 On January 7th, 2016, I got a chance to go to an event called “SOLOxSOLOxSOLO@Hatsudai DOORS” which is located about 10 minutes from Shinjuku station if you use the Keio New Line. Like the event title says, it took place on an underground stage called Hatsudai DOORS. 1月7日2016年、私は京王新線で新宿駅から10分の初台で「SOLOxSOLOxSOLO@初台DOORS」というイベント行かせてもらいました。イベント名のとおり、会場は初台DOORSという地下にあるステージでした。 This particular event had 10 acts and the girls that were there all performed solo (once again referenced in the event name). There were different types of performers present and the audience was mixed with fans or “wotas” of different idols. Like my previous experience with a KOTO live at Daikanyama LOOP, the wotas switched around depending on who was performing. This meant that when it was time for KOTO’s stage, all the KOTO wotas or the “Kotora’s/Koto-ler’s” moved forward. It’s actually quite nice because the current performer’s wotas also lead the crowd and if you came to see a certain act, you can get up close to see them perform. This actually really helps me particularly as I am 4’11” and always have a hard time seeing when it comes to bigger concerts. It really makes you realize that the wota are courteous and friendly to each other even if they support different idols. このイベントは10人のアイドルがソロでライブするという形でした。（それもイベント名のとおり）色々なアイドルとそのアイドルのファンがいて、前に行ったKOTOちゃんの代官山LOOPさんでのライブと同じで、アイドルが入れ替わるごとにヲタたちも入れ替わってました。KOTOちゃんのライブのときは「ことらー」さん（KOTOちゃんファン）がしっかりと前に準備してました。一人だけの応援にきたファンたちにはいいことで、ちゃんと好きなアイドルの出番になるとちゃんと見えるのです！私の身長は150cm以下でチビなので、大きなコンサートだと見えないのですが…こういう会場で会うファンたちはとても親切で他のアイドルのファンでも仲良くって心地良かったです。
Shortly after the previous set finished (Which was an artist named SAWA, someone that collaborates and composes some of KOTO’s music.) KOTO skipped onto the stage to say hi to the crowd. She greeted everyone and had small talk before starting her live. Unlike the big idol concerts I’ve experienced before, it was actually possible for the fans to respond to her MC and have a conversation with her while she was on the stage. 前のアイドルさんのセットが終わり（そのアイドルさんがKOTOちゃんと仲良くってコラボをしているSAWAさんでした）、KOTOちゃんが軽いスキップで挨拶しながらステージに登場しました。大きなアイドルコンサートと違って、MC中はステージ上のアイドルたちと会話が可能なのです。 After a short MC, she quickly jumped into her 20 minute set. She started out with “17Android”, which is different from most of her songs because it was composed by the idol and composer, SAWA who was mentioned earlier. Owing to its origins, it’s more of a pop song with hints of electro sound. By comparison KOTO’s songs are usually much heavier in the electronic sounds. This song was made in time for her 17th birthday live, “KOTO Oneman~Genjitsutouhi na seventeen~ which she held last year on 9/25/15. The crowd warmed up as they danced along to her sharp moves and cute sweet voice. Even from a slight distance, I felt overwhelmed by the strong performance and the impact was still as much as when I saw her up close before. 短いMCのすぐ後に20分間のライブが始まりました。一番最初の曲は「17android」 という曲で、いつものKOTOちゃんの曲と違って、先ほど名前のあがったSAWAさんが作曲作詞した曲なのです。この曲は2015年の9月25日に彼女の17歳の生誕ライブ「KOTOワンマン～現実逃避なseventeen～」で初披露された曲で他の曲とはちがったポップなサウンドが入っていて、いつもよりピコピコが控えめな曲となってます。観客はKOTOちゃんの甘いかわいい歌声とキレのあるダンスにあわせて踊ってました。ちょっと遠めからもすごいインパクトとキレに圧倒されました！
She followed up this up with “Kirai Returns”, one of her recent works with Kissa Sasaki, her main producer that also has his own group, “Recoride”. The song is one of the six songs they have been releasing monthly starting in September 2014 and is the second release out of the six. This is also the second series of songs with him. The songs in this series are different stylistically from each release and as a fan it’s fun to see KOTO try new styles of music and also choreography. Her most recent release at the time “Omatsuri GALAXY” sounds like a Japanese festival song and has Japanese “soran” moves which are big movements which almost represent pulling and throwing things. The first release of the series has easy to mimic lyrics and a “parapara” style dance to it which was a popular dance style from the late 70s that including simple side steps with complex arm movements. Just like the other Kissa Sasaki produced songs, it has that unique retro electronic sound to it, reminiscent of a retro video game soundtrack or 8-bit music. To me, I feel that the song is a bit mellower than her other upbeat songs but that didn’t change how powerful and fast her performance was. 次はメインプロデューサーの佐々木喫茶さんの曲「きらいリターンズ」でした。佐々木喫茶さんは他には「レコライド」というグループもやっているお方です。この曲はKOTOちゃんと佐々木さんの6ヶ月間連続リリース第二弾の2曲目で、一曲一曲が違う曲調でとても面白いです。ファンからするといろんな歌い方や踊り方にチャレンジするKOTOちゃんが見れるのでありがたいのです！ライブに行った当時の新曲が「お祭りGALAXY」で本当にお祭りにいってソーラン節をみてる気分になれたり、連続リリース第二弾の一曲目はパラパラなどが入ってたり…佐々木喫茶さんの曲はいつもなんか懐かしいようなレトロな電子音が入ってて、まるでレトロなゲームのサウンドトラックを聞いてるようです。その中ではきらいリターンズはちょっと遅めな感じがするんですが、それでも彼女のパフォーマンスは強く、早くって、キレにはかわりありません。
