Zenbu Kimi no Sei da – “It’s no longer just ‘morbid cuteness,’ but something much heavier and more oppressive” (August 2024)

On March 15, 2023, Zenbu Kimi no Sei da held a solo concert at Nippon Budokan (titled “Kono Yubi Tomare”), which had been the group’s main goal since its formation in 2015. Afterward, “Zenkimi” went on an indefinite hiatus. However, a year later, on March 15, 2024, they returned with a new lineup and held a concert at Kawasaki CLUB CITTA’ (“untitled”). In May, the group began a tour that includes 53 performances in 26 cities (“YMKWII Chinuru TOUR”), and on August 14, their first single with the new lineup, “Lotus Flower Cosmetics,” will be released. The distinctive “Zenkimi” style, characterized by its turbulent arrangements and fierce emotions that draw the listener into a dizzying whirlwind of feelings, while sharply contrasting with an explosion of cute pop charm, has undoubtedly evolved in “Lotus Flower Cosmetics.” In the interview, the members shared their thoughts on the group’s comeback and talked about their new song, which reflects the current state of “Zenkimi” — a state in which the group has achieved its goal but nevertheless intends to continue moving forward vigorously.

– It’s been about 5 months since the group resumed activities, and you are now in the middle of the YMKWII Chinuru TOUR. How do you feel about the performances?

Kisaragi Megumi: During our first performance after resuming activities, which took place on March 15 at Kawasaki CLUB CITTA’, I told the new members that the dream of Zenbu Kimi no Sei da (a solo concert at Budokan) had already been achieved, and so the number of people coming to our concerts might decrease, and we might face difficulties. Although we still have our old songs, we are determined to make a fresh start, as if we were starting from scratch. So now, our concerts give the impression that we are a newly debuted group, although we have quite a lot of experience for a newly debuted group. The atmosphere in the hall is typical of “Zenkimi”: we are wildly energetic, and our concerts mostly involve active interaction with the “patients” (the group’s fans). You could say that we are having fun with them, and they are having fun with us.

– And what about the return of the old audience, which you were worried about?

Kisaragi Megumi: At first, I was really afraid that no one would come. To be honest, there are fewer people than I expected, but there are still many who want to see “Zenkimi.” At some venues, especially in the provinces, there are actually more people, and it made me realize how much people there were waiting for us.

Nene Komochi: In Nagoya, the group’s starting point, there were quite a few people after all.

Kisaragi Megumi: We held a concert at Nippon Budokan, which was our goal, and then we had a period of inactivity. And for the start that came after all that, quite a lot of people are coming to our concerts now. Though many people are asking if we have a new goal.

– I’d like to hear more about that. Now that you’ve started with a new lineup, have you found any new goal for yourselves?

Kisaragi Megumi: Uh…

Mei Yui Mei: This is important.

– Have you discussed this together?

Kisaragi Megumi: No, we haven’t discussed it. When fans ask us about it, I usually say that next year will mark 10 years since I started my activities as part of “Zenkimi.” And what about you, Mei (Mei Yui Mei) and Komochi (Nene Komochi)?

Mei Yui Mei: Next year will be my eighth.

Nene Komochi: It’ll be my sixth, I think.

Kisaragi Megumi: As for Muku and Hino Hikari, this is just the beginning for them. The difference in our experience is so vast that, despite starting from scratch, it’s hard to set specific goals. If someone asked me whether I want to aim for a Budokan performance again, I would say no. I usually tell fans that maybe we should think about it by the end of this tour.

Hino Hikari: After all, I haven’t reached a sufficient level of skill yet.

Mei Yui Mei: It’s better to discuss our goals together once the current lineup is fully established.

Nene Komochi: I feel like when you try too hard to come up with a new goal, it becomes especially difficult to decide.

Kisaragi Megumi: When we first talked about the Budokan concert, it was also something lighthearted, said in a moment of excitement. We also intended to appear on Music Station.

Nene Komochi: Such a desirable place.

– It seems like a new goal will start to take shape as you move forward. Now, I’d like to ask the two new members: what were your feelings during your first concert on March 15 at Kawasaki CLUB CITTA’?

