2020 Kadokawa BABYMETAL Interview - Su & Moa - Part 4 (2017-2018)

Spiritual Message 4 | Chapter 6-7 | 2017-2018

SU-METAL

この2日間でワンツアー分ぐらい学んだことがたくさんありましたね

We learned as much during those two days as we did on a tour.

――BABYMETAL史上特に激動だったのが、この第6章・第7章だ。あの日、あの瞬間、何が起きていたのか――心の機微を紙幅が許す限り伝えていきたい。まずは、体調不良によるYUIMETAL不参加の一報を経て、急遽2人編成で敢行された、2017年12月・広島グリーンアリーナでのSU-METAL聖誕祭「LEGEND - S -洗礼の儀-」から回顧していく。

Chapter 6 and 7 of BABYMETAL was particularly turbulent. We try to express with words - to the best of our abilities - what happened on that day, at that moment. First of all, with the news that YUIMETAL was unable to participate due to poor health, it was decided hurriedly that SU-METAL’s birthday show “LEGEND S Baptism XX” would continue with just the two of them.

MOAMETALと2人でステージに立つことが決まったのが本当にギリギリだったんです。2人のバージョンと3人のバージョンを用意したまま、当日の昼頃までリハーサルを行っていて、結局2人でどう見せるかというところまで行き着かないまま、とにかくライヴを形にしなきゃ、という気持ちでステージに立ちましたね。

The decision to carry on with the show as a duo with MOAMETAL was made at the very last minute. We prepared two-person and three-person versions, and were rehearsing all the way until noon on the day of the show. In the end, we never figured out with certainty how it ought to look with only the two of us, and ultimately, we just had to take the stage and deliver a show somehow.


SU-METAL and MOAMETAL performing Ijime Dame Zettai at Legend S without YUIMETAL


この日を迎えるに当たって、大人になるって何だろう?とか、自分なりに考えることがたくさんあったんです。それで、演出面含めてBABYMETALのライヴをどうしていくべきかを考える機会があって、その時に気付いたことは、今までの学んできた立場から、今後はそれを活かして発信していく立場になるということで。このライヴを機に、次の世代に伝えていかなきゃいけない、もっと引っ張っていかなきゃいけないって強く思っていたんですよね。

As the day approached, I had been pondering what it meant to be an adult, and had a lot of things to think about in my own way. It was also the impetus to think about what to do with BABYMETAL’s live performances, including direction. Until then, my position was that of a learner, but now I was in a place where I could guide others. With this show as a turning point, I was eagerly hoping to pass something on to the next generation, and lead them forward.

――そんな決意の下臨んだ運命の広島公演。期せずして試練の舞台となったが、そこには新たな気付きもあった。

It was with such determination that they held the Legend S show in Hiroshima. It turned out to be a performance that would prove more challenging than expected, but it also made her notice something new.

こういう状況だったので、最初はお客さんの声援を”頑張れ”って言ってくれているんだなって捉えていて。だけど、このライヴからは背中を押されるんじゃなく、自分が引っ張っていくんだっていう想いでいたので、ちょっと戸惑いがあったんです。......戸惑いつつ、でもライヴをやっているなかで気付いたんですけど、YUIMETALの穴をみんなで埋めようとしてくれてるんだなって。もし、あの声援がなかったら、あのライヴは成立しなかったですから。こんなにも守られている、包まれているんだなっていう感覚になって、それはすごくうれしい気付きでもあったんですね。

自分たちもどうやってYUIMETALの穴を埋めたらいいのかを考えていて、私もMOAMETALも、ライヴをやりながらフォーメーションやパフォーマンスを試行錯誤していたんです。だから、いつもよりもアイコンタクトの回数は多かった気がしますしね。

Under such circumstances, we received the audience’s cheering as an encouragement. But I was actually a bit perplexed at this, because I had resolved to be a leader, instead of the one being pushed forward and encouraged. Though it was initially confusing, over the course of the show, I realized that the audience was trying hard to fill the role of YUIMETAL. Without this kind of support, Legend S would not have been possible. I was happy to realize we were being protected by them to this extent.

We were trying to figure out how to fill YUIMETAL’s empty spot; MOAMETAL and myself experimented with formations and ways to perform even as the show was ongoing. I think we made a lot more eye contact than usual.


SU-METAL and MOAMETAL performing Karate at Legend S without YUIMETAL

――続けて、そこで彼女を守ったものは満員の観客だけではなかったとSU-METALは言う。

Continuing on, SU-METAL says that it wasn’t just the audience at this sold-out show that protected her.

