Q&A with Kohara Konomi #10

Kohara Konomi has once again held a Q&A. You can refer to the previous parts below;

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

This will be the last part of this series for now. She has actually released 2 more after this, but ‘Part 10’ is where she translated some foreign questions and answered in their native language by her own ability, so I will not be translating it. Please view her hard work here.

As for ‘Part 11‘ , it’s more of an afterword with 2 questions, but I will not be making an additional post for that. For the 1st one, she talked about an important word to her ‘Natural’ (Being the way she is), and the 2nd one is about not having any photos to upload to Instagram.

I will be back translating these snippets (Maybe I will streamline the questions to translate, since not all of them are really informative ones.) when she comes back with another of these Q&A. Find me on discord (Link is in ‘About me’) if you have a question to ask her next time, and I’ll ask for you if possible. (Or you can practice your Japanese too!)

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Q: Do you prefer short or long hair on guys?

A: Short hair (๑>◡<๑) But if long hair suits the person, then it’s also nice!

Q: What is Kohara-san’s understanding of “love”?

A: Even though the general consensus of “love” is “romance”, I think it can be applied to everything. To people, to work. Because we are all human beings capable of thinking about “love”, that is why we can achieve different things and continue to live. It’s a little embarrassing but this is just my personal opinion lol.

Q: What do you want to do before the end of the year?

A: Make oden! Lol

Q: Has anything changed for you since you started using Instagram?

A: I was able to feel everyone’s warmth once again. It gave me renewed strength to give my best at work. Thank you!

Q: I became best friends with the person I like. It feels hopeless , but she trusts me a lot. What should I do?

A: For now, I think the best is to monitor the situation. However, if you feel the need to confess your true feelings, I would do so if I was in your shoes.

Q: The universe is so vast, the stars that we are looking at now are billions of years away from us, and for us, it is a matter of having barely 100 years to live. Why is this so?

A: For me, I love the universe so this is something I often think about. I wonder why too. But I also think that being able to live around 100 years is a good thing.

Q: For what feels like eternity, we exist for a moment and disappear. What is the meaning of living?

A: As what I’ve wrote earlier, I believe that living = love, being able to feel the abundance of love is a blessing, so I’m contented. I want to grow old with this kind of feeling.

Q: Being a fan of Koko-chan, I’m able to become happy at anytime, but for a seiyuu, what do you think is the definition of happiness?

A: I should be the one saying this, so please. Thank you. I guess it is watching the screen or through other mediums and hearing my own voice after all.

Q: Good evening~ What is your ideal type of guy?

A: To be honest, I’m not sure. Maybe he is someone I can live together and share the same feelings of “this is fun”, “this is tasty right?” Even though that is a natural thing, I think it’s very important. Sometime ago, my grandma gave me these words “If you want to be treated kindly , you must become kind first.” That’s something of great importance to me.

Q: Are you alright after episode 10 as Kasumi-san? The gap between Mina-chan (Takagi-san) of half a year ago is really (๑>◡<๑)

A: I’m fine! It’s a job after all!! Lol. Thank you for noticing the gap between them!

Q: I think being a seiyuu requires you to take special care like dubbing with a voice that matches the character, other than this, are there any other things you have to keep in mind?

A: I always find it difficult to think about what kind of emotions to portray. I’ll work harder towards this.

Q: You mentioned that you sold your handmade ear piercings before, where did you sell it at?

A: I sold them on handmade sites, apps (○´U`○) I received a letter telling me “I like Koko-chan’s ear piercings”, that made me really happy. It’ll be nice if I can send them out as presents one day. Ah, maybe not. In the first place, they aren’t that good afterall. Lol

Please follow Koko-chan at her IG!

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This Q&A was first published on 15 September 2018 on Instagram. All images and videos you see here belong to their respective owners.

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Q&A with Kohara Konomi #9

Kohara Konomi has once again held a Q&A. You can refer to the previous parts below;

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

*****

Her favourite scarf.

