[translation] 180201 J-WAVE STEP ONE

DJ: It's been 3 years since WHO'S BACK, your last release. What have you been doing til now?
BoA: For this new album, Watashi Konomamade Iinokana, we didn't set the deadline so we've been recording songs with no rush. I flew in a lot of times to record songs in Japan. I've also released an album in Korea and had acting jobs.

DJ: It took 3 years to complete this album. What kind of effect does it have on the album?
BoA: Since we had a lot of time, we had more fun choosing from different genres. Lyrics-wise too, we could afford to look for the ones that we want so from many factors, we were able to make a higher quality album.

DJ: The album will be released on Valentine's Day. With the title "Watashi Konomamade Iinokana (Am I Ok like this?)". Can you elaborate?
BoA: *LOL* I found it intriguing that it was picked as the title song. It was unexpected to me. When I heard of the decision I immediately asked why? Turned out women in their 20's-40's can identify with this song. My female staff members were saying "This is me. This is my life." Actually for me too, I'm at the age where I have love and career problems too.

DJ: Actually, I'm the same age as you. and it's true. Once we turn 30, maybe we still enjoy work but there're people who started having kids, having families so it is a period in life where there are a lot of changes so one needs to reflect on life. What about you?
BoA: For me, between work and love/marriage, I'd still choose work. Work is fun. I don't get bored. So I think I'm ok this way.

*Watashi Konomamade Iinokana played*

DJ: I'd like to talk about Jazzclub, another song from the new album. It sounds refreshing but also sounds like your style. It has an MV too, right?
BoA: The MV was filmed in New York. I only had two days for rehearsal before filming.

DJ: Only two days?
BoA: Actually only 3 hours each day. On the first day, I learnt my part. On the 2nd day, I rehearsed with the full dancer team and filmed the MV on the 3rd day.

DJ: There's an acting part at the beginning too with the taxi scene so you got to use acting skills that you've learned as an actor.
BoA: Personally, it was embarrassing for me. Out of the blue this guy told me he was gonna get married via facetime. *lol* after that I went into a club and started dancing. It was like a flashmob and I got to feel like a queen. *lol* It was fun.

DJ: The MV director is Benny Boom? How did he get to work on it?
BoA: We didn't know each other before. He is a film and TV show director. That's why he's good at storytelling and the MV felt like a short movie.

DJ: What's Valentine's Day like in Korea? Is it fun and festive like in Japan?
BoA: yeah it's loads of fun ... for couples. But that's true for Japan too.

DJ: Girls give chocolate to guys?
BoA: Yes, same as in Japan. But I've never made chocolate for anyone.

DJ: Buy and get it over with?
BoA: Yes

DJ: What do you think of girls confessing their feelings on Valentines Day?
BoA: I think it's wonderful. Wonderful for those who can do it.

DJ: Are you the type that can confess?
BoA: No. The thing is I can't make chocolates.

DJ: That's the problem (not the confession)?
BoA: That's the most important point in all of this.

DJ: Then I think the CD might be good as Valentines Day present.
BoA: Yes

Note: In Japan (and Korea too I guess), girl don't just give chocolates to their lovers, but also give to other males (such as colleagues).