"Maria's target is Morning Musume '14's Michishige Sayumi!" This is a blog dedicated to translating Maria's blog posts. There will also be reblogs of graphics and other things that center around her~ About blog posts: I will not be posting the pictures that are on her blog, though I will translate her commentary on the photo!
In this final part of the interview, they talk about Sayumi's impending retirement, how Maria has made her dreams come true, and more. Enjoy, and as always, please do not repost this anywhere!
When Michishige-san announced her retirement, you also expressed your love for her on social media, but were you able to talk with her after the announcement?
When I saw the reports of her retirement, I contacted her, and just like I posted on social media, I told her "I love you" a lot. It's different from graduating since her activities are ending, so of course I'm sad, but she isn't going away, so my love for her will never, ever change from now on, and so wherever she is, I want to love her even more!
You were only in Morning Musume with her for two months in 2014, but please tell us some of your most memorable times with her, from your days a Kenshuusei and in Morning Musume.
The first one is my first Hello Project concert that I appeared in after joining the Hello Pro Kenshuusei. I was in grade 6, and Michishige-san called out to me like, "you're cute!" I was so happy like, "she spoke to me!" That's my first memory with her. After that, Michishige-san announced her graduation, and I was still just a Kenshuusei, and I hadn't been chosen for Morning Musume yet, so I thought, "I won't make it into Morning Musume in time," and "I wanted to be in it with Michishige-san, but I won't make it in time." But, one day, when I got home from school and turned on the TV in the living room, Michishige-san was on it! I vividly remember that Michishide-san announced my addition to the group like, "Maria-chan, you've been chosen for Morning Musume." I thought, "I'm so glad I made it in time," and even though I was only able to be in the group with her for a little bit of time, my dream came true at that moment. Even before I joined the group, I had always admired her, and being able to work with her even for just a short amount of time is a precious memory for me, and I want to continue to love her forever, without that ever changing.
You achieved your dream of "I want to be in Morning Musume," and you have continued to achieve your dreams one by one since then, so what is your "secret to make your dreams come true"?
I had never done any singing and dancing when I thought that I wanted to be in Morning Musume. But, I continued to think, "I want to be in Morning Musume! I do!" and I kept saying that I wouldn't lose to anyone on my feelings of wanting to be in it, so I think that my dreams will come true if I have those feelings of never giving up on them.
You made it happen because you continued to strongly think about never giving up.
For example, even if you don't ave the skills at all, if you have a strong desire to "definitely never lose to anyone," I think tat you'll definitely make your dreams come true!
Is there anything you want to try in the future?
I was really happy to be able to do a Morning Musume '24 mini concert after a game at ESCON Field HOKKAIDO, so I would love to be able to that again this year. That's what I want to do!
In this part of the interview, Maria talks about appearing on various shows and what's that like, how the group is changing with long-standing members graduating, taking over their parts, her own thoughts on graduating (or lack thereof!) and more. I'll have part 3 done later, so please look forward to that, and as always, please do not repost this anywhere!
You've been active in a variety of activities, including being a season regular on "Love It!" twice (July-September 2022, July-September 2024), and appearing on sports programs as a fan of the "Nippon Ham Fighters", so how do you feel about your success?
I'm filled with gratitude like, "thank you very much for inviting Makino Maria." Especially on "Love It!" when I was a season regular on it last year, Kawashima Akira-san said to me, "do whatever you want. I'll take it all in, so let's do our best together," on the first day, so I think that he's the one who can help me make the most of me! I looked forward to it every week because it's a very warm show, and I think that it made me be able to do my best every day.
Were you a little nervous when you were first chosen as a season regular for it?
I was really nervous when I first started, but I rely on them so much that I don't feel anxious at all. Even if I wasn't speaking well, Kawashima-san would help me out, and when I was a regular last season on Tuesdays, Wakatsuki Chinatsu-san would always greet me each week like, "Maria, good morning!" So I felt really happy to be able to be on such a warm show. In my latest photobook, there are actually bottoms that I wear which were given to me as a present from Chinatsu-san! I wore them as my personal clothes while in Vietnam, and as we were doing the shoot, I was like, "I like these clothes! I'll wear them!" I was happy to have her clothes appear with me!
