What's Up? Pararai [67th edition]
Leaders coming at you with three rounds of questions!
Congratulations on Animedia's 45th anniversary! As a special feature, we've asked the leaders of every team to share about recent happenings and answer some questions related to the number "45". ♪
[translator's note: Please note that the reoccurance of "work" as a theme is because the word used, "shigoto", is a pun on "shi-go", 4-5.]
BAE
Q1. What's something recently that you've felt like is one of those "little wins", as it relates to work?
I was watching over a record store as a favor to the manager, who I know really well, and when someone really likes a record that I recommended, I feel really accomplished, just like I feel whenever someone compliments my music!
Q2. What's a cute secret about one of your team members?
The other day, I saw Hajun watching videos of otters on the sofa. He was smiling just a little bit as he was watching the screen, and I thought, "huh, he has this kind of side to him, too!". It was pretty unexpected, but I thought it was nice!
Q3. How do the members of your team approach their summer homework?
Hajun is a perfectionist and he always finishes it early. Anne makes a plan and then powers through it in the second half of break. And I... am the type who leaves it until the last minute. (lol) We're all different, but that's what keeps BAE in balance!
The Cat's Whiskers
Q1. Please tell us something that one of your team members is secretly very particular about!
I always feel that there is a hidden logic behind Ryu's eccentric behavior. Even something which seems random at first, like the order in which he arranges the bottles on the shelf, feels like it has a reasoning behind it all. It's truly fascinating how particular he can be.
Q2. Out of the things your teammates own, what is something that always catches your eye and that you find appealing?
I can't help but be struck by the leather goods that Yohei has cherished and been using for many years. They possess the kind of beauty that money can't buy– the kind of beauty that you can only get through the passage of time. The deep luster they have is truly something special.
Q3. What's something about your teammates that you think will stay the same even if 45 years pass?
I suppose Shiki's gentleness. When he tried to look after the plants even when he had a fever, I told him to rely on others a little more, and he has indeed been relying on me a little more than he used to... but, I still can't help but worry. But I'm sure that heart, which always puts others before himself, will continue to burn brightly within him for many years to come.
cozmez
Q1. What's something that's really trending within your team right now?
Convenience store food hacks. Adding onigiri and cheese to the curry flavored cup noodles rules. Nayuta and I are competing to see who can come up with the best flavor combo.
Q2. Please share when your teammate shows off his "cool side" when he's working!
When Nayuta's making clothes. He's super serious about it, and the finished products always rock. I never get bored of watching him.
Q3. Please share some kind of mishap that's happened to you related to summer!
We both got sunburned while wearing sunglasses. The moment we took them off and saw each other's faces we both burst out laughing. The sunburn went away quick, but it was still funny.
Akan Yatsura
Q1. Who among your teammates has the most remarkable sleeping posture when you're travelling together via bus or train?
In the car, Satsuki and Reo are both contenders for that. They can fall asleep in such weird positions that it's kind of frekay. (lol) But on the other hand, Zen's posture is so perfect that sometimes you can't tell if he's fallen asleep. Kinda wish he'd loosen up a little bit more when he's in the passenger seat.
Q2. Who is the least put-together at home due to having the biggest gap between "at work" and "at rest"?
Ah, that one might be me, lol. Home's the best place to relax, and being around my family's smiling faces puts me real at ease. I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not around them, so I kind of end up relying on them for a lot.
Q3. If you were to change team leaders for one day, who would you entrust the job to?
Leave it to Zen and it'll be in good hands, I'm sure. But if that doesn't count... then Hokusai! He's really good at balancing being an adult and being a kid, so I'd be real interested to see what he'd be like as a leader!
VISTY
Q1. If you had to pick another team to invite to hang out with this summer, what team would you choose and what would you do?
I'd like to have a barbecue with Akan Yatsura! From what I've seen on social media, they seem to be great at having summer fun, and they have members that are close in age to Kantaro and Aoi, so I think we could learn a lot about how to enjoy summer together!
Q2. What's something that you've recently borrowed from or lent to another member of your team?
