Hijirikawa Masato 5th Anniversary Interview
[Translation Event Release: HIJIRIKAWA MASATO]
Notes:
1. Do NOT take the translation as your own work. Credits must be given to this page and the translators. Else, you will be forced to take down your article. Please ask for permission from Admin Yamashina if you wish to translate to other languages.
2. There are TWO parts of interview: 1 Solo interview and another part is a 15 Questions interview. Both are separated with a border line.
3. Parts marked with asterisk * will have its notes. The notes are based on what we know from our gameplays of the UtaPri PSP games.
4. Enjoy, and feel free to tag your friends to read this! (Please also share while crediting our page instead of taking it as your own because our translations are considered as our intellectual material.)
Interview: Hijirikawa Masato (CV: Suzumura Kenichi)
Translator: Admin Yamashina
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HIJIRIKAWA MASATO SOLO INTERVIEW
--- Moving forward little by little, even if I'm lost --
Masato, who embraces himself even if he is lost and having difficulties, is still honestly working hard for a reason. However from his words, it is portrayed that he is facing his conflicts sincerely that portrays his robust spirit.
"Even if there are many things that I'm lost in or in pain, I do not hate myself because of that. I think it is necessary for people to get lost and be in pain."
Q: Please tell us your feeling or memories when you first became an idol.
A: The thing about being able to debut as an idol is that, it would seem to be a miracle for my past self. I heard that it could be a great hassle back then, and also add on the fact where I am the eldest son of a plutocrat that I thought eventually I will have to face my fate in the end. However, I went against it and enrolled into Saotome Academy, and to prove that I am serious no matter how it is because I wanted to be acknowledged. That process wasn't easy at all. However, there are too many things that I've learnt about. I've graduated from the academy without any issues, and debuted from thereafter and have begun my career. Of course there are also other reasons, but it is important for me to keep my willpower and diligence. There are times where I get lost and lost sight of myself. Every day, I ask myself of what is right, and if I have grown into that person. When I can't move forward, music is what guides me through.
Q: Usually I don't see (you) being lost, that hearing this from you is surprising.
A: Is that so? I don't know about it myself, but that isn't completely true. Even if there's something that seems small from others' point of view, they still give me conflicts (laughs bitterly). I guess it isn't good to display such an expression. Even if there are many things that I'm lost in or in pain, I do not hate myself because of that. I think it is necessary for people to get lost and be in pain. After that, I think what we have learnt after the hard work is precious.
Q: I've see that you are very active in many areas as an idol. Do you have any fields that you have special interest in?
A: Although singing is the first, I like shibais*. I always think about how it feels if I take up a different route in life. When I am in the role, I think of how the character lived and behaved, since the person I am acting as is not Hijirikawa Masato. In order to do so you need quite some experience. The person I am acting as has a completely different personality. However, I also realize that the when nobody else other than me plays the role, thoughts of me being in the character's place would descend. With that in mind, no matter what the work is, as long as it needs me, I want to put all of my effort in it. Even if by little, I feel like I could widen my world.
*Note: Shibai is a form of Japanese play.
Q: You seem to put on a serious attitude regardless the situation. Do you do that normally?
A: I do not think that it changes much in my daily life. Switching like that is not something that I think I am capable of. By that, it means that I guess it is my strength for not having different sides in and out. It's only that, as an idol you'll have to be more open and show your charisma since the idol world is more glamorous, which is what troubles me. However, if I can't do that I'll just be idle. I wanted to be myself and grow in my own pace. I do think that I moved slower than normal people. However, I wanted to make sure that I form my own personality. Of course, I will also work hard in order to meet everyone's expectations.
Q: As an idol, is there something that you would like to try?
A: On a fundamental level, I think it is important to know how to re-adjust yourself. The stress piled on you on a daily basis would affect you someday. After being in the academy, I tried to make least changes with a fixed rhythm and move on with my life. Waking up early in the morning, and sleep early when there's no work. Although it is simple, the most basic yet important thing w ould be to get enough of sleep.
