[OWV] Nikkei XTREND 221028

https://xtrend.nikkei.com/atcl/contents/18/00602/00025/

OWV - A talented group x Yoshimoto Kyogo, a pride of unique characters

OWV is an up-and-coming boy group, formed in April 2020 by 4 former participants of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN, the survival audition that gave birth to JO1. In addition to their solid skills in dancing and singing, they won the heart of their fans with the gap between having a mature and sexy look, and also an easy approachable and honest side.

Their activities started after the audition ended, when Honda Kosuke, the future leader of the group, approached Yoshimoto Kyogo, their current agency, directly regarding (possible) activities. He made the self-analysis that a “boy group of Yoshimoto Kyogo” would their own novelty and strength amidst the countless active boy groups. This also turned out to be the origin of the group name “Our only Way to get Victory” (= becoming an unique group that no one is able to copy and taking the victory in this world’), a pride they have.

Kosuke: After the audition ended, while talking to Yoshimoto Kyogo (who were involved in the production of the program), I said “Wouldn’t it be possible to be active as an unit?” and after receiving a “Let’s do it”, OWV was formed. The main factor for the four of us forming this group was, that we just got along very well together. We were four people having the same dreams, or rather we were aiming in the same direction of what we wanted to do. This group is a project from a blank sheet of paper, something Yoshimoto Kyogo and we created together. I believe we have paved a new way.

Shuta: I think that this time, where there are a lot of artists, you will be unable to reach the top even if you walk the same path as a similar group as walked before. We want to widen the qualities of Yoshimoto Kyogo & Universal Sigma (OWV’s recording label). There is the gap between OWV’s music and the sternness of our visuals, where you can feel our mature side and on the other hand our banters in the MCs. If we can perfect this, OWV will surely become a strong and unique group.

Kosuke: Sure enough, being signed to Yoshimoto was the biggest thing for the group (so far). When I think about how it would have been if we would have signed to some so-called artist agency… I can’t really imagine it. Especially since we are able to actively collaborate with comedians, we have been shaped into what we are now, with our fun talks. In regards to music, Universal Sigma is pushing us forward, and we are learning from various seniors by participating in festivals. Another motivation had been our meetings with comedians. I think it is rare for other groups to be in an environment where comedians are close by and approach you. The group’s direction of being artists who can sing, dance and be funny is something we are only able to do under Yoshimoto Kyogo.

Fumiya: We signed right at the break into the “7th generation” of comedians. In this regard, OWV is a “7th generation artist”. I would like our catch phrase to be “Following the footsteps of Shimofuri Myojo! The 7th generation artist”
TN: Shimofuri Myojo - a manzai duo from Yoshimoto Kyogo. They are actually critical of the 7th generation of comedians, saying people are just in it for the glory. Still the media counts them as one of the representative comedians of this era.

Their mid term goal is to have an oneman show in front of 10.000 people

The 6 singles they have released since their debut all charted in the Top 5 of the Orion weekly charts. On 2nd November 2022, they will release their 7th single “Let Go”. The title track, that has been pre-released already, is a beautiful ballad that expresses with a sad singing the feelings of parting from a loved one and not being able to let go afterwards. They performed it for the first time on their second tour “OWV LIVE TOUR 2022 -STRANGE-“ which started on 1st October, and their epic performance attracted quite the attention.

Kosuke: Since we released (the dance tune) Time Jackerz (as our 6th single), we all said “Next, a ballad would be nice’”. First we had set up the theme of “a ballad that could work out even if we don’t dance”, but after all one of OWV’s strengths is dancing. So we said “Let’s try to dance to it” and added choreography as well.

Katsunari: We first showed it to the fans at the tour. About a year ago we first performed new songs at our tour and I felt happy regarding this.

Kosuke: The performance on stage was more difficult than I had imagined. It has choreography and lyrics so unlike our other songs, and it was hard for me to put emotions into it. However, there was the sense of “a song that makes you listen” and I was abler to immerse myself into the song. It was a new kind of fun for me.

Fumiya: Indeed. I feel that the lyrics reached the fans straight in their hearts. When I was watching their reactions and expressions during the performance, I could tell they were directly affected by those.

Katsunari: Also the music video displays a new atmosphere. So far we had a lot of videos that were made of dancing and image cuts, but this time it contains a lot of scenes in which the members act a bit. On top of that, we show the dance in the chorus. I think it got a fresh feeling, something different from OWV’s prevíous music videos, so I hope you will listen to it and watch it a lot.

When asked about their future goals, they replied with some worry “We said so much…” (Sano), they also talked about the hot topics they only talk about during live shows. The group, always friendly and cheerful, were constantly chattering about their goals.

Fumiya: The short term goal is of course that everyone stays fit and we can finish the tour.

Shuta: Yes, that’s important.

Kosuke: The long term goal is to have 50.000 people coming to our tour all together.

Katsunari: And staying fit in this case, too.

Shuta: That all together 50.000 people come to the tour?

Kosuke: Yes. 5 times more than the current tour. I guess we could make it happen if we had 30 shows on that tour. I am thinking that this time we are doing 6 shows in 3 cities, and next year we are gonna visit a few more places and then in the end, bam! We will have a concert in a big venue. Ah no, this sounds somehow vague. I aim “to have a solo concert in a venue that has a capacity of 10.000 people within 2-3 years”.

Shuta: Ah this sounds better.

Kosuke: It’s easier to understand, right? Earlier was vague, I will reflect on this (laughs).

Lastly, we asked Honda, born in 1995 and who is proud to be “exactly a Generation Z member” and the two years younger Nakagawa, the two oldest members of the group, about their favorite form of entertainment lately.

Katsunari: I have been playing (the shooting game) “Apex Legends” since about my final year of highschool and I’m so into it that I already broke one controller from playing too much. It all started when I first tried it out at my friend’s house, with whom I have been close since middle school. But what I really want to say is that “I am into watching stage plays”. There are a lot of plays lately that I want to watch. I really want to see the Harry Potter one (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), but so far the dates never worked out, so I didn’t go yet. So I can’t really say “I’m into this” yet…

Kosuke: I’m into Disney movies these days.

Katsunari: Really?

Kosuke: Really. I subscribed to “Disney Plus”. As an artist who expresses himself, when I thought about “What could be the best entertainment?”, I just knew I had to watch Disney movies. The first era animation movies, that had no text yet, were particularly interesting and they attracted me. Originally Mickey Mouse had been my role model, but from the viewpoint of just not being “interesting”, I’m watching one movie per day to rediscover myself and learn something. Disney’s own way of linking music and story is also a great teacher for my work.

[JO1] Sports Hochi 221026

https://hochi.news/articles/20221026-OHT1T51152.html

“JOCHUM”, created in the JO1 x Sanrio new character development project has been unveiled

The 11 member boy group JO1 released the new characters, created in the “JO1 x Sanrio new character development project” on the 26th.

Under the theme of “creating JO1 alter ego characters” JO1 teamed up with Sanrio, who have created more than 450 characters including “Hello Kitty”, for this project and the group name of the character has been decided as “JOCHUM”. Kawashiri Ren explained “JOCHUM has the meaning of roommate or friend. They are Soulmates who are each fulfilling their dreams.”

In the past Sanrio has collaborated with YOSHIKI for “yoshikitty”, EXILE’s Sekiguchi Mandy for “Hello Mandy” and the singer Niihama Leon for “Leosuke”.

The leader Yonashiro Sho said with a smile “It was a really precious experience. I’m glad that these characters were realized, down to the smallest detail.” The member Ohira Shosei said: “First of all, I am filled with gratitude to the staff who supported us in this regard. They made truly amazing characters happen for which I am thankful.”

Regarding the outcome of the design, Kono Junki said “My character is the cutest after being finished. I can’t thank them enough for making my character look so different from my poorly drawn draft. It is so cute. I love it.” Mamehara Issei expressed his satisfaction (with the designs), saying: “I am hopeless when it comes to drawing, but Sanrio altered it and made something very cute come out. Having a scarf, cape and belt included makes me really happy.” Also Tsurubo Shion expressed his gratitude, saying “I am proud of it. Thanks to Sanrio, they made the character look quite cute.”

Kinjo Sukai, who is good at drawing, expressed “In my character there are both my own ideals and the feelings of it as a Sanrio character. Rather than it being a character, I see it as another version of myself. I enjoyed thinking over it every night.” Kimata Syoya described the hard work that went into the creation of the draft: “I thought about the character by looking back at my own life. I faced myself for this.”

The group’s motto “Go To The TOP” has the meaning of standing at the top of the world. And, they hope to make a leap forward to this as their characters. Kawanishi Takumi said: “People overseas also know the Sanrio characters. I want our characters to go global, too.” Sato Keigo said “I hope these characters will be as active in the future as (the popular character) Cinnamoroll.” To this, Shiroiwa Ruki added his wish: “I hope a lot of people will love them. Hopefully they will be not just adored by us, but also by the fans.”

◆ Characters that the members have designed
Kinjo Sukai (22) - PiHAi - A fox with a pokerface. Its habit is sticking its tongue out.
Kawashiri Ren (25) - RAIN - A magician fox. Brings everyone surprises and excitement.
Ohira Shosei (22) - moco - A quietly beautiful angel. Can read people’s minds.
Mamehara Issei (20) - MAMEchi - A heroic Shiba Inu. His personality is too straightforward.
Kono Junki (24) - micoon - A microphone whose charm point is the round face. It likes to sleep.
Kimata Syoya (22) - CHIMATA - A lively bunny. It loves sushi.
Yonashiro Sho (27) - YA-NU-KA-MI - A Shisa, the guardian deity of the house. It rarely leaves the house.
Shiroiwa Ruki (24) - RURU - An actual princely? poodle. Doesn’t let go of its pacifier while sleeping.
Tsurubo Shion (21) - CHULALA - A chihuahua that can communicate with the cosmos. Its body is bear-like.
Sato Keigo (24) - Bira - A forgetful and bizarre flower. Its hobby is fortune-telling.
Kawanishi Takumi (23) - POP-POH - A penguin with a chubby body. It loves ice cream.

[JO1] ELLE 221024

https://www.elle.com/jp/culture/music-art-book/g41638146/jo1-kcon-2022-japan-interview-22-1024/

A special interview with JO1 at “KCON JAPAN 2022”! Only in ELLE they tell about secret stories behind the new songs and the highlight of the performance of a new song.

