Shogi Idol

乃木坂46 伊藤かりん ブログ英訳 99% Ito Karin blog translation 1% other things Contact: なるど＠海外

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Lack of updates

Work has been busy, but updates should resume in October 2015.

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#123 - Shogi Event, Finally

http://blog.nogizaka46.com/karin.itou/2015/07/024275.php

Here is Minami-chan, who said “Let’s make funny faces” but can’t make one herself.  But I forgive her.

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Thank you for watching Ongaku no Hi.

It was great fun!

I was also in Yuri-san’s position for MJ public filming, so please look forward to that as well.

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Anyway, today is the day of shogi event!

Nico Nico Live will broadcast this starting from 18:30, so please watch it.

I put a lot of effort into this to see if I can make people interested in shogi even if they weren’t before, it would be great if they can enjoy it.

It’s my first shogi event, so I have no clue how it will go, but please support me anyway.

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As for “Toriizaka46″...

I have no idea what kind of group it will be, but if there are girls who are on the fence about applying, please do.

You might be afraid of rejection, but for someone like me, who went to audition after audition for 12 years, it’s great if you can join, but if you can’t, the audition becomes an experience.

I am a little bit worried about Toriizaka because I don’t want another fan to join and strip my title of “#1 Nogizaka otaku in Nogizaka46″.

Anyway, I jest.

It doesn’t matter if you love Nogizaka or not, please apply anyway!

I’m looking forward to meeting Toriizaka 2 months from now.

Karin (っｴ`o)

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#122 - Breaking News!

http://blog.nogizaka46.com/karin.itou/2015/06/024220.php

I will be performing on Ongaku no Hi, broadcasted by TBS on 6/27!

I am going to be Yuri-san’s substitute.

Mahiro-san, Rarin-san and Ranze will also be performing as understudies of senbatsu members.

It’s my first time performing on a music show so I am really looking forward to it!

I am really thrilled so I’ve sent messages to friends whose contact information I still have, as advertisement for the show.

Please watch it!

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Attendance lottery for my Shogi Sekai public seminar will be announced today.

I was really worried about whether or not people will come, but staff told me the lottery applications went over the quota as soon as lottery started.

I am really surprised and happy.

Maybe it’s because it was featured on Japan Shogi Association’s website.

Thank you for applying!

Please let me know the lottery results!

It’s ok if you didn’t win.

It will be broadcasted on Nico Nico Live as well.  

I will write more about it on my blog later.

I’m going to make it a great event!

Here you can see me working hard with the shogi board I bought during the last episode of Nogibingo 4 and the pieces I got from Yamazaki-sensei!!!!

Karin (っｴ`o)

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#121 - 460,000 yen

Yesterday I was featured in Koujichuu.

It’s pretty embarrassing so I haven’t watched it.

Feel free to leave comments about it, haha.

If I ever get the chance to be in the first half of the show, it’d be great if I can talk about shogi.

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Thank you so much for having on Kintsubu!

It’s the second time I sat in for Misa-san and I had a great time participating.

The national security stuff was really difficult, but I learned a lot!

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I will be on Nogibingo 4 today and I think I will be on the screen quite a bit!

It’s the last episode, and we spent 460,000 yen together shopping.

Please watch it.

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Answering questions

- the “1 minute shogi” on Shogi Focus was great, it was my first time watching it.

I was watching it right there and it was crazy.

They were both really great.

And what’s more, they were able to remember the plays, that’s why they are pros!

- Didn’t Motomura open a new store in Shibuya yesterday?

I went today, but the line was so line so I gave up.

I will try again when I have time.

- Hinako looked like she was having fun.  I like photos where we can see the atmosphere in the back room!

Hinako is always hyper.  I will write about it some more if it happens again.

That’s it for now!

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Here’s a photo of me at Disney with Risako and Junna.

