氣志團スペシャルインタビューin熊本

A special interview with the popular rock band "Kishidan" in the Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun's online edition! They talked about the charms of Kumamoto and their enthusiasm for the upcoming performance! ▽▼▽Below is the article published in the online edition▽▼▽ The popular rock band "Kishidan" will hold their 25th anniversary national tour, "Shihansei Kishonen," at the Arao General Culture Center in Arao City on June 7th. The four members—Sho Ayanokoji, Hikaru Saotome, Granmanie Hoshi, and Shochikuume Shiratori—visited the Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun headquarters before the performance. They spoke with plenty of humor about the charms of Kumamoto and their enthusiasm for the performance. (Interviewer: Ryo Okamoto) -This is your first performance in Arao City, isn't it? Ayanokoji: "It wasn't that I chose Arao, but rather that I felt like Arao called me. In recent years, when we've performed in places that aren't the first or second largest cities, the atmosphere has been much more exciting, and new encounters have been born. I feel that such places hold potential for our activities." What's your image of Arao City? Ayanokoji: "It's simply 'Greenland.' I've only ever heard the word from people from Kyushu. It's amazing that when you Google it (internet search), Arao City comes up before the country itself. I've been imagining what kind of place it is for 20 years. For me, it's become like Laputa (Castle in the Sky)." What are the highlights of the performance? Ayanokoji: "This show will demonstrate what we can still challenge ourselves with after 25 years in a band. On the other hand, what hasn't changed in those 25 years is that both long-time fans and newcomers can all enjoy it with the same feeling. No prior knowledge is necessary. You won't feel left out even if you don't know a single song. Just bring your ticket and some snacks, and come along casually." --I hear you visit Kumamoto often, including for personal reasons. --Ayanokoji: "Kumamoto is a special place in Japan. I visit four or five times a year at times. I love the warm-hearted and camaraderie of the people of Kumamoto. I'm connected to so many people. The day before this interview, I went to a sauna and had a barbecue in Minami-Aso Village... I never thought I'd make lifelong friends as an adult." --I heard there was an "incident" at the Kumamoto performance. Ayanokoji: "Two years ago, when our Kumamoto concert was scheduled for September, I contacted some acquaintances in Kumamoto, and they said, 'Why did you choose that date...?' The concert was on the day of the Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine's annual festival, and they said, 'There's a huge festival going on, so I'm sorry, but I can't go. If it were me, I wouldn't choose that date.' I'll never forget worrying that no one from Kumamoto would come, and how I called on people from outside the prefecture to attend. I learned that in Kumamoto, it's considered taboo for any band other than BTS to schedule a tour on the same day as the annual festival (laughs)." What comes to mind when you think of Kumamoto? Hoshi: "Chisato Moritaka and the sauna 'Yurax.' I also like karashi renkon (mustard lotus root). The stars were so beautiful in Minami Aso, and the breeze was so pleasant." Shiratori: "WANIMA, horse meat, and Shiratake Shiro shochu mixed with milk. I always enjoy these when I come to Kumamoto." Saotome (Ayanokoji explains, as she's a "silent character"): "I love Kumamon, but I also like Arao City's character, 'Majakki.'" Ayanokoji: "Whenever I come to Kumamoto, I always want to run. I jog from Kumamoto Castle through Suizenji to Kengun Shrine. 'Sri Lanka Kumamoto' and 'Coffee Arrow' also left a strong impression on me; it's a fun city no matter where you go. When I'm walking around, I inexplicably feel like singing the songs for Tsuruya and Center Plaza." We can feel your strong love for Kumamoto. Ayanokoji: "Last year, I was invited to the '1CHANCEFESTIVAL' (WANIMA's outdoor music live event), but I arrived two days before and left later. I think I was in Kumamoto longer than WANIMA." Please give a message to your fans in Kumamoto. Ayanokoji: "I don't know how many more years I can continue, but if I set going to Kumamoto as my goal, I feel like I can keep going for decades. This is the only place where you can have an experience of interacting with 'wild yankees.' I think it's the second most enjoyable place after Greenland, so please come and make it a memory of the 21st century." Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun