ab: Can you think of any good local delicacies and cool sightseeing spots in Fukuoka that you would recommend to visitors from other prefectures or tourists from abroad?

Suzumoto: I think everyone should check-out a mentaiko factory called "HAKUHAKU!" Visitors can learn about Hakata's history and culture. You can even try your hand at actually making mentaiko! I hope tourists from overseas get the chance to find-out more about Fukuoka mentaiko! But there are so many dishes to chooses from! I would also recommend trying motsunabe (offal hotpot), ramen, and butabara (pork belly) ♪

ab: By the way, Yuumi, you are a Goodwill Ambassador for Sasaguri-Machi, and Sakura, you are a Goodwill Ambassador for Fukutsu-Shi, right?

Araki: Yeah, that’s right! Fukutsu-Shi is home to the famous Miyajidake Shrine! There are lots of cool, stylish cafes along by the beach. I would really recommend that you also visit that part of the city ♪

Takaki: Sasaguri-machi is a known for its mountains, so the area is a bit different to Fukutsu-Shi! I would recommend "Sasaguri Kyudai no Mori" and the statue of the sleeping Buddha at Nanzoin. Why not visit Sasaguru's mountains and then take a trip to the sea in Fukutsu? That would be a great way to enjoy all sorts of beautiful Japanese scenery!

ab: What do you usually do on your days off?

Kaizuki: I often go to massage and osteopathic clinic. My legs and shoulders easily get stressed if dancing too much, and holding a microphone or mobile phone too long! Before and after the performance, we give each other massage as well! FYI, I like hard one (lol).

ab: What's popular among the group? Have any trends or crazes caught on?

Araki: Oh, Yuumi made up a new game yesterday! I guess you could say that it's the "latest" craze that all the members of LinQ are into (lol)!

Takaki: So, these are the rules of the game... One person says a noun. For example, somebody might say "meat." Everyone claps their hands twice. And then the second person has to come up with a verb that matches the noun. So if "meat" was the first word, then the second person could say "roasted." They then chooses the noun for the next person. The game continues like that. It can be quite difficult (lol)! I got the idea for this game from a song by other idol group. It's so much fun, so we want this game to become a real craze!!

ab: What are some of your goals for the future? Is there anything you are working towards at the moment?

Yoshikawa: Our next goal is to put on a live concert at Marine Messe Fukuoka. We increased the number of gigs we do in order to achieve this target. This year, we started performing more regularly at places in Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Nagoya. Our regular performances give our fans a better idea of what each band member is like and what makes us unique. Please come to see one of our shows and see for yourself! I hope that LinQ can contribute to the development of idol culture even more!

ab: Do you have any final thoughts or a message you would like to share with the asianbeat readers inside and outside Japan?

Kaneko Miyu: Please come to a LinQ concert so that you can see us perform live! All our members have such unique personalities. I hope we are more kawaii in person than in the photos (lol)! I want even more people to find-out about “LinQ”!