[translation] 180128 LINE LIVE BoA Watashi Konomamade Iinokana Release Special

BoA: This is my first appearance on LINE LIVE. I'll be sharing info about my new album. Please send a lot of hearts!

TOP3 who send most hearts will win signed LINE character goods.

BoA: As you know I've attended FNS kayousai and CDTV New Year Special during the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018. In Jan 2018 I have a lot of promotional activities so I've been busy.

Looking back to 2002

BoA: 2002 is when I was very busy in both Japan and Korea. In Japan, I released Listen to My Heart and Valenti. In Korea, I released an album called No.1 which received a lot of love from people.

Anything you specially remember?

BoA: I received two grand awards from No.1. It was an honor and would leave such an impression for any singer's career.

Looking back on 2004 the year of merikuri

BoA: I didn't imagine the song would have such longevity. For merikuri, what I can remember the most is singing live on building rooftop in Korea for FNS kayousai. It was so cold I wondered "Are we doing it here for real?" I think merikuri has an image of lovers together in the night street thanks to this broadcast so I feel very grateful. I'd often hear people around me say 'hearing merikuri in the streets of Shibuya makes me realize year end is coming'. It's my pride as a singer having such a signature song.

Comparing to years ago, what have you improved?

BoA: My Japanese. I learnt JP while working, doing interviews and such. That's why I sound like a working adult.

*BoA said the word "(working) adult" wrong here. She said kaishajin instead of shakaijin. (kaishajin is not really a word.)

BoA: I understand the nuance and the lyrics a lot better. My Japanese has gotten a lot better even though it's awkward saying it myself. *acting all shy*

BoA: As for the differences between KR and JP lyrics, Korean lyrics tend to be more straightforward. But recently JP dance songs also have more straightforward lyrics.

Watashi Konomamade Iinokana

BoA: It's a song women in 20's-40's can emphatize with. It's about various difficulties women face in life. Listeners probably think oh... I also have these doubts.


Any episode filming Jazzclub in New York?

BoA: I suddenly had to do rehearsal. Up to the point before flying off to New York, there was still no VDO for me to learn from. So I had this question in my mind all the time "What dance do I do?".
I had 3hr x 2day = 6hrs to complete the dance and was worried whether I could do it. But the song itself is relatively short and the choreographer made the dance moves flow smoothly so it was easy to learn so I did it.

Jazzclub MV Making Film
BoA: The city is full of skyscrapers and the traffic is bad! lol

BoA: The dancers are so full of energy it made me forget about my exhaustion.

Make Me Complete

BoA: It's an OST for period drama but the lyrics are all in English so there's this imbalance that feels refreshing. I love the original version but I also love the urban rearranged version for Billboard Live. It's a song I want to play around with.

LOOKBOOK

BoA: I thought this song was made for a group, not solo singer b/c the singing parts are a lot. Honestly, it's exhausting to perform but audience get excited with this song in concerts so even though I want to avoid performing it, I can't.

Regarding the tour, any place that you specially look forward to?

BoA: I had concerts in Osaka and Nagoya many times but for others like Hokkaido and Aichi, I haven't been to much. Especially for Hokkaido, it'd be the first time since the first BoA The Live. I remember having a good time back then so I look forward to receiving a lot of power from the audience there.

*BoA still made the same mistake. She kept thinking Nagoya and Aichi are different places. (*Nagoya is in Aichi) (she also mentioned this in J-WAVE)

Q1 JP fav food
BoA: soba and mizutaki(hot pot)

Q2 JP fav place
BoA: home

Q3 body control tips
BoA: frequent body check

Q4 health/beauty tips
BoA: sleep a lot

Q5 fav fashion
BoA: denim and sneakers b/c I can't wear heels

Q6 recent addiction
BoA: golf but now it's cold so I stopped

Q7 what do you collect
BoA: sneakers

Q8 travel destination
BoA: Finland. I wanna see Aurora

Q9 frequented place
BoA: izakaya (JP bar)

You love alcohol?
BoA: Yes it's the question that I answer the quickest. lol

BoA: I wanna go to either Iceland or Finland to see the aurora. There's this hotel where the ceiling is made of ice or glass and alarm will go off for you to see aurora from your bed. But you have to reserve in advance for years.

BoA: I love to stay home and watch TV, read novels. Home is safe. (Do you drink at home?) I don't usually drink by myself at home. Sometimes when it's cold, I'll have a little to stay warm and go to sleep. I go out to drink with my staff.

Jazz Club (Billboard Live)
BoA signing the LINE character goods. She adorably signed over Brown's FACE!! but then probably regretted it so she didn't sign over the character's face for the other two remaining pieces.