Catching her breath after two songs in a row, she talked about the reason why she chose the first song, “17Android” for her setlist. She explained that since the composer of the song, SAWA, is also one of the idols in the event, she wanted to perform it there. Even in SAWA’s MC, she talked about how happy she was to see KOTO for the first time this year. The cutest part was when she described how KOTO came up to her saying “SAWA-san~ Please have these clothes that I can’t wear!” and the crowd laughed at their interaction that showed just how close they were. ハードな2曲の後に息を整えながら「17android」をなぜ今日のセトリに入れたか説明してました。SAWAさんがその日のイベントに参加していたのでセトリに入れたとのことでした。二人は仲が良くって、SAWAさんのMCでも今年初めてKOTOちゃんに会えて嬉しかったことや「SAWAさん～KOTO着れないからSAWAさんなら」と服のお下がりをもらったことを話してました。観客のみなさんが仲がよさそうな話をきいて笑ってました。 SAWA herself also has a very unique voice and her songs are fun to listen to so it’s great they get to be in the same idol events and collaborate with each other. KOTO also talked about how she had made her nails new and shiny with colorful designs and pandas. After her MC, she went straight back to two upbeat songs. The third song of her set was “Valentine’s Ballerina”. My favorite parts of the choreography for this song are when she does movements like she’s making desserts for Valentine’s but since this is KOTO’s dancing, these gestures are so intense!! One of the movements is her mixing a bowl and she REALLY mixes whatever is in that bowl very well!! It always makes me giggle when I see it and that part is my favorite to watch. With that said, you have no idea how happy I was to finally see it live! Another favorite part of mine is when she does ballerina moves, showing an elegant side to her performance, then goes straight back to her signature super sharp movements. SAWAさんもとても独特な声の持ち主で曲が楽しいし、聞きやすいです。KOTOちゃんと一緒のイベントに出演できたりコラボしててファンとしてとても嬉しいです！後はおニューのネイルにパンダを入れたこととかも話してました。MCの後にすぐまたまたハードな2曲が続きました。3曲目は「バレンタインズバレリーナ」でした。私はこの曲の振付が大好きで、キレッキレにお菓子作りしてるようなところ（ボウルをもって混ぜてる振りをしたり、何かを刻んだりしてる振りをしたり）とかバレーの動きが入ってたりして…面白いし、動くがきれいだし、表情も豊かで本当に大好きな振付です！
Her fourth, and last, song was “Otokonoko-chan”. This song is my favorite song and I could tell from the hype they had for this song that it was also a favorite of the fans. Everyone excitedly got ready as they heard the intro because there is a “parapara” section in the beginning that a lot of the fans like to follow. Besides this this song also has a chorus which has fun, easy to follow choreography as well as a cute part where the fans shout “piyo piyo!” (I personally love this part because in the song there is a chick sound and I am also a huge bird lover!) I don’t know if this has anything to do with the fact that KOTO has a bird as a pet, but if it is I think that’s very cute. The fans and KOTO synced up as they danced and cheered altogether. It was the perfect hype song to end her set with. After she finished her songs she quickly told everyone to visit her at the selling booth after the event and ran off waving goodbye. The twenty minutes went by so quickly that it made you long for more, but at the same it was a satisfying set of songs to watch her perform. その日のセットの最後の曲が「おとこのこちゃん」でした。この曲はまたまた私の大好きな曲で、すごく盛り上がる曲です。ライブでは定番の曲といってもいいぐらいほぼ毎回披露してるそうです。ファンも動きを真似たりできるので、パラパラっぽいところを一緒に踊ったり、 一緒に「ぴよぴよ！」って叫んだりします。（とくに私は鳥も大好きなので、ひよこの声みたいなのも入っててめっちゃテンションあがります）ずいぶん前の部ログでもKOTOちゃんがインコを飼ってることが書いてあって、それでぴよぴよを入れたのか、それとも佐々木喫茶さんが偶然それを歌詞したのかわかりませんが、とてもKOTOちゃんにマッチングしててかわいい曲です。最後の曲にはぴったりで盛り上がってセットは終わりました。「物販も遊びに来てね！」とファンに告知し、手を振りながら走って退場しました。20分が早すぎて物足りない気持ちにもなりましたが、セットリストが良かったので満足した気持ちにもなりました。 It’s very clear why these Kotora’s/Koto-ler’s are so passionate and try their hardest to go each one of her sets and live events. The energy in her lives is both insane and unbelievable. It’s so unbelievable that you get the feeling that you have to go see it again to make sure what you just witnessed was real! She is truly a gem within the underground idol scene and I wish I lived in Japan so I could watch her up close before she becomes bigger and begins to attract an equally bigger crowd. With her skills and charisma, I’m sure that she will gain more popularity as people find out about her and get hooked just like I was. If you have a chance to go to the Tokyo region in Japan, make sure you check KOTO’s twitter (@koccyan925) to see if she is performing anytime soon and reserve a ticket and go to as many as you can! You won’t regret it!! なぜ「ことらー」さんたちがライブに駆けつけるのかよくわかったような気がします。セトリごとに違うし、KOTOちゃんのライブに入ってる気合が半端ないし、目で確かめないとわからないものがあります。天使を見たんじゃないかと思うぐらいかわいかったし、すべてがすごかったです。日本に住んでたら成長していって人気が上昇するKOTOちゃんをライブで見守っていたいです。きっと世間に知られたらみんな魅了されると思います！東京にいくことがある人は是非KOTOちゃんのツイッター(@koccyan925)をチェックして、ライブあるかチェックして、チケットを予約して見にいってください！絶対に後悔しません！ -Tiffany Fujii For More Information: Website: kotora.tokyo Blog: ameblo.jp/hidecyobin Twitter: @koccyan925   絶叫する60度 (Zekkyousuru 60do) AKA Screaming Sixties are a punk rock idol group, backed by punk band 6% is MINE. They debuted in 2014, but there's not a lot of info available on them yet. "ONLY PLACE WE CAN CRY" is their debut single, and it is SO HARD, and SO ENERGETIC, and SO POWERFUL, we had to get it out there as soon as possible. The group is fronted by the two singers, Kai and Montero. Their vocal performance is incredible on its own, but it's made even better by the fact that they're backed by a live band. 6% is MINE is a punk cover band, but they compose roughly half of the music for Screaming Sixties. The other half is composed and produced by Vocaloid writer Nejishiki, and the influence clash between punk rock and Vocaloid is pretty clear. It sounds fantastic, kinda like hearing Babymetal for the first time. While Babymetal might surpass them technically in production quality (read: money), Screaming Sixties blow everyone out of the water with their performance ability and energy.
