This is probably the last article i will translate about Rena. Excerpts from interview after her last theater stage on 31st Aug 2015.
Q: Pls talk about your last dress.
Purple(a color i love) was used in it, as with the costume in “Mae no Meri”. The special part is this linkage with “Mae no Meri”.
Q: Your thoughts while singing the last song?
I always thought it’d be a happy moment, but while introducing the song i cried. It was abit embarrassing. For the last time i wanted to smile and convey my happiness.
Q: Your happiest and more regretful moments in these 7 years?
Being able to smile and end the stage today is most special for me. It was a great day. Regretful and tiring moments are just happy moments for me now.
Q: You can start dating now.
I didn’t think about it so i don’t know how to answer you. But i want friends fast! Someone who doesn’t think that i’m a female, a friend who can express thoughts frankly and objectively.
Q: What are you doing tomorrow?
Tomorrow’s work. If there’s a holiday i’d like to bring my family to see me doing power sports! (Rena actually does muscle training.)
Q:How are you going to take advantage of the things you learnt in SKE?
In SKE there are various bright or sad love songs. My feelings towards the songs change everyday. I hope to express these feelings through my acting.
Q:Would you challenge bed scenes?
If there’s a need to.I’d talk to the producer.I’m prepared for it. It also depends on the time and place.
Q: What’s your aim as an actress?
I’ve always received opportunities to appear on Kouhaku with SKE48. It’d be great if i can get a role in Taiga dramas or Asadora(morning dramas), and appear in Kouhaku in a different way.
Matsui Rena held her graduation concert on the 29th and 30th August in Nagoya’s Toyota Stadium, mobilising 75,000 fans.
Kizaki Yuria who was transferred to AKB48 last year made a surprise appearance. Nogizaka46, whom Rena had held a concurrent position with also made a live video call from their concert venue in Tokyo to express their well-wishes. Rena was quite surprised and exclaimed “Wait wait, this is live?” Nogizaka46 then presented Rena with the first costume she wore as a member of Nogizaka46 and said “We don’t want Rena to forget us.When you want to be cheered up pls return to Nogizaka46.” Rena replied “I’m happy with this many surprises, lets get everyone excited for our lives!”
At the end, remaining members from the 1st generation of SKE48 read her a letter.
Matsui Jurina: Actually, i didn’t want to say it, but congratulations.Rena is like the sun to me. I wasn’t able to be frank, but i really like you. Today is the last time i can stand on stage with you, so i feel lonely. I don’t want you to worry. I will become stronger. There are only 2 members from the 1st generation left, but we’ll protect SKE,so Rena chan, please watch over us. This is my last promise.
Matsui Rena: 7 years seems long, but it flew past quickly for me. “What is your most treasured memory so far?” is a question i’m always asked. I can’t pinpoint one as every single moment was special. For SKE48, being able to stand on Toyota Stadium stage like this is something i have to thank everyone for.We started off in the theater, with only 1 performance a week. That one performance is more fun that anything else. Because the fans supported and discovered various members, we were able to stand here. I will be leaving on another path from now, but my experience here will always follow me. Thank you.
The crying members watched on as Rena sang her solo song “2588 days” and said her goodbyes to the fans. When she left the stage, rain fell from the skies.
It is said that the Nogizaka46 fans displayed this “sea of green” as well. Green is Rena’s lightstick color.
First generation members
Beautiful graduation dress, i love it
While Akane is crying away, i’m fixated by the backview of this dress
JuriRena pic
I would have loved to attend her graduation concert… Rena has very good expressions when she performs. When it is a dance song she makes it look energetic(even though she’s frail looking). When it’s a ballad, she makes me think the song is beautiful. My favourite 48Group song in the past year is actually Bukiyou Taiyou.
This week was Matsui Rena’s last Music Station appearance. Despite her being ranked amongst the top AKB48 girls over the past few years, Music Station did not grant her a solo stage(atrocity!!). Anyways, below is the translation of their talk with the MC.
Jurina: I received a mail from Rena at 4am in the morning, saying she’s announcing her graduation the next day. I was shocked and called her. Rena:I was informed that my announcement would be reported in the sports papers the next day, so i scrambled to contact her. Tamori: What did you talk about? Jurina: I was crying so much i can’t remember.. Rena: I was quite cool but Jurina was crying for 1 hour..anyways i told her we could always meet in private after graduation, or go for meals together. Jurina: I can only remember this part. Tamori: It’s tough to talk to a crying person for 1 hour? Rena: If i had talked to her earlier, this wouldn’t have happened so i felt guilty and obliged to listen to her.
