Two Murayama Miu interviews from andGIRL magazine

Interview 1: Talking about when she joined Sakurazaka46. A full interview going from her memories of the auditions to the bonds created among the new members.

45,000 people wanted to be members of Sakurazaka46. Murayama Miu made it through, and now takes the stage in andGIRL. She stands before the camera with a powerful gaze and a presence you wouldn't expect in someone who has just made her debut.

 

Polka-dot dress ¥25,300/Jusglitty - earring ¥5,670/Abiste  -  mules ¥15,400/Diana

 

Talking about the Sakurazaka46 Audition

“I thought I’d try the Sakurazaka46 new member audition. Really, my feeling was just that I’d take the challenge and see how it went.

“Up to then, I’d been supporting Sakurazaka46 at home with my family. When I saw the announcement of the call for new members, it got me more excited than I had ever been.

 

 “To become a member of the idol group I loved was something I’d never dreamed of. When the judging started, it was obvious that the candidates were on another level: all of them were cute and could dance and sing well.

 “During the announcement of who had qualified, the five or so before me were all chosen, and just as I was thinking ‘Oh, well, I guess that’s it…’, they called ‘Number 14’. Still only half believing it, I climbed up on stage.

 “That day, Mother rushed in from Osaka as a surprise. Unforgettable memories.

 “Here in the world-line where my dream has come true, I want to become someone who shines, while still staying myself.

 “After I became a member, in the training period, I was so desperate in the lessons, at a peak of tension the whole time. The third-generation members were always together, but when I was with the seniors, I still had not got beyond being a fan. When I was with the seniors, time and again my heart beat faster, thinking: 'Our eyes are meeting ♡'

“The feeling of the group is always bright and happy. My bonds with members of the same generation are unshakable, and the seniors talk to us a lot, giving advice about performance. Really, they’re all so nice. I can talk easily and happily with Masumoto Kira, who has long been my oshi. It’s like a dream.

 

“I want to keep polishing my performance, with a disciplined attitude, so as not to shame the name of Sakurazaka46. Please wish me well.”

 

____________________________________ 

Interview 2: Nine questions about fashion and about Miu herself, her style motto and her charm point.

 

overall ¥20,900/Jusglitty  —  frilly blouse ¥10,890/Coco Deal  — ear cuff ¥23,100/Cocoshnik —  ring ¥4,950/Cocoshnik Onkitsch — pumps ¥16,500/Diana   [I couldn’t find the solid cuff ring we have noticed previously, but this one comes close: ]

 

Q1. What fashion brands do you like?

A. STYLEMIXER and UNITED TOKYO

I like simple, stylish clothes, and have found them at these two brands. Actually, my mother loves fashion and has taken the qualification to be a stylist. So when I’m buying new clothes, I ask her advice.

 

Q2. What kind of fashion do you usually get?

A. Mainly monotone.

Basically, my coordinates are all black. My closet looks totally black. I like long pants and skirts. Things that don’t show my feet.

Q3. When you’re shopping are you a quick decider or a careful thinker?

A. Quick decider!

It’s just one look, unless the price is too high.

 

Q4. When you’re doing your own make-up, what do you concentrate on?

A. Eyelashes!

I spend time with a hot eyelash-curler to make the lashes turn up from the roots, then apply mascara delicately to make my eyes seem very open. I’m with those who avoid getting any on the cheek. I apply enough foundation to prevent tanning. For lips I like matte brown.

 

Q5. Do you have any special skills?

A. I can make the bones in my neck crack.

(She demonstrates.) Like this. They really crack loudly!

 

Q6. What are your morning and evening routines?

A. I’m really busy both morning and evening.

When I wake up, I drink half a 500ml bottle of water right away. I wash my face and then use a face massager, and I learned from Nagi to rotate my shoulders for 30 seconds. At night I do stretches and strength training from a teacher on the internet. And to get rid of puffiness, massage in the bath is a must.

Q7. What do you work at to become more beautiful?

