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"her" Magazine Vol. 4 Translations

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HARUNA's 100Q + 100A

MAMI's 100Q + 100A

RINA's 100Q + 100A

TOMOMI's 100Q + 100A

Song Explanations

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•The episode starts with this.

•Ohno asks them what song from LUMINOUS they'd recommend for cleaning. TOMO tries thinking about it for a minute before RINA suggests "Gunjou pleats," which they all agree to go with. Then, after the "whole roasted pig thing," Ohno is still surprised and says he had no clue that happened. The band laughs and says he should come with them next time.

•The fourth one is to change the direction of your pillow. West-facing ones are believed to increase wealth, as the west direction symbolizes abundance and prosperity. East-facing ones improve health and career luck, as the east direction is associated with growth and advancement. HARU says that that's not something she's paid much attention to. TOMO says the same and thinks hers is facing west right now. MAMI says that hers is facing north, which she says has many theories/beliefs about it that are not particularly good (usually that you shouldn't sleep with your pillow facing north since that's traditionally the position for dead bodies). HARU says that only stuff about west and east are written on the script, though. MAMI says she feels a bit hesistant to say this, but she says she believes it all comes down to one's own feelings about it, which is why she's never paid much attention to such things/beliefs.

•The fifth one is to not cut your hair on Wednesdays, which originates from a superstition in Thailand. TOMO says that she's probably never cut her hair on a Wednesday anyway. The others say the same. TOMO says it's because every Wednesday they're always busy with meetings and rehearsals and don't really have time to go to the salon that day. She says they're doing a good job of avoiding that superstition, then. Ohno asks them if they understand the reason for the superstition. They say they don't. Ohno says something that isn't audible, but apparently the reason is that it used to be considered a day of agriculture/farming in ancient Thailand, so cutting something was thought to be bring bad luck.

•The sixth one is that cutting your hair on a full moon night brings good luck, which is a superstition from the UK. They go, "At night, huh." TOMO says that they could cut their own bangs at night. MAMI says that maybe this comes from a new cycle starting.

•The seventh one is to drink tea. TOMO says that she loves tea. HARU reads that tea is said to be a symbol of good fortune worldwide. Ohno repeats that it's a worldwide thing, which the others sound surprised at. HARU says that there are all kinds of tea, after all. RINA wonders if it matters if it's hot or iced. HARU says that the band all likes tea. RINA says that this one sounds doable for them.

•The eighth one is "fukurou," which means "owl" but can also be written in kanji as 不苦労 (no bad luck). In Roman mythology, the owl is a symbol of intelligence, and in Egyptian mythology, it is said to be a "mystical spirit." TOMO wonders if that way of thinking was applied when deciding on the Japanese word for owl. HARU thinks that owls are only known as fukurou in Japan, which Ohno seems to confirm. MAMI says that her mom really likes owls. RINA says that that seems to check out. MAMI also mentions that they went to an owl cafe together.

•The ninth one is to come across a white dove/pigeon. HARU says that she and TOMO saw one at Tsukiji Market earlier that day. TOMO says it was really round, which they laugh at. They say it must eat a lot of fish. TOMO says that pigeons in that area are really happy and round. MAMI says that's cute. HARU says that they get really close to you since they're used to humans. She also says that white doves/pigeons are symbols of peace. TOMO says that you hear that often.

•The tenth one is to find a bat (koumori). TOMO says that bats seem a bit ominous, though. Ohno says that that's not the case here. HARU reads that "koumori" has kanji phonetic equivalents meaning happiness and protection. They're actually considered auspicious, and in China there's auspicious merch featuring bats. When five bats gather, they symbolize a super beast of cleverness, wealth, health, and abundance. They laugh and MAMI says that sure is everything. RINA says that they're super strong. MAMI says that a ton of bats come out when it's night in her hometown. RINA says that they do live under things like bridges. MAMI says that you could just be out biking and a bat will hit your face. They laugh at this. MAMI says that you can also find a lot of them around telephone poles. TOMO says that she once took care of an injured bat in elementary school. HARU says that they have really cute faces. TOMO says they do, and that their noses look like pigs. Ohno asks what she did with the bat. TOMO says that after they took care of it, they put it back in a tree. They had originally found it under a vending machine. MAMI wonders if it fell. TOMO says that after they looked after it and gave it something, they put it back in a tree. She also mentions that there don't seem to be any bats in Tokyo. RINA says that there are a lot of them in Osaka. TOMO says that bats appear so suddenly at dusk that you wonder where they possibly even came from.

•HARU then says that there was a time when a bat had gotten into her parents' house and it took a long time to get it out. Ohno wonders what's up with all of them having bat-related stories, which they laugh at. TOMO wonders why bats aren't in Tokyo. Ohno thinks that there don't seem to really be any in the Kanto region (where Tokyo is). They agree and say they've never seen one in the region. Ohno says that there are apparently zero kinds of small bat in Chiba Prefecture (which is next to Tokyo). TOMO wonders why and says that's odd, and that she's going to look into it later. Ohno again seems to say something about how surprised he is to hear such detailed stories about bats from them. They laugh. TOMO says that they're a part of daily life. RINA says that when she was little, she thought she saw a bird but realized the shape wasn't that of a bird. She asked her parents what it was, and they told her it was a bat. There's a pause before Ohno asks if there's any, as it seems like TOMO is trying to look up info about bats. She suddenly says that there are in fact bats in Okayama (even though that's in the Chugoku region, way west of Kanto lol), which the others laugh at. Ohno says that there aren't, but TOMO insists that they are, and that what Ohno saw in the sky (I think lol) is a bat, not a pigeon. HARU chuckles. Ohno says that there aren't any in Chiba, though. There's a pause before TOMO goes, "There aren't?" RINA wonders if bats are more likely to be found in the Kansai region. MAMI seems to look it up as well and says that they're apparently found throughout Japan except Hokkaido. Ohno says he's never seen one in person (he's from Chiba), and also has never bumped into one while riding a bike. RINA says that Tokyo's probably too urban for them to be here. TOMO says that they apparently are here, though. RINA says that it's likely they (or maybe just Ohno) just never noticed them. Ohno repeats the thing about good luck and such that bats are associated with, and TOMO says that the countryside must be really lucky since they have so many bats.

•The last and eleventh one is to "give the gift of LUMINOUS." There's a pause before they go, "What?" and wonder what that means. TOMO asks if that means they're supposed to talk about the album. RINA asks if something will happen if they "give the gift of LUMINOUS." HARU reads that they'll give some important people (AKA all the fans) the album. Ohno says something inaudible about bats. They laugh and HARU says that they actually have pretty good luck. The others agree. Ohno says that the band are the only 4 people in the studio that have stories about bats, with one even entering a house. TOMO wonders if their bat experiences were due to them having good luck. Ohno says that most people wouldn't be able to say those kinds of things happened to them. MAMI says that she thought stories like theirs were the norm. Ohno laughs that he didn't know that bats are cute. TOMO says that they are cute, enough that she wanted to keep it as a pet. MAMI mentions that there was a bat area at the Singapore night zoo they had gone to, and there were some pretty big ones there. RINA and HARU say they were kind of scary. There was bird meat hanging on a wire above them for the bats to eat, which was pretty surprising to see. TOMO says that meat-eating bats have cute faces as well. RINA says that they do have a lot of bat-related stories. TOMO says that they see bats as often as they see sparrows. MAMI says that the ones in residential areas are about that big, as in they're pretty small.

•RINA says that out of the 11 things mentioned, there were quite a few of them that they've done when they consciously thought about them. HARU says that the pig ornament one might be the only one they wouldn't be able to do right away. They then mention that a piggy bank could count. MAMI tries to remember if there's a pig Sanrio character and realizes that there is one. RINA asks which one it is. TOMO says that it's a minor character, but neither she nor MAMI remember what its name is (it's Pippo). RINA says that they could get something of that character, then. TOMO wonders if they can play the role of a pig properly. They laugh and RINA says she's sure it can. TOMO says that there's also an owl character. HARU knows what it is and says it's PataPataPeppy. Ohno asks if there's a bat character. TOMO and MAMI don't think there is. MAMI jokes that they should make Sanrio create 5 bat characters.

•Since this episode came out a few days before LUMINOUS was released, HARU asks the band how they're currently feeling with the release date almost here. TOMO says that their hearts are racing. RINA says that happens every time they release something, particularly an album. Both she and HARU say it also feels like summary because it takes a long time to make and it's all they're thinking about the entire time. RINA says it feels like, "Finally!" HARU says that this album's a good one. RINA says it's a really good one. HARU also says that it's cheerful and bright. RINA says it's really satisfying to have finally arrived here after going through all kinds of experiences, and that she's looking forward to having everyone listen to it. HARU says that she'd also like the people who say they learned about SCANDAL via this program to listen to it as well. She hopes that they will get to know the band not only through this program, but also get to know their music properly.

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A fun week
Theme：RINA

Release week is so much fun
The album finally reaches everyone,
People wait for us,
And we're overflowing with happiness!
Even though it just came out, people are finding their favorite songs right away
And expressing their feelings through words,
Which really fills my heart with emotion!
Thank you.

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The four of us went off to different cities
And did things like
Radio + TV recordings and release events♡



I'm glad I got to see you guys.
With most people coming home from work,
I'm grateful that so many came out on a weekday.
I was allowed to stay until the store closed.
Thank you so much
For taking time out of your busy schedules to come and visit!
Your feelings are being conveyed!
I also read all of the fan letters♡



Tomorrow, the four of us will be at the event in Tokyo.
Shibuya Tower Records from 4:30 pm〜
We really will be waiting there until closing time!
Even if you decide last minute to go after all, or if you can make in in time,
You can still participate!
We're also looking forward to
Getting to talk to everyone one by one!



RINA

2024-03-23 17:56:22

Spoiler:

Music Natalie - SCANDAL's LUMINOUS Interview

No matter what happens, we'll be okay - Expressing reality and light through multicolored music

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SCANDAL released their new album LUMINOUS on March 20.

This is their first album in 2 years and 2 months since their previous work MIRROR. In addition to the previously released songs "Line of sight"; "Vision"; "Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto"; and "CANDY" is "Fanfare," the ending song for the original anime HIGHSPEED Étoile; as well as songs provided by EOW's vocalist Laco, an old friend of SCANDAL's; and Rhythmic Toy World. The diverse musicality is strongly emphasized throughout the 11 songs. We spoke with the band about LUMINOUS, which is filled with light and was created with an eye toward the future of the band, accepting the various difficulties they face in life and becoming their own source of light.

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SCANDAL is radiating light

──I hear that SCANDAL took a relaxing vacation at the beginning of the year.

RINA: We took an entire month off. So grateful for that (laughs).

TOMOMI: Yeah. We were able to refresh ourselves quite a bit.

HARUNA: It was the first time we'd ever taken such a long break. Maybe the past us would have felt a little hesistant to take it, but this time we rested as much as we wanted (laughs).



──Did you see each other during the break?

RINA: We basically did not.

MAMI: I went to eat parfaits with TOMOMI, though.

TOMOMI: Ehehehe. We did meet up occasionally, but we never really met up as a group to discuss future activities.

HARUNA: It might have been the first time we went so long without seeing each other.

TOMOMI: We unintentionally did so during the pandemic, but it was the first time we consciously decided to take a breather. It was very refreshing and relieving.

──It seems you took a break after completing the album.

RINA: That's right. Good on us (laughs).

TOMOMI: We really worked on it until the last minute at the end of last year.

HARUNA: We worked hard in order to take a break (laughs).



──You've completed a truly wonderful album. It make sense that you were able to take a long break without any worries. I think the title LUMINOUS symbolizes the content of the album, but how did this word come about?

RINA: We had a meeting after all the songs were finished and discussed what we should title it. When we looked back on the emotional journey of the past 2 years since the previous album, we talked about how we're trying to move towards a new and brighter world now. Since we felt this album was comprised of those kinds of songs, we arrived at the word LUMINOUS, which means "to emit light," to symbolize it.



──SCANDAL now radiates light themselves.

RINA: There was also the aspect of choosing it with hope for our future selves. No matter what path we choose, even if we make a new choice like taking a month-long break, we strongly believe that we'll be okay. We were able to give it that title because this idea became clear to us a band: No matter what happens, the future is bright because we are emitting light.



──It does seem like a natural progression for SCANDAL to amass songs with a mood that makes you feel that kind of light.

MAMI: That's right. Even though we were finally able to start moving again during the pandemic and create our previous album MIRROR, there were times when we felt we hadn't reached the light quite yet. But as time passed, we were able to play proper concerts again, and our hearts have become more solidly focused on moving foward. We all had a desire to create a bright future. So when we listened to newly created songs, we got the impression that they all had something in common in what they were saying and what they were aiming for. It really felt like the songs naturally came together in that way for LUMINOUS.