お客さんが守ってくれたことも感じつつ、その時にMOAMETALの強さも感じたんですよね。ある時期までは、私が2人を引っ張っていかないといけないって思っていたけど、それが2016年くらいから、「あっ、2人とも大人になったんだな」って感じ始めたんですよね。小さい頃の2歳差と、大人になってからの2歳差って違うじゃないですか。ちゃんと仕事の話も真面目にできるようになって、私が2人を頼れるようになってきていたんです。

I felt that the audience protected us, and it was at this time that I also felt the strength of MOAMETAL. Until a certain point, I had thought that I should be leading the two of them, but then, around 2016, I started to feel how much they’d grown. Two years makes a very big difference in adolescence; it’s nothing like two years for an adult. They were able to talk seriously about work, and I was relying upon them more and more.


BABYMETAL sharing a blanket at the shooting of the Ijime Dame Zettai music video

広島公演は相方がいなくて、心細かったり覚えることもたくさんあって大変だったと思います。そんな中でも弱音を吐かず私の聖誕祭だからと私を立てようとしてくれました。

MOAMETALを私が支えなきゃと思っていたのに、自分に全然余裕がなくて、リズムが上手に取れない曲ではダンスで指揮をしてくれたり、私の方がたくさん助けてもらいました。その時MOAMETALが私が思っていたよりも強くて、大人になっていたことを知りました。

MOAMETAL must have felt a sense of helplessness without her partner, with many things to learn and adjust to for the show - yet in spite of this, she never uttered a word of complaint, and tried her best to make the most of the birthday show for me.

I felt that I had to support MOAMETAL, but I was having enough trouble taking care of myself, and she was the one that helped me a lot by taking the lead in dance when I couldn’t get the rhythm right. It was then that I realized MOAMETAL was stronger and more mature than I had thought.


MOAMETAL looking like she could bench press 100 kg

――波乱続きの公演だったが、彼女はこう付け加えた。

It was a tumultuous performance, she added.

勝手に自分が決めた約束ですけど、広島でライヴをやるっていう目標を果たすことができたし、このライヴをきっかけに広島に来てくださった方もたくさんいらっしゃったみたいなので、自分の地元をこういう形で紹介できたことがうれしかったです。あと、この2日間でワンツアー分ぐらい学んだことがたくさんありましたね。

I had made a promise to myself that I would someday perform in Hiroshima. I heard that many people came to Hiroshima for the show, so I was happy to introduce my hometown in this way. We learned as much during those two days as we did on a tour.

いつでもYUIMETALが戻ってこられるように

We always left YUIMETAL’s spot ready for her

――2018年5月からは”ダークサイド”等のコンセプトを伴うワールドツアーを開始。YUIMETAL不在、複数のサポートダンサー参加という大変革が起こるなかで彼女は戦っていた。

In May 2018, they began a world tour with the new “Dark Side” concept. It was a battle amidst a sea of change, featuring the participation of several support dancers filling in for YUIMETAL’s absence.

ここから半年間くらいの活動について、いろんな話をして。私とMOAMETALの結論として、活動を止めることはできないなと思ったんです。今は止まる時期じゃないと感じたし、YUIMETALのためにも、いつでもYUIMETALが戻ってこられるように、私たちがその場所を残しておかなきゃいけないなって。

それで、広島のライヴでお客さんにすごく助けられて、それは本当にありがたいことなんですけど、やっぱりどこかで「ああ、2人だけだとダメなのかな?」って思ってしまった部分があったんです。だからその後のツアーで、ちゃんと2人がYUIMETALの穴を埋めて、BABYMETALとしてパフォーマンスを成立させられるか試したかったし、証明したかったんだと思うんですね。

実際ツアーが始まって、フォーメーションの形も全然違いますし、サポートのダンサーさんが入るのも初めての経験だったけど、いちばん違いを感じたのはMOAMETALとの距離がすごく遠かったことなんですよ。しかも、2人とも正面を向いた立ち位置だったので、アイコンタクトのタイミングもなかなか合わなくて、想いを感じ取るのが難しかったです。お客さんも最初は戸惑いがあったし、私もMOAMETALもそれぞれ独りでもがいて、独りで突っ走ろうとしていたんでしょうね。最初のうちは、自分がYUIMETALの穴を埋めなきゃ、自分がもっと頑張らなきゃと思っていたので。

We talked about our upcoming activities scheduled for the next six months or so, and decided that we couldn’t go on hiatus. MOAMETAL and myself came to the conclusion that we couldn’t stop now; it wasn’t the time. And for the sake of YUIMETAL, we had to leave her spot open, so she could come back at any time.

At the Hiroshima show, I was very grateful for the audience’s overwhelming show of support. But somewhere in the back of my mind, there was a little voice questioning if the two of us were unable to do it by ourselves. So on the next tour, I wanted to test whether or not we would be able to make up for YUIMETAL’s absence, and still perform as BABYMETAL. I guess I wanted to try and prove myself.

When the Dark Side tour started, our formations were very different, and it was the first time we incorporated support dancers. But I felt that the biggest difference of all was the distance between me and MOAMETAL, because we were so far apart. Moreover, both of us were facing the front, so it was difficult to make eye contact, and grasp onto her feelings. The audience was confused at first, and I think MOAMETAL and I struggled separately, trying to overcome the situation by ourselves. At first, I thought that the way to compensate for YUIMETAL's absence was to work even harder individually.


