Performing Members:
1st Generation: Kawago Hina, Kawamura Mahiro, Saito Chiharu, Nakada Kana, Nakamoto Himeka, Nagashima Seira, Noujo Ami, Higuchi Hina, Wada Maaya
2nd Generation: Ito Junna, Ito Karin, Kitano Hinako, Sagara Iori, Sasaki Kotoko, Suzuki Ayane, Terada Ranze, Hori Miona (Center), Watanabe Miria
Lyrics: Akimoto Yasushi
Music: Akira Sunset, ha-j. It was conscious 90's taste on four strokes, and the impressive piano of the intro was profound of Japanese melody. Akira says "It's unexpected and interesting".
Arrangement: Akira Sunset, ha-j
Now, hold on here.... I got a scoop from a forum claiming it sounded familiar to an Argentine Spanish track by Babasonicos called Pijamas!! You listen to it and decide...
Choreography: In the dance scene, the choreography is Indian inspired and you can feel the homage of the youth movie "Aozora Musume" (1957) from their costumes here. I saw their performance in a Live Show and it is simply amazing.
Song Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars. Hori is again amazing with her vocals. Himeka's presence is well noted. Nakada and Kawamura try to punch in a heavy voice.
MV Cast: Hori, Kiichan and Nogizaka46 members, Shibli (the Aji Fried Thief), Ganz Morita (Bento Shop Owner)
Director: Shota Yamagishi - his storytelling is just brilliant. Cinematography and Editing work is excellent. Its nice and fast paced. Another great MV by Nogizaka46.
Producer: Daisuke Suzawa (P.I.C.S.)
Location Specs: fumi Diary 2
Music Video (Short Version):
Music Video (Full Version - Facebook):
The Plot: Hori, the new transfer student, falls in love with an Indian young man, Om (who turns out to steal food and eats Aji (Japanese mackerel) Fried at the Bento Shop he works). She is spooked at first sight but keeps thinking of him everyday and imagining different things with him around. In a desperate attempt to get close to him, Hori joins an Indian study group at her school to study Indian culture. By the time she is prepared to express her love, she is bitterly disappointed and heartbroken because as the cops take him away on a robbery charge before she could meet him. If you things this is a sad end to to Romantic & Emotional Roller-coaster, there is another thing coming. Just before the end after the song, her classmates inquire about the whereabouts of the Aji Fired thief with the Bento Shop owner who reveals that the thief is not an Indian but he is from Spain. All the members shocked but Hori burst out laughing at this revelation!!
Review: Though I still thoroughly love and enjoy watching this MV, I still am disappointed at the concept as a whole which is pretty lame whoever came up with this idea. The use of Indian theme is not properly justified, erroneous, somewhat flawed and incorrect to say the least. Could have been much better and improved with stronger plot (maybe Bollywood Inspired, Indian Theme) if Love and Heartbreak was the message that was being delivered through this MV. It ended up being a comical parody.
The MV Breakdown:
The MV was filmed mainly in Chofu and Fuchu in early June 2015. Seibu Tamagawa Line (Musashisakai-Koremasa) Just outside the Tama Station ticket gate. The nearest station to Tama Cemetery, Ajinomoto Stadium, and Chofu Airfield are nearby, and this area seems to be the birthplace of Shinsengumi Isamu Kondo. Each location is real and will be pointed to as they arrive in the MV. Some enthusiasts/fans have actually gone over to these places to check it out for themselves and write about it.
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The MV Starts with Hori making her way through the narrow streets and approaches a nearby Bento Shop/Restaurant where her classmate are seated for lunch (Kawamura, Nakada, Kitano and Himeka). She then takes an immediate left and seeming at the back portion of the Bento Shop/Restaurant where she stumbles upon a Young Man (who she thinks is Indian), who works at that place chomping away a piece of Aji (Japanese mackerel) Fried. This man will be referred to as Adi Fried Thief from now on.
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Their eyes meet. Hori is left gazing at him. The man then says Om! Hori is spooked!! She makes a run for it back the way she came. He classmates are clueless. After a while the mad dash comes to an end. Hori gasps and gets a grip of herself. This all happens before the song the actually begins. Pause!!
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Locations shot:
- [#1] The Bento shop in question is called Sankichi, located at 3-39-12 Momijigaoka, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0004. The shop has since then reloacted to Hitomi Kaido.
- [#2] The place where Hori stops running and gasps is under the elevated Chuo Expressway 3-24-11 Tobita, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0036
- [#3] Classroom, ground place is Digital Hollywood University Hachioji Campus.