HARUNA: At the same time, a major topic for us in 2023 was being certified by the Guinness World Records as the "Longest running female rock band with the same musicians (female)," so we were naturally thinking a lot about ourselves as we worked on the album. That's why I feel like this album has so many songs about ourselves compared to the previous ones.

RINA: It also feels like we're able to express a gradient of emotions. Although it's titled LUMINOUS, it's not just filled with bright songs, nor is it entirely dark. I think we were able to create an album that imagines a bright future while still embracing the realistic aspects of life.

TOMOMI: The fact that the overall impression of the album is that it's bright, even though you'll realize that not all of the songs are cheerful when you listen to them one at a time, is proof that our current mentality is pointing towards a bright direction. It really feels like we've created a great album. I feel like going, "Good job, SCANDAL! You're doing great!" (laughs).



──Looking back, MIRROR was also an album that was filled with honest feelings. It seems that SCANDAL's creative style has turned out to be this way.

TOMOMI: That's right. I think we're getting to the point in our lives where we can't help but to let it all out (laughs).

There are a lot of lyrics that make us think "It's okay to put these out now"

──The album opens with "Gunjou pleats," featuring lyrics and music by MAMI. It's really touching to see such a refreshing and positive song created by you, especially considering your recent admission of a creative slump.

MAMI: This song was actually pulled from a voice memo I recorded years ago. When I listened to this song again, I realized that I'm the type of person who can be uplifted by little things and can laugh at silly things for a lifetime. I still feel like I'm in a slump where I can't write songs, but this song has made me feel like I can approach my activities with the mindset of, "Yeah, there are times like that," and keep going.

RINA: I thought this song was really great the moment I listened to it. It's natural for everyone to experience waves of emotion throughout life. I can really relate to the fact that the protagonist is a strong, independent woman who properly depicts that vulnerability while embracing it as she lives her life. SCANDAL rarely digs up backstock to record, but I also thought this approach was good.

TOMOMI: I think the song may be more suited to MAMI now than when the seeds of the song were created. It feels like we were able to release it at the right time, even if it wasn't intentional.

HARUNA: That's definitely true. There are quite a few lyrics that we thought we wouldn't be able to release to the world a few years ago, but now it seems like it'd be okay.

──I think that sound-wise and message-wise, "Gunjou pleats" is song befitting of the first track.

RINA: We also discussed putting "Fanfare," which has the charm of our classic sound, as the first track, but we decided to start it off with "Gunjou pleats," which has a slightly novel sound. It's also our first album in two years, so we wanted to prioritize novelty when arranging the tracklist.



──The intro does make you surprised and go "Oh!"

HARUNA: Right. We talked about how the first track should be one that makes people think "Oh!" when listening to the album on streaming services.

TOMOMI: It's also one of the songs that best represents SCANDAL's current mode.

Writing lyrics while crying, thinking about the members

──The second track is "Fanfare," the album's lead song. It was written specifically as the ending song for the original anime series HIGHSPEED Étoile, but it can also be called SCANDAL's theme song. The lyrics were written by TOMOMI.

TOMOMI: I heard that the protagonist of the anime is a strong, independent woman, so I wrote lyrics that directly conveyed that. Not too long ago, I would have felt embarrassed and a little shy to express my feelings openly, but now I think it's cooler to just write about things honestly. At the same time, as you had mentioned, there were many parts of the anime's content that overlapped with ours, so I also incorporated that into the lyrics. When writing the lyrics, I found myself thinking things like "How are we going to live our lives from here on out?" and "How will we continue to operate as a band?" I even started crying a bit (laughs). If, like in a race, there comes a time when we reach the finish line, I want us to cross it in the best condition we've ever been in... I found myself thinking things like that as I worked on the lyrics.

──The phrase "I head towards a world where no one can catch up to me" is so persuasive, especially since the band holds a Guinness World Record. The line "Let's head to the place closest to eternity" is also a very SCANDAL-like expression.

RINA: I really like those lyrics. I kept thinking to myself, "That really is true." Running to the place closest to "eternity" as possible is our motivation right now.

TOMOMI: I wrote that part while thinking about the members and crying a lot (laughs).

RINA: "Eyes swollen from crying"?

MAMI: Exactly what the first line of the lyrics are (laughs).

TOMOMI: Ahahaha. I had a hard time writing the lyrics to this song. I skipped the pre-production process a few times, but I really wanted to write until I was satisfied with it. I really took my time to craft it.



──The music and arrangement were done by MAMI.

MAMI: This is one of the songs we tried out when we talked about wanting to do a band song with just the four of us. Ever since we started writing our own songs, TOMOMI hadn't written lyrics for this type of song, which is why it felt fresh. I sensed that TOMOMI was struggling a bit with the lyrics, but she was so determined to write them (laughs) that I was totally okay with waiting until she was satisfied with them. I'm really glad it turned out in a way that I was satisfied with.



──The vocals are also great, conveying the feelings expressed in the lyrics in the tone of voice used.

HARUNA: I really felt that this song was written with not only ourselves in mind, but also our fans, so I sang it wanting to deliver it to everyone with great care. Recently, I've come to feel this more strongly than ever before, because our fans are like partners who are growing up and spending their lives with SCANDAL.

MAMI: I hope everyone enjoys the song along with the anime, which will start airing soon.

A melody sharing the "same blood"

──The following track, "Watashi-tachi," is a love song that features lyrics by RINA and music by MAMI.

RINA: The lyrics were made first. These lyrics were actually among my backstock. I thought it was lacking something at the time I wrote it and put it on hold, but when I revisited it after a few years, it felt like it was properly finished. Perhaps, as I've grown older, I've come to see incomplete relationships as one form of relationships. When shaping the song, the only part I added to was the bridge. MAMI then added the melody to it.

MAMI: RINA had a clear vision of the sound, so I added a bright melody based on that. I think I was able to bring out an interesting duality with the sad lyrics. I wanted this song to have a pop vibe overall, so I asked Ryo Eguchi to arrange it, and he added a variety of impressive keyboard sounds. It turned to be a very cute song.



──EOW participated in the composition and arrangement for "Plum." EOW vocalist Laco attended the same music school as SCANDAL, correct?

TOMOMI: Yes. She's been my good friend since elementary school. It's so touching to be able to work together this time!

HARUNA: Ahahaha.

TOMOMI: I'm very happy to be able to work with Laco, but even before that, I'm such a big fan of EOW's music that I'm so thrilled. I thought it would be great to try making a bright yet emotional song, which is also EOW's theme, as SCANDAL this time. I polished some backstock lyrics I had and asked EOW to add the melody. It's a sensuous breakup song that was born from collaborating with EOW.

RINA: EOW came to the recording as well. We recorded it while talking together. It was very refreshing and made for a happy atmosphere to hear all kinds of opinions and positive comments about my playing.

TOMOMI: Yutaro gives out so many compliments (laughs).

HARUNA: That kind of thing is important (laughs).

TOMOMI: Also, sound-wise, they gave us ideas that we would never come up with on our own.

MAMI: We learned so much! It's very pleasant to play, and it fits HARUNA's voice really well.

HARUNA: Yeah. It does feel fresh to sing songs that people outside of the band made, and the melody written by Laco, who hails from the same school as us, is very easy to sing. It's like we share the same blood somewhere (laughs). It made me feel a bit nostalgic and emotional.

Packing thoughts into a big explosion

──"LOOP," the seventh track, has lyrics and music by RINA. It's a thrilling rock number that sings "I can't let it end in a world like this" and "I can't laugh in a world like this" over a rough sound.

RINA: I really like that raw, gritty sound of rock and grunge music. I wanted to create a really simple song that we could rock out to in small venues. When I write a song using computer music, I paste the chords on a loop since I'm not that skilled at guitar. I wanted to make the most of that approach, so I incorporated it into the theme of the lyrics and the title, "LOOP."



──They do depict feelings similar to an anger of repeating the same thing over and over again.

RINA: Those feelings were really strong when I wrote this song. I often wondered if it was okay to live such a repetitive life with the same schedule, and when I watched the news, I'd often find myself thinking, "It's the same old failures and mistakes again!" I tried to pack all those emotions into one big explosion (laughs).

HARUNA: Sound-wise, there's also a fresh kind of listening experience to it. As for the vocals, I understand that it's better to sing in a languid manner that matches the tone of the song, but since I'm quiet serious at heart (laughs), I tend to sing properly without realizing it. It may have been quite difficult to find the right balance.

──How did recording instruments go?

RINA: We pretty much finished them in one take.

HARUNA: It was really fast. I even recorded vocals in just one day.

TOMOMI: I really only played it once (laughs). With songs like this, it's better to not have too many corrections. It's been a long time since we played something just once and released it as is (laughs).

MAMI: It's nice because you can do whatever you want with songs like this (laughs). You can try out ideas that come up on the spot, like, "That sounds good. Let's give it a try." Also, those "impulses" really help to elevate the song, making it enjoyable to listen to. I really thought it would be nice to do this kind of song once in a while.

This is "our song"

──Following EOW, this album also includes the song "Anata e" that Rhythmic Toy World participated in. The music was composed by Naotaka Uchida and arranged by Akira Kishi, with lyrics by MAMI.

MAMI: Just like TOMOMI said earlier, I also feel like I'm just a fan when it comes to Rhythmic (laughs). At the same time, I feel like their mentality as a band is similar to SCANDAL, so I've always felt a sense of kinship with them. I also felt that our fans would like Rhythmic's music, which is why I asked them to collaborate with us this time. I was very happy that we were able to communicate with each other down to the smallest details while finishing this song.



──Specifically, how did you proceed with the production?

MAMI: First, I conveyed the fragments of what I wanted to express with this song, and then they added the melody to it. Then, I wrote the lyrics based on that, and we continued to refine it in that manner. In the process, we also discussed the possibility of having me sing it.

──What you're singing about is your feelings towards the members and fans.

MAMI: Yes. I wrote them so openly, more so than I might have in the past. I'm also very grateful to the members for allowing me to write these lyrics. I was really happy when they said, "This is truly our own song."

RINA: I thought the lyrics were wonderful. The four of us have been working together for a long time, and there are things like shared views and emotions that only we could understand. It's not just about the good times; pain and suffering have also left their marks in the same way. So when I listen to this song, every phrase makes me feel like, "Ah, this is what's being sung about here." In that sense, I really felt like this is "our song."

MAMI: Yeah. At the same time, I wanted to make sure that I'd be able to properly remember my gratitude to our fans every time I sing this song, because I think that's something we should never forget. Because there are people who listen to us, we can remain strong and feel like we'll be okay no matter what happens. In that sense, I think this song inspires us as we sing it.



──Did the members of Rhythmic attend the recordings?

MAMI: Yes. Ucchi (Uchida) and Akira came to them. Whenever we finished playing, they would jump up and down (laughs). They were having a lot of fun.

RINA: We had a lot of fun, too.

TOMOMI: Both EOW and Rhythmic added essences that we don't have, which in turn has allowed us to reaffirm our own identity. There was a time once when we were constantly searching for what defined our "SCANDAL-ness," but realizing that we had somehow found it without even noticing was also incredibly refreshing.

HARUNA: Another good song with MAMI on lead vocals.

MAMI: That makes me happy. But it's tough to sing this one (laughs). Before I knew it, it had become a song with no breathing room. But I'll do my best to sing it!

Fired up!

──The album also includes another song, "1:47," with lyrics and music by HARUNA.

HARUNA: It's read as "Ichi Yon Nana" (One Four Seven). During the album production, as the songs gradually came together, I realized that there were many songs about ourselves, so I decided to make a song that wasn't about us. And the result was a song about a woman gaining independence through love. I chose this title because it was 1:47 when I saved fragments of the lyrics on my phone. I think it turned out to be a very playful song.



──There are parts where words are used rhythmically, and have a bit of a rap-like flow.

HARUNA: I worked with the arranger Satori Shiraishi on this, and we discussed how the melody and chord progression in the chorus were rather standard, so if we made the song in a normal way, it might become monotonous. For the sound, we built it up from scratch together. As for the recording... That went smoothly too, didn't it?

MAMI: It was so fast!

RINA: The song is simple to play, so it's fun being able to perform it with ease. But the arrangement turned out to be really satisfying to listen to. I'm happy that we were able to record with good sound, and it was a satisfying recording.

TOMOMI: The backing vocals are all HARUNA, right?

HARUNA: That's right. Even including that, recording concluded very quickly.

TOMOMI: It's also important to note that HARUNA's voice is the only voice on the song.

──And the album concludes with "Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto." I think it's the perfect culmination.

HARUNA: We felt that the album had to close with this song.

RINA: We're fired up! What an awesome band (Laughs).

Discovering SCANDAL's mature stage presence

──You will be starting your nationwide tour on April 2 in support of the album. After that, it seems that you're also planning to perform overseas.