Karin (っｴ`o)

[shogidoru-blog]

Side Quest: Kamen Joshi HK Mini Live

Kamen Joshi is quite a hot topic on my twitter feed, and pretty much everyone who was curious about them became a fan after going to PARMS.  I’ve been “meaning to” check it out many times but sadly have never gone, much to the chagrin of some people who read my tweets.  However, after checking them out in Hong Kong, I am pretty sure I will be going to PARMS next time I am in Japan.

 Up until the concert, I had only watched their footage on YouTube, and only knew the big names like Kamiya Erina, Tachibana Anna, Kuroki Hinako, etc.  I loosely follow Tsukino Moa but that has more to do with her being a bassist than my interest in Alice Project.  My friend Wayne (@wayne_tsuki) is a huge Moa oshi (also probably the biggest Moa fan & Alice Project fan in HK) and had been trying to convince me to go to PARMS, so he secured a ticket for me as soon as the tickets went on sale in HK.

 I thought about studying the songs a bit before going, but decided against it because I didn’t want to be at the concert and spend the whole time waiting for a particular song, but also because I’m just lazy.  So I arrived at the venue without having learned a single song.

 I was not sure where to stand, so I figured I’d follow my friend Sun (@mirunon_514), who is a Sakura Yuki (@snow_of_cherry) oshi, and that turned out to be a stellar choice, because out of the 6 that came, she is the cutest one (by my standards) with a radiant smile and seemingly infinite energy on stage.  Her English is also really good (compared to 48G with the exception of HIrari & Rara), so more bonus points.

 The songs themselves were very up-beat, with some rap parts and singing parts, and great to get the crowd riled up and keep them interested.  I have no idea which ones were actually Juban songs and which ones were from other groups, but enjoyed them all the same.  The choreo was simple and without unnecessary flair, and I felt that having the mask in on/off position added a bit of complexity without compromising the overall simplicity.  

 For me, though, the highlight of the concert was not the music (which was good), but rather the fan participation and the interaction with the girls on stage. Having watched a bit of footage, I knew that there are extensive calls and floor movements, so I was expecting to see a lot of that and was definitely not disappointed.

 From the very beginning until the very end, the fans were one.  While mixing and calling are not hard, staying in unison and knowing when to mobilize can be difficult.  As a 48G fan I’ve seen my share of absolutely atrocious attempts at MIXing (HK fans I’m looking at you), but AP fans had the coordination down pat and it was a blast.  My favorite part was when people would automatically make room either in front for fans of the girl that was singing a solo part of the song, or make room in the middle to form a circle for group calls.  It made the concert immensely enjoyable because I’m kind of a sucker for fan participation.

 Overall, I am glad I went to see them, and will definitely stop by PARMS next time.

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#120 - Belly Fat

There are 3 of us in the room, but Ayane and Kotoko are excitedly discussing something in anime-sounding phrases, so me, being the obasan, took my leave quietly.

After Kotoko finishes with Joshiraku, let’s go eat meat again.

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Thank you for coming to the individual handshake in Nagoya.

I can’t balance when I lift up one foot, here you can see me falling right away.

I bought this one-piece at a very different place than where I usually get my clothes.

But I’m really embarrassed to show my midriff so I wore something under.

I want to be more like foreigners - taller and with pretty hair colors, and if I lost some weight then I can wear it much better.

Next Nagoya handshake is August!

I have a feeling a lot of us will wear yukatas.

As I mentioned in mobame, I will wear one too.

Not sure about Kyoto though, still thinking.

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Replying to questions:

- do you like the right half of your face or left half?

Probably left.  But I have a lot of moles on that side...

- I saved the photos from #119! That is rare!

What do you mean rare?

I am really bad at taking selfies and not sure how to make them look great.

- You bought Airlifts! They look great on you.  I wanted some too but they probably won’t look as good on me.

Buy them! Everyone looks great with them.  They’re easy to walk in, easy to match clothes, they look cute, they’re really the best.

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There is still Joshiraku, but Renachi is done after the 11th single handshakes.

We always get the same hotel room.

She goes to bed later than me, but gets up earlier than me, and is always studying...really remarkable.

