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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.

---

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.

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＞

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 kurikaeshite 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


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

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

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

---

•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.

If you enjoy my translations, please consider leaving a tip!

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#front-page #luminous

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.

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＞

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

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

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

【Translated Summary】"Yoru SCA ~Live streaming just before the release of LUMINOUS~" ＃1

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•As the stream starts, the band explains that they are doing a total of 3 livestreams every other week to celebrate the release of their upcoming album LUMINOUS.

•HARU reads a comment that asked them if they ate. RINA says yes, and that they ate Yoshinoya. HARU says that they ate while deciding on the setlist for their upcoming LUMINOUS tour. TOMO says that it's such a good setlist that she doesn't know if they can pull off playing it (since it's so intense), and that it'll be a little different from what they usually do.

•They first show an infographic with the different album covers + tracklist on it. RINA starts talking about the Blu-ray+Merch Edition and holds it up to show it off. She mentions how the included long-sleeve shirt should fit men as well as women on the shorter side, and that the band chose which fabric and style the shirt should have. Next, they show what the set of 4-frame photo strips look like. RINA says that although she's not a part of the culture that collects this type of photo (referring to how these strips are usually associated with K-Pop groups), the other band members told her about them and she definitely thinks that physically having something like these gives you a different kind of enjoyment in addition to listening to the music. HARU says that it's not just the songs or music that are enjoyable, but also the things that accompany them such as the glittery cover of the edition and the photo strips. TOMO says while looking at the strips that they're on the bigger side. RINA asks how you would display them. TOMO says it's difficult to say. MAMI says you could put them in a photo strip holder. HARU says it'd be nice there are some that fit big strips like these. MAMI says you could also cut them up. RINA says to do whatever you'd like. HARU says that they're a little too big to put inside of a phone case. TOMO holds one up against the back of her phone, and it's about an inch longer. RINA says that you could probably do it if you have a phone that's on the bigger side.

•TOMO then wonders if they should show the other editions next. HARU looks down at the outline sheet in front of her while RINA says while looking past the camera [at the staff], "'Fanfare'?" TOMO starts to say that they've only introduced one edition so far, but HARU interrupts and says they actually had jumped way ahead. They all look at their sheets and start laughing. After the infographic was shown, they were supposed to talk about the new song "Fanfare" next instead of introducing the editions.

•They then talk about "Fanfare." HARU says that info related to the song has been released recently, such as how it will be the ending song for the anime "HIGHSPEED Étoile" that will start airing in April. HARU asks if they've already talked about the song and directs it more towards TOMO, presumably because she wrote the lyrics. TOMO goes, "About what?" RINA and HARU specify if they've talked about the production of the song and look towards the staff when they ask. The band all laughs and says that it's probably okay for them to talk about it. TOMO says that they don't have to keep how they wrote the song a secret. RINA says that they want to talk about it. TOMO says that around spring of last year is when they received this offer to write a song for the anime. The lead character is an independent and strong woman, which is a prominent topic in the series. Since it overlaps with what they value as a band, they wrote a song that revolves around the story of the race while also overlapping with their own story. TOMO says that they never really thought about how in what way they would continue their activities after getting their Guinness World Record last year, and it was the first time they really looked at themselves seriously. That's why she wrote the song while thinking of the band, and while crying and her autonomic nervous system being in turmoil. They all laugh at this. HARU says that it was tough. TOMO agrees and says that it had been a long time since she had written lyrics to a song like this. She also says that she's been writing everyday kind of songs recently, so it had been a while since she had written some for a tie-in song. Although she did struggle a bit, she hopes she was able to leave a message that represents their determination for the future.

