Berryz Kobo Exclusive Interview! PDF Print
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Tuesday, 08 March 2011 21:45

Berryz Kobo Exclusive Interview

 

The peppy girls group that has been churning out hits in Japan since 2004 is set to make its North American debut at Sakura-Con. The group is also releasing its first CD in the US at the convention. The group delivers high-energy performances that are cute to the Nth degree, which should stoke the Sakura-Con crowds to the point of frenzy. Berryz Kobo consists of Saki Shimizu, the 19-year-old captain of the group; Momoko Tsuganaga, also 19; Chinami Tokunaga, 18; Maasa Sudo, 18; Miyabi Natsuyaki, 18; Yurina Kumai, 17; and Risako Sugaya, also 17. Ibuki chatted with the girls via email about their upcoming US debut. Excerpts from the interview:

Ibuki: This is the first appearance for Berryz Kobo in the US. What sort of things would you like to do while you’re in Seattle?
Shimizu: I want to go to the very first Starbucks.
Tokunaga: I want to eat a hamburger, the biggest one in Seattle!!

Ibuki: Do you follow any North American or European bands?
Tokunaga: NEYO and Hannah Montana.
Kumai: Lady Gaga.
Tsuganaga: Avril Lavigne and Connie Talbot.
Shimizu: Michael Jackson.

Ibuki: What’s your secret to success?
Natsuyaki: Each person has a distinct personality, and everyone is really kind to each other. That’s the best ingredient.

Ibuki: Where did the name Berryz Kobo come from?
Shimizu: Berries are really small fruits. They’re cute, but they have a lot of power, too. So that’s why we have a “z” — for extra power! Sugaya: And “kobo” (or “koubou”) is Japanese for “factory,” so we’re the factory for creating lots of music!

Ibuki: Has Berryz Kobo ever performed outside of Japan?
Sudo: We did a “mini-live” in Korea in 2009. That was really fun, and there was lots of energy.
Kumai: Last year we went to Bangkok in March. There were thousands of people there. My heart was going so fast!

Ibuki: Does the group have a message for all their fans coming to see them at Sakura-Con?
Tokunaga: I want to learn to speak English. Please teach me, everyone!
Kumai: I’m happy to finally meet you all. I want to learn a lot of things about Seattle.
Shimizu: I’m excited since this is the first performance in America. Let’s have a lot of fun!
Sudo: I want to study English, and I’m hoping to have some conversations with you.

Ibuki: Your first official US CD will be released at Sakura-Con. Are you excited about reaching new fans in America?
Tsugunaga: We're so happy! We want our fans to support our music in America, so maybe we can sing an all-English song someday!

 

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Last Updated on Sunday, 13 March 2011 20:08