We caught JO1 at the huge event taking place at Ariake Arena 14th ~16th October.

What is KCON?
The Korean culture event KCON started in 2012 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It has been held in the USA and all over the world to promote K-Pop and other forms of Korean culture.

Due to the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic the offline events were canceled and KCON took place online for 2 years, but this year it finally returned to shows with a live audience. As the third installment this year, after LA and Saudi Arabia, it took place over three days, from 14th to 16th October, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, being a great success. The three-day event attracted an audience of around 41,000 visitors and 8.7 million digital viewers, proving in figures that the content is popular worldwide.

JO1, who appeared on the 15th October, have participated every year since their debut in 2020. The ban on large-scale offline performances was lifted this year, and they were finally able to stand on stage alongside spectacular other artists in front of a packed audience.

ELLE held an exclusive interview with JO1 right before their performance, covering everything from the stories behind KCON to their 6th single “MIDNIGHT SUN”.

Performing SuperCali Korean Ver. and a new song

There will be many highlights at this year's KCON 2022 JAPAN, but what are the most important points of interest for you personally?
Keigo: Sure enough, it is the first performance of the B-side “Rose” of our new single here. It will surely be a performance that will drive the audience crazy so much to the point that they will turn into roses!

Who is the member that drives you especially crazy?
Keigo: No one but Kawanishi Takumi-kun! His facial expressions are amazing.
Takumi: Eh? Me? I just do a cool expression that was advised, that’s all (laughs). Like this.
The rest: (laughs)
Junki: You just recreated what the teacher did! (Laughs)

Furthermore, since you will perform the Korean version of “SuperCali”, isn’t it hard to sing such a speedy song in Korean?
Takumi: The words in the rap before the last chorus are even more than in the Japanese version and there is a lot in the verse and very face paced. Also, the pronunciation is difficult, so I struggled a lot. I practiced hard.
Keigo: There are two parts where I can shine, but when we recorded it in Korea, it was pointed out that my original pitch was off more than my Korean pronunciation. Because after all, the number of words is different, so it was difficult to get the pitch right… It struck me that they said this seemed worse than my Korean pronunciation.

A secret story of the MV filming of their big hit “SuperCali”

It became a hot topic that both the PV and MV of “SuperCali” got your biggest view count in history, but please tell us an episode from the filming of the MV.
Issei: Except for the dance scenes where everyone was present, I was only at the same location as Takumi-kun, so I didn’t see what the other members were filming, making me able to see their sets for the first time in the MV itself, something that felt really new to me. I thought “So they filmed it like that!”. It was fun to watch the MV as it has a storyline and made me think about various things.
Takumi: I felt that was amazing. There is a shot where the members rotate in a circle and get further away from each other in a photo-like still image. I wondered how that was filmed.
Keigo: I just stood there. The cameraman was going round and around on something like a crane.

“MIDNIGHT SUN” that you have just released the other day has 4 songs all together, but please tell us the key point of the part you are in charge of in your recommended song.
Ren: For “Phobia”, I studied the emotional atmosphere of the song in order to bring out the song’s very own world. I tried to create an atmosphere in my own way, making it sound like it was going to disappear, like with the amount of breath I was using, so I hope lots of people will be impressed when they hear that part.
Junki: The start of the song “16(Sixteen). From the very first note, I sang the song with the intention of conveying the song's atmosphere 100%.

Of the four songs in this album, which one made you think intuitively "I might like it!" when you first heard it?
Junki: I think it was "Phobia". It is fully balanced, still there are a lot of surprises in the song, and the sound represents an atmosphere that hasn't really existed in JO1 songs up until now. I like it a lot, it's fragile and powerful at the same time.
Ren: For me it is also “Phobia” and the leadtrack “SuperCali”. I tend to like songs that have an easy to understand concept, so especially in “SuperCali”’s case the concept is easy to understand and it well expresses the strange world.

Yonashiro-san, what is your favorite song and to which one of your parts do you have a special attachment to?
Junki: He kinda looks as if he is going to say something interesting! (laughs)
Ruki: Didn’t he get an unusual part this time?
Keigo: A SHO with a threatening aura, right?
Ruki: You know, that bridge part.
Sho: Ah… It’s actually “16(Sixteen)”.
Ruki: What? You are not gonna talk about “Phobia”?
Sho: Ah, right. I guess it’s “Phobia” (laughs).
Ren: I guess, you say! (laughs)
Sho: The bridge “I am here, I only see you~”. When I heard the demo before the recording, I thought “I want to sing this part”, so I remember being really happy (when my parts were decided). So I decided to give my all for this! But I went a bit over the top and got scolded (laughs).
Ren: Yes, you were (laughs).
Sho: I tried to make it sound a lot like the way the Korean person sang the demo, but I was too enthusiastic and overdid it, and I heard how Ren was laughing a lot about it in the back (laughs).
Ruki: I received a lot of memorable parts this time and a lot of people praised my rap in the second verse of “SuperCali”, but I chose the first verse of “Phobia”.
Junki: The part “Vanished feelings~”? It’s so good.
Ruki: Because I haven’t sung like that before, and it was the first time I used this new singing style. “Phobia” is something I have never done before and it felt new to me, too.

“Phobia” seems widely popular with the members.
Ruki: It's a good song, and indeed quite popular with the members. Also,I especially like my part in it. I like the way it's well structured from the very beginning, and I like its fragile atmosphere.

Speaking of KCON, their recent favorite Korean culture thing is?

Since KCON is an event that spreads Korean culture, we would like to know about your recommendations for places in Seoul or Korean food that you have recently discovered.
Syoya: I have a dish. Because I love Korean food! Lately I love the dish Sundae. I've always liked appetizers, and as you probably know (from the Elle Gourmet series)… It's quite a unique dish, and I hear that even many Koreans don't like it, but I'm addicted to it!
TN: Sundae is a Korean sausage.
Junki: You ordered it so often from the delivery.
Syoya: There was barely anyone who ate those with me, so if we ate at a restaurant, we would go to a place where there were various menus, and I would order the sundae and the other members would order something else. I asked Shion, "Do you want some sundae?" But he refused, saying, "I don't want it" (laughs). I think it’s very tasty good for your health!
Shosei: I chose Lotte World. I went with Sukai and Syoya and it was so much fun. There is also a shopping mall close by and the food we ate there was delicious. We had a great time.
Syoya: Back then we didn’t eat Korean cuisine but Italian one.
Did you ride the thrilling attractions there?
Shosei: No, we rather enjoyed the park itself.
Sukai: There was an insane one. That free fall one.
Syoya: Yes, that was the scariest!

You spent a long time in South Korea this summer for production, what are some of your favorite new Korean words you learnt there? Or any words that became popular within the group?
Sukai: Photos are called “사진 (sajinh)”, and I really liked the term “life photo” that came up as part of the “HELL?O TOUR” programme on YouTube in Korea, where we were instructed to “take photos like this”. In Korean, it's called ”인생 사진 (Insensa-jin)”, and every time we took a photo, I kept on saying “Insensa-jin! Insensa-jin!”.
Syoya: Ah yes, you did that ~
Sukai: But it seemed to have become absorbed by the members, and it's probably not an exaggeration to say that I popularized it after that.
Syoya: It is one. It's not popular (among us)!
Shion: During the "HELL?O TOUR", Ren-kun, me and Keigo-kun helped with the preparation of moon shells, and I really liked the word "골뱅이 (golpenyi)" which we used a lot at that time. I kept wanting to say it.
Shosei: There is a word I learnt from the dance instructor! I first heard there of the word “chinma” which is the short form of “진짜 마지막' (chinchmajima = really last one). I realized that, "Korean language also has abbreviations", which I would never have understood unless I had a local person teach me.
TN: As I don’t understand Korean, I went with the katakana transcription from the original article, unless I found by chance a better one.

What do they want to do in 2022?

Only 2 months are left for 2022, but please tell us something you want to do this year!
Takumi: I would like to eat lots of food/rice.
Ren: Ah, this is important! Because fall has come.
Junki: I also want to eat (lots of) food/rice.
Keigo: I will be “Japan’s number 1 Sato” !
Everyone: (laughs)

[OWV] Instagram Live 221014

Katsunari sharing a behind story of the tiktok with JO1

[JO1] Asadesu 221012

[JO1] ELLE 221006

https://www.elle.com/jp/gourmet/gourmet-restaurants/g41186406/kimata-sushi-with-ren-22-1006/

[Part 1] JO1‘s Kimata Syoya tastes New Wave Edo Style sushi together with Kawashiri Ren! | The true tone on Kimata Sushi Vol. 5

A popular series that brings you the latest sushi trends!

The series “The true tone on Kimata Sushi” is by the JO1’s Kimata Syoya who just loves sushi too much. In this popular series one other member is chosen each time and the two will talk honestly over delicious sushi at a restaurant with seasonal sushi.

This time, dressed up a bit he went with the group’s stoic performance leader, Kawashiri Ren, to the New Wave Edo Style sushi restaurant in Azubu Juban (Tokyo). We caught up with the pair who spent quality time at the counter (of the restaurant).

To a mature restaurant with Kawashiri Ren, whose appearance was long awaited.

This time his partner is Kawashiri Ren, the first older member in this series. He is the second oldest one of the members and furthermore he is in charge of bringing the team together as the performance leader… so we assumed there could be some tension in their honest talk, but then they quickly made their standard move right in the front of the shop. The start of an enjoyable time.

Visiting “Sushi Yoshikawa” in Azubu!

The two visited “Sushi Yoshikawa” which opened in Azabu in March 2021. The founder and owner of the “Yoshikawa” brand, Yoshikawa Takamasa, first apprenticed with his father, when he was just 13 years old, and then learnt French cuisine before returning to the world of sushi. This experimental sushi restaurant has become a hot topic as it offers sushi based on the orthodox Edo style combined with western elements and a touch of craftsmanship together with seasonal ingredients, that will please both the eye and the tongue.

