aqours - [spoiler] TL

Movie song spoilers under the cut.

Next SPARKLING!!

Each memory is important They're always our beautiful treasures And even if we go our separate ways This sight that we have always seen Will be stored within our hearts

If you end up wanting to meet everyone else Close your eyes and try calling out for them And then you'll be able to hear this song So where to next? Let's go together!

As long as we have unforgettable dreams We'll be able to become who we want to be As long as we never forget our dreams We'll get closer to them as time passes

We've all changed in our own ways Carving this moment in our hearts Is still a wonderful story that cannot disappear It's something that we can do because everyone's with us It's great, so thank you!

When you suddenly want to meet everyone I understand that feeling, so try calling out for them We'll always be able to hear this song We can still run, so let's go together!

Our blazing heartbeats are unstoppable You will be connected with us from now on It can't stop, and it's getting even hotter Reach your hands out towards a new sparkle

We're still immature now But we need to advance to the future... there's nothing else we can do!

As long as we have unforgettable dreams We'll be able to become who we want to be As long as we never forget our dreams We'll get closer to them as time passes

Our blazing heartbeats are unstoppable You will be connected with us from now on It can't stop, and it's getting even hotter Reach your hands out towards a new sparkle

Forgive me for any obvious mistranslations.

[dyreatic]

Aqours 4th Live ~Sailing to the Sunshine~ Pamphlet: Aida Rikako

Right before I stand on stage, my heart always beats from nervousness! Surely this is a sign of my love for everyone ♡

I remember my nervousness and excitement from my first live. With my initial resolution, I’ll do my best!

“I’m happy to have met Aqours” I hope everyone can feel that way too.

Thank You, FRIENDS!! is a song that etches all our bonds and feelings into our hearts, and expresses our thanks to everyone who has watched over us so far…

Tokyo Dome is the venue this time! What are your impressions and memories of it?

In the past, I’ve been to Tokyo Dome to see artists I liked. Looking at all those people I looked up to having lives in Tokyo Dome, I still can’t believe that we, Aqours,  were also given a chance to perform there. On the day of the performance, I’m sure that I won’t know how to feel until I actually get on stage.

Aqours’ hometown is Numazu ☆ What kind of place is it?

You can call it a lot of things, but for us, it’s our second home. Because we’ve gotten to know it so well, even though it’s only been a short period of 3.5 years, every time I return, I’ve always felt a warm feeling of “I’m back”.

Tell us a memory from Numazu!

For a magazine shoot, Anchan (Inami Anju), Suwawa (Suwa Nanaka) and I went diving, which has really stuck with me. In the first season of the anime, Riko-chan descended into the ocean together with Chika-chan and the others to hear the sound of the sea. It was scary at first, but I’m glad that I got to experience the same thing she did.

What would you give to Riko-chan as a surprise present?

Riko-chan loves to write music, so I want to give her a song that I composed myself too! (Even though I’ve never composed a song myself, and I also can’t read sheet music either…)

I still can’t believe that it’s been 4 years since I first met Riko-chan and the rest of Aqours. To me, Riko-chan is someone who I will always look up to. She is cute, gentle, and supportive of everyone else, someone who I want to become and chase after. Before I had realized, I had met a lot of new people. All the people supporting us, the staff giving us a hand, and my fellow members of Aqours… I kept on acquiring more things that I held dear to me. Then, there was also the anime and all the songs, which I learned a lot from.

“This time will never repeat, so let’s enjoy this time to the fullest. (Yoshiko in S2E11) We all know that the end will someday come. But even so, tomorrow will still come. (Riko in S2E11)”

It’s something that sounds obvious, but it’s also easily forgotten. That was an important fact that I kept on learning over and over again. Knowing this, I believe that we won’t be able to lose to anyone else in radiance.

We first started from Mielparque Hall, then moved on to Yokohama Arena. Before we knew it, we arrived at Tokyo Dome. To everyone who ran together with us so far, thank you very much!

I hope you will continue to watch over us closely from now on.

I’ll work hard so that “today” will become an unforgettable day in everyone’s life ♡

The voice of Sakurauchi Riko, Aida Rikako

Sorry, late.