In the PV for "ONLY PLACE WE CAN CRY", Kai (who appears playing guitar alongside the band) and Montero blast through the song in leather and black masks, looking more punk than any idol group ever has before. The song is so energetic and in-your-face, it's hard to believe they could even be considered idols to begin with. It's pretty clear the audience is into their sound too. Screaming Sixties might be the most exciting group to debut in a long time, and I can't wait to hear what they have in store for their fans next. -Justin Screaming Sixties Is: Kai Montero (Backed by 6% is MINE. "Mysterious Masked Melodic-Core Cover Band") 絶叫する60度 with 6% is MINE - ONLY PLACE WE CAN CRY MV   Idol School is a Chinese idol unit produced by pop singer and former Morning Musume member Linlin (Qian Lin). Linlin graduated from Morning Musume in 2010, and focused on her solo career until 2015, when she started working with Idol School as their producer, and even composed their first song "Your Chapter". Idol School themselves had formed just a year earlier. "Happy Happy New Year Yeah" is Idol School's most recent single, also produced by Linlin. The song is super catchy and upbeat. It's definitely a typical idol song, but maybe not what you would expect if you were discovering this group as a Morning Musume fan. Their sound is a lot brighter, and the members have higher voices. The synths are also higher in the mix, and much bouncier than anything Morning Musume would normally do. The whole thing is just sounds really optimistic and cheery. The video itself is pretty basic in execution. The members of Idol School dance and sing, and there's an overlying Chinese New Year theme. A few of them are dressed as elderly parents or grandparents, complete with fake facial hair and grey wigs. It's a pretty cute video for a pretty cute song. With so many members though (there are eleven) it can be a little difficult to figure out who's who, especially for a new listener and with little information on them in English. I think "Happy Happy New Year Yeah" is a super cute and fun song, and Idol School are all pretty talented singers and dancers. There's really nothing negative to say here at all. -Justin Idol School - Happy New Year Yeah MV  In 2014, it was announced that popular “rebel idol” unit BiS (Brand-new idol Society) would disband at Budokan Yokohama Arena. In an effort to keep the legacy of BiS alive, manager Watanabe Junnosuke held auditions to replace the entire lineup. The group was announced in January of 2015, and the lineup was solidified a few months later. They were introduced as BiSH (Brand-new idol SHiT). BiSH was: Sen to Chihiro Chicchi, group captain (currently known as Cent Chihiro Chitti) Aina The End, a former R&B singer and member of PARALLEL Hug Me Momoko Gumi Company Yukako Love Deluxe Shortly after their first single, “Spark”, Yukako Love Deluxe left the group due to anxiety, but they went on without her. The debut album “Brand-new idol SHiT” was released shortly after to massive acclaim, blowing BiS’s Oricon chart records out of the water.  BiSH - BiSH: Hoshi ga Matataku Yoru ni MV  BiSH has become known for their over-the-top, often shocking music videos. From “BiSH: Hoshi ga Matataku Yoru ni” featuring scat and semen imagery, to “MONSTERS” where the group fights against the oppressive regime of a boot camp instructor (a callout against idol culture in general). The group is also known to be honest and open about their personal lives, holding nothing back in interviews. Hug Me writes a column in a porn magazine (starting with her VERY in-depth recollection of her first Brazilian wax) and Momoko has openly admitted to hating otaku, most idol fans, and even handshake events. Aina has gone on record about her history of being bullied in school, and even mentioned that she was homeless for a short time prior to auditioning for BiSH. It’s not just BiSH’s public image that differs from “ordinary” idol units; it’s also what happens behind-the-scenes. The members often write their own songs, and even do their own choreography. Their song lyrics aren’t usually that far off from what you would expect from idols (read: love songs) but they’ve been known to break the rules from time to time. A handful of their songs deal with the realities of life as an idol, including depression, discomfort, and anxiety. Some songs deal with loneliness or fear of getting stuck in the idol lifestyle without any future, or even sex. Their biggest single, “OTNK”, is about penises (though they try to hide it with the “official” lyrics being completely different to the actual lyrics.) According to Momoko, the lyrics are cute. BiSH - OTNK MV In 2015, BiSH picked up two new members: Lingling and Hashiyasume Atsuko. With their new 6-person lineup, they released their second full-length album “FAKE METAL JACKET”, and flew up the charts faster than ever. With the album came the announcement that they would soon be signing to avex trax, the same label which had signed BiS. Their major label debut is set to be released on May 4th, 2016.  