#tinterview

This article is from Spoon 2Di vol. 41. Please support them and buy the magazine for more contents and pictures!! 

— What kind of person are you trying to portray Jinguji Jakurai as? Also, how are you developing the character?

“Rather than contributing to society as a whole, I think he would address each patient individually, and exert everything he could for them. He lives his everyday life as a doctor - such strength and kindness is what I want to convey in him.

— What kind of team is Matenrou? If you would, tell us how you feel about the characters Izanami Hifumi and Kannonzaka Doppo.

“In my opinion, [Shinjuku] is a division with good balance and, in many ways, interesting. Doppo and Hifumi are like cute little brothers, so probably Jakurai’s job is to warmly watch over them. From the perspective of a doctor, they’re the No. 1 and No. 2 patients whom he can’t leave alone (laughs).”

— For each song, please tell us the parts you were specific about during recording, the best part of it, and the lyrics you like.

Labyrinth Wall

I was specific about understanding the overwhelming vocabularies, ingraining them in my consciousness, and expressing the lyrics. “Tell me, where do people go after we die. Why is the world round but acute.”

Shinjuku Style ~Don’t Laugh~

The Shinjuku-like laid-backness and excitement that you can feel from the opening of the song is really cool. The rap and punchlines are catchy as well. Just like Jakurai’s usual style, I put a lot of emphasis to the words in order to deliver a wholehearted rap.

BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE

The rhythm of the hook (1) is the best. But during my first time singing it, it was pretty difficult. “Shutting down that shrill voice. Your future is unstable; beware, my patient.” I especially like the part where [Jakurai is] clashing with Ramuda while delivering a brilliant rap.

— What kind of impression do you have for the members from Shibuya Division, Amemura Ramuda, Yumeno Gentarou, and Arisugawa Dice whom you’re confronting for BATTLE SEASON?

“My impression of Shibuya as a whole is that they are a trendy division. Their song is cool too. Ramuda is a sly character (laughs). In a good way, he’s cute to the point that you can’t stand it. Gentarou is a minstrel who wanders between truth and lies with elegance. For Dice, I feel like I meet him everyday (laughs) (2). All in all, they’re formidable enemies!”

— Please tell us your impression of members from Ikebukuro Division and Yokohama Division that you’re interested in.

“Both divisions are strong! The three brothers from Ikebukuro has a bond as strong as iron wall, and the gang of outlaws from Yokohama have an crushing edge to them. I am worried about drum-can Ichiro (laughs) (3). And Samatoki-sama is dangerous even to fellow men.”

―Please kindly say a message to all the fans.

“Thank you for your support all this time, everyone. From here onwards, every division will continue to work even harder to deliver excellent raps and dramas, so please continue to love ‘Hypnosis Mic.’”

TL notes:

1. A hook is any part of a song that’s catchy. It can be anything from the beat of the song or the chorus.
   
2. Dice’s VA Nozuyama is a junior at Hayami-san’s agency. 
3. Hayami-san is probably saying that Ichiro is oblivious.
   

Please support spoon 2Di !! You might be able to find them on Amazon.jp (international credit cards accepted) and CD Japan. Please show Hypmic that international fans also contribute to the sales!!  This article is from vol. 41. 

Shirai Yusuke is the voice actor of Shibuya’s cute idol Amemura Ramuda. How did he perform the cuteness unique to the bubbly Ramuda, or his intriguing duality? We’ll be asking him about all that!

——How do you feel about the current boom of popularity?

“Until the release, I was still unsure about how well the hip-hop genre would be received, but now that I know a lot of people are listening to it, I’m delighted. I never imagined it would have such a sudden upsurge in popularity.”  

——During the nico-nama live stream the other day, you probably directly felt the reaction of the audiences.

“The enthusiasm was just incredible. I felt like we were all enjoying something new together.”  

——How did it feel to actually rap freestyle?

“I took up the challenge just like that, but freestyling was difficult (laughs). You have to get your words in rhythm, and keep going at it while rhyming nicely; I really felt the importance of wit, vocabularies, etc. However, it was something that I don’t usually do, so it was refreshing and felt good. If there’s another chance, I want to practice a bit more and take the challenge again no matter what!”

——So in hindsight, how did you feel when you heard about the project of Hypnosis Mic?

“Since I always sing songs of rappers I like at karaoke, a rap project seemed interesting to me. Actually, I auditioned for other characters instead of Ramuda. But then after that, they sent me an offer that said, “please be Amemura Ramuda.” There I saw Ramuda for the first time and was a bit shocked, like, “this cute boy… me?” So I had to go up to my manager and confirm with them if the role of this character was really offered to me (laughs).”

——Ramuda’s visual is really cute like a girl (laughs).

“They directed me to make him bubbly and sly like he knows how cute he is.. However, even though his appearance is this cute, he’s still a grown man who’s 24 years old, so it has to be within reasons, as I was told. So I did my best to show as much slyness  as I can. I I have never played any characters look as androgynous as he does, and I think this is my first time playing a main character whose voice is this high-pitched.

——So you really focused on showing the cuteness and slyness while you’re performing as him.

“That’s right. Ramuda himself is also “clever, and understands how others see him [according to the character profiles],” meaning that he makes himself look cute; his slyness probably comes from him trying to act cute. So I thought that if that’s the case, I could pull it off, too. Therefore, when I voice Ramuda, I try to make sure I show a little of that forced cuteness.”

—— In the drama tracks of Fling Posse VS Matenrou, weren’t there parts when you had to also portray his other side?

“When I first voiced Ramuda, I didn’t know about his duality, so I didn’t act with the thought in mind that he had another side. Therefore, I was also shocked by that side of Ramuda!”

——Now that you have performed as him so far, what do you think Ramuda is like?

“He’s just full of mysteries. We still don’t know about his past, and just like how Gentaro was saying in the drama track, Ramuda is “too spotless” and it feels almost like it’s all made up. In Fling Posse VS Matenrou, I played “Dark Ramuda.” …that’s how I called his other side (laughs). Since I don’t know whether that was his true self or his acting, I am looking forward to how it will turn out. What’s more, since he also has connections with Kadenokouji Ichijiku-san (who is a high-ranking official of Chuo-ku), I think he’s going to be the key character of the plot. I am also looking forward to the story’s development.”

——It was really shocking that he was in communication with Ichijiku-san; as his voice actor, how did you feel about this?

“I had so much fun. Finally, I could talk in a comfortable tone (laughs)! Though I had also wondered if I should keep a little bit of his usual cute vibes, I intentionally changed [my voice] to the extent that it sounded like a different person. When people told me how shocked they were to find out about that Ramuda, it made me grin thinking, “I know right” (laughs).

——So what kind of team do you think Fling posse of Shibuya Division is?

“Fling posse started off with Ramuda forcing Gentaro and Dice to join, but taking that into consideration, they’re getting along pretty well. They have bright, pop-like vibes to them. However in the drama tracks of Fling Posse VS Matenrou, Gentaro was also suspicious of Ramuda, so they were both probing into each other and things were turning a bit sour… And then amongst them there is Dice who’s the only one not caring about anything (laughs). That’s why I think thanks to Dice, the team can maintain its balance. His lightheartedness really helps; I think he’s a great guy. Gentaro is a serial liar, Ramuda is full of mysteries, and maybe that’s how Dice’s straightforwardness stands out so much. Even though Dice loves gambling to death, he’s in general a sensible person. For example, he stood up for Gentaro when Hifumi dissed his clothes. When you see how much he treasures his friends, you can really tell that they’re ‘posse’. I am glad to see that their relationships have improved a lot compared to when they first started.”

——What do you think about the relationship between Ramuda and Dice?

“It feels a bit superficial. But since Dice trusts Ramuda, the exchange between the two is generally pleasant.”

——What about Gentaro then?

“Even though he likes saying “it’s a lie,” I think there has to be some truth in there. Anything could be a lie or a truth; it’s fun to ponder on it. Actually, I wonder if Ramuda already saw through what Gentaro was thinking; as I mentioned just now, in this CD’s drama track both Ramuda and Gentaro were figuring each other out. But Ramuda didn’t really let him know much more than what he revealed. However, there are also quite a few mysteries regarding Gentaro. For instance, he was angered by Hifumi’s comment on his vintage outfit, he seems to have all sorts of secrets. Not just Ramuda and Gentaro, everyone seems to have their own past. I really want to know about them soon.”

——What do you think is the strength of all three of them as Shibuya Division?

“Although they seem to have nothing in common, surprisingly they get along. I think their charm lies in their youthful, pop vibes, as well as their positivity.”

——As your opponents in Battle Battle Battle, what kind of team do you think Shinjuku Division is?

“Contrary to Shibuya’s youthfulness, Shinjuku are adults, and they are a team of mature appeal. However, they also surprisingly get along, which is nice. Jakurai-san seems like a loner at first,  and yet he goes fishing with Hifumi. Doppo and Hifumi were friends since they were very little, but I didn’t expect that they’re living together. They’re so close with each other.”

ーー In Jakurai and Ramuda’s duet, it has awfully thrilling feelings when you listened to it, is there anything you were conscious of when you perform?

“I try to be offensive and snappy towards Jakurai at full power. Therefore, I exaggerate my expressions, and put extra effort in delivering the taunts. Honestly, I had fun doing that (laughs). They were in a team together in the past, but curiously he seems fine with Ichiro and Samatoki; it was only with Jakurai that he has this antagonism. Ikebukuro and Yokohama, or Ichiro and Samatoki are also hostile towards each other; I really want to know what happened between them.”

——We were only given some intriguing keywords. Like how Samatoki calls Ichiro a “hypocrite”, and that Jakurai mentioned that Rumuda had “done something inhuman”.

“Oh well, what inhuman things have you done, Ramuda…(laughs)”

——For the next part, I would like to know more about the songs. To start with, please tell us was there anything you were particular about or paid attention to while you were recording your solo song Drops?