Q: I found out about Kohara-san from Asobi Asobase. For the past series you appeared in, which one is a must-watch?

A: It’ll make me happy no matter which one you watch, but if I have to recommend one, I’d say Tsuki ga Kirei.

Q: 🙂

A:：）

Q: Whenever I had to pose for photos, the lack of variation over the poses always gave me a headache. Lol are there any poses that you often do?

A: It’s also a struggle for me because I can’t think of any. It’s really difficult, isn’t it. After all, your own perceived charm points can be quite different from others’ opinions.

Q: What type of hair style and colour do you want to challenge next time?

A: I want to keep a long hair again! But, I also want to do a short cut once!! Lol

Q: What type of part-time work have you done before?

A: I worked at a convenience shop, a steakhouse and Muji! I worked for more than 4 years at the convenience shop and Muji.

Q: How do you take care of your skin?

A: Apply moisturizer often!! I’m not the type who applies a face mask everyday. Taking care of your skin is really tough. (cries)

Q: Let’s be honest, are Rikachi (Nagae Rika) and Pi-chan (Kino Hina) making too much of a nuisance?

A: That’s not the case!! They are always thinking of how to bring enjoyment to everyone (●´人｀●) Even though my character in the show has a short fuse, I’m really not angry at all, in fact I think they are make the mood really joyous and they are both very cute. I think the 3 of us strike a good balance.

Q: What is the standard amount of time you require to get up from your bed?

A: It depends on that day itself (,,•﹏•,,) When I’m fast, I’m really fast, there are times where I just stay in all the way till noon time. I also hope that I can get up by 7am on my off days.

Q: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

A: Draw open the curtains!

Q: I really like your portrayal of Akane in Tsuki ga Kirei! How was the experience of acting as her?

A: It was more of a surreal experience of becoming Akane in the process. It was a little embarrassing as half of my acting would portray myself, and the other half, Akane. I’m really thankful to the director for allowing me to project this image onto Akane.

Q: I really like Asobi Asobase’s Kasumi! How did it feel acting as her?

A: It’s just very enjoyable! I think it’s not usual to have a role which you can get away with doing anything you want ✨ I also like Kasumi-san a lot.

Q: Do you go on dates with your husband (Zucchi) ?

A: Once in a while (✿´ ꒳ ` )♡ ufufufu

Q: WIll Kohara-san be appearing in any magazine publications or photo book? I’m looking forward to them!

A: Nope! Not at all! For a person like me…that’s not possible! But, it’ll indeed be fun.

Q: I have been practicing the piano for 13 years now, does Kohara-san do any
practice of any sorts?

A: 13 years!!! That’s amazing ✨ I think swimming, basketball and badminton? I should have done something like ballet.

Q: What pokemon do you like?

A: Jumpluff! So cute 💖

Q: Do you want to become sadistic?

A: If the situation calls for me to be sadistic during acting, maybe. Being normal is still nicer.. lol

Q: Though it’s the same question as the previous time, what is Kohara-san thinking at this moment of time?

A: Since I’ve just answered the question about pokemon before this, Jumpluff is on my mind now lol.

Q: Do you talk to your dad about your work?

A: I talk to my mum more often. However, I’ll let them know about my work-related announcements. It makes me happy when I see them beaming happily. My dad is always the happier one lol.

Q: I have an interview for an entrance examination coming up soon (>_<) Please share with me any tricks to get rid of the nerves 💦

A: That’s really important…! I get nervous too, so i understand what you are going through now. As for me, I tell myself “Since I have come all the way here, there’s no turning back”, and that in a sense is a spirit of defiance. I think you have already heard many words of encouragement, so I will say this to you “It’s alright! It’s human nature to be nervous, I’m sure the interviewer understands that as well, so just go there with a defiant spirit ✨”

Q: I’m going to ask something serious, what do you think about being made to participate in punishment games during live broadcasts?