Muku: To be honest, I barely remember anything, just that there were two podiums, and I was running back and forth between them.

– Did you feel a a sense of excitement that the day had finally come?

Muku: Right up until the moment we went on stage, I was completely absorbed in training. It wasn’t until the rehearsal that it hit me that I was really going to perform. But I was very nervous.

– Why did you decide to join “Zenkimi”?

Muku: I’ve always loved “Zenkimi,” and I actually knew about the group almost from the moment it was founded, but at that time, the group wasn’t holding auditions, so I was doing other things. But one day, I happened to visit their website and saw an audition announcement. I thought, “Wow!” and immediately applied. Before that, I was actively involved in various activities, but I decided this would be my last try.

– From your manner of speaking and the atmosphere around you, it feels like you really fit the spirit of “Zenkimi.”

Kisaragi Megumi: When I first saw Muku, I also thought she was a great fit. It was a pretty quick decision.

Muku: Yes, it was quick.

Kisaragi Megumi: During my time with “Zenkimi,” I’ve met many people. I’m sure our audience could, in a way, understand why Kasane-chan and Kote-chan left after the Budokan concert. After all, many people end their careers after performing on such a big stage as Budokan. Of course, there are times when someone leaves a group halfway to their dream, and in these cases, it often depends on whether or not the group is a good fit for them. Some continue their careers in other groups. So naturally, we wanted to bring in people who would be able to keep doing their best in “Zenkimi” for as long as possible. We approached the selection of new members with that perspective.

– How did you feel during your first concert, Hino Hikari-san?

Hino Hikari: I was very nervous and kept shaking. But when I stepped on stage, the faces of the “patients” were so warm, as if they were my guardians. From that moment, I began to enjoy the performance, although I constantly lacked stamina.

– Why did you decide to join “Zenkimi”?

Hino Hikari: Before this, I only knew Zenbu Kimi no Sei da by name. I always had a vague desire to pursue music, but I understood that it wasn’t easy to break into the music world. While browsing social media, I came across an audition announcement for “Zenkimi.” I thought, “Oh, that’s the group I’ve heard about,” and immediately went to watch their music videos and listen to their songs on streaming services. After that, I decided to apply. I think I joined in one of the final stages of the selection process. I was so nervous that I couldn’t speak properly. I only remember trying my best to convey my strong desire to be involved in music.

– What was the deciding factor in choosing the two new members?

Kisaragi Megumi: We informed Muku of her acceptance at a fairly late stage of the audition process. As for Hikari (Hino Hikari) and Latte (Miruru Latte), we thought about it together for a long time. Many people associate “Zenkimi” with five members, but from the very beginning, we wanted to form a lineup of six. And this time too. As for Muku, from the start, we felt that her voice was a perfect fit for the group. Latte, in addition to her voice and singing style, had such an aura that it seemed she could only pursue this kind of activity in “Zenkimi” and nowhere else. As for Hikari, what initially attracted us the most was her seriousness.

Nene Komochi: Yes, it was clear that she was very diligent. For example, she would bring handwritten lyrics with her.

Mei Yui Mei: It also seemed that Hikari’s seriousness would provide a good balance alongside Muku and Latte.

Kisaragi Megumi: There were three of us, and adding these three created a very good 3:3 balance, and in terms of individuality, we were completely different. We thought that this lineup had the potential to succeed. This probably played the biggest role. We also placed quite a lot of importance on individuality.

Mei Yui Mei: We discussed this a lot together.

Kisaragi Megumi: We’ve been doing this for a long time, so we know our fans. And we thought, “Surely this person will resonate with them,” “This person would definitely become her fan,” and so on. I believe a crucial factor in our fans accepting the new members is that they should genuinely care about “Zenkimi.” Therefore, we focused on finding candidates who shared this passion.

– In May, just before the start of the tour, Miruru Latte’s contract was terminated.