Syoya: Today is the time for the long awaited appearance of Ren-kun who loves sushi nearly as much as I do (adds emphasis).
Ren: Yes yes, nearly as much as you. I looked forward to this for so long! You know, earlier I talked with Syoya. “Is it okay to do this as a job?” (laughs)
Syoya: Right? (laughs) When was the last time you ate sushi, Ren-kun?
Ren: I think about a month ago. It happens quite often that during the lunch break of our dance practices I eat sushi with Syoya.
Syoya: That’s right. Oh, I ate it the day before yesterday.
Ren: ahaha! You really love it.

Syoya: I looked up this “Sushi Yoshikawa” on the internet before and I felt “The atmosphere of this restaurant suits to Ren-kun ~”
Ren: No really, I feel honoured to be invited by the famous “The true tone on Kimata Sushi” (laughs). I usually go to casual sushi restaurants, so I always wanted to visit such a mature sushi restaurant. Thank you, Syoya.

Syoya: What would you like to try, Ren-kun?
Ren: This looks amazing from here… I like sea urchins, so earlier I thought I would like to try them. Anyway, I have been looking forward to this since this morning!
Syoya: We received counter seats today, so there are only tempting things right in front of us already. There are shrimps and this one looks like french toast? I wonder what it is. Today we are at a New Wave Edo Style restaurant, so I’m really looking forward to the various ways of how they prepare it.

Syoya: Since Ren-kun is the second oldest member in the group, I felt such a mature restaurant would suit him.
Ren: Mature… Sure enough, when I see the members go crazy, I think they are cute and like children, so I guess I think of myself as an adult (laughs). Everyone is still so lively~
Syoya: That’s how you become an adult…
Ren: But sometimes I joke around with you.
Syoya: When I’m going crazy, I see Ren-kun watching me and think he is mature! This makes me feel as if I am an adult, too. Ren: hahaha!

First, toasting with Moringa tea!

Syoya: We have an intense full member dance practice later today, so let’s have a healthy tea now (laughs). And Ren-kun cannot drink alcohol.
Ren: I’m curious about this “Moringa tea”.
Chef: This tea is made from the leaves of Moringa, which is considered to be a superfood, and it is a strong and greenish juice like tea. It is very good for the body.
Both: One Moringa tea please!
Syoya: Shall we make a toast?
Ren: Cheers! It’s delicious and kinda calming (laughs).

Syoya: Today we will eat the “owner’s recommended course”, a very comprehensive one, as it includes sashimi, grilled things, nigiri, as well as rolls and the daily speciality. As Yoshikawa Takemasa also studied french cuisine and these French skills are used everywhere here.
Ren: This is so interesting! You can see the ingredients being prepared from the counter, so I am excited to see how everything will turn out.
Syoya: It is also exciting to see how the chefs work with their knives. I always buy fish at the fish market and at home I try to imitate sushi chefs by quickly moving my knife forward to make sashimi, but I cannot cut it as coolly as them. I want to go and buy a good knife. But it takes some skill to cut it coolly.
Ren: Ahaha! You also do such things?

3 exquisite sashimi dishes

Syoya: The first three dishes are the sashimi!
Chef: This is fatty tuna sashimi with raw wasabi, fried bonito and marinated scallops in sweet sauce.
Ren: Wow!
Syoya: The fatty tuna, so delicious! The wasabi on top isn’t strong at all and the flavour comes out. It is something that even Shosei who doesn’t like wasabi can eat. I want Shosei to discover the good sides of wasabi here.
Ren: You are not talking about the sashimi at all, just about the wasabi… (laughs). Why are there cuts in the tuna?
Syoya: So that the soy sauce can be absorbed. It is a common technique in sushi restaurants.
Ren: It is common in the sushi world (laughs)!
Chef: Our tuna is the Pacific bluefin tuna, but we only use a part of the belly that is close to the head, which has the most fat.
Ren: True, as soon as I put it into my mouth I can feel it melting. That’s why even if you used more wasabi, it would still lose to the fat.

Chef: The bonito was slightly fried on the surface. It is fried on the outside and marinated on the inside.
Syoya: Eh! It is fried?
Chef: And it is topped with tomato sauce.
Ren: A touch of French influence! It is a piquant tomato sauce.

Syoya: That it is fried feels so new… And bonito and tomato sauce fit very well, Isn’t the colour amazing, too? Both at the fried and non fried areas.
Ren: Ah, I like the smell… It feels a little nostalgic, but also a little warm when you put it into your mouth.
Syoya: It’s so amazing!

Ren: Next one is the scallops one.
Chef: The scallops are lightly marinated.
Syoya: Marinated ♡♡
Owner: A little sweet sauce on top of the marinated scallops and enjoy the aroma of yuzu.
Ren: Thank you!
Syoya: It is very meaty. You need to chew more than usual. The texture is great!
Ren: The scallops are chewy. I can feel they enjoy being in one’s mouth. Like they are dancing? The sweet sauce adds an accent.
Syoya: They are dancing! They are!

Syoya: Nigiri are also good, but I love this kind of sashimi and appetisers… (impressed)
Chef: Do you like all kinds of fish?
Syoya: There is no fish I dislike. I like all of them. Oh, there is more, right? There was no nigiri sushi yet, which is the main part of “The true tone on Kimata Sushi”. This is only the beginning! We have just started. I heard this is a new wave restaurant and it is some kind of a new genre.
Chef: We are selling things that incorporate something new.
Syoya: Did you come up with this yourself?

Chef: Yoshikawa Takemasa also made experiences in France and I am following his footsteps and learn from him, so I am trying to come up with original dishes like this. It is Edo style sushi, but I am aiming for something a little unconventional, something new and less orthodox.
Syoya: That’s what the sashimi at the beginning was! I wonder what is going to come next (laughs).
Ren: ahahaha!
Chef: Thank you very much. These were the three appetisers and next will be the grilled ones.

Deep fried tilefish with miso soup

Syoya: The grilled dishes are here! Deep fried tilefish. With Japanese mixed rice under it! What is this dashi-like soup on the side?
Chef: This is our special thick ara sauce, which you should eat by mixing the tilefish with the rice first. Then, please mix it with the thick ara sauce in your mouth and enjoy it.
Syoya: Wow~ It’s crispy. ASMR!!!
Ren: hahahaha!
Syoya: There are also a lot of vegetables. I kinda want to say a lot. The white fish is deeply fried but not falling apart, so it is tender. It matches the dashi soup.
Ren: Crispy and tender… It is hard to describe. It is satisfying, but the gentle taste makes you feel at ease. The ease of your home.

Ren: This ara sauce? Soup? is super delicious. You could eat it all alone.
Syoya: I want to drink it in the morning instead of hot water! How do you make this?
Chef: This is… (omission) Then you slowly and steadily boil it for two hours. Afterwards you filter the boiled product and add a little bit of soy sauce to the finished product…
Syoya: … I think I will make it. To drink it in the morning.
Ren: Nah, you just want to drink it (laughs). You can’t make it easily! It takes about 2 hours, doesn’t it? You start making it the night before?
Syoya: I’ll totally do that!
Ren: It was said before, but we are not even at the main part (the nigiri) yet. And yet, I already feel satisfied.
Syoya: I’m warmed up!

Finally the start of the nigiri!

Syoya: Here they are finally, from now on we eat nigiri.
Chef: Now then, let’s start with the sushi.
Both: Please!
Syoya: Red sushi rice! That’s indeed Edo style.
Chef: Flounder is the first course, followed by botan shrimp. You like shrimps, right?

Syoya: I reeeeeally love shrimps. Wow! Wow! I thought about ordering those from the Hometown tax donation program. I clicked the like button for all of them and saved them. All I need to do is to put them into the cart and order them.
TN: The hometown tax donation program is a program to support underdeveloped rural areas in Japan. People donate a part of their residential tax to a specified municipality and in turn they get a tax reduction and receive certain local products and specialities worth 30% or less of their donation from that municipality. Unlike the name suggests that area doesn't need to be your hometown.
Ren: But when your order comes, you have to do all the preparations, right?
Syoya: I will do all of it! Where do these come from?
Chef: These come from Alaska. They are bigger in this season and taste better than the ones from Hokkaido.
Syoya: Wow, they seem so delicious. I heard they fry everything except the body and serve it as tempura. Thank you in advance.

Chef: Botan shrimps with caviar on top, please enjoy.
Ren: Syoya, the shrimps are here!
Syoya: The moment I was nervous about has come. It’s always great to see. Beautiful. It is shaped like this to be put on top of the sushi rice?

Ren: Hahahaha! I guess this botan shrimp is going to be your favourite.
Syoya: No, it is really delicious! It has a nice crunchy texture. It’s so good, so good. Sauna like. It’s a harmonious shrimp.
Ren: Syoya values the texture a lot, doesn't he?

The French fusion technique comes out one after another

Chef: This is super fatty tuna with shallots on top.
Syoya: These shallots are the french influence again, right?
Chef: This is made from young, small, fresh pickled scallions, which are sliced and boiled into scallion oil.
Ren: So you are taking a french vegetable and arranging it in a Japanese way?
Syoya: Let’s take a moment to reset and focus. It would be easy to go for a quick bite, but this is where the pickled ginger comes into the game.
Ren: This is important!

Syoya: The moment adults say, you shouldn’t devour it, taste it properly… you are already a child.
Ren: Hahaha!
Syoya: The shallots are delicious! They are a whole revolution~ They are going to be a trend this year, the shallots. They will be a trendy food.

Next time on “The true tone on __ __ Sushi ”…?

Ren: What comes next? White meat fish?
Chef: How about you guess while eating it?
Syoya: I like this kind of thing! But as the sushi prince, I’m pressured to guess correctly…
Ren: If I am the only one to guess right, the series might become “The true tone on Kawashiri sushi” next time (laughs)!
Syoya: Hopefully not!

Syoya: It looks like white shrimp or the rare cut of a flounder… Which could it be?
Chef: You might know directly after eating it. Because some of the texture remains in your mouth.
Ren: (He will know it) Because Syoya is the texture master! Now, let me try it. It’s surely something I have eaten before. I know what it is.
Syoya: I got it! Yes, I know this. 1…2… ah, if I am wrong, it will become Kawashiri sushi, right?
Everyone: hahahaha!