MAMI: We're also fired up for the tour!

RINA: There are even some pretty small-capacity music clubs this time. I'm really excited because we get to have fun up close with the audiences.

TOMOMI: The songs on the album have quite a wide range of sounds, so I'm not sure how well they can be reproduced at these small venues. On the other hand, I think there are ways of expressing them that can only be done live. I think people will be able to enjoy sounds that are completely different from the recordings, so I hope they can fully enjoy that aspect as well.

HARUNA: I hope people can discover new ways to enjoy SCANDAL's concerts at small music clubs. We want to discover the stage presence of SCANDAL that is not only intense as before, but also mature.

MAMI: Yeah. We hope to build on that momentum and make our overseas tour a success too!

RINA: In the midst of all this, we're also starting to talk about our 20th anniversary (laughs). We'll continue to bring you a ton of fun thingsー.

MAMI: Don't you dare take your eyes off usー! (laughs)

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2024/03/20
Theme：RINA

We pushed things to the point where it was impossible to be any more particular about them,
And we were able to create an album that we love
At the height of what the four of us can do right now.
It made our hearts sparkle again.
Speaking of which, it was okay
To play music for ourselves.
We want to perform comfortably and easily.
Allow us to be a little selfish sometimes.
It also turned out to be an album that reminded me of several simple and important things.

---

Whenever we talk about how this is
Our 11th original album
When promoting,
We feel slightly taken aback
Yet proud and affectionate towards the earnestness
With which we have continued to create albums up to this point.


It might be the juiciest time of my life.
I think it's so luxurious and special
To have been able to spend more than 17 and a half years
Dedicated to this band.
I don't think there will ever be an experience that could replace it.
There are nights when I feel like I've missed out on something
Because I've lived a life where
Nothing is more important than this band,
But I've also realized that my heart is already overflowing
With so many happy memories.


After all,
Maybe we're a band that doesn't really belong anywhere,
But if we're likely to continue being
The world's longest-running all-girl band,
Then I guess we'll probably keep going like this forever haha
That seems to me to be a good thing.
We recognize in ourselves the things that won't disappear,
No matter how much we shake them off or whittle them down.
What we can do as the four of us,
What happens because of the four of us,
We want to accept and love all of it.


From here on, we can do whatever we want.
No matter what we do, we can shine a light on ours and everyone's days together.
Those who resonate with this band's mentality
Are bound to have bright lives.
So, we'll do our best!


The fact that we can come here and make an album like this,
I'm so happy that I don't even know what it means.
It doesn't matter how many times you lose heart or feel bad about yourself,
So keep reclaiming the version of yourself that you love
And live with a kind heart.



RINA

2024-03-20 18:41:11

Spoiler:

---

1. Gunjou pleats (群青pleats; Ultramarine pleats)
   
2. Fanfare (ファンファーレ)
   
3. Watashi-tachi (私たち; Us)
   
4. Plum
   
5. CANDY
   
6. Vision
   
7. LOOP
   
8. Line of sight
   
9. Anata e (あなたへ; To You)
   
10. 1:47
    
11. Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto (ハイライトの中で僕らずっと; We're Always In the Highlights)
    

---

---

Gunjou pleats ~ 群青pleats; Ultramarine pleats
Lyrics & Music: MAMI ~ Arrangement: Keita Kawaguchi

Itsuka dareka ga nanigenaku itta kotoba ga
Ima futo ukande
Tojikometeta hazu no kanjou ga koboreteshimaisou
Konna watashi ja nakattara
Nante nankai omotta darou soshite nankai-me no ima darou
Mou sonna koto kangaenakute ii no tte
Ashita no watashi ga itteru

Mainichi no kurikaeshi no naka de iya na koto attatte
Nantokashite kita shi
Watashi wa sekai ni nante kaerarenai
Souyatte ikite kitan dakara

Kaisei no aozora ni odoraseta
Gunjou no puriitsu kyou wa
Itsumo yori sukoshi dake kakeashi de
Machi wo kaze kitte arukou
Taiyou wo mikata ni kao wo agete
Kinou no watashi yori massugu na
Kokoro de irareru you kono choushi de ikou

Itsunomanika jibun no ruuru de kimetsuketa
Sukikirai ni tsumazuku
Arainagasenai kodowari shimi ya shiwa
Kore, mou haotterannai wa

Me wo tojireba ukandeita hibi datte
Subete omoidasenai tooi kioku ni naru no
Hitsuyou ka hitsuyou ja nai ka kurai
Wakerareru reisei na kimochi de

Manten no hoshizora ni nabiiteiru
Gunjou no puriitsu yoru wa
Wake mo naku namida ga afuretemo
Sotto shite oitara ii no
Sonna toki mo tanjun na hitokoto de
Egao ni nareru kurai shinpuru na
Watashi ni umarete yokatta tte omou yo

Togattari yuraidari netsu wo obitari
Memagurushii kedo itooshii
Sono haato wo taisetsu ni shite

Kaisei no aozora ni odoraseta
Gunjou no puriitsu kyou wa
Itsumo yori sukoshi dake kakeashi de
Machi wo kaze kitte arukou
Taiyou wo mikata ni kao wo agete
Kinou no watashi yori massugu na
Kokoro de irareru you kono choushi de ikou

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

Something that someone casually said one day
Came to mind
And the emotions that were supposed to be bottled up are about to spill out
How many times have I wished I wasn't like this
And how many times has it happened now?
I'll tell myself tomorrow
That I don't have to think about it anymore

Even if something bad happens as each day repeats
I'll manage to handle it
I can't change the world
That's how I've lived my life

Pleats of ultramarine
Danced in the clear blue sky
I'll breeze through the city
A little more briskly than usual today
With the sun on my side, I'll look up
I hope I can be more honest
Than I was yesterday, and keep going

Before I know it, I trip over
My own rules of likes and dislikes
Obsessions, stains, and wrinkles that can't be washed away
I can't wear these any longer

When I close my eyes, I can't remember
All the days that floated by - They become distant memories
With a calm mind that separates
The necessary from the unnecessary

Pleats of ultramarine
Fluttering in a star-filled sky
At night, when tears come for no reason at all
It's okay to let them go
Even during those times
I'm glad I was born simple enough
To be able to smile with just a simple word

Sharp, wavering, rousing
Dizzying but dear
Cherish that heart

Pleats of ultramarine
Danced in the clear blue sky
Let's breeze through the city
A little more briskly than usual today
With the sun on my side, I'll look up
I hope I can be more honest
Than I was yesterday, and keep going

---

Fanfare (ファンファーレ)
Lyrics: TOMOMI ~ Music & Arrangement: MAMI

Nakiharashita asa enogu de kaita you na
Niji wo mitanda niji wo mitanda
Tameiki tsuitatte kizu ga itandatte
Togire kaketa kodou mou tometakunai

Tada mae dake wo mitsumeru no wa kowai kedo
Michi ni wa mayowanai you ni kimi ni wa kikoeru you ni
Kokoro no oku de narase! Fanfaare!

Miageta aozora to oikaze wo ima mikata ni shite
Daremo oitsukenai sekai e
Kasaneta hibi ga takaramono ni naru
Kakenukeyou kimi to haisupiido de

Sukoshi oogesa ni kakageta kotoba wa
Uso ja nakatta uso ja nakatta
Itsuka akogareta kiseki no ue wo ima kitto hashitteru
Douka kono mama

Kagiriaru keshiki wo me ni yakitsukete
Nariyamanai kansei to hakushu ni kotaeru you ni
Eien ni ichiban chikai tokoro e yukou

Nandomo nandodemo te wo nobasu yo
Saikou no finaare kazaru made

Miageta aozora to oikaze ga ima mikata suru
Daremo oitsukenai sekai de
Kasaneta hibi ga shoumei suru bikutorii
Kimi to nara niji wo koete ikeru kara

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

On a morning my eyes were swollen from crying
I saw a rainbow that looked like a painting
Even if I sigh, my wounds hurt
And my heart skips a beat, I don't want to stop now

It's scary just looking ahead
So that I don't get lost along the way, and that you can hear me
Let it ring deep in my heart! Fanfare!

With the blue sky I looked up to and the tailwind on my side now
I head towards a world where no one can catch up to me
The days we spent together become treasures
I'll run through them at high speed with you

The words I exaggerated a little
Weren't a lie, weren't a lie
I'm sure right now I'm racing on the miracle I once longed for
Please let things stay like this

We imprint this finite scenery into our minds
And in response to the endless cheers and applause
Let's head to the place closest to eternity

I'll reach out again and again
Until I reach a grand finale

The blue sky I looked up to and the tailwind are on my side now
In a world where no one can catch up to us
Victory's proven by the days we spent together
Because with you I can cross the rainbow

---

Watashi-tachi (私たち; Us)
Lyrics: RINA ~ Music: MAMI ~ Arrangement: Ryo Eguchi

Miito soosu haneta
Okiniiri no shiroi burausu
Kosuttemo kosuttemo torenai
Ano hi ga shimitsuita mama

Arainagashite wasurete shimaou tte
Wake ni wa ikanai omoide

Anata yori taisetsu na mono nante
Konoyo ni hitotsu mo nai no ni
Doushitemo doushitemo watashi-tachi, Ah
Omoikogarete nakisou ni natte
Kono itami ni sae sugaritaku naru

Koukai shitari bankai shitari
Sonna koto no kurikaeshi de ii
Ima wa tayorinaku hageta neiru
Nurinaoshite watashi ga watashi wo kagayakaseru

Sugu soba de mitsumeaeru kyori dakedo
Keshite majiwaru koto wa nai
Itsumademo itsumademo watashi-tashi, Ah
Omoidoori ni naranai mama de
Kienai shiawase sagashi tsuzukeru

Nidoto onaji katachi ni narenai watashi wa nami no you
Anata wa jitto umi wo terasu taiyou datta

Anata yori taisetsu na mono nante
Konoyo ni hitotsu mo nai kara
Kore kara mo kore kara mo watashi-tashi, Ah
Omoikogarete nakisou ni natte
Kono itami de mata tashikame atteru

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

Meat sauce splashed
Onto my favorite white blouse
No matter how much I scrub, it won't come off
That day remains indelibly stained into it

They're memories that can't just be
Washed away and forgotten

There's nothing in this world
That's more precious to me than you
No matter what, no matter what, ah
We'll long for it, cry for it
And even want to cling to this pain

It's okay to regret, make amends
And repeat them over and over again
My nail polish is starting to chip away
I'll repaint them and make myself shine

We're close enough to look right at each other
But we'll never cross paths
Forever and ever, ah
Even if things don't go our way
We'll continue to search for a never-ending happiness

I'm like the waves that never have the same shape twice
You were the sun shining fixedly on the sea

There's nothing in this world
That's more precious to me than you
From here on out, from here on out, ah
We'll long for it, cry for it
And with this pain, we confirm each other again

---

Plum
Lyrics: TOMOMI ~ Music & Arrangement: EOW

Tisshu wo ichi-mai suteru you ni kantan de
Tisshu wo ichi-mai suteta dake no sayonara

Nanimo iwanakutemo wakatta you na
Nanimo furenakutemo kanjita you na (ki ga shita)
Kitto omoisugoshi ja nai keredo
Koori no toketa aisu tii mitai
Moto ni wa modoranai

Komorebi yureru nichiyoubi
Kokoro wa chuuburarin no mama

Kono me de mimi de kuchi de mada
Shiritai koto ga atta
Sono me de mimi de kuchi de mada
Aisaretai to omotteta (uso ja nai kedo)

Tisshu wo ichi-mai suteru you ni kantan de (maboroshi mitai na)
Tisshu wo ichi-mai suteta dake no sayonara (hibi datta)

Nanimo iwanakutemo wakatta you na
Nanimo furenakutemo kanjita you na
Seikatsu mo hitotsu owareba mata hitotsu
Sonna koto kangaeru bonyari
Wasuremono wa? Otoshimono wa nai?

Aisaretai to omotteta
Kono chi de hada de kami de mada
Oshietai koto ga atta
Sono chi de hada de kami de mada
Ikite ikeru to omotteta (uso ja nai kedo)

Tisshu wo ichi-mai suteru you ni kantan de (maboroshi mitai na)
Tisshu wo ichi-mai suteta dake no sayonara (hibi datta)

Dakedo ai dattanda to omou
Are wa ai dattanda to omou
Kitto ai dattanda to omou
Shingou no tenmetsu ni hayaaruki wo
Dekiru hodo ni wa genki de iru yo

Dakedo ai dattanda to omou
Are wa ai dattanda to omou
Kitto ai dattanda to omou
Mainichi akari wo keshita ato
Sukoshi dake omoidashite shimau

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

As easy as discarding a single tissue
Just a goodbye to one tissue thrown away

It was as if I understood without saying anything
As if I could feel it without touching anything (That's what it felt like)
I'm sure I'm not imagining things, but
Like iced tea with melted ice
Things won't go back to how they used to be

On a Sunday with the sunlight shining through the trees
My heart remains in limbo

With these eyes, ears, and mouth
There were things I still wanted to know
With those eyes, ears, and mouth
I still wanted to be loved (It's the truth)

As easy as discarding a single tissue (Those days)
Just a goodbye to one tissue thrown away (Were like a mirage)

It was as if I understood without saying anything
As if I felt without touching anything
When one aspect of life ends, another begins
I think about that vaguely
Have I forgotten anything? Lost anything?