[dyreatic]

4L Pamphlet - Message from Aqours

Finally… this day has come. We had a distant dream. We hoped to fulfill it someday. Maybe that was a little of an oversimplification. We thought there was no way we could chase after that. Something further than the most distant of dreams. The location we aimed for. I had never seen it outside of μ's MVs. A concert at the dome…

The moment I started stepping forward, the shudders started. My feet trembled. It was my first such experience. I was so surprised that I grabbed on to Riko-chan beside me without thinking. Her shoulders shook, and she slowly turned around. I could see her face slowly paling from nervousness. When I saw that… Somehow… the depths of my heart suddenly warmed up. Hehehe ♡ I felt energized. Gyuuu. I squeezed Riko-chan’s hand tightly. We both smiled. Seeing this, everyone else also started smiling ♡ Yes, this was Aqours’ smiles.

Because of these smiles, we were able to get to this point. Ever since the day we first resolved to become school idols. They were small, but step by step, we continued facing forward… And now we’re finally here! This isn’t a dream, it’s reality!

At this point, we have no choice but to enjoy ourselves with our all. We’re going to do everything that we can do right now!! Ehehe ♡ Let’s look to Aqours’ future together. I hope you get to see us at this place that we’ve always yearned for ♡ Let’s make this the world’s greatest stage together!

Sorry for being late (4L D1 was earlier, oops). Also, apologies for not having an actual scan.

[dyreatic]

B.L.T September 2018 ft. Aqours - Interview with Aida Rikako

“Let’s do it!” was what we felt regarding Tokyo Dome.

Great work on the midsummer tour. “I was born in the summer, but I really can’t stand it. I want to just shut myself at home, cool off in front of the A/C, watch movies and take afternoon naps. But because I had stuff to do as Aqours, I couldn’t do any of that (laughs), and with how busy I was, before I knew it, I began to think, “Summer is never gonna end, is it” (laughs).

Is there anything that you feel can help you weather the summer heat? “I have a lot of watermelon at home, and I eat them right after I take a bath, so when I buy watermelon for my workplace, I feel like I can make it through too.”

By the way, do you add salt to your watermelon? “No, I don’t really understand the people who like doing that… They say it adds to the sweetness, but isn’t watermelon normally already sweet? If you want to make it sweeter, I think it would be better to add sugar instead (laughs).

Moving on, as of July, it’s been two years since the first season of Love Live! Sunshine!! aired on TV. “It really passed by in a flash. There’s been a lot of happy things, but there’s been a lot of frustrating things as well. We had taken over the name of Love Live! from our great predecessors Muse, so there were a lot of preparations for us since the beginning, which we heard a lot of voices about. However, the 9 of us were able to share in all our frustrations, and it really felt like we would be able to overcome whatever struggles we had. It would’ve been way worse if we were alone.”

In November, you will be performing in Tokyo Dome. What do you feel about that? “We were given the opportunity to perform on the large stage at Yokohama Arena for 1L (2017), but it didn't feel like something we could just be glad about, since it didn't feel like something we gained through our own hard work. That's why, despite our fear and uncertainty, the pressure to fulfill our task of putting on a good show kept on pressing down on us. But now, for the live at Tokyo Dome, our outlook on it has become much more positive, like "Let's do it!"”

And so because of all your hard work, you’re confident that you have finally reached Tokyo Dome? “That’s right. We don’t know if our current level is worthy for Tokyo Dome, but what we do know for certain is that we’ve tried our hardest until now, and that is why we’re confident. Of course, we’re nervous beyond the point of nervousness, but we’ve stood on so many stages up until now, so no matter what other stage is there for us, we’re going to take all the irreplaceable experiences that we’ve had so far, and we’ll definitely be able to do our best.”

Where do you think Aqours’ charm point lies, Aida-san? “We’ve had the chance to do a lot of things, such as gravure, but I still think that the best part of Aqours is our music. It’s an important factor that attracts both people who’ve watched the anime and those that don’t even know about it. If you’re reading this B.L.T. magazine and you have even the slightest interest in us, please check out our music. If you like what you hear, then do check out the TV anime, then after that, I hope that you’ll want to come to one of our lives as well. Please come to our live at Tokyo Dome!”

TLC: @frozenmikan Sanity check: Mega Scans: @picup

[dyreatic]

@aida_rikako_ 2018.07.17

It’s only been a short time since the Aqours 3rd LoveLive! Tour ~WONDERFUL STORIES~ ended. The tour has ended, and I have so much gratitude to everyone. It’s been so hot every day too~~ ☀️😳 Is everyone doing well? I had so many thoughts that I wanted to just hurry up and put them all into words, but I had already expressed everything that I wanted to during the live tour, so I have no idea how to put my closing thoughts into writing (laughs).

