Jinguuji Ren 5th Anniversary Interview

[Translation Event Release: JINGUUJI REN]
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: Jinguuji Ren (CV: Suwabe Junichi)
Translator: Admin Yamashina

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JINGUUJI REN SOLO INTERVIEW 

-- A dream found by being more serious -- 

Ren, whom had no intentions to be an idol from the very beginning. However, he's now overflowing with dreams and passion. What made his heart to change? 

Q1: As a start, let's hear about your ideal image of being an idol.
A: Someone that can give as much as he's requested to. With that it's a plus on the image to himself, as well as being accepted by other parties. I think that if one is capable of that it is a very great thing. Whether in music or in acting, it's the same to any kinds of job. An idol isn't something that is established by a person himself. It is dependant on others' support to exist. I have came to a realization that it is not going to be good if the performance is only self-satisfying. Despite being calm, it's also good to have a passionate approach.  ... also, although I sounded like I have understood it, I am still searching for the answer. It is also because I am pretty late into being an idol, because I was not being serious when I was in Saotome Academy.

Q2: Since you have studied in Saotome Academy, did you really have no ambitions to be an idol? 
A: For normal people that enrols to Saotome Academy, it is natural for them to have a dream to fulfil. For me, I was half-forced by my elder brother that I was not really happy with it (bitter laughs). I am now being thankful, but it took me a long time to accept it. However, I am now able to work towards music, and being able to work seriously, being a dreamchaser is a beautiful thing.

Q3: After that, you have safely worked under Shining Agency and became an idol, but how did you feel when you actually become an idol?
A: It's a lot harder than how I've imagined. It is because I had shorter time than others in terms of learning the fundamentals. The world of professionals are strict and you really have to get your hands on good skills to get around with it. There have been many times I've been regretful for not knowing what I did in the past. However, it is no use to keep dwelling into trouble, so whenever I had such thoughts, I will work harder. I don't think there is any other solution towards the issue besides that. If I were to work on something, I'll work hard again and again. I feel that my efforts are never in vain. Also, I truly enjoy to be able to work on something, and I treasure everything I've learnt since my debut up till today.

Q4: Now that you have worked so hard on your career, do you have a place where you have placed special efforts?
A: For personal work, I would love to take up various types of challenges without being picky. There are things that one could be good or bad at, but if you place that aside the possibilities are endless. Also, if I have accepted a job, doesn't that mean that it's possible for me? (laughs) Also, I like to work with my friends within the agency. Whenever we are working on plans, I would place extra efforts into it. It's interesting to see how the chemistry works between people, and I think it's excellent and enjoyable.

Q5: Please let us know about your dreams as an idol.
A: I wanted to be myself without living in a way of how others have predicted me to be. Something that even I myself would not be able to imagine. I didn't want to make a chance on purpose, but unconsciously I would turn to be someone new along time. Knowing that I have changed so much compared to who I was in the academy, I think that everything is now possible. I always hear people around me saying "I never knew you'd turn out like this compared to how you were in the school". I think it is considered as my personal growth.

Q6: The last thing, please tell anything that you wished to tell.
A: That is of course, the things that have supported me so far are the love words from you, Lady. Though even if you think that I might be tired of hearing the similar things, Lady, it is completely fine. I could never stop delivering my thanks. If it would make you smile, I'll do anything for you. No matter what happens, that does not concern me. This is an unchangeable love, a sweet love that lasts for eternity. If you are feeling down, think about me. I'll always continue to sing for your love.  

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15 Questions with Ichinose Tokiya

Q1: Anything changed compared to your past self?

A: I became rounder? (bitter laughs) I think my speech and attitude were unfriendly in the past, now that I am able to be closer to people, I think it's a good thing.

Q2: What's your treasure?

A: A bracelet that I received from my butler George. I wear it very often and consider it as an amulet. Although it is something that I owned for a long time, I treasure it very much.

Q3: How many hours do you sleep on average?

A: Is it 6 hours? Sometimes it is 5 hours, it isn't really defined. I am a night owl, so I didn't feel like sleeping at all.

Q4: If you have a pet, what is it?

A: Maybe a cat? It's whimmy, and is always giving a feeling that it has freedom. Isn't it also beautiful when it moves? When it dances like that, it is difficult not to take your eyes off it. 

Q5: Which of your body part do you like the most?

A: I think it'll be my style. It's not that I didn't like all of my body parts at all, but I liked my bodyline. It's something that you will recognize it as me even if you are afar. 

Q6: If there were a time machine, would you prefer to travel to the past or the future?