•RINA mentions how the album is titled LUMINOUS and that the word "luminous" has the connotation of something emitting light on its own. The album is filled with songs that open the door to something brighter, and "Fanfare" is the song that leads the way--it's a song that's the key to the next bright world. RINA says she really likes the lyrics and melody, and that she feels they've put a lot of emotion into the song, making it very heartfelt. When they were shooting the music video for it, she was able to play with a big smile on her face and not worry about anything. She says it's probably been a while since she's been able to express herself like this and it makes her feel all cheerful. It made her think that this is how the four of them are going to continue onwards again, which is why she can't wait for everyone to hear it. HARU says that this is why "Fanfare" is one of the first songs. TOMO says that it's a very fast-paced song. RINA says that MAMI arranged it. MAMI says that they were told what the production staff wanted the song to be like: a fast-paced song that would be great live and be set at a higher BPM. She says the band also wanted to make it a very cheerful, bright song that was made complete by the sounds of the four of them, and she thinks they did a great job at doing so. HARU then mentions that she talked a little bit about the song when shooting a video for their fan club, which was taken when they were filming the MV. She says they used a drone to film for the first time, so there will be angles that you've never seen in their videos before.

•Next, they show the other editions of the CD. RINA picks up the Magazine Edition (Limited Edition B), but she incorrectly calls it the Regular Edition instead and says that it's the one with the biggest jellyfish on it. MAMI says the jellyfish are cute and that they asked for shiny jellyfish to be made. RINA says that they were made from scratch with CG. RINA then correctly picks up the Blu-Ray Edition (Limited Edition A) with "her" Diary on it. TOMO says it's pretty lengthy at about an hour long. RINA says that they had their year in 2023 filmed closely, and watching it back made her remember how their year started out, which she had forgotten about, and although it had been a very difficult year, she felt that they made progress, even if it was just a little bit at a time. She then asks the staff to show on screen the infographic with the covers and content of the limited editions. TOMO then notices that the edition RINA had claimed to be the Regular Edition wasn't actually it, and MAMI hands her the one that is actually it (the cover with 4 jellyfish on it) while laughing. RINA turns over the CDs to see which edition is which and then holds up the Magazine Edition again, saying, "Even though I said differently earlier, this is Limited Edition B! Got it?" TOMO holds up the Blu-ray Edition and asks which one it is. HARU says it's LE A. There's a pause before TOMO goes, "Wait a minute... I don't get it." The infographic is shown on screen again as they try and figure out which cover equals which edition. The stream cuts back to the band with HARU holding the Regular Edition and saying that it has 4 jellyfish on it.

•They then talk about the Magazine Edition and how there are 100 question and 100 answer sections in it, with the questions coming from MANIA members. RINA says the questions were really interesting. MAMI says there were some deep questions, which they laugh at. TOMO doesn't seem to remember and goes, "They were deep?" RINA says there were also subjects that they've never talked about before. Each member got different questions, which is why RINA says she's excited to read what they were. They also mention that there are a lot of specially shot photos included in the magazine.

•The next thing they talk about are the bonuses that come with the album when either ordered early and/or ordered from specific stores. The infographic is shown on screen first, and they joke and laugh that they won't mess up anymore. HARU says that they have a few of them on hand, though not all of them. They first show the clear file, which came with each Limited Edition pre-ordered until February 12. Next, they show the shoelaces that come with orders from Rakuten Books. They they're really cute and have the band logo printed on them in white. After that, they show the clear photo cards that only MANIA members can get. RINA puts all 4 of them on the back of a white sheet of paper to try and show them to the camera but can't hold all of them down at the same time, so MAMI says to show them one by one. They say you can put these in a holder and bring it with you when you go out. The other bonuses that are available but they don't have on hand are the regular photo cards available at different stores plus the phone lanyard from 7Net Shopping. HARU says that the band personally chose the designs and colors for the shoelaces and lanyard. RINA says there isn't a single thing that the band puts out that the band members are not involved in. HARU says that they even chose which photos would be used for the bonuses. RINA says, "We do everything ourselves, so please rest assured." She and HARU laugh.

•HARU says that this stream was focused on them introducing the physical attributes and such related to the album. RINA says she's so glad everything's finally complete. HARU says that they finished recording in December and took the following month off, but even during that time they were confirming a lot of details related to the album, such as choosing which photos to use for the bonuses, and that it all finally took shape and is now a month away from release. They say to please look forward to it.

