● Yumemi Nemu’s idol group Denpa Gumi Inc. track "Future Diver"

ab： Who/what has influenced you?

Nemu: From Akiba I would have to say the group MOSAIC.WAV. When I started out as a maid a friend introduced me to the Denpa Song genre. MOSAIC.WAV’s Gacha Gacha Cute・Figu@Maid is an erotic adults-only song about a boy – it was just so cool. It was an idol song but had a bit of Akiba, rock and heavy metal in it and the synthesizer and piano melody nearly brought me to tears. It was a real eye opener. They didn't care what anybody thought of them, and continued with their original sound and created a whole new genre so I really respect them. Another person who has influenced me is Mofuku Shacho. There has never been another person like her in this world (lol). She is a producer and I'm an artist so her perspective is basically different from mine, and she has real foresight. Bur first and foremost she is a person of expression like myself. Shacho can play the piano and loves music, and just like me the denpa song had a huge impact on her and it brought her to Akiba. I often wear school swimsuits, and this is a sign of respect to Shacho. She is also known as the “School Swimsuit Shacho,” and for that reason I want to keep wearing them to continue the tradition.

(A Denpa Song is a track which has different lyrics and melody to a regular song, with no real meaning or beat. Once you get hooked on them it is hard to give up so it is sometimes called an ‘addictive song’)

ab： asianbeat specializes in Japanese pop culture. Is there anything that you have an interest in at the moment?

Nemu: To thell the truth, I think Denpa Gumi Inc. is at the forefront of Japanese pop culture. I also like the team Saizen Zero Zero. This team includes the star Fantasista Utamaro-san, who did the artwork for the Denpa Gumi Inc. PV of Future Driver. Taguchi-san took the photos for the magazine EYESCREAM and he does the serial article for Saizen Zero Zero. They are a group at the cutting edge of all genre and their work is really interesting. The fashion and idol genre used to be separate, but now each genre acknowledges each other and seeing them both working together as a team is something really new. I think Dear Stage with its line up of all different types is an example of various genres getting together to create a new fresh pop culture. We are smashing down all barriers. Breaking down the barriers between Akiba and Shibuya style. Perhaps I am a barrier smasher (lol).

ab：Do you have a motto?

Nemu: Always trying to become a magical girl. That’s my motto. It is also the title of my solo single. I am trying to say that something that is not quite perfect is the strongest. I want to be a magical girl that can make every wish come true, but for this to become a reality is just not going to happen. However, I think the girl who wanted to be a genius, but couldn’t and hit rock bottom can be the strongest of them all. Even if you can’t be that magical girl, you might end up being something more powerful. I think it would be wonderful if more people who are not so well off or don’t have any special talents don’t throw in the towel and keep on trying. Don’t say “I give up,” I want more kids to pick themselves up off the ground and take on a new challenge. There are so many places like the net where you can express yourself, and through Denpa Gumi Inc. I hope we can get this message to those who have given up on society and just stay at home.

ab： What do you think of the popularity of Japanese pop culture abroad?

Nemu: It’s an honor. I think there are some parts of Japan that maintain a high reputation from outside. Inside Japan there are those who are pessimistic saying, “Japan is done for,” but overseas there are those who hold Japan in high esteem and think it is a cool country. If we think this way I think we will all gain more confidence. But there is one thing I am worried about. For example, in Korea the cosplayers are of an extremely high quality, and up until now the “moe”character that was only in Japan can be found anywhere overseas. Meaning culture products that are made in Japan are being adopted by other countries. So we shouldn’t really yearn for the great overseas cosplayers, we should take pride that it is original Japanese culture, be more confident and improve our own quality and skills.

ab： What does the future have in store for Nemu Yumemi?

Nemu: I have plenty in the pipeline, but I can’t tell you about it just yet (lol). Denpa Gumi Inc. is going to save the universe. It will take an idol to save the universe (lol). I will be going beyond that so please look forward to it!

ab： Could you give a special message to the young Asian readers of this site?

Nemu: Because it is the internet I can say konnichiwa (lol). There was a time when I though I was useless, but now I am doing all these fantastic things. I’m sure you can do it too! Let’s change the world! It might sound crazy but I think we can. I think that 99% of what you wish for can come true. If you have a dream that you can’t achieve on your own then let’s join up and make it happen. This has been Nemu Yumemi (lol).

(Interview：2012.2.28)

Tweet
Follow @asianbeat_en