A: The past. I wanted to travel to an era that I never knew of. Although it's good to have a look outside of the country, but seeing Japan is also good. I am curious about how people lived in the past.

Q7: If you have a day to turn into anything, what would you turn yourself into?

A: I like to travel, so a job where I can circle the earth would be wonderful. I also love photography, so I would really love to make a photo book with my photos one day.

Q8: How do you spend your time waiting for somebody/ something?

A: Anything that isn't related to my job. For instance, reading magazines, playing games. Since I have worked so much, it's a good time to refresh myself.

Q9: If you are an animal, what would you be?

A: A black panther, or something large that is related to cats. I love environments that has that little bit of dangerous aura in it. Rather than just an 'if', I really wanted to become one.

Q10: What is your own recent trend?

A: Online games? You can play with people. Rather than playing alone, it feels nice to be able to communicate with people.

Q11: What's your favorite attraction in theme parks?

A: Anything horror. Something thrilling and exciting. Also, if I'm entering with Lady, wouldn't it giving me a chance where Lady would need me? 

Q12: What is the item that you really wanted that would heal you?

A: I think it would be albums? Since I take a lot of pictures, I will keep them and look at them from time to time. It feels nice to reminisce the times too. 

Q13: Is there a place that you would like to go now?
A: There are so many of them that I don't have much restrictions on it. I would visit a place if I feel like it without thinking a lot. It's because I love solo travels.

Q14: What's work to you?

A: The best dream. Although I only really wanted to be an idol at this stage, I am pretty surprised to acknowledge that as well. 

Q15: What are fans to you?

A:  Love. I really wanted to give my love to my Lady, as well as to receive Lady's love. To love is a wonderful feeling.

Ichinose Tokiya 5th Anniversary Interview

[Translation Event Release: ICHINOSE TOKIYA]
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: Ichinose Tokiya (CV: Miyano Mamoru)
Translator: Admin Yamashina

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ICHINOSE TOKIYA SOLO INTERVIEW 

-- A future created with what has been cultivated -- 

The Ichinose Tokiya with a past that brings him to where he currently is, he'll be here to talk about how he has made his career up to this moment, and his future prospects.

Q1: When did you become conscious that you should be working in the entertainment industry? What brings you into the industry?
A: I think it's when I actually placed my mind into it. When I was young, I have learnt many things under my mother's suggestion. I believe it's my natural interest in the entertainment industry as well as the built up experience cultivated from the things I've learnt in the past. When I think about it right now, it hits me hard to know that so many skills are required in the industry. Asides that, I also have strong interests in music, I enthusiastically took up music lessons. With that, I was able to play many kinds of instruments. Although I could play many instruments, but I couldn't play it in a professional level.

Q2: So you had your musical talents from the past, your singing is great too!
A: Not really, my singing is a misery. I would rather to say that I'm bad at it. That is why I had to work several times harder than anyone else so that I could reach a level where it's good enough for hearing. Even up till today, regardless which songs I've sung, I have never thought that it's perfect. However, I think that it is also why I feel attracted to keep improving. For my accumulated effort into all these hard work, I am praying that I could stay alive (bitter laughs). To write 'vocals' as my specialty in my profile, it's also a commandment to myself. Besides a way to give myself some embarrassment, it also motivates me to work harder for improvements. For the songs that I currently couldn't perform, I hope to be able to perform it someday.

Q3: Let's hear about your work in your previous agency before joining Shining Agency.
A: When I was little, our family moved from Fukuoka to Tokyo, so I was having a schedule busier than a normal primary school kid. Due to my work nature, I did not have enough of time to play with other kids of my age. There were many adults around me. However, I did not feel lonely and had a lot of fun at work. I also worked with our current president back then. At that moment, I have never thought that our current president will invite me into his agency. As someone that has given me a lot of impact, there are so much that I can remember about him.

Q4: How about HAYATO?
A: I think he's someone with a lot of reviews, someone desired, and someone loved a lot. When I said I wanted to work as Ichinose Tokiya, I wanted to be honest to myself. Because I went against my heart as HAYATO, I also wondered if I would be betrayed by those supported me. With a lot in mind, I have made my decision. Because there was HAYATO, I am here now. Because of his activities in the previous agency, I have learnt a lot and received a lot of experiences. Because I am able to express myself better now, I am very thankful to him. 

