[Jet Ready Go]

HOLY SHIT.. IT'S THAT TIME!

The girls with the interview sheets!



They all has pens! Solo edition!









GROUP shot!



Some cute answers they wrote on the sheets:

Kitahara's answers to one of the questions, one of only two answers wrote completely in english. The other belonged to Sashihara. "Forever FOREVER!"



Kuramochi kept on drawing this Japanese emoticon for her answers... :3



So.. there's the proof.

Here's the interview!

Thanks to Hana for the written translations!

[Jet Ready Go]

Peeking my head into the medium sized conference room at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on a sunny Wednesday afternoon I didn't know what to expect. Suffering from Jet-lag, clumsily carrying photography equipment, and getting lost within the labyrinth of the hotel earlier in the day had given me the impression it was going to be a bad day. I can't say for certain that meeting the girls of AKB48 for an interview helped turn it around, but it certainly didn't hurt.

AKB48 is an all-female Japanese Pop Idol group which currently boasts 48 members and is considered one of the hottest musical acts in Japan. On their home turf, this Tokyo-based media juggernaut commands the airwaves hosting a total of six television shows, appears as guest stars in a variety of shows, and are currently the energetic pitch-girls for the 7-11 chain of convenience stores and Kagome's line of vegetable juices. The group latest single, Ponytail to Shushu (ポニーテールとシュシュ), hit the number one spot on the weekly Oricon Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100 by managing to go Double-Platinum within a week. Their success is due in no small part to aggressive promotional tactics and taking full advantage of their private theatre located in Akihabara, Tokyo which boasts the ability to hold nine live concerts on a weekly basis.

Their producer Yashushi Akimoto, whose resume had previously included The Onyanko Club which was extremely popular in the mid-80's, had debuted AKB48 in December of 2005 with only 20 members. His idea was to create a group of relatable idols, a group of girls who could be accessible by way of numerous public appearances and fan gatherings . In other words, idols you could meet. So far his plan seems to be working as his empire now spans control of over 100 Japanese Idols spread throughout several groups in several territories of Japan including Nagoya and Osaka. His next step is to share his "48" business model with the world, which is what brought him to the New York Anime Expo in 2009, and what brings him to Los Angeles for the Anime Expo today.

As I entered the room for the interview, it felt as if the tables were turned. I found myself in the spotlight as if I were the one about to be interviewed. I was greeted by a handful of cheerful Japanese interpreters, several management staff, and a small Japanese television crew which buzzed around me as I set down my gear and got my papers out. I did my best to ignore the cameraman who seemed intent on getting a full 360 degree view of me, for reasons I may never find out. I have a feeling that somewhere in Japan there might be footage of me played against sinister sounding music.

I was cordially greeted by 12% of AKB48 which included Rie Kitahara (June 24, 1991), Moeno Nitō (July 22, 1992), Asuka Kuramochi (September 11, 1989), and Rino Sashihara (November 21, 1992). They were dressed in their costumes from their Gold certified single Iiwake Maybe (言い訳Maybe) which was released in August of 2009. The diminutive girls were exceptionally lively as we shook hands and exchanged friendly pleasantries. The following questions were submitted online by their English speaking fans at nihongogo.com.

What do you think was the biggest sacrifice you made when becoming an idol?
Asuka Kuramochi: Being able to just be a regular student.
Moeno Nito: I don’t have enough time to go have fun with friends and family.
Rie Kitahara: Moving from my hometown. (Kitahara was raised in Aichi which is roughly 165 miles from Tokyo)
Rino Sashihara: Being away from my hometown. (Sashihara was raised in Ōita which is roughly 600 miles from Tokyo)


What do you experience as the hardest aspect of being an idol?
Nito: I don’t have much time to sleep.
Kitahara: Singing.
Sashihara: Doing cute things. I can’t get used to it…


Where was your favorite venue to perform?
Kuramochi: Our AKB48 Theatre in Japan ♡
Kitahara: Outdoors.
Sashihara: Everywhere!