“Since it’s a solo song, it is the most Ramuda-style song ever. When I recorded the very first drama track, I did the highest voice I could to show Ramuda’s cuteness, so at the song recording I was worried like, “do I have to rap in that tone all the way…!?” (laughs) However, once I found out that the song only had rapping at important parts [and the rest was singing], I remember feeling a bit more relieved (laughs). It’s a stylish and cool song, I like it.”

——While rapping with a cute impression is good, I think the faint, sexy undertone of a 24-year-old man in there was brilliant.

“I’m glad you say so! At the beginning of Ramuda’s rap, the feeling of him acting all cute and charged up really was intense, and the pyon pyon part really hit the limit. I sang it like I’d exhausted all my brain cells (laughs). I tried to sing it at karaoke once, but my heart broke in the middle of it (laughs). I had wondered if I would be able to sing this live. Ah, but when this interview gets published, the live will have already taken place! I think it’d be nice if I can sing it well (laughs). However, my feelings of wanting to sing it in front of everyone are strong, so I think it’d be nice if I could sing it happily. Also, Gentaro’s VA, Saito Soma told me that he thinks the lyrics at the chorus -  "if you want to pick it up, do it" are superb! I was like, “ehh, is that so~” (laughs). Other people also told me the same thing, so I thought, “I guess it is~!”

——How about your division song, Shibuya Marble Texture - PCCS- then?

“This song is stylish, isn’t it! When I listened to it for the first time, I was surprised that this type of style can exist in the project, too. So far, all the songs have had either a fast tempo or they have loud and offensive moods to them. A rap with a relaxing tune was really refreshing. Although, Ramuda’s voice was high as always (laughs). I think the song suits the evenings, so I listened to it on the way home from work. Because this song is the most recently recorded, I noticed some improvements in my skill after singing a lot of songs before it. At first I was really struggling, but it became more and more enjoyable as I went. Comparing it to the first time and the stage live… It’s a bit embarrassing to say (laughs). Anyway, in contrast to the peaceful feeling of this song, the plot twist in the drama track is so…! There is this lyrics verse, "Shouldn’t the world be more interesting?” rapped by Ramuda which makes you wonder which the true one is; the Ramuda of those lyrics or the one from the drama part. I think everyone ponders about that.

Since you can feel the bonds of those three in the lyrics “Side by side we watch the sunset”, it would be nice if their bond pictured here [in the lyrics] is not a lie. It leaves a lot to the imagination.”

——On Ramuda and Gentaro’s part, Dice who shouted their names was impressive, but on the contrary, when Dice got his, Ramuda was all-out with his, “Di~ce!”, it was really cute.

“I put my everything in that ‘Dice’ (laughs). That part was originally not included in the song demo, but since Dice’s VA, Nozuyama, shouted Ramuda and Gentaro’s names, Ramuda decided to do it too when recording, because it’s not in character for Gentaro to do it. Speaking of which, Doppo’s VA, Itou Kento, said he always listened to this song during the morning commute and that made me happy. It does get you in the mood if you listen to it when you are traveling!”

——Well then, how about Shibuya and Shinjuku’s battle song, BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE?

“I’d say it was a real battle, like up until now, they never attacked each other, I think. In the song, there was a line, “Quit draggin’ someone’s past up to the surface over and over”. In that you could see a glimpse of the “Dark Ramuda”. Since the song was distributed before the CD release, if you listened to the song before the drama track, I think you would have been surprised like, “who was that just now?!” (laughs)

Still, I recorded that part separately, so I wondered how everyone would react when they have heard it. That too made me grin a bit while recording (laughs). Then during the verse which said, “without a promise, I won’t forgive that scenario”, he was already back to the usual Ramuda. But there was still a bit of the manly charm and his dark side left in there while I sang it; so when you listen to it, by all means please pay attention to that part.”

ーーHow was it when you heard the finished song together with rest of two members?

“I like how this song gave off the feeling of passing on a baton to each other while battling, but Gentaro’s part was too tricky! I mean, it’s difficult even if you were told that you can sing it, it’s just impossible (laughs). I really like that, while dodging Hifumi’s diss, he provoked the other side with his last line, “A howling imbecile wouldn’t understand that, though, would he?”; I have been looping it in my head all this time. Also, with Dice going against Doppo, the salaryman, I like the feeling of how he struck a great blow with his last one phrase “I ain’t some collared pet.”

——Ramuda’s taunting phrase "I’m disa~ppointed” was also good.

“If you were told something like that, you’d certainly get irritated (laughs). I can see Jakurai’s annoyed expression in my head (laughs).”

——Then, please tell us if you have a favorite character and a character you are interested in.

“It’s (Iruma) Juto from Yokohama. Even if he is a policeman, he has this shady feeling, and I think how his manner in speaking holds hidden meanings is also nice. In the drama track, it is said that he even questioned Doppo in the past, but I feel like he changed a lot from his old days. Hifumi’s duality is also interesting and how even if he is afraid of women, he works as host.”

——Do you have any favorite song aside from Ramuda’s?

“Of course it’s Ore Ga Ichiro from Kimura Subaru who plays as Ichiro. How he wrote the lyrics by himself is amazing, and the tune is just right. I thought that this guy is totally a rapper and that it was shown clearly.”

——It will be fun if a The Dirty Dawg song were to be made someday, with Ichiro and the legendary team The Dirty Dawg together.”

“Certainly, that possibility is also there! If the songs increase, there could be various combinations even outside the divisions, and perhaps there would be a rap for Dark Ramuda, too.”

——Hypnosis Mic held a Champagne Tower with everyone (the collab drink with karaoke shop), everyone in the cast gave off the impression that they were enjoying their work.

“That champagne tower party was totally private, and yet everyone gathered to that extent, I think that was amazing. Contents of Hypnosis Mic had been exciting so far and I think that it’s really pleasing for a lot of people to accept it because we are having a lot of fun too. After all we got to listen to Hayami Show-san’s rap, right?”

——Right. How did listening to Hayami’s rap feel like?

“Really cool! Because Hayami is Jakurai, I thought that as Ramuda I should do my best not to lose.”

——Thank you. Lastly, please give a message to your fans.

“By the time this interview gets published, I think we will have already finished the 2nd Live successfully and that the 3rd Live will be decided in November, too. It’s unusual to conduct a live in such a short time span, but I think next time we can have fun with more people, so I’d be happy if you could come and play. I don’t know how the story will progress according to the battle results, but I am also looking forward to see how Ramuda will get involved. I also want to work hard to improve my rapping skills, so I’d be happy if you can keep supporting Hypnosis Mic in the future.”

Please support spoon 2Di !! You might be able to find them on Amazon.jp (international credit cards accepted) and CD Japan. Please show Hypmic that international fans also contribute to the sales!!  This article is from vol. 41.

Shibuya Division’s trickster Yumeno Gentaro has a character difficult to grasp, and toys with people with his irregular rap. His voice actor Saito Soma will tell us everything from his philosophy in rapping, to what happens behind the scenes during secret talks regarding recording!

——What do you think about the current boom of popularity?

“Personally I have always liked rap music, but I am very surprised and thankful that there’s such a huge response. Various people I’ve ran into told me that “Your rap is pretty solid, great job”; these comments were made not as a fellow actor but as a listener, and that made me overjoyed.”

——I’ve seen you performing freestyle rap in other project’s Niconama [live stream] before, but had you ever actually been rapping other than listening to it?

“Sometimes my friends and I would gather at their place, and rap freestyle together. For the Niconama, it was probably Samatoki-sama (he meant the VA Asanuma Shintaro-san) who randomly asked me to do a freestyle as part of the show, right? (laughs) At that time I didn’t know about this project [Hypmic] yet, and to think that now I am actually rapping with Asanuma-san in the same production, I feel that it’s an amazing serendipity.”

——So, when you first saw Yumeno Gentaro, which part of him did you find the coolest?

“How everything is a lie. In the world of Hypnosis Mic, the lyrics that were sung through a hypnosis mic has to be nothing but your true thoughts, but in the case of Gentaro his opponents would still be confused by him like, “was that actually true though?”. I think that is especially interesting.  In actual freestyle [battle], he might purposely say things to disrupt the flow of his opponents’ lyrics, basically jabbing at their true nature; that’s why I think Gentaro’s style is tricky.”

——Gentaro at times alternates between different first-person pronouns and voices. Since he’s so ungraspable, how did you build up the character?

“Beginning from the drama track of Fling Posse -F.P.S.M.-, I’ve done a lot of ad-lib voice changes. But at that time I was told not to improvise too much since it was still the very beginning, so I stopped myself from doing it too much. However after that I was told to just do whatever I want, so I was like ‘Yay!’ and improvised a lot. Changing my voice like that was not decided by me though. In the script, it wrote ‘Maro…’, so I thought it’d be nice to do a voice that sounds like a ‘Maro’(1). He was also saying that he was a princess in his past life, and I felt using a female voice there would be fitting. I was just following the script truthfully and faithfully! From now on I might do even more voices, and I would be very glad if you’re aware that the change was instructed by the script (laughs). With that being said, there are also many parts that are done by my own discretion (laughs).”

——As the person behind Gentaro, is that how you pin down his ungraspable character ?

I got to sing the solo song “Scenario Liar,” and that song itself is written in a way that you can’t tell whether it’s the truth or a lie, so if you use it as a reference for Yumeno Gentaro’s character, his character settings start to collapse.”

—— Scenario Liar started with “let me tell you about my past”, and finished up with a “well, but that’s all a lie” in the end; it really is a confusing song.

“That’s right. First, his birthday on the profile is April 1st, so one would think “it’s absolutely a lie isn’t it!” (laughs). Then in the beginning of Scenario Liar he said he’s born on a cold day in a snowy country far far away, and it just becomes “I knew it was a lie!” (laughs). Even his MC name is “Phantom”; with a character this intangible, as an actor, it’s hard to interpret him. But it’s also interesting. I think acting without thoroughly understanding the role, and instead having your character take the lead is a really interesting acting method. Of course, I have a clear image of Yumeno Gentaro in mind, but I feel like discussing that here is a little tactless.”

—— What kind of team do you think Shibuya Division’s Fling Posse is?

