Storywriter Kanosei (Potential) Interview (27th June 2022)

Interviewer: Nishizawa Hiroo
Translation: Ganba Renai
Note: Potential’s nickname is “Sei” on account of her name in Japanese being “Kanosei.”

“I wanted to change my impression at the timing of changing from Tantan to Potential”

Your hair color became brighter the same time you joined GANG PARADE, your impression changed instantly.

Potential: There’s a part of me I couldn’t show during the 7 days of audition so I was frustrated. I thought of myself as someone with a bright personality but the members that watched the audition said a lot of things like “I thought you were a quiet girl” or “I thought you were a serious girl”. It was the first time I dyed my hair bright but I thought I should show my resolution and determination through my image, so I brightened my hair. I wanted to change my impression at the same time I changed from Tantan to Potential.

In reality, did your feelings and mood change?

Potential: It’s like it became easier to show more of myself after that appearance change. By making my hair bright people around me started to say a lot of things like “you’re like a gal” (laughs).

During the camp there was an awakening moment when you put your hair up, wasn’t there?

Potential: This too was a changing point. Even just by putting my hair up, it’s like the impression people watching niconama had of me changed. The staff also said to me it was good that I put my hair up, so it made me think it’s important to also change even if it’s from the exterior.

It was your pair at the time, Lingling’s advice wasn’t it?

Potential: On the 5th night of the audition she said to me “it concerns me that I can’t see your expressions well, so maybe if you put your hair up your expressions will be seen and you’ll change. In reality, everyone said it was a good thing, I was able to get 1st place in that performance. On the last day too Lingling-san came to me intentionally and said “It’s definitely better if you put your hair up”, so in the last performance I did that as well. I’m extremely thankful to Lingling-san.

At the audition camp you worried about not being able to show progress but, was that difficult?

Potential: It was difficult. Looking back now I think I always thought about that way too much. Because I really wanted to join WACK, I constantly thought I had to do my utmost. Around the 4th day my feelings became disordered, there was a time I couldn’t stop crying. When I was at the individual interview with Watanabe-san I was told “Do it without thinking about anything” when performing the song of that day “Tsuyogari-san”. Then when I really performed it without thinking about anything, the singing and dancing were all over the place but, in a good way I thought I could change a little.

You were really flexible to accept this advice so promptly, you were really honest.

Potential: Before that I was told to relax but I couldn’t do it. Until then I didn’t want to show one single weak spot. If I showed even a small flaw I thought people would think I was no good. I felt that way but, that time my mind was messy, I started to not comprehend things anymore. Because Watanabe-san said “Don’t think about anything”, I went to the performance thinking “If I get eliminated with that then so be it!, I quickly also had a defiant thought (laughs). I changed my feelings to something like “Watanabe-san was the one who told me to do it!

On the night of the 6th day, the 9 remaining candidates had to form teams of 3. Having to decide the teams yourselves, TanTan took the initiative and named Ayuna and Kanae, right? How was your mental state then?

Potential: I was in a team with Ayuna a few times but, on the 4th day’s performance with Hashiyasume-san and Tsuki-san we were the last place. I still had regrets from that time and thought I didn’t want to have any regrets left. I thought Ayuna’s motivation and passion towards the audition were similar to mine. Because I believed it was most important to team with people I wanted to perform with, and we also had a time limit, if no one else would say anything then I would, so I chose her. About Kanae, I observed her personally. It’s not like she stood out too much but, when we were in the same team I really liked her singing voice and thought she was really good. More than anything, she was strong and I thought the way she faced the audition was different from other girls. Because I thought I wanted to perform more with her I chose her too in the end.

The candidates wouldn’t choose, it was like a formal marriage interview, as time passed it became harder and harder to say anything, you really managed to designate nicely in that situation.

Potential: I thought there was no way but for someone to say something. I thought that time was being wasted, because I didn’t go to the audition with that level of resolution. Of course, I think everyone else felt similar but, there was a chance to be eliminated if we didn’t decide right there. I didn’t come to be eliminated, I came with a prepared determination to pass, I thought I should have courage and so I said it.