Towards the end of the show, Fukuyama Masaharu was asked for a comment but he showed some care for Rena, saying “Today’s Matsui san’s last appearance so please talk instead.”
Taken aback, Rena said “Thank you, sorry. I’ve received alot of opportunities to appear on Music Station and i’m thankful for the wonderful memories.”
His gentlemenly response has gotten a wave of good reviews on GirlsChannel.
[+1760] Both his face and heart is ikemen [+1239] That’s kind. He doesn’t even know AKB that well..
[+1435] With this Matsui san will fall for him
[+1233] But this will embarrass the female announcer. According to the order, Matsui should be the last to talk.
[+610] Anyways, Matsui is graduating?
Well it’s hard not to fall for him after this. He just showed respect to an idol! And he’s a top level singer as well!
Checkout other posts from the “Countdown to Graduation” corner:
On the 17th August, SKE48 Matsui Rena held a thanksgiving festival at Saitama Super Arena, with 5000 fans in attendance. Tickets were all given out 30mins before the event and staff scrambled to arrange message boards and exhibits for the rest of the fans who could not enter.
During the event, Rena gave out message cards bearing her heartfelt thanks to the fans. The music playing in the background was also chosen by DJ Rena.
When all the message cards were given out, Rena said to the remaining fans “I hope that my feelings of gratitude have been relayed and i wish to see you all again.” Fans responded with “Thank you Rena chan”.
With 14 days left to go, Rena’s graduation live will be on the 29th and 30th August in Toyota Stadium.
Graduating SKE48 member Matsui Rena(23) revealed an episode when she asked Group Producer Akimoto Yasushi to rewrite his lyrics for single “12gatsu no Kangaroo”, released in December last year.
On a TV show “Gyoretsuno dekiru horitsu sodanjo” aired on 19th July,there was a theme “Person i want to Dogeza to” and Matsui Rena nominated Akimoto Yasushi.
She said that whilst looking over the lyrics to “12gatsu no Kangaroo” for the first time, something felt wrong so she directly sought out Akimoto san and asked him to revise the lyrics. When she received version 2 and compared both of them, she came to realise that the original version was the better one,so she’d like to apologise for her immature attitude.
“What is ‘December’s Kangaroo’?” was what Rena thought at that time. “I asked for another version since Akimoto san should have a better phrase to express the close relationship between a guy and girl.”
In the TV show, Akimoto san also left a comment. “Matsui’s stubbornness is also due to her being young. In a way it’s a great thing. Having worked in this industry for years, even though i know that the first lyrics were better, i didn’t want to force it. So i wrote other lyrics and hoped for Matsui to accept it.”
In the past, fans asked Akimoto san what was brilliant about Matsui Rena. He replied, “Beautiful stubbornness”.
The other person Rena wants to apologise to is AKB48’s Kizaki Yuria. Yuria was originally from SKE48 and during her early days as a member, she witnessed Rena banging her head against a clothes rack. She was traumatised by scary Rena, couldn’t talk to anyone and continued her activities in fear for a long time.
Rena explained, “At that time i had alot of pain around my waist, but i was doing a live show with 3 songs left. When i was thinking about how to disperse the pain, i saw the clothes rack infront of me. When i finished banging, i was feeling dizzy. But usually before going on stage, i’d slap my cheeks to get in shape. My juniors are pretty scared after seeing it.”
She demonstrates slapping her cheeks causing guests around her to be scared too.
There’s Miura Haruma in this episode too if anyone’s interested. Basically he wants to apologise to a senior actor for not recognizing him when he called, and also drinking his beer. Fortunately, the senior actor is a jolly man and forgave Miura because of his bright smile =)
Matsui Rena has announced her graduation on the radio show. She will leave the group at the end of August 2015. “There is little time left, but staff have been planning a live show for me in Nagoya. There are other events other than the handshake sessions, and i am thinking so i can meet as many fans as possible.”
She had been thinking about graduation 2 years ago, and seriously considered it this year. When fans asked about graduation she did not lie and deny as she was indeed thinking about it. When asked about her reason for revealing it today, she said “My schedule towards graduation has been planned so with this chance i decided to tell everyone.”