I kept on thinking about it, and before I knew it, today had already arrived! I said that to myself while writing a bit regarding my feelings for this tour. (laughs)

This always happens, so I tasked myself with writing whenever I’m in this position of looking forward to an upcoming stage. And so, this time, I will highlight my weak points, then overcome them without running away.

I don’t have very much stamina, and I’m not very good at singing… and even worse, I felt a lot of pressure this time due to my solo song debut… I was horribly stressed during rehearsals.

The fear of failure that I had regarding my solo performance was further amplified because everyone had been supporting me all his time. I really am more of a coward than what you guys think… (´-ω-｀) Because of that, when I saw all the other members trying their hardest with their chests puffed out, I thought to myself, “I have to do my best too!” I was really encouraged by that, and I also ended up thinking that everyone looked really grand and cool too (laughs). “Pianoforte Monologue” is a wonderful song that really shows off Riko-chan’s kindness, as well as the strength that’s packed deep within the depths of her heart. It’s an important song that I wanted to perform with a smile together with Riko-chan. I wanted to let everyone meet Riko-chan.

I will never forget the sight that I saw with Riko-chan on that day.

I am extremely grateful for the beautiful Sakura-colored arena that everyone showed me. Because of everyone’s presence and support, I was able to convey my feelings until the very end.

I didn’t realize it until the actual performance, but seeing the spotlights with the colors of the other 8 members that were shining onto the stage made me tear up… I really felt the love from the staff. Together with the stage staff and my dance teacher, we trial and errored so much for this. I’m really grateful that they helped me with it all the way to the end.

I felt rather downcast when I realized that I probably won’t have a chance to sing this song again… but even so, it will continue to remain in my heart from now on 😊🌸 I hope that everyone won’t forget about it either.

Next up, let’s talk about the second song, Kimi no Hitomi o Meguru Bouken. I was so, so, so nervous! It’s another really cool song that I love very much. Everyone says that I’m the center of the song, but I have never felt like that was the case. It’s a song by all 9 members of Aqours, and all 9 of us are involved in the performance, so if everyone else wasn’t there I wouldn’t be able to perform it. But even so, I was overjoyed that I got to perform as Riko-chan in the center of such a cool song! This tour really came with lots of challenges from the start to the end. It feels a little lonely now that it’s all ended, but now’s the time to face my feelings forward!

There were a lot of challenging things too… I know everyone has their own happenings, but to those who came to see us, thank you very much! It was all because of everyone that I could do my best until the very end! I used to be someone who lived through attending lives and showing my support, but now I really feel like standing on stage is what I’m living for.

I will continue to stand on stage from now on, no matter what kind.

I still haven’t gotten over the fact that we’re performing at Tokyo Dome next.

Even so, no matter what wall there is, let’s all overcome it together! I’m really looking forward to it! Let’s all have a great time together 😊😊

Voice of Sakurauchi Riko 🌸 Aida Rikako

Related post: 1st Live Thoughts

[dyreatic]

Dengeki G’s Code: C CYaRon!’s Talk Session - Song Impressions

Genki Zenkai DAY! DAY! DAY!

The titular song “Genki Zenkai DAY! DAY! DAY!” is a song that gives off an overflowing feeling of a sprint that is packed with the excitement of the days to come. The lyrics incorporate words that evoke the act of hailing each other; a fun liveliness that fits the trio. The coupling song “Yozora wa Nandemo Shitteru no?” is a song that carries a gentle atmosphere. The gentle sound of the singing of someone who had just fought with a friend but is now thinking about them at night strikes your heart. In addition to the two off vocals that accompany the first round of the singles, there is also a drama with Chika, You and Ruby.

♪ Genki Zenkai DAY! DAY! DAY! ♪

Shuka: “Quite a lively song has finally arrived, huh,” I thought (laughs). But I think that this is exactly CYaRon!’s nature. The background vocals in the middle of the song such as “Ohayousoro!” were recorded after. We said to each other, “Wouldn’t this song be more fun if we added these lines?”

Furihata: The song and the background lines are really great! “Pigii!” is a line from Ruby that stuck after Episode 1 of the TV anime, and I remember recording it at the dubbing.

Inami: This song is quite high for me, but I think that it’s also a feature of this song. I was the first to record for this song, and the advice I received to be even more energetic and noisy really left an impression on me.

