Imaizumi Yui's mobame ~ November 4th

Zumiko ~ 11/4



All activities as Keyakizaka46 have ended. 

I'm so happy to be able to end my activities with the handshake meeting which I really love.
I'm very very sorry for suddenly notifying you. 

I don't feel like I'm graduating because I'll be meeting you again soon, but... 
Surely, there will be a lot of people whose meeting today will be their last. Thinking about it, I suddenly become lonely. 

To have everyone's smiles and kind words... 
I thought that I could have worked a little bit more, and spend more time together.

I want to rewind the time. I wish this happy time could last forever...
Just... kidding. 

Upon the formation of the group, I never would have thought the I'll be the very first to graduate. From when I've started thinking about graduation, for the 3 years I've spent with the group, what kind of 3 years was it for me. I wonder how was I in your eyes... I was thinking about it myself. 

With a clumsy character, I think there are a lot of things which I had misunderstood. 
...I'm sorry. 

I think it would be good if someday my heart can afford and hope the day will come when I can look back on the events that happened so far. 
I think that I will be facing reality and a lot of rigid activities on my own from now on, but at any rate, facing forward, I want to advance on the new path. 
I wanna return the favor to all of the fans and the members!!!!

I'm truly grateful from my heart to everyone who cheered and supported me up until now. And, I'm full of gratitude to Keyakizaka46 who made the opportunity for me to meet everyone. 
Please wait for me as I will make a way for us to meet again soon!

Let's meet again next year, just think of it as a bit long winter vacation. ☺ 

I love you all from the bottom of my heart. 
I will always love you forever. 

Please support Keyakizaka46 and Hiragana Keyakizaka46 from now on too!

For about 3 years, really thank you so much! 

Imaizumi Yui's mobame, November 2.

November 2, 2018 ~ 23:24


"It has been announced in the official site not long ago. I will be graduating from Keyakizaka46 on Nov. 4th. I'm sorry it has been a sudden announcement. I'm sorry for not being able to fairly inform everyone and end it gloomy...

There are things that I would like to honestly tell you at the handshake event on the 4th.

2 days more.

Those who can come to the handshake on 4th, thank you so much."



Imaizumi Yui, 欅坂46

Zumiko's mobame message ~ August 8, 2018

Zumiko sent a long message in mobame. I did a rough translation of her message. I know my Japanese sucks but allow me to do this service one more time before she graduates. I just simply love her so much. 

Time: 7:46 AM, JST. 

*Instead of putting my name, I'll replace it to "Everyone".*

"Everyone, 

I think you have already read from the blog that I have decided to graduate from Keyakizaka46. 

Because I really love this job, I could not make a decision so soon.

Also, I love you. All of the fans. 

For me, the strength of the fans is immeasurably great. 

Because the fans are there for me, it supported me to hold on many times. 

When I thought it might be impossible now, I wanted to see everyone's smiles many times, after reading this letter, in the future, let's look forward together. 

「I'll be waiting」, 「You can do it slowly」, I wanted to respond to this words. But, it's disappointing I was not able to respond. 

I'm really sorry.

The group will eventually graduate, but I will surely make a place where I can meet and interact with the fans even after I graduate.

This is a promise!!! A promise!! 

I am sincerely wishing to spend even more time with all of my fans. 

I'll be happy if you could watch me such warm after graduation. 

Definitely, I'll definitely repay you...

...please let me do it. 

For everyone who really supports me, I really love you. Thank you. 

 I LOVE YOU!!! As always!!!

- Imaizumi Yui

Summary of Shinguu Ryohei's interview from BUBKA: Keyaki Moves Again (Part 1)

(This is a summary of Director Shinguu Ryohei's interview from BUBKA: Keyaki Moves Again issue. The interview was originally translated and summarized by kojirabu0419, and I somehow edited a bit the content construction of it.)

(Shinguu Ryohei directed the MV of "Futari Sezon," "Fukyouwaon," "Kaze ni Fukarete mo," "Garasu wo Ware," and now the latest "Ambivalent.")

〖Questions on Hirate〗 
•From magazine's pages 1-2•

Shinguu: Keyaki's new song title "Ambivalent" means having mixed feelings or contradicting  ideas about something or someone. Hirate Yurina-san, who is the main character of this MV, turned 17-years old during the shooting. Singles of Keyaki in the past had lyrics which expressed her growth. As for the Garaware MV, it has an aggressive message but gradually, the main character came to have contradictions. 

The new song says, "I wanna be alone but don't want to be alone." I wanted to have its MV and Hirate-san's reality to be linked. She had activities outside of Keyaki this year (Hibiki). So, for a while, she left the group and other members were in the center instead of her. Then, she came back to the group at 7th (single) so, I felt that such reality was the theme of this song. 