SKE48 Matsui Rena(23) has decided to graduate from the group, as reported 9th June. She entered SKE48 at the age of 17 in 2008 and worked as one half double center WMatsui. As one of the main figures in 48Group, she was ranked 5th in last year’s Sousenkyo but held back from participation this year. She will talk about graduation herself possibly on the 10th June.
Behind the fuss of this year’s Sousenkyo, she had already made the important decision and expressed her intentions to Akimoto Yasushi. It seems like they had made preparations for the announcement in secret.
-Skip part about her achievements-
After the age of 20, she branched out into various fields like acting, reporting, radio. This year she also challenged voice acting and boasts a busy solo portfolio. Last month she also took on the leading role for AKB48 musical “Majisuka Gakuen”. “She might have felt that her role in AKB48 Group is fulfilled,”said insider. It seems like she will continue to fulfill her dreams as an actress.
Tonight, she will appear in radio show “AKB48 no All Night Nippon” at 1am. On the show’s homepage, they had already posted “Something big has happened to that person! The first move after Sousenkyo! Something big will happen!” in teasers. NikkanSports talked about this teaser “It happens everytime, but you won’t know what happens.”
Akimoto Yasushi on graduation “I’ll leave it to her”
SKE48’s Matsui Rena(23) has decided to graduate from the group. Akimoto Yasushi appeared on a radio show and talked about his discussions with Rena.
Matsui Rena’s graduation was reported by NikkanSports. She is set to appear on All Night Nippon(radio show) at 1am to talk about it. On the website, a teaser title describes “Tonight, Matsui Rena Announcement Special ~Starting at 1am! Please listen to it live!”
Akimoto Yasushi commented “As a first generation from SKE, she has led the members thus far. She is someone who supported the members in various ways.”
When asked about his consultations with Rena, he said “We talk about various topics on a regular basis, but i told her i’d leave it to her. The method of announcement in her hands. Of course, it could be graduation, but it can also be a hiatus. She is someone who thinks properly. Not participating in Sousenkyo is a way of discovering herself one more time. It’s also not a call for her to resign. She will talk about it in her own way.”
About her possible graduation announcement tonight, he said “What will happen? I leave it to her. What she announces and in what way. It might be something related to Graduation. It could also be what she wants to do in future. I think she’ll talk about the improvement in SKE48’s performance in Sousenkyo too.”
“Will SKE48 be fine without Matsui Rena?”
“She probably thought much about it. If she speaks about graduation and alot of SKE members enter senbatsu, she might see a path for SKE without her.She thinks alot about SKE and loves it alot. When she was working with Nogizaka she saw their strengths and seeked to reflect it in SKE.”
The applications for AKB48’s 7th General Elections aka Senbatsu Sousenkyo have opened as of today. For the next few days, we’ll see members from each of the 48-groups signing up in the hope of winning 1 of 80 spots for the group’s 41st single(to be released August 2015).
As per previous year, the top 16 elected members will form the Media Senbatsu to perform the A-side song. The subsequent groups of 16 will form Under Girls, Next Girls, Future Girls and Upcoming Girls, to perform the coupling tracks.
Members will have until 29th March 2015, 10pm to sign up.
Meanwhile, it was also announced that this year’s Sousenkyo will take place in the hometown of HKT48 – Fukuoka(Yafuoku! Dome). This decision was made after considering issues like weather, noise levels and stadium capacity.
I will not be participating in this year’s elections. As for the reason, let me say what i am can.
1 year ago, as i was waiting for the election results, at around the 10th position, I was excited and smiling more than anyone, unlike previous years where i was nervous to the point of breaking down(although during the preliminary results i was very uncomfortable). I’m probably the only one who was smiling at that time. When i stood before the mike, “this might be the last” was what I felt.
Of course i was happy and honoured to receive my rank. Everyone around me said “it’s great” and i was full of gratitude. I especially felt the praise from my fans.
The feelings i had from last year won’t surface again. Worrying about whether my thoughts are correct, i came to this conclusion. Have I made everyone happy with my activities as a member “within the group”? Honestly, i can’t say so.