Toma lent me a pair of sunglasses on a day off. Not only were they stylish, they were also super functional; I was super surprised at the vision quality. To be honest, I liked them so much that I bought a pair of the same sunglasses for myself. (lol)
Q3. What kind of work would you like to try doing?
I think I'd like to try my hand at inspecting and cleaning a theme park. By learning from the professionals who keep places that bring smiles to everyone's faces running from behind the scenes, I think it would help me to be able to fulfil everyone's dreams from on-stage, myself.
AMPRULE
Q1. What did you have for dinner last night?
Last night I had beef fillet Rossini. I am grateful for the impeccable labors of the chef. His skill in capturing my preferences so precisely resulted in a magnificent dish that is worthy of the highest praise.
Q2. What is the best way to reward yourself after work?
Once I have completed all of my studies, I dim the lights in my room and immerse myself in classical music. This time that I spend shutting out all visual stimuli and focusing on sharpening my sense of hearing is the ultimate reward and a splendid mental reset.
Q3. What is a moment recently where you made eye contact with your team member and couldn't help but laugh?
When Chungsung caught a falling object in a bizarre pose, I could not help but crack a smile at his unwavering devotion to his role as butler... to be clear, the sight was utterly ridiculous, but I will give credit where it is due for his uncompromising loyalty.
1Nm8
Q1. If you were to give an award to one of your team members, what would it be for?
I'll give Rokuta the "Best Dishwasher Award". Lately, he's been breaking fewer plates, and I can really see him growing up in the way he tries to wash them more carefully. The chances I have to watch over Rokuta's growth are very peaceful and precious times for me.
Q2. If you were to switch places with someone on your team for a day, who would you switch with and what would you do?
I suppose Itsuki? He always notices the most minute changes that I don't notice at all. So, I wonder what the world looks like through his eyes... I'd love to take a peek into how the way he sees the same things as me differs from how I see them.
Q3. What's a particular preference you have vis a vis work?
I like to listen to and sample sounds from nature. There are very complex polyrhythms hidden everywhere, and just by listening for them, you can form an entire song. In my opinion, the sounds that nature plays are the greatest musical language. I wish to capture those harmonies and weave them into my sea of sound.
GokuLuck
Q1. Which member of your team do you think would be the most scared if your team were to do a test of courage?
Tosa-kun is always reliable no matter the situation, and I get the feeling that Kaida-kun doesn't believe in ghosts. So that would leave me or Mikoshiba-kun. In the end, though, it would probably me getting the most scared and panicking all by myself...
Q2. If you were to divide an 8-piece takoyaki among your teammates, who would receive how many?
Usually, you'd just split it evenly so we all get two, but I want everyone to enjoy eating a lot of delicious food, so I'll give them my share! It is pretty frustrating that I can't give everyone else one extra... so I guess we'll have to decide who gets them with rock-paper-scissors to be fair.
Q3. What kind of old man do you imagine your teammates becoming 45 years from now?
45 years from now! I do wonder how everyone will age. It gets me pretty emotional thinking about how much Mikoshiba-kun will have grown, and Tosa-kun will probably be even more reliable, and I think Kaida-kun will likely be running a lovely bar. But, of course, that's all just my imagination running wild... but is it maybe a bit selfish of me to hope that our relationship will never change?
Buraikan
Q1. As it pertains to work, what would you say your teammate is "number one in the world" at?
Definitely the tracks that Haruomi makes, and also how stoic and unwilling to make compromises he is. Every time I'm sitting next to him soaking in the music he makes, I get amped up all over again thinking about how he's the best partner in the world. I do think he could stand to relax a bit sometimes, though.
Q2. What's an unforgettable summer memory you have with your teammate?
It was super funny when one time we got caught in a sudden downpour mid-driving tour; we got completely soaked and had to take shelter at a bus stop. And even though it was the middle of summer, the vending machine only had hot drinks. Haruomi looked like he was completely pissed, but for me, it's a great memory.
Q3. What's one thing you're confident your teammate can't beat you at?
Definitely my good luck! I don't think Haruomi's ever gonna beat me on that one. No matter how thoroughly he prepares, in the end my luck always wins out. (lol)