I wanted to be loved
With this blood, skin, and hair
There was still something I wanted to teach you
With that blood, skin, and hair
I thought I could still keep living (It's the truth)

As easy as discarding a single tissue (Those days)
Just a goodbye to one tissue thrown away (Were like a mirage)

But I think it was love
I think that was love
It surely was love
I'll be well enough
To walk briskly when traffic lights are blinking

But I think it was love
I think that was love
It surely was love
Every day after I turn off the lights
I think about you just a little bit

---

CANDY
Lyrics & Music: TOMOMI ~ Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi

Docchidemo ii yo tte
Itsumo iu kedo
Tsumannai na tsumannai yo
Motto gutto chikaku ni oide yo

Nandemonai yo tte
Sonna kao shite
Bukiyou da na wakatteru yo
Sakki kara mado no soto de
Ame ga futteiru

Naite okure yo
Watashi no me no mae de
Sono ato warawasete ageru yo
Hitoribocchi mitai ni ikitenna yo
Koe agete naite okure yo

Kinou no kyandii wa
Kinou no jaketto no poketto no naka de
Yukkuri toketeiku
Darenimo mitsukaranai mama
Kisetsu wa megutteku
Chikyuu wa mawatteru

Naite okure yo
Watashi no me no mae de
Sono ato warawasete ageru yo
Hitoribocchi mitai ni ikitenna yo
Koe agete naite okure yo

Katachi no kuzureta kyandii
Mitsuketara omoidashite
Naite naite naite naita ato
Warawasete ageru yo
Katachi no kuzureta kyandii
Mitsuketara omoidashite kure
Hitoribocchi ja nai kara sa

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

"It's up to you"
Is what you always say
But that's boring - It's dull
Come closer to me

"Never mind"
That's the kind of face you're making
It's awkward, I know
For a while now
It's been raining outside the window

Go ahead and cry
In front of me
I'll make you laugh after that
Don't live like you're all alone
Go ahead and cry outloud

The candy from yesterday
Is slowly melting
In the pocket of the jacket worn yesterday
With no one to find it
The seasons come and go
The earth turns

Go ahead and cry
In front of me
I'll make you laugh after that
Don't live like you're all alone
Go ahead and cry outloud

If you find a piece of candy
That's misshapen, remember
After you've cried, cried, cried, and cried some more
I'll make you laugh
If you find a piece of candy
That's misshapen, just remember
That you're not alone

---

Vision
Lyrics & Music: RINA ~ Arrangement: Hibiki Nishikawa

Sanran shiteiru awai omoide
Sayonara wa iwanai haru no toori ame
Chiisana karada wo furihodoite
Hitomi ni utsusu no wa, bijon

Dandan tooku naru dakedo togirenai
Dareka no nukumori fuan to tomo ni
Taisetsu ni shimattetai
Tokete kiete shimattemo

Ashita wa
Itsumo doori akarui hizashi
Kagayaite mieru kara
Watashi kara yoru ni tobikonde
Aishite miru aishite miru

Maboroshi ya, mayakashi ja nai yo
Me wo tojiteitemo mabushii
Watashi kara yoru ni tobikonde
Aishite miru hajimete miru watashi wo

Yubisaki de tsukuru fureemu
Sono, zutto, zutto saki e
Saru mono wa owanai natsu no shinkirou
Kaze ni nabiteru, bijon

Itsumo doori akarui hizashi
Kagayaite mieru kara
Watashi kara yoru ni tobikonde
Aishite miru aishite miru

Maboroshi ya, mayakashi ja nai yo
Me wo tojiteitemo mabushii
Watashi kara yoru ni tobikonde
Aishite miru hajimete miru watashi wo

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

Faint memories are scattered about
Not saying goodbye, like a spring shower
Shaking off my small body
I see in your eyes a vision

Someone's warmth along with anxiety
Grow further and further away but remain constant
I want to keep them safe
Even if they melt away and disappear

Tomorrow
The sun will shine brightly
Just like always
Diving away from me into the night
Trying to love, trying to love

It's not a fantasy or an illusion
It's dazzling even with my eyes closed
Diving away from me into the night
Trying to love, starting to love myself

I make a frame with my fingertips
I won't chase those who leave
Towards that always faraway place, like a summer mirage
A vision fluttering in the wind

The sun shines brightly
Just like always
Diving away from me into the night
Trying to love, trying to love

It's not a fantasy or an illusion
It's dazzling even with my eyes closed
Diving away from me into the night
Trying to love, seeing myself for the first time

---

LOOP
Lyrics: RINA ~ Music: RINA, Satori Shiraishi ~ Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi

Memai ga suru mainichi da
Onaji koto bakkari yatteru mitai
Konna kimochi ni saseru no wa
Dareka ja nai tte wakatteru kedo

Hidoku toketa chokoreito
Amaku matowaritsuku kaori
Zenbu kirai ni naru mae ni
Koko kara nigedasu no mo warukunai

All I need is to be free
Mou koko kara suki ni sasete
All I need is to be free
Konna sekai ja waraenaiwa
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

Yudan sureba karappo da
Nichijou ni zutto yotta joutai
Sore wa sore de shiawase
Dakedo, kitto monotarinai mama

Machi ni tobikatta heito
Kotoba no yari ga sasatta manma
Heiki na furi shite kowareteku
Kodou wa nani wo kazoeteru?

All I need is to be free
Aa itsuka wa kiete shimau no ni
All I need is to be free
Konna sekai ja owarenaiwa
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

All I need is to be free
Mou koko kara suki ni sasete
All I need is to be free
Konna sekai ja waraenaiwa
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

I feel dizzy every day
It's like I'm doing the same thing over and over again
But I know it's not someone else
Who's making me feel like this

The sweet, lingering scent
Of extremely melted chocolate
It's not a bad idea to run away from here
Before everything becomes unbearable

All I need is to be free
Let me do as I please from here on
All I need is to be free
I can't laugh in a world like this
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

If I let my guard down, I'll come up empty
Perpetually in a state of intoxication
That, in its own way, is happiness
But surely it's not enough

Hate flying around the city
A spear of words pierced me
Pretending to be okay, but crumbling inside
What are these heartbeats counting?

All I need is to be free
Ah, even though I'll disappear someday
All I need is to be free
I can't let it end in a world like this
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

All I need is to be free
Let me do as I please from here on
All I need is to be free
I can't laugh in a world like this
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

---

Line of sight
Lyrics: RINA ~ Music: MAMI ~ Arrangement: Keita Kawaguchi

one's line of sight hatenai risou
Tomatta mama me wo sorashiteta
Daitai kimatte hiza wo kakaeta yoru ni kagitte
Mabushii hikari ga furu
Kono mama, nigenaide to

Yurayura yuraideiru docchi ga tengoku de jigoku?
Towaie hoshou sareteru basho wa nai kara

Mienai sen de tsunagariatte
Tonariawase oikakeru mirai
Nando datte, shoujun awase naoshite
Kasundeku mono toraetetai yo
Mou nidoto saigirarenai you ni
Nando datte, saisei kurikaeshinagara
Shisen wo awasete sotto unazuita
Watashi wo tomenaide

Wasurekaketa koro kodoku no shuurai
Kono yo wa reisen
Fuhei fuman hikaku hyouka
Iki ga dekinai mujuuryoku no naka de oborenagara

Daremo ga mogaiteiru muon no koe hariage
Tashika ni kikoete kuru oto wo shinjite

Seijaku wo ikki ni tsukiyabutta
Togireta toki wo ugokasu you ni
Nando datte, shoujun awase naoshite
Kanawanai mama owarenakute
Eien ni tsuzuku negai hanatta
Nando datte, saisei kurikaeshinagara
Hoshi ni naru hi made kono shunkan dake wo
Mamorinuite iku no

one's line of sight hanasanaide
Tonariawase oikakeru mirai
Nando datte, shoujun awase naoshite
Kasundeku mono toraetetai yo
Mou nidoto saigirarenai you ni
Nando datte, saisei kurikaeshinagara
Shisen wo awasete sotto unazuita
Watashi wo tomenaide

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

one's line of sight - My endless ideals
Were on pause as I looked away
Happening only on nights when I hug my knees to my chest
A blinding light pours down
Telling me not to run away like this

Unsteady and shaking - Which is heaven, and which is hell?
Still, neither one has been guaranteed

Connected by invisible lines
Chasing the future side by side
Realigning our sights over and over again
Wanting to catch hold of what's fading away
So that it'll never slow us down again
As we come back to life over and over again
We lock eyes and nod briefly
Don't stop me

Loneliness attacks when you least expect it
This world's locked in a cold war
Discontent, dissatisfaction, comparison, evaluation
Unable to breathe while drowning in zero gravity

Everyone struggles, raising their silent voices
Believing in the sounds they can hear for certain

Breaking through the silence all at once
As if moving this stopped time
Realigning our sights over and over again
Letting out an unfulfilled, unfinished wish
That'll continue forever
As we come back to life over and over again
We will protect only this moment
Until the day we become part of the stars

one's line of sight - Don't let go
Chasing the future side by side
Realigning our sights over and over again
Wanting to catch hold of what's fading away
So that it'll never slow us down again
As we come back to life over and over again
We lock eyes and nod briefly
Don't stop me

---

Anata e (あなたへ; To You)
Lyrics: MAMI ~ Music: Naotaka Uchida (Rhythmic Toy World) ~ Arrangement: Kishi Akira (Rhythmic Toy World)

Nanimonoka nante kyomi nakatta
Kono saki tsuzuiteru de arou michi wo
Oite ikarenai you ni korobanai you ni
Hashiru shika nakatta kara

Tomaru kyoufu kakushita namida bukiyou na kokoro zenbu
Dakishimete hanasanaideite kureta anata no

Namae wo yobu sono koe ga kurayami ni hibiku sono koe ga
Watashi wo itsumademo itsumademo terashite kureru
Kiete shimaitaku naru yoru ni
Sekai ni torinokosareta you na yoru ni
Anata ga iru kara watashi wa koko de utatteiru

Tadoritsuku basho ga wakaranaku nattemo
Anata wa soba ni ite kureta

Wake mo naku kokoro ga kogoete shimaisou na hi wa
Watashi mo anata wo tsusumu hikari de itai kore kara mo

Nanihitotsu muda na koto wa nai to
Dono shunkan mo kakegaenai to
Anata wa nandemo nandemo oshiete kureta
Demo mayoi ya koukai ga zutto
Yomigaeru ano hibi wo omoikaesu to
Watashi wa watashi wo yuruseru hi ga kuru kana

Seiippai waratte akiramenaide
Watashi-tachi yoku ikite kita to omou yo
Nani ga okitemo ima ga shiawase da to
Ieru you ni inoru kara anata e

Namae wo yobu sono koe de kurayami ni hibiku sono koe de
Watashi wo itsudatte itsudatte aishite kureta
Kantan ni okoranai you na
Kiseki wo okoshittanda issho ni
Hontou ni arigatou

Namae wo yobu sono koe ga kurayami ni hibiku sono koe ga
Watashi wo itsumademo itsumademo terashite kureru
Kiete shimaitaku naru yoru ni
Sekai ni torinokosareta you na yoru ni
Anata ga iru kara watashi wa koko de utatteiru

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

Not caring who or what it was
I had no choice but to run
So I wouldn't fall, so I wouldn't be left behind
On the road that seems to continue ahead

The fear of stopping, the tears I hid, this clumsy heart - All of it
You held me tight and never let go

The voice that calls my name, the voice that echoes in the darkness
Will always, always shine on me
On nights I feel like disappearing
On nights I feel abandoned by the world
You're the reason I'm here singing

Even when I lost sight of where I was heading
You stayed by my side

On days when your heart feels like it's freezing for no reason
I want to continue being the light that envelops you

You taught me again and again
That nothing is wasted
And every moment is precious
But when I look back on those days
Filled with hesitation and regret
I wonder if the day will come when I can forgive myself

I know we've lived our lives well
Laughing as hard as we can and not giving up
To you, I pray that no matter what happens
We'll be able to say we're happy right now

With that voice that calls my name, that voice that echoes in the darkness
You always, always loved me
Thank you for creating miracles with me
That don't happen so easily

The voice that calls my name, the voice that echoes in the darkness
Will always, always shine on me
On nights I feel like disappearing
On nights I feel abandoned by the world
You're the reason I'm here singing