There’s a lot to say about BiSH, but the best way is to just jump right in. They’re perfect for fans of groups like Babymetal and Ladybaby, or just for an idol fan looking for something new. Their music varies from pop to metal, and even to jazz-rock, hardcore punk, thrash, and blues rock. There’s something for almost everybody. I recommend starting with one of their singles, like “OTNK” or “MONSTERS”. The deep album tracks can get a little weird for anyone who isn’t into obscure subgenres. I’m still holding out hope for the inevitable “BiSHKaidan” album which will surely be the best idol album of all time. BiSH Is: Cent Chihiro Chitti (Captain) Aina the End Hug Me Momoko Gumi Company Lingling Hashiyasume Atsuko BiSH - MONSTERS MV  Announcing ANISON USA, a Japanese music festival in Los Angeles California! Featuring performing artists from Japan, Canada, and even California, ANISON USA will take place at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles on February 21, 2016! Headlining the event are three special guests from Japan. Momoi Halko is the original "Queen of Akihabara" and is famous for not only her skill as a performer, but also as a songwriter and producer! Yumi Matsuzawa is a famous anisong singer who has performed several anime theme songs including the opening theme for Martian Successor Nadesico! Lastly, Nozomi's (ex-Little Non) career has crossed into many fields including singer, DJ, artists and more! These three will be performing both days and involved in various extra events! Among the other guests are Japanese idol unit Roli Angels, a group that A-To-J Connections has covered in the past. Vandead Bakery and Ayu Star will also be coming in from Japan via the same company that is bring Roli Angels. Canadian group ALLY & SALLY will also join the lineup, along with a handful of Californian Idols, including Chii Sakurabi and Stephanie Yanez, and even a J-Rock band, Midnight Shinigami!  In addition to the main festival, there will be a VIP party at Desu-Nation in Temple City on February 20, 2016. The VIP party includes mini-concerts by the guests as well as autograph sessions, talk segments, games, and raffles. Full weekend tickets can be purchased for $25 online (or $30 at the door) Individual single-day tickets can be purchased at the door of either event for $15 Cosplayers will also be offered $5 off all at-the-door purchases.  More Information: Purchase online here: http://anisonusa.com/tickets.html Full guest list: http://anisonusa.com/guests.html Official schedule: http://anisonusa.com/index.php?id=62 Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1681345802150904/1685997691685715/ -Justin Support ANISON USA in any way you can to ensure bigger and better events in the future! ANISON USA 2016 Trailer Being a fan of idol groups, graduations are to be expected. Yet, whenever they happen, we are never prepared. The last couple years have been really challenging for Hello! Project fans with graduations, a group going on indefinite hiatus and the mastermind behind the groups having officially declared retirement.
Most recently, Morning Musume '15's 9th Generation member, Riho Sayashi, graduated on December 31st. Now, with people starting to settle down with the group as it is now, we received another piece of news thrown at us in the form of Kanon Suzuki's (also a 9th Generation member) graduation. She's been in the group for 5 years, and joined during a time that Morning Musume was suffering from lower popularity. Her youthful attitude, positive outlook and caring demeanor has completely driven her up as one of the most popular members overseas. In her official announcement, she indicated that she wants to pursue a career that involves helping others. There were no specifics made beyond that, but she did point out that doing the SATOYAMA events helped put this attitude into perspective and to make her more determined. Kanon announced that she'll be graduating at the end of this spring tour. As always, make sure all you fans out there keep supporting her, and give her your best for those of us who will see her in Texas later this month. Also, don't forget that this is the nature of Morning Musume '16. Let's keep supporting them not only in honor of Kanon, but also in the upcoming excitement of inevitable 13th generation members. Hold strong! - Teepu Official Announcement: http://helloproject.com/news/4322/ Translation of Announcement from Up-Front Link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/up-front-link/en-concerning-kanon-suzuki-from-morning-musume16/1016601485065435   Track Listing