A. I like to eat vegetables ♡

I basically like vegetables more than either fish or meat. When I find a place that specializes in salads, it sucks me right in. The vegetables I like are sweet potatoes, red peppers, and green peppers. It’s not for beauty, just because I like eating them. But  the reason I have no skin problems is vegetables.

 

Q8. What, exactly, is your charm point.

A. My long hands.

This is what I get praised for. I’ve come to think this must be my charm point. People like my neat nails, too, I think.

 

Q9. What is the thing you want most right now?

A. A small summer bag. For day trips, I’d like a shoulder bag with a silhouette resembling a suitcase. I think dark brown leather would be nice. When I walk around with maybe just my wallet and glasses, something quite tiny would be good.

 

 

Profile
Murayama Miu 村山美羽. From Tokyo. Blood type O. Third-generation member of Sakurazaka46. Tallest in her generation, at 68cm. Talked about as the the beauty of the group. Favourite colours blue and black. Favorite foods taro, sweet plums, sweet dumplings. Hobby: drawing pictures.

Interviews posted online 2023.09.03

Fujiyoshi Karin Centers "Start Over!" -- Freedom and Responsibility

“For a floater like me, it’s a heavy burden….” At the age of 21, Fujiyoshi Karin of Sakurazaka46 feels freedom and responsibility.

There is much talk about Sakurazaka46’s superb performances of their latest song. It’s the first of their releases to be centred by Fujiyoshi Karin, who turns 22 this summer.

To help her bear the heavy burden, we treated her to traditional Japanese cuisine, which she says is her favourite.

She spoke with us while tasting sake at the bar. What is her state of mind, as she faces this important role?

Fujiyoshi Karin becomes an adult in Yotsuya Sanchome

[Yotsuya Shinchome is a bar and restaurant district in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo].

Fujiyoshi Karin arrives at the Ogata restaurant

“What am I doing here? Is it okay for me to be here?”

This cry from the heart escaped Fujiyoshi Karin as, with an uneasy expression on her face, she slipped under the entrance curtain and entered the restaurant.

Her reaction seemed perfectly natural, coming from a 21-year-old who still retains some youthful innocence.

“This is the first time I’ve set foot in Yotsuya Sanchome. I never imagined there would be traditional restaurants here, deep in these narrow lanes. It’s fascinating.”

She spoke shyly, explaining that she likes to eat alone, and loves Japanese food. “I like to go by myself to eat ramen or grilled meat, and I like to travel alone.”

“I have lots of opportunities to eat meat, especially at wrap-up parties, but I don’t really enjoy it then,” she says with a wry smile. 

“Just to have a bit of Japanese food is comforting. I don’t have ‘regular’ restaurants. I go into places that happen to appeal to me. But since getting the chance to eat here, I think I'll make this a regular spot,” she laughs.

As she tells it, she has liked to be alone ever since she was little. For ramen and grilled meat, and for travel, she’s a “loner”.

“When there’s a bit of a break in work, I like to go travelling by myself.

“When I'm deciding where to eat or where to stay, what matters most to me is the food. When I get where I’m staying, I eat as early at 6 o’clock, since I want to spend a long time in the bath. And if I’ve had anything to drink, I feel so good I just dive into bed in my yukata [bathrobe].

“I’m always like that, taking things slowly.”

*          *          *

Here is what is in the heart of this reserved young woman as she takes on the role of centre for the first time, in this group that is famous for its intense dancing.

What are her feelings, as she takes the role of centre on a single for the first time, with the 28 June release of Start Over?

“Normally when I drink, I like beer or whisky-and-soda,” says Fujiyoshi-san. Our interview was her last work of the day, and she tried the sake suggested by the manager. With no sign of her face reddening, she kept a dignified appearance.  “Delicious,” she said. “I’m sorry, that’s all I can say….”

“In the group, I’ve been given the experience of various positions. I’ve watched over everyone from the back row and felt very comfortable there. But I came to feel that just aimlessly following along wouldn’t do any more….”

But wouldn’t anyone want to stand at centre? When we asked her about it, she said that rather than being happy, her first thought was just more like: “Here I am.”