The MV Begins as the Title Rolls. Nogizaka46 & Wakaregiwa, Motto Suki ni Naru (in Japanese).
Hori is depicted as an exchange student (note she is wearing a uniform different to her classmates) entering her classroom. Inside the classroom she is like singled out and all alone with no one speaking to her.
When the guy sitting to the left to her asks for an eraser she fantasies him to be the Aji Fried Thief and transported into an empty pinkish Lotus colored classroom next to Aji Fried Thief.
The classroom is a pretty mess with furniture all over and flowers growing out of it and pretty pink curtains on the wall. The Aji Fried Thief is seen giving her a spoonful of Dal Chawal (Spicy Lentil Gravy Rice) and Hori is like filled with joy.
Snap back to reality (in Eminem Style), Hori quickly realizes its just her classmate and gives him the Eraser. lol.
Hori further drifts into another fantasy where she is seen in Gym outfit preparing for a relay race, well, with the Aji Fired Thief of course who passes on the baton to her and they run around a small circle marked in white. Hori looks cute in this outfit and sports White T-Shirt with Red Color shorts and the Aji Fried Thief sports Green shorts. Hori is all happy as the Aji Fried Thief as he keeps running round in circles. Then a seemingly harmless throwball enters the frame.
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Back to reality, Hori is seen all alone sitting at the edge of the ground, while a more cheerful 2nd Gen Members (Ito Junna, Ito Karin, Kitano Hinako, Sagara Iori, Sasaki Kotoko, Suzuki Ayane, Terada Ranze, Watanabe Miria) are busy playing Catchuu Ballu (err.. Catch Ball exactly). All is fun, but not for Hori. Kiichan (Kitano Hinako) gives her a sorry look as Hori looks all gloomy and among the blues. Notice none of the First Gen members haven't shown up yet apart from the first few scenes.
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Location shot:
- [4] Digital Hollywood University Hachioji Campus, 1 Matsugaya, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0354
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Next we cut into Hori making her way back from school. As she goes by a park (identified as Nogawa Park) the gloomy scene turns to a more bright and joyful mood with Hori and the Aji Fried Thief hopping blissfully taking a bite of Naan (Indian Flat Bread). And you know what its raining Naan all over the park (some seriously ridiculous CGI used here). Notice the bounce on Hori's short hair. WoW!
Sadly the reality is different as Hori is show all alone chewing on a piece of Pan (Bread).
Location shot:
- [5] Nogawa Park, 1-chome, Nomizu, Chofu City, Tokyo
Now, this is where it gets really interesting. Hori makes her way to the Indian/Curry Study Group's den.
She thinks for a moment but enters in anyway. She is greeted by her classmates (a host of 1st Gen & 2nd Gen members) including Kawamura Mahiro, Nakada Kana, Sagara Iori, Nagashima Seira, Noujo Ami, Saito Chiharu and Kawago Hina (I had a hard time figuring out it was Kawago..).
Kitano Hinako does a salute followed by other members. Hori salutes back at them.
Next we see the decor of the study group. Walls full of Pictures of Calligraphy, Indian Gods, Indian Food. Also shown are jars and cups filled with Indian Spices and Indian Dolls on racks etc.
Then we get up close and personal with the Indian/Curry Study Group's President or Sensei - (Himetan Himeka Nakamoto). An interesting theory that did the rounds at that time was, she was not offered any center position for any Under MV thereafter... Beats me.. She is shown having this God like aura and fanning herself. Behind her on the wall is pictures of Indian Gods, A Tiger, More Calligraphy and a Chinese Lantern. On the deck (table) we see a Table Lamp, a small white Skull, a Panda, some small Wooden cases and Racks with Indian Dolls. As we zoom in on her she is shown with an enchanting Bindi (Sticker) on her forehead that shines through.
Next is the Noujo Ami lecture on greeting Indians. Hori is taught how to greet by saying Namaste (although its written in Japanese on the Whiteboard). Along with Noujo there are Nagashima and Kitano. After a quick class, its practice time with Saito Chiharu, Kawamura Mahiro and Nakada Kana. Interesting to note Kitano also learns it along with Hori. Next big star of Gen2 perhaps?!
Next Hori learns to make Spicy Indian Curry/Dal for the Aji Fried Thief with the help of Kawago, Himeka and Sagara; Kitano is learning as well. She gets it nicely packed in a box filled with rice and a couple of Tomatos. Humm...
She then happily skips along carrying the tasty treat and all of a sudden she finds a commotion near the Bento Shop where Aji Fried Thief works.
The Aji Fried Thief is being dragged by the Police and taken away in a cop car. Her classmates too witness this along with a small crowd and are confused as well.
Hori does not comprehend what just transpired in front of her and makes a mad dash after the Cop Car.
Aji Fried thief turns around in the Cop Car and sees Hori chasing after him.
The Cop Car is too fast for Hori as it zooms further away. She screams in anguish "Namasthe"... You can't quite make out what she actually says but need to listen closely since the word can be pronounced in a different way by a foreigner.
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Location shot:
- [6] Tokyo Metropolitan Musashino Forest Park 3-5-12 Asahi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo
Now, for the first time we cut across to the choreography section. This part is shot at Nikkatsu Chofu Studio. The place a mess of all studio art equipment, wooden items etc. The members are dressed in a White Top and Red Skirt, with white socks and shoes. The choreography is Indian inspired. Clearly the members haven't mastered it to perfection. Pay close attention to each members actions and face reactions which seems totally weird. I just couldn't stop laughing (ROFL) seeing their expressions.
But you can't blame them as they only have a few hours to a couple of days to practice and execute it in front of the camera. Nevertheless, good effort! And that's not the end of it. If you think that this choreography was just for this MV, you are WRONG! They have to rehearse these moves for every live TV, Show, Live and Stage performances as well.
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Location Shot:
- [7] Nikkatsu Chofu Studio : 2-8-12 Somechi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0023, Japan
We swaps scenes from the chase and dance sequence and finally arrive at the moment when Hori finally gives up the chase and is shown weeping.
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And the final dance moves are finished Hori is shown disappointed without her shoes dejectedly walking back.
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We then see the members feet with the song title and the song finally ends.
Next we see the kitchen of the Bento Shop where Aji Fried thief is shown munching shamelessly at Aji Fried and even stuffing some in his pocket before the Store Manager catches him red handed and warns him. Aji Fried thief doesn't care at all and savors each bite of the Fried Mackerel.
Here is how the MV ends reveling some sensational information and a hilarious & stunning reaction by Hori to it.. Hold your breath... Kitano and Himeka inquire of the thief's whereabouts.
The students are surprised when they learned from the Bento Shop Manager that the Aji Fried thief who they mistook for being an Indian was actually Spanish. Miona heard that and bursts into laughter.
As a result, everyone laughs. There is a black blank screen with the sound of a train passing by and the Music Video Ends.
The Hidden Message or Takeaways from this MV:
Hori: For Taiyou Knock Single, hori was not chosen for the Senbatsu and was pushed down the ranks into the Under group. This is significant because for the first time in Nogizaka46's history an ex-Center was now an Under member. This fits the character of her being an exchange student in the MV. Trying to find her way back into the group she has to win back the trust and support of other Under Members. Also Hori said she felt immense pressure and expectation put on her when she was chosen as Center on her very first Senbatsu which was for "Barrette" the 7th Single. being in Under for the first time she seems to be suffering from her past glory and pressure every day. In the MV, her everyday life, which is depicted in dark, low-saturation images and the time spent with Aji Fried thief in a daydream, shown bright and vivid.
What is "OM"? - In India, "Om" is very sacred, divine and spiritual!. It is chanted to purify oneself. Get the negativity out! "Purifying the negatives in the heart". That's the Indian part. Then what is the Spanish connection to it. History lesson now. A Spanish King ordered a cook to prepare a quick meal. The cook prepares an egg dish "an Omelet" and serves to the King. The King is impressed as to how quickly the cook served the dish and hails him "Kel omrest!" - Quick Man. The word also has origins in Latin which refer to it as "Thin Plate". In Japan, who can ignore Omlet Rice. Mix it all together and you can see the connection of OM with India, Spain and Japan. Just a theory!
Namasthe - Namaste is a traditional Hindu greeting said with a hand gesture in which the palms are pressed together at the chest or head, accompanied by a slight bow or arm raise. Why does Hori then say Namasthe while giving chase is a mystery with a lunck box in her hand? Perhaps she is saying Thank You to the Aji Fried thief, as he brought some light into her gloomy and dark world. And note, Namasthe is a common greeting with many meanings - even "Good-bye".. in this case.