BABYMETAL performing as a duo during the Dark Side

――また、このツアーが始まった当初、観客の雰囲気やリアクションも事前に想定していたものとは違っていたようだ。

At the beginning of the tour, the atmosphere and reactions of the audience seemed to be different from what they had expected beforehand.

今までのBABYMETALとは違う形でステージに立つことになって、物を投げられても大丈夫なようにしておこうっていうぐらいに覚悟はしてたんです。それでステージに立った時に、たぶんお客さんのなかでも葛藤がすごいんだろうなと感じられて。YUIMETALがいなくてショックを受けてるけど、目の前に私たちがいるから盛り上げなきゃいけないんじゃないかみたいな、そういう表情が見て取れて。なんか、ちょっと気を遣われてる感じというか(笑)。その優しい気持ちがわかるぶん、物を投げられるよりも辛かったかもしれないです。それだけBABYMETALを愛してくださってるということだし、YUIMETALの存在の大きさも感じましたね。

We were going to stand upon the stage in a different way from the BABYMETAL that people knew from before, so I was determined to see things through even if people threw things at us. Standing upon the stage, I could feel the audience feeling very conflicted. They were shocked to see that YUIMETAL wasn’t there, but I could see from the expressions on their faces that they were still trying to liven things up and enjoy the show for our sake. It felt like they were taking care of us, or something like that, you know? (laughs) I could see their kindness, and it actually hurt more than if they’d thrown things at us. I could see that they loved BABYMETAL so much, and how important YUIMETAL was.


SU-METAL performing during the Dark Side

3人という形じゃなくても、お客さんを惹きつけられるものを身につけてきた

Even though it wasn’t the three-person formation, we learned how to captivate the audience

――一方で、アメリカは初めて訪れる都市も多く、初めてBABYMETALを観た観客からは、これまでと比較することなしに軒並み良好な反応を得ていたという。それが再び彼女たちの自信へと繋がっていった。そして、海外から帰国したその4カ月後――10月19日、正式にYUIMETALの脱退が発表された。

On the other hand, in many of the cities visited for the first time on this U.S. tour, audiences seeing BABYMETAL for the first time - lacking a point of comparison - were positive across the board, which helped rebuild their confidence. Then, four months after their return from abroad, YUIMETAL’s withdrawal was officially announced on October 19.

いきなり辞めますとなるよりも、YUIMETALがいない状態で半年間ライヴをやってきて、場所にもよりますけど、お客さんがどういう反応なのかを見てきただけに、よりつらかったですね。BABYMETALって、この3人だからこそだったんだなって。だから個人的には、最初はなかなか脱退を受け入れられなかったというか。もちろん脱退することはわかっていたけど、でも、ひょっとしたらと思っていた部分もあったりして。

ただYUIMETALは本当に家族みたいな存在なんですよ。それだけ長い時間、密度の濃い時間を一緒に過ごしてきたので。だから、やっぱり彼女が前に進める選択が一番であって。それをBABYMETALのなかで実現するのが難しいのであれば、脱退して新たな道に進むことはベストな選択だし、そこはサポートして応援したいなって思えるようになったんです。

Her departure after this period of time was even harder for me than if it had happened abruptly. We had seen over the past half a year’s performances how the audience responded to us without YUIMETAL in various ways, depending on the venue. I had thought that BABYMETAL was only accepted with the three of us. So personally, I had a hard time accepting her withdrawal at first. Of course, it had already been decided, but somewhere inside, I had been holding on to a sliver of hope otherwise.

We’ve been a family with YUIMETAL, spending a long time together closely. So the best choice for her was no doubt the option that allowed her to move forward. If it’s difficult to make it come true while part of BABYMETAL, I think it is better to set out on a new path, and I think it is important to support and encourage YUIMETAL.


Suzuka and Yui in Sakura Gakuin

――そして、YUIMETAL脱退発表と同日に配信リリースされたシングル「Starlight」について。彼女のなかでは、時の経過と共に形を変えていく曲だったことも明かされた。

The single Starlight was released on the same day as YUIMETAL’s withdrawal announcement. SU-METAL reveals that it was a song that changed its shape in her mind with the passage of time.

10月の日本公演で「Starlight」を歌った時に、道をまた切り開かなきゃいけないなって思ったんですよね。「Road of Resistance」の時と似た感じではあるんですけど、あの時は多くの人たちのサポートがあって、道を切り開いていけるんだっていう、どこか大軍のなかを突き進んでいくような感覚だったんです。

だけど、それとは少し違って、「Starlight」の時は......静かな海の中で、独りで道を切り開かなきゃいけないんだなっていう感覚にもなってました。1回リセットした形にはなったけど、まだまだこれからだし、新たな道を自分が切り開いてリードしていかなきゃいけないんだって。最初に歌った頃は、私のなかで孤独な歌だったんです。独りの人間が未来をつくっていかなきゃいけない使命感に駆られている、どうしようもない状況になって叫んでる、そんなイメージですよね。

When I sang Starlight during the October performance in Japan, I felt that I had to find my way back to the path. It was a similar feeling to that of Road of Resistance, yet not quite the same. At that time, with the support of so many people, I felt like we were moving forward as part of a huge army, and that we would open up something new.

