Last day of tour for the 12th generation at the Budokan.
How do you all feel after kicking off the Morning Musume｡’15 tour up until now?

Haruna Ogata “In the beginning I was just so overwhelmed by the dancing and singing, I don’t even think I managed to smile when we were on stage. But now I really enjoy our concerts and it feels like they’re over just as quick as they start. I was really happy when Ishida-san (Ayumi Ishida, 10th generation) told me that I have a genuine smile on my face when we perform now."

Miki Nonaka “I was worried for the first half of the tour about whether I would actually be able to do the dances and things like that. But after giving it everything I have, I’ve been able to push on and make it this far. Every day has been tough. I’m happy that all the fans at our handshake events tell me that I’m smiling a lot more now.
One of the highlights of our current tour for me was my singing part in “Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari” because it’s entirely in English. When I sing in English it’s like the whole vibe of the concert hall changes, like I’m creating a space of my own and I really enjoyed that. It’s small but it’s a big opportunity to put yourself out there and that’s a valuable thing. I want people to think of me as Miki Nonaka the English girl, so I’m grateful that I was able to get the opportunity to try and achieve that right from my very first tour.”

Nonoka was raised in the State of Alabama from age 2 to 10. She talks more about her desire to help advance the globalization of Morning Musume｡in the second part of this interview.

Maria Makino “I have a new appreciation for being able to sing in from of all of these people. I love looking into the faces of my fans. I like seeing them and thinking, “Ah, now they’re all smiling.” I’m actually really good at remembering faces, too.”

Akane Haga “I was physically exhausted after the first day, but lately I’ve been fine. The last two songs of our set (“Wagamama Kinomama Aino Joke” and “What is LOVE?”) are full chorus and quite demanding, but it’s come to be my favorite part of our performance.”

Haruna Ogata
Miki Nonaka
Akane Haga
Maria Makino