Kiichan (Kitano Hinako) - This 2nd gen Pocket Rocket, is always fun loving, smiling and joyful girl in Nogizaka46. She is pretty close to Hori and has been an Under member for a while. She is shown being close to Hori in MV as well and she learns more at the Indian/Curry Study Group. This helps us understand what Hori's situation is as she has to get herself accustomed to the Under scheme of things and there is help at hand in the form of Kitano.
Noujo Ami - The way of teaching Noujo who is a teacher who teaches about India is completely ad lib, and it seems that Nojo was desperately trying to teach Indian language that was unfamiliar at the shooting scene. Hori was like laughing at the appearance of Noujo who was desperately trying to learn words that were unfamiliar at the shooting site.
Himeka Nakamoto - Elder sister of the legendary Babymetal leader and Superstar Suzuka (Su-metal), it is believed that her role as the leader of the study group is was a homage to her, who served as the Under center for the last time.
Folks, this is not about Love, Its love for the Food, Just Food - Another theory is right at the end where its revealed that the Aji Fried Thief is not Indian but Spanish (In reality he is neither). Hori then bursts into laughter while other members are puzzled. A few moments ;ater they to start laughing. This take on their cohesive laughter is like - If you eat delicious food that you love and enjoy it heartily with others, everyone around you will smile as well, no matter what cuisine you eat!
Phew.. That was by far the big one.. All said.. I still enjoy the MV, even though it turned out comical.
PS. Hori is really ... Kawaii!!!
Sayonara!...
Credits:
Learn the song (Lyrics):
ROMAJI
kyou mo mata wakaregiwa
motto suki ni natte shimau
jaa ne tte senaka wo mukete
hitogomi ni kieru hito
sono senaka wo me de ottara
setsunasa ga afureru
nakisou (All Members Chorus)
issho ni iru jikan dake wa
atarimae no you ni shiawase de
kaeri no densha chikadzuku tabi ni
naze watashi wa yoku fukaku naru?
kare ga sonzai suru sekai
dekiru koto nara zenbu hoshii
mahou no kagami nozokikonde
shiseikatsu wo nagameyou
sonna koto (kuchi ni shitara)
watashi no koto (kirai ni naru wa)
dakara hohoende
te wo furu no yo
gutto koraete...
ashita mata aeru no ni
motto suki ni natte shimau
sabishikute dadakko no you ni
hashitte ikitaku naru
SHATSU no suso wo tsukaminagara
wagamama wo iwasete
ikanaide
mainichi onaji kattou wo
watashi wa kurikaeshite iru
oroka na koto to wakatte ite mo
kore ijou no koi nante nai
omo sugiru (sono omoi wo)
moteamashite (kare wo miokuru)
semete nijuuppo kurai
ato wo otte
akirameyou
kyou mo mata wakaregiwa
motto suki ni natte shimau
jaa ne tte senaka wo mukete
hitogomi ni kieru hito
sono senaka wo me de ottara
setsunasa ga afureru
nakisou
hito wa dare mo donna wakaregiwa demo
kore ga saigo ni natte shimattara to
fuan ni omou mono
ashita mata aeru no ni
motto suki ni natte shimau
sabishikute dadakko no you ni
hashitte ikitaku naru
SHATSU no suso wo tsukaminagara
wagamama wo iwasete
ikanaide
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Today is another parting
I’ll fall for him more
Saying goodbye, turning the other way
He disappears into the crowd
As I watched his back
Sorrow overflows
And I want to cry
Only when I’m with you
Do I feel a natural happiness
And as the train home approaches
Why does my desire deepen?
The world he lives in
If possible, I want it all
Peeking into the magic mirror
To gaze upon his private life
If I (speak of that)
He will (hate me)
So I smile
And wave
Keeping it inside me…
Even though I’ll see him again tomorrow
I’ll fall for him more
So lonely, like a spoilt brat
I want to run after him
Grasp his shirt sleeve
And speak those selfish words
“Don’t go”
Every day, I repeat
In the same complication
I know that it’s foolish, but
There’s no love better than this
These emotions (are too much)
Too unmanageable (seeing him off)
It’s at least 20 steps
To chase after him
I should give up
Today is another parting
I’ll fall for him more
Saying goodbye, turning the other way
He disappears into the crowd
As I watched his back
Sorrow overflows
And I want to cry
Everyone, no matter the kind of parting
Will feel anxious when wondering if
This may be the last goodbye
Even though I’ll see him again tomorrow
I’ll fall for him more
So lonely, like a spoilt brat
I want to run after him
Grasp his shirt sleeve
And speak those selfish words
“Don’t go”