乃木坂46の生田絵梨花への公開手紙 – An Open Letter to Nogizaka46’s Ikuta Erika

(English follows after Japanese)

211025 Ikuta Erika’s Blog “To everyone” + Personal Thoughts

As of December, 31st 2021,
I will graduate from Nogizaka46

I joined when I was in 9th grade and stayed until I reached 24 years old
I truthfully had 10 years of happiness.

I started to think of graduating sometime back then,
but then I realized that I didn’t want to leave.

(That’s just showing how) I really loved the days I’ve spent with everyone so much.

Considering, thinking again, considering… repeatedly
When I took the time carefully, in the end
I was able to decide, “I will leave!”

I announced this suddenly
it may have upset everyone.

When I’m recalling some memories, I can’t help but feel sad.

However, if everyone accepts this decision,
I will be happy.

Before I entered Nogizaka, I was a straight-laced person
While being a member of younger group who wasn’t afraid of anything, I kept moving forward
and before I knew it, it seems that I became a strange person, lol

Whenever I reminisce things, it’s full of embarrassing things
But it’s kind of dazzling, isn’t it?

I am now completely an older member. As I’m growing up,
I feel stronger and also felt timid sometimes.

I laughed more often, but I endured tears more as well.

I’m sure if I was alone, I’d be crumbled somewhere.

Anytime, any condition (of myself),
(there were) members who held my hands
fans who pushed my back (to support)
staffs who guided me
family who supported me

Thanks to everyone
that I managed to come this far.

Thank you very much for
sharing your love.

Even after graduation, even the things are changed
while exploring new ways of life and expressions,
I’ll be happy if
I can get along with everyone.

My life as an idol is two months left

10th Anniversary album, Tokyo Dome, music program, meet and greet…
Also, graduation concert is scheduled to be held on December.

I want to cherish every single thought for everyone.

To be able to meet (members and fans) in Nogizaka
I am sincerely grateful.

I love you.

Ikuta Erika

Nogizaka 46 Hours TV Recap feat. The Slope Podcast

It was an honor to be invited to this special episode. Thanks to Josh (@MrJoshBox) who invited me.

For these past 6 years I’m in an Japanese idol fandom, this was my first time to join in such a podcast. I’ve been active in the fandoms as a lone wolf. And I’m also an awkward person when I’m with new people. As you can see, I’m very passive in this podcast lol. And I’m not good in speaking English either so, too many disadvantages in me.

Josh was asking me to join the podcast a day before which is kinda made me a bit panicked. But good thing I already applied for a one day leave on the day we would have the recording.

Because of me, no, actually because the dentist took a long time to call me in although I already came earlier, and also because of Jakarta’s awful traffic, I pushed the recording time. My deepest apologize to Slope Podcast team m(_ _)m

And what’s more, I had to join the podcast at the nearest Starbucks so I could get a proper connection. The connection in my boarding house was a total pain in the arse since the 2nd day of Nogizaka 46 hours TV. The Starbucks was quite crowded and my bad choice to sit right under a speaker. I’m pretty sure the Slope Podcast team had a hard time to clean my recording. Let me apologize again m(_ _)m
All in all, I had a good time talking with the team. Once again, thank you for inviting me!

Please watch the video! I haven’t watch fully because I feel ashamed of my own voice speaking in broken English… And don’t forget to subscribe to their channel!

Slope Podcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhsFpzLItq9s9HAzvlhUsA
Slope Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/slope_podcast
The team: @boykunnn @mrjoshbox @swoletaku

Nogizaka46 – Nigemizu MV Review

Okay, *coughs*

I can’t stop coughing since I finished watching this music video.

Well, I’m taking a sick leave from work today because, yeah, I’m sick.
I’ve been not feeling well since 2 days ago. And now I’m on my bed, writing this post.

Let’s get rid of my sickly self at a moment.

So, they finally released the MV for 18th single; Nigemizu (lit: Mirage)

I won’t write much, so I’ll skip my thoughts regarding the song. I’ll just write my thoughts of the MV just as the title of this post said.

1. So it’s about two girls (Momochan and Yoda) who’re about to work in a ‘weird’ mansion. I was hoping the story is audible like “Taiyou Knock”. But it turns out as a no. Too bad…

“Itami Household is an inexplicable mansion. I hope you won’t be surprised looking around here.”

or so the lady said.

2. PAIRINGS ON PARADE!!! *coughs*

The moments I see Naachan and Reika in this scene, I have a gut feeling that Waka will be next to Reika

BINGO!
By the way, the calligraphy behind them says “Morning is bread”

And in front of WakaNanaRei, there are Karaage Sisters

And at the back of them, a calligraphy says “Absolutely Rice”

So they’re fighting what’s best for breakfast lol

BLACK ERIKA-SAMA!!! <333 PLEASE SCOLD ME!! <333

BOY! I really want to know what do the say in the dialogue! But from their situation, I think Karaage Sisters are mocking those who prefer bread in the morning.

Waka-sama is triggered but Sakurai was calmly said,

“Waka…”

AIJDAHUHRHJT

HAKUMAI-SAMA, KARAAGE SISTERS’ SAVIOR HAS ARRIVED!!