Ren: It was very melty.
Syoya: Chopping it into small pieces and adjusting the taste… hm… I’m scared to say the wrong thing, so tell me Ren-kun’s answer… (whispers) Eh, I see! This will end up in Kawashiri sushi! The correct answer is… 1…2…
Both: Squid!
Chef: Correct!
Syoya: Wow~ So this is how squid becomes (here). I’m impressed. The texture is different from the squid served in regular sushi restaurants.

What the sea urchin loving Ren-kun has been waiting for

Syoya: Next up is crab! Everyone loves them. I mean, crabs are a delicacy, aren't they?
Chef: Today’s special is not part of the course, but we are offering this for you. It is crab flakes with sea urchin on top.
Ren: Ah! There is the sea urchin! It is a sea urchin pillow. Wow, I want to sleep on it (laughs).

Syoya: Eh maybe… It’s crab with sea urchin on top! I haven’t eaten crumb together with sea urchin before.
Ren: Hahaha! The crab meat is flavoured with crab paste so it’s two rich flavours together. Both are the stars of the dish. I think it’s been a while since I last ate crab.

Syoya: It melted away in my mouth. Moreover, the sea urchin is just sweet. There is zero bitterness! I want to have another one.
Ren: I love sea urchin but… it happened so fast, I can’t help but be impressed (laughs).

Ren: When you go in private, you can’t talk to the sushi chef like this. You don’t receive such explanations.
Syoya: Indeed.
Ren: Normally, the conversation is nothing more than “This is delicious!”. But eating it while hearing about all the different hidden flavours, like today, made it even more delicious.
Syoya: Because that’s where your nerves go, right?
Ren: I actually said something very nice now (laughs)!
Syoya: The number of seats at the counter is just the right number to fit all JO1 members and Choi CEO. Already during the first three appetisers I made up my mind, “Ah, I have to come here again with everyone” (laughs).

Syoya: Oh no, the next one is being prepared so we have to reset (our taste buds) with pickled ginger! Time to focus!
Ren: There is still (the taste of) sea urchin in the mouth. Time to reset!
Chef: This is red flesh (of tuna) marinated in red wine, topped with yuzu koshou cream cheese.
TN: yuzu koshou is a fermented paste made of yuzu, salt and chili peppers.
Ren: Finally cream cheese!
Syoya: The cream cheese women love.

Chef: We marinated the tuna in a sauce made half of red wine and half of soy sauce. This is combined with cream cheese and finely chopped pickled ginger.
Syoya: Awesome! To combine these things! Furthermore, until the yuzu koshou. This makes it a little spicier. This is like an appetiser.
Ren: It caught my eyes already before, but the photographer makes really beautiful pictures of sushi. The deliciousness is conveyed!
Photographer: Thank you very much (laughs).

Chef: You two really love sushi.
Syoya: (while eating) I love it.
Ren: Syoya eats it 5 times a week.
Syoya: It's nice to see the chef being in the spirit of surprise or rather being caught up in his intention.
Ren: It is not so much his intention but the fact that we were caught up (laughs).
Syoya: But actually you don’t like that, right Ren-kun?
Ren: That’s right. I’m in the type who doesn’t want to be tricked.
Syoya: But today you lost.
Ren: I did. It was a complete defeat.
Syoya: It’s delicious! For real, I am yielding to this.

[Bonus] Their feelings regarding their first arena tour?

JO1’s first arena tour that started in September included Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa and Fukuoka and now only the extra shows in Tokyo on 22nd and 23rd October are left. What are the feelings for the tour right after the announcement?

Syoya: When this article is released, we finished all shows up to the ones in Fukuoka. Ren-kun cried when the tour was announced.
Ren: That made me cry. I recalled a past shock.
Syoya: A shock?

Ren: I am the second oldest one of 4 brothers and when I was young I had a really heavy fight with my oldest brother. I can’t forget the shock from back then despite I was quite young back then. For a long time there was nothing that shocked me more than that, but I grew up and when I went to see a BIGBANG concert, it started with an amazing amount of cheers and this moment felt like ot physically hit me and this shock surpassed the one of the fight with my older brother (laughs). It is a whole different type of shock, but it made shocks into something enjoyable. From then on I started to think “I want to make music. I want to dance.”.
Syoya: The cheers at a show of BIGBANG seem amazing.

Ren: Since we became JO1 we were unable to hear such cheers and I forgot about this shock. But when the arena tour was announced at the event in May, JAM ended up cheering loudly for a moment, right? When I heard those, I remembered the cheers I heard in the past and I was completely shocked.
Syoya: Right. Since you experienced these cheers also in your time as a dancer, you know that feeling. Compared to me you have a lot of experience on the big stages and I think it that sense you have these strong feelings regarding cheers. I also remember those from the predebut fan meetings and the audition. Once you experience them, you can’t stop (craving them), right?
Ren: You can’t.

Syoya: Sure enough real concerts are great. Even when the audience is wearing a mask, you can see their facial expressions by their eyebrows and eyes, whether they are happy or crying. I really like the feeling of seeing their reactions directly.
Ren: It’s like playing catching balls with the audience, right? I always knew that performing live is the reason why I wanted to take up this work.
Syoya: I’m reallyyyyyy happy that we are finally able to have such a tour. I want to do this more and more in the future!

[OWV] Nylon 200928

DO YOU FEEL YOUR MUSIC? OWV who still hide their shine are spreading their wings to the world
In the middle of the world welcoming a huge change, the rookie boy group OWV appeared like a comet. In the gazes of the members, who have made both bitter and sweet experiences in the audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”, a strong light is dwelling.
This interview will unravel their state of mind after the audition, the hidden stories of their formation and episodes they haven’t talked about until now. Unfolding the real faces of the four members who have a huge hidden potential.

How did you honestly feel when OWV’s formation was decided?
Kosuke: I felt grateful that once more I became able to run towards my dream. It has been so frustrating to be unable to grasp my dream after coming close to it in PDJ (as PRODUCE 101 JAPAN is shortened to) but I’m glad that I continued without ever giving up.
Shuta: In my case, I was surprised that the attention for this program was bigger than I expected. I had the wish to be active in a dance-vocal unit since I was a child, so PDJ was the chance for it, but even though I missed that chance I was looking for a new one, thinking “I’m gonna continue to do my best”. While I was wondering how I should open up a new path, the talks for this group’s formation reached me and I was honestly happy about it.
Fumiya: As I was a university student during PDJ, I felt like a loser as I was the only looking sloopy while all my friends were job hunting in suits. When I was eliminated in PDJ, I was highly anxious, thinking “What should I do with my career?”. I was really happy when this group was decided and I felt relieved that everything I have done so far was no mistake in the end.
Katsunari: I had already begun job hunting. Hence, when I got another chance to debut, I was so happy that I could have cried. But I didn’t cry (laughs). And, I had made the promise to my parents that if I fail PDJ I will start job hunting. It had been my intent to work in a normal company (laughs).
Shuta: What? So you are saying it was either being a standard company employee or OWV for you?
Katsunari: That’s what I just said? (laughs)

We both have the experience of being back dancers and we have similar worries

How were the members decided?
Kosuke: After the show ended, when the former trainees exchanged messages “What should we do from now on?”, the 4 of us naturally came together as our aim and thoughts were similar, just like our passion. For example, if you look at me and Fumiya, we both worked as back dancers and we had similar worries.
Fumiya: I feel it was at the time the agency also mentioned that “Don’t you want to do it together?”. The person in charge of us eliminated trainees had been concerned back then.

In this case, it was something spontaneous, right?
Shuta: That’s right. I feel it just happened while we were talking with each other.

In which regard did you share the feelings with the other members?
Kosuke: The biggest one was the will to be more artists than idols.
Katsunari: In my opinion, idols have more of a “young and fresh” image and as we have experienced being at the bottom and also older, I felt I want to do it as an artist with a mature feeling… How about you guys?
Shuta: Ah, yes. That‘s right (laughs).
Fumiya: I feel the border between idol and artist is disappearing more and more. Especially in K-POP.
Kosuke: We might not live up to the title artist for now, but one day I hope we become someone who is called “an artist who represents Japan”. To be recognised as someone with real abilities.
Fumiya: Both me and Honda used to be dancers, so we would like to choreograph and create our own songs.

Which member came up with the name OWV for the group?
Fumiya: Well, each one of us had his own ideas and we wrote them down on a white board.
Kosuke: The people from the agency also entrusted us with this, saying “It will be more meaningful if the members decided it together after discussing it”. However…
Fumiya: You don’t want to remember it, right? The thing we struggled the most was deciding on our group name (laughs).
Shuta: We were discussing it over and over with the members and staff and OWV was the one name we all could agree on. As this overlapped with the lockdown because of the covid pandemic, we exchanged our ideas on LINE, too.
Katsunari: Normally, we texted, but out of nowhere Honda-kun sent a picture. It was a picture with the group name written in a cool font on a black background.
Shuta: It was a chat, wasn’t it? Everything looks cool there.

Are there any people or artists you see as your role model?
Katsunari: It is hard to say ‘It’s them for sure’!
Fumiya: For example, we have the goal to be like BIGBANG-san who can make each one’s individual charm shine more by the low number of members. I personally respect G-DRAGON-san.
Kosuke: There is also WINNER-san.
Shuta: As the 4 of us get along very well… While it might be a bit ridiculous, I would like us to be like Arashi-san and be always close with each other.
Katsunari: We are really close, so I want this to be seen, too. But I think if someone set up a camera, you would understand it (laughs).
Kosuke: Like us living in a dorm again (laughs)? But this might be impossible for Shuta.

Is that so? Why?
Fumiya: Shuta’s mother is very worried about him.
Shuta: When we stayed in the dorm in Korea for the program, I was unable to reply to the LINE messages of my mother and when I opened the app afterwards, 214 messages from her had come. She even told me yesterday and this morning “Don’t live in a dorm again” (laughs). She would surely follow me if I ever moved into a dorm again. For real!
Katsunari: Among the 101 trainees, your mother was there, too, right? (laughs)
Shuta: No (laughs).
Kosuke: But you don’t seem to dislike your mother being worried about you?
Shuta: I really dislike it (laughs).
Kosuke: Only Shuta lives a little far from the city center with his family, so it would be better if he moved closer for work.
Katsunari: Your commuting expenses must be high (laughs).
Shuta: They are! But, I stay there for my family as I’m a kind guy.
Katsunari: You said so (laughs).
Kosuke: Another goal of ours might be to have our own show where we could have private talks like this. We are always laughing with each other over the most trivial things and everyone always thinks about topics to talk about.
Fumiya: Sometimes, our discussions about talks are far more intense than the one about singing and dancing. We only have evaluation meetings that go “At this point, we make more people laugh if we do it like this”. (laughs)
Kosuke: We think about a flow like if we come to this point we reply like that. It would be nice to showcase this chatty side along with our artist activities.
Fumiya: Yes.
Kosuke: Also, personally, I would like to produce one day. But as we are still before our debut, it is not the time to say that, right? (laughs) For this, I would like to become first someone who can produce his own group. I would like to advance with the goal of becoming the number 1 in Japan and becoming someone the world pays attention to.