[translation] 180216 Buzzfeed Japan interview

With transparent skin and delicate body, her eyes are strong. Debuting at the age 13 with 17 years career, she's grown into a forever young but calm woman.

"Since I'm a solo artist and not in a group, I don't have anyone to rely on."

BoA, an artist from Korea who has branched out to Japan and the world, said with a smile. Not a smile to put up a brave front. I can feel the energy born from experiences of this woman who has just turned 30.

Japan debut with no interpreter

Her debut happened by chance. She followed her brother to an audition when she was 12 and was scouted by a big entertainment firm.

Debut in Korea was at the age of 13 in year 2000 and it was decided from way before that she'd advance to Japan market so she did a short homestay in Japan to learn Japanese. The day after Japan debut, she had to do interview in Japanese.

She couldn't say the things she wanted to say. It was in an era where Korean artists still didn't promote all over the world so there was no system, no interpreter.

"It's very difficult to express yourself in a foreign language. It's exhausting..."

When I throw her a question, she'd answer promptly. I can feel how smart she is but from her standpoint, it's still not her mother tongue. During her early days in Japan, she always had electronic dictionary close by her side, earnestly studying Japanese everyday.

Not long after she's come to Japan, she wrote lyrics in Japanese to a song.

あおいそらはいつもおなじで　こどくなふしぎさね
かなしみもさびしさもすべて　かくしているみたい
うそでもねえ　ほほえむことはすてきなことね
涙だけが　すなおにないている
(MOON & SUNRISE)

Not knowing Kanji, she wrote her thoughts in Hiragana.
Only the word "tears" is written in Kanji.
14 years old girl who lived apart from her family, even when bathed in spotlight and showing smiles to fans, she still had conflicts inside.

Success brought by stoicness

Her career in Japan is full of records.
The first Korean artist to hold arena tour in Japan.
The youngest foreign artist to perform in Kouhaku in 2002. Her Kouhaku attendance continued after that for 6 consecutive years.
6 consecutive studio albums ranking first on Oricon Album Weekly Chart since debut. She was the 2nd female artist in history to hold the record.

Now not only the chart, but she became an artist and a producer who feels the sense of joy and accomplishment by delivering better music for the audience.

Even during costume and makeup change for the interview, she kept practicing filling the studio with the volume of her voice. Stoic through and through.

BoA continued challenging herself by debuting in the US with "Eat You Up" in 2008. Holding a big success in Japan, she started all over again on a new ground.

"I've learnt a lot. Things are difficult as much as you think they are. If you think it'd be alright, then the world looks much brighter."

BoA spoke calmly of the difficulties she's faced.

In 2014, she made a Hollywood debut by starring lead role in the movie "Make Your Move". Last year she worked as an MC in a huge audition TV show "Produce 101 Season 2".

BoA who keeps running on gorgeous path and might even appear as one with no hesitation. In her album set to release on Feb 14, there's a song that expresses what's deep in her mind.

"Watashi Konomamade Iinokana (Am I OK like this?...)"

The new album "Watashi Konomamade Iinokana" concept is "choices in adult female's life".

One day, I found that 

people around me do not scold me anymore.

Please tell me what I've done wrong.

I don't wanna ask 

but if I don't, I can't change.

       （Watashi Konomamade Iinokana）

"I thought I'd definitely be married by the age of 30. But marriage is not that easy."

"But I still enjoy my work so I have no choice but to put my work as first priority. After turning 30, there's no need to hurry anymore. I've strangely turned philosophical."

"Career, Marriage, Relationship" the main life choices women in their 30's face. BoA also has problems her peers have.

"When I was in my 10's or 20's, I can work even after pulling an all nighter but after turning 30, the fatigue and lack of sleep rapidly shows on my face. Skin also turned dry and sometimes I need to get IV drips. As a person who needs to present myself in front of people, I have to strictly secure my sleep time. (LOL)"

Even though she has transformed into a woman, but sometimes she'd laugh until her face got crumpled. From frank words to private stories, one can see an adolescent side of her still remained from her debut time.

"Comparing oneself to others is meaningless."

Standing alone on stage for 17 years. Where does that power come from?

"I don't compare myself to others. Compare for what? To feel jealous when you see things you don't have? That's negative thinking. Or to feel superior to others? That's just self gratification."

"I think comparing oneself to others and, even unconsciously, feel superior or inferior is the beginning to losing self confidence."

Message to her peers "Take good care of your own happiness" 

There is no trace of the girl who came to Japan alone and fought with loneliness and pain by herself anymore.

"As a human being, I cherish my happiness. Whenever I get caught up living a busy life, whether in the past or even now, I'd always search for what would help me spiritually. Recently it's exercising outdoor. Usually my job is indoor working in studio and I've only discovered recently that moving about in the nature really feels good."