However, it was a little bit different for Starlight. I felt it was as if I were cutting a path open by myself across a calm ocean. We had now reset, but were still at the new beginning, so I had to forge this path and lead others to follow. When I first sang it, I felt it was a song of loneliness. A solitary figure driven by a sense of purpose to create the future, screaming in helplessness - that was the kind of imagery I had in mind.


SU-METAL performing during the Dark Side

でも、ずっと歌っていくなかで、たとえその場にいなくても、自分独りだけじゃなく繋がっているんだなってことを感じるようになって。この曲にはそういう力があるし、宇宙や星だったりがモチーフのはずなので、まさにそんな世界観を持った歌だと思うんですよね。どこからでも、みんな見守ってくれているし、支えてくれている......そのなかで歌えているのは、すごく幸せなことだなって思うようになってきたんです。だから、もしも”彼女”が一緒にこの曲を踊るとなったら、どういうふうに踊るのかなって考えたりもして。この曲と共に、その存在はあり続けているんですよね。

But as I’ve sung it many times now, I have gradually realized that I am never alone, but connected to others even if they aren’t standing at my side. This song has such a power, with its motif of the universe and stars, so I feel it’s a song that reflects such a view of universal connection. Others will watch over and support you wherever they are… I realized that I’m very happy to be able to sing in this kind of environment. So I wonder how it would be if she* were to perform this song with us. She’s still with us whenever I sing this song.

(*Translator’s Note: In the original Japanese text, Su uses the pronoun “she” rather than "YUIMETAL". However, based on the context, it is very clear who Su is referring to)

――ダークサイド期の集大成となった日本公演では、彼女はどんな想いでBABYMETALに向き合っていたのだろう?

What kind of feelings did she have for BABYMETAL at the Dark Night concerts, which were the culmination of the dark side period?

ワールドツアーが始まった当初、もちろん音楽がハードなところも大切な魅力ではあるけど、やっぱり3人組の女の子で”Kawaii”ところが求められていたのかなって思ったんですね。ルックスが変わったらダメなのかなって。MOAMETALと一緒に少しショックを受けていたところがあったんです。

でも、そうじゃなくて、BABYMETALには楽曲の良さがあって、パフォーマンスの魅力もあって、それが求められていることを、あのツアーを通して、特に初めて私たちを観るような方たちに気付かせてもらったんです。3人という形じゃなくても、お客さんを惹き付けられるものを身に付けてきたという、そういう気付きがあって。これからもBABYMETALであり続けてもいいんだなって思えたんですね。もしダークサイドの最初の時点で、試行錯誤のなかでツアーに行かずに何もしていない状態が続いていたら、日本であんなふうに自信をもってライヴはできなかったと思います。

When we began touring the world, the heavy music was definitely an important part of our charm, but I felt that the “Kawaii” aspect of a group comprised of 3 girls was what people were interested in. I wondered if they would reject us if we moved away from our Kawaii look - certainly, both MOAMETAL and I were a bit shocked at the change.

But, you know, BABYMETAL means good songs and charming performances, and that’s what we continued to strive for. This is something we understood during this tour, as we drew the attention of people, especially those seeing us for the first time. I realized that even though we weren’t a trio anymore, we’ve still learned how to charm the audience. And so, I felt that it was OK to continue to be BABYMETAL. If we hadn’t gone on tour at the beginning of the Dark Side, I don’t think we would have been able to perform with such confidence at Dark Night Carnival in Japan, without having gone through extensive trial and error.


BABYMETAL performing Road of the Resistance with the Chosen 7 during Dark Night Carnival

――ダークサイド期は苦悩の日々だったが、そこをくぐり抜けた今だからこそ、彼女は「あ、そうだ」と当時を思い出して付け加えた。

The Dark Side period was filled with painful days, but after powering through, she reflects upon her memories from that time.

YUIMETAL脱退の発表があった時に、10月の日本のライヴはお客さんが来ないんじゃないか、ってMOAMETALと話していたんですよ。「こんなのBABYMETALじゃない、っていうことになりそうだね」って。だから、まずは無事にお客さんが来てくれて良かったなと思ったんですよね。

今までの形ではなくなったけど、それとは別にしっかりと実力を身に付けていたんだなって......1年かけて、そこに気付けたんでしょうね。

When YUIMETAL’s withdrawal was officially announced, I was talking with MOAMETAL about the fact that the audience might not come to our Japan show in October. They might say, “This isn’t the BABYMETAL we want to see” or something like that. So I was quite relieved when many people showed up to see us.