“Since Shibuya Division is a team of members gathered by Ramuda in order to win the territory battle, they don’t have any previous relations or bonds. However, even though they started off like that, I think they became very good friends. Especially in the drama track of Fling Posse VS Matenrou, the friendship between Gentaro and Dice really deepened. Amongst the 4 Divisions, Fling Posse is the most juvenile and pop. They’ve got a sense of mischief, and for better or worse there’s zero “seriousness”. You can really feel the intensity of Shinjuku’s seriousness, but with Shibuya it seems like they’re not concerned by the results. They’re just there to rap as they please, I really feel they cherish the fact that they make each other feel comfortable. I think that makes me feel warm and welcomed too.”

——On the other hand, as the plot thickens, there’s some sort of unsettling atmosphere within Shibuya Division.

“That’s right. Especially now that we know Ramuda is holding some secrets, it makes you wonder like, is he planning something behind our backs…? Please look forward to how that’s going to change the story from now on. I don’t know if Dice has any secrets… but I want him to stay the way he is!”

——So, what’s your impression on Shibuya’s leader Ramuda?

“It was amazing to me that Shirai (Yusuke) kun voices Ramuda with a high-pitched voice, but after listening to Fling Posse VD Matenrou, I see why this character can’t be voiced by anyone but Shirai Yusuke. I think Shirai-kun did a spectacular job in portraying the duality of Ramuda. And Ramuda’s solo song is superb! Although I already liked the song as a rough demo, on the day of release I messaged Shirai-kun, saying “It’s a great song!” Then he replied with a bunny sticker and I thought, “he totally gets it!” (laughs). Even though Ramuda is not necessarily the most leader-like, since he’s clever and is the person who shapes Shibuya’s appeal and enigmatic image, having him as center is very reassuring, His rap flow is also called ‘bratty rap’, so I think his style is about snapping and poking fun at everything. It’s nice to have him in a group with Gentaro and Dice whose styles are different. Ramuda is also similar to Gentaro, in the way that they make people think they might not be talking in their real voice. Including the fact that they’re figuring each other out, I’d say their relationship is pretty good.”  

——Then how about Arisugawa Dice?

“I think no one could be a better Dice than Nozuyama-kun (Nozuyama Yoshihiro san), he really gives off the vibes of Dice. Nozuyama kun often goes drinking, he’s the one who has been persistently asking us to have Fling Posse gatherings (laughs). Moreover, his level of “kouhai skill”(2) is high. When we’re having the Posse gathering, he said that he will invite us no matter how many times it takes (laughs). This part of him that is straightforward and pleasant really clicks with Dice’s character I think. What’s more, his rap is super duper cool! And even though Dice lives a sketchy, all-or-nothing lifestyle because he’s a gambler, in reality he shares the same emotions and feelings as everyone; in my opinion that’s how he is. In the drama part of Fling Posse VS Matenrou, Hifumi made fun of Gentaro’s clothings. Before Gentaro even got angry, Dice got angry on behalf of him, and chided Hifumi, “Everyone has a thing or two that they don’t want to be talked about!” That line really hits home. “

—— Gentaro usually just jokes and gets around things, it’s rare to see him angry.  

“In that scene where they were arguing back and forth with Hifumi, at first I thought it’s a funny scene since Gentaro changed his first-person pronoun frequently. But here I was given the directions to show actual anger, and I was like, “oh really!” So the reason why that happened, it was because…oops, I can’t say anything more about it (laughs).”  

——So regarding the music, I assume there must be a different approach to recording rap than recording usual songs. Please tell us your thoughts on recording.

“For my solo song Scenario Liar, people who’re not familiar with rap might wonder, “is this rap?” This is rap which is performed in the manner of poetry reading. It’s a song that’s extremely marvelous, but at the same time difficult. In Division Battle Anthem I was given an even more difficult rapping part, and was told “this time yours is the hardest!” (laughs). Gentaro has this style that doesn’t follow the beat closely and tends to go off beat. Therefore, in the second half of the verse after “hmm…yea you got it right”, he plunged back into rhythm. I voiced my concern that this style may sounds off to people who don’t usually listen to rap, and they said “it will be fine”, so I thought, “this project will be even better for sure!!” From this we see, what’s great about Hypnosis Mic is that the musical expectation does not get lower just to attract the mass audience. I thought it’s remarkable how they were making the songs without compromising for a hybrid between a rap and a character song since the beginning.”    

——What do you think about BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE, the battle song with Shinjuku Division?

“Again, Gentaro got a totally different flow from others…I think you’ll hear it when you listen to the song; it’s really difficult. This is a battle song, so Shibuya who attacks the second always switch in very sharply, and everyone is rapping intensely. Then there’s only Gentaro, who goes ‘oh, I see, you have a point. Certainly you’re real’ and I was like, ‘are you serious!?’ (laughs). However, I think this is what Gentaro would do, to be totally unfazed by Hifumi’s dis, ignoring and mocking his seriousness.”

——It feels like a lot of different voices are used in Gentaro’s song.

“Gentaro is not the type to rap with much highs and lows, if he doesn’t delicately build up his voice, he could lack punch power. Therefore I use different kinds of voices. That being said, there might be more ‘Maro rap’ in the future (laughs).”

——I want to listen to that (laugh). With Shibuya especially, it’s fun to listen to the various calls.

“In Shibuya Marble Texture -PCCS-, Dice yelled ‘Ramuda—!!’ before Ramuda’s rap (laughs). He also yelled ‘Gentaro—‘ before Gentaro’s rap too; but he was so hyped, I was like - Eh!? Did he just say ‘Guitar!!’? (laughs)”

——Alongside with the part where Ramuda calls ‘Dice~’ to pass the mic, you can really see that the three are good friends with each other; it’s wonderful. For the next question, how did you feel about singing Shibuya Marcle Texture -PCCS- ?

“This song is awesome! I think Avec Avec-san made the song very Shibuya for us. Between Shirai-kun, Nozuyama-kun and I, my voice is absolutely the highest; however within the characters, Ramuda’s voice is the highest. Ramuda is high, Dice is Mid and Gentaro is low, it brings out the unique tonality of Shibuya. I was the first one to record so I sang while having fun. As the song plays, imageries of Fling Posse’s Shibuya, a marble-like town with a mix of good and bad came to mind. And yet, it also gives off trippiness like a  daydream; it’s super awesome.”

——Gentaro’s usual flow is irregular.

I think it’ll be a shock if Gentaro raps like everyone else. Dice and Gentaro did a fast-flow duo rap in the drama track of Fling Posse VS Matenro CD. For people who listened, didn’t it catch you off guard like, "oh he can rap like a regular rapper, too!?” (Laughs) Nozuyama-kun and I recorded it almost at the same time, but it worked like a magic from the first take. I actually like the fast flow style personally, so that was fun to do, too. The rap part in the drama tracks are written by Cola Bintaro Sensei (aka Kimura Subaru), so I was telling him, “Gentaro’s flow is always really careful, I wish I can try something more rough and fast maybe” and then he delivered (Laughs). Bintaro Sensei always brings demos that he recorded for our reference, but they are so perfect, to the point that we can probably just publish them as they are.”

——At our last interview with Bintaro-sensei, he told us that he really likes Scenario Liar, and praised your rap.

“Eh—I’m so glad! Bintaro-sensei said that!? Thank you so much! When I asked Bintaro-sensei whose rap was good, he said with rap there isn’t one way to measure who’s good and who’s bad, but the one whose style was complete from the beginning was Jakurai-sensei. Hayami (Show) san only did two takes. In fact, his first take was already good, but did the second take just in case. That’s how much he practiced before the recording, so I heard.”

——As expected from him! And now, please tell us songs and characters that you like.

“There are songs I like in each division; for Ikebukuro, I really like Jiro’s song “Sensenfukoku”. It has the Mixture Rock vibe and very high quality as a character song, too, because Ishiya (Haruki)-kun expressed Jiro’s adoration towards Ichiro by pursuing Subaru-san’s rap style. It’s pure awesome. I like all the songs of Yokohama, but Samatoki-sama is just the cutest. Family and friends are of great importance to him. The sentiment of “we’re a team”, which is often seen in gang culture, is very much Yokohama’s style. Oh, and I also got the impression that Riou is Kamio-san’s calling (laughs). Kamio-san’s stare in the MV is the best, please by all means watch it again!”  

——What about Shinjuku Division?

“I like Doppo. I can sing the whole Tigridia! Everytime I see ItoKen-kun (Ito Kento san) I talk about how good the song is. The line “When not writing poems I’m but a corpse” is the coolest, and Doppo saying it makes it even better.”  

——What do you like about Doppo?

“A 29-year-old downer salaryman, he’s not young anymore; such setting is awful good (laughs). In the drama there was a part where Dice said to Doppo, who was apologizing to him, “An apology is meaningless if you apologize at everything. And I thought, “I see how that is~” Dice-kun is a gambler so he probably doesn’t understand, but that’s what a working adult is like… something like that (laughs).Therefore, if Doppo is ever going to have a solo song again, I want it to be the intense outburst of his anger and stress.”

——What type of songs would you like to try out as Gentaro in the future?

“Gentaro seems to have a reputation of being variable, so if he does rap normally, people would think, ‘Is he actually doing it normally? It could be fake’ and that would be interesting I think. Each character has their own rapping style, while Gentaro just does whatever. If he’s a Pokemon he would be something like Ditto…it’s Ditto rap (laughs)!”

——Who would be fun for Shibuya Division to have a battle with?  

“In Division Battle Anthem Gentaro’s part is after Juto’s, so it’s really loud…because Komada Wataru (laughs)! But that being said, with Juto’s volume and the contrasting off beat of Gentaro, it makes me want to have a battle with Yokohama. Having Gentaro to pay homage to Juto’s style sounds fun (laughs). And I am interested in how a battle between Riou and Dice would go. Also, it seems like Juto’s sharp high tone goes well [with Gentaro’s].”  

——Thank you very much. Last but not least, please say something to fans.

