"Love Love Live! ! Series," which spans all media including TV anime, live performances, and magazines. The second chapter of the three-part theatrical series, " Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: Final Chapter, Part 2," was released on November 7th. The six members, Karin Asaka, Ai Miyashita, Setsuna Yuki, Rina Tennoji, Shioriko Mifune, and Mia Taylor, visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe and begin their own unique activities. We spoke to Natsumi Murakami, who plays Ai Miyashita; Tsubomi Hayashi, who plays Setsuna Yuki; Chiemi Tanaka, who plays Rina Tennoji; and Hide Uchida, who plays Mia Taylor, about their thoughts on "Nijigasaki" and the second chapter.
◇Each person's conflict
--What is the unique appeal of "Nijigasaki"?
Tanaka: The spotlight is on the struggles of each member, which I think makes it easy to convey each member's charm. In Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, they are split into seven and six members, and there are various combinations of interactions, which makes it easy to convey new charms. Because they are solo, each member is separate, but the story of when they finally come together is also appealing.
Hayashi: I think one of their strengths is that they have songs from a variety of genres. Some girls sing really pop songs, others rock, Japanese rock, EDM... so whether you listen to their albums or watch their movies, you can enjoy a variety of songs.
Uchida : Even though the 13 of us have different opinions, we all seem to accept each other. There are no rules that say we have to do things this way, and it's wonderful that we can respect each other's opinions, which I think is unique to "Nijigasaki." We're friends, but we're also rivals, and it's fascinating how we grow through friendly competition.
The presence of Murakami-san and Yuuyu (Takasaki Yuu) is also appealing. The 12 members perform as school idols, and Takasaki Yuu supports them all. I think Yuuyu's presence, in the same position as all the people who support her, is something that is unique to "Nijigasaki."
-What was your impression after reading the scenario for Chapter 2?
Murakami: First of all, I was happy that there were a lot of lines (laughs). There are scenes where each character is conflicted, and Ai is also troubled. One line that Setsuna says to Ai left a strong impression on me, and I felt that I had to act with the awareness that she is someone to be admired.
Uchida: There were some moments when I could sense Mia's growth. Up until now, she had often faced her own worries, but this time she had decided in her heart what she wanted to do and was able to focus on those around her. I felt her growth and it was very moving.
Hayashi: The character of Yuki Setsuna is about what would happen if she wasn't a school idol... and there were scenes where I had to play her as "Nana," "Setsuna," "Nana," "Setsuna," "Nana," etc., so I had to do some research before recording. Setsuna has overcome many obstacles up until now, but when I met her, I felt like she had overcome those obstacles and was in a state of relief. I tried to act while being conscious of Nana's existence, but I also felt conflicted about not being able to play Setsuna as she was before she overcame them. In Chapter 2, I was able to play the moment when she overcomes her obstacles, and I think I can continue to add even more depth to her character in the future.
The film depicts Tanaka's worries and conflicts, and there are some heavy moments. School idols are faced with the reality that time is limited and that there will always be an end, and there are many serious scenes, but there are also cute scenes with the members... It's a satisfying and worthwhile movie. Rina, who was always the one to hold Mia's hand, was refreshing to see her as more of a heroine. The relationship between Ai and Setsuna was also quite unexpected, and we learned how Setsuna felt, and each of their feelings really came through. Because they'd been together for so long, I felt the bond that allowed them to act for each other.
◇Rediscoveries and new discoveries
--Another attraction is the unexpected combinations that come together.
Tanaka: I could see the mutual respect between them, and I was able to rediscover and discover new things.
I knew that Murakami Ai admired Setsuna, but I never imagined the opposite would happen!
Hayashi-san , this is an exciting development.
I think Murakami-san's love was very happy. I was happy too.
Uchida: To be honest, I didn't think I'd be able to speak English this well, so that made me very happy.
--The story takes place in Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. What are your memories?
Mr. Hayashi, your food is delicious, isn't it? There are so many things I could mention.
Uchida: I've lived abroad for a long time, so I like Kyoto. It has a very Japanese atmosphere, and I love how quiet and peaceful it is. The food is delicious, too.
I heard that Murakami-san's Ai might sing in Kobe, and since I had never been there, I went there before recording. It was a really nice place! The tourist spots are nice, but the people of Kobe are amazing. Places that she visited in the anime also appear, so I was able to act with a sense of connection to Ai.
I often go to Osaka for Tanaka-san's events and live shows, and he's always got such a great vibe. Even when I'm performing a song for the first time, the audience calls out to me and greets me with smiles, so I feel at ease on stage.
Continued in interview (2).