A: If it makes the viewers happy ✨ Although it’s embarrassing, it doesn’t really bother me.

Q: Are you the type who eats your favourite food, or do you leave it to the end?

A: I eat it right away ♡

Q: Does Koko-chan know that you have fans from overseas?

A: I know them from the letters and comments received. Despite being from different countries, they go out of their way to find out about me. I’m really happy about that. Thank you. I hope to be able to go overseas to meet everyone in the future.

Q: What do you do when you get sleepy in the middle of class?

A: Sleep! Lol

Q: This isn’t a question but I just want to let you know that you are my favourite seiyuu! I’m supporting you all the way!

A: Thank you! Thank you! Really, really thank you so much!! I’m over the moon!!!!!

Q: Other than Korres lipstick, do you have any other things you have been using for a long time?

A: I don’t think there are any. If they are accessories, maybe a ring?

Please follow Koko-chan at her IG!

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This Q&A was first published on 15 September 2018 on Instagram. All images and videos you see here belong to their respective owners.

Q&A with Kohara Konomi #8

Kohara Konomi has once again held a Q&A. You can refer to the previous parts below;

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

*****

The cosmetics products she is using at the moment.

Q: How has work been recently?

A: I’m really thankful for every work I have, I’m enjoying myself. But, I have some announcements to make… Just wait for a while, okay?♫

Q: Recently, music games are getting popular in arcades, are there any games that Koko-chan is getting in recently?

A: I don’t go to the arcade… I also don’t play app-based games… I went to try VR recently ^ ^, but because the bridge of my nose is too low, the goggle kept slipping down lolol

Q: What type of nail style are you sporting for autumn?

A: I’ve been going to the salon of late, so I want to do them myself this time. I’m bad at them though lol.

Q: What is Koko-chan’s 3rd favourite food?

A: Could this question be following the format of the segment in “Radio Dottoai” I’m really happy! And also nostalgic ✨ For now, it is pork soup! By the way, in 2nd place is egg sandwich, and 1st place is grilled rice ball. lol

Photo credit: Ajinomoto

Q: What are your favourite foods?

A: Putting aside order, milk is on my mind now🥛.

Q: I really admire you!!!! I’m supporting you! Sorry that this isn’t a question…

A: Why are you apologizing!! I’m happy! Thank you ✨ I’ll continue to work hard.

Q: I wanna see a cat.

A: I’ll feature a cute one next time lol.

Q: What made you want to become a seiyuu?

A: I had the thought of becoming an actor, that’s when my primary school teacher and my mum told me that I’m more suitable working in a field that utilizes my voice. I wrote about this before so please check back if you want to.*

*I linked the post in the first Q&A that I translated a while ago. Since this seems to be a popular question, I might as well translate that here. Basically she always had interest in a job that uses her voice, but she had a complex about her voice, until her teacher and mum encouraged her.

Q: How do you approach a person you like?

A: I wonder… If I don’t know that person yet, I will start with by striking a conversation first.

Q: What are your favourite cosmetic products?

A: I talked about it earlier, but I like the lip butter from Korres! Also, lip cream is a must! Moisturizing is important! As for foundation, I use this brand called to/one.

Q: Which senior do you look up to?

A: Everyone is really wonderful, so I can’t choose…

Q: What spot do you recommend for autumn?

A: It has to be changing colours of the leaves after all. As for a spot in the city, Hakone is good ♫

Q: Does Koko-chan have any particular style or taste for hairstyles and clothes?

A: I think something that isn’t too embarrassing. I like simple stuff. With simplicity comes the option to play with accessories, but it still is tough matching them. I also like weird watches.

Q: It’s been some time since you started living alone, have you gotten used to it?

A: More or less (○´U`○) The only thing is that since the time spent being alone increased, so I feel lonely more often.

Q: Are there any shoujo mangas you would like to recommend?

A: I haven’t read any recently at all. However, as for those I’ve finished, I’d recommend Shiki no Zenjitsu.