That's so wonderful! Did you tell her that?
I did! I really wanted to look at her books to learn, but I thought, "I think this might be a little too soon for me!" (Laughs) I can't say this to her, but someday, I want to be the pin up queen like she is.
I think that there are a lot of people who are looking forward to the more mature you! You've gotten quite a big response from the fans on your appearances on these kinds of shows.
I have! I get a lot of comment from the fans, people I work with, and my baseball friends that are like, "I saw you on 'Love It!'", so I'm really happy that people are getting to know about me through these various places, and I really feel honoured to be invited to be on a show that so many people love.
As for the group, in December 2024, Ishida Ayumi-san graduated, and Ikuta Erina-san will also be graduating this spring, so you, who has been in the group for over ten years, will becoming more and more of a leader-like presence. As the group changes shape, are there times where you feel anxious, or bitter?
I've never felt bitter, but if I said I never felt anxious, that would be a lie. Every time a member graduates, I always find another problem, so I get worried like, "will I be okay without this member," but it's because of these changes that the group has been able to continue like this, so I always think, "I have to do my best," since I think that it's an important time for the group to be moving in one direction.
What are some of those problems you find as a senior graduates?
When I take over the part of a senior who has graduated. Being close to them, I think they're amazing, but when they're not there, I once again realize how great they are and what an important part they had like, "they did this kind of hard part." For example, after Ishida Ayumi-san graduated, I was asked to do the last phrase of the song "One Two Three," which she had sung. That part was originally done by Michishige Sayumi-san, and after she graduated, it was given to Ishida-san, but this was just after I had joined the group, so I was able to see her practicing it a lot from up close. I remembered how much effort she put into it when I was give it, and now that I'm in the same situation, I thought, "I want to cherish this even more," and it made me feel strongly that, "I definitely want to keep this part and sing it until the end."
What efforts did you take to be able to take over your seniors parts and sing them?
I think that when a member leaves, there's a gaping hole, and you really do feel a sense of loneliness. But, I think that we have to overcome that, so, every time, I ask the OG who come to watch our concerts, the tour staff who are always watching us from next to us, the singing instructors, dance instructors, and those who have helped me out, "please tell me your honest feelings about this!" Then, I take their advice with my own intuition like, "this is what I'm lacking," or, "I have to do it like this," so I can overcome any issues that I find.
Do you often realize them after getting advice from your seniors and teachers?
I didn't realize, or rather, I become aware of it because, "even though I might have noticed it, now it's been conveyed to me," through the presence of those members. The number of members decreases, and when a member who has always been supporting us by singing or dancing leaves, someone else will take their place, which is something that definitely happens when a member graduates, but I don't want that to be so obvious, which is why I always feel like it's a difficult task.
Now that the group's shape has changed, have you all discussed how you want to present yourselves with the current form?
I think that the members probably all feel the same way, so now, I've been talking a lot with Oda Sakura-san. Ishida Ayumi-san, who graduated last year, really led the group with her dancing, and outside of that, she was also the member who was the most passionate about the group. But, now I think freely that Oda-san is the one who has taken over that passion, and I hope that I can support her. So, I think that we often talk about our performances, and what we want to work hard on in the group, and challenges we face like, "it would be great if we could do it like this," while on tour.
You discuss it with Oda-san, and then share it with the other members.
Right. But, I think that first of all, I have to be able to do it. Singing and dancing is an eteral challenge for me, but I never want to lose my passion for the group, so first, I'm filled with feelings of wanting to do my best.
Has seeing your seniors graduate and take new steps forward changed your mindset about your future activities?
There are a lot of members who have graduated to chase their dreams, but I haven't changed my mind at all about that at this point. I joined Morning Musume because I wanted to be in it, and I haven't thought about what comes after that, yet. I'm filled with feelings of, "I want to do my best in Morning Musume," and so I intend to do my best in my activities.
