April Shiny Colors Famitsu interview (Hiyori Kouno)

In this interview with Hiyori Kouno, we look back on her 2 years after her debut as the role of Kaho Komiya. How has Kouno's heart grown after a series of continuously being nervous at Lives?
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The reason she challenged herself as Kaho was because she liked dogs!?


- It's been 2 years since you started performing as Kaho.

Kouno: It's been a turbulent two years (laughs). This was my first experience performing, and I was really nervous. At first, I was really surprised at everything, but as I kept repeating the process I felt like I became a little more confident each time. As I recorded, and stood up there on stage, I feel like I was able to grow alongside Kaho-chan.


- Did you accept the role of Kaho during the audition for "Shinymas"?

Kouno: Actually, I first accepted the audition for the roles of Mano-chan and Mitsumine-chan. So when I went to the actual venue, the staff told me "Please try to perform as another character", so I chose Kaho.


- And how was the response?

Kouno: It didn't go very well. That's why I was really surprised when I heard I passed the audition, and I was really happy.


- By the way, why'd you choose Kaho?

Kouno: We have similar heights, so I think I understood her feelings (laughs). Also, a big part of it was because Kaho owned a dog. I've never actually owned one before, but I've always thought "I want one~". I live everyday imagining "how'd it be like to own a dog?" (laughs)


- That kind of image training, huh (laughs). Of course, in  Shinymas, not only do you record voices, but you can also stand on stage.

Kouno: The very first time was the Live at the Release Event, when I stood on stage I couldn't stop trembling...... I was scared, lacked confidence, and I was standing right in the middle......


- Huh, you didn't know you were the unit's center?

Kouno: No, of course I heard about it. At first I felt that, maybe that was some sort of mistake at the end, but there wasn't, and I really was in the middle (bitter laugh).



Two years of deepening bonds with her fellow unit members


- So were you nervous during the First Live at Maihama Amphitheater?

Kouno: No, I wasn't nervous at all during the First Live, it was really really fun! Truth is, the day before the First Live, I was searching for a room where all the members of Houkura (Houkago Climax Girls) could stay, and I personally stayed the night before they came.


- So it was like a training camp that strengthened the unity within the unit.

Kouno: At that time, me and Akiho Suzumoto-chan (who plays Natsuha Arisugawa), we wanted to surprise everyone by giving everyone some gold medals and amulets. I wanted to make everyone cry, but before the surprise I greeted them with "Thanks, everyone" as the first step, and I ended up crying instead (laughs).


- So your surprise failed (laughs).

Kouno: Everyone involved started crying too, so I guess it was a success (laughs). I think that was the moment we were able to really unite.


- Last autumn, you stood on the stage of Tokyo Dome for the Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival.

Kouno: I had a tour of the stage the day before, but it was so big. I couldn't stop shaking.


- But the Live was a success.

Kouno: I was super nervous, but before the performance all the other unit members encouraged me and gave me some food, so I was able to feel excited again. For all the various types of assistance that they gave me, I'm really thankful.


- So we should greatly expect further unity from the members of Houkago Climax Girls in the 3rd year, then. Speaking of your activities in 2020, in the latest "iDOLM@STER" household title, "Starlit Season", Kaho is scheduled to appear.

Kouno: It's the first time the idols of "Shiny Colors" are in full 3D! I got to see some of the development footage, and looking at Kaho from behind, "so it's like this~", I was really moved. Kaho getting to interact with the idols from other productions, I can't wait for its release.


- Looking forward to the news. Lastly, could you please tell us your future goals for the role of Kaho?

Kouno: As I welcome my 3rd year of activities as Kaho Komiya, the new unit "noctchill" has just been announced and we're really becoming one big family. I think this kind of liveliness is really fun. The scale of "Shinymas"' activities is getting bigger and bigger, but everytime there's new scenery, I feel we have no limits, and that we can go anywhere with the Producers. For the 3rd year, I feel that the Producers' expectations are increasing, so I myself am excited for the possibilities of what we will show next. Of course I'd like to for my vocal performance in-game, but I'd really like to keep improving my performance quality when standing on stage. Please look forward to my super growth!