Kisaragi Megumi: Yes, that’s right. As I recall, it happened after we performed at Citta (CLUB CITTA’) and were in the middle of our joint tour “Amanojaku” (codomomental presents split tour “Amanojaku”). First of all, during rehearsals after our performance at Citta, there were some difficulties. There were moments when we couldn’t find common ground, and Latte herself felt that she might not be able to continue. So we terminated her contract at the very beginning. Do you remember when we discussed it together? And when Latte reached out to us, we discussed whether we should try to keep her. Considering that I’ve gone through many farewells with members before, I think it would have been much more difficult if someone had left the group in the middle of a tour. And if Latte’s heart had already been broken once, even if she tried her best to move forward again, there was a high probability that it would break again. Hikari, didn’t you often say at the beginning, “I thought that if she didn’t come to the office today, then maybe she would never come back”?

Hino Hikari: Yes, I did say that.

Kisaragi Megumi: So to speak, she had to face too many of her own weaknesses. And that’s very tough.

– After all, it’s not just fun. During the tour, it’s clear that not only your performance skills but also your own individuality are being refined. Muku-san, do you feel that your role in “Zenkimi” or your individual image has started to take shape during the tour?

Muku: To be honest, I’m not really sure. Even though it seems like I’m doing everything right, sometimes people tell me that I look strange, so it’s a bit confusing. But since people say it’s okay, I guess I’ll just keep doing things the same way.

Kisaragi Megumi: I want Muku to stay just the way she is.

– Your movements and way of speaking are so cute (laughs).

Hino Hikari: It’s a kind of charm that, if you don’t have it naturally, you can’t really acquire it.

Nene Komochi: Even in interviews, it makes you want to add an emoji to every word she says (laughs).

Mei Yui Mei: Natural traits really are amazing.

– On August 14, your first single with the new lineup, “Lotus Flower Cosmetics,” will be released. For a debut single, it embodies a rather aggressive essence of “Zenkimi”; it’s a powerful song.

Kisaragi Megumi: I think the production team really thought hard about what the first song after Budokan should be. YuuKankaku worked on the composition and arrangement of “Lotus Flower Cosmetics,” with mikitoP as the supervisor. They put a lot of effort into creating this song to express the current essence of “Zenkimi.” When I listen to this song, I get associations with some of our previous works like “Neomelo” (“Neojealous Melochaos”) and “Heavenlyheaven” (the 13th single released in 2021), and in terms of progression, it might be closer to “Monologous Garden” (a song from the third album “Egoistic Eat Issues,” released in 2017). Throughout all periods of the group, “Zenkimi” has always placed importance on dizzying changes within a single song—it’s like when you have a storm of different emotions raging inside, and it’s hard to pinpoint just one. “Lotus Flower Cosmetics” definitely captures such complex emotions, and although it reminds me of our earlier works, it also contains elements of our later releases and reflects the individuality of our current lineup.

Mei Yui Mei: You could say that this time it’s no longer just “morbid cuteness,” but something much heavier and more oppressive.

Muku: It really hits hard!

Kisaragi Megumi: Yes, right on target (laughs). Previously, our songs ranged from those depicting the joyful buzz between lovers to those about overly intense, painful love, as well as songs reflecting a slight coming-of-age. For songs that tell the story of a life, they were quite turbulent, and with this new song, you could say things have become even more complex.

Nene Komochi: It seems we’ve matured enough to handle that.

Kisaragi Megumi: Indeed, if you think about it, the period of following your crush “30 meters behind and to the right at an angle” (a line from “Kimi Kimi Syndrome X,” released in 2015) was probably our school days.

Hino Hikari: That’s cute.

– Yes, if you think about it now, that initial period of stalking a crush was really cute. Since then, in your love songs, you’ve grown, experienced different emotions, and in “Lotus Flower Cosmetics,” you sing about much more oppressive feelings.

Mei Yui Mei: But I think these constantly conflicting emotions are very much in the spirit of “Zenkimi.”

Kisaragi Megumi: Like, “I want to do this for the one I love, and I want them to do this for me, and also this… What should I do?” This song is like an outlet for such complex emotions—an intentionally harsh and radical outlet. So while it’s a catchy and very fun song to perform, what we’re singing about… How to put it—in reality, we’d probably get arrested for it.

Nene Komochi: Yes, doing something like that in real life would be a bit too much.

Muku: More than a bit.