In this interview, Maria talks about her recent photobook! She talks about her favourite photos, how she feels like she's become mature, what she does to maintain her figure and take care of her skin, and more. There are two more parts to this interview that I'll be doing later, so please look forward to those, too! Enjoy, and as always, please do not repost this anywhere.
This is your 10th solo photobook, so can you tell us how you felt about the decision to make this one?
I felt very honoured to be able to make my 10th photobook. I never thought that I'd be able to release this many, and for me, a photobook is like an album for my life, and I think, "I'll cherish these for the rest of my life," plus, I have the support of the fans which makes it possible to release these photobooks, so I'm full of gratitude.
When this was announced, there was a huge response from the fans.
It's been around a year and a half since my last photobook, so there were people saying, "isn't one coming out?" or "I wonder if another photobook will come out soon?" So, I hope they'll be happy.
You've been releasing photobooks every year since you were 16, but there's been a little bit of a gap this time, so is there anything that you want to say, "I especially want you to see me like this," or "I want to show this to my fans" about?
Over the last year and a half, I think I've become an adult in both body and mind, and I think I used to have a "mature-ish" or "I've turned 20" feeling but, now, I approached this shoot with wanting to show that rather than "mature-ish", I'm "already an adult."
Is there anything in particular that made you think, "I've become an adult" when you saw it?
After all, I think my expressions have changed. Until now, I've had to be aware like, "I'll go with this expression" or, "I want it to be like this," but this time, I wasn't too worried about "having to look grown up," there are shots of me laughing hysterically, so I think I was able to be captured in my most relaxed and natural state, and I think that's place where I've grown since the last time.
Definitely, I feel like this photobook shows various expressions of yours. It was something that was natural rather than forced.
That's right. I think I was able to bring out my expression from the last 24 years out to the fullest.
Who do you want to see this photobook, which is the culmination of your 24 years, whether it be the members, or those around you?
The members haven't seen it yet, so if they have the chance to see it, I want to hear their thoughts, but I would like the previous president of Wani Books (who passed away in 2024) to have seen it. Since he's always been watching over me, I'm sure that he was the first one to see my newest phtoobook.
I think he definitely saw it! Do you have a particular favourite out of this photobook that is filled with your expressions?
I have so many faovourites that I can't choose, so I'm saying a different one every time I'm asked (laughs). Me irght now, I'd choose the ones where I"m wearing a white bathing suit with flowers! At that time, it was raining on and off in Vietnam. After 30 minutes of pouring rain, it suddenly cleaed up, and I really remember how we were like, "let's shoot outside while we still can!" The flowers were falling so prettily that I thought, "ah! These are cute! I'll put it on!" So, I did. So, I thought that even with my natural expression, I looked a little younger, and I was a little relieved to see that, "even though I'm 24, I still have this face! I'm glad" (laughs).
Every time we see you, your beautiful figure is a topic, just like with that white bathing suit. I know that you normally use your body intensely during hard lessons and concerts, but is there anything that you're particular about when it comes to maintaining your figure?
I'm really embarrassed about this, but I don't really go to the gym or do any exercise. However, ever since I joined Morning Musume, and graduated from high school, I've always weighed myself every day. So, if I think, "oh crap!" I'll try to be more careful about my diet, or I'll try to stay as I am. I check every day so I know the reality.
If you feel like you've gained weight, what do you change about your diet?
I love to eat, and I love meat and snacks and things like that, but when I have shoots coming up, I'll resist the urge to eat what I want to, and eat vegetables instead, plus I'll watch the amount that I'm eating.
You change your usual diet before a shoot. Do you also do things other than restricting your diet, like massaging and other self-care?
I don't do anything like that, but when I go to the orthopedic clinic, they fix any distortion in my face and back!
There's also attention paid to your beautiful skin, especially in the photos on the beach, so do you try to take care of your skin in any way?