♪ Yozora wa Nandemo Shitteru no? ♪

Furihata: Compared to Genki Zenkai, this song’s atmosphere is something unexpected, so at first I was also confused, but this song also shows off the differences of the trio. CYaRon! is a group of girls who really care for each other, so I thought that this kind of friendship fits them. I took part in the recording with the desire to show off a different Ruby than in Genki Zenkai.

Shuka: The gap is really wide, so I too was surprised at first. I thought really hard about how this chitty-chatty unit should sing such a peaceful song.

Inami: I felt like every time I reread the lyrics, I would be filled with even more passion. It’s like it’s wrapped in kindness, and I think that it’s because it’s this trio that this kind of atmosphere was able to happen.

The title song of the second round singles, released around a year after the first round single, “Kinmirai Happy End”, has a really catchy and cheerful melody. It’s a song about supporting the unrequited feelings of another party, while singing about yearning after the feelings of love. The coupling song “Kaigandoori de Matteru yo” has a medium tempo, but it contrasts that with the painfulness of of fighting with another party in the lyrics. The drama part is the usual lively trio having fun.

Kinmirai Happy End

♪ Kinmirai Happy End ♪

Inami: The lyrics of the song show off a love that causes butterflies in your stomach. I also like the upbeat tempo.

Furihata: I feel like CYaRon!’s love song feels much more infused with “youth” than those of the other units.

Shuka: Because I’m singing about the love of teenagers, I can sympathize with high schoolers and middle schoolers! When I first heard the prototype song, the thrilling and heart-thumping lyrics made me grin broadly (laughs). But as I heard the song, I gained the confidence that “I can do this CYaRon! love!” and “I understand love!”.

Inami: It’s the three who are least likely to understand (laughs). Also, I was surprised by the illustration on the cover of this single. Even though the title song is related to love, the costumes are pirate themed (laughs). But it fits the melody, so I think that singing this live while wearing the outfit really made me pumped.

♪ Kaigandoori de Matteru yo ♪

Inami: It’s a song that’s easy to get into. First, I really like the intro. Then when I heard the final song, I thought that this really showed off each member’s personality very prominently. It was really fun how it seemed like it was Chika-chan talking over You-chan, then Ruby-chan talking over Chika-chan, which feels very CYaRon!.

Shuka: It’s a fun song that feels like the three of them are just talking!

Furihata: When we sing this in a live, it really feels like the three of us are talking. The lyrics are also easy to remember, which is good (laughs).

The special bonus song “P.S. no Mukougawa” is a girl’s song about her sending a message in a letter to someone she loves who has been greatly distanced from her while keeping them in her thoughts. It has an upbeat tempo and gives off a cheerful image, but the lyrics are lonely, bringing light to their grief using a subdued voice, making this a song that shows off CYaRon!’s true nature. Especially at the last chorus after the bridge, where the loneliness that grips at your heart and the anticipation for “I’ll meet you someday”, which makes a really complicated feeling together.

P.S. no Mukougawa

♪ P.S. no Mukougawa ♪

Furihata: It has a sort-of retro image, something like Showa pop. Like the “Dare mo inai kafe no teeburu”, and all the phrases regarding postcards in the lyrics. But it’s really impressively feminine. It shows off the gentleness of the CYaRon! members in a different way compared to Yozora.

Inami: There is only one song on the bonus CD, so I was imagining a song closer in feel to Genki Zenkai, which made me even more surprised when I found out that it was yet another song with a different image. But I realized that this kind of CYaRon! also exists. It’s like I can feel the potential of this unit.

Shuka: Ever since the very first recording of this song, I have been thinking a lot while doing the recordings. It was no surprise that it was because at the first recording we were deciding on the atmosphere of the song… I was wondering what the other two were thinking about regarding this song, because I was hoping that I could also have the same direction as them. I thought about You-chan’s feelings, and then Chika-chan and Ruby-chan’s faces also came to mind. But it was the same as the other songs. So during CYaRon!’s recording, I just thought about the other two while recording, which was the same as usual.

[dyreatic]

@anju_inami 2018.02.06

Good evening. January flew past and ended. That was fast.

I've lived within many works, experienced the lives of many roles, and was surprised by their worlds.

And as that happened, I myself encountered a lot of people, and got to know them all.

That was when I was 18. And 19. And 20. And 21.

I wonder excitedly about what's coming up next after this. Even though I'm scared, I'm still going to step forward. Those are my feelings right now.

The words and smiles of everyone around me have been motivating me. That's why I'm happy beyond measure.

Thanks to that, I've been able to transform anew into someone upbeat and positive.

