[JO1] USEN 211215

https://e.usen.com/interview/interview-original/jo1wandering.html

[partly translation]

When the covers were revealed JAM commented that when the designed circle was turned upside down it would look like a ring, hence it’s perfect for Shiroiwa-san with his Prince character.
Ruki: When I saw that idea, I thought it’s funny. Actually I wasn’t told what it means and I don’t know what the designer’s idea was, but I’m really happy that it was investigated like this. I think we might also have things we haven’t noticed yet, so I'm really looking forward to seeing who will notice the easter eggs, JAM or us.
Shosei: It’s like a treasure hunt (laughs). In Bokura no Kisetsu there are a lot of scenes when two members sing together. It is indeed the highlight. So far we have a lot of songs in which we sing one after another, yet by singing together we can create a beautiful melody. At the tree that Ruki-kun mentioned earlier, light comes from above. It feels like the light of hope, doesn’t it? That we dance there has the message that after loss, in a world has fallen there is hope when you look up. It’s wonderful with all those meanings set up in a magnificent way. Please take your time to watch it.
Ruki: During the recording the producer said that he chose the pairs in order to create a lovely world view with beautiful harmony, so I think this is also a highlight. By the way, first I sing with Junki, then with Mame and lastly with Ren-kun.
Junki: The chemistry with me was good, wasn’t it?
Ruki:… yes
Junki: Why was there a pause? (Laughs) But actually when we sing together, our individuality comes out. I realised that the combination of high and low notes makes a completely different singing voice. Ah, I got something to say. Have you listened to the song?

Yes I have.
Junki: When I first listened to it it had a bright image of it. The sound is so bright and also a sparkling winter sound is used, so I thought it’s going to be a really bright song. But in the lyrics there is the feeling of loss. Behind a bright smile there is past loss, current loss and the feeling of loneliness. Also, we are singing “in the future I’m going to meet you for sure”. I hope you will enjoy this gap, too.

Because there is this gap, it’s dramatic and the declaration “I will come to you before it becomes cold” is really good, too.
Shosei: It’s really good. Isn’t it lovely to meet the people you wanted to see and feel warm in the freezing winter? I think everyone has waited for us at the lives, too. I think it has quite the meaning that we were able to sing this song at our first live with audience.
Ruki: I have the part “Without you, I can’t do anything”, which is certainly about us and JAM. Furthermore, for me there is also the meaning that without Sukai we can’t do anything. This “you” is JAM and it’s Sukai. Hence, I hope that the listeners will apply it to someone important to them and not just to their love interest. You are absolutely right.
Ruki: Yes. When you normally listen to it, you might feel that you is the person you like, but I’m singing for JAM, Sukai and everyone dear to me, so I hope everyone will listen to it repeatedly.

(Talking about Prologue)
I think the message “though we are apart now, one day we can meet again. I’m always thinking (of you)” makes it a really good song for the graduation season. Furthermore, it’s a song that you can listen to over and over, thinking of the people you were separated from in the audition, past friends and so on.
Shosei: Yes, like this.
Junki: I really like this. At the end of it there is also “Never Ending Story”. If you listen to it, you will understand that there is not the end. You understand from the melody that there is a continuation.
Shosei: Isn’t it hard to understand if you say it like this? (Laughs)
Junki: If you listen to it, you will understand! (laughs)
Shosei: It’s a really good song and we hadn't had a song yet that we sang for the people who we were separated from, so it has become a cherished song.

Infinite City has a rock sound and it’s a song overflowing with a dashing feeling.
Junki: There is quite the dashing feeling.
Shosei: I think it’s a song that will make the crowd lively at a live. So I’m really happy about it. However, the key is so high.
Ruki: Absolutely, it’s high!
Shosei: It’s so high! I did my best during the recording while my voice became raspy.
Junki: Everyone is singing this high key, so I think everyone raised their skills in regard to the singing.
Ruki: It’s the first time that we have such an EDM sound, so I think it would fit for a party. It brings you in high spirits.
Junki: It seems to be good for making cheers! I think at a live show when the fans can shout, it will be a song to get excited!

The concept of WANDERING is to wander, but how do you see this concept?
Ruki: For JO1 a lot has happened until we reached our 3rd year. At this milestone, there is surely still a part that wanders. Exactly because in these two years a lot of things took place, it’s time to hold on for us. Also, it’s a period for us in which we have to endure everything. In order for both JO1 and LAPONE to overcome this, to grow further, we try to continue to search for the answer, look ahead and get up. 2022 will be a year of competitions for JO1, so we have to work even harder.

This is a strong statement which makes me look forward to your 3rd year even more. By the way, is there anyone in the group who is wandering?
Ruki: Wandering… Junki seems like he doesn’t know what to do, does he?
Junki: eh?
Ruki: Aren’t you often teased by Mame, Shosei and Takumi?

By the younger members?
Ruki: Yes this. The only way he responds to this, is getting slightly angry, saying “What are you saying?” Like an snapping character (laughs)
Junki: That’s not wandering! I’m not a snapping character! Maybe!
Ruki: Recently, he quite takes it out on me. He teases me a lot. While thinking “what’s with that guy?”, I take it with a big heart thinking “He is wandering around”.
Junki: That’s not wandering! (laughs) Well, both in a good and bad sense I think the members are teasing me recently.
Ruki & Shosei: (laugh)
Junki: The more I try to maintain my dignity, the more they come for me.
Ruki: The more Junki rebels, the stronger the kids become!
Shosei: Sho-kun and Ren-kun laugh about this and kindly watch over it.
Junki: If you say so, Shion is wandering for real!
Shosei: True (laughs)

In which regard?
Junki: During the audition, Shion was said to be “rebellious”. Even now he is sharp from time to time, at his core he is a good guy. So, it’s like his heart tells him not to do such things and you end up seeing him struggling (laughs). That’s funny, isn’t it? Shion, who doesn't know what he should do, is cute.
Shosei: Let’s stop here before it goes any more real (laughs)
Ruki: Yes, it would be like a trial in absence (laughs).

Kono-san was here and that's exactly why he was exposed.
Junki: So I’m not wandering! (laughs)
Everyone: (laughs)