Kisaragi Megumi: Well, presenting all of this through a fun, pop-style performance—that’s what “Zenkimi” is all about.

Mei Yui Mei: But who knows, maybe the person this song is addressed to actually desires such mutual codependency?

Nene Komochi: That’s true (laughs).

– Muku-san, with what feelings did you perform this song, and how did you try to express them?

Muku: When I read the lyrics, they felt so heavy and intense, and even though there’s something childish about the actions described, I decided to express it in a more mature way and tried to do so during the recording. Maybe it didn’t turn out exactly as I imagined, but considering how I was before, I think it came out pretty cool and mature.

Mei Yui Mei: Muku has this cute, fluffy image, like she’s floating in space, but she also has a skilled, low voice, which creates an interesting contrast.

Kisaragi Megumi: Also, when we talk about romance, it feels like Muku is very straightforward when it comes to love, so perhaps out of all of us, she’s the closest to the content of this song (laughs).

– Hino Hikari-san, how did the recording go for you?

Hino Hikari: I’m not very good at expressing my emotions. Even during the recording, I was told early on, “Even if you try your best to put your personality into your singing, it will probably still come out cleaner and more direct than the others, so don’t be afraid to show yourself.” After receiving the music and lyrics, I kept listening to the song, trying to immerse myself in the role of the person in the song.

Mei Yui Mei: You thought a lot about the poetic parts, didn’t you?

Hino Hikari: Yes, it was difficult. There were two poetic segments in the song, and I came up with about five variations for each. We tried all the variations during the recording and eventually chose the current one.

– How did you imagine the role you were trying to immerse yourself in?

Hino Hikari: I’m not very good at understanding such intense, heavy emotions. So I read books on the topic. I searched very carefully for such books… Ah, what were they called? Sorry, I should have remembered the titles to tell you more about them.

Kisaragi Megumi: You’re so serious!

Hino Hikari: So, I read books about difficult romantic relationships and re-read scenes where the heroine was experiencing inner conflicts many times. I tried to understand how best to express those feelings, and whether I was doing it right.

Kisaragi Megumi: But since you joined the group, you’ve experienced many such inner conflicts yourself. In the office and in the car on the way to performances, you often cried because you didn’t know what you should do, didn’t you? We’ve been through this about 5 or 6 times already, and I think those feelings aren’t much different from what you were trying to express.

– Though the song is based on a theme of love, in terms of emotions and intensity, it might be the same.

Kisaragi Megumi: So, I think if Hikari just sings from the heart, as she feels it, she will surely be able to express it. No matter how much she tries to add some nuances to her singing style, her voice always sounds very sincere. And in this song, I think it will also sound beautiful.

Mei Yui Mei: Yes, it will.

Hino Hikari: It’s so nice to hear that. I’m almost in tears right now. I often ask the others for advice. And every time, everyone gives me so much advice. Though the problems remain, I’m just so complicated…

Nene Komochi: There you go—those are your own heavy feelings!

Kisaragi Megumi: I think you just don’t fully realize it, but you clearly experience such heavy emotions yourself.

Hino Hikari: It seems so (laughs).

– Hino Hikari-san, you’re probably someone who often worries and isn’t inclined to think, “Oh well, everything will be fine”?

Hino Hikari: Yes, thinking like that isn’t really me. I wish I could express such emotions more during concerts.

– This single is the first for the group in its current lineup, and the inclusion of new versions of “Neojealous Melochaos” and “TadaKimiTo” suggests a special intent. These two songs are especially strongly associated with the group’s early period.

Kisaragi Megumi: Yes, indeed. In our previous album “MeidaiShingi” (2022), there was a song called “Mugenro” (“Path to the Dream”). And many probably thought that with this song, our path to the dream had ended. “Mugenro” also included references to old “Zenkimi” songs. At that time, the decision to go on hiatus had already been made, and perhaps we were partly considering that this might be the end, but at the same time, the intention to continue remained. After all, it wasn’t like we all decided to leave. And since this single is being released after we put out that song, we felt the need to include something that would signify a new beginning. We’re saying ourselves that we’re starting from zero, and our zero is “Neomelo.” The song’s content has also changed a bit.

