Special Interview with Emi Nitta: The 15-Year History of the Love Live! Series
(This interview was published in Rurubu Love Live!, released August 18, 2025)
Nitta-san has repeatedly taken part in Love Live! Series events as a legend in recent years. She took the time to share memorable episodes from the past 15 years as well as her thoughts and feelings about μ's and Honoka.
―Today, we visited Kanda Myojin Shrine together. What are your feelings about this place?
It's a very special place. Just before μ's Final Live, I went there to hang an ema to pray for success. Since rehearsals didn't finish until late in the night, I bought it in advance and went to hang it at midnight. The cherry blossom season in particular offers scenery that evokes the beginning of Love Live!, so I highly recommend visiting during this time. There are also many other locations from the show in the surrounding area, such as Akihabara and Manseibashi Bridge, so I'd suggest checking them out as well. We always performed with the intention of creating an impression that Honoka and her friends might actually exist in this town. I think being an idol isn't the true essence of who they are. I believe school idols are defined by the casual moments in their daily life and practice time. Even during live show MCs, I always spoke hoping people would feel that slightly absent-minded side of Honoka.
―Now that the series has reached its 15th anniversary, how do you feel about it?
I never imagined it'd become such a long-running series, and I really feel like we've come a long way. In the beginning, I only got the opportunity to play Honoka in CD drama parts, and her character hadn't been fully fleshed out yet. But from there, the staff lovingly worked to synchronize the cast with their roles, including using my mannerisms in scenes for the anime. I've always felt like Honoka is a partner who's grown up with me.
―μ's has achieved numerous milestones, such as holding a solo concert at Tokyo Dome and appearing on "NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen," but looking back on the past 15 years, what was the most unforgettable moment?
While it's often the more glamorous activities from after gaining a larger fan base that are highlighted, there are two moments that really lie at our core: our 1st Live, where we performed a full set despite nothing being definite yet, and when the TV anime was decided. We weren't originally formed to dance like real idols, but when we gave it a try together, it was so much fun that we were actually able to pull off the dance routines at our 1st Live. Though we only had a handful of solo concerts, each one was incredibly precious. We were told that if the TV anime wasn't a success, there was no guarantee we'd continue, but we managed to get a 2nd season. Starting from nothing, we worked to create a foundation, thankfully gaining popularity along the way, and from there Aqours charted a new course forward… It’s truly heartwarming to see the younger members flourishing in so many ways even now.
―You've recently participated in series-related events, such as appearing in the Asia tour. What are your thoughts on this?
Since μ's ended in 2016, each of the members have been involved in their own ways, but I thought, “As long as I’m invited, Honoka, who started μ's, ought to go,” so I still choose to perform. When I tie Honoka's “Hono Hair” (side-tail hairstyle) for a live show, it really flips a switch inside me. Of course, all the members love μ's. The last time we performed with all 9 members was at “Love Live! Fest” in 2020, but I'd be thrilled if we got the chance to get together as 9 again. Nowadays, thanks to streaming services, more people are falling in love with Love Live! and μ's for the first time. That's the wonderful thing about 2D content and also the challenging part when it crosses over into the 3D world. I've worried about whether I should be performing as μ's now, and it's been scary at times. But after participating in the Asia tour, I talked with Pile-chan and Aya Uchida-chan, who appeared with me, and we all agreed, “It was totally worth doing.” I keep thinking about if we can create something new as μ's—something changing yet unchanging.
―Why do you think the Love Live! Series has been passionately loved for so many years?
I think its greatest appeal lies in the fact that it's not just about idols—it's about the process of making dreams a reality in synch with the characters, all with the support of the fans. In Episode 9 of the 2nd season of the anime, when the second-years might not be able to reach Tokyo due to heavy snow, the students shovel the snow to clear the way for them. That moment truly felt like the path we ourselves have walked. We never felt we were extraordinary; it was all thanks to everyone who supported us as we ran.
―Finally, please share a message with your fans.
While μ's marked the beginning of Love Live!, there are now many teams striving in their own ways. For those who have been following us all this time and those we'll meet in the future, I'm sure there's a world where you can see your own feelings reflected, so I hope you'll continue chasing dreams with us.