1) Jump. Hip. Hop 2) Love ne melody Roli Angels is an idol group I don't know much about, and there's not a lot of information to find about them online in English. The only thing I have to go on is these two songs, "Jump. Hip. Hop" and "Love ne melody". So hopefully this will do its part to change that. The first track, "Jump. Hip. Hop" is a pretty simple idol-style song. It's super upbeat, with a simple and memorable melody. The singers' voices are distinct enough from each other to pick out hints of personality shining through. I could see this being a pretty fun song during live performances. The coupling track, "Love ne melody" starts with a synth line that reminds me of something out of The Legend of Zelda, and I love it. The synth keeps echoing slightly throughout the song, underneath the vocals and lead guitar. It gives the song a retro feel, as if the backing music was taken right out of a video game. The song itself isn't as bouncy as the last one, but it's the one I find myself listening to more closely. Overall, this is a pretty good single. I would love to hear some more songs from Roli Angels, especially something closer to "Love ne melody". Roli Angels Are: ROLI (Leader) LEMON SHAKE ICE Note: ICE is present on this release, but is no longer with Roli Angels. For More Information: Official Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008476298859&fref=ts Official Twitter: twitter.com/angel_roli ROLI Twitter: twitter.com/ROLi_Angel LEMON Twitter: twitter.com/Leeeeemon_angel SHAKE Twitter: twitter.com/SHAKe_angel  SOLIDEMO (a combination of the words Solid and Emo) is a J-pop boy band formed in 2013 and signed to avex trax. After a series of successful singles like Girlfriend and Heroine, 8 Collars is their debut full-length album. Every one of their major label singles is included on the album, making for a really solid (no pun intended) first look at this group. SOLIDEMO - Girlfriend PV  The album has a really strong start, with three almost unforgettable songs right off the bat. The opening track "Could U Be My Girl?" is impossibly catchy, and "Gimme Gimme LOVE" has one of the best chorus buildups on the album. The lead single, "Girlfriend", is possibly my favorite song on the whole album. It's not just a super memorable and dance-able song, but also pretty well-rounded in emotional tone. The changes between the verses and the chorus are perfect. It's no wonder this group is doing as well as they are. It's not just the catchy or dance-able songs that stand out, though. The slower songs, which make up most of the middle section of the album, are also very well-written and performed. Every member in the group has a great voice and emotional range. While nothing else on the album gets up to the same level as those first three songs, there's a lot more depth to be found in the later tracks. I really love the closer, "Kimi no Mama de". It's a beautifully performed piano ballad, and probably the best choice they could have made as a closer.
I'm finding it hard to pick out anything I DON'T like about this album. Everything is just put together so well, it's a really strong debut. I guess if there were anything slightly negative to say, it's that the members' personalities and singing voices don't stand apart from one another as much as they might in a more well-established group. Still, it's a pretty great album. It just goes to show that avex really knows how to find amazing talent. I look forward to hearing what SOLIDEMO does in the future! Favorite Songs: Could U Be My Girl?, Girlfriend, Missing You, Kimi no Mama de SOLIDEMO Are: -Shunei Watanabe (SCHNELL) (Leader) -Takeshi Mukaiyama -Kazuya Sasaki -Keiichi Sawaki -Yuki Nakayama -Hiroyuki Kimata -Tomoya Yamaguchi -Akito Teshima For More Information: Official Site: solidemo.jp Official Facebook: facebook.com/avexSOLIDEMO Official Twitter: twitter.com/staff_SOLIDEMO2 Official Youtube: youtube.com/user/SOLIDEMOst Nogizaka46 has had its share of solo photobooks. This privilege is usually given to some of the center-caliber members, such as Shiraishi Mai and Nishino Nanase. So why not give Ikuta Erika one?  Yes, this is a review of Ikuta Erika’s recently released solo photobook, titled Tencho, or Modulation. The photobook was released this month, and of course since I am a big Nogizaka46 fan, and a big supporter of Ikuta Erika, I had to pick this one up. There’s a lot to like about Ikuta Erika. She loves udon, she is one of the biggest dorks in the Nogizaka lineup, she voiced Rue in the Japanese dub of The Hunger Games, and she is one of the most talented piano players I’ve seen in my life. But is her first photobook worth a purchase? Let’s find out. One thing to note in this photobook is that there is an awful lot of German in the book, ranging from sentences to chapter titles. That’s because Ikuta Erika was actually born in Germany and spent 5 years of her life there before moving to Japan. Speaking of Germany, the entire photobook takes place in Deutschland. When I open the photobook, I can imagine myself going on a vacation with Ikuta Erika to visit the area where she grew up. She first arrives in the airport, and then takes a bus to her hometown of Dusseldorf. In some photos, you can see her visit some areas that were still around when she was younger, evidenced by a “before and after” type of photo set. I personally find it pretty awesome that Ikuta Erika can remember the same places that were still around before she moved to Japan.
Of course, because Nogizaka46 is known for conservative gravure, there are some shots in this photobook where Ikuta Erika is relaxing in her hotel room. It is classy, it isn’t lewd, and I have this feeling that I am just hanging out with her before we see the sights of Germany again.