By the way, has been OWV’s leader decided?
Fumiya: Right now a leader hasn’t been formally appointed. However, sure enough Honda-kun is the one who leads us in various aspects. I’m sure the fans also agree with this.
Shuta: Because he is “Nation’s aniki”.
Katsunari: We rely on him.
Shuta: After all that’s because he is “Nation’s aniki”.
Katsunari: I heard you (laughs).
Kosuke: When we come to the point of deciding a leader, we will once more refer to everyone’s opinions and decide him based on this. The result might be that Shuta becomes the leader (laughs).
Everyone: (laughs)
Shuta: Why are you laughing?
Fumiya: But I think this is impossible.
Shuta: Hey!
Kosuke: (laughs) We also need to decide on the member colors.

I am deeply moved that we have become friends who rush through life together.

Please tell us about the reason each one of you started to aim for the entertainment world. You surely yearned for it since your childhood?
Shuta: In my case yes. I have watched K-POP since I was young and the quality of the dancing, singing and performances was amazing and I started to feel that I want to do this, too. I think the first ones were SHINee-san.
Katsunari: I only entered the entertainment world when I was 20 years old and started dancing after that. I think I’m a late bloomer. To the point that I expected my future career will involve a normal job hunting. .
Fumiya: I am also a late bloomer. I only started dancing in my second year of university. It had been a hurdle that I learnt everything myself instead of being part of a circle or going to dance lessons. I didn’t like studying. I learnt it by watching dance competitions and analyzing myself. I learnt dancing while competing at events at live houses late at night. Also, my work as a back dancer comes from people approaching me at such events. Hence, my mindset is more like the street style. Maybe that’s why I am really bad at teaching others. That’s why I entrusted this to Honda-kun.
Kosuke: I am the full opposite of Fumiya. I began visiting the dance school which I always wanted to do after leaving my school club because of an injury in high school. Afterwards, I moved to Tokyo to visit a dance vocational school and this led to me starting to work as a back dancer.Judging from your characters, I assumed Honda-kun comes from the street style and Fumiya was the one who was taught at a school.
Kosuke: Right! The impression is the opposite, isn’t it?

By the way, in what kind of club were you?
Kosuke: In high school I was in the track and field club.
Fumiya: We are the same. Baseball club in middle school and track and field in high school.

You didn’t consider continuing baseball in high school?
Kosuke: I hated being bald (laughs).
Fumiya: I disliked team sports.
Everyone: (laughs)
Fumiya: Back then! I hated losing because of the faults of others. At the same time, I hated if the team lost because of my mistakes. As track and field is an individual sport, I chose that in high school.

Do you remember your first impression of the other members?
Kosuke: I knew Fumiya already before the show, but back then I had no idea that he was that much of a street like dancer. I didn't expect him to be such a cool and ambitious person who worked his way up. ”You are such a person!” As I am the type of person who didn’t have such a hurdle and examined everything closely through the lessons, I had the feeling of wanting to have some hurdle deep inside of me. When I see someone who has such a background, I can tell that directly. It makes me wish to live like this too.
Fumiya: But I just jumped into the dance battle world without having a clue what I was actually doing, so I was really bad. No matter which event I joined, there was no positive result. But if you keep on trying, you will eventually hit.
Kosuke: It is amazing that you endured such a period without being discouraged.
Fumiya: Because I am competitive. The first time me and Honda-kun met, it was that Honda-kun was one of the performing artists and I was back dancer for another group.
Kosuke: Back then I was in an indie dance and vocal group and on that day we had a live show with another dance and vocal group for which Fumiya was the back dancer. Back then, I wouldn’t have believed that now we would be in the same group.
Fumiya: Me too.
Shuta: Me and Fumiya were friends already before we appeared on the show.
Fumiya: That’s the truth.
Shuta: Since we were good friends for a while, I am deeply moved that we have become friends who rush through life together.
Kosuke: My image of Shuta never changed.
Fumiya: It’s just the part (which never changed) that I assumed “That guy seems kind” and he proved to be kind after becoming friends (laughs).
Katsunari: Shuta felt like a funny moodmaker from the start. This image barely changed (laughs). He is a common kind guy.
Shuta: Why is everyone teasing me? (laughs) I also felt from the start that Katsu-kun is a funny guy.
Kosuke: He has no hidden side (laughs). I felt that Katsu was a scary guy in the beginning. His way of replying was really short. A way only a truly handsome guy can reply (laughs). I thought “I can’t do that!”. But once I started talking to him, he was the typical funny older brother from Kansai.
Fumiya: He was tall and back then his hair was blonde. My first impression was “There are people who are cool just by their height”. When we were together for the second screening, I ended up thinking “This guy will advance to a good place”.
Kosuke: The outlook of a producer (laughs).
Katsunari: Speaking of this, I also thought Honda-kun was scary? Because I often witnessed his passion exploding during PDJ.
Shuta: I thought so, too. Kosuke-kun is just “THE GUY”, so I was nervous initially. But when we were in the same group he was really kind and I started to like him. He also got a cute side with him always rolling his little face roller in his face.
Katsunari: We are always borrowing sunscreen from Honda-kun, because he always has it with him.
Shuta: He got the one which is the best for the skin (laughs). I guess I only realized that gap about him after the group was formed. Speaking of gaps, you would think on the first glance that Fumiya is no joker at all as he seems cool, but surprisingly he talks a lot and tries to get some laughs.
Katsunari: My first impression of Fumiya was the same. After we became friends I was surprised that he is such a mischievous person.

Well, then I would like to ask you about the sides you respect about each other.
Fumiya: I try to absorb the movements of a body by watching them, but Shuta has an excellent ear. You might know that he can play the piano, but he can also do voice percussion. He is good in absorbuíng music with his ears. I envy this. I think there are many things I can learn from him in this regard.
Katsunari: That’s right. I think that Shuta is not just good at singing, but he also has a human side. I am a bit ashamed to say it again but I feel I have to imitate his side of brighting the atmosphere as the moodmaker (laughs).
Shuta: (laughs) I believe Katsu-kun is amazing. I think it is because he brings a different balance than a moodmaker. His gentleness of pacifying the atmosphere and his ability to read the mood. Moodmakers tend to hype up the atmosphere and that’s it, but in Katsu-kun’s case, he adjusts the mood so that the whole place feels good.
Katsunari: Right.
Shuta: Don’t say “right” (laughs). But I truly think you are amazing.
Katsunari: Thank you very much (embarrassed). Fumiya’s desire to pursue and his hunger for dance, of course, but also for the things he is interested in is amazing. This is the part I lack the most or rather I just do everything averagely, so I respect this side of him.
Kosuke: Sure enough I admire Fumiya for competing on the streets. Because this is something you can only do if you have the right self esteem and resolution and you have to fully go to the bottom of expressing yourself.
Shuta: Compared to the time I first met Fumiya, I feel he has become quite good and he has become able to devote himself to dancing. Also, that he is competitive. He is not only competitive, but also works hard until the very end and this side brings him into a good direction, or rather, it is giving him a certain confidence. Next, let’s talk about Aniki (Honda-kun).
Katsunari: Naturally, I highly respect Aniki’s dancing. Regarding his personality I already said that, but I think it is cool that he is reliable, that he really values personal relationships and that he is a proper adult in that way. I think this is important no matter the industry.
Fumiya: After all, he always leads us and he is also good at teaching us. He really feels like an older brother (= aniki).
Shuta: There is a lot (that I respect) like him valuing the relationships between people, his passionate heart and his leadership, but I think what I respect the most is that he “can pay attention”. For example, when someone asks me “What do you think of this move?”, I am the type of person who barely can give honest feedback. I would just say “It’s good” and that’s it. But Kosuke-kun would tell me flatly everything up to what was not so good. But he doesn’t make me feel bad about being admonished or being warned. I can tell he really thinks about the other person when he says those things. He understands them and tells them so, in order for everyone to improve together. I think that is something hard to do.

What is your goal as OWV?
Kosuke: Both us and the staff decided that in the 1 or 2 years after our debut we want to stand on stage of the Budokan, so this is what we want to make come true.
Fumiya: In addition, there is also the goal that we want to become fashion icons as OWV. For us, BIGBANG-san are like this and we want to become a group that is influential in a lot of areas.
Kosuke: We want to become a group that can be also liked by guys, right?
Shuta: Yes. We want to become someone who is imitated. I would be happy if someone made dance covers of our songs. Or that someone thinks “Because they are wearing this, I want to wear this, too”.
Katsunari: To say it boldly, we hope to become a trend.
Shuta: It would be awesome, if we really became such a group. Someone that makes people say “That clothes are typical OWV”.
Katsunari: That’s great! I want to do my best in this regard!
Fumiya: I also want to us to become a strong group that can tell our own story on documentary programs like “Jonetsu Tairiku” or “Pro no ugokikata”. I want us to become a strong group who is told “Please appear on our program” instead of us saying “We want to appear there”.
Kosuke: But you seem already ready to appear there, Fumiya (laughs). With all your ups and downs of competing on the street after you started dancing and your debut happening even though you were eliminated during the audition.
TN: It seems like since 2021 the second program is named “Why not? Watashitachi no ugokikata”.