Do your best!

Don’t lose!

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Announcements

On sale 6/16

NHK Shogi Seminar Text for July

The cover is drawn by Yamazaki-sensei, the same one on Shogi Focus!

Radio “Kintsubu” 6/19

Taking Misa-san’s place again!

Thank you for your support.

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#119 - Doing a Shogi Event!

July 1st (Wednesday), 18:30-21:00

Palaceside Building 2nd Floor, MyNavi Room S

No entrance fee

Part 1: Karin’s Shogi Class, demo game

Part 2: Relay game with Karin

Part 3: Talk show

I will be holding a Shogi event with Tobe-sensei!

“I’m a Karin fan but I don’t know much about Shogi...”

“I am not a Karin oshi but I love Shogi”

“I don’t know much about Nogizaka but a Shogi class run by an idol sounds interesting!”

Anyone can come, really!

Since I am teaching, it will be very very basic.

Like first-timer level, just getting started.

Frankly, I am worried if people will come.

But it’s free, so please drop by!  I will be waiting.

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Thank you so much for coming to Yokohama handshake.

The next individual handshake in Kanto is in September.

There is no schedule on national handshake yet, 

but it’s lonely not being able to meet you guys.

Sorry I always keep you guys in my booth for so long.

People always ask me about the brands of clothes I wear, so I will try to write them down more often.

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Replying to questions:

- now that all 6 people in Border have gone on the show, will other 2nd gens be appearing?  Would be great to see you on the show.

Yes!  And here is the announcement:

I will be on the 6/21 episode of the show.

I’ve wondered if I’ll break through the border that is the Border Group (lol)

but seems like they are getting all the 2nd gens, so I’m happy.

It’s not airing for a while but please watch it!

- do you like being surprised or planning surprises?

When I was in high school I planned a lot of surprises.

Of course I like being surprised, but I don’t mind brainstorming and I like seeing people’s surprised faces so probably surprising people > being surprised.

- Regarding the Natsu no Free & Easy costume - is it an one-piece? Please let me know where the zippers are, I will finish the costume by August.  

I am not 100% sure, but I think the zippers are on the side instead of the back.

Sorry if it’s wrong though.

I’m also learning how to sew and it kinda makes me want to make copies of our costumes.  I look forward to your work.

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I was unsure about buying an one-piece that showed midriff.  After asking people via mobame, 99% of the people said to buy it, so now I’m leaning towards buying it.

You guys will support it, right? (lol)

Maybe I will wear it this Saturday at Nagoya.

[shogidoru-blog]

#118 - Bura Karin (Karin takes a stroll)

http://blog.nogizaka46.com/karin.itou/2015/06/024033.php

So, will you be watching “Bura Karin”, a 2-part special on Shogi Focus last week and this week?

The 6/7 broadcast, which is tomorrow, will include Bura Karin part 2, where I will be showing you the streets of Tendo City, also known as Shogi City.  Please make sure you watch it.

Next things on the list...

- the text version of June issue of NHK Shogi Seminar

- July issue of Shogi World

are both on sale!

In NHK Shogi Seminar, there is an interview where I talked about shogi and nogizaka!

In Shogi world, you can see Tobe Sensei teaching shogi in an Unders Live t-shirt!

Please read them!

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Comment replies:

- Is that a new pillow in the photo you uploaded to mobame?

The dakimakura!

I haven’t bought a new one yet.

I like firm ones so I’m still looking for one.

And I’m still using this beat-up one.

Please tell me if you know any good places for these.

- If you have your own radio show, who will be your first guest?

That is a good question, because I love imagining these things.

Who shall it be?

Junna, Himetan, or Nojo-san.

Why? hmmmm, I don’t know.

Just that they seem fitting~

- You wrote about “going back to where you started” so I read the comments on your first entry.

Wow, that’s from a long time ago.

Maybe I should read it again too.

It’ll probably be fun to read comments from back then, when people still didn’t know a lot about me.  It’ll also make me think about things I wouldn’t have considered before.