Q: At last, please let us know about your future career prospects
A: I'll continue wherever I could, and I wanted to work as an idol until the end. I know that it can't be eternal. That's why I wanted to shine as much as I could right now. It would make me feel like I am still alive. I understand that it will end someday, and I also know that there are limited people who would support me, but I wanted to continue singing. Placing an emphasis on experience, and when the time comes I wanted to let everyone see what I have yet to show. Right here, this Hijirikawa Masato swears to continue growing. Let's laugh together, sometimes cry together... I wanted to treasure the time that I have spent with those that have been supporting me.
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15 Questions with Hijirikawa Masato
Q1: Anything changed compared to your past self?
A: I got used to involving with people. I didn't (used to) show my face to people often, so I still get really nervous inside. However, compared to the past, I have begin to be more open.
Q2: What's your treasure?
A: Calligraphy tools that is gifted by my grandfather, letters that my younger sister has sent me, and items related to my family. When I touch them, my heart feels a lot calmer.
Q3: How many hours do you sleep on average?
A: I wanted to make sure that I have at least 8 hours. Though I wake up earlier compared to others at 6 in the morning. If I wake too early I could get a little more rest so I think it is fine.
Q4: If you have a pet, what is it?
A: I don't have any pets, but I prefer dogs. I realize the trusting partnership between dogs and humans. It seems fun to have morning walk together (with the dog).
Q5: Which of your body part do you like the most?
A: Though as a pianist I'd say my fingers, but many people around me has been talking about the mole under my eye and my hair.
Q6: If there were a time machine, would you prefer to travel to the past or the future?
A: The past. I wanted to show my grandfather on how much I have grown. If it weren't for my grandfather, I don't think I am capable of being an idol*. If I could meet him, I wanted to deliver my thanks to him.
*Note: His grandfather is the only person supported him to pursue performing arts because he is the one taught Masato the beauty in performing arts. His father was denial about it and he was only able to enter Saotome academy for 1 year due to negotiations from his grandfather to see his progress. However, his grandfather passed away in the game before he made his debut, but his abilities have been acknowledged.
Q7: IF you have a day to turn into anything, what would you turn yourself into?
A: During work, especially in the dialogue readings, I had deep insights. I do understand and acknowledge the difficulties, but I wanted to be in the place where I can make the world smile. However, I am not having the confidence on doing so.
Q8: How do you spend your time waiting for somebody/ something?
A: If I have a longer free time, I would exercise my hands and create crafts, something like embroidery and knitting. I usually gift them to my younger sister*.
*Note: His younger sister is named Hijirikawa Mai. Both of them has a huge age gap but Mai admires Masato a lot.
Q9: If you are an animal, what would you be?
A: I wanted to become a swan. Although it looks elegant and beautiful, but it is trying its best underwater to keep its elegant form. I look forward for how earnest it is.
Q10: What is your own recent trend?
A: Western food and sweet food aren't something that I do not often challenge, but I enjoy making them. I think I might fail, so I bought more ingredients than I should. Regardless how many times it is I still feel joy.
Q11: What's your favorite attraction in theme parks?
A: Instead of saying which to ride on, I prefer rides that connects people to see those who ride enjoys as well. If I had to go for a ride with somebody, I suppose something that is quiet.
Q12: What is the item that you really wanted that would heal you?
A: When I finished writing something (through calligraphy). If I am in the mood, I would write haikus. When I am capable of writing something decent, I feel really great about it.
Q13: Is there a place that you would like to go now?
A: I don't have a specific place. Though I do have some interest in travelling by train. Without determining the destination, I think it is enjoyable to explore in a casual manner.
Q14: What's work to you?
A: A place where I see my everyday effort bears fruit. I received everyone's views and genuinely feel happy about it. Not just in singing, but in shibai as well. For that, I'll improve myself with all my might*.
*Note: In his limited-edition fan merchandise, it has his quote of "Hibishoshin", which means to improve everyday.
Q15: What are fans to you?
A: Those that has been watching over me. I wish to deliver the same smile towards them, just like how I received joy form them. In such a way that it feels like as if there's a warm light. As always, thank you very much.