Next I would like to ask about music. First of all, which kind of music or which artists do each of you like?
Katsunari: I’m often listening to western music. I like R&B and I’m often listening to Shawn Mendes. When it comes to enjoying music, including the videos, I often listen to K-POP. It is not one group I like, but rather there are songs that I enjoy.
Kosuke: I mainly listen to Japanese bands. I only listen to western music when I look for songs to dance to. But I think this is typical for people who have been back dancers (laughs). The bands I often listen to include SHE’S-san and I Don’t Like Mondays-san. Also, back number-san. And I’m listening to the hits of Higedan-san (Official Higedan dism).
Fumiya: I mainly listen to Western hip hop, R&B and pop music. When it comes to Japanese songs, I love Obukuro Nariaki-san. I think this person is a genius who does it amazingly without being tied to a genre. I originally got into Western music through hip hop and it was also the reason why I got interested in dancing.
Shuta: Since I was a child classical music was played at home, so I’m extremely familiar with it. Also during breakfast these days, classical music is played.
Katsunari: There are really such families…
Kosuke: What kind of classical music?
Shuta: Eh… the usual stuff. Like Mozart-san or Chopin-san…
Everyone: (laugh)
Kosuke: You use “san” for them (laughs)
Fumiya: Another one. I want to know another one.
Shuta: Eh… Who else. I think Tschaikowski.
Kosuke: Now, there was no “san” (laughs).
Katsunari: You really live like a royal.
Shuta: But my meals are not royal at all. Normally, it’s bacon and eggs or bread.
Kosuke: Bread-san?
Shuta: Yes, I eat bread-san. And as music-san I add Mozert-san to it. And, during my school years I started to like SHINee and since then I also listen to K-POP.
Kosuke: No no no. You have to add a “san” to SHINee-san.
Everyone: (laugh)
Shuta: I have no idea anymore where I should add the “san”.

The lyrics about the feeling of living in a far away town stick with me

(laughs) Now, please tell us the first CD or song you bought from your pocket money or part time salary.
Katsunari: It was from Bangtan-san (BTS). I think it was the album “DARK&WILD” which included the song “War of Hormones”. I also bought a CD of BIGBANG-san released at the same time.
TN: As Dark & Wild was released in August 2014, he likely refers to “The Best of Big Bang 2006-2014” or the live album “2014 BIGBANG +a IN SEOUL”.
Kosuke: It was Mr. Children-san’s “Hanabi”.
Shuta: This is such a nice song~
Kosuke: I remember the case not being plastic but paper.
Fumiya: In my case it was something like a best of CD that featured hit songs from various hip hop artists. I often listened to the CD when my family went somewhere by car and gradually my parents also knew those well (laughs). Eventually, my father nodded along while driving.
Katsunari: What a cool family (laughs).

After the hip hop family I would like to hear about the classic family next.
Shuta: The very first CD I bought was in fact a classical one.
Kosuke: For real?
Shuta: Yes, really. Because in order to improve my piano skills it was good to listen to this kind of music.
Fumiya: That’s true however (laughs). It’s kinda different and funny, Shuta.
Shuta: I think it was a CD that features a lot of famous works from various composers. It was played during breakfast for example.
Kosuke: Powerful. Everything you have said so far.
Katsunari: Really! Someone we feel so small compared with your excellence (laughs)
Shuta: You don't have to!

Please tell us whether there is a memorable song for you.
Kosuke: For me it is the song “Tegami” by back number-san. The song text is really like a letter to one’s parents, telling them “I’m working hard to reach my dreams”. When I was on the verge of being discouraged and wanted to go home again, this was the song that made me think “I will work hard again”. It’s like going back to the start. Because when I moved to Tokyo to chase my dreams, I thought about my parents a lot before making my decision.
Shuta: For me it is Mr. Children-san’s “Owarinaki tabi”. I like the lyrics that hit you right into the heart. I like the part “I feel great when I climb progressively higher walls.”, but when I first heard it it shocked me, thinking “what are those lyrics…”.
Fumiya: For me it is Shimizu Shota-san’s “Tokyo”. The lyrics about the feeling of living in a far away town stick with me, because I long felt stuck at the bottom after moving from the countryside to Tokyo, too. I often listened to it when I felt I was buried under everything.
Shuta: When you were buried under (laughs).
TN: 下積み has a double meaning by once being literally buried by something or be at the bottom layer of something and feeling it metaphorical to the point of being a loser, a failure. While Fumiya meant it in a metaphorical way, Shuta tries to lighten the mood by putting up the image of Fumiya being literally buried under something while listening to the song.
Katsunari: This song is great. As someone who also moved from the countryside to Tokyo I can understand. For me it is ONE OK ROCK-san’s “Yokubou ni michita seinendan”. I often listened to it when I was part of a small agency and felt insecure, thinking “If I can’t make it with the next chance, I’ll give up.” Back then I felt I could link the lyrics to my own situation.

I hope to remember the times when there was no reward.

Next, please tell us your favorite lyrics.
Katsunari: From the song “Tabako” from Koresawa-san. There are the lyrics “I set the clock five minutes early for my lower who tends to oversleep, but this has no meaning anymore.”. Their point is that the two have already broken up. I think this kind of technical writing style makes the melancholy of the song stronger and better.
Shuta: For me it is the lyrics of the song “My Pace” from the K-POP group Stray Kids. I feel it fits our situation. It feels that we go on in our pace without being compared to others, but especially the parts “Don’t give up Don’t give up Even if you compare there is no meaning in it” gives me energy.
Fumiya: For me it is the song “Kadode” by Obukuro Nariaki. There is the phrase “Somehow I miss being alive”. I guess there are a lot of interpretations regarding this but.. It’s hard to speak of such a highly intellectual level.
Katsunari: I am curious. Would it be quicker to listen to it myself?
Fumiya: Yes. It’s hard to explain. Try to listen to it.
Kosuke: For me it is the song “Alarm” by tensaibonzin. During my indie times I appeared along with tensaibonzin and I listened to this song from then on often. It is a song for people who are trying to reach their dreams, but I like the lyrics “What is the right answer I only decide that I trust my choices”. It clearly fit my situation back then and it renewed my motivation to give my all.

There are a lot of songs that are hungry to reach one’s dreams in your choices.
Fumiya: Because there has been a long time of us being losers.

What kind of worries did you have in your times at back dancers, Honda-san and Sano-san?
Kosuke: I originally started dancing because I wanted to work in the spotlight and I felt I wasn’t cut to be a back dancer. I quit when I felt a bit frustrated about not being in the spotlight. Of course, it is a matter of being suited for it, so I am not saying that dancing at the front is superior to dancing in the back. It was simply not something for me. After realizing this, I started my former indie group.
Fumiya: It was the same for me. There was a time when I felt extremely uncomfortable about receiving a lot of cheers while being on stage as none of those cheers were for me. I believed in myself being a back dancer, but at one point I felt “I can’t keep on doing this…”. That’s why I am really grateful for what I am doing now.
Kosuke: Both in my times as a back dancer and during my indie days it was hard to continue with the activities. Even when I appeared at some dance event, I had to prepare my costume myself, pay for the participation, pay for the dance studio to practice until the performance, there was also a ticket quota… I really appreciate the current environment. We are the ones who were eliminated from the audition once, and I hope to remember the times when there was no reward.

Now I would like to ask you for one song “that you want to listen to with someone special by sharing your earphones”.
Katsunari: Hm.. which one… There is the song “Eat” by Zion.T, which might be good. It is a song for people who are always working hard and it says “Don’t exert yourself too much, relax a bit while eating chocolate and listen to this song”. I want to listen to it together when my special one is exhausted from being busy.
Fumiya: Special someone… I have no interest in that. I only listen to songs based on whether I want to dance to them or not.
Everyone: Wow~ So cool.
Fumiya: (laughs) However, I think “Closer feat. Haley” by Chainsmokers which has a slightly sad atmosphere but a melody that lifts your mood, might be good.
Kosuke: It is a song I often listened to in the past, but it would be “milk tea” by Fukuyama Masaharu. The lyrics scream of love from the bottom of one’s heart. It has a very moving composition with the milk tea from the title finally coming up towards the end “On a rainy slope Under one umbrella The milk tea you gave me”.
Shuta: …. is a classical song okay?
Members: (laugh)
Shuta: I pick “Liebestraum” (Love Dream) by Liszt. The impact from the melody of the intro is great and it makes me feel at peace… Classical music has no lyrics, so you can only guess the message of the song based on the title “Liebestraum”, but the impression is greatly different for each person. I imagine it to be fun to see how the other one would interpret the song and try to compare it with mine. I think it is perfect for listening with your partner. Classical music is really great (for this).
Kosuke: Wow, he is so cool.
Fumiya: It’s so different from the rest of us (laughs). You can feel him being an intellectual.
Since the lockdown to fight the Corona virus has started, how do you spend your days?
Katsunari: We announced OWV’s formation on Honda-kun’s birthday (11th April), but we first came together shortly before the implementation of the emergency state. Just when we decided “We are gonna start our activities as OWV!” The emergency state began, so we discussed it and every day we called each other for a long time.
Kosuke: We barely even talked, we were just connected to each other (laughs).
Shuta: Really we were connected to each other the whooole time.
Kosuke: We had no idea when to end the calls.
Shuta: Right, we are all not the people to end calls.
Katsunari: As we were all like this, it ended up being like a marathon (laughs).
Fumiya: It was pretty much as if we lived together.
Shuta: It was often until 2 or 3 am.

To be continued...

[JO1] Nippon Housou News Online 220928

https://news.1242.com/article/388312

JO1’s Shiroiwa revealed that during his elementary and middle school years he did “his homework while sitting in the train” to which Mamehara replied “The typical city kid…”

On the night of the 21st September (Wednesday), the radio program ‘JO1 All Night Nippon X’ (every Wednesday from 24:00~24:58 on Nippon Housou) aired of which Shiroiwa Ruki of the 11 member global boy group JO1 acts as the main personality. As the weekly changing personalitiesKawashiri Ren and Mamehara Issei appeared in this episode. In response to a mail from a listener, asking “Before smartphones became common, how did you spend your time?”, Shiroiwa and Mamehara talked about events from their school years.

Ruki: As I am from the flip phone era, I listened to music or did my homework.

Issei: You did your homework?

Ruki: During my elementary and middle school days, I played soccer at a place that was one and a half hours from my home. Back then, I of course had no smartphone and also no music player. Hence, at this time, I did my homework while sitting in the train. My thighs were my desk.

Ren: Eeeeh!