In this 7th (single) MV, she left the group at first and then she tries to gather members among many people. This MV asked her what she would do after gathering members together. It doesn't mean that she actually left the group or not, but after leaving the group for a while, she came back and might feel like  being "at her own home" and "something different before leaving" at the same time. So,  I wanted to express such two sides in this MV. I also wanted to make this MV to express how a person faces the community and the group she belongs to, whether she has a fellow or not, and whether she likes adults or not. There are so many people, aside from the members, in a huge space. It expresses human constraints or society. In such space, members were captured. The MVs of Keyaki I've made in the past expressed the whole group. But in this MV, Hirate-san left the group and walked alone, and then gathered members again and made a group. She doesn't know whether she wants to adapt herself to the society or not. She hates others but likes others, she wants to be together with the others but wants to be alone. I wanted to make a MV to ask the viewers such problem. 

As for the ending scene, firstly, I shot two patterns, one was Hirate-san turned her face to the members which means she missed the others. Another one was that she didn't turn her face to the members, which means she can live alone without others' warmth. But after all, I didn't use both cut of (her) face. Instead of it, I used the picture of her feet. That picture was shot after I said, "Cut!" After shooting Hirate-san's face (turning to the members or not), by chance, Hirate-san naturally went back towards the members. It became the ending scene, so it wasn't acting. Actually, she might have gone back towards the members because she thought that I would shoot one more take, but for me, it seemed to be emo (touched). 

Original Source: kojirabu0419

Summary of Watanabe Risa's Interview from Platinum Flash vol. 4

On the first part of the interview, she was asked about her feelings during their 2nd anila. She informed that despite of having the feeling of accomplishment, there are still worries regarding her performance as the center for a couple of songs.

Risa loves cleaning and cooking so much and that she often watched videos online about the two.

She really loves to clean to the point that she would clean up the mess even from their dressing room.

She also talked about her fondness to Ozeki. She thinks that Ozeki is the cutest one so she tend to treat her like a little sister regardless of the age difference.

Since she's turning 20 in the next 2 months, she would like to do things like Bungee Jumping (to make it like an adult ceremony?), scuba diving, surfing or take a banana boat, snowboarding on winter, etc.

She likes also to go abroad... to southeast asian countries like Thailand and Singapore. She longs to have stamps into her passport by going other countries.

On this year, she wanted to overcome the circumstances and challenge various things.


Members' aspirations! Berisa's charm. (Rough summary)

Nagahama Neru:

Whatever she do perfect is perfect (?). She's kind, funny and love to joke around. Even there's a gap (difference?), she's easy to approach and talk with.

Ozeki Rika:

Oze praises Risa's style and strong compassion for other people. She respects her so much. And even if Oze is older than her, it seems its the other way around. She lightly apologize for always relying on Risa.

Oda Nana:

Although she have such a beautiful figure and style, she is not arrogant at all. Rather, she is very humble, kind to anyone, she is like that cool beauty character that is actually very kind in a manga. But some times, there are troublesome side of hers like saying 'Let's go buy juice together!' or 'Accompany me until there!'. She said it herself that she is easily get lonely. Also i think that she realized that she's not good at dancing. But Risa is a hard worker and perfectionist, if there is something she cannot accept even if it's just a little she will keep doing it until she's satisfied and eventually make it perfect. I don't know if her mental age is older or younger. When she is serious she can make a calm and precise judgement, she really observes her surrounding, she can instantaneously grasp a situation and act accordingly. But in general, she mostly plays around, it's like being with a kindergarten kid. (credits to Mich from Twitter)

We are one Keyakizaka Family

I have my personal take about Hiragana Keyaki's new songs in their album: Hashiridasu Shunkan.

We all know that this is Hiragana Keyaki's 1st album. And so, listening to the newly released songs ~ Kitai shite inai jibun & Yakusoku no Tamago ~ had me thought of something unexpected. It seemed to me that there's some kind of a message and a story to tell.

It's like AkiP wanted to tell something to the group but through Hiragana. With how good the musicality of the newly released songs, it'll make you feel relax, refresh, reassuring and comfortable.

This is just a personal opinion...

With Kanji's situation right now, it seems AkiP wanted to have Gana as someone who will be able to give more inspiration and encouragement for their counter part. Just like a scene where the little sister is trying to cheer up her sad big sister.

The predicaments that Kanji has experienced from the past few months up until now especially to a certain member who's in hiatus, were not easy. With how fast Keyaki grew, members weren't able to exactly catch up the momentum and build firmly their foundation.

This may sound silly but I guess they've managed to gradually realized their great lapses upon preparing for their 2nd debut anniversary live.