I've been going to the dermatologist sine I was 20, and the doctors at that clinic have been taking care of my skin! Until then, I'd never done anything, and I'd never even gone to a beauticitian, but after turning 20, I was getting acne, and my skin was really rough, and I worried like, "this might never get better," so I decided to go to a dermatologist. Even after my skin got better, I still go there before a shoot, or an important job.
Have you addressed your skin concerns and started taking care of it at home on a daily basis?
I take the supplements I was given before every shoot, and I have a facial beauty machine, so I use that every day without fail after getting out of the bath.
You're a fan of the baseball team the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, so I think you go to watch the games, and protecting yourself against sunburn is also important, isn't it?
It is! I apply sunscreen every day, and in every season. There are times where I get sunburned, but I think that it helps me maintain my skin tone.
Kiso, congratulations on your graduation
Kiso-chan, I hope you have lots of fun and happiness from now on <3 <3 <3
From Makino Maria
Photo: 2016
Tsubaki Factory Concert Tour 2024
[C'mon Everybody!] Niinuma Kisora Graduation Special
~ Ready Go! Now! ~
June 10th, 2024 * Nippon Budokan
Before the show, I was on standby to secretly record "Kiso and Ishia Ayumi-san meeting again"
Kisoran suddenly appeared from a different direction and said, "Maria-saaaan!" ***
I was fileld with feelings of
I'm happy that Kiso and Ishida-san were able to meet
Do you want to see the video?? I'm waiting for your comments
Enjoy, and as always, please do not repost this anywhere!
<3 Sasaki Rikako-chan <3
Rikako-chan, congratulations on your graduation <3
Rikako-chan, I hope that you have lots of fun and happiness from now on <3 <3 <3
From Makino Maria
ANGERME CONCERT 2024
SECRET SECRET Sasaki Rikako FINAL
"Aijou no Sekai he, Kimo no Oide yo"
June 19th, 2024 / Yokohama Arena
After work, I headed to Yokohama Arena while watching the broadcast on my phone
Angel Rikako-chan <3 <3 <3 Rikako-chan was sparkling *
When she sang "THANK YOU, HELLO GOOD BYE" MN
When Rikako said, "I love everyone,"
In my heart, I said, "Maria loves you too!!!"
And
The double encore <3 Rikako-chan's appearance <3 <3 <3
I could hear everything she said <3
Thank you, Rikako-chan <3 <3 <3
I got to Yokohama Arena at 9:15pm
I didn't see the whole concert, so I don't know much from Rikako-chan's graduation. So it's hard for Maria to write about it today.
But…
Rikako-chan is super duper cute <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
When I met eyes with Rikako-chan, I ran to her
Rikako-chan welcomes me with her arms wide open <3
I saw Rikako-chan <3 <3 <3
"Maria, are you crying?" by Rikako-chan
Rikako-chan is more like an older sister * Always
Rikako-chan <3
Rikako-chan Papa and Rikako-chan Mama <
Rikako-chan's older sister and Rikako-chan's older brother
Thank you <3 <3 <3
When I was a Kenshuusei, I had to go to Tokyo for lessons,
And that's thanks to Rikako-chan and Rikako-chan's family
They gave me power <3
They welcomed me like I was family, and I'm truly gratedful <3 <3 Those days were really fun and happy <3 <3 <3 Rikako-chan's mama's food was delicious… And so on.
If Rikako-chan and her family weren't here, I definitely wouldn't have been able to debut.
When I first saw Rikako-chan, even amongst everyone, she immediately caught my eye (Maria was in grade 6)
I met Rikako-chan for the first time when she joined the Kenshuusei, and we became friends within 5 seconds <3 <3 <3 I was happy <3
Since I was a Kenshuusei, and even now, I've aimed to be like Rikako-chan.
To Rikako-chan <3
To Rikako-chan Papa and Rikako-chan Mama, and Rikako-chan's older sister and older brother <3
Maria will continue to work hard in Morning Musume
From now on too, I'll always, ALWAYS
Love Rikako-chan <3 <3 <3
And love Rikako-chan's famliy <3 <3 <3
From Maria
Translation: Hello! Project Maruwakari Book Spring 2022: Makino Maria
Maria answers 9 fun questions including her favourite Hello! Project song, where she wants to go on a trip and with who, what kind of goods she’d like to create and more! Enjoy, and as always, please do not repost this anywhere.