In the past, i said i wanted to be No.1. It’s not like i changed my mind, but my vision has widened. That is because i met alot of people and had the chance to work in lots of places. What i learnt is that i have to look at myself objectively. When I appeared in shows or magazines everyone was happy for me. When i appeared in dramas and movies, people also told me i’m moving closer to my dreams. I was so happy to hear these words.
What i am striving for, and what i should do now, is something very important.
-Skip a part which talks about going above and beyond meeting expectations and how it doesn’t have rankings-
I want to move forward seriously with everyone, so i chose not to participate in the elections. There is no ranking in the road moving forward. It is a battle with myself. I think i will keep thinking about this decision from here on, but i wish for everyone’s blessing. You can always congratulate or thank me in future, so please don’t worry, as this is what I hope for above everything else.”
Takahashi Minami signs up
From her 755:
“This year i’ll participate without hesitating! I’ll enjoy it with everyone till the end!”
JKT48 Nakagawa Haruka opts out
From Google+:
“I’d like to work hard in my Jakarta home, till the end with no regrets!”
AKB48 Kuramochi Asuka opts out
From her ameblo:
“Hi everyone, the applications for the sousenkyo are ending soon. I troubled over it until today.I will pull out from the elections this time. I will watch over the elections this year while thinking about what i want to do.
This is a really big event and even though the ones who participate are the ones who get noticed, surely those who’re not participating will also be missed.
As for these applications, it is another chance to question myself.
To those supporting me, i feel very sorry. But this experience will certainly my chance to grow. I will work hard from now.Please support me!”
AKB48 Kojima Haruna opts out
From her twitter:
“I’m leaving for overseas for work! It’d be great if i can take it slowly. Passport and mileage card..did i forget anything?”
“Ah..i forgot about the sousenkyo deadlines!”
“So as u may know I won’t be participating this year! Actually i’ve been thinking about Sousenkyo seriously these days. This is the result. From now on I won’t have much chances to appear for AKB. I will do things my way! Going off!”
Will update this space if more notable members signup/opt out!
Meanwhile, for those who intend to vote, pre-order the 40th single(and voting tickets) below:
A writer from Rocketnews24 goes interviewing in Harajuku to find out which 48-group faces are well-liked by foreigners.
50 foreigners in Harajuku were shown official pictures of several 48group members and asked to pick 1 whom they liked. Amongst the choices are the top girls from this year’s general elections, namely Watanabe Mayu, Sashihara Rino, Kashiwagi Yuki, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yamamoto Sayaka, Shimazaki Haruka, Kojima Haruna and the writer’s oshimen Yamada Nana.
What’s interesting here is, Kojima Haruna, often known the beauty in AKB48 ranked bottom, alongside Kashiwagi Yuki and Matsui Rena. Perhaps their colored hair was a put-off? When the foreigners were asked whether they think Kojima Haruna is cute, they replied with “somehow i don’t like her..”
First place went surprisingly went to Yamamoto Sayaka, who placed 6th in this year’s general elections. “Her black hair, compact nose, mesmerizing eyes, and pitiful look makes her look cute,” said one voter. Another person complimented her for her smile.
Sashihara Rino received her fair share of compliments and critiques. “She looks kind,” says one. However, another commented that she looked “unhappy about something”.
On the 7th June, the results of AKB48 6th General Elections(6th Senbatsu Sousenkyo) were unveiled in Ajinomoto Stadium. 80 members out of the 200+ member mega franchise were selected to represent the group in their next single. Of the 80, the top 16 will be able to sing the title track and take part in various media promotions. Check out the list of winners here.
Whilst 2013 winner Sashihara Rino had her sights on defending her title, it was 3rd generation member Watanabe Mayu(20) who did the impossible. Amassing the highest amount of votes in history(~160k votes), her victory was a happy ending fans have been waiting to see for years. Read on for the Top16’s winning speeches below.
1. Watanabe Mayu – the ace who got crowned late
“I said in my speech 2 years ago, that i wanted to win. I wasn’t able to realise that dream last year, despite all the hard work i put in. For a moment, i decided to give up. But fans gave me warm words, told me to grab my next chance. That strengthened my resolve to become no.1.