While we aren’t the same as we used to be, our capabilities have definitely improved, though we needed the whole year to understand this.

MOAMETAL

ステージに立つのが怖いと感じる日が来るなんて

For the first time, I was afraid to stand upon the stage.

――SU-METALにより舞台裏が語られた2017年12月の広島グリーンアリーナ公演「LEGEND - S -洗礼の儀-」だが、MOAMETALもまた彼女なりの熱い想いを秘めて同公演に臨んでいた。

SU-METAL revealed behind-the-scenes stories of LEGEND S. MOAMETAL also shares her earnest feelings about this show.

スタッフさんたちからライヴ自体をどうするのか、本当に2人でやれるのかを訊かれたんですね。そこでSU-METALも私も、ライヴをやらない選択肢は絶対になくて。ライヴのなかで生きているBABYMETALだし、何よりSU-METALがそれまで一度も広島公演をやれていないし、洗礼の儀として本当に大切な時間になると思っていたから、私自身もどうしてもやりたかったので。

We were asked if we could cope with the show, and if we were really okay doing it with just the two of us. For both SU-METAL and myself, cancelling was never an option, because BABYMETAL lives through its performances. Above all, SU-METAL had never performed in Hiroshima yet, and I thought it was a very important baptismal ceremony for her, so I really wanted to do it.

演出込みでいろんな準備をしてたんですけど、いざ2人編成でやるとなって変更しなきゃいけないことが多かったですね。それと、2人なのか3人なのか編成が決まってない状態で、広島に前日入りして、2人用のフォーメーションを組み直したりもしていたんです。寝る時間もなかったけど、勢いで何とか頑張れましたね。

We had prepared all kinds of things including different staging and formations. But when it was decided that it would be a two-person formation, there were a lot of things that needed to be modified. Moreover, when we had arrived in Hiroshima the previous day, the decision to perform with two or three people hadn’t been decided yet, so we spent almost the entire night rearranging the formation from three to two. We managed to carry through somehow, despite sleepiness and fatigue.

――また、YUIMETALとペアの曲はMOAMETAL単独で披露することになった。結果現出した、あの鮮烈で感動的な場面も記憶に新しい。

MOAMETAL performed a solo performance without YUIMETAL for the first time. As a result, the vivid and moving scene that appeared on the stage is one that remains fresh in our memories.

あれはまさかの貴重な経験ですね。実は、この時ぐらいから自分自身のダンスにちゃんと向き合えるようになって。たとえばライヴ映像を見て、「もっとここをこうすれば良かったな」っていうところとかを見つけられるようになったんです。ここで8年間ぐらいやってきたダンスを見つめ直せるようになったのは、ひとりでステージに立ってみて、いつもSU-METALが感じているようなプレッシャーとかを経験したことも影響してるのかなと思いますね。

That was an unanticipated but valuable experience. To tell the truth, it was around this time that I started to face my own dancing in earnest. For example, when I watched the video of our performances, I could see places where I could have done better. Standing upon the stage by myself, I experienced the pressure that SU-METAL always feels, which may have had an effect on me. I looked back and reevaluated the dancing I’d been doing for about 8 years by that time.


MOAMETAL performing alone at Legend S without YUIMETAL

――あれだけハイレベルなダンスを披露してきたMOAMETALが、ここに来て「向き合えるようになった」と言うのは意外だったが、それ故に今なお急速な進化を見せているのだろう。さて、年が明けて2018年5月から始まったワールドツアーにおいて、YUIMETALのいないBABYMETALのなかで、MOAMETALは何を感じていたのだろう?

It was surprising to hear that MOAMETAL, who has displayed such a high level of dancing skill, “came to a reckoning” here. It certainly displays the speed of her evolution. So what did MOAMETAL feel regarding BABYMETAL as they began their 2018 World Tour in May without YUIMETAL?

言ってみれば、BABYMETALは温かい雰囲気の場所に招かれるグループだったんですけど、そういった今まで感じていた愛情が一気に裏返る瞬間を、ツアーが始まってすぐに感じたんですよね。その時はさすがに自信がなくなってしまったし、正直、ステージに立つのが怖いと感じる日が来るなんて思わなかったです。

私たちもダークサイドは新しい試みだし、やっぱり初めてのことは不安だったからかもしれないですね、余計にお客さんの顔が冷たく怖く見えてしまって。しかもフォーメーションが変わったので、SU-METALの前方に私が立っている状態だったんですよね。それまではSU-METALの存在を確認しながらライヴができていたんですけど、私の目の前にはお客さんしかいなくなって、そういう状況に置かれたことで、不安とかと相まってアウェー感を覚えてしまったような気がします。

あと、求められてるものと違うものを見せてしまってるのかもしれない、っていう不安があったんですよね。私たちが目の前にいるはずなのに、お客さんは全然違うところを見ているような気がして。ステージに立っている私達を見てくれているのではなく......ザワザワしているのが伝わってきて。何を届けても届かない、つかんでも、どうしたってつかめないような感覚は初めてだったので......悪い意味で鳥肌が立ってました。

BABYMETAL is a group that has generally been received warmly, for the most part. However, when the tour started, you could feel that this love seemed to have been turned inside out, especially when the tour kicked off. At that time, I had lost my confidence, and honestly, I had never imagined there would come a day when I would be afraid to stand on the stage.

