Interview

Interview with Dempagumi.inc

14/09/2015 2015-09-14 00:01:00 JaME Author: Anthony Translator: Tomo

Interview with Dempagumi.inc

Akihabara “otaku” idol group Dempagumi.inc spoke to JaME before headlining @JAM EXPO 2015 at Yokohama Arena.


© @JAM
On August 29th, more than a hundred idol groups gathered at Yokohama Arena for @JAM EXPO 2015, the biggest idol festival in Japan. Six members of Dempagumi.inc talked to JaME about their new single, and shared some of their personal experiences of being in one of Japan’s most successful idol groups.

First of all, JaME would like to thank you for agreeing to this interview. As this is Dempagumi.inc’s first interview with you, can you introduce yourselves?

Furukawa Mirin: I'm Furukawa Mirin and my theme color is red. I like playing video games!

Naruse Eimi: I'm Naruse Eimi a.k.a Eitaso, and my theme color is yellow. I like animation and manga!

Mogami Moga: I'm Mogami Moga and my theme color is purple. Recently I am into playing mobile application games!

Aizawa Risa: My name is Aizawa Risa a.k.a Risachee and I’m the group’s leader. My theme color is white. My otaku genre is 2.5D.

Yumemi Nemu: I'm Yumemi Nemu a.k.a Nemukyun. My theme color is mint green.

Fujisaki Ayane: I'm Fujisaki Ayane a.k.a Pinky! My theme color is blue. I love cosplay a lot!

A special ALLSTARS unit was created for @JAM EXPO last year, where Risa joined as a member. This year, Ayane joined the ALLSTARS unit. Please tell us more about this collaboration.

Fujisaki Ayane: Well, the ALLSTARS team consists of one representative from each idol group. I, like other members, worked hard to master choreography and musical style that were different from our own group’s. That was quite challenging for all of us. Actually, we didn’t always have all five members during rehearsals. Sometimes, there were only three or even less of us! We did the best preparation we could on a very tight schedule.

What can you tell us about your new single that will be released on September 16th, including the CD jacket artwork?

Furukawa Mirin: We'll release a single entitled Ashita chikyuga konagonani nattemo. We asked the manga author Asano Inio to write lyrics for the single. We had a lot of discussions with Mr. Asano about composing the lyrics. As a result, we can say that the lyrics really reflect what’s in our hearts.

As for the CD jacket artwork, the First Limited Type A features an illustration of us by Mr. Asano. Also, we actually dressed in black for the regular edition’s jacket, which was quite an unusual choice of color for us. Each edition looks different because we dressed in white for a different edition. We did the photoshoots with the black and white outfits in Italy.

Naruse Eimi: We did the photoshoot for the First Limited Type B cover at Onoden, one of the oldest electronic stores in Akihabara. We're very familiar with Onoden. I was very happy to be able to shoot the cover photos in Akihabara, the very place and culture we represent!

Even though Dempagumi.inc is becoming more and more popular, fans always say that you remain close to the public. How do you explain that?

Furukawa Mirin: We started out at Akihabara Dear☆Stage, where we were close to fans both emotionally and physically. Although today we perform in bigger venues, we're always very conscious of maintaining our intimate emotional bond with fans.

Have you noticed any changes about yourselves since Dempagumi.inc was formed?

Furukawa Mirin: Before I joined Dempagumi.inc, I wasn’t accustomed to working with others as a team, and I wasn’t very good at it. But today, I’m much better at it. Actually, lots of people have told me that I’ve developed a human touch.

Naruse Eimi: I wasn’t so willing to share my personal contact information and hang out with people who I met in this business before. However, other members of Dempagumi.inc inspired me to open up and become friendlier. Today, I’m more willing to build a good relationship with others.

Mogami Moga: I think the biggest change I experienced is that I’ve become able to communicate with people better. Also, I never sang in front of people before I joined the group. In fact, I didn’t even like going to karaoke. Today, though, I can sing in front of people with much less nervousness.

Aizawa Risa: There are just so many changes I’ve gone through that I don’t really know where to begin. I think I’ve become a better person than I was before. It’s really difficult to do everything in my way when I work with others. Also, I also need to make efforts to understand fans’ feelings so that I can connect with them better. Through such learning experiences, I’ve started to really like doing things for others, not just for myself.

I never danced before I joined the group. In fact, I wasn’t even thinking about becoming an idol. I wasn’t a good singer when I started out. I was even told during a practice that I had a good voice but that was really all I had! Even today, I’m still learning from other members so that I can keep up with them. This is my first time leading a group, although I don’t really consider myself to be leadership material.

Yumemi Nemu: I used to think I had to become able to do everything by myself. I came to learn how to depend on others after I joined Dempagumi.inc. Today, I can and also am willing to ask for a help to others with things I am not good at.

Fujisaki Ayane: My biggest change is that I’ve become able to better understand myself. I wasn’t sure about my identity back in my high school days. I couldn’t really communicate with people in my own words when I first started out in Dempagumi.inc. Through working as a Dempagumi.inc member, I learnt how to communicate with others and express my feelings.

Recently, Aizawa and Yumemi released cookbooks. Who is the worst cook in the group?

Risa, Nemu, Eimi, Moga and Ayane: That would be Mirin!

Yumemi Nemu: Everyone except Mirin is good at cooking.

Furukawa Mirin: Yeah, they’re pretty good cooks.

Yumemi Nemu: But Mirin has a great passion for cooking – it’s just not her talent. (all members laugh)

Furukawa Mirin: Well, it’s true that I am willing to do it. But I guess people just have different talents!

To wrap up our interview, please say a few words for JaME’s readers.

Furukawa Mirin: There are a lot of countries we have not been able to have our shows. I would love to have live shows in more different places, so please support us!

Naruse Eimi: Dempagumi.inc is a really fun and entertaining idol group, and I would like people all over the world to find us! Please check us out!

Mogami Moga: There are a lot of countries we have not visited yet. I hope this interview finds you well so that you can find out about Dempagumi.inc for the first time. You can check out our videos on our website. Please come and join our show if you become interested!

Aizawa Risa: All members of Dempagumi.inc are “otaku”, so I think we can entertain people with our authentic representations of Akihabara’s culture and lifestyle. We would like to perform in your country so that we can give you a real feel of Akihabara. Also, it’s our goal to hold a one-man world tour. So please support us and wait for us!

Yumemi Nemu: There are so many people who don’t know about us yet, even though we’ve performed in overseas quite a few sometimes. I hope this interview finds you well. I would love you to join our show, but you can also find us on the internet, in places such as Twitter. Please look out for us in cyberspace!

Fujisaki Ayane: Please listen to our songs and watch our music videos if you’re feeling down or looking for inspiration!

JaME would like to thank PROMIC, Dear☆Stage and Dempagumi.inc for this interview opportunity.

You can watch the music video of their new single Ashita chikyuga konagonani nattemo here:



The music video of akihabalife♪, the B-side of the single, can also be watched below:

ADVERTISEMENT

Gallery

Related Releases

Single CD + DVD 2015-09-16 2015-09-16
Dempagumi.inc
Single CD + DVD 2015-09-16 2015-09-16
Dempagumi.inc
Single CD 2015-09-16 2015-09-16
Dempagumi.inc
Single CD 2015-09-16 2015-09-16
Dempagumi.inc
Single 7-inch vinyl 2015-09-16 2015-09-16
Dempagumi.inc

Idol & Alternative Idol Interviews

Interview with TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE © TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE

TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE continue to evolve and change rapidly, just like Tokyo.

Interview with Broken By The Scream © Broken By The Scream. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Broken By The Scream

Broken By The Scream talk about their latest album, "RISE into CHAOS".

Interview with Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu © Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu are sending out sparks of joy to everyone with their new mini-album "Heart-Gyutto!".

Interview with Ryo Enomoto © Ryo Enomoto. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Ryo Enomoto

Ex-WILL-O' member Ryo Enomoto discusses her collaboration with the mysterious masked band MISTRESS OF THE DARKROOM and her future plans.

Interview with Tsukimori Kaede © Tsukimori Kaede. All rights reserved. Cameraman: moriya takaaki

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Tsukimori Kaede

In her first overseas interview, rising idol star Tsukimori Kaede talks about her past and goals, and gives an exclusive insight into what's coming next.

Interview with Derek Vasconi © The Flowers of Passion

Interview Exclusive

Interview with Derek Vasconi

We take a look behind the scenes of a behind the scenes documentary.

Interview with MANACLE © M-SMILE.inc. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with MANACLE

Meet the idols who want to set you free.

Interview with BABYBEARD © BABYBEARD. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with BABYBEARD

Ladybeard's new unit BABYBEARD has arrived to lift spirits and bring kawaii culture to the world.

Interview with RAY © RAY/SOVA LLC. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with RAY

Meet the shoegaze idols.

Interview with MelonBatake a go go © Gollipop Record. All Rights Reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with MelonBatake a go go

Get to know MelonBatake a go go, the rockabilly superhero sidekick idol group from outer space.

Interview with BURST GIRL © BURST GIRL. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with BURST GIRL

Punk idols BURST GIRL are still eager to explode on American soil someday.

Interview with ANGERME © DC FACTORY. All rights reserved.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with ANGERME

Idol group ANGERME talks about their past, present and future, as well as their expectations about the Mexican public.

Interview with GANG PARADE © 2019 GANG PARADE official.

Interview Exclusive

Interview with GANG PARADE

JaME interviews idol group GANG PARADE, which had recently signed to Warner Music Japan.

Q&A with Wasuta at Anime North 2019 © Avex Management/Stephen Echavia (J-rock North Promotions)

Interview

Q&A with Wasuta at Anime North 2019

Wasuta fields questions from fans at a Q&A panel at Anime North.

