Some of the interviews in this feature.
Maeda Atsuko on Sakura Miyawaki
What are her charms when you saw her for the first time?
Maeda: She was really small and i was so touched thinking “she is the icon of pretty girls”. She grew day by day and I always said “you’ve grown taller again~!” when i met her(laugh). She grew by 20cm and is now taller than me.
When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Maeda: I like the Sakura in “Majisuka Gakuen”. Anyways, she’s cute! When i told her straight to the face, she got embarrassed and didn’t like it. But from this reaction, you can tell she takes acting seriously, and i remember thinking to myself that she’ll become a great actress.
What charms can she improve on?
Maeda: Like…dyeing her hair as she ages. I was like that too during a period when i wanted to look more mature. But i also want her to continue the orthodox style of being cute with black hair. Also, i hope she can become a solid center, as i feel like the “center” of AKB48 has not been decided yet. So i hope she can aim for “immovable center” with a positive mindset instead of questioning herself. If it’s Sakura, she can do it!
Sakura Miyawaki on Maeda Atsuko
Your thoughts on Maeda?
Sakura: Initially i was more of a fan than a member. After that, i remember tearing up when i listened to Maeda san singing “Yume no Kawa” on stage. At that time, even though we didn’t have much interaction, something welled up in my chest.
When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Sakura: Last year, i went to see her butai “Aoi Hitomi” alone. It was a play with very difficult and thought-inducing plot. To be able to appear in something like that is something only real actresses can do. Not only me, but all the members also want to become like her.
What else do you wish to see in her?
Sakura:I want to see her acting as an OL in dramas or movies(laugh). For the MV of “Kimi wa Melody” this time, both Maeda san and Oshima Yuko san supported me and made it more enjoyable that i could imagine. Even if they’ve graduated, i hope to work with them like this in future too!
Watanabe Mayu x Itano Tomomi on Shinoda Mariko
What are her charms when you first met her?
Itano:Mariko came slightly after the first generation members. Up till then, we were taking dance and singing lessons and worried over how many songs we could remember. But i remember that you were able to memorize all of them.
When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Mayu:It was really lonely after she graduated, but i always watch her on “PON!”. Indeed, her talking skills is really good.
Mariko: Eh, really?
Mayu: Yes! I can’t really talk, so your program helps me to learn.
What else do you wish to see in her?
Mayu: During AKB48, Mariko sama was always called the “Mariko from above”, but i always thought that she had the cute charm too. I want to see the mischievous Mariko sama from now too!
Mariko: Now that i think about it, Mayuyu used to do the Kancho(*Japanese prank)on me.
Mayu: That’s right. I did that to the Mariko sama i admire…i was really happy(laugh).
Shinoda Mariko x Itano Tomomi on Watanabe Mayu
What are her charms when you first met her?
Shinoda: It was an event to unveil Team B i think. There was a rumor about this girl who exudes an aura when she dances – that was Mayuyu.
Mayu: Ehh!
Shinoda: She was like the Acchan during her debut – simple at first glance, but somehow her presence draws attention. I remember thinking that she’s cute.
When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Itano: To me, Mayuyu of yester years and now is still the “orthodox idol”. She’s cute like a doll so i hope she remains like that.
Shinoda: But she’s surprisingly mature infront of her peers and juniors.
Itano: Yes. I also think it’s very fresh and charming when she pokes fun at her peers with a smile.
What are the charms that she can improve on?
Shinoda: On the contrary, i want to see a blank Mayuyu.
Itano: Blank Mayuyu!?
Shinoda: Yes. When people learn about her human side, maybe they’ll feel that they have more in common with her. I thought about this too when i first met her, but she seems to harbour alot of power.
Itano: Mmm….it may be good to break that shell.
Shinoda Mariko x Watanabe Mayu on Itano Tomomi
What are her charms when you first met her?
Shinoda: When was the first time you both talked?
Itano: We were always standing next to each other during filming.
Mayu: I was nervous and she said “Are you alright?”
Itano: Mayuyu was very quiet(laugh).
Mayu: Tomochin san had a very cool image but actually she took good care of the juniors. I think this gap in her image is very charming!
When you see her activities elsewhere, what other charms did you discover?
Mayu: I think it’s really cool now that she’s a solo artiste.
Shinoda: Indeed, it’s different from when we do group performances. It’s great.
Mayu: Yes. Her professionalism is different from when she was in AKB48. I feel the strength in her!
What else do you wish to see in her?
Mayu: Of cos her cool beauty, and personally, i also wish to see her “my pace” side and more of her real personality.
Shinoda: Something like “Mojimoji kun?” (*i have no idea who is mojimoji kun)
Itano: no~!!
Shinoda: Fufu, just joking(laugh)
Credits to Mayuyu.Org for scans
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