We were also new to the Dark Side, and maybe it was because we were nervous about the first time in our new appearance, but the faces of the audience felt cold and scary. Moreover, since the formation had changed, I was standing in front of SU-METAL. Until then, I had been performing knowing that SU-METAL was by my side, but now, all I saw was the audience in front of me, and I think I felt a sense of being away from home in such a situation, which filled me with anxiety.

Also, I was worried that we might be showing the audience something different from what they wanted. Even though we were right in front of them, I felt that they were looking at something completely different. Instead of looking at us standing on the stage… I could feel a buzz in the air. It was the first time I felt like regardless of how well I performed, I couldn’t succeed; it didn’t matter how hard I tried… I had goosebumps in a bad way.


BABYMETAL performing in Australia during the Dark Side

――そうした不安に随所で苛まれながらも、ツアーを続けていくなかで再び彼女は自信を取り戻していくことになる。

Despite being tormented by such anxieties, she regained her confidence as the tour continued.

これが私たちのなかの今の最善策で、これが正解なんだっていう自信を持つべきだと気付けてから、ちょっと明かりが見えてきたような気持ちになりました。私たちがやってきたことへの自信はあったので、過去の積み重ねを大切にして、その最善策を届けることが今やるべきことだよねって。そういうことをSU-METALとの間で認識できてから、自然とまた自信を取り戻していって、どんどん強くなっていったかな。毎日「やるしかないね」って言い合っていたし、あの日々があったから、今はもう怖いものがないです。

After realizing that we should have faith in ourselves, and that we were doing the best that we could under the circumstances, I felt like I could begin to see a hint of light. We had confidence in what we’d accomplished, and so we should cherish our past experiences, and move forward with the best plan possible. As SU-METAL and myself both came to recognize this, I naturally regained my confidence, and found myself growing stronger once more. We said to each other “we have to do it” every day. And because of those days, I’m not afraid of anything anymore.

YUIMETALの選んだ道を応援したいとずっと思ってる

I’ve always wanted to support YUIMETAL in her chosen path

――また、サポートを含む4人編成で、衣装もヘアメイクも一新された当時のステージは、今思えば貴重な瞬間だったのかもしれない。

The stage now had four people, including support dancers, and featured entirely new costumes, hair, and makeup.

そう、今だったら、あれはあれで面白いなと感じてもらえると思います。それまでの衣装がどんどん軽量化していったのに、すごく厚いレザーを着て結構な重量で踊っていたので、自然と体力が付いていった気もしますね。しかも肌を出していなかったので暑いんですよ。熱がこもるし、ジーパンを穿いているような感覚かな......そういう意味でも、あの時期は鍛えられたなって。毎日違うメイクだったし、衣装も含めて、めっちゃ面白いなと自分で思ってます(笑)。

Looking back, I think it was pretty interesting, wasn’t it? The previous costumes had been getting lighter and lighter in weight, and so when dancing with thick leather that weighed a lot more, we naturally gained stamina. And since we didn’t show much skin, it was very hot. Much like wearing jeans, actually. In a sense, that was quite a workout period! We wore different make-up and costumes each day, and I thought it was very interesting (laughs).


BABYMETAL performing during the Dark Side

――そして、怒濤のワールドツアーの前半を終えた後......10月19日に発表されたのが、YUIMETALの正式な脱退であった。

After BABYMETAL finished the first half of a turbulent world tour, YUIMETAL’s official withdrawal was announced on October 19

その脱退の発表があってから、以前のBABYMETALのほうが良かったとかいう意見も多かったし、いまだにそういった意見を頂くことがあるんです。だけど私自身は、他の道を選んだほうにも、留まって進むことを選んだほうにも、そういう意見は......何て言うんだろう......。誰にでも夢を見る自由はあるから、選んだ道を否定するよりも応援すべきだと思うし、だから私もYUIMETALのことを応援したいなって、その時から変わらず、ずっとそう思ってますね。BABYMETALを愛してくれてるからこそ、いろんな意見があるのはわかるんです。だけど本当に思ってくれるのなら、私たちは今が最新で最強だと信じているので、今のBABYMETALの試みをしっかりと見届けて、感じてもらえたらうれしいですね。目の前にいる私達以外のところに心が行ってしまうのはステージに立つ身としては寂しいことなので。

After the announcement, there were many people who said that the old BABYMETAL was better - in fact, I still hear these opinions today. But the way I see it, either for those who chose to move on, and those who chose to stay, that kind of opinion is… well, how should I put it…* I believe everyone is free to dream, and deserves support rather than denial of their chosen path. So ever since her departure, I have and always will be someone who wants to keep supporting YUIMETAL. I understand that people have many opinions that come from a place of love for BABYMETAL. But if this love is authentic, we would appreciate it very much if you were willing to witness and feel the challenges of today’s BABYMETAL together with us, for we believe that we are stronger than ever. I think it’s a sad thing for those of us standing upon the stage in front of you, when your mind is elsewhere.