I do like Ikuta Erika’s fashion sense. She wears a lot of cute casual outfits when touring around the city, such as a beanie, a sweater and short shorts. She can pull off this combination well. One thing I also want to point out are the shots where she is dressed in a pretty heavy dress. This made her look like a princess who escaped her lavish daily lifestyle. Then we get to one portion of the photobook, aptly titled Erster Verusch, translated in English, First Try. What is Ikuta Erika going to try for the first time? As mentioned earlier, Nogizaka46 is known for having conservative gravure shots. The most you would see is a tank top and short shorts on your favorite member, but nothing along the lines of swimsuits or bikinis. Only a few members have been seen in a bikini, such as Nishino Nanase, Shiraishi Mai, Eto Misa, and Hashimoto Nanami. Now it’s Ikuta Erika’s turn. Basically, Ikuta Erika is in a pool, in a white bikini. Moving right along, we get a few photos of Ikuta Erika practicing some Chopin on piano, as well as a few photos where she is eating dinner in a black dress. The dinner photos are pretty notable because she bears a very striking resemblance to someone on the AKB48 side. Basically, Ikuta Erika looks near identical to Maeda Atsuko in those photos, and sure enough, it is possible to mistake the two. One thing I do want to note is that, throughout the photobook, I could not stop staring into Ikuta Erika’s eyes. They’re really spellbinding, to be quite honest. Yes, they are listed as one of her charm points, but a photobook usually emphasized a charm point, and you’re able to see it in a few shots. I was looking into her eyes with every shot. No lie. Overall, this book is spectacular. There are a lot of things you discover about Ikuta Erika just with one run through of the photobook, and it’s sure to please fans of Ikuta Erika and Nogizaka46 alike. It feels like a trip to Germany with one of the most beautiful, yet dorky, members of the franchise. I loved this photobook, and I am glad that I purchased it. This was an experience, and I am glad it was with Ikuta Erika. Hopefully, you can enjoy the experience too! -Nathan (L4verra)  Recently our Translator/Artist Liaison, Tiffany, caught of with KOTO before Her live at Hatsudai DOORS (The event was titled "SOLOxSOLOxSOLO@Hatsudai DOORS") She talked everything from her music to her then upcoming show in Taiwan (a show that we were also lucky enough to attend) Check it out and be sure to keep an eye on KOTO as she is one of the most interesting idols in the scene today! Keep an eye out for a live report on the concert that followed this interview as well as an interview/live report from her overseas live in Taiwan! A-To-J: まず最初に、自己紹介からお願いします。 A-To-J: Thank you for the interview! First, please introduce yourself. KOTO: ソロで活動しているKOTOです。17歳です。よろしくお願いします。 KOTO: Hello, I’m KOTO! I’m a solo artist and I’m 17. Nice to meet you! A-To-J: 趣味などを教えてください。 A-To-J: Can you please tell us some of your hobbies. KOTO: 手作りのアクセサリーを作るのが好きなので、レジンというのを使って、自分でアクセサリー作るのが好きです。 KOTO: Since I like making handmade accessories, I use something called resin to make accessories myself. A-To-J: これからライブですが、今の心境を教えてください。 A-To-J: We caught you right before you’re about to perform, please tell us how you feel. KOTO: 毎回ライブの前はドキドキしてることが多いんですけど、ステージに立つと全然楽しい、ってなるので、今日も、今も緊張しているんですけど、ステージは楽しいと思います。 KOTO: I’m usually nervous before a live but I always have fun when I’m on stage. I’m nervous today as well, but I think standing on stage will be exciting! A-To-J: 最新のリリースなど歌のこと教えてください。 A-To-J: Please tell us something about your recent releases. KOTO: この前ライブ会場限定で発売されたシングルが「お祭りGALAXY」という曲なんですけど、今、毎月連続リリース中の期間なので、今月末も新しいのが出たり、どんどん発表されていくので、ライブ会場限定なので来て頂かないとゲットできないんですけど、是非聞いて頂ければな、と思います。 KOTO: Recently, I released a single called "Omatsuri GALAXY", it's only available at live venues though. Right now we’re releasing a song every month so at the end of the month it gets released and more get announced. They’re only sold at live venues so you have to come to to the shows to get them, but please listen to it! A-To-J: それでは海外にいる人やライブに中々行けないな、という人には買えるCDとかありますか？ A-To-J: For overseas fans that can’t go to your lives as often, is there a CD they can buy? KOTO: iTunesで一番最初のシングル「ことりっぷ」と「まだ起きてる？」という曲が買えたりとか、後は、アマゾンとかでファーストアルバムの「プラトニックプラネット」というものが買えるので、是非それをゲットしてほしいな、と思います！ KOTO: On iTunes you can buy my first single “Kotolip” or “Mada Okiteru?” (Are you still awake?) Also, on Amazon you can buy my first album, “Platonic Planet” so I hope they purchase it! [Editor's Note: These are actually only available on Japanese iTunes and Amazon] A-To-J: 今まで一番印象に残っているライブとかありますか？ A-To-J: Is there a live of yours that has left a big impression? KOTO: そうですね、いろんなことが印象に残っていて…でもこの前生誕ワンマンがあったんですけど、そこは本当に幸せな時間でした。 KOTO: A lot of them have left an impression… But recently I had my birthday one-man live and it was a really happy time for me! A-To-J: 今までライブで起こったハプニングとかありますか？ A-To-J: Have there been any incidents or accidents at your lives that you care to share with us? KOTO: ハプニングは色々あるんですけど、衣装を壊してしまうというのは年がら年中のことなので、もうしょっちゅうです。 KOTO: There are a lot of accidents, I break my costumes all the time and it happens a lot. A-To-J: 曲の中で一番ライブで歌うのが好きな曲はなんですか？ A-To-J: What is your favorite song to sing at a live? KOTO: 難しいなーライブで歌ってるときはどれも楽しくって好きな曲ばっかなので、そのライブに会場とかそういうのも見ながら色々毎回歌う曲は変えています。 KOTO: That’s hard… When I sing my songs live, they are all fun and I like them all equally. I also change the songs I perform depending on the venue. A-To-J: 好きなライブの会場はありますか？ A-To-J: Speaking of venues, do you have a favorite live venue? KOTO: 渋谷のGLADさんはすごく好きな会場で、スタッフさんとかもみんな温かくって好きです。 KOTO: I really like Shibuya’s GLAD because the staff there are very warm and nice!  A-To-J: アイドルになるきっかけを教えてください。 A-To-J: Please tell us the reason you decided to become an idol. KOTO: きっかけはダンス映画「SHAKE HANDS」という映画の主題歌のメインボーカルのオーディションを受けて合格したのがきっかけで、そのままソロで活動することになりました。 KOTO: The reason was because I passed an audition for the dance movie “SHAKE HANDS” to do the main vocals of its theme song. From there I started my solo works. A-To-J: 今後歌ってみたいジャンルとかありますか？ A-To-J: Is there a specific genre you want to try singing? KOTO: なんかもっと、自分のいろんな歌い方で伝えていきたいので、いろんな曲を歌ってみたいです。 KOTO: I want to convey myself with different kinds of singing so I want to try many different kinds of songs. A-To-J: 結構激しいパフォーマンスされますが、そのために準備運動やダイエットなどされていますか？ A-To-J: Your performance is quite intense; do you do anything such as exercises or diets for it? KOTO: ある程度の筋肉がないと動けない振りだったりするので、そこまで筋肉落とさないようにするのと、後は練習って感じですね。 KOTO: The choreography requires a certain amount of muscles so I try to not lose too much muscle mass. Other than that I practice regularly. A-To-J: 海外でライブしてみたいところはありますか？ A-To-J: Are there any overseas venues you want to perform at? KOTO: これから、今月初めて海外に行って、そこは台湾なんですけど、これからもうちょっと海外とか行けるようになったらアメリカとかも行ってみたいし、結構ダンスの先生もアメリカ行ったりしてるんで、すごい行ってみたいです。 KOTO: Soon I will go to Taiwan and when I get to go overseas more I want to go places like America. My dance teacher goes to America often so I really want to go someday! A-To-J: 海外でライブ以外で観光で行きたいところはありますか？ A-To-J: Is there any place you want to go overseas for sightseeing? KOTO: ハワイに行ってみたいとは思っていました！ KOTO: I’ve been wanting to go to Hawaii! A-To-J: 今までKOTOさんの曲を聴いたことない人にサウンドを説明してください。 A-To-J: Please describe your sound to someone that has never listened to it before. KOTO: 今はエレクトロとか「ぴこぴこ」とか言われたりするので、多分そういうのなのかなと思うんですけど…後はなんですかね？ KOTO: Right now I’m usually told it sounds electronic or “piko piko” [Used to describe 8-bit or electronic songs] so I think that’s what it sounds like… What else? マネージャさん：でも割りとKOTOちゃんアイディアで琴の音入れたりとか、自由度の高い、オリジナル度の高いものですかね… KOTO’s Manager: From KOTO’s ideas, we do things like put in the sound of a Japanese koto and it’s a very free, original product… A-To-J: 好きなアーティストはいますか？ A-To-J: Do you have any favorite artists? KOTO: アーティストさん…椎名ぴかりんさんが好きです！ KOTO: Artists… I like Shiina Pikarin! A-To-J: 海外の読者さんが多いのですが、おすすめの日本のスポットや日本食とか教えてください。 A-To-J: There are a lot of overseas readers, is there any spots in Japan or food you would like to recommend? KOTO: 今原宿すごい人気なので、原宿にいったらすごい楽しいと思いますけど…ご飯かー…KOTOは甘いものがすごい好きなので、原宿をスイーツとかを食べ巡ってほしいです！いっぱい食べてほしいです。 KOTO: Right now Harajuku is very popular so I think it’s fun if they go to Harujuku… Food… I like sweet things so I want them to try different sweets in Harajuku! I want them to eat a lot of different kinds! A-To-J: 去年リリースしたアルバムの中で一番作業するのが楽しかった曲はなんですか？ A-To-J: In your album [Titled “Platonic Planet”] that you released last year, what was the song you had the most fun working on? KOTO: アルバムに入ってる曲の中の一番最後に入ってる「シンデレラ症候群」という曲は初めてKOTOが作詞した曲で、まだその曲しか書いたことないんですけど、作詞にかかわったは初めてだったんですごい緊張しましたし、自分が作詞したやつをいろんな人に聴いてもらえるのは嬉しかったです。 KOTO: The last song of the album, “Cinderella Syndrome” is the first song I got to write the lyrics for and it’s the only I have written lyrics for so far. I was very nervous but I’m happy that many people listened to it. A-To-J: また今後作詞や作曲はしてみたいですか？ A-To-J: Do you want to compose songs or write lyrics again in the future? KOTO: はい、またしたいなと思ってるんですけど、なかなか…今年中に出来たらな、と思っています！ KOTO: Yes I’ve been wanting to but haven’t had the chance… I’m hoping sometime this year! A-To-J: MVとかも撮影されていますが、裏話や面白い話を教えてください。 