Ainastar who joined GANG PARADE as well said while crying “I don’t understand why they couldn’t say who they wanted to perform with”. Does that resonate with you?

Potential: I think her feelings and determination regarding the audition were as strong as mine. During the audition I didn’t have much time together with Nasu-chan. I didn’t know what kind of girl she was, I had a slightly scary image of her so I couldn’t approach her from my own initiative but, it’s really good we got to be together in GANG PARADE. She’s not scary at all, she’s really funny, I found a lot of things we have in common, I’m happy we can do things being in the same gang.

Ainastar faced the audition camp with an uncommon resolve that there was no future for her after that but, how was Potential-san’s resolve?

Potential: I thought that if I couldn’t become an idol in WACK I would give up on being an idol. Even if I became an idol somewhere else, I didn’t have the confidence that I would be satisfied, so I thought there was no other place for me.

How did you become interested in WACK in the first place?

Potential: Since before I had interest in BiSH, I listened to their songs and thought their lives were good, I had an idealized image that I wanted to become that type of idol. Then in that flow after I started to watch the audition camps, I understood that WACK idols obviously too but, the candidates really sparkled, I was quickly becoming immersed in my WACK addiction. Watching the audition you understand more and more about WACK’s qualities, right? I started to see other groups were also good, I always watched it.

At the audition camps you really get to understand WACK’s philosophy and how the members think. What was the thing that resonated with you the most among the way Watanabe thinks?

Potential: You have to make an effort earnestly, give your best, and constantly do your utmost to overcome your limits but, being perfect is not everything. Also in a good way the distance between the groups and Watanabe-san is really close, it’s a relation both can say and exchange even conflicting ideas, it’s not like that in other places, right? I thought that was really fascinating.

“Being able to fight alongside your colleagues to reach the same dream feels like youth”

We’ll go back further, what was the reason that made you want to become an idol?

Potential: I had dance lessons since I was little, I liked to stand out in front of other people. Also I looked at people on TV shining and thought I wanted a job like that too. I thought that dance was one of my strong areas, I also liked to sing too, so when I thought about what kind of sparkling world I could use those assets I suddenly thought of an idol. After starting activities as one I quickly realized an idol’s appeal and thought there wasn’t anything else for me but being an idol.

What did you realize was a good aspect of an idol after becoming one?

Potential: As expected, the fact that you can’t complete things on your own. Having colleagues that will fight together towards the same dream, that to me feels like youth. I thought I wanted to give my all to that, also the support of fans become a source of energy to yourself. I really believe we’re nothing without fans.

Did you have an aspect of a show-off?

Potential: I had. Even in primary school I wanted to do things different from other people. When I was little I especially had the feeling that I didn’t want to disappear among many others. That’s why I would do strange voices on purpose. I was what would be called a problem child, I caused considerable trouble (laughs). During classes I would do things usually boys would do.

I don’t think boys really do strange voices either (laughs).

Potential: Ahahaha. When I was a kid I was really mischievous. I wanted to be the best, I had that strong feeling. For example there are those practice cards for rope-jumping, I would practice to the point that only I could go until the 3rd one. I really hated losing at anything. That aspect too was a bit of show-off.

Did you also work hard in studies?

Potential: Regarding that I went to the direction of thinking that stupid people would stand out more. I was happy when the teacher pointed me out. I was kind of an attention seeker. If my grades were slightly bad I would be told “why are your grades like this”, or if I purposefully mistook the answer when I went to the blackboard, they would say “why do you make a mistake like this?” being told those things made me happy (laughs).

What did you do for extracurricular activities?

Potential: I was in the dance club. It was a club that put a lot of effort to the point of being in competitions, the hierarchical order was really strict. That too is like a sport team you do as a group so part of it resembles idol activities a little.

In team sports it’s difficult if everyone doesn’t face it aiming for the top but, in regards to that, didn’t you have any painful experience?