•They then take a look at some of the comments people are leaving in the live chat. TOMO reads a comment that says they had pre-ordered the album at SCANDAL's BEST Xmas concert. The band says that they'll get the clear file with their order, then. The staff then reminds the band that there was also a sticker bonus that day, where purchasers received a sticker with printed handwritten messages from the band on them. The band says that they put a lot of thought into making these bonuses because they wanted to make it as fun as possible and wanted there to be a lot of things that people could get their hands on, but they do want people to feel free to choose what they'd like/want. TOMO then lists various countries that she's seen viewers mention in comments. HARU says that that's usually the case when doing a YouTube Live. RINA says that there must be some countries where the time difference must be big.

•Another comment asks them to release band scores again. TOMO says that maybe they could release a band score for one song as a bonus with a release. The mention of doing just "one song" seems to make the others laugh. TOMO then says that maybe they could do it for a future release if there's chance to. MAMI says that maybe they could do something like a band score PDF that could be downloaded via a QR code. They also mention maybe doing book versions of band scores again. TOMO wonders when the last one they released was, and thinks that it was YELLOW. The others seem to think that as well. RINA wonders if they released one for HONEY. The others think they didn't. They at least know for sure that they haven't released a score since establishing "her." RINA says that she can't remember something like that so far back. TOMO doesn't think that they did. RINA asks if they've ever seen it before. TOMO says she hasn't. HARU looks at the comments in the chat and says that the fans are saying they did release one for HONEY (yes, they did lol). The band is surprised by this and wonder if they have this score in their office. TOMO laughs and says that all of the comments say that it does exist. HARU says that the fans would know about these things better than them, after all, which the others agree with and thank the fans for.

•They ask the fans if there's anything else they want to know. HARU reads a comment that asks when they'll be announcing the overseas dates for the LUMINOUS tour. They purposely answer vaguely and say that they'll probably be released before long, and then laugh. HARU reads another comment that asks if they're doing any release events for the album. There's a pause before TOMO again answers vaguely and says it'd be nice if there are. They all laugh at this. They say while laughing that it would be better if they did have some. Another comment asks if there will be a vinyl edition of the album. They say that they'd like to, and that it would be nice to do so. MAMI says that releasing one with these covers would be cute. TOMO then reads a comment says that to "please make a pizza." They laugh at this. HARU looks at comments and goes, "Ah, merch?" The others are confused and TOMO goes, "Pizza merch?" HARU laughs and says that the comment said something like, "The merch [for the upcoming tour] hasn't been released/decided yet?" The others are still confused, and HARU apologizes and says that that has nothing to do with the pizza comment. They laugh and RINA says that she thought HARU was being awfully positive about making pizza merch. They say that they have decided on the merch and that it's really cute. HARU reads a comment that asked them to do a nationwide tour of Japan and says that they are in fact doing that with this tour.

•TOMO reads a comment asking about a live recording/DVD/Blu-ray. RINA says that they do put them out from time to time, though they don't particularly like being recorded. They laugh at this. MAMI says that they'll probably release some clips here and there on their YouTube channel. TOMO does say to come out to this tour because they won't be recording and releasing it on Blu-ray/DVD. Another comment TOMO reads says to do "screenshot time." She says they should do it to close out the stream. They decide to hold up the CDs and pose with them. HARU is confused as to which way is the right way to hold it and they realize that the obi (the strip of paper on the left side of the CD) is facing the wrong way. RINA laughs and says to put her hand over that part so that people won't notice (HARU still ends up holding the CD upside down, though lol).

•They close out the stream by saying that the next stream will be in two weeks on March 5th at the same time of 9 pm JST. HARU wonders what they could possibly talk about next time. RINA says that there are still lots of things to talk about, and HARU and TOMO wonder what they could be. MAMI say that they could talk about the songs on the album. TOMO says that they could also talk about things not related to the album, as well as read comments/answer questions from viewers. They then start saying goodnight and waving to the camera, and then pause for a second and look over to the staff to see if it's okay. They say the staff says it's okay and continue saying goodbye and waving.