She said with a natural smile.

Having spent her teenage years in a different way from others but found herself having the same problems with women her own age.

I asked her for a message for her peers.

"I want everyone to think that no matter what choice they make, it's a step toward a life that they can be happy with."


Singer debut, Overseas advancement, Difficulties with Japanese language.
No matter how big the influence from those around us, in the end it's the result from every choice we made ourselves. Choices we made to be happy.

VDO BoA answering fans' questions

Q: You wear different sneakers every time. How many pairs do you have?
A: I've never counted so I don't know but I've got a lot. Since I don't wear high heel shoes, I usually wear sneakers.

Q: What's your fav track off the new album?
A: I like all of them that's why I chose them for the album. I filmed Jazzclub MV in New York so I have many fun memories for the song but I love all of them.

Q: What's your recent hobby?
A: Last year I was into golf but since it's too cold now I'm having a break from it.

Q: You've said before that you like the word "zeitaku(luxury)" in Japanese. What's your zeitaku now?
A: A holiday. (It means she's so tired she needed a break.)

Q: Artist you wanna collaborate with?
A: Hirai Ken. People say both of us have sad singing voices so I wanna collab on a sad song.

translated from: https://ex.yahoo.co.jp/buzzfeedjapan/ashitano-interview/6.html

[lyrics translation] Good Love

Lyrics: Kenzie
Music: Kenzie, Jamil 'Digi' Chammas, Adrian Mckinnon, MZMC
Arrange: Jamil 'Digi' Chammas

When our eyes meet, the moment becomes a picture.
Two nobodies become main characters of a movie.
Coffee becomes sweeter. Street outside the window looks prettier.
I know how much both you and I have felt so lonely

Tonight, let’s go wild
As if playing around
Us two embracing, biting, kissing each other
Everyday everyday everyday

Cause I’m In Love! Ah Ah
Yeah I need that, want that, give it all.
Yes I’m In Love! Ah Ah
I will not worry. I will trust you.
Our hearts grow bigger into one
Cause I’m In Love! Ah Ah
Oh I need that, want that, give me that good love

We talk on the phone all night, sleeping is a waste of time.
Going to places we've never been, baby. Getting to know each other's world
You make me laugh with funny stories. loads of them
I know why we never met each other until now

Please stay inside me
Let me see your lovely face every day.

Cause I’m In Love! Ah Ah
Yeah I need that, want that, give it all.
Yes I’m In Love! Ah Ah
I will not worry. I will trust you.
Our hearts grow bigger into one
Cause I’m In Love! Ah Ah
Oh I need that, want that, give me that good love

I was alone, I did not know you
I want to embrace those many nights.
Tonight is full of your warmth
Let's go on & on.

Woo Don't go far away
Us two embracing, biting, kissing each other
Everyday everyday everyday

Cause I’m In Love! Ah Ah
Yeah I need that, want that, give it all.
Yes I’m In Love! Ah Ah
I will not worry. I will trust you.
Our hearts grow bigger into one
Cause I’m In Love! Ah Ah
Oh I need that, want that, give me that good love

[lyrics translation] Like it!

Lyrics: Seo JiUm
Music: Caesar & Loui, Deez, Ylva Dimberg
Arrange: Caesar & Loui

Why hesitate? Just come and sit here.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

I'm sending you a signal.
In a simple manner.
What you are feeling now
Just accept it. Baby
The entwined glances we gave each other
It's only a matter of time.
Now we want something similar.

The more I whisper
The more you tug the chair.
Your breathing on me
I like this feeling
Night is better than day
Because our cautions
Become a little looser
Tell me tell me

When the unfamiliar hand touches my waist
Spectacular sparks fly
Cause your love is a fire,
falling for you
It's ok to burn tonight
Let me feel you
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it

I will cross this line
The moment when two lights blend
What color will we see?
I do not know either.
Judging from your facial expression
Your heart is also like mine.
I'm going to be a little more honest now.