That’s it!

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Many people celebrated my 22nd~

<photo>

Shogi Focus was recorded on my birthday and it was with Yamazaki Sensei, so he and staff celebrated my birthday!

He gave me some pieces and the bag.

I was really really happy.

I was really extremely happy.

I will definitely work harder!!

Thank you!

<photo>

When I was on Kintsubu, they also celebrated my birthday.

It’s close to Kojima-san’s birthday, so we celebrated together.

I did not think they’d do it so it was a great surprise!

Thank you!

<photo>

This is from eating with my friend.

She actually forgot her purse at home so I actually paid for the cake.

She’s a bit clumsy but she’s a great friend of mine!

Thank you!

I really liked my smile in that photo.

Karin

[shogidoru-blog]

#117 - Ito Karin’s Shogi Dojo

http://blog.nogizaka46.com/karin.itou/2015/06/023991.php

Thank you for all the comments on the last entry.

It’s been a while since I got so many comments, I love reading them so I read the entire section twice in a row with a smile on my face.

This entry is about the 5/24 handshake, where my birthday ceremony took place.

The entrance of my handshake lane was a path paved with stones!

The lantern(?) looking things had pastel purple and pastel green, my glowstick colors.

And they were not lightbulbs, but penlights!

What a great idea!

And these are the decorations on the sides of the lane.

Fans who were not on the committee were quite surprised by the tatami and asked me if they should take off their shoes.

The decoration was very Japanese, with origami in many places and they were really cute.

I really wanted to upload more but there’s a photo limit these days...

I will send the higher quality photos by themselves and not in a collage via mobame, please forgive me ( i _ i )

Everyone that came said the committee members had really great taste, and that made me really proud.

I enjoyed the entrance and exit songs to the birthday ceremony, which were Romance no Start at the beginning and Tossa at the end.

But I was not sure why the picked Romance no Start.

I’m guessing it’s because it was the song I sang when I won the role for Princess Porin! 

The letter was read by Maichun.

Because of her quick-thinking, I also received a message from Risako, who graduated already.

Thank you!

Kazumi-san, Asuka, Maichun, Kotoko, MIona, Zaki, Ayane-chan, Ranze, Miria, Junna, thank you for coming out to my birthday ceremony.

Birthday Ceremony is an important event that happens only once every year, where lots of people will celebrate my birthday.  It cheers me up and gives me confidence every year when I see all these people and think “wow i really am loved.”

To the committee members who worked very hard to prepare for this event! 

And to everyone who came out to celebrate this event! 

Thank you very much.

I will always remember this.

Karin-tou is the best!

Karin

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#116 - Turning 22

http://blog.nogizaka46.com/karin.itou/2015/05/023928.php

This is my 3rd birthday since joining Nogizaka.

People think I look young on the outside and too mature on the side and, well, I’m just 22. 

Last year’s birthday was during Principal rehearsals.  

We were just kenkyuuseis, and those were tough days because we didn’t have any concerts and could not perform during national handshakes.

But on 5/26, it was decided that kenkyuuseis would be able to perform during the mini live that was Principal Act 3.

I remember I was extremely happy.

And one year later...

I got a lot of stage time during Unders Live,

I got more jobs since being promoted to regular member.

I found a new hobby in shogi, which brought me more jobs, 

I think I’ve grown a lot.

In terms of career, my immediate target is becoming a regular on a radio show, which I’ve written about before.

On the other hand, I also want to like myself more.

If I don’t like myself, I may become too serious and lose my sense of humor, and I don’t like showing my weaknesses.

There are plenty of things I don’t like about myself.

But on yesterday’s Shikujiru Sensei, Yasuda Kei-san said 

“Everyone has his/her own place in this world”.

In a group with many members, is there something only I can do?

I would like to explore further.

I’m just me, and I’m going to keep pushing myself forward this year as a 22-year-old, so please lend me your support!

I will write about the birthday ceremony next time!

Karin