“When I was told about Hypnosis Mic, I thought it’d for sure be an interesting project. Even though I sort of wondered if it can be well-received, I’m very grateful that it was developed to become the talk of the town. Rap battle is about fellow rappers being respectful and dissing each other in the field of rap, as the backbone of hip-hop culture. “Dissing” is not talking down to someone or attacking their character; instead, it is a showdown of fighting styles on the battlefield of the culture.  As you get to know rap you also get to know the culture, and as the way to listen to rap takes root in you, you’ll enjoy it even more. You probably each have your own favourite division, but please save the battles only for when mics are held; please by all means enjoy Hypnosis Mic while being nice to each other. We’ll also try to create an even better  space for everyone to have fun together. It’ll make me very glad if you could please continue to enjoy Hypnosis Mic in the future.”

Translation notes

1. Means “I”, was used as a first-person pronoun regardless of age, class and gender since the Heian Period. In recent works, it’s usually used by males in court nobles from the Heian period. It’s rarely used as oppose to ‘watashi’.  
   
2. Original text is “後輩スキル”, reads “kouhai skill”. I’m sure most of you would know, but for those who don’t, “kouhai” is a person who’s less experienced than others, i.e. a junior. Since hierarchical etiquette is a large part of Japanese culture, the skills to be able to strive and behave suitably as your status is very important.
   
3. His last name in Hiragana is actually 「のづやま」and not 「のずやま」like the most common spelling (and he is particular about it).

Please support spoon 2Di !! You might be able to find them on Amazon.jp (international credit cards accepted) and CD Japan. Please show Hypmic that international fans also contribute to the sales!!  

ーWhat kind of character are you trying to portray Arisugawa Dice as? How are you developing him as well?

“Dice loves gambling before everything else, to the point he’ll blow borrowed money into gambling… He’s hopeless (laughs) But! I also think he’s sensible and a very masculine character. When I played his role, I made sure to show the fact that other than the Yamada brothers, he’s the youngest amongst the characters in Hypnosis Mic. I tried to pour in more energy and keenness to show the difference between him and the older characters. Actually, he’s close to me in age, so there are a lot of aspects of him that I can relate to.”

ーWhat kind of team do you think Fling Posse is? And please tell us what you think Amemura Ramuda and Yumeno Gentaro are like.

“Fling Posse is a team that seems to not get along, but gets along anyways. Ramuda did something shocking in this CD; Gentaro who always lies also makes it difficult to know what is true about him and what is not. It’s hard to figure them out completely. Therefore, people might think that they can’t really get along. However, the three share the same desire of not wanting to lose in the Territory Battle, so as a team, they are super close and very cute together (laughs).”

— For each song, please tell me your main focus during recording, the highlight of it, and your favourite lyrics.  

“3$EVEN”

This song is exactly about Dice’s life as a gambler, I recorded in a way that makes sure people can tell that Dice loves gambling a lot!  Personally, I love the part that goes, “Hit it! Hit it!” (laughs

“Shibuya Marble Texture -PCCS-”

I thought that I should make this song very Shibuya-like by emphasising on its pitch that’s much higher than other divisions’ team songs. Dice usually sings in baritone, so I try to not lose the Diceness while singing in a higher pitch. I like the part “We’ll show you how different Fling Posse bets.”

“BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE”

When I recorded it, I wanted to be able to show Dice’s faith and his absolute confidence clearly. I don’t think Dice thinks about losing or how the battle will end or anything like that at all. He is purely enjoying the battle with the opponent right in front of him. The lyrics “Always prepare for the worst, that’s Dead or Alive” is the coolest I think.

—What impressions do you have on Matenrou’s Jinguji Jakurai, Izanami Hifumi and Kannonzaka Doppo whom you’re having a showdown with in BATTLE SEASON?

“The last-boss vibes that Shinjuku gives off is intense (laughs). They’re also the only ones who use kanjis in their team name. Jakurai’s rap heals, so I am very curious about what would happen in a one-on-one battle against him. Hifumi has three different personalities, so I want to see what he does with the rap of each personality. Doppo is always apologizing, I can’t picture him fighting!?!  Despite thinking that, he is surprisingly aggressive when he’s in a battle; I’m really charmed by such a gap in character.”

—Please tell me your impressions on Ikebukuro Division and Yokohama Division. Did anyone in those divisions get your attention?

“Naturally, Ikebukuro’s teamwork is exceptionally good because they are brothers. Actually, I really like their team song (laughs).  Yokohama seems roughs (laughs). Their leader is a Yakuza after all. Yet surprisingly, they get along pretty well. Busujima Mason Riou is pretty interesting, even Samatoki and Juto have to behave in front of him. He also took care of Dice by feeding him (laughs). I think he’s simply the strongest.”

—Please give a message to the fans!

“After this, the plot will definitely thicken even more and the contents will be awesome, so please everyone! Please continue to support us!!”

This is part 2 of the Matenrou interview of Animage 483, for part 1 please read here. It’s about Matenrou and Jakurai’s VA Hayami Show san.

Continuation of the Story by Kannonzaka Doppo’s VA Ito Kento

Bad at Household Chores But an Able Working Corporate Slave

—— As this is Matenrou’s second CD release, what is your impression of Kannonzaka Doppo?

Ito: When Doppo raps, he steadily becomes more and more dangerous (laughs). Although he wasn’t able to speak his mind when he first started, he might get better at expressing himself little by little. As usual, he’s menial, but I think he is able change that into a strength. For that to happen, it may be because his teammates Jinguji Jakurai and Izanami Hifumi’s presence have become larger.

—— What do you pay attention to when you are acting as Doppo?

Ito: It was a challenge to record with that much negative emotion infused. When I’m in Tokyo, it’s easy to trace Doppo’s actions, like remembering being shaken in a crowded train…. He even wears a suit so it’s even harder. I’m glad my job doesn’t require wearing a suit (laughs).

—— Doppo is perhaps the sole corporate slave character, but how do you feel about this?

Ito: I wonder how much of a corporate slave he is. I don’t think being a salesperson is the most suitable job for Doppo, I wonder if he’s okay. First, Doppo should have a car because it would be tough for Doppo to go around for business by train. Having a car would make it easier. Perhaps Hifumi would buy him a car since he has more money (laughs). I don’t know if he has enough income for a car…

—— A line in Hifumi’s part of “-Division Battle Anthem-” is “12,346,600 Monthly,” so we can estimate his monthly sales to be over 10,000,000 [yen]. If the club shares 50% of the sales with him, then that is a quite an income.

Ito: If it’s not a luxury car, it’s likely that he’d get one for Doppo…?! But if he does that, Doppo’s self worth might fade away (laughs).

——Hifumi possibly has expensive taste, what does Doppo think about him?

Ito: There are times when he’s unpleasant yet he is an indispensable existence. Speaking of it, in the BATTLE CD’s drama part, we learn that they live together.  I thought, “you guys get along too well,” but there are lots of guys that live together. Even around me, I know some people that have roommates. It’s cheaper than paying rent alone, and it’s just easier overall (laughs). The hours they go to work are literally day and night so there is no need for meddling more than necessary. I think they’ve achieved a nice shared livelihood.

—— What do you think Doppo feels about Hifumi’s best-host mode when he’s wearing his suit and his gynophobia side?

Ito: They’ve known each other since forever; Doppo should know why Hifumi has gynophobia. Host, gynophobe, and  his usual mode are the three sides Hifumi has, so Doppo shouldn’t be confused or uncomfortable.

—— There is a scene where Hifumi makes Doppo breakfast, to which Doppo replies with, “Today’s breakfast is grilled salmon, huh?” Did you get the impression that Hifumi often cooks for them?

Ito: On the outside, it looks like Doppo is the one taking care of Hifumi, but it’s actually Hifumi that takes care of Doppo. Like how Hifumi mends Doppo’s suits when they get torn. I’m certain that Doppo is a guy bad at all household chores and decision making, but when he’s out, Doppo is competent. He can contemplate things over and over, and then turn it into action. In the drama part of the first CD, “Matenrou -Clinical Phonetics-,” they head to the apartment of a customer of the host club Hifumi works at. There, Doppo predicted that she would jump and prepared a mat, did he not? How he was able to prepare that in a short time is a bit comedic though (laughs); that was some really good work.

The “Unexpected” Light Shining into the Repetitive Every Day

—— What impression do you have about Jakurai?

Ito: For Doppo, Jakurai is the person he trusts the most besides Hifumi. He is who Doppo consults with, but I also think he’s a mentor. The two of them, Hifumi and Jakurai, help lift Doppo up as they walk together. In the drama part this time, you can feel the depth of Jakurai’s connection to Amemura Ramuda. You really can’t tell if there’s something there, though I think that the incident that caused this connection surely surpasses any imagination. But even though Doppo is curious, he won’t actively push to know. If Jakurai would someday tell him, I think he would be overjoyed.

—— Is Doppo undergoing Jakurai’s counseling right now?

Ito: I believe he is. Since the setting of the BATTLE CD went from Shinjuku Division to Chuuoku, I can’t say if there has been a change in their regular relationship, though I still think it’s needed for Doppo.

—— In the 1st CD, before becoming a member of Matenrou, Doppo performs a rap in front of Jakurai. In his lyrics is the line “Society is cold but somehow it’s warmer now,” what does it mean?

Ito: I actually haven’t heard from Kimura Subaru-san what his thoughts were when he wrote the lyrics. Maybe holding the Hypnosis Mic is like a portal to something unlike what Doppo is used to. And that might be what he’s been looking for in his repetitive daily life. I wouldn’t say that it’s hope, but it’s a ray of light that shines through and reached him; the warmth [he mentioned in the lyrics] probably refers to that.  He must have been very happy when he first received the mic, after everything that happened.  It’s the same for Hifumi I think. Doppo and Hifumi would be first and second place if the characters held an awkwardness competition.

—— In the BATTLE CD were interactions with each of the other divisions. There is a scene where he drinks Busujima Mason Riou’s special-made drink, although it had a taste that made Aohitsugi Samatoki, Iruma Juto, and Hifumi faint, only Doppo was able to drink it without trouble.