---

1:47
Lyrics & Music: HARUNA ~ Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi

Nemuri ni tsuku mae futo omoidasu
Issho ni sugoshita hibi no koto
Nagai you na mijikai you na
Kisetsu wa nanshuu ka megutta

Anata no kuruma joshuseki ni notte
Dekakeru no ga suki datta kedo
Owakare shite kara
Ganbatte menkyo mo totta yo

"Yakusoku" nante kanawanai nara imi nai ne
Demo tabun kore de yokatta na tte ima wa omoeteru yo

Aa douka shiawase de ite ne
Zutto zutto taisetsu na hito
Beddosaido no kyandoru no akari
Sotto fukikeshita

Douka aisareteite ne
Zutto zutto taisetsu na hito
Anata to watashi shiranai sekai de
Toki wo kizandeiru

Omoshiroi tte susumete kureta
Touji hayari no shousetsu wa
Ikutsuka katta dake de
Hondana ni nemutte shimatteru

Kizukeba sonna kyoumi nai mono demo
Suki ni narou to doryoku shitari
Awasete mita kedo
Yappari suki ni wa narenakatta

"Itsuka" nante mirai bakari souzou shite
Demo are wa are de tanoshikatta na tte ima wa waraeteru yo

Aa douka shiawase de ite ne
Zutto zutto taisetsu na hito
Kizutsuketa koto ayamaritai kedo
Mou osoinda yo na

Douka aisareteite ne
Zutto zutto taisetsu na hito
Anata to watashi shiranai sekai de
Toki wo kizandeiru

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

Before drifting off to sleep
I suddenly remember the times we spent together
The seasons, feeling both long and short, have cycled through several times

I loved going out
And riding in the passenger seat of your car
But after we parted ways
I worked hard to get my driver's license

What good are promises if they can't be kept?
But I'm starting to feel like this was probably for the best

Ah, I hope you'll be happy
You'll always, always be precious to me
I gently blew out the candlelight
At my bedside

I hope you are loved
You'll always, always be precious to me
Time ticks away
In a world unknown to us

The trendy novels
You recommended as interesting back then
Ended up gathering dust on my bookshelf
After I bought a few

Before I knew it
I found myself trying to like things
I wasn't really interested in
And I just couldn't bring myself to like them

I was always imagining a future where "someday" would happen
But I can laugh about it now, realizing it was fun in its own way

Ah, I hope you'll be happy
You'll always, always be precious to me
I want to apologize for hurting you
But it's too late now

I hope you are loved
You'll always, always be precious to me
Time ticks away
In a world unknown to us

---

Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto ~ ハイライトの中で僕らずっと (We're Always In the Highlights)
Lyrics & Music: MAMI ~ Arrangement: Ryo Eguchi

Kore ga saisho de saigo ja nai koto wo inotte
Boku wa mata koko ni tatteiru
Kurushii kurai takanaru kodou wo kakugo ni kaete

Atarimae ja nai tte ushinatte kara ja osoi tte
Youshanaku hibi wa semarikuru
Semeyou no nai koukai wa nidoto shitakunai

Kiete yuku kioku no naka de
Ikutsumono eien wo kanadetai afureru hodo
Kimi no tame ni utau kono koe ga todoku to shinjite
Dakara ima mo

Hairaito no naka de bokura zutto
Hagukunde kita rabu na sutorii
Hairaito kono mama ikite miyou ze
Mata kono keshiki kono shunkan wo kandou wo yorokobi wo
Itsuka itsuka inochi hateru made
Nando nandodemo wakachiaou

Kore ga shukumei naraba mattou shite miseru
Ataerareta shimei naraba naosara
Nanoni tokiori jama wo shite kuru

Masani kono yo wa
Seigyo sareta disutopia
Suki wo tsuite wa kusari wo harimeguraseru
Shoujiki yatterannai na

Seigyo funou yuutopia
Tsukuridasou yo akumu ni owari wo tsuge
Bokura mugen de yuunou sa
Ima te wo kakagete

Hajimeyou ka kyou wo bokura zutto
Kyoumei shinagara matteitanda
Hajimari wa oshiminaku odorou ze
Mada kono hikari wa tsuzuku yo

Hairaito no naka de bokura zutto
Hagukunde kita rabu na sutorii
Hairaito kono mama ikite miyou ze
Mata kono keshiki kono shunkan wo kandou wo yorokobi wo
Itsuka itsuka inochi hateru made
Nando nandodemo wakachiaou

Kana:

--------------------------

English Translation

Hoping this isn't the first and last time
I'm standing here again
Turning this painfully racing heartbeat into resolve

Don't take things for granted - It'll be too late after you lose them
The days are approaching relentlessly
I'll never again have regrets that I can't blame something for

Amidst the disappearing memories
I want to sing a number of eternities, so many that they're overflowing
I sing for you, believing my voice will reach you
That's why, even now

In the highlights
We've always been nurturing this love story
Let's keep on living in the highlights
This view, this moment, this passion, this joy
Someday, someday, until our lives end
Let's share them again and again

If this is my destiny, I'll fulfill it
Especially if it's a mission that's been bestowed on me
But at times, something gets in the way

This world is truly
Just a controlling dystopia
They shackle us whenever we're caught off guard
Honestly, I've had enough

Let's build an uncontrollable utopia
And end this nightmare
We're limitless, we're able
Now raise your hands in the air

And let's get started - We've been waiting for today
Resonating with each other all this time
Let's dance without reserve at the beginning
This light will continue to shine

In the highlights
We've always been nurturing this love story
Let's keep on living in the highlights
This view, this moment, this passion, this joy
Someday, someday, until our lives end
Let's share them again and again

---

Listen to the upcoming 11th album LUMINOUS and improve your luck!

Season 2, Episode 51 blog

---

HARUNA: This time...we'll be doing a project just before the release of our new album LUMINOUS on March 20!
"Good-luck charm! LUMINOUS! 11 things you can do right now."

TOMOMI: What?

RINA: Good-luck charm...?

MAMI: Good-luck charm, huh. I want to have good luck!

HARUNA: Recently, we've been sharing stories from "people with godlike powers"...and there's now even a segment for those kinds of people. We hope that people will listen to our new album LUMINOUS and get even a little "luckier," and that as many people as possible will listen to it... This is a special project with those wishes in mind.

TOMOMI: I see.

HARUNA: This album has 11 songs, so we will introduce "11 things we can do right now" that will increase our luck. Our staff has researched all kinds of tips for "boosting your luck" around the world.

MAMI: Thank you very much.

TOMOMI: I want to boost mine!

RINA: I wonder what kind of things there are.

HARUNA: Here's the first one: Cleaning!

RINA: Ah, that's important.

TOMOMI: That's really important.

RINA: I think that'll definitely boost it. The cleaner the better.

HARUNA: Especially the entryway. Cleaning is the basis for improving your luck, so let's do some light or serious cleaning while listening to LUMINOUS. Also, March 20, the release day, is the spring equinox, which means it's the start of a new season, so it's a perfect day for cleaning.

MAMI: That's really wonderful.

TOMOMI: The release date itself is an auspicious day.

HARUNA: Let's clean our entryways.

TOMOMI: Cleaning also motivates you, and when your place is clean, you feel motivated to do anything.

MAMI: When your mental health is affected, your place becomes a mess.

HARUNA: I totally get that.

TOMOMI: Your mental health reflects in your place.

RINA: When you're busy.

HARUNA: Here's the second one: Open all of your windows first thing in the morning.

MAMI: Open the windows!

HARUNA: "Air" is "empty energy," so by emptying it, good things and good "energy" will come in.

MAMI: I see.

TOMOMI: I open the windows quite a bit, but right now, in front of my house, a big construction project has started and they're tearing down the remains.

MAMI: Isn't there a lot of dust?

TOMOMI: The air purifier reacts to it quickly. So I thought it would be better not to open them too much. I'm trying to open them at night after the construction work is finished. There's also pollen at this time of year.

HARUNA: Yeah. It seems like 5 minutes is enough.

TOMOMI: Yeah, that's right. Even 5 minutes can change the air.

HARUNA: So far, we understand two things.

RINA: They seem doable.

HARUNA: Now for the third one: Pig ornaments.

MAMI: What??

TOMOMI: Maybe from China?

HARUNA: First of all, "things are moving along swimmingly" ('pig' in Japanese can be read as 'ton,' and 'rapid pace' in this instance is 'tonton byoushi')

RINA: Ah. So that's how it is.

HARUNA: So, in Germany, there's a custom of giving presents with a motif that combines "pigs and clovers" on birthdays and anniversaries.

TOMOMI: Oh?

RINA: I see. So it's a set of those.

TOMOMI: But you know, when we perform in China...

HARUNA: In Hong Kong.

TOMOMI: Hong Kong, huh. I guess the pig is an auspicious animal worldwide, since they prepare a whole roasted pig as a kind of prayer for the success of a concert.

HARUNA: Maybe so.

Staff:  Seriously??

RINA: Seriously. Every time.

TOMOMI: The pig grow in size according to the size of the venue.

---

•The episode starts with this.

•MAMI says that, although she didn't see this during the marathon since she wasn't able to look at her phone, TOMO was watching her running status during the Osaka Marathon the whole time and sent over screenshots of videos taken before the marathon that were posted to YouTube. They laugh and TOMO says she did keep sending her messages since before the marathon started and also watched the moment MAMI finished the race. MAMI says they had a system where people could track runners via GPS and had videos of the runners passing certain points of the marathon. She mentions that their radio program director Kawai had run in the Tokyo Marathon and was really fast + faster than MAMI, and was 2 hours faster than her at 4 hours, 9 minutes. She also had gone to cheer her on. HARU says that everyone's so impressive. TOMO says that that includes Kawai, MAMI, and the listener Pii-chan. MAMI says also includes TOMO and they laugh. TOMO says good work to herself for working on her abs. MAMI says the last time she ran the Osaka Marathon was 7 years ago with HARU. Her time then was about 6 hours. This time she walked a lot, so it took her about 6.5 hours. HARU says that it was raining, too. MAMI says it was also cold. The previous marathon took place in November so the temperature was different. She kept thinking that she'd be able to run it, but 7 years had passed, after all. TOMO says that the video at the 25 km mark showed MAMI walking, but at the 35 km mark she was running. RINA says that she made a comeback. TOMO says that watching MAMI working hard had made her cry. MAMI says she ran as hard as she could and her knees still hurt even now, but it was a great experience. Ono asks her if she regularly runs and MAMI replies that she doesn't. HARU asks Kawai, and she seems to say she doesn't and had done training for it. MAMI asks if she's run since the Tokyo Marathon, which Kawai seems to say no to. HARU and TOMO say that that's impressive that she seems to like to run.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who says their mom is a solid person who everyone can rely on, but sometimes she can be a little out of character. She's recently started taking care of some houseplants and sends the listener photos of them via LINE. One day when they went to her house, they saw some cacti and thought were cute all clustered together. They held it in their hands and it seemed as if it was growing. The band laughs and is kind of confused by this. The listener says that when they told their mother this, she laughed and said she had been watering it for a long time. The band says that's cute. RINA says that her mom had been taking care of a small cactus that she and her siblings had given to her as a birthday present in the kitchen, but over the years it grew into a very tall cactus. HARU says that small cacti like golf ball cacti look like golf balls at first but will look different as they grow. MAMI says that HARU seems to have a knack for raising things and mentions the turtle her family had. HARU laughs and says that the turtle did live for a long time for over 30 years.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says that their queen in their black cat Coco. She can be selfish and cleverly takes over a warm bed that another cat was sleeping on when the other cat moves, but when another cat tries to get on the bed or sofa where she's sleeping, she'll cat-punch it. And even though she sleeps on top of the listener, when they try to pet her she runs away. Although she's selfish, she'll sometimes bare her belly and let the listener pet her. When they go to the vet, she buries her face in their armpit, shivering and with her butt sticking out. She's a 15-year-old grandma queen with a very cute side to her. The band says that's adorable. RINA says that cats are tsundere types, after all. HARU says that she's extremely cat-like. MAMI laughs and says that hiding her face but not her butt is very cute. TOMO says that's nice that it sounds like they have many cats. MAMI says she wishes Coco lives a long life.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who talks about Season 2, Episode 49 and says that as she listened to the person who sent in the message of not liking herself, she thought of how she also doesn't like herself. She's a childcare worker who doesn't think she's doing her job well, and she ends up thinking the kids aren't cute, or that she's useless and not needed, or that they're better off without her. But she hopes that she can gradually learn to love herself with the band's words in mind. She knows it'll take time, but she'll do her best and thanks them. RINA says that she got a lot of feedback on that episode, such as messages on Instagram. She was reminded again that everyone is dealing with similar feelings on a daily basis. As she said in that episode, she thinks it's really important to be kind to yourself as well. HARU says when they get messages like this, people can realize that they're not alone in their thinking. RINA says we should all accept each other.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who has been struggling with this for the last 14 years: When they went to karaoke with someone they used to date, the listener was so tone-deaf when singing that the person asked them, "Are you chanting?" After that, the listener found it difficult to sing in front of people, and can only sing in front of people they're close to (who would not hate them even if they know they're tone-deaf). They ask the band if they could give them some advice about how they can learn to sing in public. RINA is surprised there are people (like their SO) who would say something like that. TOMO says that it's likely never the case that someone wouldn't like someone else because they're tone-deaf. RINA says no, but it hurts a lot and makes you afraid to sing. HARU says that she thinks the person who said that to the listener is nonsense. TOMO says that it's possible it could have been meant as a joke if they were very close to each other. HARU says that the listener was hurt by it, though.