Going back to Hiragana, it seems like they're trying to convey something from their songs. Just like "two is better than one". Kanji alone can't bear the burden and so Hiragana offered a hand, "let us help you from this time."

A certain line from Kitai Shite Inai Jibun suddenly hit me.

"If I keep looking down and watch my step, I certainly won't stumble.

Is living without seeing the scenery a happy one?" 

Personally, this line seemed to me as a reconfirmation for the group (especially to Kanji who encountered a big and strong wall ever since their summer tour).

Are you contented? Don't you want to see the wave of green lights in your every performance? Are you not going to look the eyes of other members who longed to see such a beautiful scenery? Are you happy? So with that, Hiragana wanted to tell (a line from the song's chorus)...

"It's not that (clear) blue sky's fault. It's just because I never looked up. Not expecting anything, doesn't mean (I'm) throwing my dream. It's just that despite what had happened, I'm still waiting for something to happen."

Many things had happened and there are still many challenges to come along as they continue to tread the slope. When Kanji falls down, Hiragana is willing to lend a helping hand. The great burden isn't something that can be carried by one shoulder. Kanji will continue to look after the Hiragana as the group keeps on growing. And Hiragana, on the other hand, will help ease the burden.

Here's a line (may not be in order) from the 2nd released song: Yakusoku no Tamago,

"Will you watch over us? We still have a long way to go.

You don't need to help us because when a friend falls down, we will be the ones to carry her."

I'm not quite sure about this certain line but I'm kinda having a feeling that this is for someone within the group... ~ Shida Manaka.

The meaning of bonds is waiting for you here. 

**Credits to Mich on Twitter for the rough translations of the song lyrics**

Keyakizaka46 2nd YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE

This last April 6 to 8, the group held a 3-day concert to celebrate their 2nd Debut Anniversary. The venue for the concert was at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza - Main Arena. 

In this event, two of its members were not able to attend. Namely, Hirate Yurina, the center for the six consecutive singles, and Shida Manaka. It was reported earlier that due to some conflicts of the schedule, Hirate won't be able to attend the event (I wonder if that is true or maybe the management has some other plans for the group). Maybe to observe for having a new center). Also, due to poor health condition, Shida was pulled out as well. Because of the absence of the two, the remaining 19 members need to cover up their positions. With that, there were selected members to become centers for specific songs they have to perform.

Here are the alternative centers during the concert:

• Yuichanzu (Kobayashi Yui and Imaizumi Yui)

Garasu wo ware! and Mou Mori he Kaerouka?

• Watanabe Risa

Hiraishin and Getsuyoubi no Asa, Skirt wo Kirareta

• Captain Sugai Yuuka

Kimi wo Mou Sagasanai, Abunakkashi Keikaku, Fukyouwaon and Taiyou wa Miageru Hito wo Erabanai

• Nagahama Neru

Kokkyou no Nai Jidai, Kimi wo Mou Sagasanai (with Sugai Yuuka for the last two days of the concert)

• Koike Minami (with Harada Aoi's solo dancing)

Koike on Futari Sezon (Encore for the 2nd & 3rd day)

Aoi's solo dance on the bridge part of the song

• Moriya Akane

Sekai ni wa ai shika nai (Encore for the 1st & 2nd day)

• Suzumoto Miyu

Silent Majority (Encore for the 1st and 3rd day)

• Habu Mizuho

Eccentric (As I have expected, she is suited to be an alternative center for this song)

• Kobayashi Yui

Kaze ni fukarete mo
(She's one of my bets on becoming an alternative center of this song. She has that awesome pops when dancing.)

It was great that other members managed to accomplish in covering up the position. With that, the spotlight is with them. When I read the report that Hirate (nicknamed as Techi) won't be able to attend the concert due to the conflict of schedules, I immediately thought that it was a lame excuse. However, I've read in some forums, blogs and other articles online speculating that it was due to some problems with her grade - I guess that might be reasonable if so. But with the turn of the events, Hirate's absence brought a good opportunity for other members to showcase more of what they are capable of for that performance. It must have been hard doing the center for six singles and a couple live performances so let's have her rest for a while.

I haven't been able to see the full performance since there are no uploaded videos yet online. There was already a broadcast of the concert in Japan but only 6 of their songs. Lucky for those who were able to watch it. The most awaited "Boku wa yada" of Captain Sugai-sama from Fukyouwaon was not included (saved for the last). Nevertheless, I was able to see a clip of the performance as some of them were tweeted in Twitter. From the video clip I saw, I was stunned beyond words. I wanted to shout from my lungs just like the fans present in the event. The performance were so awesome and full of emotion. I can feel the thrill from the arena when they had perform Garasu wo ware (click here to watch the music video and see how bad-ass they are).

