/jp/ - Otaku Culture

As the result, she couldn’t enter the top 5. Exactly what is lacking in Miyawaki Sakura?

“Comparing with Jurina-san who cancelled her kennin with AKB48 and became focused on SKE48 only, or Sayanee who is NMB48′s ace and leader, I seemed like one member joining the Sousenkyo only for myself. I thought it shouldn’t stay that way. However, nobody knows if it’s right if I stay as a AKB48 kennin or become focused on HKT48 only. That’s why, I thought I should do my best for the AKB48 group as a whole. I decided on becoming a presence standing in front of the AKB48 Group, regardless of the sister groups.”

“What we need now is a frantic and absorbed approach.”
On the background of thinking about the AKB48 Group as a whole, there lies a reason, which grew bigger rapidly this year.

“On this one year, the thing I’m most concerned about is Sakamichi Series-san’s presence. While thinking about Sakamichi Series, there have been many times I cried this year (laugh). They are making rapid process, like Keyakizaka46-san being chosen for Kouhaku. I acknowledged that fact and was jealous. I know that kind of a feeling isn’t nice, but my pure feeling of not wanting to lose is very strong. But I really like both Nogizaka46-san and Keyakizaka46-san, and I go to their lives sometimes, also I went to eat with Hirate-chan (Keyakizaka46) before. However, we can’t act like we aren’t rivals, and I think it’s better if we’re encouraged by each other and move forward by lifting each other. Like that, I say, but truthfully speaking, it can’t change that easily, after all (laugh). Nonetheless I’m frustrated, and can’t stop thinking about it. However, I don’t want to just run after the hands of the clock, so in order to explode sometime, I want to do my best day by day.”

To Miyawaki, who speaks these words, there are worries for AKB48 Group’s present state, but there are also dreams for the future.

“Right now, I think it’s a period where everyone, including me, should each consider if they are doing their best. With everyone feeling as senbatsu members, feeling desperate to do their best, I think we can get get better. I think, if the AKB48 Group isn’t absorbed, and reckless enough not to care about hair or anything, the group’s true virtue won’t come out. I too, fell in love with that kind of AKB48, so I think there is a need for us to remember those times. For that sake, I think the pride we have now is a hindrance. I want us to shine so bright that the graduated members can think; ‘Why did I graduate after all?’. Because I believe that this group has a future.”