Nickname: Maria
Birthdate: February 2nd, 2001
Blood type: A
Birthplace: Aichi Prefecture, Nishio City
Star sign: Aquarius
Height: 165cm
Special skill: Ballet, calligraphy, drawing, duck faces
Hobbies: Cheering for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, watching MLB games
Before a performance, do you have a routine or something you have to do before it?: <3 MaeKen calisthenics <3
What's your favourite song out of all the Hello! Project songs right now?: Morning Musume's "The * Pea~ce!" I LOVE when Ishikawa Rika-san says "ohiru gohan nani tabetandarou?" <3
Which member have you been paying the most attention to lately?: <3 Uemura Akari-san <3 I'm always paying attention to her ♪ She's super pretty <3 Her heart is pretty, too <3 <3 Uemura Akari-san <3 LOVE Rin
If you were going to go on a trip, who would you go with and where would you go?: <3 Uemura Akari-san <3 Uemura-san promised that I could sleep over at her house. I haven't been able to go at all, so I want to go to her house! Oh! It'a trip!! I want to go somewhere far away <3
What are you addicted to right now?: BIG BOSS and Hotamyon
What's your favourite food?: Strawberries <3 I start from 5 in the morning. (t/n: "ichigo" is "15", so she used a pun with 5 for this.) Peaches <3 But, if I want a peach, I'll also bring one. (t/n: this is another pun, peach is "momo" and she said "demo moshi momo ga hoshikattara, watashi mo momo motte kuru kara. See all those "momo"'s?") Seedless grapes <3 You did it, you accomplished it! Words of praise blow the negativity away! by Maria (t/n: yeah, another pun. Seedless is "tanenashi" and the first sentence is "yatTA NE, NASHItogeta ne!) Meat <3 Meat is not fattening. (t/n: you guessed it, another pun. Meat is "niku" and she said "niku wa futori NIKUi").
If you were going to produce a video, what kind of video would you want to produce?: Maria-chan goes to meet Tatis Jr.
If you could create original goods for the Hello! Shop, what would you create?: Bobbleheads!!
In this interview, Maria looks back on her achievements in 2021, performing at Budokan for Maa-chan’s graduation, and she also talks about what she’d like to do in 2022. Enjoy, and please do not repost this without credit!
When I look back at the year, it was a year where I had more chances to go on TV by myself and talk. There were a lot of shows that I was on for the first time, and I was nervous but, every time, my co-stars followed up on whatever I did, so it was okay (laughs). They really helped me out, and I was able to learn a lot. I also appeared in various magazines, and I had a lot of work outside the group, but no matter where I'm at, I never forget that I'm Morning Musume's Makino Maria. This is something that isn't just for this year, I've always been thinking that. I'm always aware that I'm carrying Morning Musume on my back and spreading the name to the world.
As a group, in the long history of Morning Musume, we haven't been able to tour so little and it's a shame that we weren't able to properly show you the culmination of this 14 person group. So, that's why I'm happy that we'll be performing at Budokan in December, and it's a chance to unleash the power we've built up until now. It's sad that it'll be Sato-san's graduation but, I think that I've grown individually through the inspiration I've gotten from different places, and I'm excited to stand on stage with the members for the first time in a while. Our current situation is like "ONE PIECE" with the image of people training, and then getting together to travel again. I think that we can show you something cool at Budokan.
Next year, as expected, I want to do a Morning Musume tour! I can't wait for the world to get back to normal, and I want to do some exciting songs. However, there are some that have an atmosphere that's perfect for Sato-san, so there might be a really big hole there. I feel like I have to pull the group more so we can make up for that. I'm not the type to stand at the front and lead but, ideally I'd like to be more aware of myself as a senior so I don't lose sight of what I need to do. Of course, I'll also do my best in my solo work. I hope to do something with Coach Shinjo of the Nippon Ham Fighters!
NHK ETV ♪ December 31st at 9am~
Morning Musume '21 will be appearing <3
Definitely watch it okay <3 <3 <3
Wanwan <3 LOVE Rin <3
From Maria
Episode 292
* "Morning Musume '21 Makino Maria no
Marian <3 LOVE Rin Desu <3" *
CBC Radio every Tuesday from 12:30am~1am
HBC Radio every Monday from 10pm~10:30pm
CBC Radio on December 28th at 12:30am~
It's the last episode of the year ♪
I'll tell you some BIG NEWS <3 That hasn't come out yet.
Looking back...
Choreography from the first day *
"I'm sorry, sensei! I made a mistake with the choregraphy. Maria will become the BIG BOSS"
And so on ♪♪♪
To be continued
And
Christmas present echange
Maria was really excited <#
But that's a story for another time *
It was perfect with Maria's clothes.
I was laughed at on the train LOL
"Maria, those clothes!"
Oda-san said to me.
"Your drawing power..."
Kaedy said.
"Is that MaeKen?"
The manager said to me.
* <3 Let's win tomorrow, too <3 *
From Maria
* Up to buy vol. 308 *
It's on sale now!!!
Please definitely check it out <3
MarInsta :) Look at Makino Maria's Instagram, okay
It's been a while since I saw Mitsubachi Maki-sensei <3
Maria was so happy <3 <3
Maria: "Maki-sensei~!! Good morning! How are you?!"
Maki-sensei: "I'm good! You also seem good, huh :D"
I do my best happily at Maki-sensei's lessons!
Episode 286
* "Morning Musume '21 Makino Maria no
Marian <3 LOVE Rin Desu <3"
CBC Radio every Tuesday from 12:30am~1am
HBC Radio every Monday from 10pm~10:30pm
It airs tonight ♪ Listen to it, okay :)
MarInsta :) Look at Makino Maria's Instagram, okay <3
Enjoy, and please do not repost this without credit!
* Hello! Project 2021 Fall "Zoku Kachou Fuugetsu" *
November 28th, 2021 * Hachinohe performance
Team Moon * Final performance **
Those who came <3 Thank you very much <3
We're apart but together <3 Those who support us <3 Thank you very much <3
<3 Kanazwa Tomoko-chan <3
Maria sang Kanazawa Tomoko-chan's part.
I practiced a lot while watching KanaTomo.
"At this month's performance, I'll be singing your parts but, I'm watching videos of you and I'm doing the same thing as you"
As soon as the Zoku Kachou FUugetsu started, I texted KanaTomo
"I'm embarrassed... you don't have to refer back to me, it'll be totally okay to do it your way!"
"I'm cheering for you"
That's what she replied
I can't sing like KanaTomo but...
Until the last performance, I sang like her until the last performance ♪♪
I looked forward to every performance * Both the concert and seeing the Team Moon members ♪♪
"Zoku Kachou Fuugetsu"
Maria was really happy to be able to do performances with "Team Moon" once again <3 <3 <3
Truly, thank you very much <3
From Morning Musume '21's Makino Maria
MarInsta :) Look at Makino Maria's Instagam, okay <3
Enjoy, and as always, please do not repost this without credit!
<3 * Congratulations, Ootani Shouhei *
2021 American League MVP
<3 Bryce Harper * Congratulations <3
2021 National League MVP
2021 Most Valuable PLayer Award
I watched it while going to work
It's been a while since I saw Tatis Jr. <3 <3 <3
...And so on
But, that's a story for another time *
Today, I did a shoot <3 <3
When I got to the studio, the first thing the producer said was this.
"Congratulations to Ootani and Harper for being MVP *"
And, we talked about Harper <3
After the shoot,
The producer said to me,
"Makino-san, let's talk about the Blue Jays next time"
Maria talked about Kirk LOL
Maria had a lot of fun talking about MLB *
Today's shoot wasn't a job for MLB though
To be continued
Ootani Shouhei's cheer song...
MarInsta :) Look at Makino Maria's Instagram, okay
