Genius Japan - [INTERVIEW] Spreading Love and Joy: A Conversation with Naniwa Danshi on “I Wish” and Their Musical Journey
In this exclusive interview conducted by Genius Japan, Naniwa Danshi invites us to delve into the vibrant tapestry of their seven-member ensemble. From exploring their distinctive personalities and recounting experiences during the creation of their 6th single, , to articulating their aspirations of forging global connections with fans, each member shares profound insights into their personal growth, the evolutionary trajectory of their music, and the delightful moments hidden behind the curtains, and offer a glimpse into their aspirations for the future and the delightful quirks that make them stand out in the world of Japan boy groups.
There is a sense of Naniwa Danshi and the youthful spirit we try to represent. So, in that sense, it's very much like our other songs. On the other hand, there is a difference in our performance of the song, and the of course. It's a lot lighter on choreography, which is something a lot of fans have come to know us for. So in a sense, I think it's a step towards growing up, but not too far! It's still a very cute song that suits Naniwa Danshi well.
I really like the phrase right before the first chorus, about wanting to hold hands but having to do it in a really shy way. Like "let's hold hands, but just because it's cold," being too nervous to ask the question you want to. Also, it got a holiday feel too, and goes great with our song from last year, "."
The melody is catchy and the lyrics are also very good, with a melody that comes in smoothly. I realized the chorus part, "I can be stronger if you are with me," fits well with the theme of the drama, but it also fits with who we are as a group. Together, the seven of us can do what we cannot do alone. So, while it's the theme to the drama, I feel that it can stand on its own. I think it's one of those songs where you can feel the bond we have with one another as Naniwa Danshi.
Because of the unique nature of our agency and the way it builds a sense of family over successive generations, our process of growing up is maybe a little different than other entertainers. For example, I started when I was 8, and knew Ohkura-kun as an older brother long before he started working with us professionally. Not only has that influenced how I interacted with him once he became our group producer, but it has also definitely shaped how I myself act toward all the little 8 year olds coming and going from the lesson studios now. I see them working so hard, and being so nervous when they finally get to do something on stage, and it makes me more aware than ever of how far I've come and what might be in store for them too. I wonder if Ohkura-san felt the same when he met us for the first time, and if that had anything to do with why he became so involved with us, Ae! group, AmBitious, and others in the first place. There is a sense of very palpable continuity beyond one's own career; like a relay race and you're trying to help make the next group as strong as possible to keep the baton going forward.
I love being in the recording studio. It's like the first moment the song really becomes ours rather than just a cool demo. When we record, we're usually alone in the booth, so when we finally get to hear the mix it's like a brand new and fresh surprise. It's such a cool feeling knowing that we've created something we get to share with our fans all around the world.
I like spicy flavors, so my ice cream would have the taste of curry with a lot of spices, like my personality. I've never eaten anything like it so I don't know if it would be any good, but I think that would be neat to try it at least once in my life. I think in Mexico they have spicy chocolate, so maybe there's a spicy ice cream out there too somewhere.
Ice cream with popping candy, like crackling Ramune. The group says that sometimes I say things that can be taken as prickly, but I look cute when I am doing it … I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing sometimes.
Matcha ice cream with caramel sauce.
That's so common and boring!
I know! I can't think of anything completely original! But my member color is green and caramel is my favorite pudding flavor. I even introduced myself by sharing my love of pudding. It might not be unique, but I recommend everyone try combining matcha with caramel because it is delicious!
Chocolate mint.
That's even more boring!
…BECAUSE I'm told I'm quite sweet and refreshing. And, if I were an ice cream it would have to be in a cone because then it would be like a little baseball bat and as everyone knows I am obsessed with baseball!
I love tarts, especially cheese tarts. Vanilla ice cream packed with a lot of tarts and topped with cookie crisps as an accent! It represents my sweet relationship with our fans.
Ginger scattered on top of vanilla ice cream. Yeah, vanilla ginger. There is a spicy part, but maybe not as spicy as what Daichan was talking about. A nice mix of sweet and sour with a kick, just like me.
My member color is yellow, so I'd put bananas in my ice cream. And since I'm younger and noisy, I'd also put cookies in it for crunch!
We really want to keep getting noticed by international publications and introduce ourselves more and more to overseas fans. We see so many international comments on YouTube, and the fans in Korea were so nice to Michi when he went to Seoul for his movie Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight, so doing something overseas in 2024 would be nice! COVID-19 has finally subsided, so I also really want to travel more, whether for work or just for fun. I want to go places! There are so many people across Japan we want to meet, and simultaneous to that I want to meet people across Asia and beyond to Latin America and the West too.
I love that we're reaching so many international fans with our music, and I hope that we continue to do so, but I'd also like to explore projects in other media too, like an international photo book or something. We really want to let our fans all over the world get to know who we are.
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