Where was the least favorite venue to perform?
Kuramochi: As long as people come to see our concert, anywhere is ♡. Right now, none. (・ω・)ノ
Nito: There hasn’t been a single place I disliked so far.
Sashihara: None.


Do you collect your own Idol merchandise? What do you collect?
Kuramochi: I have my pictures and pictures of members I’m friends with in an album.
Nito: I don’t collect a lot.
Sashihara: I don’t.. it’s embarrassing.


How many hours in a week do you work for AKB48?
Kuramochi: All of them!
Nito: Pretty much everyday!
Kitahara: Pretty much everyday, all the time.
Sashihara: Pretty much everyday.


Do you think the recent election adds unwanted / unneeded pressure to an already high pressure job?
Kuramochi: (・ω・)ノ
Sashihara: I think it’s needed.


What is the most stressful thing about the election?
Kuramochi: (・ω・)ノ


Which member works hard, but doesn’t receive enough recognition?
Kuramochi: If they work hard, it will be acknowledged.
Nito: I think everyone works hard.
Sashihara: Everyone works hard, I think that’s acknowledged.


What most affects an understudies ability to be promoted into a team?
Kuramochi: Taking on anything with full ability to see how hard they can work.
Nito: Just working hard during shows. Always with full power!!
Kitahara: Just doing everything to the best of your ability.
Sashihara: Just plain, honest effort.


In the future, what do you see yourself using your fame for?
Kuramochi: I’ll be making my unit debut, so I want to travel the world someday!!
Kitahara: An actress.
Sashihara: I want to be an entertainer, so of course I want to put my fame to use!


How many years can you see yourself in show business?
Kuramochi: As long as I can!!!
Nito: Forever!!
Kitahara: Forever… maybe.
Sashihara: Forever FOREVER!


What is a major concern of your parents regarding your job?
Kuramochi: I suppose that I tend to keep my worries to myself.
Nito: Taking care of my health.
Kitahara: Since I live alone, my lifestyle.
Sashihara: They’re worried about everything.


Do you find hardcore fans intimidating or does it flatter you?
Kuramochi: It makes me really happy!!!
Nito: Happy ♪
Kitahara: Really happy!!!
Sashihara: I love them, so they’re an important presence.


It’s easy to see how these girls have become media darlings in Japan however it remains to be seen whether or not this formula could be successfully adapted throughout the world. With homegrown groups to compete against who don’t necessarily share the same thoughts on group participation (look at how many western musical acts have disbanded due to creative differences) this may have to remain a truly unique Japanese experience, and I don’t mind that.

AKB48 were the official guests of honor at the Anime Expo held in Los Angeles, the nation’s largest anime convention, and held their concert on July 1st, 2010 at Nokia Theatre.

[BluCherri]

Excellent!! Some really great questions ^_^

Thank you for this!! =D

[Pollinic]

Looks like they're told to shut up about their opinions on the elections

[mizuyoukan]

i find the "(・ ω・)ノ" hilarious, even if i don't really know what it means. i interpreted them as " "

awesome questions, probably the best interview of akb ever, at least from the states

that's the same room that they had some official anime expo dude have a video interview with them, and the lighting of that room is fucking atrocious

[Max]

Well, I guess that the girls would have proper PR training and briefings. Cool interview. I love how Mocchi just answered with that emotion ob those election questions. Like she is saying 'I know stuff you don't and I can't tell you '.

I bow to you Jet, ubermeister .

[Des-LAW]

Pollinic, on Jul 24 2010, 01:40 AM, said:

Looks like they're told to shut up about their opinions on the elections

<-aki-p


*also I want to see Jet on jpn tv being filmed in 360 degrees. "This is the famous american reporter."

[BluCherri]

But some girls have spoken openly about the elections, nacchi wrote almost an essay about it in her blog.

[Jet Ready Go]

I guess that makes me that I didn't get answers about the elections then.

[Msi]

Wicked Jet, just wicked.....

Too bad you didn't find out who was filming you!