Q5: Are you satisfied with your current work?
A: I think I am working in a blessed environment. I don't feel dissatisfied with any activities itself. However it is also strange when you realize that the more you work, the more the people would ask you to do for their greeds. You would be asked to try something more each time, and soon you will realize that it would seem like you never had enough of time to do everything. Although it is also a proof that I have enjoyed work, it is also one of my greatest troubles now (bitter laughs) because I besides music, I wanted to challenge myself in many other ways. 

Q6: Now, please let us know about your visions.
A: Regardless what happens, it brings me personal growth and I hope that I could show everyone on my progress. Furthermore, I also do not with to have only an image, as I'm hoping to look into newer ways to portray myself. I want to exist in a way where you won't have your eyes away from me. I hope that everyone would stay with me throughout the process. In response to everyone's expectations without forgetting what I initially wanted, I believe I can achieve my goals so please support me. 

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15 Questions with Ichinose Tokiya

Q1: Anything changed compared to your past self?

A: I became more accepting towards different kinds of personalities. If it's in the past, there are things that would be absolutely intolerable.

Q2: What's your treasure?

A: I do not really have something that I specifically treasure, but I always have the books that I am interested to read around me. 

Q3: How many hours do you sleep on average?

A: I try my best to keep it at 6 hours. Days ago my workload has started to be more intense, so I wanted to wake up earlier for jogging.

Q4: If you have a pet, what is it?

A: I have never thought of seriously having a pet up till today. Since my house is also empty most of the time and a life is really important, I think having a pet is a very heavy responsibility. 

Q5: Which of your body part do you like the most?

A: I guess it would be my ears. Not talking about it in a sense on its looks, but more of its function. It's easy to compare people by hearing. Also, for my job, my ears are very important. 

Q6: If there were a time machine, would you prefer to travel to the past or the future?

A: The past. Anyone would love to know what would happen if he or she did something else, no? I would give my past self advices on how to work more efficiently. 

Q7: If you have a day to turn into anything, what would you turn yourself into?

A: I wanted to be someone with a completely different job scope as mine. Maybe as an office worker, I could accumulate some work experience in an office. I would be happier to work in a job related to music. 

Q8: How do you spend your time waiting for somebody/ something?

A: I'll check my work schedule. Although it is a break, it is not good to waste time. I would perform image training or things that keep me motivated. 

Q9: If you are an animal, what would you be?

A: I do not know that very well about myself. I do not like to be stuck with an image just because of a speech. I want everyone to picture about it themselves.

Q10: What is your own recent trend?

A: I am currently collecting items that are said to be good for the throat. Especially honey, I have different types of them. I sometimes use them based on my own condition. 

Q11: What's your favorite attraction in theme parks?

A: I don't have something that I specifically like, I'll go along with the person that I am going to the amusement park with. I also think that allowing your other half to choose their rides will improve the atmosphere.

Q12: What is the item that you really wanted that would heal you?

A: I always have half-body soaks, I guess bath items would be good. I always have a stock of scented bath wash. It is important to relax. 

Q13: Is there a place that you would like to go now?
A: Although if there is time overseas would be good, but there are also many places in the country that I have yet to visit, so it might be a good idea to start within the country itself. 

Q14: What's work to you?

A: It's my life. Since I have been placing myself in the entertainment industry since I was young, even when I think about the past, many of my memories are related to work. Half of my life has been taken by work itself.

Q15: What are fans to you?

A: They are existing as the ones that have given me the push at the back. With their support, I have been able to move forward. Please also take care of me in the future. 

Walking Trip in Singapore

For my long weekend break in the end of April, I paid a visit to Singapore for two and a half days. One of the reasons was to attend a chalet for my game's guild, and the second reason was to see places that I once visited 11 years ago. Of course, I have quite an amount of friends in Singapore that I wanted to meet some of them too! ❤

My trip was considered pretty much a budget trip, where my expenses breakdown are as follow:
- Bus tickets: RM 110 (To and from Boon Lay - Kuala Lumpur)
- Accommodation: Friend's house (which really saved me a lot)
- Chalet: SGD 25

I've spent a total of 100SGD within Singapore, which excludes the above, and includes:
- Transportation in Singapore (MRT and bus): Around SGD13
- Pompompurin Cafe: 40SGD
- The rest are on meals and souvenirs.

Each day we stray further from God by doing stupid sh*t

DAY 1: Where all the Touristy Stuff Happens
I took a night bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and arrived at 3am. Since I'm staying with my friend, and somehow I was lucky to find out that the bus stop is right opposite of my friend's place, it wasn't much of a trouble. ❤

Since it was a short stay, I also didn't bring much besides some clothes to change in my backpack, plus an additional tote bag (which was INSIDE my backpack), so there wasn't even anything to unpack to begin with! Both my friend and I are in Japanese 2D hell so we talked for some time, rested and woke up at 8am, hopped onto the public bus, got our breakfast and begin!