A-To-J: You have some music videos; please tell us of any behind the scene stories. KOTO: プラトニックプラネットのMVが出てると思うんですけど、あれのときは80年代風みたいな、昔っぽくというのがテーマだったのでヘッドセットをつけて映像撮影したんですけど、やっぱりKOTOのダンスが激しかったせいか、ヘッドセットがボコッと取れてしまって！（笑）何回も「おおー(汗)」となってしまって、結果ヘッドセットのときは踊り抑える！みたいな感じなりました。 KOTO: There’s a MV for “Platonic Planet” and it had an “’80s” theme. We wanted it to look old so we filmed it with me wearing a headset. I guess because KOTO’s dance is intense, the headset fell off! (Laughs) This happened many times and we kept saying: “Oh no!” So whenever I was wearing the headset I had to tone down the dancing. KOTO - Platonic Planet PV  KOTO's nails A-To-J: 台湾でのライブのための準備なのされていますか？ A-To-J: How are you preparing for the live in Taiwan? KOTO: 日本っぽい感じで行こうかなって衣装を考えてたりとか、後は爪にパンダを入れました！ネイルを新しくしてパンダを入れました（笑） KOTO: I’ve been thinking of a costume that looks Japanese and I also put pandas on my nails! I just recently did the nails, so I put decided to put pandas in the design. (Laughs) A-To-J: かわいいですね！（笑） A-To-J: It’s very cute! (Laughs) A-To-J: 今まで活動されてる中で困難だったことや難しかったことはありましたか？ A-To-J: Have there been any difficulties in your career so far? KOTO: 一人なので、すごいコミュ症であんまり人と喋れないので…すごい待ち時間が長いときの楽屋をどうしたらいいかわからなくって、ぽつんと一人でやってるときが多いので…最近はいろんな方とだんだん喋れるようになって楽しくなりました。 KOTO: I work alone and I have difficulty talking to people because I get anxious when I communicate with others… So when the wait time is long in my dressing room, I don’t know what to do and I just stay in there alone most of the time… Recently I’ve been able to talk to many people so it’s getting more fun. A-To-J: 仲の良いアイドルやアーティストはいますか？ A-To-J: Are there any artists you are close to? KOTO: そう言われると誰をいったらいいかわかんないですよね（笑）でも本当に去年とか一昨年に比べるとすごいいろんな方とお話できるようになったので、嬉しいです。 KOTO: I don’t know who to say when I’m asked that (Laughs) Compared to last year and the year before that, I’m happy that I’ve been able to talk to many different people. A-To-J: 今日も色々と多数のアーティストさんが出演されるイベントですが、こういうイベントに比べて自分のワンマンとの違いはなんだと思いますか？ A-To-J: There are a lot of artists performing in today’s event, what do you think is the difference between these kinds of events and your one-man lives? KOTO: 対バンイベントはKOTOを見に来てくれる人もいるし、他の方を見に来ているというお客さんもいるので…KOTOを見に来てくれてる人も楽しくって、しかも初めて見に来てくれた人にもインパクトを残せるようにとか思ったりするんですけど…ワンマンだとみんなKOTOのことを見に来てくれてるので、すごい緊張するんですけど、空気がすごく温かくって楽しいなって思います。 KOTO: For “Battle of the Bands” type events, there are people that come for KOTO and people that come for others… I try to make it fun for the people that have come to see KOTO and I try to leave an impact for the people that have seen me for the first time. For one-man lives everyone comes to see KOTO so I get really nervous but the atmosphere is very warm and fun. A-To-J: 海外のファンはどこでKOTOさんの最新情報をチェックしたらいいでしょうか？ A-To-J: Where should overseas fans go to check your recent information? KOTO: Youtubeに「KOTOちゃんねる」というチャンネルがあるので、それで曲のMVとか後はライブ動画とか見れるので、結構そこには新曲とかあがったりするのでそれを見ていただければ結構みれるのかって…後、KOTOちゃんねるができる前の動画もあるので、それはKOTOの名前で「KOTO」って検索してもらえば出てくるのかなと思うのでライブとかの動いてるとこは是非それで見ていただいて…後はツイッター…そしてインスタグラムも最近はじめたので、インスタとツイッターと後CHEERZっていうアプリとか…そういうの見ていただいたら普段のKOTOとか近いライブとかわかるので、海外の方も是非チェックして頂けたらな、と思います！ KOTO: On YouTube I have a channel called “KOTO Channel”. There are music videos of my songs as well as performance videos. My new songs get uploaded there as well so I think you can see quite a lot there… There are also videos that were uploaded before my channel was made so if you search in my name, “KOTO”, you should find some performance videos as well. I would like everyone to watch me performing and moving. I also have a Twitter… and recently started an Instagram account. So if you go on my Instagram, Twitter as well as a phone app called “CHEERZ” you can see how I am usually and find out about upcoming lives so I would like overseas people to check it out as well! A-To-J: 最後に海外の読者さんやファンに向けてメッセージをお願いします。 A-To-J: Lastly, please give a message to our overseas fans and readers. KOTO: 今回のこの取材ではじめましての方も、もう動画とか見てくださってる方も、なかなか遠くって会えたりしないかも知れないんですけど、KOTOを見てくださってありがとうございます！KOTOも海外に行けるように頑張るので、是非そのときは見に来てください！そしてもしお時間ありましたら日本に是非遊びに来てください！よろしくお願いします！ KOTO: To the people that have found out about me for the first time in this interview and the people that have found me through videos and such, we can’t meet each other much because we’re far away but thank you for watching KOTO! I will try my best to go overseas so when the time comes, please come see me! Also if you have time, please come visit Japan! I’m looking forward to it! For More Information Please Follow KOTO On Social Media! Twitter: twitter.com/koccyan925 Instagram: instagram.com/koccyan925 The above interview was conducted and translated by Tiffany Fujii.  |
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