Potential: There were disputes and arguments. Because I wanted to do my best, there were parts of it that were a bit difficult. Thinking back now I feel it was a valuable experience.

Because you had this experience, in the audition camp with all candidates you knew you had to give everything you have to the things in front of you, you faced it promptly with all your strength.

Potential: I think so. I thought it was good that I did club activities. Even now I think there were a lot of experiences I wouldn’t have had in other places. Particularly choreography and formation, I started to do those things after joining the club. I started to think I like thinking about choreo and formations so, I think it would be nice if I could take advantage of that in GANG PARADE activities as well.

Do you have interest in doing new creative things?

Potential: I do. In club competitions, the team that is the most interesting and has the most impact wins, so it was fun thinking about a theme every time. I still haven’t done choreo or anything in GANG PARADE so in the future I’d like to give it a try.

“I thought it wasn’t good to have the same amount of practice as other members, so I rented the studio and practiced alone”

What were your impressions about GANG PARADE as a group?

Potential: I knew about them but I haven’t been to any lives. I knew just about “everyone’s playground”, I had the image of a bright and fun group among WACK. I saw many live videos and thought it would definitely be fun to go to one.

In the first place until the beginning of 2022 they were split into GO TO THE BEDS and PARADISES.

Potential: When they were split into GO TO THE BEDS I would often watch their videos, I thought they were really cool. I thought they were a really strong group. They were really good at singing and dancing, their passion and enthusiasm would really show during their lives. I never saw them live but, because that was conveyed through the videos I thought it was amazing.

On the other hand how did you feel about PARADISES?

Potential: PARADISES, they were cute, I thought that was a really good asset. If I was a guy I would definitely start liking everyone (laughs). Also, all their songs I liked the lyrics and melody, even now among all the songs there are a lot of PARADISES songs I like.

What was your mind state when your name was called as GANG PARADE in the final announcement?

Potential: I was surprised. That time I was just happy…. Hm rather than happy, I didn’t really understand. Like, Eh, they called me? (laughs).

Did you have confidence your name would be called?

Potential: Half of me felt it would be OK since I came this far. But there was also the other weak part of me that was like “Ah it’s impossible…”. I was shivering thinking “Please call me!”. It was like “I gave my absolute everything so please!” (laughs).

Being able to think calmly about becoming a part of GANG PARADE, was it after you went home?

Potential: Even after going home I felt a soft, light feeling like “I.. became part of.. GANG PARADE…” When I actually met the members for the first time I thought “I can go on being one of the members”.

With 13 girls it’s a group with a lot of members. How did you feel about that?

Potential: I thought there were a lot of people (laughs). But just as there’s many people, the force is also amazing, right? Nasu-chan was in WAgg before so she was acquainted with the members but for me it was practically a first meeting, I met them during the audition just for a brief moment, so I felt like “what should I do, what should I do”. I’m scared, the pressure is amazing and they look very strong (laughs). At first it was like that but everyone was really nice so it was all good.

It is said to be the group most like club activities. Amongst that the casual speech rule, from Sei’s perspective coming from club activities it must be a high obstacle (laughs).

Potential: It is hard (laughs). In the middle of a conversation I can gradually talk casually but, in greetings or when saying thank you very much, times like that I can’t escape the honorifics.

What did you do in the period before the live debut?

Potential: Everyday I would solely practice. Because there were a lot of things to remember I thought it wasn’t good to have the same amount of practice as other members, so I rented the studio and practiced alone. Also I watched previous GANG PARADE videos and videos from way back.

You really looked back into the group’s history.

Potential: There were things I tried to learn by myself, but also other members would tell stories from when (Kamiya) Saki-san was a member and teach me things. That too was a learning period.

The image of “Everyone’s Playground” is strong and it’s bright now but, it’s a group that desperately struggled, the group with the longest history, looking back at past videos, listening about the history from the seniors, what did you feel?

