Voice actress and idol Serizawa Yu's new single "ROCK ME KISS ME feat. MOTSU" will be released on October 30th. The title song is the opening theme (OP) for the second season of the TV anime "MF Ghost," which is based on the "successor" to the popular manga "Initial D" by Shigeno Shuichi. Following the opening theme "JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU" for the first season, Serizawa and MOTSU have teamed up again. "JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU," which incorporates eurobeat, became a big hit, so attention is also focused on the new song. We asked Serizawa and MOTSU about their reunion and the thoughts they put into the song.
◇A song that pairs with "JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU"
-- "JUNGLE FIRE," which the two teamed up on, became a big hit.
MOTSU: I feel a sense of accomplishment. I felt the "Serizawa Yu power" and think I was able to capture the essence of Serizawa Yu.
Serizawa: I've often had the honor of singing as the opening act at big festivals, and "JUNGLE FIRE" is a song that acts as a catalyst. It's a song that really gets you pumped, and I was happy that this song helped me become known.
--Since "JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU" became a hot topic, expectations for the new song are high.
MOTSU: You can't do it on the same vector. Technically, "JUNGLE FIRE" has a primitive Asian feel to it, just like "1・3." The new song is on the other side, with "2・4." It's like the image of yin and yang, of breathing in and out. I wanted to make it so that you can listen to them alternating all the time, like a pair.
Serizawa: It's a song that requires skill. There's a rap battle, and an emotional zone where a diva appears, so singing ability is required. I thought, "I have to make it cool!"
MOTSU: Serizawa Yu has many charms. I wanted people to know that, so I packed it all in.
--By the way, have you ever had a rap battle?
Serizawa: No. But I listened a lot to the songs that MOTSU did with Tamura Yukari, and I imitated them, so I can do MOTSU's parts. Of course, I can sing Yukari's parts, too.
MOTSU: This generation has been familiar with rap since they were children, so they can do it. It's interesting.
Serizawa: But this time, I was in awe of MOTSU as my opponent. But I was able to do it because I was able to record with him.
MOTSU: We did it together at Anisama (Animelo Summer Live 2024), and it felt great.
Serizawa: I was able to do Anisama because I was with MOTSU! I felt his passion and he brought it out for me.
◇Pay attention to Serizawa Yu's "idol abs"!
--Serizawa's sexy and cool costume is likely to become a hot topic.
Serizawa: It has a dazzling feel! I tried to express Y2K and Y3K, the past and the future. The key is the collarbone that can be seen from the "yu" on the chest. I also revealed my belly button, which I showed in the photobook! This is the first time I've worn a costume that shows off my stomach so much. You can also see my "idol abs" with cute muscles that aren't too muscular. They're the kind of abs I like. I like my "idol abs"!
--The opening video for the anime is cool too. MOTSU: So cool! The best!! I'm hooked. This song was born when I went to Atami by myself in my car. It syncs with the scenery at that time, and it's very moving for me. Serizawa: So cool! The second season will be centered around battles, and various characters will be featured, such as the introduction of the players. In the second season, as the heated battles continue, Nozomi (played by Serizawa) is enjoying the races. There are some funny moments among the tense scenes, so please look forward to it. Maybe a romance with Kanata will develop! ◇Serizawa Yu has an infinite talent! --What is the appeal of "artist Serizawa Yu" from your perspective, MOTSU? MOTSU: I think your fierceness is similar to mine, and it was fun this time too. I want to show more of this feeling. I think I can bring out the fierceness of dance music. I know that she has been right in the middle of being an idol, but as an artist, I feel that she is wondering how she will be presented. As an artist myself, I am very interested in what the future holds. If there is anyone who creates their own worldview and rules with all their might and absolutely follows them, or who is willing to break their worldview and go all out to rise up, I think it is the latter. Just move! Being able to work with such a person is a valuable experience and it is really fun.
Serizawa I am grateful to MOTSU for discovering my potential. I have tried many things since my solo debut, but I was also unsure of where I should go and where I belong. "JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU" showed me a new world, and more people got to know the solo Serizawa Yu because of this song. That's why MOTSU is my mentor. He is an amazing person, but he is also very playful. He pulled a muscle before filming a music video.
MOTSU: I did too many thigh lifts. My body was screaming in pain, but I didn't notice. It was like two weeks before the shoot.
Serizawa: Four days after pulling a muscle, she performed live in a wheelchair! What incredible energy!
--I'd love to see you collaborate again. Serizawa: I'd definitely like to do that! MOTSU: I'd love to do that! I want to be all riveting. Serizawa Yu still has a lot more to offer. Her potential is limitless!