If you enjoy my translations, please consider leaving a tip!

---

#front-page #luminous

About February
Theme：RINA

The newly started
Yoru SCA!
It was fun doing a livestream for the first time in forever〜!

---

Talking about the album itself,
The production of a certain song, etc...
We chatted away✓



Thank you to everyone who came to watch it!

An archive of it is up,
So if you missed it, take a look at it whenever you'd like✓


▽


https://www.youtube.com/live/pKHT232pFYI


On 3/5 from 21:00〜 JST
Is the second Yoru SCA stream! Look forward to it!



February goes by so quickly.
It's a part of the year that feels especially fleeting every year,
But this year it was filled
With so many different happenings.
I even went back to Kansai for a moment‎～

Let's clear the rest of the days
One by one carefully〜✓
It looks like there will be new announcements soon...!


RINA

2024-02-21 18:05:00

Spoiler:

What we want to tell you
Theme：RINA

More details about the bonuses that come with the album
Have been revealed♡

---

Here's the cover of the her magazine,
Now in its fourth volume✓
There are so many newly shot photos
Taken in all sorts of outfits and makeup looks

We introduce all of the songs,
And there are solo pages with 100 questions and 100 answers...!
We asked for questions
From our fan club members,
And they were so interesting! haha
There were a lot of things we talked about for the first time!
Thank you to everyone who sent in a question✓


Here's the edition
That comes with this magazine♡

▽

https://bit.ly/luminous_mag


And...
We also released the teaser for the her diary,
Which closely follows our activities of the past year




English subs:
https://amara.org/videos/9Mk5CS6nCIDK/en/4506561/15275424/

Our close cinematographer
Chie Okazawa-chan,
Who has been with us since our debut!
Each time I think of how this is the kind of the content
That could only be captured by this team,
And honest words that we couldn't talk about.

Getting our Guinness World Record
Was a big subject last year, after all,
And that's what the teaser focuses on,
But the main story is completely different.
That was my impression.
It's filled with things
That we want to tell you guys about,
So I'd love for you to watch it✓

▽

https://bit.ly/luminous_br


Can't believe there's already
1 month left until it hits stores!

Thump-thump-thump


RINA


2024-02-19 14:19:15

Spoiler:

Press DAY
Theme：RINA

Press for the album has also begunー!

---

We often have familiar interviewers
Handle the interviews,
And it always makes me really happy
When there are moments I feel
That they really empathize
With the band's story
And delve into it.

Also,
I enjoy listening to what the other members talk about
Because I don't get to hear
The detailed songwriting process during production.
It's interesting to hear their answers.

Looks like there will be
More good photos and articles published,
So please look forward to them✓

We worked hard today too〜!
I feel accomplished〜!


RINA


2024-02-13 19:54:48

Spoiler:

Support
Theme：RINA

---

We're entering the promotion period
For the album✓
We recorded for TV yesterday!
I'll let you guys know about it later〜



Samples of the CDs were also finishedー!
With the Blu-ray+Merch Edition,
The shimmering holo that changes depending on the angle
Is exquisitely pretty and perfect - It's amazing.
In this era of streaming, we're making the physical CDs with great care
In terms of both appearance and content
So that those who buy them can enjoy them as much as possible✓



Ah! Also, I've gotten a lot of DMs
Asking where you can get my photo card,



And it seems like you can get them here✓
Please use this as a reference if you like!
Thank you♡


https://bit.ly/scandal_luminous_cdj


RINA


2024-02-10 15:04:51

Spoiler:

Summary
Theme：RINA

---

Detailed info about our album
Is being released one after another︎
So excitinggg〜

First up
Are the different types of covers!



They were made from scratch with a glass-like texture
Based on a motif of a floating jellyfish that emits its own light,
And all four covers
Really turned out nice︎

Only the Blu-ray+Merch Edition was designed
With glittery holographic overlay
To make it look even more gorgeous and sparkly◎

We had a really tough time
Choosing the right kind of holo,
But it was fun to make while thinking about it!〜!