Ruki: When school was over, I directly boarded the train to go to soccer and when I came home it was already late at night. So I had no other time for homework. I guess the adults around me thought “What is this kid doing in the train?”, but if I didn’t do it someone would have gotten angry.

Issei: You are so admirable-. The typical city kid-...

Ren: I know a super fun game which you can do in the train.

Ruki: Oh! Please tell us about it!

Ren: The game is about making the 4-digit number of the license plate of an car in the opposite direction be 1, by adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing. It’s fun, so everyone please try it.

Ruki: It sounds like you really have to use your brain for this… If it is an expressway, a lot of cars are coming up, right?

Ren: It is sometimes hard to keep up! (laughs)

Ruki: I guess… I won’t play this game! (laughs)

Ren: Do it! (laughs) When your phone battery runs out for example, please try it.

Issei: I never rode the train before smartphones became common. Ren: Ah!

Issei: But when I started high school. I didn’t ride a(n electrically powered) train but a steam train.

Ruki: Ehh?

Issei: Well, I am from the countryside.

Ren: That’s amazing.

Ruki: I never rode a steam train.

Issei: There were also unmanned stations.

Ruki: That’s so cool! Just like in Harry Potter! Something I only have seen there!

Ren: Right!

Issei: Because it was unmanned. (Station staff) was only there in the morning.

Ruki: Hm?

Issei: They were there at 7 am for example, to sell tickets. But then the stations were unmanned after the shutters closed.

Ruki: Wow!!

Mamehara didn’t go to high school by electric trains but by a steam one. Mamhehara added that “Even though I say it is a steam train, it was not a choo choo train. These are running on the same motor power as a steam one.”, which caused the mood to liven up as both Shiroiwa and Kawashiri said “But that’s because these are also a steam train!” “I was able to listen to an amazing talk!” and they seemed really curious about it.

[JO1] Last MC at KIZUNA tour Fukuoka show 220923

based on this transcription: https://natalie.mu/music/news/494733

Before the last song the members made their greetings one after another.
Kawashiri put his feelings into words while wiping away his tears:
I think in one’s life there are a lot of happy and lucky moments, but there are surely also bitter times. In such times you often hear, “If you add one more stroke to ‘bitter’ it turns into ‘happiness’.”, but I always wondered “Where should I take that one stroke from?” Just like I said in the beginning, JAM have the power to turn nothing into something. When we have a hard time… JAM make us happy. We also want to become such an existence for everyone and I believe we should become like that, so please always stay at our side. I’m proud and happy that I was able to come to Fukuoka with such powerful members. But this is not the end, so until we meet again. I love you!”
TN: 辛い - bitter, painful, tough (& more meanings) 幸せ - happiness, luck, blessing (& more)

Shiroiwa Ruki reminisced about his past activities that once took him to Fukuoka but the audience was only 3,4 people:
Back then I wondered why I was even standing on stage, if I could even be of help in life and eventually I gave up my dream, but after all these years I see a completely different stage in Fukuoka. Thank you very much for opening a way of living for me, for meeting me, for liking me and for bringing me back to life. There is only one thing I felt today. I felt that even if I was born again I want to stand on stage for everyone again.
He strongly declared his gratitude for JAM.

[…]

Before the last song, Kinjo sincerely conveyed:
I want you to keep on voicing your dreams. Because a dream you keep for yourself is nothing but a mere dream. Before I became part of JO1 I thought so. But a dream you share with someone else becomes reality. I think that’s what today is about. I believe that if it’s JO1 and JAM, we can make everything come true. Hence, please keep on voicing your dreams. We will live up to those expectations, too. The bonds we felt here today, let’s continue to draw them into the sky together.
which earned him a wide applause from the audience.

[JO1] JA Kyosai campaign interview 220921

Note: The same interview was published by various news pages

Please tell us your thoughts on being appointed as the ambassadors of the “JA Kyosai Fall Traffic Safety campaign”.
Sho: JA Kyosai-san values the bonds between people, or in other words their “Kizuna” (bonds) and the concept of the tour that we as JO1 are currently holding is also “KIZUNA”, so we feel a strong bond with them.
Takumi: Traffic safety is not just important for us but for everyone going on with their daily lives, so I hope that through this campaign as many people as possible will think about road safety.

Please tell us an old memory or an incident related to road safety.
Ruki: I love driving a car so I often go for a drive but I drive extra carefully and with lots of caution on narrow roads or at night when it is hard to see others such as pedestrians.
Issei: I was once nearly run over by a car coming in my direction, and it made me think I should have been more careful.
Shosei: Me and Mame-chan go for night walks, but sure enough we are hard to see from the perspective of drivers and I thought we need to be creative by wearing reflective and bright (noticeable) materials, so that we can be seen.

As “JO1” what is a traffic safety message you want everyone to keep in mind?
Junki: I think everyone understands the necessity of traffic safety rules, but I also think that it is quite difficult to constantly stay conscious of traffic safety. Hence, I hope you will take this opportunity to strongly increase your traffic safety awareness.
Sukai: I think it is important to be mindful for everyone, people driving a car, people riding a bike and people walking.
Keigo: Traffic safety is something that is created by everyone together, so I hope that this campaign will be a good opportunity for all of us to pay more attention to the traffic rules.

Please give a message to everyone who watched the videos.
Sho: Everyone, 1-2…
Everyone: Go to the TOP, we are JO1!
Ren: We, as JO1, were appointed as ambassadors for the “JA Kyosai Fall Traffic Safety campaign”. JA Kyosai encourages road safety everywhere through traffic safety classes and traffic safety poster contests for elementary and junior high school students.
Shion: Through this campaign which starts on 21st September, we want everyone to think once again about traffic rules and safety.
Syoya: Starting today, we, as JO1, will learn more about traffic safety in a fun way in web limited videos, so please make sure to check them out!
Sho: This is all from the ambassadors for the “JA Kyosai Fall Traffic Safety campaign”…
Everyone: JO1!

The reason why the JA Kyosai federation appointed JO1 as campaign ambassadors:
The JA Kyosai federation values the bonds between people. All JO1 members have a strong bond with each other because they struggled through a hard audition together. Furthermore, we felt an affinity with them as they value their bond with their fans and hence we asked them to become the ambassadors. JO1 has a wide following, especially among teenagers and it is said that they have the No.1 spreading power on SNS. We think that if we convey our message by using the power of JO1’s words people of all ages, and not just young people, will think of traffic safety in a familiar and friendly way.

[OWV] MyNavi News 220910

https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220910-2451243/

"That’s amazing” How Nishikawa Takanori was surprised by the “prompt“ for OWV’s formation

The boy group OWV had a guest appearance on the streaming program “Nishikawa Takanori’s Nishinana Live” which is streamed via the app “17LIVE”. On this program they revealed the occasion of the group’s formation.

OWV was formed by 4 former trainees of the audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”. Regarding this, Nishikawa inquired “JO1 debuted first, but then OWV was formed as a new group. How were you notified about it (= the group’s formation)?”

In response to this question, Honda revealed “After we were eliminated, I talked with Yoshimoto and told them ‘I want to form a group with these four members’.”, which surprised Nishikawa “So it was a reverse proposal!”. He was astounded, adding “That’s amazing.”

When he asked next “So you felt something like a teamwork between you four during the audition?” Honda keenly replied “That’s right. We already got along well with each other.” In order to draw more out of them Nishikawa said “It is rare to meet like this. I have been in a band for a long time, so we are kinda like you.”, to which Honda nodded and replied “During interviews, we have been told ‘You are like a band’.”

[OWV] DOMANI 220820

https://domani.shogakukan.co.jp/756733

[OWV are answering! The questions from working women vol.2] I get irritated by my family. What should I do?

[Question 3]
I’m super busy in the morning with preparing breakfast, getting ready for work and helping my child to get ready. But I’m upset that my husband is not helping me at all. How can I smoothly get him to help me?

Doesn’t a dad’s motivation rise when the kids tell him what they want him to do!??

Fumiya: If I was a father, I would do for sure what my kids ask me to. For example, I think if they told me “I want to eat a lunch box made by dad !”, I would try my best in advance. I believe it would be good if mums would encourage their children to be like “Go and tell him” like that, but what do you guys think?
Shuta: Like saying “Every morning it’s just mum who does something.”?
Fumiya: No, this is a no-go because that’s like arguing with your fists already! (laughs)
Katsunari: I would not like it if my child said that to me… (laughs)
Kosuke: Shuta, you still live with your parents, so what do you think?
Shuta: I guess we are a family where my mother does a lot of the work.
Fumiya: And you?
Shuta: I do a good job of cleaning my own room, okay?
Fumiya: As you should! You should help with the housework, too.
Kosuke: Also, do you wake up on your own each morning? Or does your mother wake you up?
Shuta: I am waking up on my own! Seriously! Did you forget that I'm 25 years old?
Katsunari: Well, in this case we can set up a hidden camera to check, right?
Shuta: …!
Katsunari: His mother surely wakes him up (laughs)
Kosuke: You are already an adult, so don’t increase the work of your mother!
Shuta: …. Yes (laughs)

[Question 4]
I’m struggling as my child is in their terrible twos. No matter what I do, they seem to dislike it, but what can I do to divert the attention of my child?

Loath along with your child!

Kosuke: We are still in our terrible twos.
Fumiya: If there is such a phase, we are still in it (laughs)
Shuta: I guess she might not be happy that such an OWV will answer her question (laughs).
Katsunari: I have a younger cousin and I often play with him with toys. There, he often says “No, no! I want to do this!” and I feel it’s okay to let him play like this. It’s a hard time, but I believe it’s one that parents have to go through. But I think it’s really a hard time…
Kosuke: What kind of child were you, Katsu?
Katsunari: I was the kind of child that doesn't want to get out of my parents’ hugs. That’s why just the left arm of my mother became like Baki, the Grappler.
TN: “Baki the Grappler” is a manga from the 90s that follows the main character Baki as he trains and tests his fighting skills in deadly, no rules hand-to-hand combats. So, basically Katsunari said that his mother’s left arm learnt to fight off his cuddle attempts, no matter the situation.
Shuta: Eh!?... For real!?
Katsunari: Just kidding (laughs).
Fumiya: I was called the boss of the monkey mountain. I was the oldest of three brothers in the countryside, and I was also head of the children’s council. I was the kind of president with a lot of pressure. (laughs)
Shuta: I wouldn't have wanted to become friends with you!!
Fumiya: When we played as Super Sentai, I was the red hero and my little brothers were monsters or enemies.
Kosuke: I feel sorry for them… Didn’t they start to hate it?!
Fumiya: Even when we sometimes played being the heros together, I made them into blue heroes or green ones, and then before I realized it I became the blue in OWV! Something went wrong in my life! (laughs).
Kosuke: I would have hated that red hero for sure! (laughs)
TN: Sentai heroes all have assigned colors and Red is usually the leader color. Blue is for the cool rival. Meanwhile green is the color for the youngest one.