Ito: It’s only my idea of what happened, but I think Doppo loves nutrition drinks. Health recovery maybe? (laughs) Taste may come second for a healthy body. Drinking without prejudice and the likes of not being afraid to try things is one of Doppo’s nice points.

—— In the 2nd drama part “Just A Friend,” Hifumi went out at night in Chuuoku and was then chased by women.

Ito: It was nice to know what Doppo would do when confronting women. Ah, of course he’d run. He even screams (laughs).

—— He didn’t seem happy at all, did he?

Ito: Doppo isn’t the type to go out in public, I guess he never thought he would be like an idol.

—— There, they had a chance encounter with Yumeno Gentaro and Arisugawa Dice and had a quarrel.

Ito: Subaru also wrote the lyrics for that part. Doppo’s “I’m sorry” and similar words are a shield making a nice steady style. The recording this time was also fun, I got carried along by Subaru’s enthusiasm in the direction room. We also learned how the two fight in the absence of Jakurai. But it wasn’t the real fight, which is why they didn’t use their full power. Also, Doppo worried about what others think of him, as he understood that this is not the place to fight. These two are still hiding their claws. I wonder if I was able to incorporate that in my acting.

—— Do you have any members you are interested in after this recording?

Ito: I’m a member of Matenrou, but I like Dice. His gambler way of life is great; it’s something I very much don’t think I can do (laughs). Actually, Fling Posse is a burning presence in me, their songs and relationships are also nice. They don’t have a common goal, and with the exception of Ramuda, a novelist and gambler aren’t very Shibuya-Division-like jobs. However, surely for these three, there has to be a reason why it has to be Shibuya.

Lurking in the Dirty City, the Tale of Matenrou continues

—— “BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE” begins with Doppo’s attack.

Ito: It was surprising that I was first. Because it’s the firing shot, the lyrics were a simple attack on Shibuya. There’s a strong feeling of camaraderie in this song. For example, Dice attacked Doppo and Hifumi follows up by returning his lyrics. I thought it was as if the three were really fighting. Also, the three’s final lyrics really stood out. They said, “No matter how hard your past was” — what was their past like? Why did they become the men of Shinjuku? I hope you have fun imagining it.

—— Doppo’s scream of “Matenrou!” is quite impressionable.

Ito: That was originally not in the demo, but was decided during the recording. It really fires up the atmosphere for a rap battle, no? During the discussion with everyone, we talked about adding more Dopponess into the song, and that’s how it happened. However, Shibuya’s “Posse Posse” is chanted by the whole Fling Posse, whereas I’m doing this alone (laughs).

—— What do you think about the team song “Shinjuku Style ~Don’t Make Me Laugh~”?

Ito: Firstly, the demo which was given to us by Rappagariya was amazing. Usually demos are just the melodies without any effects or arrangements, but his demo was so cool and with lots of effects. It was totally ready to be put into a CD as is. Thanks to that, it was easy to picture the final product. But this song is so difficult. When I was practicing at home it almost made me cry.

—— Have you watched the trailer for this song?

Ito: The video shows the streets of Shinjuku from the point of view of the characters. I am glad that there are also cuts where Doppo is getting on subways and walking up stairs. In those cuts, the camera was facing downwards which was so just like Doppo. Shinjuku, especially Kabukicho, is filled with billboards of portraits and texts. There are even taglines like “profession: hottie.” It’s an interesting place. This song seems scarier than Fling Posse’s team song, maybe Shinjuku is seen as a scary place. When I listen to the song, a picture of Matenrou swaggering together through downtown comes to my mind. However, this might make the other divisions more aggressive against us. Don’t get me wrong, Shinjuku is not scary at all… is what I want to tell them (laughs).

—— Doppo’s solo song, “Tigridia,” from the first CD sure has a different impression from the BATTLE CD.

Ito: I think the Doppo in this song is the everyday Doppo. While he says that he’s walking alone, it’s not actually like that. In terms of time, it could be his song from before he became a member of Matenrou, or shortly after he joined. I myself really like this song. Since I sang this song, it’s a bit embarrassing to recommend it to people, but I recommend it (laughs). To start with the song’s track, it’s very cool, so even just the instrumental version is superb.

—— Is there something you would like to do with “Hypnosis Mic” in the future?

Ito: What I had been wanting to do until now is a live show and it’s coming soon. It’s crazy how we made it all the way to hosting a concert! However, now I am a bit anxious that I won’t be able to sing properly. It’s a great challenge and afterwards, I want to try to hold a live show in Shinjuku. It’d be nice if the venue is related to the characters, but we might be yelled at if we do it in hospitals and offices (laughs). Host clubs might be the most likely to let us do so. And maybe a surprise pop-up concert. I think a flash-mob kind of performance would work for this project. How about it? I want to do it.

—— This time is the reveal of the outcome, what will happen?

Ito: From the songs, I get the image that Fling Posse is pop and Matenrou is shady. Which side will be eliminated is determined by the audiences. I am worried that the shadiness of Matenrou might scare away some people. However, the “women and men of Shinjuku”* who support Matenrou probably already know the charm and the underlying enchantment of shadiness. How Matenrou’s story will develop from this point on, I myself want to know as well. Therefore, please kindly vote for us.

* Fans of Hypnosis Mic are sometimes referred to as “Women/Men of [     ] Division”

This article comes from the Animage Magazine vol. 483, please buy the magazine to support them and get the exclusive images!

(You can read part 2 about Doppo and his VA Itou Kento here.)

The Bonds of the City that Never Sleeps

The second part of the Territory Battle has begun. With their strong lyrics that bewitch one’s heart, will the bonds of Matenrou be able to pierce through their fated rivals?

Shinjuku Division – the city under shimmering neon lights that never sleeps. Here resides a doctor of great prestige who goes by the name of Jinguji Jakurai, a former member of the legendary team The Dirty Dawg. Every day, patients bearing both wounds of the body and heart seek his aid. One of these patients was Kannonzaka Doppo who is suffering from social anxiety.

In order to save Izanami Hifumi, his childhood friend whose life was being threatened, Doppo sought help from Jakurai. That is how the three of them met. Taking an interest in Doppo and Hifumi, Jakurai invited them both to his team.

After forming Matenrou, Doppo and Hifumi remained being as awkward and eccentric as ever, but now as a team they become each other’s most important and reliable comrade, shouldering the future of  Shinjuku Division together.

And now, the day on which Chuuoku organized a territory battle for Matenrou has arrived. Their opponents, Shibuya Division’s Fling Posse, are led by Amemura Ramuda who has a deep and convoluted antagonism between himself and Jakurai. Once again, without Jakurai being aware of it, Ramuda is involved with someone from Chuuoku, the governmental district that dominates all men. Jakurai can’t be too careful around him.

The victor of this battle will soon be decided. With Matenrou’s scalpel-sharp lyrics that can be used as both poison and medication at will, can they pierce the heart of the trickster leader of Fling Posse? And what does Jakurai think of his fated rival…

Jinguji Jakurai

A renowned medical genius. He has top-class rap skills and a gentleness that shows no bias towards anyone. If there is any flaw to his otherwise perfect self, it is his transformation into a true Tokyoite through the consumption of alcohol. He considers Hifumi and Doppo as precious friends whom he cannot leave alone.

Contact

Jakurai maintains solid communication with his companions. He listens patiently to Doppo’s troubles, and when their days off overlap, drives them all out to go fishing.  Since Doppo has been sleeping in on his days off he missed the invitation and has yet to join them.

A Man of Character

He gently reprimands people without seeking repentance and steers clear of alcohol (partly because he loses memory after drinking) – someone who can be compared to a Buddha. With such a personality, the only person Jakurai couldn’t stand is Ramuda. What on earth is going on between these two…?

Izanami Hifumi

Sociable, bubbly, and also an extreme gynophobe. Became a host to overcome his fear of women. However, his character only changes when he puts on his suit. While he becomes a suave, composed gigolo in the face of women, it does not actually tackle the root of the problem.

Host Mode

While spending a night at town in Chuuoku, Hifumi wore his suit to calm down after feeling unsettled by Jakurai’s warning of the battles’ popularity with women. Activating his Host Mode, he seized the opportunity to roam the streets. The shift from his extreme gynophobia to extreme gynephilia doesn’t seem to be conscious.

Domestic Skill

Hifumi is surprisingly adept at household chores. He is roommates with Doppo and cooks breakfast for the both of them. When Doppo’s suits gets torn, he mends them. It is probably only thanks to Hifumi that Doppo who lives an unhealthy lifestyle is still alive.

Kannonzaka Doppo

An office worker so thoroughly exhausted that he cannot recover even if he sleeps through his days off. He depends on his roommate, Hifumi, to take care of the domestic chores. Has a negative disposition. Because he apologizes so frequently at work, “I’m sorry” has become his pet phrase.

Spectacle

This territory battle exists as a spectacle for the women watching. The men who participate in the battles are treated as idols, thus strolling about without a care will get them overrun by a flock of female fans. Whether it is a good or bad thing depends on the person himself. Hifumi in his host mode was overjoyed to be surrounded by women while Doppo was screaming and running away.

Camaraderie

That night in Chuuoku, Hifumi and Doppo ran into Gentaro and Dice. It started off with Hifumi poking fun at Gentaro’s choice in clothing but ended up with Dice and Doppo arguing,   instigating a Mic Battle. Rather than taking offense at the insults directed at themselves, Hifumi and Doppo, as well as Gentaro and Dice, were more defensive against the insults directed at their trusted companions. Unfortunately, their battle was interrupted as it attracted more attention from women, but they still managed to strengthen their bonds within their teams.

Fate

The clash between Fling Posse and Matenrou doubles as a showdown between their leaders. Beyond warning his teammates of Ramuda’s “inhumanity,” Jakurai says nothing about their connection. In Ramuda’s case, he seems to avoid speaking about Jakurai altogether towards his own teammates. However, regardless of their mutual animosity, Jakurai still tirelessly admonishes Ramuda…

Enigmatic Men   
Jinguji Jakurai’s VA Hayami Show

“Doctor that can’t be swayed by money and patient that can’t be left alone”

–What kind of a person is Jinguji Jakurai?