Video Interview with Colorpointe at the 15th Tokyo International Music Market © Colorpointe

Interview

Video Interview with Colorpointe at the 15th Tokyo International Music Market

Delve into the fantasy world of Colorpointe.

Interview with Mizuki Fukumura, Miki Nonaka and Reina Yokoyama from Morning Musume。'18 © DC FACTORY. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with Mizuki Fukumura, Miki Nonaka and Reina Yokoyama from Morning Musume。'18

Mizuki Fukumura, Miki Nonaka and Reina Yokoyama talk about Morning Musume。'18's newest songs, dancing, favorite anime theme songs and more.

Interview with LONDON BLUE at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018 © Christopher Woods

Interview

Interview with LONDON BLUE at HYPER JAPAN Festival 2018

LONDON BLUE talk about their beloved city.

Interview with 22/7 at Anime Expo 2018 © Joan Piedra

Interview

Interview with 22/7 at Anime Expo 2018

Sally Amaki, Mei Hanakawa and Reina Miyase of virtual idol group 22/7 speak to JaME about their characters, personalities and songs.

Interview with Maison book girl © ekoms.inc. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with Maison book girl

Maison book girl speaks to JaME about their UK tour experience and latest releases.

Interview with THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS © BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Interview

Interview with THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS

Yui Makino, Ruriko Aoki, Rei Matsuzaki, Kotomi Aihara, Yuko Iida and Tomoyo Kurosawa speak about their characters, their ambitions, and what it means to be part of the IDOLM@STER franchise.

Interview with Broken By The Scream © Ground-Base inc.

Interview

Interview with Broken By The Scream

The extreme metal-influenced idol group introduces itself.

Interview with Juice=Juice © UP-FRONT PROMOTION Co., Ltd.

Interview

Interview with Juice=Juice

The Hello!Project idol group Juice=Juice on a world tour!

Video Interview with Morning Musume。’17 © UP-FRONT PROMOTION Co., Ltd.

Interview

Video Interview with Morning Musume。’17

Morning Musume。continues to deliver smiles, liveliness and love to all 20 years into their career.

Interview with BABYRAIDS JAPAN © LesPros Entertainment Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with BABYRAIDS JAPAN

BABYRAIDS JAPAN challenges both the cute and cool styles.

Video Interview with Juice=Juice © UP-FRONT PROMOTION Co., Ltd.

Interview

Video Interview with Juice=Juice

Before their upcoming world tour, Juice=Juice speaks to JaME in a video interview about live performances, their music and more.

Interview with Wake Up, Girls ! at Anime Expo 2017 © Green Leaves / Wake Up, Girls!

Interview

Interview with Wake Up, Girls ! at Anime Expo 2017

How does it feel to be an anime idol character and real life idol at the same time?

Interview with callme © 2017 avex music creative. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with callme

callme talks about producing their own works, their new single and more.

Interview with Cheeky Parade © avex

Interview

Interview with Cheeky Parade

Cheeky Parade speaks about their recent news, expectations for Japan Expo, their musical evolution and future projects.

Interview with LADYBABY © 2015 clearstone Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with LADYBABY

Obviously, a beard is the foundation of success. In any field.

Interview with Cheeky Parade © Cheeky Parade. All rights reserved.

Interview

Interview with Cheeky Parade

Cheeky Parade chats with JaME before their Moshi Moshi Nippon gig in France.

Interview with MOSO CALIBRATION © @JAM

Interview

Interview with MOSO CALIBRATION

For the MOSO CALIBRATION girls, their imagination is infinite.

Interview with Kiyoshi ryujin 25 © @JAM

Interview

Interview with Kiyoshi ryujin 25

One man, seven wives and music.

Interview with Bandjanaimon! © @JAM

Interview

Interview with Bandjanaimon!

Meet the idol group that plays musical instruments!

Interview with Dempagumi.inc © @JAM

Interview

Interview with Dempagumi.inc

Akihabara “otaku” idol group Dempagumi.inc spoke to JaME before headlining @JAM EXPO 2015 at Yokohama Arena.

Interview with Morning Musume。 © Morning Musume。'14

Interview

Interview with Morning Musume。

Shortly after the group's show in New York City, JaME speaks to Morning Musume。members Sayumi Michishige and Erina Ikuta.

Interview with Pour Lui © BiS / avex

Interview

Interview with Pour Lui

Former BiS leader Pour Lui spoke to JaME about her time in the group and her goals for the future.

Introducing Starmarie © STARMARIE

Interview

Introducing Starmarie

The fantasy idol group spoke with JaME at Anime Expo 2013.

Interview with BABYMETAL © Amuse, Inc. / BABYMETAL

Interview

Interview with BABYMETAL

Just before their major debut, we interviewed 'Kawaii' metal girlgroup BABYMETAL in order to get to know this unique project.

Interview with AKB48 at Japan Expo © AKS - JaME - Sophie Surmont

Interview

Interview with AKB48 at Japan Expo

AKB48, guests at the tenth Japan Expo, shared their time with JaME to answer our questions.

ADVERTISEMENT