I hope that I can convey my serious thanks properly even more!

From tomorrow onwards, I'll aim to become even more positive, And spend my days working hard towards that. (laughs)

So please watch over me kindly.

#inamianju #february #casualshot #21years

There’s a bunch of translations floating around Tumblr already, but I think there’s an extra significance in Anchan’s 22nd birthday message that I have to highlight.

If you look at Anchan’s past interviews, such as V-Storage September 2016 or 1st Live Pamphlet, one thing you’ll notice is that she constantly talks about how she used to be pessimistic/negative and lacking self-confidence. For her to finally admit that she’s transformed into someone positive and upbeat is a huge step for her, and I think that it’s something that we can all be happy for her as well! Anchan, great job on moving past your former negativity into the upbeat and positive leader we all know and love right now. Happy 22nd birthday, and best of luck in the future!

[saitou-shuka]

[English Subs] Aqours First Love Live! ~Step! ZERO to ONE~

Team ONIBE proudly presents Aqours First Love Live! ~Step! ZERO to ONE~ with English Subtitles!

Can you believe it’s only been ten months since Aqours took their first step and blew everyone away? Kick off your new year reliving the special moments from Aqours’ first major solo performance!

Now you can understand what your favorite seiyuu are saying in this pinnacle moment of their history. Enjoy English translation of everything from entertaining MC banter to song lyrics, as well as full Romaji lyrics so you can sing along to your heart’s content. For those who prefer viewing the song performances without lyrics, there is also an MC-only subtitle track included.

Our release includes the following from the Blu-ray Memorial Box release of Aqours First Live:

Day 1 (Disks 1 and 2)

Day 2 (Disks 1 and 2)

Intermission Dramas 1 and 2

Behind the Scenes (Rehearsal footage)

Happy New Year from ONIBE, and thank you for your continued support!

Download here! | View on ONIBE Blog

This is a non-profit fan translation. Please support the official Blu-ray if you enjoyed it.

Brought to you by Team ONIBE and Friends Main Translation: Eli Ayase Translation QC: Hoshi

Song Translation: xIceArcher Song QC: shukamod

Rehearsal Translation: Dyrea

Timing / Typeset: Yunii Styling: Eter, Yujacha

Quality Check: link2110, Chezz, ramen, Cornsplosion, Ippikiryu

Source / Encode: Naine

[dyreatic]

AnchanBlog 2017.11.03 (´꒳`) Terminal Station ⇾ NEXT Stage!!

date,08.19~20 Hello, everyone |ω｀). Inami Anju here.

Alright! I’ve kept everyone waiting…! Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours 2nd LoveLive! HAPPY PARTY TRAIN TOUR On the two days of September 29 and 30 in 2017, We finally arrived at Saitama, the terminal station, without issues! I carved all of the great moments into my heart, And we held on to all our new feelings And were able to return from Saitama to Numazu.

Nagoya → Kobe → Saitama! Everyone who came to see us, And everyone who watched at a live viewing! Everyone who made this stage even more passionate too!! And then, all the feelings of the 9 members together!!! You were able to experience this great time too.

In truth, it felt like a whoosh. Heh. I was so happy to meet everyone, So I was really motivated and sang and danced with my all ´ω`)ﾉ By the time I realized it, it was already the last song. 💦

Even so, it was all the greatest. I will never forget these days that we fired up with everyone Together with  “compassion” and “love”!!

I love everyone’s smiles!! I love them so much until the tears fall!! (laughs)

Next up is this! Dododon ι(｀･-･´)/

Badge of compassion! In the end, there were 3 of them 🍊. I was speaking casually during the Nagoya MC parts, But during Kobe, it increasingly got to me and I was really moved ( ˃ ⌑ ˂ഃ ) By the way! Here’s the HAPPY PARTY TRAIN outfit!!

Mikan 🍊 is on the hat too! Even more mikan! (laughs) I’m so happy that I get more tense every time! I really appreciate the love poured in by the costumer.

The costume for our important debut single Kimi no Kokoro wa Kagayaiteru Kai? Is actually upgraded from its first debut! Did anyone notice?

The first one is from our first debut. The second one is from the 2nd Live Tour. Shuka was with me for both. Back then, and from here onwards. ... Sounds fun, doesn't it? (laughs)

And now! Kanan-chan! Osuwa!! The HAPPY PARTY TRAIN Has already taken us to many places So I’m very thankful. I will never forget the sparkling mikan fields that we saw together (laughs).