•HARU also tells a story of how in middle school there was a girl the same age as her that wanted to be a singer but wasn't very good at first. However, she loved karaoke so much that she went almost every day for fun, or even by herself. By going there every day, she got really good at singing. TOMO says that's a good story. HARU says that maybe the listener could do the same by going to karaoke by themselves. MAMI says that if you're aware of yourself, you can become better. RINA says that she knows how scary it can be to have that happen even once. She's not a very good singer herself and is a little scared of singing, which she thinks comes from being a little traumatized from her school and audition days. She doesn't know how to solve that, which is why she doesn't sing at all outside of work. She doesn't even go to karaoke for fun; she only sings when the band needs her to. She thinks the only way to get rid of those feelings a little at a time, though it is really hard to do. HARU suggests that the listener decides on one song to sing and commit themselves to getting good at singing it, so when they go to karaoke with someone, it'll be nice to be able to sing that song well. MAMI says they can ask their friends to help them practice or go to karaoke with those who can sing well. HARU says that to be realistic, they could record themselves singing and then analyze it. They agree that the listener should try going to karaoke to practice alone at least once.

•TOMO starts reading the next message and reads the line "New segment about people with godlike powers." She pauses, laughs, and asks what that's about. Ono begins to mention gods and HARU and MAMI seem to remember. MAMI says that they had asked in a previous episode that they asked people with "godlike powers" to send in messages. TOMO goes, "So we named that segment 'People with godlike powers.'" There's a pause before Ono laughs and says they didn't. TOMO continues to read the message. The listener says that they've been baking for a long time, and even though they usually keep their bread completely cold, it starts to warm up when they touch it. It feels like they're turning bright red and their blood is flowing through them. They say they also know a hairdresser who sometimes gets their strength sucked out of them when they touch a client's hair, and can tell a person's state of mind and body just by touching their hair. They ask the band if they've gained any divine power during their 17 years of being a band, such as being able to hear sounds that people usually cannot, or being able to understand what birds are saying. TOMO laughs and asks what's up with this person. HARU says that maybe they're someone with godlike powers. RINA says that maybe the sound thing could be related to an occupational hazard. Ono asks if they know what birds are saying. They laugh and MAMI + TOMO say they don't. They ponder and then say that they don't really have any 'powers.' TOMO asks Ono if a lot of people have sent in messages for this new supposed segment. Ono says a lot of people have. TOMO says that as they listen to stories of people with godlike powers, the moment may come when the band also realizes the powers hidden within them.

---

MAMI completes the Osaka Marathon! A listener who was motivated by this decides to try something?

Season 2, Episode 50 blog

---

HARUNA: This time...we'll just be reading messages. We have less than 10 days until the release of our new album LUMINOUS...

RINA: It's almost here.

HARUNA: Let's read some "Quminous" messages!

Pii-chan

MAMI-chan! Good job running the Osaka Marathon.

All: Good jobー

MAMI: Thank you!

I'm glad you were able to complete the race without any injuries! I wasn't able to be there to cheer you on, but I was moved by tracking your run online that I couldn't stand still and decided right then and there that I wanted to try something, too! The week after the full marathon, I decided to take on the challenge of riding around Lake Hamana on my bicycle!

What MAMI-chan did is a billion times more difficult, though I don't mean to compare one challenge to another. Ever since I became a SCANDAL fan, I've always looked up to you four who always remember stay positive and take on challenges, and that has been my guiding principle in life ever since I became a fan of SCANDAL.

I've been on a diet lately so I've been trying to avoid sweets, but on this particular day, I had my favorite chocolate banana as a reward!! It was delicious!

Not only this time, but whenever I've been troubled or had a hard time in my life, you've always shown me the future and shined a light on me.

I have not been able to give anything back, but I will continue to support you in your life, even if it's only in a small way!

All: Thank you!

TOMOMI: I wonder how long it takes to go around Lake Hamana. Doesn't that sound impressive?

HARUNA: Even if they say it's "just" biking...

TOMOMI: It must be tough.

RINA: I wonder how many hours it takes.

HARUNA: I wonder.

RINA: There's also Lake Biwa, right?

HARUNA: There is.

TOMOMI: Lake Biwa is huge.

RINA: Is there an event where you cycle around Lake Biwa... I don't know.

Staff: It says that one trip around Lake Hamana is 71 km/44 miles.

All: 71 kilometers!? Lake Hamana!?

TOMOMI: That's tough!

HARUNA: Wow!

RINA: I wonder how long it takes to bike it?

MAMI: Isn't that really difficult? Didn't their legs get swollen? Were they okay?

Staff: The estimated time required is 4 hours and 44 minutes.

RINA: Ehー? That's tough.

HARUNA: They're doing something totally amazing.

TOMOMI: Good job!

RINA: Good workー

MAMI: Good work!

TOMOMI: But they were inspired by MAMI-chan.

HARUNA: Yeah, they did it the following week.

MAMI: That's amazing.

TOMOMI: It is.

MAMI: I think it's amazing that they were able to decide to do something now and take action.

HARUNA: It really is amazing.

TOMOMI: Oh, I did sit-ups too! After seeing MAMI-chan running the full marathon.

MAMI: Eh, did you work hard on your sit-ups?

HARUNA: You were definitely influenced.

TOMOMI: I was, and I was moved!

---

•The episode starts with this.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who is 40 and has been playing darts as a hobby for 16 years, and will be participating in the qualifying round of the soft darts world tournament. The preliminary round is an online match where you compete against competitors and professional players from all over the country, and after winning the first round and the second round, the final round is a tournament to decide who will be the finalist to participate in the main event. In the main tournament, you compete in a tournament against top-ranked men's pro players, women's pro players, and winners of overseas tournaments. If you win and become number one in the world, you will receive a prize of 10 million yen ($68,000 USD). Their dream is to participate as an amateur in this tournament, which is attended by professional players that they've admired for many years, and to become number one in the world. The band says that's impressive and also wonder what soft darts are. RINA guesses that the tips are soft. They say they don't really know much about the darts world, but they have played darts before at places like bars and backstage at festivals. They laugh and say they've never met anyone who was good at it, though it's likely most people they've seen had been tipsy while playing. They say they're cheering the listener on and hope they can be the best in the world.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says there's something they're too embarrassed to tell anyone: they can't ride a bicycle, partially because they're not too athletic and also because they gave up practicing when they were little. They actually bought a bike two years ago and tried to practice at the park at night but gave up. They tell people they're really close to, but they just say that it's okay. The listener also thinks it's okay because they have a driver's license, but they get a strange feeling when they see kids or adults riding bikes around town. They ask the band what they would think if someone their age told them they can't ride a bike. They also ask them for a pouch for their birthday so that they can put their car keys in it. The band laughs and says they'll give it to them. MAMI says that they can eventually put a bike (lock) key in there. HARU says the band could practice with them, with the listener having asked about practicing riding a bike. They laugh and RINA says that the listener would be under a lot of pressure with the four of them watching. HARU says that it might be better to do the same thing people usually did when they were little where your parents took off your training wheels and they would hold you in the back. RINA says that they already have a sense of fear regarding riding a bike and think that they can't do it, so it's best to get rid of that mindset first. HARU says that it must be hard to practice alone in the park as an adult if you think someone might be watching you. TOMO says that it might be a good idea to try out an e-bike, which is easier to ride, to get a feel for it, and then try riding a regular bike. MAMI says that she doesn't think riding a bike has anything to do with athleticism. HARU says that you just have to get a feel for doing it.

•RINA asks if any of them have ridden a bike recently. HARU says no. MAMI says no as well, but the last time she rented a bike, she was able to ride it like normal. RINA says that she thinks it's important to not feel like you're not good at it, but even if they're not able to do it in the end, it's fine to just drive their car, and geting a license is many times more impressive. MAMI says that it's not the same feeling as driving, though. Even if you haven't driven for a month, you'll still be able to drive. TOMO says that she thinks riding a bike is similar to walking since you don't think about how to walk. Once you learn how to ride a bike, you don't think about how to do it afterwards. You don't remember the first time you walked as a baby, but you probably practiced hard enough to finally be able to walk. That's why you shouldn't give up on practicing. MAMI says that maybe they could first practice on a stationary bike like those found at the gym. RINA says that it isn't dangerous, after all. HARU wonders if they would be able to get a sense of balance like that. RINA says while laughing that there's this horse-like thing you can experience. The others aren't sure what she means until HARU asks if she's talking about the 'rodeo' ones (I think they're talking about mechanical bulls). They laugh at this but don't think that would help. MAMI says that unless they first step on a bike pedal, they won't be able to move forward. And if they don't move forward, they won't be able to balance. TOMO says that if you're scared, you won't be able to pedal at first. MAMI says that this is a pretty lively convo, which makes the others laugh. HARU says that they want the listener to do their best and be able to ride a bike. TOMO says the first step is the scariest, which they all agree with. They ask the listener to let them know if they make any progress.

•There's then a pause before they go, "What?" and MAMI seems to read this from their script: "Although you've never spoken about it, what is something you can't do?" HARU says that she can't whistle. RINA says that she doesn't think she can either. MAMI says that she can whistle but not change the pitch. RINA says that she thought a high percentage of people who can sing well can also whistle well. HARU says that she can't. RINA says that she thought she could do it well. MAMI says that TOMO can whistle. HARU says that she doesn't know how to whistle. She then seems to try whistling but all that's heard is what sounds like a quiet breeze. They laugh and HARU says it's just the wind. RINA asks if she's trying to cool something down. TOMO says it sounds like the window's open a bit. MAMI says that she herself was able to whistle better in elementary school. TOMO seems to try and a whistling sound does come out a bit. She says she used to be able to whistle melodies but it's not possible for her anymore. Another attempt at whistling is heard, and seems to be coming from MAMI. They laugh at this. RINA says that whistling's difficult to do. MAMI tries whistling again and RINA says she's doing it. MAMI says that she can only whistle this note, though.

•HARU asks if there's anything else they can't do. MAMI says she's really bad at ball games like baseball and softball, and can only really catch a ball about as big as her head. RINA says that's really surprising. MAMI says that she can't catch them and don't know where they'll fall. She'd always get hit in the face and get a bloody nose. HARU says that she's probably been traumatized by that and she's convinced that she won't be able to catch it. MAMI says she probably can't see it the moment she'd be able to catch it because it blocks her vision. When she looks at it, it hits her in the face. HARU says that maybe she's seeing the ball right to the end, but perhaps not. MAMI says that she doesn't know the distance between the racket and ball when playing tennis, for example. RINA says that it's more like you're using the racket as an extension of your hand. MAMI asks if it's like she's trying to touch it with her hand. RINA says yes, and that it's all about feel.

•TOMO says that she's rather unsure of her sense of distance. She bumps into people and doesn't notice when she drops things. Her iPhone flies off so often that she wonders sometimes if it's even still working. She doesn't know why this is and says there's something wrong with her hands, and that her senses are dull. HARU says that she kind of gets that, though. RINA says that she's amazing when it comes to the playing the bass, though. TOMO goes, "Am I even playing the bass?" They all laugh hard. HARU says she's a prodigy. MAMI says that she seems to be okay when she drives and doesn't come close to bumping into anything. TOMO says that she does when she rides a bike, though. MAMI says something about once having to hold her hand while walking to keep her going straight (it's hard to understand since they're all kind of talking and laughing at the same time). TOMO says that there are lines on the ground when driving, so if there could always be lines on the ground when she's walking, then she could probably walk straight without having to depend on others. RINA laughs at how narrow the lines would be. HARU says that she'd probably be okay if she walked in bike/pedestrian lanes. TOMO thinks so as well. RINA says that there are tons of things they can't do, and jokes that it really feels like they're in a band and barely getting by with what they are able to do. MAMI says she doesn't know if they're doing a good job or not. RINA goes, "What do you think, guys?", directing this to the fans. They all laugh. HARU says that they're probably good at being SCANDAL, which they laugh and agree with. TOMO says that what SCANDAL can do and what the band members can do are two different things. They all agree.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who is encouraged by the messages that SCANDAL puts out every year on March 8, International Women's Day. She feels that SCANDAL is always there for each and every one of their fans, regardless of gender or age. When she hears that they're proud to be women and in an all-girl band, and then sees their message on IWD, it pushes her to take better care of herself. She says she don't like who she is. She's not pretty, slim, confident in herself, or knowledgeable--she has so many negative aspects about herself that she can't even begin to list them all. Even so, every time she gets a message from SCANDAL, she's reminded that it's okay to accept herself more and she feels relieved that she is who she is. March 8 is also her birthday. RINA pauses, laughs, and says this is getting kind of heavy. The listener says that every year she takes the liberty of thinking that SCANDAL's IWD message is a birthday message to her. She's also come to love mimosas. RINA's voices starts wavering and says that she's starting to cry. The listener says it'll take her a long time to love herself, but thanks to SCANDAL, she's sure she'll love herself a little bit more every time her birthday comes around. She thanks them for all of their love.