Potential: I thought it was an amazing group. I think it’s amazing that it connects with the group’s name, now it is fixated with “everyone’s playground”, which has become a GANG PARADE characteristic. GANG PARADE essence, building a group’s impression is really hard to do so I think it’s incredible.

Is there something you felt or realized after singing the vast repertoire of GANG PARADE songs?

Potential: I thought that GANG PARADE has a lot of kinds of songs. There’s a lot of variety, like it feels they’re not from the same group. But I think that’s also a positive thing.

Singing a lot of songs, is there one you felt good about or started to like?

Potential: There’re 129 songs so that’s hard but I like “Alarm”.

I don’t want it to be 10 + 3

The new song Signal was released. It was a collaboration lyric from everyone but, what theme did you write about?

Potential: It was a theme about feelings and determination as the start of the new lineup, like a resolution as GANG PARADE.

What was the part of Sei’s lyrics that was used?

Potential: The only part of my lyrics that were used was “I came, having decided to not give up”. That was exactly my own resolution so I’m glad it was used and I’m really happy I can sing my own thoughts in a song of the group I’m part of.

Other members also wrote about their resolve as GANG PARADE but, singing all 13 member’s resolutions, dancing, what do you feel?

Potential: It didn’t become a song that it felt like 13 people wrote separately. It’s consistent to the point you think only one person wrote it. Because everyone walked different paths there are different aspects but, I think everyone had as the base the same feeling of giving our best from now on in GANG PARADE. I sing thinking it’d be good if we could head towards the same dream. Also, because it’s a bright song, it’s fun to dance.

Originally your debut was supposed to happen at Shibuya Quatro but with members’ Covid infection it changed to Yokohama Bay Hall. How did you face it emotionally and mentally?

Potential: There was nothing we could do about the timing because of Corona but, I was nervous that we couldn’t all practice together until right before the live. I was really afraid to show something incomplete in front of people. I could still forgive if it was like making a mistake at something that was already perfect in front of people but, I’m the type to think “I don’t want to show something unfinished in front of others!”. However, during the audition camp we didn’t have enough time every single time, with that this feeling of mine decreased. Probably if it was me from older times, if I was in that condition before the debut live, I would think I want to die but, from that time I thought even if it wasn’t perfect, I would give my best.

For other members it was also the first time as 13, I believe there were worries and anxiousness but, how was the response looking back at the first live now?

Potential: It was fun. During rehearsals with all 13 we would wear masks all the time, so I couldn’t see member’s expressions that much but, during the lives we can see the expressions, right? They’d all really look in the eyes, I could convey emotions with members that I didn’t feel during rehearsals, the asobinin are also really nice. Before the performance I was scared. It’s a group that exists from the beginning so I was really nervous about whether people that liked the 10 member lineup would accept the 13 one. During the live everyone was really hyped up, they made it look like they were having fun so I naturally also enjoyed it.

Going on tour, did you become familiar with everything, did you have any change in your feelings?

Potential: The choreo and formation, the level of perfection regarding the performance, those are all things that will go up as we perform more and more. During the debut live I obviously did it with all my strength but, I became able to think about things like “what can I do that will make asobinin pleased?”

You realized your goal of joining WACK, not after starting activities with GANG PARADE, is there something you want to accomplish, a dream or a goal?

Potential: I want to make GANG PARADE the representative group for WACK. I want to show the meaning of why I joined. I’m still “the new member, Potential” but, I always feel like I should do things with feelings as strong as “I will lead GANG PARADE!”

Do you think about the reason you joined?

Potential : I do. I don’t want it to become 10 + 3. I want to make the already existing GANG PARADE even better. I think it’s bad if it’s still the same way as 10 members, so I think about the reason why I joined, I’m always thinking about what I can do.

Your name is “Potential”, it also feels like you’re carrying a lot of expectations

Potential: GANG PARADE has a lot of history, I believe there’s a lot of uniqueness to every lineup but, I’d like to build the best thing as 13. Of course I deeply respect old GANG PARADE, there are a lot of things I think are incredible but, I want to do things with the energy to the point of surpassing all that!