Hayami:  Although there is still a lot unknown about him, he is a humane doctor who cannot be bought, who is incredibly gentle, and who brims with humanism. In a place like Shinjuku Division, there ought to be all kinds of patients visiting Jakurai. Amongst those patients, there are people who can’t afford the expensive medical fees, and people with questionable backgrounds… Yet the person who’d treat them all properly and equally is none other than Jakurai. You’d think that doctors are all rich people, but since he puts healing people before money, maybe he doesn’t earn that much (laughs). I think that the car he owns is certainly not an expensive one. Even though Jakurai seems to be so benevolent and perfect, in the drama part of our first CD “Matenrou -Clinical Phonetics-” we saw how much of a big mess he caused when he was drunk. With a side like that, I feel that he’s quite well-rounded as a human being.

–So for Izanami Hifumi and Kannonzaka Doppo, what do you think about them?

Hayami: To Jakurai, they’re like his two cute little brothers. Of course as part of Matenrou, they rap in order to join battles, but the two must have wished to move towards a more decent life through rap. Jakurai has a lot of patients, but they’re the number one and two patients that he just can’t leave alone. I also feel developments in Hifumi and Doppo’s characters after they got the hypnosis mics. When you look at each of them individually, you can find quite a few shortcomings, but when they’re rapping together, they offset each others’ limitations and bring each other up.  


–In this Battle CD, it felt like there’s even more to Jakurai and Amemura Ramuda’s past.

Hayami: Details of the past between the two are not fully disclosed. The two were very mysterious to begin with. Actually, I don’t know the whole backstory either and it could be easier to act not knowing things. Ramuda is a strange kid. Even when I was recording I was annoyed; not by Shirai Yusuke who voiced him, but by Ramuda himself (laughs). The way he talks is so insensitive that it’s almost unbearable. Furthermore, Ramuda is 24 years old. Never in my life have I seen a 24-years-old who says things like “It’s ◯◯☆” or  “Oneesan♪.” However, someone like Ramuda is very popular amongst women… It gets on my nerves (laughs).


–There’s also bad blood between Yamada Ichiro and Aohitsugi Samatoki. Does Jakurai know what happened between them?

Hayami: Of course he knows, I think Jakurai watched it happened. However, it’s only with Ramuda that he couldn’t just watch. In the drama part of the Battle CD, it was revealed that Ramuda is connected to people from Chuuouku. Jakurai might not know about that specifically, but I don’t think he would tolerate such duplicity of Ramuda. Hifumi’s host mode while he’s in his suit is a different story, of course. Jakurai can and would accept any kind of people, but perhaps it’s just difficult for him to agree with Ramuda’s way of doing things.


–Will the mystery of their previous relationship ever be unveiled?

Hayami: I think it will, little by little. I feel that the story of “Hypnosis Mic” is full of mysteries, and these complicated relationships and mysteries are unraveled in rap. Therefore, as the story unfolds, rap is still going to play an important role.  

–You never had any experience with rap before this, right?

Hayami: You’re right. That’s why, when they offered, I joined the project only after making sure they know that I know nothing about rap… Actually, the lyrics of Jakurai’s song didn’t completely match his personality in the story. But as the story develops and he gets more raps, the lyrics and his personality fit together better. Incidentally, Jakurai’s solo song “Labyrinth Wall” is tailored for my voice. Therefore I thought that if I work hard on my skills, poetry rapping, and rapping as Jakurai, I will get there someday. However, when I first heard  the demo of “Labyrinth Wall,” I didn’t know what poetry rap was or that it even existed and how it had classical music as its track. I was so appalled I asked my manager, “What the hell is this?” (laughs)

–The first live of “Hypnosis Mic” is coming up on August 26th, right?

Hayami: At this stage, the set list has not been finalized yet and I’m a bit worried about whether I can remember all the lyrics by then. By the way, the junior from my agency, Nozuyama (Yukihiro) who voices Arisugawa Dice, has already memorized everything perfectly. If we’re doing all songs including the solos at the live… that’s exactly what “Don’t Make Me Laugh” is about, I just gotta make it work no matter what.

“Let the lyrics created by these men be your heart’s oasis”

–The deadline of the Battle CDs’ voting is coming up.

Hayami: It seems that everyone gave us so much support, I’m glad. However, please do it without affecting your daily lifestyle. That being said, I also hate to lose. It’d be nice if each one of you could take one small action to bring Matenrou towards victory.


–What kind of actions for example?

Hayami: Try something like sneakily placing the CDs and merchandise around someone you’d like to get into Hypnomic… (laughs). If anyone can recommend it to others like, “it’s good, try listening to it” that’d be nice too, but maybe try making people who are already interested in Matenrou love Matenrou. For me, I stealthily follow pedestrians in Shinjuku, whisper Jakurai’s lines behind them, and just brainwash them casually.


–What kind of team would you like Matenrou to become in the future?

Hayami: Matenrou is a group made up of the most mature people amongst the four divisions. Even though they’re weird, I want them to become a team that is able to give dreams, hope and love to others as grownups. I think Shinjuku, the model of Shinjuku Division, is very charming. It’s a place that has the entertainment district Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyo-en Park that’s close by, and many corporate buildings. The rap which was born in such a chaotic place will probably be forever bizzare and scandalous.  

From now on, if possible, I hope our rap and the other divisions’ raps can be the oasis for the hearts of our listeners where they can be healed. Actually, the casts of Matenrou haven’t had the chance to meet up and do something together yet, so I hope we will do more of that in the future. Then as we get closer to each other, I hope we can deliver better contents with profundity in our drama parts.

Please read part 1: Golby’s interview here! He’s a great man. 

Buster Bros!!! Generation

M1. Ore ga Ichiro (I am Ichiro) / Yamada Ichiro (CV: Kimura Subaru)            Lyrics: Cola Bintaro, Composition & Arrangement: Gesshoku Kaigi

If there is a radar chart on rapper abilities, I think Ichiro is the most well-balanced. The chart data points would be: rhyme, rhythm, freestyle, and vibes. Certainly feels like an orthodox rapper. His rhymes are tight and the level of completion is high, and after seeing Kimura Subaru-san’s staging (how he acts on stage), I thought that this had to be someone who is an active rapper.

M2. Sensenfukoku / Yamada Jiro (CV: Ishiya Haruki)                                    Lyrics & Composition & Arrangement: Gesshoku Kaigi

Compared to Ichiro-kun, Jiro-kun has longer rhymes, but his energy is similar to Ichiro-kun’s though. It might be because he admires his brother Ichiro that Ichiro’s rap is textbook to him.

M3. New star / Yamada Saburo (CV: Amasaki Kouhei)                                  Lyrics & Composition & Arrangement: Miura Koshi (Sampling: “Aria on G String” Composition: Johann Sebastian)

Saburo’s taste is just a bit different from the other two. This song out of the three is the most modern. In recent MC battles, there are a lot of young rappers that are like this. Freely packing words into flow to a slow beat. He feels like a child of his time without a doubt. If Ichiro-kun and Saburo-kun fought in reality, even if Ichiro-kun has skills, I think Saburo-kun could also win with this beat. There’s also been a case where I’ve had a crushing defeat by a young one (laughs).

On top of that, Ikebukuro Division’s voices are well-balanced. When it comes to overtone, combining low tones with high tones creates a very pleasing sound. Ichiro’s bass-baritone with Jiro’s baritone with Saburo’s tenor combined makes a rich voice that lacks nothing. I think them being brothers as part of the character settings is wonderful.

BAYSIDE M.T.C

M1. G anthem of Y-CITY / Aohitsugi Samatoki (CV: Asanuma Shintaro) Lyrics: Cypress Ueno, Composition & Arrangement: ALI-KICK

Earlier I mentioned that the four divisions aren’t all that different, but Yokohama Division is the only one that embodies the Yokohama style. Because DJ PMX-san publicized G-Funk (Gangster Funk), a genre born from the American west coast (west side), to Japan from Yokohama, the image of Yokohama=West Side is strong. Yokohama is a port city with a US military base, so I think it clicks with the bouncy kind of beat as if some US soldiers are running along the coast.This song, with an air of sorrow hanging in the beat, is also very West Side. What’s more, Yokohama MC loves Yokohama so there are quite a few names of the places in Yokohama in the song. The song even has lyrics like “Yokohama’s pride” and “coastal city” that gives it the Yokohama vibes.

M2. Bayside Smoking Blues / Iruma Juto (CV: Komada Wataru)                    Lyrics: KURO, Composition: CHIVA, KURO Arrangement: CHIVA from BUZZER BEATS for D.O.C

Using the number “045” is often a feature of Yokohama rappers since it is Yokohama’s area code. I think that’s where the “45” in his MC name comes from. His voice and the ways he sings are very distinct; it’s so much like BOZ, a Yokohama rapper, that it surprised me. 

M3. What’s My Name? / Busujima Mason Riou (CV: Kamio Shinichiro) Lyrics: UZI, Composition & Arrangement: ALI-KICK

This song with its G-Funk is the most Yokohama-like out of Yokohama Division. The “piii” electric sound and the snare’s “boom” is heavily used, it gives that West Side feeling. This song also has lyrics relating to Yokohama such as “‘Hama’s custom”, so compared to the other divisions, you can feel the hometown love. “Our division is not like yours so don’t come near us,” - you can see how strong their sense of community is.

Matenrou -Clinical Phonetics-

M1. Labyrinth Wall / Jinguji Jakurai (CV: Hayami Show)                               Lyrics: GADORO, Composition & Arrangement: Yokoyama Masaru

Earlier I mentioned a radar chart, well Jakurai-sensei is the type that has a very irregular shape. A speaking like rapping, the genre is known as “poetry reading”. Instead of rhythm and vibes, it’s the speed at which he chases the words that draws people in. There are not many rappers in Japan with this kind of voice, the kind that comes from the depths of the abdomen. I can really feel the voice actor’s prowess.

