[EN]Seiani May 2017 - Interview with Kobayashi Aika

Translated by: @kuuxkat

Additional TL & QC by: @dyreatic

Originally TL by: COOKEI

DO NOT USE THE SUBS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES!



Contents under the Cut!





I felt like my heart became one with Yohane’s during MIRAI TICKET!

Progress

Q: In what ways has the 1st Live caused you to advance or grow?



Aikyan: During this live, it felt like we were all once again reminded of how important it is to support one another. For example, if we lose focus while dancing, it’s possible that we could end up injuring someone. That is why I realized that it is important to think about each other.







Aqours

Q: A post-1st Live message for everyone

Aikyan: When I was repeatedly practicing the dance steps, everyone would join in; when I was met with a setback, everyone would tell me, “It’s okay”.. It might seem to everyone that those words were quite minor, but it really gave me lots of motivation. So I would like to tell everyone one thing, “Thank you!”







Release

Q: Your enthusiasm and anticipations towards the release of the Duo/Trio Collection CDs



Aikyan: In the ED of the TV anime, a print club photo done with Yohane and (Watanabe) You-chan was shown, so I am happy that it was able to be realized. Unlikethe unlucky Yoshiko, You-chan is a very energetic and hardworking child. So the relationship between the two of them could be akin to that of an Angel and a Fallen Angel… this is the scenario that I have started imagining by myself (laughs).







Together





Q: Please say a few words to the fans who are looking forward to the Aqours Next Step! Project.



Aikyan: We have just taken our first step with the 1st Live, and yet we are able to challenge the next stage immediately, which makes me feel really blessed! As I myself am Yohane’s Little Demon, I wish to go and enjoy the growth of Aqours and Yohane together with everyone!







Yourself

Q: What aspects of yourself do you think were able to grow thanks to 1st Live?



Aikyan: In addition to maturing, this live has allowed me to learn lots and gave me new experiences. I learned too during the rehearsals that it wasn’t just about letting the audience see something good, but more importantly to have fun, and I was able to learn the importance of having fun together with the fans.







Everything passed by in a flash



Q: In the first MC segment of day 2, Takatsuki-san exposed you, saying “You cried from the start!?”



Aikyan: That’s right (laughs). Let me elaborate further. Before we entered the stage, the introductory video for the Aqours members was played on site, so while seeing that I faced Yohane (Tsushima Yoshiko) in my heart, and said to her, “Let’s do our best”. And on the second day I did that once again and I had that feeling that she replied me with: “Mm, let’s do our best together.” Although that was all my imagination, I was so happy that I ended up crying (laughs). So during that time King (Takatsuki) noticed me crying, and as such she said that during the MC (laughs).







Q: What were you thinking of during the opening of day 1?



Aikyan: We were raised to the stage with our backs facing the audience, and we turned our backs according to the year groups. At the instant when I turned around, the light of countless penlights and the cheers of the audiences hit us. In this scene that we have never seen before, I felt the joy of so many people supporting us mix with the awe of being able to appear on stage in this fashion. Many different kinds of thoughts flashed by in my head, and I didn’t calm down for a long time. But in order to repay the support that we have gotten, we were able to keep on working hard until now, and everyone’s cheers have given us lots of power.







Q: Those two days have ended, so what are the thoughts that you have right now?



Aikyan: Everything ended so quickly. Fun times really do pass by in a flash. In those two days, it felt like immediately after finishing a song, I would have to prepare for Guilty Kiss, and before I realized, I was already waving the pom-poms in the encore (laughs). The two days felt as short as that.







Q: You were able to focus to such a degree and have fun on stage because you were very prepared beforehand, right?



Aikyan: That’s probably so. But it is also thanks to the fans that were there spicing up the atmosphere with us.





Q: Then, on that exciting stage, what were the songs that left you the deepest and most special impression?



Aikyan: If I could only pick one song, it would be MIRAI TICKET. Before the song starts, we had to act out a skit in order to convey the feelings of the Aqours members, and I was really very happy when I was notified about this. That song is carries the feelings of the members, and I have a feeling that it ends up as an answer to the skit. for a more personal tale, it would be when I sprinted from the the center stage to the main stage. At the time, coincidentally, the big screen showed Yohane. At that instant it felt as if I had became one with her, so I was filled to the brim with happiness in my heart.







Q: Finally, please tell us your thoughts about the new song, HAPPY PARTY TRAIN, that you have already recorded.



Aikyan: This is a song filled with the essence of Spring, so I recorded it with a relaxing feel. Depending on the song, I would choose between performing in the Angel or Fallen Angel mode for Yohane, so this time I used the Angel Mode! This song doesn’t give off the impression of a black feather, but maybe one of a pure white feather drifting instead (laughs). The lyrics are also filled with the essence of spring, but also some loneliness. When you are starting something new, it is fun, but you would also need to have courage. These conflicting feelings are expressed in the lyrics, and thanks to that, I think that everyone will definitely be able to experience a new side of Aqours.







Part of #teamonibe.