Inside the Blu-ray+Merch Edition are:



A long-sleeve T-shirt, 4-cut photo strips, a Blu-ray of a few music videos!
A bunch of stuff!

We've also summarized
All of the external bonuses and pre-order bonuses︎
We made a lot of them, so I hope you can choose the ones you like
And enjoy them!



Also,
The titles of the songs and their credits.


*Translated tracklist

11 songs we put all our heart and soul into
On our 11th album!

Please place an order and look forward to them!♡

▽

https://bit.ly/scandal_luminous_cdj



RINA

2024-02-03 13:50:47

Spoiler:

The covers and tracklist for LUMINOUS have been revealed!


Additionally, new song "Fanfare" will be the ending song for the upcoming anime HIGHSPEED Étoile!

---

11th album LUMINOUS is SCANDAL's first album in two years since the previous album MIRROR, and in addition to the singles "Line of sight" and "Highlight no Naka de Bokura Zutto" released last year, a total of 11 songs will be included, including "Anata e," co-written with Rhythmic Toy World; and "Plum," co-written with EOW. This album is another one abundant in variety in which all members were involved in writing the lyrics and music.

The covers for all editions feature a jellyfish, giving a sense of flexibility and strength.

---

Tracklist:

1. Gunjou pleats (群青pleats; Ultramarine pleats)
   [Words・Music: MAMI / Arrangement: Keita Kawaguchi]
   
   
2. Fanfare (ファンファーレ)
   [Words: TOMOMI / Music・Arrangement: MAMI]
   
   
3. Watashi-tachi (私たち; Us)
   [Words: RINA / Music: MAMI / Arrangement: Ryo Eguchi]
   
   
4. Plum
   [Words: TOMOMI / Music・Arrangement: EOW]
   
   
5. CANDY
   [Words・Music: TOMOMI / Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi]
   
   
6. Vision
   [Words・Music: RINA / Arrangement: Hibiki Nishikawa]
   
   
7. LOOP
   [Words: RINA / Music: RINA, Satori Shiraishi / Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi]
   
   
8. Line of sight
   [Words: RINA / Music: MAMI / Arrangement: Keita Kawaguchi]
   
   
9. Anata e (あなたへ; To You)
   [Words: MAMI / Music: Naotaka Uchida (Rhythmic Toy World) / Arrangement: Kishi Akira (Rhythmic Toy World)]
   
   
10. 1:47
    [Words・Music: HARUNA / Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi]
    
    
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)
    [Words・Music: MAMI / Arrangement: Ryo Eguchi]
    

mix
Theme：RINA

Album production is in its final stages.
We've finished recording all instruments and vocals,
And the mixing process had been going on one after another,
But today that process is complete〜!

Big speakers, small speakers,
Phones, computers, earphones, car speakers--
We tried different listening methods
To find the balance that feels the most comfortable and wonderful.

---

We're focused on making the most out of everything!
We're already very attached to it! haha
It'll still be a while
Before you guys can listen to it,
But since we really did work hard on it, please look forward to it



Two days ago, we did the interview for
"her" Magazine Vol.4,
The magazine that'll come as a bonus︎

When we launched our imprint label,
We decided to create our own magazine
That would provide
The most in-depth information about us,
And we've continued to do this project.
I can't believe this next one is the fourth one.

However, this time,
We will almost double the number of pages than the previous ones.
There are tons of new photos
As well as pages focused on us individually, and introductions to all songs.

I think those who want to know how songs came to be,
The thoughts behind them, the stories behind them, etc.,
Will enjoy it a lot‎???? ????????

Aah,,,
Sound production and mastering are the only things left to do.
Today is the last day of our music activities for now.
We really did work hard this yearrrr
Thank you so muchhhh!!!


Pre-order the album here:

▽


https://bit.ly/scandal_luminous_cdj



RINA

2023-12-29 20:29:09

Spoiler: