[EN]Da Vinci Magazine - Interview with Aida Rikako

Original CN TL and Pictures: here



CN TL： ガラスを割れ、一拳一个老婆怪 ( 逢田文明博物馆)





Disclaimer: This is a Chinese to EN TL, there would be things that would be lost in translation between the languages.



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Since there’s no QC - pardon my bad engrish.

The contents are under the cut.

​With regards to TV anime 2nd season, episode 12, Aida-san was very touched by the scene where Riko confessed her innermost feelings to the other two second-years.



For Aida Rikako who took pride in being a performer, how does she portray Riko?

Q: Firstly, let’s recap about what happened all the way till the screening of the 2nd season of the TV anime?

Rikako: When the recording ended, it totally didn’t feel real to me. But, when I watched episode 13 together with everyone at an event, the feelings of loneliness and various others welled up in my heart. My tears couldn’t stop flowing too.

I want to say to all the members in the anime: who had fought hard through many different things from the very beginning to the end; “Thank you for hard work, you’ve really worked very hard”.

Although it ended in a positive light, but as expected the feeling of loneliness still filled my heart. This is because I myself really liked recording, and due to that I’ve always looked forward to that.

Q: After learning the full story of how Uranohoshi was going to be closed down, how did you decide on how to portray Riko’s feelings?

Rikako: It’s exactly because Aqours faced very perilous obstacles, that it would cause one to unconsciously look forward to how they are going to face those difficulties.

We can say that after it was decided that the school would close: “From this moment, it’s really the most exciting part where the strength of Aqours is shown”.

Although team leader, Chika, is constantly demoralized, as Riko who is always by her side, it is fine just being able to let Chika showcase her original courage.

It was with those thoughts in mind that I did my recordings.

Q: Speaking of Riko, she has a very famous scene in episode 12 of the 2nd season right?

Rikako: It’s the scene in front of the huge screen right? As basically there aren’t many scenes where we could have Riko satisfactorily voice her emotions out fully, I too felt that: “For Riko to continue on forward from now on, it won’t do if we don’t let her let off some steam.”

So I repeatedly re-recorded it so many times, I was even a little frustrated (laughs), I let my innermost feelings, spill out in front of the microphone without holding back at all.

Q: If you analyse by yourself your own position in Aqours, what position do you feel yourself being in?

Rikako: I recently came to the realization that I’m in a role that would be extremely bullied. Although I am considered the oldest (amongst Aqours), but everyone else didn’t think so (laughs). To be able to get along with me while not being in the same age group is really something to be happy about.

I would also feel that: “If we continue like this, it’ll be really great”. How do I put it, it feels like my existence is that of a pet (laughs).

Q: (Laughs) Then, what part about yourself is: “Only this, is something that I won’t lose to any other member.” then?

Rikako: “The portion of food that I can eat” etc. —- Ah, is that a serious question?

Q: It is a serious question (laughs).

Rikako: (Laughs) In the area of acting I won’t admit defeat, as I originally joined this line because I like acting. Everyone are comrades supporting one another, it has became something that would make feelings like: “I need to work hard too” manifest.

Q: 3rd Live Tour, the Movie version and events with Aqours are ongoing still, in what way do you wish to shine from now on?

Rikako: When I stand on the stage, I won’t think that: “There’s always next time”, so I would wish to really enjoy every second and minute.

At the same time, I would hold close to my heart that perhaps this time, I would be able to head towards the light. To not leave behind any regrets, to be able to enjoy it full to the max every time is the most important thing. That is what I myself think.

Q: In this particular time, what existence is “LLSS and Aqours” to you?

Rikako: Mm…. I should say, it’s a part of life? Everyday being a member of Aqours. They are always by my side, we can say it’s a part of life, part of myself? It’s something that can’t be removed.

Aida Rikako’s stories with books.

The books that I read recently are: “Yurigokoro” (by Numata Mahokaru), I spent around 4 hours finishing it in one go. Although the main character is a serial killer, but I can really empathize with him and his feelings of: “Regardless, I would hope to retrace back to the source”, I feel that to everyone, they should be similar to this.*

*TL Note: It’s probably a quote of some kind by the book? My apologies for this TL.