[tetsu]

I can't believe you got to be in the same room with Rie,..... omgf'inG I CANT BELIEVE YOU GOT TO BE IN THE SAME ROOM WITH RIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! and she was looking so cute! I love her "FOREVER...maybe".
man, good questions. you should have taken out some scissors and asked if you could make some costume cards.... just before you left...

[Jet Ready Go]

Here are some of the questions they didn't get to:

My best quality is _________________.

If you could choose the theme of the next song, what would it be?

Are you fearful of changing your personal style in case you may lose fans?

Do you ever look online to see what fans say about you?

What do you like most about your job?

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Are there any additional comments you would like to share with fans?

[cisumechan]

Well done Jet

We applaud you Forever FOREVER! (・ω・)ノ (・ω・)ノ (・ω・)ノ

[ET452]

Not bad, not bad, congratulations on meeting them! Some of the answers I saw them from a mile (they wouldn't say some place is awful to sing because they never know when they are going back there... nor they would name a single singer as lacking recognition... and remember, ファンは神様です -- Fans are God, so no matter how mad the fans, they are good).

Surprised about Sasshi saying she can't get used at doing cute things. Not that I guess they get bored doing that, but surprised she would recognize that. And Mocchi's saying she has an album with her pictures and the ones of the members she is friends with... somehow that doesn't sound like a correct answer for an idol in a group with 48 girls...

[GenkiKoala]

Jet Ready Go, on Jul 23 2010, 11:24 AM, said:

Suffering from Jet-lag

Editor: Jet, you kept jet-lag capitalized you idiot
Jet: Actually it's an inside joke, I was hoping we can keep it
Editor: Fine, you weirdo
Jet:

No wonder Jet took so long, he had to make it nice and pretty. It's surprising that Kitahara lives alone. I thought Sasshi was an idol otaku?

Let us preserve the 48 likes

[Max]

^Epic screen cap is epic.

Rie living alone... hmm I hope that no freaky stalkers are stalking her and camping at her place because of this info. .

[Chikaon]

Lol Rolling Stone.... Is that why it took you forever to get the interview up?

Anyway very interesting! I liked the RS question in particular since they were all RS before. I felt that Sasshi's were the most truthful. I mean saying the hardest part about being an idol is "doing cute things" and that she can't get used to it seems to be a really honest statement and it's surprising since that means that being cute really isn't really Sasshi's true personality. Haha I wonder if Sasshi collects other Idol's merchandise because she is supposed to be a wota right? Rie seemed to leave a lot blank and when you say didn't "get to" does that mean ones that they didn't have time to answer or weren't allowed? How long did you exactly have with them? Any interesting conversations?

Great interview and these were MUCH better questions than the ones asked at the panel...like infinitely better. Too bad not everyone was there. All hail Jet! . Just watch a clip eventually leak of this interview.

[BluCherri]

Jet Ready Go, on Jul 23 2010, 05:09 PM, said:

I guess that makes me that I didn't get answers about the elections then.

I think these girls doing relatively well in election means they're probably more careful about being honest.

[wil]

Well done sir.

Thank you Hana!

[Jet Ready Go]

Chikaon, on Jul 24 2010, 01:54 AM, said:

... when you say didn't "get to" does that mean ones that they didn't have time to answer or weren't allowed? How long did you exactly have with them? Any interesting conversations?

The girls had free will to be able to answer (or not answer) the questions they chose. All the questions posted were GENERALLY the ones they all had time to give thought to. The ones I posted in a later are the ones they simply didn't have time for. I had 15 minutes for the interview.

My 15 minutes was WAY better than the Q&A's ENTIRE HOUR.

There was one question in which the girls were giggling and repeating the name "Miichan" to each other in a hushed tone. I can't say for sure which it was, but I have my suspicion.

[Taizilla]

Good job on the interview!

...but isn't 4 girls less than 12% of AKB? or am I missing something?

I agree with you though, your questions were a lot better than the Q&A ones.