To put it the opposite way, did you have previously have the feeling that you would eventually get there?

“I suppose so…. But a person has all kinds of imaginings, don’t they?

“When I thought of being centre, a floater like me thought what a heavy burden it would be (laughs). I’m aimless, but since I did think it would fit me, when I actually got there…I really did not feel I was a fake.

"Even though I did feel irresponsibly dependent on others.”

But actually standing there, didn’t she feel she had grabbed some freedom?

When she “actually stood there”, Fujiyoshi-san felt both freedom and responsibility.

“For a floater like me, the burden was heavy….” At 21 years old, Fujiyoshi Karin of Sakurazaka46 felt “freedom and responsibility”.

“To be centre on a single gave me much more freedom than I had imagined.”

On the menu, Fujiyoshi-san noticed “Clay pot meal (¥1850)” and her eyes shone like a child’s. That day, the main ingredient was corn [maize]. Testing the soft sweetness and slight saltiness of the dish, an expression of deep emotion came to her face. And afterward: “Such happiness. Truly an elegant sufficiency,” she bowed with a smile.

“Actually standing there at centre, there was more freedom than I had imagined. I felt so free.” Looking down into our eyes, she gave a fresh and bracing feeling as she spoke. "But there was also pressure," she said.

“For the MV, I discussed things with the director more than I ever had before, and got the chance to speak with more and more people. With full communication over the smallest details, we adjusted our approach.

“To respond to everyone’s ideas, I had to confront things with all my strength. Pressure and responsibility grew quickly.”

Freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. But as she realized that, her response became stronger and stronger.

“There seemed to be some meaning in the fact that this big role came just as I was approaching the summer of my 22nd year.”

“As I approach the fifth anniversary of my joining the group, and with the Third Generation members just having joined, I feel that the timing has some significance. I think there is a message that I should now stand on my own feet and step forward.”

A few days later, we were shocked when we saw the preview of the MV.

In the video, Fujiyoshi-san’s emotions burst forth. From time to time a fearless smile came to her face, and moments of madness suffused her expression. Full of energy, she raged on. She seemed a completely different person from what she had shown us in Arakichou.

The words of the song made a deep impression: “Flee from the person you are now, open your eyes and wake up!” With what strong feelings she approached those words.

In any case, the awakened Fujiyoshi-san is powerful. We can’t take our eyes off her.

*          *          *

Profile

Fujiyoshi Karin, born 2001 in Osaka Prefecture. Passed the Sakamichi new member auditions and made her debut in 2018, becoming a member of Sakurazaka46. In 2022 took on her first acting role in the drama Azatokute Nani ga Warui no? First centred a single with Start Over, the MV of which became a hot topic, and which was released on 28 June. 

Outfit

• Jacket ¥4,800; shirt ¥52,800; T-shirt ¥8,800; pants ¥85,800 (all LIMI feu, tel 03-5463-1500).
• Bag ¥93,500 (Discord Yohji Yamamoto, 03-5463-1500).
• Necklace ¥59,400; ring (right index finger above) ¥90,200; ring (right index finger below) ¥39,600 (all e.m.); ring (right middle finger) ¥105,600 (little emblem) – all from e.m. Aoyama 03-6712-679.

Web stores:

LIMI feu 
Discord Yohji Yamamoto 
e.m.

 

Hello, I’m Odakura Reina

Hello, everyone.

Thank you very much for reading the blog.

I’m responsible for its third day!

I’m Odakura Reina, third-generation member of Sakurazaka46

18 years old and in third-year high school.

Please be good to me from now on.

It is two months since the day I was announced!

…and I want to express my gratitude to everyone.

 

Self-introduction:

Name: Odakura Reina

Birthday: 25 July 2004.

Character:

- positive

- friendly (I’m told)

- I think I’m a cheerful person!

Special skills:

- violin

- golf

Interests:

- astronomy: Night after night I bring out the telescope and gaze at the moon and stars. I'll post some wonderful photos I’ve taken.