•The band thanks the listener. RINA says she really doesn't want the listener to say that they don't like herself, and that she thinks she's a really good girl. When they send out a slightly sensitive message like their IWD ones, they find themselves thinking about how difficult it is to choose the right words and how to send them out. She says she's so glad they kept going without stopping. The listener is from the same generation as the band and right now is likely a point in time when her life will change a lot and has to deal with a lot of conflicts, so being able to to be kind to yourself is really cool and important. Since the listener has this kind of heart that can write something like this for the band, RINA wants her to direct that love towards herself as well. Although she's never met her and doesn't know what she looks like or what her body shape is, she thinks she's really cute and cool no matter what. Of course there's beauty in delicate things, and there are some clothes that can worn because you have the right physique for it, bit there's nothing cooler and more beautiful than living a life where you love every minute of it. She's really happy that their message and music resonate with her mentality, and that RINA's the one that should be thanking her. She says she's really adorable.

•MAMI says that she doesn't think there's any difference between who's pretty, who's cool, or who's not. It may seem like everyone's looking at you, but they probably aren't. People don't look at others as much as you think they do. That's why MAMI's been thinking a lot lately that it's all about self-satisfaction. It's okay to wear what you think is cute, or put on makeup that you think is cute. She used to be overweight, which is why she understands how the listener feels. RINA asks if it has to do with wanting to lose weight. MAMI says that it was more that she had to lose weight and was always told to lose weight. RINA says that was what the 'right' thing to do was when they first debuted, and the world back then wasn't one where people could talk about lookism like is done now. It was like the thinner you were, the more successful you were. HARU and RINA agree that that was how things were. MAMI had always thought of herself as overweight, so when promo photos were taken, they would make her appear thinner. But since she was pretty rebellious, she would say things like she was going to lose weight but never did. The others laugh and RINA says that's nice. MAMI was concerned about that back then but wasn't so concerned that she thought her life would be over if she didn't lose weight. Now, we're living in an era where there's a lot more diversity, and that all body types are good. RINA says that that's been true for thousands of years, but it's only recently that everyone's starting to finally realize that.

•TOMO says that being cute or cool is all a matter of taste and is up to each person, so it's best to stick to your own preferences and be who you want to be. MAMI says that Kuromi (a Sanrio character) always says to be the person you want to be. They laugh at this. TOMO says that that's what Kuromi does enjoy saying the most. MAMI says that Kuromi is cute because that mentality makes her cute. RINA says that instead of thinking of yourself in terms of negatives that make you feel bad about yourself, change your way of thinking so that you can enjoy the process of becoming more like what you want to be. But if you find something you surprisingly like about yourself, leave it as it is. She wants you to make yourself the kind of person you want to be so that you can become more beautiful as you get older. HARU says that she thinks it's normal to compare yourself to someone else--she does that as well. It's something that happens every day, so it's not a bad thing at all. It's totally normal to feel bad about yourself, so just try to choose what you like as much as possible. If you accumulate a lot of happiness, even in trivial things like "I'm glad I ate this today" or "I'm glad I bought these clothes," she thinks you'll feel fulfilled.

•MAMI says that there's sure to be a lot of people who aren't able to send this kind of message, no matter how much they love themselves or think they're cute, so taking that first step like the listener is something special. TOMO says that what the listener thinks isn't something exceptional; it's something that everyone thinks but doesn't say. So don't think you're unhappy because you don't like yourself, because everyone's the same. She thinks it'd be good for her to try something that'll make her like herself. RINA says because the band's job is one where they're able to send messages like this, that they want to break this kind of binding spell, even if just a little bit, that people have on them. MAMI says that she thinks there are a lot of people who can relate to this message, so they're really grateful that the listener sent this in. RINA says that she really hopes that SCANDAL's music will give people confidence. She hopes that when people hear their words and music, it'll be like a switch that helps to ease peoples' hearts and minds.

•They then close out the episode. HARU says they read quite a lot of deep content today. RINA laughs says that there were so many kinds of messages, and that she wasn't expecting to go from talking about bikes to crying.

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SCANDAL's LUMINOUS Lyrics Essays


＃2 - RINA's "Watashi-tachi" Lyrics Essay



It's the middle ground of nurturing feelings knowing that they will not bear fruit.

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On March 20, 2024, SCANDAL will release their new album LUMINOUS! This is their 11th album in total and their first in two years since their previous album MIRROR, and contains 11 songs including singles "Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto" and "Line of sight" released last year; as well as "Anata e," co-written with Rhythmic Toy World; and "Plum," co-written with EOW.

Four lyrics essays by SCANDAL will be posted! This is the second one, written by RINA about the song "Watashi-tachi" (私たち; Us). When looking back on unreleased lyrics, she realized again that she liked the protagonist in this one. This song can only be delivered now that she's more mature than back then. Please enjoy this essay along with the lyrics.

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Fruitful love and unfruitful love.
What is the borderline between the two?
Even if I try to vaguely recall various memories, I can't find an answer.

I looked back at unreleased lyrics I had written over the years and found them interesting.
I found myself thinking, "I didn't realize I was thinking this," or "I remember I wrote about this," and felt that nothing had changed.

Among those, there was one that I still liked the worldview and stance of.
The girl in those lyrics wore her favorite blouse; had people she held dear; and while regretting and making amends, she made herself shine.

I'll always love a girl who lives her life like that. She doesn't have to fall in love to make someone happy. That's why, as I hope that everyone will be rewarded in life, my heart tightens as I see the strength and fragility there.

When I wrote these lyrics, I thought it was missing an ending, an answer, or something to lead the listener.
And yet, when I reread them now, for some reason it feels as if they were completed a long time ago.
Perhaps it's because, now that I'm a fully grown adult, I've come to feel that feelings and situations in the middle, which are ambiguous and not black & white, are one form and one answer.
In fact, it seems like there are very few things that can be neatly divided.

I decided to add my own reasons for this. Perhaps because I spent my childhood in a town without the sea, going out to see the sea has become a very special and favorite time for me. When I look at the sun and the waves, I am enchanted by the two different glimmers that complement each other. I also realized that they'd never intersect while each of them shine brightly.

In any case, I often write songs with an emphasis on freshness, but I think there are songs like this that can finished by combining a piece from several years ago with current feelings.
I'm happy I was able to sublimate them properly.

It's the middle ground of nurturing feelings knowing that they will not bear fruit. I'm glad I could write a song about such a sad and lovely feeling.

＜SCANDAL・RINA＞

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【Translated Summary】"Yoru SCA ~Live streaming just before the release of LUMINOUS~" ＃2

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•They start off the stream by congratulating MAMI on finishing the recent Osaka Marathon. MAMI thanks them and says she didn't think they'd start off the stream with this. RINA asks how it was. MAMI mentions how there was site where people could track runners and leave comments, which many people did and left messages of support for her. She couldn't see them while running but did after, and she was really moved by them and thanks everyone who did so. HARU says that the weather was really bad in Osaka that day (it was raining the entire time). She also brings up how both she and MAMI ran that marathon several years ago, but that was when it was held in November instead and so she figures that the weather was completely different than how it was then. MAMI says that the temperature was something like 2°C/36°F starting from a day or two prior, but it did go up a bit and she felt like it was kind of warmer during the marathon. She says it was a good experience. HARU asks how her legs are, and how she's feeling. MAMI says that she didn't have muscle pain but her knees did hurt; it was difficult to climb stairs after. HARU says that a lot of people are also saying good work in the comments. MAMI thanks them. HARU says some are saying that her stamina's amazing. MAMI says that she mostly walked, though, and walked all the way towards the end. She also ran together with a staffer from their team. They look at the comments a bit more again and HARU says there are some asking if this is pre-recorded. She says it's actually live and they're reading comments as they're posted in real time.

•They then start discussing LUMINOUS. HARU says that in the previous stream they gave an overview of the album, and this time they'll be talking about a benefit included in the album that was recently announced. This infographic is then shown on screen that explains that a paper with a serial number will be included inside of the album, which you will be able to enter within a 6-day time span (March 19-25) online. It is a lottery system where there will be a total of 80 winners: 50 winners will be invited to a meet-and-greet with SCANDAL in Tokyo on April 29, and 30 winners will receive an autographed LUMINOUS B2 poster. Also, there is a 'prize' for everyone who applies, which is a SCANDAL message video. RINA says that they just recorded it the other day. HARU says that they recorded a pretty long one. RINA says that they were told to talk for around 30 seconds but ended up talking for around 3 minutes instead. HARU says that each of them talked a lot. RINA says that they were overflowing with things they wanted to say.

•Next, they mention how the trailer for the album was released the previous day and start playing it in the background. RINA says that it feels great and makes them feel relieved when an album is completed, but it always feels like it's truly complete when everyone gets to listen to it and people tell the band what they think. She says that there are a lot of songs that were challenging  sound-wise, such as with "LOOP" and "Gunjou pleats." HARU says that it seems like "LOOP" is catching on with a lot of people so far. RINA says that they were able to play to their hearts' content and to their fullest with this being an album-only song. She thinks it's a song that they'll be able to play around with it live, so she's looking forward to everyone getting to listen to the entire song. HARU says that "LOOP" and "Gunjou pleats" are completely different from each other in many ways, which is why having such a wide range on the same album is one of the things you can enjoy about SCANDAL. RINA says, "As usual," and laughs. HARU says that there are probably some people who are hearing the clip of Gunjou right now and understanding the vibe of it, and RINA says that when listening to the full version of it, you'll get the impression that it has some tricky parts to it, and she feels that people will think it's really interesting.

•HARU then brings up the 10th track, which is "1:47." She says that the way to read it is "Ichi-Yon-Nana" (One-Four-Seven). RINA says that it's okay for her to say the reason why she chose that title. HARU says it was 1:47 when she finished typing the lyrics into her phone during the demo stage of this song, which is why it ended up being named as such. RINA says that sometimes you have tentative titles in mind when you write lyrics, but when you don't, only the time will be displayed and you decide to just go with it. MAMI says that this happened once before for her as well, and the time then was 2:56. She says that's late, which HARU laughs and agrees with. TOMO says that they're all night owls. RINA says that she'd like to be the type that can write lyrics in the morning. HARU says that it's pretty difficult to write in the morning; after all, even if you write lyrics at night, there are often times when you look at them in the morning and it just doesn't feel right. RINA says that there aren't any songs she's written at 8 am, which makes HARU chuckle. MAMI says that maybe it'd count if you happened to stay up all night without sleeping.

•They ask TOMO if there are any other questions people have been asking. TOMO looks at them for a few seconds and reads one that asks, "When do you actually sleep?" The band laughs. TOMO says that there are times when they don't sleep at all. RINA says that when they're doing song production is when their usual lives really get disrupted, and there are times when they wonder what other country's time zone they're currently living in. MAMI says that they didn't really sleep when they were working on "Fanfare." TOMO says that she seriously only slept for around 6 hours in a week. They laugh and HARU says was really worried. TOMO says she really did die, and that she's just glad she's alive now somehow. RINA says there are times when songs can be written right away, and that there's a big difference between them. HARU says that they're more careful when they write about themselves. They have so many thoughts that it takes a long time to organize them, and she's sure the same was true for "Fanfare." TOMO says that it was written as she thought about the band after setting a Guinness World Record. It gave her the opportunity to think about the future and the four of them, and it really felt like were giving themselves a hug. TOMO demonstrates this by partially hugging herself but accidentally touches the mic clipped to her top. She wonders if it's okay and speaks into the mic. HARU asks her if she's doing ASMR. They laugh at this. TOMO says she's glad she managed to write it all down, and that it was very meaningful for her to be able to capture these feelings in the form of a song at this time.