I joined AKB when i was 12, today i’m already 20. To get where i am today, i experienced alot. I am happy to have walked my path, believed in my fans, worked hard and not give up. When i joined AKB, there were alot of seniors. New juniors came in, sister groups were formed. Over time, the seniors whom i respect have graduated. I often wonder..what happened to the AKB48 that i knew in the past? As one of the leftover members from the 3rd generation, i have to stay strong and look forth. In the past, i followed the seniors around. Now that I have gotten this position, i have to stop leaning on the seniors. I want to become a member whom the juniors can look up to and follow, someone who doesn’t forget her initial passion, and is full of gratitude towards the fans.
To everyone, thank you!”
When asked what she had to say to Sashihara, Mayuyu teared up at one point and said, “Sasshi has gone through alot. Seeing her lead the HKT48 members, she has worked really hard. I want to say congratulations to everyone, and thanks too.”
Exiting member Oshima Yuko also made an appearance, congratulating Mayuyu on her win. When asked to give some advice, Yuko said “This is not advice, but in many ways, please take care of AKB48 from now on.”
Mayuyu confessed, “Yuko chan had wanted to entrust the AKB48 group to me 2 years ago,but i was unable to live up to expectations. Today, i’m happy i can finally answer to her request.”
2. Sashihara Rino – hopes for a winning streak crushed
“Honestly, i’m very frustrated. Awhile back, i overheard a conversation at this bookshop. An office lady was asking her friend who might win this elections. The friend answered ‘Sashihara’, but the lady said ‘If she won, wouldn’t it be weird?’. That lady also said ‘If Sashihara can win, then i should enter AKB and live a easy life.’. If that lady is watching this now, i want to tell you that AKB is not a easy place. Alot of members worry before coming here. Even though i still don’t know who’s going to become No.1, i will support that member with all my strength. No matter how tough it may be, i will not lose. I will participate in next year’s Sousenkyo, and i will certainly become No.1!”
3. Kashiwagi Yuki – the girl who doesn’t need to aim high
Kashiwagi Yuki is one of the rare members in AKB48 who has gained high recognition amongst fans despite never voicing her desire to rank high. In 2011, she surpassed same generation teammate Watanabe Mayu to take No.3 in the 2011 Senbatsu Sousenkyo, and has since kept a consistent ranking. This year is no different.
“I am very happy to be in Top 3. This Sousenkyo is not just a place to decide the center, it’s also a place where we can fight alongside our fans. I am not good with vying for things. But I can work hard because the fans are here. At first i only wanted to be an idol, but i have now become someone who wants to support the fans through songs and live shows. Last year, i said that AKB has become an important place for me.The handshake sessions are also an important place for me. Today, i also want to show you my gratitude up close. There may be problems, but i don’t want to lose this place where i can interact with you directly. If you guys are here, i’m sure a warm place will be created for us. This year i am in NMB48 and have gotten alot of juniors, i will work hard as AKB48’s 3rd generation and repay you. Please support me!”
4. Matsui Jurina – 17 years old and aiming for No.1
Matsui Jurina has been really ambitious since placing 6th in Sousenkyo last year. Considering her tenure in the group and her ranking, she is ready to battle for the throne. But looking at her disappointed frame, it’d be better if she develops some mental strength before coming back as the competition will get tougher next year.
“Even though i am very thankful, I feel frustrated not having ranked No.1. But i think it’s all my fault, i haven’t worked hard enough. Please let me make a promise with you. I will work harder than ever. Next year, when i turn 18, i will be No.1!”
5. Matsui Rena – a flourishing solo career and still flying high
As a fellow teammate of Matsui Jurina in SKE48, Matsui Rena has always been neck-to-neck with Jurina during Sousenkyo. This year she confessed to being worried about her placement, since her solo career has been impeding group activities. No wonder she was so happy when her ranking was called.
“I’m very happy to see so many of you here today, despite the heavy rain. Thanks for the support. Not only me, but alot of the other members have bet their lives by standing here, choosing a lifestyle different from that of a schoolgirl. I have the confidence to bet my life here, and work actively in the 48group, as well as in Nogizaka46. Just like how u guys have given me this present today, i will work hard to gift you the same present in future. This year, SKE will be doing a nationwide tour. Please wait for us!”
6. Yamamoto Sayaka – Osaka representative with overflowing ambitions
“This year, people have had expectations of me ever since the prelim results, some even guessed that i would win. On the other side, others have said it’s too early for me to win. I am really honored to have gotten this rank, but i’m really frustrated about not being able to refute those who said it’s impossible for me to win. When i entered senbatsu last year, i was able to work more and enjoyed every day. This time i am the only one from NMB48 to be called into senbatsu. I really love NMB48 and want to bring it to greater heights not only in Japan but also overseas.Last year, i said i wanted to be more active in my media work but i am sorry not have delivered the promise. My hopes to lead the group and become number 1 has never changed since i entered the group. I want to become someone worthy of the absolute center by next year. Please support me”
7. Shimazaki Haruka – ‘I am blunt but you will forgive me’
The member nicknamed “Ponkotsu Paruru”(Clumsy Paruru) is infamous for her blunt and less-than-friendly personality. Her army of fans continue to remain devoted by pushing her into Top 7. However, don’t expect her to contend for No.1 anytime soon. She works at her own pace.
“I don’t know what to say honestly. I am bad at this. People say i’m salty but having attained a great rank like this, i feel somehow satisfied instead. I tried to work hard at handshake sessions, but as expected i can’t do it. My fans always try to make me laugh instead. I think my fans are kinder and more forgiving than others. That’s the end! Thank you!”
8. Kojima Haruna – ‘I will graduate..’
The last beauty from the 1st generation apparently knows how to twist her fans around her finger. Talk about her graduation has been going on for months, so is it time?
“As usual, my prelim rankings isn’t good, but as usual the fans will always work hard for me towards the end. I am really happy. I don’t have any more regrets in AKB…I, Kojima Haruna, will announce my graduation here…..but i won’t! Sorry for the joke haha! I actually wanted to graduate here, but looking at the stabbing incidents recently, i think i will do what i can and stay on awhile more. I will graduate when everyone can smile from the bottom of their hearts. There is one more reason. When i looked on the internet, i was No.1 on the rankings for member most likely to graduate in the elections. I didn’t want to let that report come true, so i pulled back. I too, want the fans to be surprised when I announce my graduation. So please don’t spread rumors of graduation during big events like this. I don’t know how long i have with AKB, but i will work hard to the end.”
MC continued to asked when she started to consider graduation.
“I started to think about it when Acchan graduated. This time round, when the costume for Labrador Retriever was handed over…i am 26 but when i saw the dog prints, i thought ‘omg it’s about time’…LOL.”
MC asked her to declare her lifelong career as an AKB idol.
“That’s not going to happen! I’m just going to work abit more..”
9. Takahashi Minami – Hard work will definitely be rewarded
“This year i asked to be ranked within Top7. Even though i wasn’t able to reach that goal,i thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. As you know, recently a bad thing happened. At that moment,i thought AKB48 was over. I wasn’t unable to cheer up for days.Because of the fans my heart grew stronger. Even on such a rainy day, you guys are willing to wait for us. Because of you we are able to move on. There are people who asked me why i’m still here. I’m here because i love AKB48. AKB48 is the best! There’s a big challenge infront of us. If everyone is here, i think we can overcome this. Please let me support AKB48 a little while more. Finally, let me say the words which i wasn’t able to say last year. Hard work will definitely be rewarded!”
10. Suda Akari – I’ll shine from any position
Suda Akari has the brightest smile amongst all the members and is so professional she smiles even when the camera is not on her. She is known for being a “fisher”, kind of derogatory for a girl but over the years I can really see the sincerity in her. Still, i’m not used to her over enthusiastic personality.
“I am not good at talking. When i googled my name, people say i’m not cute at all. I can’t imagine saying that to a person who got so many votes. Last year, i got into into Top16 due to the help of everyone. After getting Top16, i was even able to move up front within SKE. I wonder if that was a good thing, and cried everyday. Some have questioned why i am up front. But still, i left an impression on them isn’t it? In future, in order to become the center in your eyes, i’ll work hard to shine from any position.”
She cried at the last part because she thought she’d never rank in senbatsu again.
11. Sakura Miyawaki – My rival is Sashihara
Sakura is probably the only member in HKT48 who has a fanbase so strong that she doesn’t need to rely Sashihara’s help. She hailed Sasshi as her rival, but as the original ace of HKT48, she should probably challenge the beasts of sister groups Jurina and Sayanee instead.
“I’m really shocked to receive this rank. I’m always nervous, but the fans are always here for me. If you guys aren’t here, there won’t be me. Someone asked me who my rival is. I can only think of one. My rival is Sasshi. She is all-rounded. I think that if there’s no one who can surpass Sasshi in HKT, then there won’t be growth. I am still not there, but i will work hard so Sasshi can call me as her rival. I’ll show you that i can surpass Sasshi!”
12. Miyazawa Sae – A formidable presence despite zero TV appearances
“Thank you! This year has been an unforgettable year! I met alot of people…experienced alot of feelings. I’m really thankful for it. Again, i want to be a source of strength for many in AKB48. To be able to stand on this stage, i feel very happy. I want to repay everyone, and I hope to show the juniors my cool back!I am also happy to be featured on the LINE stamps!”
13. Yokoyama Yui
-Skip translation because it’s kinda boring-
14. Ikoma Rina – Shocker of the night
As the former center of rival group Nogizaka46, Ikoma was offered a concurrency with AKB48 in February. She accepted it thinking of creating more opportunities for Nogizaka46. No one thought that she’d go far in these elections, but the Nogizaka fans are obviously hungrier that we thought. Catch the priceless expression on her face when her ranking was announced. Even exiting member Oshima Yuko was amazed by it.
“Do you know me? Oh, that’s great, thank you very much! Um… I-I-I never thought, e-even a tiny bit, that I would enter senbatsu, so when I heard just there “Nogizaka’s…” I didn’t know what to think and I still don’t know what to do. But… ah… um…. um, the reason that I’m here is that my fans supported me in all sorts of places, making and handing out flyers, cycling all the way to their home towns, even to places I don’t know, they did all that hard work for me. Members… well, I’m here on a concurrency from a rival group so this surprised a lot of people and no one really knows how this is going to go. But now I feel glad I went through with it… thank you very much. There’s a lot of people I feel grateful to. But I think there’s also a lot of people in Japan who don’t know who I am. I want to take this opportunity for, well for myself as well but I’m from a group called Nogizaka46 and I want to work hard in order to get more people to know who we are! Thank you very much!”
15. Shibata Aya – Another cinderella story
Shibata Aya is one of the cinderella girls in this year’s senbatsu. She is not favored by management but moved into the limelight last year due to fan support. She placed 17th in last year’s general elections and has since been included in the senbatsu lineup for SKE48’s singles. “Last year, i experienced alot after placing 17th in the elections.I felt very blissful becoming an idol. But seeing the difference between 16th and 17th positions, i felt frustrated realizing what entering senbatsu is all about. This year, i promised to enter senbatsu and is finally able to have that dream come true together with the help of my fans. I won’t waste the chance from the fans. I will work hard to aim higher. I like the saying ‘If you don’t aim for No.1, you won’t become 2nd or 3rd.’,so i will become everyone’s No.1 idol.”
16. Kawaei Rina – A bounce back from adversity
The baka center had a poor placement in the preliminary results of this year’s sousenkyo despite receiving much push the past year. The recent stabbing incident threw her back into the spotlight as she was one of the 2 injured, together with Iriyama Anna. I don’t know if it helped to get her sympathy votes but the girl definitely hopes it was not the case.
“I’ve worried everyone! I am very healthy now. Honestly, when i was ranked 52 in the prelim results, i had been worrying and crying every day. When i was thinking of what to do, this incident happened. I think God was telling me to stop waiting around and to wake up. I think everyone converted my adversity into a chance for me. In this year, i will not lose no matter what happens. Thank you.”
MC asked if she was afraid during the stabbing incident. Kawaei said, ‘It’s ok! I wasn’t afraid!”
“Actually i was thinking i shouldn’t care about the results anymore. But the fans created this great position for me. Thank you!”
“This year i had done alot and had no regrets, so i was really afraid of the sousenkyo results this year. But now i am no longer afraid!”
“This time, i entered senbatsu because fans had expectations of me and were worried for me. Next year, i hope to enter senbatsu without the help of any adversities!”
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And this concludes my translations for their speeches.
Matsui Rena’s 2nd photobook Hemeretto (へメレット) will be released on April 1.
On Ustream last night, Matsui Rena unveiled the title for her upcoming photobook.
Matsui Rena showed off some pictures from the book during the live event. However the fans of the member of SKE48 were confused by the titleHemeretto. Even the Japanese community didn’t know what it meant.
There were reactions such as : “Not Hamlet?”, “Helmet?”…
Hemeretto is Matsui Rena’s 2nd photobook following Kingyo (きんぎょ) released in March 2012.
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