This post has been edited by Taizilla: 24 July 2010 - 02:08 AM

[richardthebrave]

great interview Jet! though i wish they couldve also answered the question: "Are you fearful of changing your personal style in case you may lose fans?"

that was my question, more or less. actually my question in the original thread i think was more on losing fans because of a change in hairstyle


kudos Jet!

[Max]

Taizilla, on Jul 23 2010, 07:06 PM, said:

...but isn't 4 girls less than 12% of AKB? or am I missing something?

48 divided by 12 = 4 so Jet is right. Jet is always right.

[Jet Ready Go]

richardthebrave, on Jul 24 2010, 02:06 AM, said:

.. actually my question in the original thread i think was more on losing fans because of a change in hairstyle

Yeah that was yours. I changed it to "style" just to encompass a broader question. It is too bad they didn't get to it.

[richardthebrave]

i just realized.. Jet also has their entire handwriting on paper!! not just signatures!!!



those interview sheets are priceless. are you putting them in auction somewhere, like crescent?

[Jet Ready Go]

No I sleep with those at night.

[flagator]

Impressive work. Thank you, Jet! and Hana

Jet Ready Go, on Jul 23 2010, 01:04 PM, said:

There was one question in which the girls were giggling and repeating the name "Miichan" to each other in a hushed tone. I can't say for sure which it was, but I have my suspicion.

[delerium]

^^ I hope you laminated them first. xD

GJ on the write up.

[Datalanche]

Absolutely terrific job Jet. Definitely one of the finer jpop pieces I've read anywhere, ever. Thank you for your effort on it. It's obvious a lot of work went into it.

I find this interview especially interesting because it gives us some insight on what AKB48 members are told to not discuss. I've always found their openness quite refreshing. Yuko's blog response to the boyfriend rumor, for example. Many idol groups follow the old, boring formula of pretending boys don't exist, everything is happy, and so on. AKB48 definitely feels more real but it's pretty clear they have some rules, too. For example, they ducked out of those election questions like a Sayaka-thrown dodgeball. It makes me wonder if it is seen with a high resentment or something, or if it has resulted in power struggles with AKB's management and the girls' agencies. Maybe I'm just reaching here, but it's an interesting thought as to why that's a touchy issue. It's also an eye-opener to hear the girls themselves say that being an AKB48 member is not a full-time job, but a life-encompassing one. It's clear that they are busy as hell, but to hear them admit that it consumes nearly all of their life is still surprising. In a way, I feel bad for them. They work hard just to entertain us and don't get a lot of time for their personal lives. At the same time though, it makes my respect for them go up even more since they are willing to do so much for their job which we benefit from by getting so many shows to watch, appearances to see, and music to listen to... wallet raping (and/or hard drive filling ) as it can be.

I can't remember what I asked, but knowing me it's probably one of the "What don't you like", "hardcore fan", or "hardest aspect" type of questions. I'm always curious as to what idols are mumbling under their breath. Either way, awesome stuff. Some terrific insight into this group that we almost never get. Again, terrific job Jet.

[zorak81]

DAMN JET
That was pro. I'll adopt Mocchi's answers for the rest of my life. "Q: You hungry? A: (・ ω・)ノ"

[Gorm]

He probably rubs them on his face.
Good going Jet. Which question do you think they were saying Miichan too?
How much moonspeak can you speak Jet? Would have been good to be pretty good but tell them you werent.

[richardthebrave]

let's not forget about Hana. thanks to you too!

[Taizilla]

Ani Max, on Jul 23 2010, 10:08 AM, said:

48 divided by 12 = 4 so Jet is right. Jet is always right.

Works for me!

[Jet Ready Go]

Datalanche, on Jul 24 2010, 02:25 AM, said:

I can't remember what I asked, but knowing me it's probably one of the "What don't you like", "hardcore fan", or "hardest aspect" type of questions. I'm always curious as to what idols are mumbling under their breath. Either way, awesome stuff. Some terrific insight into this group that we almost never get. Again, terrific job Jet.