•HARU then mentions "Plum" and "Anata e," and that the latter song has MAMI singing on it, as heard in the trailer. She says that these songs were made in collaboration with EOW and Rhythmic Toy World, which made things feel a bit fresh again. MAMI says that they're simply fans of the bands and like their individualities, which is very they're very satisfied with these songs that have so much of that essence infused into them. RINA says that they had come to the recordings as well. TOMO says that it was a good learning experience for them since the bands came up with ideas that they never would have on their own. It was also a lot of fun and felt fresh to include songs that weren't composed by SCANDAL for the first time in a long time. RINA says they're really good songs. HARU agrees and says they're still proper SCANDAL songs, too. MAMI says while laughing that this started with her just wanting to sing a Rhythmic Toy World song. HARU says that it really suits them. MAMI says that she's always thought they had some similarities with SCANDAL, which is why she was happy getting to work with them. She's sure that the people who listen to their music would also really like RTW's music as well. Their concerts are also fun. She'd like to see that connection grow, and asks fans to check out both bands.

•HARU says that she had seen a comment in the chat saying that you pronounce EOW as "Ay-Oh." RINA says that they've known one of them since their dance school days. TOMO says that that's Laco, the vocalist of EOW. She's been friends with her since Laco was in the 5th grade (10 years old) and TOMO was in 7th grade (12 years old). They're basically family to each other--they're so close that their families get together and go to karaoke on New Year's Day. For 20 years, they had been talking about wanting to work together someday after growing up, so being able to work together at this time in the form of writing a song together has truly been a treasured time. HARU says that they and Laco went to Caless together, and it really feels like this song was written by people from the same school. TOMO says it's because they have the same roots. While recording, she felt that the songs they learned during lessons at the school were ingrained into them. HARU says it felt really nostalgic. TOMO says that Laco is currently in New York for auditions open to everyone. HARU is surprised that she went there for that with no live performances planned. TOMO says she'd like for people to take a look at Laco's Instagram (@laco_eow) for a diary of her trip, which had made her cry at how hard she's working. MAMI says that there are videos of her listening to real gospel music, which is part of their roots, live. She says that when you see something like that, the way you listen to it changes. She thinks it's really wonderful and can't stop looking at her IG; she even posted a lot of comments on her IG lives, which makes the others laugh. TOMO says Laco went to amateur night auditions at the Apollo Theater, which happened to be during when she was there, and lined up from morning to participate in it. Just singing at the Apollo Theater was a huge dream of theirs at the school. As Laco was singing and about to sing the bridge, they told her that was enough. She wrote on IG about how frustrating it was for her, and just reading it brought tears to TOMO's eyes. She says that Laco really is working hard, and says that she hopes people will listen to EOW and also check out Laco's IG. She also adds, "Look forward to 'Plum'!" They laugh and HARU says they can't wait for everyone to hear the entire album.

•RINA says that it's because they've all been able to continue as musicians and people involved in music that they were able to make this happen. There are so many things they've learned since their school days, and that's why it's an indescribable feeling to know that they've been able to make this happen. She says it turned out to be a really great album. She adds that it's been a long time since they've made music with the help of other people than the four of them. For several years now, they've been putting a lot of emphasis on doing their part as a group of four, so she thinks they made the right decision to value the things they cultivated during that period. From here on she wants to play more freely and enjoy making and performing music. The way they created LUMINOUS is a step towards that, and it's an album that really unravels them through the melody and lyrics. HARU says that they've reached a point where there are no restrictions other than the fact that they're performing as SCANDAL. RINA says that they truly feel like they can do anything they want. HARU says that this album will be the start of their year, so they hope that their fans will understand how the four of them feel and look forward to seeing what they'll do this year.

•HARU looks at the comments and says there's a comment saying that they'll follow SCANDAL wherever they go. The band says thanks. They also see and read some comments that say which performances of the tour they'll be going to. They read one from someone saying they can only go to 4 performances. The band says that's impressive, though, and most people usually only go to one. RINA says they're really looking forward to the tour and wonder how it'll go. TOMO says there are a lot of challenges sound-wise, so they're not sure how everything will sound in these smaller venues. On this tour in particular they'll be playing at really small venues (the smallest only has a 200-person capacity!), so there will be different ways of expressing what they can do in those small venues and what they can do at Zepp ones (larger venues they'll also be playing at on this tour, with capacities of about 1,800). That's why, even though it's the same tour, it might look different. HARU says it'll be a two-month long tour with changes in capacity as well as changes in the way they play the songs. It might be totally different at the end of the tour as opposed to the start of it.

•They also say how the merch for this tour is really cute and useful. TOMO reads a comment that says a jellyfish pouch could be likely. She says there isn't one. The band laughs hard. MAMI says that that sounds like a good idea, though. They look at the comments again and MAMI reads one that says they'd like a jellyfish umbrella. TOMO says there isn't one in their lineup, MAMI says that sounds good, and HARU says that there actually are jellyfish umbrellas that exist (like this). HARU says that people seem to want some kind of jellyfish merch. TOMO says that jellyfish are cute, which the others agree with. MAMI reads a comment that says they want a jellyfish keychain, and another that says a jellyfish plush. TOMO says they should have asked the fans about merch ideas. She looks at the comments and asks why people want jellyfish umbrellas so much--some are saying things like they want a parasol or a big umbrella. MAMI says that it's probably for the upcoming seasons (like the rainy season). HARU says they should make some umbrellas again one day. RINA wonders if they haven't made any umbrellas recently (they last did 5 years ago for Fuzzy Summer Mood). TOMO says that it's been a while, and that maybe it was 10 years ago (lol).

•MAMI then says that there's some 'important news' to read next and points it out on their sheets in front of them. The others laugh. HARU reads that will be posting comments from artists whom they had listen to the album, with the first artist being Yamamoto Hikaru (supporting bassist for YOASOBI). RINA says it makes her really happy she wrote so much in her comment. HARU says that they appeared at the same event last year and was originally part of a SCANDAL cover band called hikahoric (who won volume 5 of SCANDAL's Cover Band/Vocalist Contest in 2014). They had covered "Hi-Hi-Hi," which no other band in the contest had chosen to play before. HARU says that they'll continue to release these comments over the next few days. They also don't know what these comments say and who they're from as they were kept secret from the band and collected by their staff. RINA says they'll be enjoying it together with the fans. TOMO then says that Hikaru actually left a comment in the chat. They tell her thanks for watching the stream and for her comment. MAMI says that the comment's been pinned, which makes them all laugh.

•They say it's about time to wrap up this stream. RINA says that the release date is coming up soon and they're looking forward to everyone's thoughts about it and hope to welcome the release together. HARU says to look forward to the things that will be posted leading up to the release. The next stream will be on March 19 and will start at a different time of 11:30 pm JST. RINA says it'll be a true "Yoru SCA" (SCANDAL at night). TOMO says that it'll officially be the album's release day (March 20) right after the stream ends. HARU says that they'll countdown together with everyone. TOMO reminds her that there might be some people who will have already listened to it (since the album officially hits stores early on March 19, AKA 'flying get day').

•They read the comments a bit and RINA asks what people are saying. TOMO says that people really are waiting for more band scores. RINA says that they'll discuss it. TOMO then says it's screenshot time. They wonder what to do this time and ask the chat to tell them what to do. RINA adds while laughing to ask them to do something they can actually do. HARU reads some that say to do a jellyfish pose. The others ask what that is and TOMO puts her left first on top of her right hand and flexes her fingers downward. Watching this, HARU asks her what she's doing. RINA laughs and seems to get it, copying her pose. HARU and MAMI also follow suit. They wonder if it's okay. HARU reads comments in the chat that say that's not cute. They all laugh. MAMI reads a comment that asks them what the heck they're doing. She also says that there are comments saying to do heart hands or peace signs, so they do those. They end the stream by saying they'll see everyone on the last stream on March 19.

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SCANDAL's LUMINOUS Lyrics Essays


＃1 - MAMI's "Gunjou pleats" Lyrics Essay



The theme song for my fantasy brand.

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On March 20, 2024, SCANDAL will release their new album LUMINOUS! This is their 11th album in total and their first in two years since their previous album MIRROR. It will contain 11 songs including singles "Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto" and "Line of sight" released last year; as well as "Anata e," co-written with Rhythmic Toy World; and "Plum," co-written with EOW.

Four lyrics essays by SCANDAL will be posted! This is the first one, written by MAMI about the song "Gunjou pleats" (群青pleats; Ultramarine pleats). How did this song come into being, and what important thing did she realize when she fell into a songwriting slump...? Please enjoy this essay along with the lyrics.

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A part of this song was written in 2019.

I love clothing, and if I ever started a clothing brand,
『navypleatedskirt』
Would be a good name for it. Although I have no plans to start one, there was a time when I was just thinking of a brand name.

The song "Gunjou pleats" was originally written to be the theme song for this fantasy brand of mine.

Pleated skirts are cute yet mature, and they look completely different depending on the fineness of the pleats. If you're not careful they can lose their shape. I also love the delicate nature of them. I feel like the way pleats move reflects your mood that day, which I really like...haha


During the few years when the norm was no longer the norm, I couldn't write songs and wondered how I was going to keep my mental health in check,
But when I found this song written in 2019, I was reminded of the importance of the simple, uplifting moments of everyday life.

It made me realize that I was just like the lyrics of the song, and how amazing it is to get excited just by wearing something you like.

You have to take charge of your own mood.

To the me five years ago, thank you!

Now we can go out to many places, wear what we like, listen to what we like, eat what we like, do many things we like, and feel good about ourselves.

I too will breeze through the city in a pleated skirt. Feeling good about myself.

＜SCANDAL・MAMI＞

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Gunjou pleats ~ 群青pleats; Ultramarine pleats
Lyrics & Music: MAMI ~ Arrangement: Keita Kawaguchi

Itsuka dareka ga nanigenaku itta kotoba ga
Ima futo ukande
Tojikometeta hazu no kanjou ga koborete shimaisou
Konna watashi ja nakattara
Nante nankai omotta darou soshite nankai-me no ima darou
Mou sonna koto kangaenakute ii no tte
Ashita no watashi ga itteru

Mainichi no kurikaeshi no naka de iya na koto attatte
Nantokashite kita shi
Watashi wa sekai ni nante kaerarenai
Souyatte ikite kitan dakara

Kaisei no aozora ni odoraseta
Gunjou no puriitsu kyou wa
Itsumo yori sukoshi dake kakeashi de
Machi wo kaze kitte arukou
Taiyou wo mikata ni kao wo agete
Kinou no watashi yori massugu na
Kokoro de irareru you kono choushi de ikou

Itsumanika jibun no ruuru de kimetsuketa
Sukikirai ni tsumazuku
Arainagasenai kodowari shimi ya shiwa
Kore, mou haotterannaiwa

Me wo tojireba ukandeita hibi datte
Subete omoidasenai tooi kioku ni naru no
Hitsuyou ka hitsuyou ja nai ka kurai
Wakerareru reisei na kimochi de

Manten no hoshizora ni nabiiteiru
Gunjou no puriitsu yoru wa
Wake mo naku namida ga afuretemo
Sotto shite oitara ii no
Sonna toki mo tanjun na hitokoto de
Egao ni nareru kurai shinpuru na
Watashi ni umarete yokatta tte omou yo

Togattari yuraidari netsu wo obitari
Memagurushii kedo itooshii
Sono haato wo taisetsu ni shite

Kaisei no aozora ni odoraseta
Gunjou no puriitsu kyou wa
Itsumo yori sukoshi dake kakeashi de
Machi wo kaze kitte arukou
Taiyou wo mikata ni kao wo agete
Kinou no watashi yori massugu na
Kokoro de irareru you kono choushi de ikou

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English Translation

Something that someone casually said one day
Came to mind
And the emotions that were supposed to be bottled up are about to spill out
How many times have I wished I wasn't like this
And how many times has it happened now?
I'll tell myself tomorrow
That I don't have to think about it anymore

Even if something bad happens as each day repeats
I'll manage to handle it
I can't change the world
That's how I've lived my life

Pleats of ultramarine
Danced in the clear blue sky
I'll breeze through the city
A little more briskly than usual today
With the sun on my side, I'll look up
I hope I can be more honest
Than I was yesterday, and keep going

Before I know it, I trip over
My own rules of likes and dislikes
Obsessions, stains, and wrinkles that can't be washed away
I can't wear these any longer

When I close my eyes, I can't remember
All the days that floated by - They become distant memories
With a calm mind that separates
The necessary from the unnecessary

Pleats of ultramarine
Fluttering in a star-filled sky
At night, when tears come for no reason at all
It's okay to let them go
Even during those times
I'm glad I was born simple enough
To be able to smile with just a simple word

Sharp, wavering, rousing
Dizzying but dear
Cherish that heart

Pleats of ultramarine
Danced in the clear blue sky
Let's breeze through the city
A little more briskly than usual today
With the sun on my side, I'll look up
I hope I can be more honest
Than I was yesterday, and keep going