SPOT 1: Buddha's Tooth Relic Temple (Buddhist Temple)

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This temple has five different levels, and its style gives the vibes from the Tang dynasty - with red and white walls on the outside, and all the reds and gold insides. It also has a theater and a tea house. They have a large stupa that is said to be made of 320kg of gold, where about 230+ kg of it is donated by their devotees. Their relics can only be seen from the public viewing area.

I have also read online that they also offer weekly tours that are FOC (register here) and conducted by the temple's volunteer guides, lasting for about 2 hours. I don't think we had the time for tours so we just prayed and headed to our next destination.


SPOT 2: Sri Mariamman Temple (Hindu Temple)

Sri Mariamman Temple

Said to be the oldest Hindu temple, we were amazed that there were so many people here by the time I arrived. There were a lot of beautifully-colored details on their walls, that were made by Indian immigrants in the past. This temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a goddess that cures illnesses and diseases with her powers. I was also told that in the past, this temple was also used to for Hindu marriages. Over time, the temple has been restored numerous times.


SPOT 3: Chinatown

Chinatown

The Sri Mariamman Temple was located in Chinatown, and since we arrived, why not taking some time to stroll around? So we walked around, look at the stalls (some were still opening, some were still closed), but there were definitely a lot of food. Then again, we were still full so we didn't grab anything for our tummies (we planned to visit the Pompompurin cafe with another friend later, anyways!).

Main road of Chinatown

I was also looking for some traditional Chinese medicine that I used to ask my relative to buy, but unfortunately I couldn't find it in Chinatown anymore. After that, we were thinking of taking the MRT to Clarke Quay (and I just knew that it's read as Clarke 'Key' instead of Clarke 'Kuih', SMH what have I been doing with my life), so we walked our way there! But before that, we had a classy spot to rest in Park Royal hotel.

Pretty food from Park Royal Hotel

SPOT 4: Clarke Quay
Funny thing happened: We took the MRT from Chinatown and arrived Clarke Quay MRT station, but after that, we walked towards the opposite direction, and went all the way back to Chinatown MRT station because we weren't using a GPS and I was also being a cheapo thinking that getting a SIM card for only 3 days is not practical (and not economical too) LMAO.

The moment when I see this building again, I KNEW something was wrong

We were like "OMG HAHAHA we should have just walked instead of giving MRT our money" and ended up spending a dollar in McDonalds for some ice-cream. Let's be honest: Singapore has hot weathers just like Malaysia too. Ice-creams are definitely live-saving!

Clarke Quay, where you can probably drink and fall into the river if you are too drunk

Somehow, we found our way to Read Bridge (or Malacca Bridge) and arrived the land of bars! Though this place would look a lot nicer at night (for its pubs and bars), we were thinking that it wasn't so far away from the Merlion, so we just decided to walk past here and look around! The walls around here are colorfully painted, and not to mention, the smell of pizza is really nice, too!

Not much of the places here are open during the day, except really few of them

Another friend of mine, Melissa said that Wednesdays nights would be great for the ladies if you are dropping by Clarke Quay. ;)

SPOT 5: Elgin Bridge
After looking around the colorful buildings, we walked our way to Elgin's Bridge. I was expecting to be able to have a great view of the bay from this bridge because there were people giving reviews on getting nice views from here, but due to the weather it didn't go too well. The bridge is still nice, regardless!

Elgin Bridge

On the way, we also passed by the Former Hill Street Police Station. Probably not open during the day/time of my visit because I can't see anyone there, but we walked around and took some photos. They seem to have a nice gallery that I wasn't sure if I can walk in to have a look.

Inside the Former Hill Street Police Station

SPOT 6: Victoria Theatre
And so, we moved on, and continued walking to the Victora Theatre. On our way there, we walked past the Parliament of Singapore, and arrived Victoria Theatre! Statue of Raffles was also nearly.

Victoria Theater

SPOT 7: Merlion
My legs decided to scream "I AM TIRED", so we walked across the Anderson Bridge and had a good rest in Starbucks.

Starbucks

While chit-chatting with my friend and having my matcha frappuccino, we utilized the wifi to login to our precious Japanese games. ♡

Drizzling tbh

Then we walked to Merlion to have some funny shots. I mean, isn't this shot something complimentary for tourists?