How was your relationship with your brothers afterwards?
Fumiya: No, don’t worry! We didn’t become real enemies!
Katsunari: Ahaha! You seem close with your brothers nowadays.
Fumiya: Yes, we generally get along well with each other.
Kosuke: One day they will target the red and something like the Honnoji Incident will happen…!
Fumiya: Ahaha!
TN: The Honnō-ji Incident is an event from Japanese history where Akechi Mitsuhide, a general of Oda Nobunaga, one of the three “Great Unifers of Japan”, attempted to assinate him which caused Nobunaga to commit suicide in shame of this betrayal.

Errr, we should go back to the question regarding the terrible two…
Kosuke: Right (laughs). How about acting like you hate it as much as your child?
Fumiya: That’s right. Like when the dad gives the child something to eat and the child refuses, he could be “No, no! Eat it! No, no!”.
Shuta: Wouldn’t that be a weird father?
Kosuke: But then the child would be quite weirded out and start to eat normally, right?
Fumiya: Exactly. An eye for an eye!
Shuta: And what are you supposed to do when they make a fuss in the toyshop because they want a toy?
Fumiya: You make a fuss, too, saying “No no no. I won’t buy it!”.
Shuta: This father would be escorted outside by the police…! (laughs)
Fumiya: Because it is important to be on the same page as your child.
Kosuke: But well, such families in which parent and child are unwilling seem fun, right? (laughs)

Who would become the best dad of you?
Kosuke: I guess I wouldn’t be a good dad (laughs). But I don’t want Katsu to become a good dad because he keeps on promoting himself as someone who “loves kids”!
Katsunari: What!?
Kosuke: Even if you just love your kids and are very well-liked, you would be too cool if you actually became a cool dad (laughs).
Shuta: You are making it complicated~ (laughs)
Kosuke: I have a grim expression, so children often cry when they see me. Shuta is always adored by kids, isn’t he? He is always the only one who is addressed without any suffixes.
Katsunari: Aren’t they just teasing him? (laughs)
Fumiya: Even when I have children, I will still play the role of the hero.
Shuta: And when they say “But I want to play it!”?
Fumiya: I will say “No, Papa will play it!”
Kosuke: Hearing this, I might become the best dad since there is no decent one here anyway (laughs).

[OWV] DOMANI 220818

https://domani.shogakukan.co.jp/756035

A way of speaking that can be instantly put into practise? [OWV are answering! The questions from working women vol.1]

OWV have released the impressive and powerful song “Time Jackerz”. They are a variety of different characters, led by their leader Honda Kosuke, who is considered as a reliable big brother by the other members, and here they brilliantly answered the questions of working women.

[Question 1]
My supervisor keeps on giving me advice that miss the point and sends me pushy emails. How should I respond in such situations?

Become a good supervisor in the future by learning from this bad one

Katsunari: You know that enduring it too much isn’t good. It is rather a matter of how to get through it.
Shuta: I guess it is a problem all Japanese people will face to some degree sooner or later.
Katsunari: I’m the type of person who wouldn’t say anything so I would try to deal with it inside of myself. My brain is useful in this regard, because I forget about it after I go to sleep.
Shuta: That’s nice~
Katsunari: When I am troubled, I watch movies that make me laugh or other contents that do so to change my mood after returning home. Laughing is really important!
Shuta: So, if someone misses the point, you should laugh at them?
Katsunari: No, this would end up in a fight (laughs). People who can drink alcohol, could do so, but since Shuta and I can't drink, laughing would be the best solution for us.
Shuta: We could drink a delicious cafe latte!
Katsunari: Also, if you are told something, something that misses the point and you have the ambitious spirit to think “I am more capable than this person”, you won’t do the same thing to your subordinates when you become the supervisor one day.
Shuta: I won’t make subordinates feel the same way! That’s something Honda-kun would say right away (laughs).
Kosuke: Yes. I would say “Isn’t it different?” or “It becomes stressful” (laughs).
Shuta: But, it is important to mention it to some extent. Fumiya, what do you think?
Fumiya: I would talk with my fists.
Shuta: This is an absolute no-go! No, you can’t do that!?
Everyone: (laughs)

[Question 2]
As a senior, I admire a persuasive way of speaking. Please tell me a persuasive way of speaking that can be instantly put into practise.

Persuasive power is proportional to your confidence!

Shuta: People who are persuasive have often mastered their paths, so I believe that you become more convincing if you keep on pursuing your path. For example, Downtown-san’s talking about comedy is very persuasive, isn’t it?
Katsunari: People who stay true to their principles give weight to each one of their words, right?
Fumiya: But sure enough, having an element of adoration is necessary, so becoming rich after winning the lottery would be something very persuasive, wouldn’t it?
Kosuke: But first, you have to win, right? (laughs)
Fumiya: (unconvinced face)

Who is the most persuasive member of the group?
Shuta: Well… this depends on the field I think. But overall it’s me, isn’t it?
Kosuke, Katsunari, Fumiya: …
Shuta: No one sympathizes with me?
Kosuke: Isn’t persuasiveness something that is born in someone who has confidence and knowledge? In Shuta’s case, he lacks persuasiveness because he lacks confidence…

Ah! His voice is always loud, isn’t it?
Shuta: Hey, hey! This isn’t an indication of my lack of confidence! (laughs)
Fumiya: Shuta, he said that if you become more confident you will be more persuasive.
Shuta:... I’m gonna do my best (laughs).

[OWV ] DOMANI 220816

https://domani.shogakukan.co.jp/755504

[Special interview with OWV] What is the best time to listen to their new song “Time Jackerz”!?

OWV have released their new song “Time Jackerz”. With the title “Time” in mind, we asked for the perfect “time” to listen to this song!

The reason why Urano-san doesn’t want to listen to “Time Jackerz” in the morning of a free day is…!?

Time Jackerz is a hard dance track that hypes you up just by listening to it, but what is the best time to listen to it in your opinion?
Kosuke: At 14 o’clock. (direct answer)
Shuta: Why!?
Kosuke: After eating lunch you somehow become tired, right? But I think if you listen to this song, you will be motivated to work hard in the afternoon until the end of your shift, and I think it lifts up your mood once again.
Shuta: Makes sense. I would recommend listening to it around 8 or 9 am when you are commuting to work in the sense of becoming motivated for the day. It will make you fired up, and the sound will resonate in your heart, so you will surely feel inspired!
Kosuke: What are you usually doing at this time, Shuta?
Shuta: I guess on free days I’m sleeping until noon~ That’s why I don’t want to listen to the song in the morning on my free days! (laughs)
Kosuke: Cause it hypes you up?
Shuta: Yes!
Katsunari: I recommend listening to it in the middle of the night at around 2 or 3 am.
Shuta: Really!?
Kosuke: A party animal to the core!
Shuta: Don’t you sleep? And what does party animal even mean?
Katsunari: No, it’s the time I am the most down about whatever happened during the day. I wanted people to listen to this song at such times to blow away their melancholy.
Kosuke: That’s absolutely the opposite thinking of a party animal (laughs)

What are you usually doing at this time, Nakagawa-san?
Katsunari: I am taking a bath.
Shuta: That late!?
Katsunari: Ah no, I do other things… I guess I am reflecting, sleeping or playing games at this hour…
Kosuke: That’s something totally different (laughs). I thought you would take a bath and take care of your body like a real artist!
Katsunari: Because I am a real artist! (laughs)
Fumiya: Guys, what are you talking about? Isn’t it always the right time for the song?
The Rest: oh!
Fumiya: Just as the title “Time Jackerz” implies, you want to hijack everyone’s ears no matter the time, whenever you want, right?
Katsunari: … in this case, please delete everything we have said so far (laughs).

Your outfits are really cool, but please tell us each one’s special points.
Shuta: My jacket is in a box shape.
Katsunari: You were really particular about it, weren’t you?
Shuta: Yes. Simply said, it was meant to look like a square. I am slender, so when I also choose my daily outfits I choose something that gives me a big silhouette. At the same time, I also work out to gain muscles.
Katsunari: Is there some result?
Shuta: A small one! But it’s not much. Speaking of this, Katsu-kun advised me on the jacket style since the fitting. For example the direction of the white lines or the angles.
Katsunari: That’s right. My pants were initially without anything. As the concept developed, we added the white lines. I was quite particular about it, so I hope you take a closer look at it.
Kosuke: All of our white lines are really great. Actually I wanted to add more of them.
Shuta: Quantity over quality, right? The aesthetics of subtraction matter.
Kosuke: Fumiya’s outfit looks nice, like the one of a pilot.
Shuta: Riot police! He looks like someone from the riot police!
Fumiya: My costume this time is something that no matter when and no matter who tries to take off my pants, there will be no damage (serious face).
Katsunari: For real? But I wanted to try it!
Shuta: Are you middle school students?
Fumiya: So even if I am targeted like this, everything will be fine because the inner wear is all in one.
Kosuke: You could appear on a tokusatsu show like this.
Fumiya: It’s cool, isn’t it? The design makes the pants look thinner as they go down on the waist, and the strings of the pants sway nicely when you are dancing, making my dance performance look awesome.
Shuta: A lot is considered, isn’t it?
TN: A Tokusatsu show is for example Kamen Rider.

It is a song in which you can enjoy not just the singing and dancing but also the outfits.
Kosuke: You get hyped from the intro onwards. Even people who don’t know the song can vibe to it, so I hope they will enjoy it at our live shows.
Katsunari: This song fits summer better than eels!
The Rest: Well said!
TN: Eels are a traditional summer dish in Japan.