(Hakumai= 白(haku) 米 (mai) is similar to Maiyan’s name 白(shira)石(ishi)麻(ma)衣(i) without ‘ishi’ and ‘shira’ can be read as ‘haku’ so 白 (haku) 麻衣 (mai))

She brings a jar of rice for three of them ❤ 

The Muhyoujou sisters show their perfect smile…for Rice and Maiyan =))

Absolutely rice, huh? :3

Let’s move to the next pairing, IkoMina (I’m not sure if it’s the official pair name for Ikoma and Minami-chan… Somebody please correct me if I’m wrong)

Feel the deja vu?

Shakiism references?

3. Sadistic Nishino Nanase

Naachan was spreading a jam onto her toast. And the Karaage Sisters look at it with “wow…that looks yummy” eyes. 

Naachan noticed it and asked, “Wanna have some?”

Karaage sisters noticed that their gazes to the toast are noticed so,

They’re quickly looking away! SO MUCH TSUNDERE FOR A TOAST! LOL!

And looks like Naachan is having fun teasing them. What are you? an S?

They’re still looking at the toast anyway, until Hakumai-sama came.

 

4. MEMBERS’ SOULS ARE TAKEN OVER BY…SOMETHING!

5. Some turned into zombies at night

6. Kazumin…? What are you? The Queen?

I burst into laugh when I saw her patting a dog print =))))

 

6. The cast

Maid Trainee: Oozono Momoko, Yoda Yuuki
Pro Rice: Itami Mai (Shiraishi Mai)
Pro Bread: Itami Nanase (Nishino Nanase)
Senior Maid: Itami Asuka (Saito Asuka)
Delinquent China Girl: Itami Miona (Hori Miona)
Pro Rice: Itami Iku (Ikuta Erika) ‘Iku’ lol =))
The Real Chinese: Itami Manatsu (Akimoto Manatsu)
Pro Rice: Itami Matsu (Matsumura Sayuri)
Tired Office Lady: Itami Sa (Eto Misa) Sa? SA? Really? Just SA?! =)))))

Pure straight-laced person: Itami Minami (Hoshino Minami)
Hikikomori (Shut-in): Itami Kazu (Takayama Kazumi)
Pure straight-laced person: Itami Koma (Ikoma Rina)
Pro Bread: Itami Sakura (Sakurai Reika)
Way too tired Office Lady: Itami Shin’uchi (Shin’uchi Mai)
Pro Bread: Itami Waka (Wakatsuki Yumi)
Delinquent NEET Girl: Itami Marika (Itou Marika)
Delinquent NEET Girl: Itami Sayuri (Inoue Sayuri)
Maid Leader: Ogawa Tamaki

7. TABEISHI-SAN!!

8. The last dance scene reminds me of AKB’s Kimi wa Melody. Maybe because the colorful props.

9. The last, obligatory screenshots!

Just two… Too bad but, better than none ❤

That’s all. Thanks for coming m(_ _)m

FYI, I collaborated with someone to create a Nogizaka46 fansub. You can visit our blog here!

Once again, thank you!

Now, it’s time to take some cold pills 😡

[SUB] Ikuta Erika & Shiraishi Mai’s Speech in 18th Single Senbatsu Announcement

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5t0n2o_18-speech_tv

 

First of all, congratulations to Momochan and Master Yoda for being the new (double) centers!

Phew…

So here goes my thoughts.

1. Actually I’m a bit relieved the moment I knew that it would be another wCenter again. So the possibility of someone’s “last single” is getting lower.

2. I had a feeling that some of 3rd gen members would be chosen as senbatsu. But I didn’t expect they would be in center position.

3. I was scared that Minami will be dropped again to under member. The announcer didn’t say her name until 3rd row fully filled by other members. But I’m glad that she is in the 2nd row.

4. Ikuchan in 2nd row. Again. Well, I guess it can’t be helped. The management can’t give her another hard time to coexist in Nogizaka and being a solo career. Being front member means that they have to attend most of the single promotion in most medias.

5. I laughed hard when Manatsu tripped over the podium. Well done :))

6. Seeing Maiyan’s smile in this senbatsu announcement is somehow reassuring. Please don’t graduate before I see you in person

7. Momochan’s face emotion is…kind of scary. I mean, it’s different with the ones back then. It’s like, “Oh, no. Why me? Is it okay for me to be here? I can feel the Senpais’ weird tensions behind me…”

I think the management is pushing the 3rd gen a little bit too much. Like holding their solo concert, and even let NOGIBINGO!8 as their own TV show. Do they (management) even think about 2nd gen members feelings? Especially those members who never gets into senbatsu. So many wrath voices of 2nd gen fans out there. And I think it’s getting worse with this 18th single senbatsu announcement.
Well, I understand that the management is planning to draw some new fans or let the current fans to like these 3rd gen members so when their (fans’) oshimen graduates, they still have another favorite members from 3rd gen and stay support Nogizaka.
Am I right?
Indeed the 3rd gen members have so many potentials and as for their looks, they’re above average. But I’m not sure they will be the replacements when the time of Ikuchan/Maiyan’s graduation comes.

8. TBH, I was hoping that Mizuki will be a senbatsu member. But I knew it would be Yoda who stands alongside Momochan.

The management has to fulfill fans’ demands out there. Yes. Yoda already has a LOT of fans. It can’t be helped. Please do your best even if you’re not a senbatsu.

 

I think that’s all. I apologize if I said too much. I knew I shouldn’t say such things because I’m still new in Nogizaka fandom. But… I have the rights to speak out my thoughts, right? 🙂

Last but not least,

 

HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY, ACCHAN!! (Maeda Atsuko)

I still love you :*