(*Translator’s Note: Moa trails off and does not complete sentence. However, it should be noted that in general, direct communication is not necessarily as common in Japanese culture, especially if you are saying something that may not be as "nice". Therefore, although your intent is clear, you will leave the implied meaning unsaid, while people still understand what's (not) being said. In my opinion, she may have intended to say 'not helpful'. Still, this is admittedly conjecture.)


BABYMETAL performing as a duo during the Dark Side

――大切な仲間だからこそ背中を押してあげつつ、その一方で、共に濃密な時間を過ごしてきた仲間が去ってしまうことへの寂しさがあってもおかしくはない、とやはり感じてしまう――。

At the same time, it’s hard to avoid feeling sadness and loneliness at the departure of a friend with whom you’ve spent so much time.

どんな時でも別れはつらいものですが、彼女が選んだ道なら、それでも応援したいっていう気持ちのほうが大きかったですね。強がっていたのかもしれないですけど(笑)。たぶん広島公演から脱退が決まるまでの10カ月の間で相当鍛えられたので、精神的にも強くなっていったんだと思います。

It’s always hard to say goodbye. But if it’s YUIMETAL’s choice, I want to support her more than anything. Maybe I’m just putting on a brave face (laughs). Perhaps I’d gotten stronger mentally from the hard training we had endured in the 10 months between Legend S and the departure announcement.

――ずっとそばにいたMOAMETALだから言える、本当にどれもが愛のこもった言葉である。そしてここから、強固な意志の下、いよいよ新生BABYMETALが始動していった。

Coming from MOAMETAL, who had stood next to YUIMETAL for such a long time, we can say that each and every single one of her words comes from the heart. And from here, powered by their strong will, the reborn BABYMETAL began to take form.

私たちの意志は本当に強かったし、BABYMETALを守るためにも、みんなのためにも進むしかないって思ってました。ずっとSU-METALと話していたのが、「面白いことをするのがBABYMETALだったよね」っていう話で。最初に「ド・キ・ド・キ☆モーニング」を披露した時、お客さんをいい意味で裏切れた手応えがあったんですよね。そういえばBABYMALって、いい意味で予想を裏切るグループであって、そこで最高のパフォーマンスを届けるのがBABYMETALじゃん、っていう話をして。BABYMETALというものに縛られていたのは私たちで、それって自分たちで自分たちを縛っていたし、お客さんに対してもこういうものだって縛っていたんじゃないかなって思ったんです。それを踏まえて、予想を裏切る形って何だろうねという話をしてたかな。

We were very determined to go on, for the sake of BABYMETAL and everyone else. I had always been talking with SU-METAL about this; how “BABYMETAL” means we do interesting things. When we performed Doki Doki Morning for the first time, it was a good feeling to create something that subverted audience expectations. We discussed how BABYMETAL is a group that betrays expectations in a good way, and that’s how we deliver our best performances. We came to notice that we are the ones who’ve been bound to the idea of BABYMETAL, ourselves, and perhaps the way in which we want the audience to see us. So we talked about what form we could take in order to continue subverting expectations.

――まさに激震的発表からわずか4日後に開催された10月の日本公演、ここにはどんな記憶があるのだろうか。

The World Tour in Japan Dark Side concerts were held in October just 4 days after the cataclysmic news. What does she remember about this?

かなり大変でしたね。YUIMETAL脱退直後のライヴだから、お客さんを楽しませようっていう意気込みがあった一方で、それまで3人編成だったものが、5月で急に4人編成になってフォーメーションが全部変わったのに、ここでは急に7人編成になって(笑)。

すべて覚え直さなきゃいけない大変さがあったんですよ。立ち位置が全部変わったし、左右シンメトリーな振付だったものなんかは、私がYUIMETALのほうの振りを踊ることで全体的なバランス感を調節したり。しかも歌うところも倍になったので、自分のなかではてんやわんやでした。しかも、あれだけ人数がいると、「あれ、私ってどこにいるんだろう?」って踊りながら自分自身でわからなくなったりするんです。今考えると、よくやったなと思いますね(笑)。

It was quite difficult. It was the first show immediately following YUIMETAL’s departure announcement, and we were eager to perform for the audience, but we had been a 3-person group for so long - then in May, we had 4 people and all the formations changed, and now we suddenly were a 7-person group (laughs).