Things I like:

- manga (Shingeki no Kyoujin, Shin Sekai Evangelion, Magi, HUNTER × HUNTER, Akatsuki no Yona, Kagerou Days, Kekkai Sensen [tr.:Blood Blockade Battlefront] …etc)

I like to talk with people who think about how a manga's story will develop. And then it’s great to feel “Oh, that didn’t happen,” or “Just as expected”!

I don’t stick to any genre and have a favourites list of 200 manga. I hope anyone who wants to will talk with me about them!

-- novels: I’ve always loved novels. In the basement at home, a huge number of novels I’ve read lie sleeping. Sometime I’ll suggest some.

-- comedy: As a kid, I watched Yoshimoto Shinkigeki, so I’ve always loved it. And of course I love Tsuchida-san and Sawabe-san, too.

-- penlight colours: Passion Pink x White

What led to me taking the audition:

In high school, I had homework where I had to write a short story. I worried over what theme to write about and settled on “love and loneliness”.

I’ve been hurt in my life, and looking back I blended fact and fiction. Every day I kept writing a bit of what I had thought and felt, but it wasn’t enough to bring me peace.

I couldn’t find the words, and during this frustrating period I met Fujiyoshi-san.

When I first saw Fujiyoshi-san’s expressions in Guuzen no Kotae, I thought I recognized the feelings. Maybe it was the pain of being alone, keeping something secret from everyone else. But it grabbed hold of my heart in an unforgettable way.

After that, in some mysterious way, the way to express it rose in me and I was able to write the story.

(When I first spoke with Fujiyoshi-san, I told her I loved her 👍)

This may be what TAKAHIRO-sensei means when he says that Sakurazaka is a group that conveys reality. It may be why, when I saw our Sakurazaka46 senpai performing in the media, I suddenly fell in love with them. I can talk about how I love them for hours.

 

I was given my first appearance on Soko Magattara, Sakurazaka? Did you see it?

Moriya Rena-san introduced me. So kind. When I was stuck for words, with a fond look she reached out a helping hand. And she’s so beautiful that I felt it would be such a blessing to be beside her always.

Thank you so much. I love you.

Also, I’ve been accepted into KiraKids! Since I respect everything about Masumoto Kira-san, that makes me so, so happy.

Third generation members will appear again this week. Please be sure to watch.

 

Meet and Greet

To see face to face people who give me their support, and even to talk with them, is such happiness! …

Recently, before I go to sleep, I think of what people have said, chuckling over it. Such a happy daily lesson. Actually, I have a good memory. I remember everyone’s faces right away!

Please make a point of coming to my Meet & Greet! It will definitely make me happy ♡.

And for foreign fans, I have studied a bit of both English and Chinese. If I have trouble understanding, please use simple words.

I want to hear a lot of everyone’s voices.

 

Omotenashikai

I looked forward from the bottom of my heart to this day when I could meet everyone!

When the overture flowed out and I took my first steps onto the stage, my heart was pounding,  my fingers cold, my face dead white.

But as soon as I stood on stage and looked out across the arena, with the penlights and the huge roar of applause, and catching sight of the oshimen towels, I was moved to tears. My heart filled with warmth.

We are so grateful for such a warm welcome. We were granted an unforgettable sight.

I leapt for joy.

Our omotenashikai began.

This could only have happened because of the existence of our great and respected senpai, and the support of all the Buddies.

With gratitude to all those involved, we were able to take an unforgettable leap. I want to keep on working hard as we move ahead.

Although we spoke of our determination, human life is not without hurt. But with the adornment of the Buddies’ smiles, close in their embrace, we want to become people whose arms are open.

We want to have lots of enjoyable times, smiling together.

 

To the first-magnitude stars of your hearts, 💫

From Odakura Reina!

 

My first blog has become so long. There is so much yet to say, and I will do that next time.

See ya 👋

Tomorrow, it’s Kojima Nagisa.

I’m always talking with Nagi. She’s a wonderful girl who shines like the sun, smiling, innocent, direct.

Buddies, please look forward to her post.

 

3Gen Relay

2023-03-09  18:00