M2. Champagne Gold / Izanami Hifumi (CV: Kijima Ryuichi)                        Lyrics: Fujimori Shingo, Composition & Arrangement: Gesshoku Kaigi

His voice gives a slightly different impression from the battle song. The song is very upbeat and carefree, but his singing feels a bit serious. It feels like host mode Hifumi. His MC name is GIGOLO, but there are a lot of gigolo rappers. Being a host is a night profession, and in the past MC Battle and events were usually held at night. In this sense, a host and rapper could be pretty similar.

M3. Tigridia / Kannonzaka Doppo (CV: Itou Kento)                                        Lyrics: Yanosuke (from AFRO PARKER), Composition: Boy Genius (from AFRO PARKER), Arrangement: AFRO PARKER

I personally love this song the most. Although the word choice is peculiar, a scene seems to unfold through the lyrics. It’s not told straight, the words are spoken under a mask…Doppo-kun is a lyricst. I can feel Doppo-kun’s character and his world view. If we are to speak about “Shinjuku Style”, amongst the real-life rappers, Kan a.k.a GAMI-san would be the guy. He is a lyricist that portrays the real world with his unique perspective. The idea behind is completely different, but the point about “expressing the real world” could be Doppo-kun’s “Shinjuku Style” in a sense.

Fling Posse -F.P.S.M-

M1. drops / Amemura Ramuda (CV: Shirai Yusuke)                                        Lyrics: CHI-MEY, Composition: Mike Woods, Kevin White, CHI-MEY, Andrew Bazzi, MZMC, Arrangement: CHI-MEY, Mike Woods, Kevin White, MZMC

This song has a hook that makes you sing along, and is quite mellow; seems like it’s more wildly-accepted by listeners. Ramuda-kun’s voice is distinct, in a mic relay this sort of person’s verse is very exciting. Like TWIGY-san’s verse in “Testimony” that got all the heads (hardcore hip hop fans) charged up, there are probably a lot fans that get excited by Ramuda-kun’s verse.

M2. Scenario Liar / Yumeno Gentaro (CV: Saito Soma)                                  Lyrics: Mori Shingen (Alaska Jam/DSC), Composition: RhymeTube & Mori Shingen (Alaska Jam/DSC), Arrangement: RhymeTube

Gentaro-kun, like Jakurai-sensei, does “poetry reading”. His radar chart would also have an irregular shape to it. Since there are many hardcore hip hop heads that are sensitive people, his rapping style would get him loyal fans. Unlike Doppo-kun, I got the impression that his head has 2-3 screws loose. Actually, there are many poetry reading style rappers that are a bit strange. It feels like they see the world in a different way. What I mean is that I think Gentaro-kun being a novelist is appropriate. Also, in “Division Rap Battle” only Gentaro-kun had alliteration​s (rhyming with the first syllable of the word). It was very impressive.

M3. 3$EVEN / Arisugawa Dice (CV: Nozuyama Yukihiro)                                Lyrics: Mori Shingen (Alaska Jam/DSC), Composition: BVDDHASTEP & Mori Shingen (Alaska Jame/DSC), Arrangement: BVDDHASTEP

The concept of a rapper crossed with a gambler is really fun. For rappers, their voice is very important, and Dice-kun’s voice is high but has depth and breadth. I feel like this voice shines when rapping.

Shibuya Division is an unlikely combination. I feel like Ramuda-kun and Dice-kun would naturally come together, but, when it comes to people like Gentaro-kun and their artist nature, I got the impression that he would prefer being alone. When you think about it, these three are a strange combination aren’t they.

Buster Bros!!! VS MAD TRIGGER CREW

M1. WAR WAR WAR                                                                                        Lyrics: EGO & TENZAN, Composition & Arrangement: yuto.com & Kiwy

Compared to “BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE”, I think this MC Battle ended up bloodier. In here is mutual hatred; I feel the serious conflict between one and the other. There’s an age difference between Ikebukuro and Yokohama, so I got the impression that Yokohama was not taking Ikebukuro seriously. I guess Yokohama is the fearsome adults and Ikebukuro is like the mischievous B-Boy. In that sense, their set to fight and bad blood are well expressed.

M2. IKEBUKURO WEST GAME PARK                                                          Lyrics: Cola Bintaro, Composition & Arrangement: Gesshoku Kaigi

A mic relay is cool, exciting and appeals to the majority. Personally, I thought Ikebukuro Division brings to mind the vibes of KICK THE CAN CREW-san. There are some similarities between them - KICK THE CAN CREW-san were also a crew of 3 MCs and were active in Ikebukuro clubs in the past.

M3. Yokohama Walker                                                                                      Lyrics: peko, Composition & Arrangement: ist

This song also has a melodious and West Side feel to it. It surprised me that Osakan rapper peko was in charge of the lyrics. Even in this song, Yokohama-related phrases like “‘Hama’s mad dog” and “base camp” are frequently used. I think it’s a song that brings out the “Yokohama-ness”.

Fling Posse VS Matenrou

M1. BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE                                                                      Lyrics: KEN THE 390, Composition: RhymeTube

With this song here, rather than a serious battle, I embrace the concept of it being a collision of skills where they make fools of their opponents. An enjoyable feeling of a playful battle. Perhaps that’s the difference between WAR and BATTLE. WAR is an organized, prolonged conflict, but this here feels like a sports match. Actually, it’s said that MC battles are becoming a sport now. In the past, there were times where MC battle disses would grow into fights, but now there are more young ones shaking hands and saying “I’m sorry for earlier” after the battle is over.

Also, the interaction between Ramuda-kun and Jakurai-sensei is interesting in this song. Whatever Jakurai-sensei says to lecture him, Ramuda-kun sneezes at it and brushes it away. This gets Jakurai-sensei losing his dignity, and his words begin to sound cheap. For example, Jakurai-sensei said “patient (Kranke)” but Ramuda-kun has the funny comeback of “Franken[stein]” which isn’t related at all. This would totally fire up the audiences, and immediately makes “patient” sounds like a joke. It’s an interesting balance of power. But, even if Ramuda-kun creates an advantageous situation, Jakurai-sensei could turn it around because, until the very end, he doesn’t depart from his own style. When it’s between two people who have unyielding beliefs, you won’t know the outcome until the very last turn, that’s what I think makes MC battles interesting.

M2. Shibuya Marble Texture -PCCS-                                                            Lyrics: Yanosuke (from AFRO PARKER), Composition: Avec Avec & Yanosuke (from AFRO PARKER), Arrangement: Avec Avec

Recently, there have been an increasing number of this fashionable, pop-style rap. Young kids are full of emotion; I feel like they are taking in US trends and mix it into their style. Such clever and multi-talented style is just like Ramuda-kun who’s a fashion designer.

M3. Shinjuku Style ~Don’t Make Me Laugh~                                                  Lyrics: Mr. Q & Yama☮Man (Rappagariya), Composition: Kensaku (noTOKYO) & hatch (Mellow Monk Connection), Arrangement: Rappagariya

It does feel very Jakurai-sensei, but there is a slightly different image for Doppo and Hifumi. It feels like the two are trying their hardest alongside Jakurai-sensei. Rappagariya-san, the one in charge of the lyrics, is known as a legend; this song of course screams “Rappagariya”. Since the average age of these three are higher, they might want to sound more classical, and therefore it might have been a deliberate decision to not try new things. “In contrary to the cutting-edge Shibuya, Shinjuku doesn’t do such superficial things” could have been the idea. Because young kids are experts at using clever tricks, veterans gotta stay true to their style. In fact, that’s how light-heartedly the young ones are taking to the audience in real life.

Ask the pro rapper! HYPMIC MUSIC REVIEW

We split the interview in half for the sake of typesetting, please read Golby’s review on Hypmic CDs here! 

So, what even is a MC battle? What is dissing all about? Etcetera, etcetera - to answer all the questions from you, who’ve set foot into the the world of MC battles through “Hypmic”, we’ve interviewed Golby-san! Furthermore, reviews of “Hypmic” songs from the eyes of a rapper are also a must-read!

This, is the man who’s going to tell us all! 

GOLBY

An MC who blasted his name known nationwide via many MC battles, using his unique, matchless rhyme.

2015 - Champion of “Sengoku MC BATTLE Kansai CH.11”

2018 - Champion of “Sengoku MC BATTLE crossover”

What’s interesting about MC battles, is that you can’t win with cheap tricks

——How is your impression on “Hypnosis Mic”?

First, I thought it was nice that the character settings are easy to understand. When it comes to real life people, we don’t go all out [in showing emotions], but rapping in character gives them some background to base on, making it easier to express their personalities. Actually, in recent years, MC battles themselves have appeared anime and manga like. For example, “The so-and-so of Osaka” and “The Elite Four” etc., there are many names and titles that are very anime-like. That’s why I feel that characters and rap are suitable for each other. Also, since the cast are pros at handling their voices, everyone was very skilled at rapping. Especially in terms of intonation, as expected. To apply intonation, one must pour their emotions into their singing. Actually, it’s pretty embarrassing for me (laughs). I think it’s amazing to pull that off really.

——Phrases like “represent _____” are often used but also in “Hypnosis Mic” rap battles are conducted by each division’s representative. How important is regionality in rap?

It’s actually very important, as it’s also related to the final result of MC battles. For example, there’d be times that even A was doing so much better, yet the awkward B shoulders the fate of more people drawing the audience in a lot more. Locals from the same hometown would join and take the same van to Tokyo for nationwide competitions. That would act as their backbone, which audiences can resonate with; no matter how skilled they are or how eloquent they speak, it wouldn’t be able to fire up the crowd. Cheap tricks just won’t get you victory in an MC battle, that’s what’s interesting about it. The sense of belonging and the feeling of a teen drama - I think these are things that “Hypnosis Mic” also shares.

——Do different regions have their own styles of rap?

