TV Station - Studio
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Arisa
Okay, now that you've all had a chance to take your seats, we'll give a brief overview of what this segment involves!
Marina
In this segment, we bring on a variety of idol groups that everyone's talking about right now, including rising stars to those who've been around the block, and ask them some really juicy personal questions♪
Marina
But you guys don't belong to an agency, right? Wasn't it really hard to put on a successful solo show the way you did?
Haruka
Yes, it was. And we wouldn't have been able to do it on our own. We were able to put on a great show because our fans were willing to help us.
Marina
Yeah, I heard!
Apparently, MMJ has been putting on all sorts of events with the help of their fans!
Apparently, MMJ has been putting on all sorts of events with the help of their fans!
Minori
Y-Yes, they did...!
We were really worried about what outfits to wear since it's our first time appearing on TV...
We were really worried about what outfits to wear since it's our first time appearing on TV...
Minori
But we decided to wear these for this appearance because we wanted to tell all our fans just how much we appreciate what they've done for us!
Marina
Wow! That's great!
I'm sure they couldn't be happier!
I'm sure they couldn't be happier!
Haruka
Actually, Shizuku came up with the base designs. Our fans made them based on what she came up with.
Shizuku
I spent quite a lot of time thinking about how to design them since it was my first time doing anything like this. And when I tried to look up what certain flowers symbolize...
Shizuku
For some reason, I ended up opening a map that I couldn't close. I was so confused.
Marina
Wait, you were looking up information on flowers and ended up on a map?! And you couldn't close it?! How'd that happen?!
Haruka
Just the other day, she told us that her phone wouldn't turn on, but we found out later that the charger wasn't plugged in all the way.
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Arisa
So, between helping out for your shows and designing your outfits, you as a group seem to have a much closer relationship with your fans compared to other idols.
Shizuku
Yes, we do.
MORE MORE JUMP! livestreams on a regular basis, so we've made it a point to communicate with our fans.
MORE MORE JUMP! livestreams on a regular basis, so we've made it a point to communicate with our fans.
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Marina
Arisa, I get that you like being seen as having a sharp tongue, but aren't you going a little too far?
Arisa
What?! Aren't any of you curious?!
I mean, she seems to be having way more fun now compared to when she was with us!
I mean, she seems to be having way more fun now compared to when she was with us!
Arisa
But now, you're acting all dopey and telling people about how you and your phone don't get along.
Arisa
Aren't your fans from when you were still in Cheerful * Days going to be disappointed?
iHaz Producer
...
Haruka
(Like he said during our meeting, this show welcomes these sorts of things. Which explains why Higure's being so...)
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Arisa
Well, I already know the answer, but I'm sure our panel here would love to find out...!
Group Members
Yeah, I'm sure a lot of other people are also wondering!
Group Members
So, it's true? When you were still with Cheerful * Days... That was all for show?
Marina
Whoa, they seem pretty eager to find out...
Marina
S-So, Shizuku...
I know it's a tough question, but would you be willing to give us an answer...?
I know it's a tough question, but would you be willing to give us an answer...?
Shizuku
Of course.
I'm sure, like you've all said, quite a few people out there are probably wondering.
I'm sure, like you've all said, quite a few people out there are probably wondering.
Shizuku
Please allow me to take this opportunity to clarify things. When I was still a member of Cheerful * Days...
Marina
What?! Really?!
But... Why?
But... Why?
Shizuku
This is going to sound like a terrible excuse, but it's because I had very little confidence in myself...
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Shizuku
Which is why I admired those who could accomplish anything flawlessly... I also wanted to be “perfect”...
Shizuku
However, I had trouble accomplishing that on my own. As a result, I often ended up asking everyone from Cheerful * Days for their help...
Shizuku
No, not just them...
Everyone from the agency staff to those who asked me to make appearances for them...
Everyone from the agency staff to those who asked me to make appearances for them...
Shizuku
Which ultimately led to me leaving the group and disappointing my fans... I had no right being the lead to begin with.
Group Members
Yeah, we know you had it rough back then, and couldn't say anything until now!
Group Members
Too true. You might've had a script each time, but we knew that the real you was a clumsy person. I was always so scared that you'd say something that could be taken the wrong way!
Group Members
I know, right?!
It felt like we were walking on eggshells every time someone asked something off-script!
It felt like we were walking on eggshells every time someone asked something off-script!
Arisa
I remember a time when she was asked how she liked to take her coffee and she started talking about tea. We really struggled with that one!
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Marina
O-O-Okay then... It sounds like the third generation has a lot to say regarding this...
Marina
But should we really keep going?
This discussion's sort of turning into something you hear at an all-girls high school!
This discussion's sort of turning into something you hear at an all-girls high school!
Shizuku
I don't mind...
It's all true and I knew that I'd have to speak openly about this someday.
It's all true and I knew that I'd have to speak openly about this someday.
Shizuku
As I just mentioned, I was able to play the “perfect” version of myself because I had the help of the staff and everyone else.
Shizuku
So, when I joined MORE MORE JUMP! after leaving Cheerful * Days and heard that we'd be focusing on doing livestreams...
Shizuku
I knew how clumsy and ungraceful the real me was, so I was worried about how those who've been longtime fans of mine would feel when they were faced with the truth...
Shizuku
No, it went beyond that. I was afraid that they wouldn't be willing to accept me for who I really am.
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Shizuku
Which made me realize how there are some things that only the real me had to offer. And I found that some were willing to accept me for who I really am...
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Shizuku
So, even if I end up disappointing some of my old fans, I'm going to keep doing my best to spread hope to as many people as I can... As myself.
Marina
That's so brave of you...
Especially since playing the old you sort of would've helped maintain your fan base while keeping naysayers from poking fun at you.
Especially since playing the old you sort of would've helped maintain your fan base while keeping naysayers from poking fun at you.
Shizuku
As nervous as I was about doing this, their warmth helped me move forward one step at a time...
Shizuku
And now, like all those who are watching... I feel comfortable with me being this kind of idol.
Shizuku
So, just like back then...
I want to keep spreading and inspiring hope in as many people as possible.
I want to keep spreading and inspiring hope in as many people as possible.
Shizuku
But I want them to know that the me who was in Cheerful * Days and the me who is currently in MORE MORE JUMP! are one and the same.
Shizuku
For the longest time, I've been meaning to tell all my fans that my feelings about them haven't changed. And that's the absolute truth...
Shizuku
Also, I couldn't be more grateful that idol Hazard gave us this wonderful opportunity to speak...
Shizuku
I still have a long way to go as an idol, but I'll be looking forward to your continued support...
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Marina
That was so cool!!!
It takes so much courage to just be yourself and tell the truth like that on TV!
It takes so much courage to just be yourself and tell the truth like that on TV!
Marina
I'm officially one of your fans now, Shizuku! So, let's keep the questions coming!
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Airi
(But you're way more amazing than any stupid character that your old agency made you play...)
Next Chapter: I Just Want To Be Myself