Learning and memorizing everything in a different way was quite a challenge. Standing positions were completely rearranged, and symmetrically choreographed songs were adjusted as I took on YUIMETAL’s part as well to maintain balance. My vocal lines also doubled, and so it was pretty hectic for me. Also, with so many people on stage, I would sometimes wonder, “Wait, where I am I supposed to be?” and get confused while dancing at times. Thinking back upon it, we did a good job, didn’t we? (laughs)


BABYMETAL performing during the Dark Side

――では、今改めてメタルレジスタンス第6章・第7章は、MOAMETALにとってどんな日々に映るのだろう?

So what did the days during Chapters 6 and 7 of Metal Resistance look like for MOAMETAL?

大人への変革期かな。あの時は私たちの最善策があの形だったし、今はあれが正解だったと言えるようなパフォーマンスをしてきているし。あの時期がなかったら、もちろん今のBABYMETALもないと思っているので、大人へ移り変わるタイミングだったと同時に、耐えなければならない時期だったなって。通るべくして通った道だと信じたいし、今はそう思ってるので。

It was the change into adulthood, I think. At the time, that structure was the best plan we had, and after performing in such a way, I can say that it was the right choice. We wouldn’t have the BABYMETAL you see today if it weren’t for that time. We became adults during this period of time, and while it was difficult, it was something we had to go through. I want to believe it was the path we had to take. That’s how I see it now.

――続けて、彼女が光をつかむことができた理由をこう語った。

She continues by explaining why she was able to see the light.

SU-METALがいてくれたからですね。ずっと一緒にやってきた仲間だし、結成して5年目ぐらいからいろんなことをSU-METALと話すようになっていたけど、2018年ぐらいからは、それまで知らなかったSU-METALをもっとたくさん知れたんですよ。私のことをそういうふうに考えてくれていたんだなぁって分かったり、SU-METALがいつもライヴで感じているプレッシャーを私がセンターに立つことで初めて感じたりもして、私がSU-METALを守りたいって思ったんです。それと、私がBABYMETALを守りたいって思えるようにしてくれたのもSU-METALだと思います。SU-METALがいたから強くなれたし、一緒に信じて戦ってきた仲間がいて私は幸せ者だなって感じてますね。

It’s because SU-METAL is with me. We’ve been companions since the very beginning, and about five years in, I started talking to her about the things we could share with one another. Then after 2018, I had the opportunity to see parts of SU-METAL that I hadn’t known before, and noticed how she’s been caring for me. When I stood at the center of the stage, I felt for the first time the pressure that SU-METAL must always feel during our shows. Through those experiences, I resolved to support and protect SU-METAL, and this is also why I want to do the same for BABYMETAL itself. She has made me stronger, so I feel so fortunate to have companions to believe in, and fight alongside with.

Additional credits: Capable-Paramedic (editing), Lenzer (scans)

Comments

  1. Very interesting that they considered doing Legend-S-XX with a third. Who might that have been? When did they start having a substitute ready prior to the Avengers era?
    Thanks for the translation work, it`s an invaluable accompaniment to the magazine that I could only really appreciate the photos until now.

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    1. I don't think it was Legend S with an Avenger. Rather, it seems that Yui may have had health issues that led them to practice with both 2 and 3-person formations just in case (the 3rd person being Yui), and they ended up needing the 2-person version when it was confirmed that Yui couldn't do it.

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    2. Thank you for the translations. Looking forward to attend one of their concerts. Maybe find a work in Japan to be closer hahaha. I realized instead of just wishing Yui didn't leave and wish Yui the best, I should support Su and Moa on their path now and ahead. Arigatou~

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    3. Thankfully, BABYMETAL tends to tour around the world, so you probably don't need to move to Japan in order to see a show! In fact, they actually haven't toured Japan as much as you might expect.

      I think it's perfectly fine to think that BM's "golden era" was when all 3 girls were together. But the way I think of it is that the two eras are essentially incomparable. If we had everything we have now (experimental songs, even stronger dance and stage presence, cool collabs) plus Yui, I could imagine it being better than what we have now. But there's no use thinking of that, and we always have the old recordings when we want to savor the past!

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  2. I think the comment about 2 and 3 person formations is a little bit different than you explained. From reading it, my understanding is they practiced their typical 3 person formation(as if Yui was there) but they also experimented with new 2 person formations that we've maybe never seen or may resemble the early Dark Side choreography.

    In the end they decided not to use new choreography and instead continue on with the 3 person choreography in a hope that Yui's absence was temporary.

    Reading that they felt like the audience was colder and less welcoming without Yui is disappointing because I really love the Legend S and the Dark Side shows. They showed an incredible maturity and amazing energy.

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    1. Just to confirm, are you speaking about the Dark Side formations, or Legend S when talking about the 2 and 3 person formations? If for Legend S, I would guess that their earlier rehearsals were for 3 person (since they hoped Yui would be able to attend), which seems to be backed up by the fact that their formation at Legend S was almost identical to normal, just with a missing person. If Dark Side, I'd agree that they probably went through a bit of different experimentation for sure, and would have been happy to change things up again if Yui had been able to return during the Dark Side (including DNC, as Koba mentioned).

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