Depending on the region, it can be totally different. For example, Okinawan rappers have a nice bass in their voice, and their word choices also show how they grew up in nature; something like that. There are rappers whose charisma comes from their locality and partly because of the influence of these people, the concepts of “nature” and “region” is born, so are phrases like “represent”. If it’s just “Tokyo” as a whole, the color is not strong enough; but each district within this city has their own distinct style. In that sense, I thought that each division of “Hypnosis Mic” didn’t had that much difference in styles. Maybe it’s because each Division’s leader originally belonged to the same team.

——There are people who rap about their own experiences and identity, right?

In general, yes. There’re quite a few of rappers in Japan who’re like Doppo-kun in “Hypnosis Mic”. Basically, there are many negative people. Unable to adjust to society, but only feels confident when rapping…I feel there are quite a number of rappers in real life who’re like that.

MC Battles make it easy to understand each other

——In MC Battles, fellow rappers would diss each other; sometimes I worry they might end up with hard feelings.

It’s like, even though they’re close as friends, that doesn’t mean that the MCs would agree with  each others’ style. In MC battles, you battle in conversations, responding to the opponent’s comments at their turn. In “BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE”, there are tons of disses attacking each others’ occupations and personalities. There are also cases where people diss with some compliments when their opponent is a rapper that they really respect. Something like, “I think you’re cool, but what’s up with you lately?” Also, MC battles in “Hypnosis Mic” have some moments of “self boasting”, which is saying how cool oneself is - this kind of rap is also common too. With winning and living up the crowd in mind, sometimes we attack and sometimes we praise; whatever it takes to fire up the atmosphere. It’s like a literary fight. Of course there are people who actually have bad blood with each other, and both sides of the MC battles feel antagonized. In those cases they usually just end up not being able to hold back at all. But it seems that quite often opponents who understand each other have interesting battles. How well do you get along with your opponents is really important, because being on stage would reflect your true relationship with them. By the way, I am close with everyone today, but a few years back we were absolutely not close (laughs). We didn’t talk and didn’t even look at each other backstage. But after meeting every week and having similar interests, I gradually became good friends with other MCs.

——Is there any meaning or difference between a solo MC battle and a team MC battle?

With team battles, I think its strength is that members can bring each other up while conversing in rap. For example, which crew they were trained in when they’re young, and how from there the strong MC became famous, and battled with the top MC from another area…formats like this are pretty common. It really feels like a battle manga. MC Battles are fought “3 on 3”. The last verse of battle songs in “Hypnosis Mic” where the characters’ parts are mixed is pretty close to real-life. Even though it’s freestyle, team members would cooperate by pondering “If it’s this kind of flow he’d probably rhyme this way”; that’s what really draws people in and gets them going, that’s one of the charms of team battles.

——Finally, please give us some tips on how to practice rhyming in our daily lives!

First things first, listen to a lot of Japanese rap. Listen a lot, hum a lot, and your brain will become a “brain for rap”. And that’s how you immerse your whole self into Japanese rap, maybe you can start with rhyming the vowels of 2 words. Then you let go of yourself and do the best you can! I have been doing it for 10 years but sometimes it’s still hard for me to do a full swing. 

(Bonus mini questions)

Q: How are the results of MC battles decided?

A: Of course sometimes the results would be determined by judges based on an standardized evaluation, but generally it’s up to the audience to decide. “Hypnosis Mic” is similar to real-life MC Battles in this sense.

Q: In “Hypnosis Mic”, are there any characters whom you don’t want to deal with, or whom you think you’d get along with?

A: I think I won’t be able to deal with Ramuda-kun. He looks like he’s good at improvising, but I can’t really handle that kind of youthful, happy-go-lucky type. In real life there are also MCs who’re the Ramuda type, but I don’t want to deal with them (laughs). Seems that I would get along with Ichiro-kun. He’s the orthodox type of rapper, battling with him would probably be really exciting.

This article is from the Pash! Magazine - please support them and get your own copy for more pics!

Carve the Rhyme! Shout the Flow! Hypmic MUSIC SUMMER

“Hypnosis Mic” gained even more traction from its album “Fling Posse VS Matenrou” released on 7/18. In this month’s issue, we’ll inspect the “Fling Posse VS Matenrou” CD through and through! Revealing Shirai Yusuke-san’s and Hayami Show-san’s comments, as well as rapper Golby-san’s review on the songs. Feel the profundity of MC Battles and “Hypnosis Mic”!

The team representing Shibuya Division is composed of Amemura Ramuda, Yumeno Gentaro, and Arisugawa Dice. Their coexistence with each other is in itself an oddity, but somehow they make the perfect balance?!

   Amemura Ramuda’s VA Shirai Yusuke’s Comments!

——Please tell us the charm of your character.

I think the charm of Amemura Ramuda-kun is his cute appearance, despite being 24 years old, and his playfulness. However, in this album he delivers a new kind of attractiveness all at once!! Along with the deepening of the mystery. Such mysteriousness is also one of Ramuda’s charms（  ´ ∀ ` ）.  

——Please tell us your impression of each song.

・“BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE”

I was a bit surprised that the intro was quiet, but I felt relieved that the lyrics were still an explosive battle（  ´ ∀ ` ）. It’s great that it clearly shows each division’s style! And that one phrase of Ramuda… I kept grinning throughout its recording (laughs).

・“Shibuya Marble Texture -PCCS-”

It’s a song with a stylish and laid-back feeling that Hypnosis Mic has never had until now! It’s the one song that really shows the delicate, complicated distance and relationship between the three members of Fling Posse. I’ve been playing it on repeat（  ´ ∀ ` ）. There’s a possibility that the upcoming story might change your interpretation of the song!

——Please tell us what you pay attention to when you are recording the rap.

One thing for sure is that I did my best to enunciate each word. When there was a part that rhymed within a phrase, I basically sang with the same nuance and tone; I think that’s what’s unique about rap! Well, for Ramuda, I had to sing to in a way that felt like his phrases ended with a bouncy feeling; small consideration like this are difficult,  （  ´ ∀ ` ）but I had fun recording every single time!!

——This time’s drama part showed an unexpected side, please tell us your focal point and direction during recording.

I was also very shocked when I read the script!! To what extent should I change his feel? While I was recording I spoke with the idea that I had to thoroughly do a complete 180; that’s how the Ramuda with a drastic difference was born（  ´ ∀ ` ）I really want to know exactly which is the real Ramuda!!

——Please tell us your thoughts after recording the battle song.

It’s the first time I recorded a drama CD with Shinjuku’s members so… well, speaking of recording, we didn’t get to record with everyone for the Shibuya only CD so recording with every was really fun（  ´ ∀ ` ）. When it came to Shinjuku, the first thing we heard about was Doppo’s and Hifumi’s relationship, it had me grinning (laughs). Then, it was why are Jakurai and Ramuda at opposition with each other, and what happened during The Dirty Dawg era? I can’t help but super curious about it!! I’m too excited for the future!!

——What is Ramuda’s relationship with his team members, and what do you think is their charm respectively?

・Gentaro

With Gentaro, no matter what he says you are always wondering if it was a lie or if it was the truth and that’s fun! I think Gentaro and Ramuda digging into each other is one of the highlights this time. The superb distant feelin of him wanting to know more about Ramuda but trying not to mess up their relationship by being too nosy is great!

・Dice

In contrast, Dice’s charm is how he doesn’t give a damn about other people! I’d say he’s a bit indifferent and a gambler at heart. As long as he can gamble, he’s fine with everything else - this kind of mindset really makes him a good balancer amongst the three of Fling Posse!

——Please give our readers a message, with something about this CD’s highlights and focus point.

You’ll discover a new side to everyone, from each division’s relationship, what has happened after they met, in addition to their interactions and opposition with other divisions!! And the developments from now on are hands down intriguing!! You might even see how the songs change depending on these developments. Please continue to support Hypnosis Mic (^o^)／And a clear vote for Shibuya Fling Posse!!!

The team representing Shinjuku Division is composed of Jinguji Jakurai, Izanami Hifumi, and Kannonzaka Doppo. Bearing the name of god and Buddha, just how are the three abilities in MC Battles?!  

        Jinguji Jakurai’s VA Hayami Show’s Comments!

——Please tell us the charm of your character.

His unwavering belief and boundless love for humanity that he puts first and foremost. As a person, even though he’s a full-time doctor, he enjoys going fishing with Hifumi, and doesn’t remember anything when he’s drunk; the human sides of the seemingly-flawless Jakurai are also his charm.

——Please tell us your impression of each song.

“BATTLE BATLLE BATTLE”

It’s interesting to catch a glimpse of Jakurai and Ramuda’s past in this upbeat battle song. I thought that this song is a condensation of each of the six people’s uniqueness and charm.

“Shinjuku Style ~Don’t Make Me Laugh~”

Well, when I first listened to it I was taken aback. By how cool it was! It starts chill, and then the trio’s striking rap changes the whole atmosphere in a snap! This song, is exactly in Shinjuku Style.

——Please tell me what you pay attention to when you are recording the rap.

The strength of the words, the sharpness of the rhyme, inflection- instead of Japanese, it’s more like a world woven with words and sounds. It’s interesting, but at the same time it’s fairly difficult.

——Please tell us what you are careful about and your direction when you are performing as Jakurai.

No, there’s nothing in particular. Just getting realistically angry, radically drunk, naturally losing memories (laughs). I just want to portray such a person naturally.

——Please tell us your thoughts after the battle song recording.

What happened between him and Ramuda in the past? It’s still not clear yet, but not unimaginable. There has to be some deliberate reason for the gentle Jakurai to have Ramuda anger him that much.

——How is Jakurai’s relationship with his team members, and what do you think is their charm respectively?

Hifumi

Hifumi is just adorable. I also like his transformation.

Doppo

Although Doppo is negative, he’s kind at heart and a very good young man. Both of them are weird at first glance, but they’re friends who truly trust each other.

——Please give our readers a message, with something about this CD’s highlights and focus point.

I think it’s become more and more stylish. Just like a usual rap song, our energy and tension is skyrocketing. I’ll be glad if people love this song with even more heat than this hot summer. Please continue to love Hypnosis Mic!