Q: Was there any incident that made you cry recently?

A: I’m easily moved to tears, I can also cry while laughing lol. As for something recent, I guess it’s when I received everyone’s letters and presents for my birthday. No, really. Thank you so much for the letters and replies. The least I can do is to thank everyone here. Please forgive me.

Q: What do you want to attempt in your lifetime?

A: Sky diving!

Q: Do you have any recommendations for an eatery in Tokyo?

A: Could this be about a date!! Waa ♡ You didn’t give me any details though. (cries) Sorry about that. A place I go to regularly with Zucchi is Asakusa!! There are many shops selling delicious food there! Just strolling around there is fun too, you can even walk to the Sky Tree!! Fufufu

Q: What do you do to take care of your throat?

A: I keep an undiluted solution of propolis at home, and bring around a spray when I go out. It stings when I use it in winter, literally wincing in pain and it felt like dying.

Q: Do you go to animal cafes?

A: I haven’t gone to any yet. It’s really getting popular recently right?

Q: Has it been going well with your husband (Zucchi) recently? Lol

A: Why are you laughing! Lol. It’s going well. We made plans to go out while talking ♫

Q: How are you？:)

A: I’m always fine!!♡

Q: Are there any interesting stories from the set of Asobi Asobase?

A: While fumbling over the script, I would let out weird sounds like “Voom!” or laughter like “eeheehee!!” before correcting myself lol.

Q: What was the episode for Asobi Asobase that drained out the most strength?

A: I had to use everything in me for all the episodes, so I can’t choose lolol. But, I would say the later half is really intense. lol

Q: Are there any food that you are bad with?

A: I can’t eat any shellfish at all… (cries)

Q: Do you want to sing Inkya Impulse (ED for Asobi Asobase) in Karaoke?

A: It is a song that will blow away all your stress! Maybe the 3 of us should go next time.

Q: What is your hobby?

A: I like making pierced earrings and visiting art museums.

Q: Do you belong to the Mushroom camp or the Bamboo Shoots camp?

A: You are referring to the chocolate right? Lol I’d side with the Bamboo Shoots.

Q: Where is the furthest you have been to for a trip?

A: I went for study trips to Hokkaido and Okinawa.

Q: I will be going to Kawagoe soon. Are there any places you would like to recommend for this season?

A: Irregardless of seasons, I’d like you to visit Hikawa bridge. Depending on the season, the view changes. It’s a place I like a lot.

Photo credit: Kawagoe Kankou

Please follow Koko-chan at her IG!

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This Q&A was first published on 14 September 2018 on Instagram. All images and videos you see here belong to their respective owners.

Q&A with Kohara Konomi #7

Kohara Konomi has once again held a Q&A. You can refer to the previous parts below;

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6

*****

An ethnic-style pork soup which Kohara had some time ago.

Q: I really like Koko-chan’s portrayal of Kasumi-chan! Was there anything you were conscious of while acting?

A: Thank you so much (*´꒳`*) I’m so happy to hear these words ✨

Q: What are your favourite movies?

A: Princess Mononoke and Burlesque. I like them so much that I bought their DVDs!

Q: What kind of sneakers did you buy recently?

A: I bought sneakers from NIKE and VANS recently ♫ I’ll feature them here at a good timing.

Q: Have you bought your autumn wear?

A: I bought them already (*˘︶˘*)✨ I really like autumn and winter wear! I shopped at Muji just the other day. I’m also curious about everyone! Have you bought your autumn essentials?

Q: Please share with us 3 things that you want to do.

A: By that, you mean at this moment? Day trip, photos taking trip, go to the beach to pick up fragments of glass!

Q: What’s Koko-chan’s theme song?

A: I love listening to Kawashima Ai’s Synchro.

https://youtu.be/gu0mhGdNYyg

Q: Are there any colours you want to try dyeing for your hair?