That Complimentary Singapore Tourist Photo

SPOT 8: Esplanade
Esplanade isn't far from Merlion, so we just walked our way there and took some photos. Exhibitions were also in the esplanade too! After looking around, we walked our way to the MRT station. The walk felt very long, probably the longest walk to the MRT station that I had in Singapore?

Inside of Esplanade - Art that I will never understand

And so we move to Somerset!


SPOT 9: Pompompurin Cafe @ Somerset
My friend is a Burmese, and it was interesting to talk about various kinds of topics. We also laughed at some station names, like Bras Basah (because 'basah' in Malay language means 'wet') so we were like 'oooh wet bras' lol because we had no idea how the name 'Bras Basah' came. Then again I was also thinking...

1) Asians love their rice so much and rice is also 'Beras' and could sound like 'Bras' when you say 'beras' very quickly
2) You need to wash the rice before you cook them so maybe it's also why they are wet?

So we self-concluded that it's probably because of wet rice (*'▽')

A post shared by ジン@ 華麗に舞い降りた (@yamashinajin) on May 9, 2017 at 3:46am PDT

That aside, we met up with our friend Miuna in Somerset for the cafe! Another friend of ours, Martha, was supposed to join us but she couldn't make it here physically because her dad's health condition (weep weep). Regardless, the experience in Pompompurin Cafe was fun (burnt a hole in my wallet though, I never had a meal that costs 40SGD in my life tbh) with the plushies and everything are so cute! I also get to have a small mug (I can put my spaghetti gravy in next time) to bring home. It'd be fun to visit with friends so I recommend visiting with friends and take some hipster photo, if you'd like!

SPOT 10: Gardens by the Bay
Moving from Somerset, we decided to visit Gardens by the Bay for the metal structure trees. I was thinking about walking on their OCBC walkway that is mid-air, but then again a part of me was also feeling so lazy to walk anymore so the three of us just stayed on the ground levels and chill.

Sunset by the Bay

We also caught sunset near the bay area and went home. Since I am visiting Singapore, my friend Aoi decided that we should have a long bus ride, so we had a bus ride that lasted for almost an hour from Buono Vista, all the way back to Boon Lay! We had dinner and the rest of the day was playing mobile games in the room together lolol


DAY 2: Food - Chalet

I woke up feverish because I walked in the rain on Day 1. It sucked, but I also dragged myself out to meet my friends for food _(:3J

Food Place #1: Genki Sushi @ Somerset for some really fun sushi experience
We have decided that we'll have sushi (because tbh, I really won't think that local food in Singapore would be fascinating because Singapore and Malaysian food are pretty similar and I can just get them at home anyway).

A post shared by ジン@ 華麗に舞い降りた (@yamashinajin) on May 1, 2017 at 11:48pm PDT

Genki sushi had multiple branches, we went to the one in Somerset. The restaurant has the designs that resembles the JR shinkansen railways. Each seat is like a station, and you will be ordering via an iPad. Later on, your food will arrive on the shinkansen! You'll collect them and press a button to send the train back after you've done your collecting. The food here are pretty nice too! Though some of them seems to be overrated (especially their mentaiko fries), but eating with friends is always nice. 

A post shared by ジン@ 華麗に舞い降りた (@yamashinajin) on May 1, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

Food Place #2: Icelab @ Orchard for Bingsoo 
So full after eating sushi! And later on, we walked around to get some medicine (unfortunately still couldn't find it) and dropped by Tokyu Hands. There were a lot of Japanese stores around this area, but the pricing compared to Japan can be a little... scary (probably due to import taxes?). We also got ourselves some bingsu (or Bingsoo, 冰酥) from Icelab.

A post shared by ジン@ 華麗に舞い降りた (@yamashinajin) on May 1, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

Then, we headed to Orchard road to Kinokuniya @ Takashimaya building and Sephora for some makeup products. Although I am not a card holder, the service that I received in Sephora Malaysia and Singapore are different. The staff in Singapore, if not occupied, would always seem ready to help. I was looking around for some brow products, and one of the staff came to help. I even obtained some advise on how to draw my brows more properly. As for the staff in Malaysia that I have visited, they only seem to approach you when you ask for help. There are good and bad in this, because there are just times where I just wanted to look around and I definitely do not wish to be disturbed and make any sort of conversation at all, but the experience I had in Singapore was really nice!

Headed back after the food, and purchased my ticket for the following morning to return to Kuala Lumpur.

Why is the sky so clear when I leave Singapore :(