Bunshun released more info about her “fiance” below.
- Mid Twenties, coined as “A”
- Dated for >1 year
- Met because of Ririka’s Mum who works at a eatery
- “A” is a close friend and regular customer of Mum’s eatery
- “A” and Ririka met at a party.
- “A” has full acknowledgement from Ririka’s family.
- “A” was an NMB48 fan and understands her job so they dated indoors at his home.
- “A” is born in Ehime, studied psychology and was a band member in his school days.
- Surou Ririka’s SNS has photos of Ehime’s mascot “Mikyan” and T-shirts from unknown bands, possibly thanks to “A” influence.
An ex-Bunshun reporter appeared in “Viking!” TV show and says that according to the reporter who interviewed “A”, he did not seem to have intentions to marry.
The guests went “OPS” and speculated that she was flustered about the Bunshun expose and didn’t know how to lie so she just turned what should be an “apology” into public proposal.
Nikkansports Q&A with Riripon
Q: Your feelings now?
When i announced it that day, I caused alot of chaos for many people..
Despite knowing the reactions, i wanted to say it and said it. As for how to face it, i discussed with different people. In the end, it’s still up to myself to think about it.
Q: Are you preparing to get married as per tabloid reports?
Yes. But the time is not fixed.
Q: The promise is made?
Yes
Q: Did you get a proposal?
It was at the start of this year. I can’t elaborate, but we will marry after i graduate.
Q: When did you start dating and how did you meet?
We met end of last year(another article says it’s last last year) via my mum.
Q: Is it wrong for some reports to say he’s a fan?
Yes
Q: How did he react after the announcement?
His feelings did not change. “Let’s definitely live a great life together ok?” he said.
Q: You told him that you’d announce it at the Sousenkyo?
Yes.
Q: Why at that place?
I wanted to say it myself. I was really troubled about it, but i really wanted to say it with my own mouth. So i chose that place.
Q: You also have the NMB theater as an option, but you wanted more people to know so you chose the Sousenkyo?
Sousenkyo is a special event, an event created with the fans. Though it’s like pouring water on it considering my situation, i wanted to say it no matter what.
Q: You had no choice because Bunshun was going to report it. So you picked Sousenkyo?
They didn’t approach my agency and went straight for my partner. I was the one who discussed with the adults. I didn’t pick Sousenkyo to make an announcement because i wanted to stand out.
Q: Were there no other timings?
I could say it later too, but i didn’t want it to go ignored. I worked thus far with a serious attitude. If i ignored it the feelings i treasured would become lies. So i chose the Sousenkyo.
Q: Did you know that the reports were going to be published during the Sousenkyo?
I knew it was all over the Internet. I also knew they went looking for my partner. So i discussed it knowing it was me.
Q: Is it true that he is in the medical industry and mid-twenties?
I can’t say too much as he’s a commoner.
Q: What will you do from now?
Now i’m thinking about the graduation. I’ve also been offered the “no graduation” solution, but if possible i’d graduate.
Q: Did you think about graduation when you made the speech?
When i said it, “graduation” is still a thing meant to be discussed in the future. But because i promised to graduate first before marrying, so i thought about graduating.
Q: So you wanted to graduate because both of you had the promise of marrying after you graduate?
-Nods-
Q: So what about your variety shows after graduating?
There are things i want to do since i had dreams entering showbiz. I definitely don’t want to give up on it. Fans have supported me so far so i don’t want to give up.
Q: Will you become a philosopher?
Yes
Q: What kinda genre? Academic or talent?
There are different ways to become one. I can’t say it now. We don’t know what happens in future.
Q: Do you have plans for undergraduate studies?
Yes
Q: You haven’t dismissed your plans to continue as a talent?
Yes.
Q: So you can realise your dreams as long as you are in showbiz?
Because so far i’ve managed to release a philosophy book.
Q: Do you have any regrets graduating AKB because of a proposal since you entered the group because you loved AKB?
*cries abit talking about her passion for NMB*
Talks about how she cannot forget someone saying “if you like someone just graduate” to her. Even though it’s the most natural thing to say she doesn’t want to give up her activities because of the memories with NMB and bonds with fans.
Q: Did you make the decision because your Mum is worried of you being in Osaka?
I made the decision on my own.
Q: Did you consult any of the members?
I didn’t speak to them directly.
Q: After the announcement?
On that day i spoke to all the NMB members. I also apologised to the senpais the next day. The members spoke their thoughts.
Q: What were the reactions?
They thought it was a joke. Because there were no audience in the event they thought they had to heat up the atmosphere. Seeing that i was really sorry to them. They didn’t blame me and listened.
Q: You talked to Sayanee?
I told her i’d take the responsibility and she replied “You came after thinking about it.”
Q: So everyone supports you?
I think they have various thoughts and don’t know what to do. The captain was also very worried. I want to talk to them again.
Q: There are lotsa fans who are shocked.
I really like my fans who love my non-idolish sides, even though i’ve hurt them. But i’ve never faked myself when i speak to them. From now, even if they criticise and hate me i will continue to face it and realise my dreams.