A: A colour like milk tea ( *´艸｀) I’d only need to bleach my hair once, so I want to try it before I turn 30, but I think the colour probably won’t look good on me. Lol

Q: I started browsing Instagram recently! How do you switch your mood around after you wake up in the morning?

A: Welcome-! Thank you for reading. Taking a shower could help to tackle that lousy feeling when you get up. Another way you can try is to wrap yourself beneath the futon and shout out loud. It is kind of surreal though. Lol

Q: What type of sports do you like?

A: Badminton! Basketball!

Q: Who else do you support in Hanebado! other than Elena?

A: Ehh, that’s difficult. It’s difficult to toss away either Ayano or Nagisa, but if it was up to my personal impression, I would say maybe “Ayano’s mum”. Ōhara Sayaka-san really took care of me during recording and talked to me countless times. She even gave me a present to commemorate the start of me living alone (●´ー｀●) I’ll treasure it. She’s a really wonderful senior.

Q: Who is the lewd one? Zucchi or Nike?*

A: The hero! (Immediate response) Zucchi is a really kind and gentlemanly person. I like her to the point that I wanna marry her. (I’d repeat this no matter how many times)

*Nike is the character that Zucchi plays in Mahōjin Guru Guru.

Q: Since Asobi Asobase is ending soon, will you get lonely? I would be really…

A: Same here. The radio is also ending soon (,,•﹏•,,) It’ll make me happy if everyone can continue to support the series.

Q: Seeing Kasumi-san as she is, what was Koko-chan like back in high school?

A: I wasn’t anything like Kasumi-chan lol. I’m still the same as back then. I was not a gyaru. I put on a thin layer of makeup, and I was really your average student ^ ^

Q: Of all the characters you acted as so far, which interaction left the deepest impression?

A: It’s something that happened at the set of Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san. Sanae (Ogura Yui), Yurika (M.A.O) and Mina (Myself) really bought matching clothes and went for the recording in them lol. There are many other warm moments like that, the studio setting was really fun.

Q: Does Koko-chan have a driving license? Or any other license that you want to share with us?

A: I don’t possess any. None at all lol. Sorry for being dull~💦

Q: Are there any events that I can get to see Konomi-san? I’ll be even happier if it gets held in Kawagoe!

A: If there are any, I’ll announce it ♫ An event in Kawagoe!? That’s basically my dream! ✨It’ll be nice if this wish gets granted.

Q: Please shout “Apocrine sweat glands!” using Kasumi-san’s voice!*

A: I can’t do it through the net, but I did that together with Hina lol.

*This is a gag scene from episode 3. Watch it to understand the context.

Q: Will you be going to Kawagoe Festival this year?

A: I would go if I’m able to ✨ It was unfortunate with the rain last year though. I think it will surely be more enjoyable if the sun is out.

Q: Has Kuu-chan been well recently? I hope to hear more of Kuu-chan’s stories again!

A: He seems to be doing well. I haven’t seen him since June, so I wanna meet him again. Kuu was originally a stray and loitered around our house 2 months after he was born. He was getting bullied by the kids in the neighbourhood and I shouted at them “What do you think you are doing!”, and I carried him and ran back home. “This situation..what should I do?” That was how he became part of our household.

Q: Have you been to Wakayama?

A: Nope! I haven’t been to many places in Japan, so that’s why I wanted to explore more of Japan before heading overseas.

Please follow Koko-chan at her IG!

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This Q&A was first published on 14 September 2018 on Instagram. All images and videos you see here belong to their respective owners.

Q&A with Kohara Konomi #6

Kohara Konomi has once again held a Q&A. You can refer to the previous parts below;

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
*****

One of her favourite earrings.

Q: Are there any roles that you want to act as?

A: I don’t have any particular characters in mind, but rather, I want to act out a humanly role ✨ Sorry for the ambiguous reply.

Q: How do you iron out your worries?

A: By talking to my mum. I’d always feel calm and relaxed afterwards.