— The lines where you introduce yourselves were rewritten.

Mei Yui Mei: After all, many people still don’t know much about the new members. Before I joined “Zenkimi,” I loved reading the lyrics of “Neomelo” and “TadaKimiTo,” where the members introduced themselves. I enjoyed reading those lyrics and thinking, “Ah, so this is what she’s like.” And the current lyrics of “Neomelo” and “TadaKimiTo” also give insight into what Muku and Hikari are really like, and I’m already excited to see how they will reveal them.

Kisaragi Megumi: Do you think people will understand everything?

Nene Komochi: Surely, there will still be some things that are unclear. For example, what does “puripuri,” which Muku sings in “Neomelo,” mean?

Muku: “Puripuri” means “cute.”

Nene Komochi: Is it like frills on clothes?

Muku: Yes! That’s also “puripuri.”

Nene Komochi: It seems like a universal word (laughs).

Kisaragi Megumi: These songs fully embrace each of our individual personalities.

Hino Hikari: This reminds me of the moment when I received the new versions of the lyrics for “Neomelo” and “TadaKimiTo.” I was so happy. Like, these are the lines about us!

Muku: I feel you!

Hino Hikari: I used to sing my lines at home all the time.

Mei Yui Mei: A considerable amount of time passed after I joined the group before we started performing “Neomelo.” But now, as we release our first single in this current lineup, and with “Neomelo” included, it feels like marking the beginning, a statement of our resolve.

– I agree. I think from now on, many more people will get to know you, and many new people will start listening to your music. So, this single will probably also serve to introduce new fans to especially important songs of the group.

Kisaragi Megumi: And I also feel that these songs will be relevant at any time. We first released “Neomelo” in 2015. And back then, when we performed at joint concerts, we often heard people say that we had amazing songs. Even now, during our tour, people at various venues tell us, “You don’t have a single filler song.” And this makes us realize that “Zenkimi” songs always resonate with listeners, regardless of time. This is largely because our songwriters put a lot of thought into creating them, and we, in turn, strive to perform them appropriately. But we don’t just want to be idols with good songs; we want to be a group that can confidently convey the emotions of these songs to people. We are unwavering in this. And that’s why, even including our old songs in this release, it doesn’t feel outdated, so to speak. Rather, these songs have become something like anthems for “Zenkimi.”

Mei Yui Mei: Nothing has lost its relevance.

Hino Hikari: Even now, they sound just as fun.

– After all, it also includes “Lotus Flower Cosmetics” — a song that embodies the results of Zenbu Kimi no Sei da’s creative evolution.

Kisaragi Megumi: Doesn’t that mean we’ve got an excellent release? If our songs resonate with people at any time, it means they will continue to resonate with people, no matter what time comes.

– These three songs allow you to fully experience both novelty and nostalgia, and the charm of “Zenkimi.” It feels like you’ve finally returned, but it also feels like it’s more than just a return; it’s something greater.

Kisaragi Megumi: Right now, our desire to just have fun is much stronger. After all, the path to Budokan was truly long. And it wasn’t just my personal aspiration but a dream for the whole group and a dream for the thousands of people we’ve met over the years. A dream that we, even if fleetingly, envisioned together. And looking back, I realize that it was a very heavy burden. But now, all of that is behind us.

Mei Yui Mei: After we went on hiatus, Komochi, Omegu (Kisaragi Megumi), and I often went out for lunch together to discuss our future. And many times, we told each other, “Let’s laugh together from now on. First and foremost, let’s laugh with each other! Let’s laugh together as much as we can!”

Nene Komochi: Like, let’s be happy!

Mei Yui Mei: We talked about this a lot.

Kisaragi Megumi: I want to make this happen. To create a space where even if things get tough, we can gather together and have a good laugh. Maybe that’s what our next goal is. It’s the most important thing. I hope you two will join us in that soon!

Hino Hikari: Little by little, I’ve become much more able to have fun with everyone compared to the early days, so I’ll do my best and definitely catch up with you~.

Muku: I’ll do my best, too!

Nene Komochi: We’re waiting for you!

Kisaragi Megumi: I want all of us to be the main characters in this fun story.

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