Thanks 'lanche.

Your question was "What do you really think of your more hardcore fans? Fans in general?"

zorak81, on Jul 24 2010, 02:26 AM, said:

DAMN JET
That was pro. I'll adopt Mocchi's answers for the rest of my life. "Q: You hungry? A: (・ ω・)ノ"

Q: ＼(・ω・)
A: (・ω・)ノ

Gorm, on Jul 24 2010, 02:28 AM, said:

Good going Jet. Which question do you think they were saying Miichan too?
How much moonspeak can you speak Jet? Would have been good to be pretty good but tell them you werent.

It might have been the question about which girl works hard but doesn't get enough recognition.

I don't speak as much as I can understand upon hearing. However I was distracted setting up the camera equipment and talking to management, including having to hand out question sheets to them ALL too.

richardthebrave, on Jul 24 2010, 02:30 AM, said:

let's not forget about Hana. thanks to you too!

Hana NEVER FORGET

[Harekoi]

Well done

Nice job Jet and Hana :)

[hina]

I can't praise you enough Jet, this is just too awesome. And big thanks to Hana for translating.

this was very insightful! I hope this sets an example for those who are planning to submit questions for future Q&A's

[delerium]

Someone make a Mochi (・ω・)ノ meme... to counter the U MAD? ones. xDD

[ET452]

Jet Ready Go, on Jul 23 2010, 02:04 PM, said:

There was one question in which the girls were giggling and repeating the name "Miichan" to each other in a hushed tone. I can't say for sure which it was, but I have my suspicion.

Well, in Japan Miichan doesn't have a strong following as in the western countries, even though she is known as a pretty hard worker.

How did you present yourself for the interview? Fan forum administrator, journalist, what? When Morning Musume hit USA, the H!O people couldn't get a private interview because (they suspect) of their tracker. I am curious as to how you presented yourself and to whether they knew you came from a site that you can download stuff from them without the licensee approval. Do you know how many others were allowed to get an interview as well?

By the way, next time give them some hard surface to write onto, they look like the Men in Black questionnaire scene (^0^)

This post has been edited by ET452: 24 July 2010 - 04:02 AM

[Nattou]

^
^
If someone could do it, here's the original draft:



Pretty plztxtspkino?

[Jet Ready Go]

I ran into the room, punched one of the photographers so hard in the dick that it became a vagina, everyone yelled SUGOI and they decided ut was in their best interest to give me an interview.

[Datalanche]

ET452, on Jul 23 2010, 02:01 PM, said:

When Morning Musume hit USA, the H!O people couldn't get a private interview because (they suspect) of their tracker.

It wasn't just H!O, and it was clearly because of their tracker. They threw out every forum that had so much as a copyrighted picture on it. I liked the reaction to. "Why would they deny us, we only pirate their stuff?"

And indeed thanks to Hana and anyone else involved as well.

[wil]

Jet Ready Go, on Jul 23 2010, 12:20 PM, said:

I ran into the room, punched one of the photographers so hard in the dick that it became a vagina, everyone yelled SUGOI and they decided ut was in their best interest to give me an interview.

and I have it all on tape.

[DarkScorpion]

Quote

It wasn't just H!O, and it was clearly because of their tracker. They threw out every forum that had so much as a copyrighted picture on it.

That is why I never expect to get invited to AKBINGO.

I wish I could pull this off when they come to Europe, but the management probably know who I am due to my Miichan letters and stuff I did in Paris.

Asking good questions to idols is hard. You need to find something they can tell honestly without repercussion and wont make them resort to PR.

[kyot]

That was a nice read. Thanks Jet and Hana!

They might've been going:-
"hey, it's another election question. Are these guys onto something?!!"
Kuramochi: "Just fill all those with (・ω・)ノ"

[korp]

All that hype for this?!! That was a terrible article, Jet!


Demands more pictures.





OK. That was probably the best interview given to any western "journalist" since time immemorial. For the fans, by the fans.

And thanks Hana.