Q: I don’t know when you received a proposal but if you did, why didn’t you pull out of Sousenkyo?
I really wanted to work on it seriously either way, so i didn’t pull out. For the sake of making things exciting for the group, i chose to participate.
Q: You weren’t proposed to at that point in time.
We already had those feelings at that point in time.
Q: You received the proposal from the guy
Yes
Q: What about the ring?
I didn’t get it.
Q: So you decided to marry after the proposal?
Before that. I started to think about graduating after finding a person I like. But i wanted to participate in group activities. I couldn’t give up on it. I was groomed by the group. I really like this group. But i worked hard on both sides.
Q: What do you like about him?
I don’t know. When we first met, i liked him. But i didn’t understand it at first. But i know it now.
Q: You aren’t pregnant?
No.
Q: Were you thinking about the love ban rule?
It’s just my perspective, but the love ban rule is something you decide for yourself.
Q: Do you know there are 2 sides to the discussion of idols in love?
Are you asking about my views? When i didn’t know about love, i put in all my heart into the Group, without time to think about love. But when i started to like someone, i thought that someone who is restrained in love, isn’t in a relationship when considering the love ban rule.
Q: You’d be shocked by your senior’s criticisms in normal circumstances.
I’ve always liked this group so to have poured water on an event the senpais have built up, i’m really sorry about it.
Q: You didn’t think that they’d react like that?
I was already prepared for all the criticisms. Not that i didn’t think about it, it’s just that i wanted to say it more.
Q:You didn’t pull back despite what others were saying?
Yes. I wanted to say it myself.
Q: When did you finally decided to say it?
When i decided to say it in Sousenkyo, i spoke with many people until the last minute, and checked with many people. A portion of them.
Q: What about (marriage) greetings with his parents?
Nope. They know we had intentions to marry when we dated, but they didn’t know i was going to announce it at that time.
Q: Both families knew you were dating?
Yes.
Q: When will be the official greetings?
Not official, but my partner has relayed the news.
Q: Engagement ceremony?
He promised it.
Q: What kind of family do you want to build?
A blissful one.
Q: What image do you have of a marriage?
I want to know about it. At first when i thought about it, this person is good. I wanted to be with him always so i wanted to get married.
Q: Does he want you to quit being an idol?
He respects my thoughts.
Q: It was a long distance relationship?
Yes.
Q:Has he seen your performances?
No.
Q:He’s said to be your Mum’s friend, but does he know you’re a celebrity?
I don’t know if i mentioned it to him when i first met him.
Q: How often did you meet since it’s a long distance relationship?
It was half and half. I had many schedules in Osaka, so we didn’t meet much. But we communicate.
Q: You met when you came to Tokyo for work?
He took care not to meet outside.
Q: About him being your Mum’s friend?
I don’t know. When we first met, it was my Mum’s birthday party.
Q: Have you thought that you’d be in love whilst in NMB, before meeting him?
Even if i wasn’t an idol, i don’t think i’d be in love or would get married.
Q: He’s your first boyfriend.
Yes
Q: Do you feel your heart pounding?
It did, even now.
Q: When did you first meet?
Before we started dating. We were acquaintances from before, but i don’t really remember it.
Q: When was the birthday party?
You might be thinking it’s just a politically correct answer, but we met some years ago.
Q: So it was a birthday party some years ago?
Erm…some years ago. Last last year’s November.
Q: So that whole year you were in love?
I respected him as a human.
Q: He asked you out?
Yes.
Q: You liked his brains and not his looks?
It was his appearance….i can’t explain it, it’s like he doesn’t have ulterior motives. Or the color of his eyes.
Q: When is your graduation?
It’s not decided.
Q: Do you want to get married this year?
I’m not in a hurry, i just want to be together. Marriage is something that can be done anytime. I will discuss it and decide.
Q: What activities will you do from now?
I will work my hardest.
Q: What’s one thing you’ll want to do definitely?
Talk with all the members
Q: Will you be okay for this weekend’s handshake event? You’ll probably be criticised alot.
This is natural. I will speak properly with everyone.
Q: You wanted to aim for undergraduate studies, but why idol activities?
-Kinda just talked about her passion for NMB-
Q: Do you have any regrets for treasuring your own feelings?
Yes. It’s not like i have no regrets. I’m reflecting. I will take on all the reactions. It was good to say in my own words.
My thoughts:
My first impression of Riripon from years back was – she is someone who knows how to media play like Sashihara. She was not a yet that crafty, but someone whom i thought was desperate enough for success and recognition. I attributed that to her background (fallen princess of a rich family).
The Sousenkyo announcement was yet another living proof of that hunger. Using her “philosophy” as a shield, she claims that a restrained love isn’t a relationship and therefore she didn’t break any rules. In order not to make herself look like a sinner, she re-packaged an apology into a marriage announcement forcing others to congratulate her instead.
To cap it off, she still managed to give herself a glorious send-off(“oh they wanted me to stay but i promised to graduate”) plus retain her career as a talent, all the while donning a straight face.
What a scary girl. She’s totally on another level.
I wonder how many fans believe in her “sincerity” and “philosophies”.
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