Q: I’m having a camp now! Do you like the outdoors? 🏕

A: Yes! Sounds fun ( *´艸｀) I like the outdoors. But it’s been more than 15 years since I last went to a camp. Reading this makes me excited ✨

Q: Koko-chan, what do you like more, traditional Japanese confectionery or western-styled ones?

A: I’d say western-styled ones. But! I do think that whipped (fresh) cream and red bean paste are a good pairing ✨ lol

Q: Did you discover any new milk products that made you satisfied?

A: At the set of Asobi Asobase Radio, I was given this snack called kajitsu no fuku, the milky taste of the daifuku was really delicious ♡ Everyone should try it too ✨

Q: Something that you want to do recently!

A: A trip, even if it’s just a one-day trip!

Q: What’s the most enjoyable thing being a seiyuu?

A: The most enjoyable thing is being able to act.

Q: Good evening Koko-chan~! Where do you want to go, Disneyland or sea? 🐭🏰💗

A: A while ago, the 3 of us from the Asoken (Asobinin Research Society) actually went to Disneyland, so this time I want to go to Disneysea ♫

Q: Can you cook fried rice?

A: I haven’t made it before lol. Since you have to spread the rice out evenly when cooking, I think it’s a difficult dish to make.

Q: Other than Ishigami-san, are there any other seiyuus you meet up in your personal time?

A: Yep. (o^^o) Recently, I’ve been meeting up with the other 2 members of the research society (Kino Hina-chan and Nagae Rika-chan). Also, I meet up with the female seiyuus from Tsuki ga Kirei.

Q: Are there any anime or movies that piqued your interest?

A: Yep! I watched Killing for the Prosecution (Kensatsugawa no Zainin) and Penguin Highway recently!

Q: What are some songs on your playlist recently?

A: If we go by play times, it’ll be Climax jump from Kamen Rider Den-Ou. My brother was watching the show and listening to the song felt nostalgic. Also, I’ve been listening to Kingyou sukui by Yukano. It’s a lovely song.
https://youtu.be/6JhRHOw6Ckw

Q: You have always been thanking people, how about receiving them, are there any recent occurring like that?

A: Even though I don’t really respond to everyone’s thankful messages, I feel happy whenever I get one, and I keep them in my heart (✿´ ꒳ ` ) There is one instance when I was still working in Muji, where the customer wrote in to compliment me after I served her, it really made me happy at that time.

Q: Do you play any games other than Dragon Quest?

A: Yup! I play Momotato Densetsu, Animal Crossing for example. Also, Namco Musuem!

Q: How old is your father now? (politely)

A: My father is in his late 50s. (Politely)

Q: How long do you spend playing with your cat in a single day? (back at your parents’ home)

A: Not too long, if not he will find me a nuisance, but I’ll set aside some time to play with him. I miss Kuu so much now.

Q: Will there be a OP/ED singing event for Asobi Asobase?

A: If there is one, I’ll announce it!! Though, I don’t think it’s likely lol.

Q: Are there any moments you thought that “It’s a miracle.” Or did you encounter moments like that?

A: I don’t know how to define miraculous, but ever since I started this job, I’ve had many miraculous moments.

Q: Please share with us a recommendation for a novel or book?

A: I really like this book called “Love Generation”. I feel like buying it again and re-read.

Q: For Koko-chan, what’s the happiest moment of your life so far?

A: Ehhhh! Too many…. For now, I would say last year’s ‘Tsuki ga Kirei Thanksgiving Festival~Kawagoe Minaka Culture Festival’, where i cried at the greetings at the end. When I looked at everyone’s faces, I didn’t know what to say out, but I felt everyone’s warm support and that pushed me through. At that moment, I cried again, but it was really a blessed and happy moment.

Please follow Koko-chan at her IG!

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This Q&A was first published on 14 September 2018 on Instagram. All images and videos you see here belong to their respective owners.