Aside from their explosive performance, the arena turned out to be emotional when Captain Sugai-sama delivered here speech. I was able to read the translated speech posted on Twitter since I'm not able to comprehend Japanese yet. Here's a part of Captain Sugai-sama's long speech:

"...we want to give back to you all. We want to make a place where Hirate & Manaka can return without any worries. We want to run up the slope, becoming stronger than we are now. Please believe in us."

As a Keyakizaka46 fan, I cannot help but be proud of the girls who managed to pull a successful and explosive concert for their 2nd Anniversary even with the absence of two of their pillars. I can't help to be emotional as well. I have fell in love with the group when I first listened to their debut single - Silent Majority. I want to know more about them. I wanted to hear more story of their journey. With that, I have managed to collect any videos related to them. I re-read almost all of their blogs, read any Keyakizaka related articles and much more. My love for them continuously grow deeper. This anniversary has given birth to another beautiful story. The change of the characters is unpredictable which made them more interesting. Their conviction to become strong, even if the group is injured, to stand up after falling - that makes them as Keyakizaka46.

Encountering Keyakizaka46 and their debut single – サイレントマジョリティー (Silent Majority).

(Left to Right: Watanabe Rika, Suzumuto Miyu, Hirate Yurina, Imaizumi Yui and Kobayashi Yui from Silent Majority's music video)

All has started from a single post in Instagram (IG) featuring Nogizaka46 (Big Sisters of Keyakizaka46).

It was one of my typical days when spending my work day-off. I got nothing else to do than watching Japanese movies and series, doing Facebook, Instagram, reading some blogs, eat and sleep. One day, I happened to see this picture of Nagahama Neru (from one of her photo-book entries).

(I believe this was the one. Yeah, I do remember this was indeed the first picture I’ve encountered.)

It was then that I became curious as to who was this girl. Fortunately, her name was written in the caption. I quickly searched online and found out that she entered late in the group and became a Kennin (a group member of two different groups and teams at the same time). Then my curiosity has gone deep which led me to know more about the group.

I had manage to gather more information about the group. Keyakizaka46 is a Japanese Idol Group which is produced by Yasushi Akimoto and is a sister group of the Nogizaka46 (also produced by the same person) who was acclaimed as the official rival of AKB48. I started to listen their songs especially the singles and it was that time when I got hook up with their debut single – Silent Majority (サイレントマジョリティー). The song was pretty good and the lyrics hold some kind of message for the society especially to teenagers. The message of the song somehow encourages someone to speak and don’t leave any decision to others. Otherwise, they won’t be able to know whether you’re for YES or NO. Everyone has that freedom in us and to utilize it, you need to breakthrough from the world’s restrictions.

選べることが大事なんだ

人に任せるな

行動しなければ

Noと伝わらない

“Choosing is important

Don’t leave it to others

If you don’t take action,

they won’t hear your No”

誰かの後

ついて行けば

傷つかないけど

その群れが

総意だと

ひとまとめにされる

“If you’re just following someone

You won’t get hurt, but

That crowd is just one mind.

You’ll be made one of them.”

(I guess those words are enough to convey the message of the song.)

Aside from the lyrics and the catchy tune, their unusual choreography is so good and interesting. Almost every move holds a message. Takahiro who is a world-famous dancer did the choreography for the group. For someone to be able to come up with kind of choreography is simply a genius. With every stepping in accordance to the song, he wanted to convey the spirit of its words and music. However, coming up with those stepping weren’t enough. He needs to have someone who can properly imbibe its message. And it is here which Hirate Yurina enters. She was the selected center for the group’s debut single (up to their 6th Single, she is still the selected center). With Hirate’s intensity and incredible aura, she has managed to show Takahiro‘s intensity and drama for the song. As the man said,

“It (Silent Majority) has a really strong world view, and in that was each person’s own will. And in a world where everyone was lining up towards the right, there’s one person with her own will, one person with a different will. A world view contrasting the individual versus the group was what came to mind for me.”

Hirate Yurina (Center)

Takahiro

When I started to watch Silent Majority’s music video, it was love at first sight. I don’t know how to exactly express it but my feelings for the group has gone deeper everyday. From then on, I started to listen more of their songs, watch their music videos and even the variety shows where the group appears, I started collecting them. It’s still going on up until this very moment I wrote this line. In fact, I’m currently downloading the newly subbed PV (Promotional Video) and Selfie TV entries.

I'm planning to make some entries about their songs. I wish to study their songs and hoping I would be able to write and share more to others.

If you want to know more about the group, I suggest to watch and listen first the debut single – Silent Majority.

Visit this link for the music video with English Subtitle. Credits to @DepressingSubs