Last of all, this picture. (Taken by Manager-san) This light message really struck my heart. I thought, “This really was made by everyone”!!!

When I was going around on the carts, No matter where I looked I saw lots of smiles back at us, Lots of hands waving back at us, and lots of calls of our names. I got really teary-eyed… But I didn’t cry ( ´艸`)? (laughs)

There are so many. The people who came to see Aqours, And the people who gave us their love.

I have lots of thanks from my heart. Really, thank you, thank you very much!!!!!!!!!

There’s still lots that I need to keep on working hard for, But I’m sure that we’re going to make even more wonderful stages together with everyone!! I’ll keep on working hard for the sake of everyone who supports us ( `･ㅂ･)و

And now Aqours’ NEXT STAGE is? Aqours CLUB Activities LIVE & FAN MEETING ~Landing action Yeah!!~!! It starts tomorrow in Osaka!!!

It’s our first CLUB activity!! Everyone, please look forward to it!! The warm parka and the T-shirt. Don’t forget water too \( ･ω･ )/ (I’ve said this in Uraraji but here’s another reminder ✨) Also, don’t forget your towel and blade! Be considerate of the people next to you and the people in front of you as well ✩

With all the feelings of thanks, we’ll go full strength from tomorrow!! See you next time!

Inami Anju, the voice of Takami Chika

[dyreatic]

Intro to Perfect Dream Project Seiyuu - Oonishi Aguri

Oonishi Aguri (大西亜玖璃), the voice of Ayumu Uehara

DOB: May 2, 1997 Nickname: Agumeeshon (not 100% sure) Height: 160cm BWH: 77/56/75

Discography

DVD March 18, 2015 - 1st DVD - X21 FIRST LIVE&DOCUMENT vol.1

CD March 15, 2017 - X21 2nd Album - Beautiful X December 21, 2016 - X21 9th Single - Kagami no Naka no Parallel Girl July 27, 2016 - X21 8th Single - Natsu dayo!! March 30, 2016 - X21 7th Single - Yakusoku no Oka December 2, 2015 - X21 6th Single - Magical☆Kiss September 23, 2015 - X21 5th Single - YOU-kI no Parade April 29, 2015 - X21 1st Album - Shoujo X December 3, 2014 - X21 4th Single - X Gift September 24, 2014 - X21 3rd Single - Happy App June 25, 2014 - X21 2nd Single - Koisuru Natsu! March 19, 2014 - X21 1st Single - Ashita he no Sotsugyou!

Other miscellaneous info

When she first debuted as an idol, her goal was to become an actress.

She likes to read, sing in the bath, listen to music and talk to people. She prefers to read books in her school library, and only keeps a few paperback books at home as they are lighter and easier to carry around. She owns Vol. 9-11 of the Haruhi series.

She has an older brother and little brother.

She also paints in her spare time, even though she finds it difficult. Example

She has a girl rabbit named Papii.

Her name originates from an NHK drama titled Aguri that aired a month before she was born, and her parents thought that it sounded nice.

To counter the summer heat, she would like to eat watermelon, which she loves.

Favorite Foods (in increasing order): Watermelon, Curry Udon, Potato Chips, Natto.

She likes the color pink.

She likes the Studio Ghibli movie Kiki’s Delivery Service, so she has always dressed up as a witch for halloween since young and wants to fly around on a broom.

She likes to listen to music from Oku Hanako, Mr.Children, Hirahira Ayaka, YUKI, aiko, Arashi, and Choucho.

She had long hair in the second year of middle school, before cutting it in the beginning of her third year.

She wants to be part of CMs, dramas and then most of all movies.

She debuted in the idol group X21, before graduating in April this year. Shortly after her announcement as Ayumu’s seiyuu, her old X21 profile and blogs were taken down, and as a result, she has no official information available online anymore.

After being busy with Aqours 2L Saitama for a few weeks, I present the introduction to Oonishi Aguri, the seiyuu of Ayumu Uehara! Hopefully, she’ll have more social media presence soon, but for now, I hope that you’ll become a fan of her as well!

[dyreatic]

(My Girl vol.20) Aqours Comments

My Girl vol.20 will be released on October 18, featuring the Aqours 2nd years on one cover and a 40 page special feature inside the magazine! 

Listen to the comments from the three of them, translated thanks to ONIBE!

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWRtV...  Get your own copy: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4047348929 

TL: Dyrea Timing: @belphegor-xin  QC/Encode: Link2110