I will become a wave
that hits your beach
Maybe you and I
we cannot stop anyway.
Night is better than day
Because our minds are colder
And we get a little more sensitive.
Tell me tell me

When the unfamiliar hand touches my waist
Spectacular sparks fly
Cause your love is a fire,
falling for you
It's ok to burn tonight
Let me feel you
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it

Your fingers brush past me and wake me
I respond only to you yeah
I like that you lead me sometimes
The endless and deep conversations continue on
Please embrace my shoulders a little more yeah I like it
Whisper to me deeper yeah I like it

Oh oh oh oh
Oh perfect I like it
Your love is out of this world

When the unfamiliar hand touches my waist
Spectacular sparks fly
Cause your love is a fire,
falling for you
It's ok to burn tonight
Let me feel you
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it

Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it
Cause I, I like it I like it

[lyrics translation] You and I (U&I)

Lyrics: SUMIN, Jinbo
Music: Joy Neil Mitro Deb, Linnea Mary Han Deb, Jinbo, SUMIN, Anton Hård Af Segerstad, Micah Premnath, Steven Berghuijs, Jeroen Kerstens Arrange: Joy Neil Mitro Deb, Linnea Mary Han Deb, Anton Hård Af Segerstad

I have invisible eyes, I told you before.
They reflect things as they are, I don't know why.
I give you back exactly what you give me. Alright oh
I believe in you exactly the same way you believe in me. Alright oh yeah

You and I, we bend the future as we wish
You know that gravity is bigger than fear.
As one can see, as one believes
Then we can grow much bigger. yeah

You and I
You and I
You and I
Bend the universe
You and I
You and I
You and I
We bend it together

So we, we bend
I touch your hand
And I can see
What you believe

Actually, I think we're a little brighter than light.
If we put all the colors together, then we have the universe.
We may have come from a larger place than the universe.

You and I
You and I
You and I
Bend the universe
You and I
You and I
You and I
We bend it together

So we, we bend
I touch your hand
And I can see
What you believe

Actually, I think we're a little brighter than light.
The universe we made spreads with faster than light speed.
If we put all the colors together, then we have the universe.
Shall I tell you a bigger truth? Yeah
We may have come from a larger place than the universe.

[lyrics translation] Seubgwan (I want you back)

Lyrics: JQ, Moon YeRin
Music: Sonny J. Mason Osuji, Karen Poole
Arrange: Sonny J. Mason Osuji

Our meetings, though familiar and relaxing, have become boring
I don't feel even a slight beating of my heart
I was calm about our natural break up

Erasing your traces
that have taken hold at every place.
Each day with nothing to do
brought me strange feeling.

I've only realized the situation now. I so hate the silence.
I put on the music loudly

So that when I call you out of habit
Nobody would hear.
So that when I shed tears
Nobody would notice.
I want you back (said I want you back, I said I want you back) x4

Why am I like this? Thought I'd be fine with the breakup
But it's different from what I thought.
Like the arrow that came back, you stuck in my heart

I try to forget but
At the end of my nose is your scent
Your warmth lingers at my fingertips
Everything still remembers you

I've only realized the situation now. I so hate the silence.
I put on the music loudly

So that when I call you out of habit
Nobody would hear.
So that when I shed tears
Nobody would notice.
I want you back (said I want you back, I said I want you back) x4

Tangled tape
Just like us
The harder I try to undo, the more complicated it'd become
I'll bury only the good memories
deep inside the flowing melody.

When I mistakenly call you
Even if you hear me, please just pretend not to.
So that I won't regret the night I spent with you every day.
I want you back (said I want you back, I said I want you back) x4

So that when I call you out of habit again
No one would hear.
So that when I shed tears, nobody would notice.

[lyrics translation] Encounter

Lyrics: BoA
Music: Shaylen Carroll, Joshua Chery, Malachi Cohen, Cory Enemy, MZMC
Arrange: Cory Enemy

I feel dizzy but at the same time, it's sweet.
I can not predict it. Incessantly greedy.
So I wonder more
Is it sunlight or is it flame?

Somehow I feel uneasy
I know it's dangerous but
I can't control this overflowing curiosity

Tension like the night before the storm
It's like a signal to me.
All the moments

My answer is Yeah
Will you take my hand?
Feel uneasy? Yeah
I’ll be waiting waiting waiting for
Cunningly Yeah
Even though everyone is saying no
Can you handle me?
Can you handle me?
Can you handle me?

If we are together then all is enough
Like speeding without control
Bitter-sweet is a fitting word
It's bitter and then sweet, distressing me.

Even though the ending might be shocking
There's nothing to fear.
We are intertwined and tangled just like that.

I was pulled intensely
Our first meeting was like tightrope-walking
Dangerously thrilling

My answer is Yeah
Will you take my hand?
Feel uneasy? Yeah
I’ll be waiting waiting waiting for
Cunningly Yeah
Even though everyone is saying no
Can you handle me?
Can you handle me?
Can you handle me?

The moment you and I met
Caused a spark to grow into fire.
The moment your hand touched me
A beautiful prelude started

Woo Hope
Is nowhere to be seen in me
Woo There's really none?
Is nowhere by my side

Woo Hope
Woo There's really none?
Woo The end of a beautiful beginning
My answer is Yeah