Chikarina ModelPress Interview Translation
Why Chikano Rina transferred to JKT48? Speaking her mind in her AKB days and talking about her dream that she wants to realize. Interview by ModelPress.
In this February, Chikano Rina(21) disclosed that she would transfer from AKB48 to JKT48, a sister group of AKB who based their activities in Jakarta, Indonesia. On July 1st she made a full-fledged voyage and started her activity in Jakarta.
This time, ModelPress interviewed her to approach her real feelings.
◆ The reason why she decided to move to JKT48
– Could you speak your mind now?
Chikano: I had been there (Jakarta) for 2 weeks in June. While I was there I came to understand the language word by word, then I thought I would be able to run well unexpectedly. Now I believe in myself.
– Did you wish to go abroad from the beginning?
Chikano: AKB48 had regular concerts in Singapore, and I’ve been there four times. After that, I have been thinking unintentionally that I will feel good if I am in overseas countries, but I’d never imagine that I, myself, became like this.
– If so, why did you decide to move to Jakarta?
Chikano: The biggest reason is that I can’t find any room for my growth after 7 years of activity in AKB48, although I do have my motivation to do more. Then, when our re-organization back in February, I seriously wished to go abroad and it seemed that the time was right, so I took a step forward.
– What do you mean you were worried about your room for growth?
Chikano: Nothing but the worries of being unpopular. Honestly, I wanted to play in CM, to be selected in Senbatsu. It was so frustrating for me…
– Please tell me the sequence of your transfer
Chikano: Without talking to my parents, I decided it by myself then told a staff. After that, I talked to my parents. They were freaking out. I was caught in a cross fire of questions “What? Why? You proposed by yourself?” (Laugh)
– Don’t you have any uneasiness with your activity in Jakarta?
Chikano: I’m anxious about the language differences, but I can get many experiences at there, so the expectation is more (than the anxiety). You know, studying abroad is really tough, but if I remind myself that I will be able to go abroad for my job, come in touch with others’ value that is new for me and study language and culture, I have to believe this is a chance that won’t come twice in life.
◆ Life at Jakarta
– You already stayed there for two weeks, tell me more about it
Chikano: I became homesick at the first week. I cried whenever there’s a talk about family. But one week later, I’m totally alright. Maybe I got accustomed to the environment? It felt strange that just one week ago, I really wanted to go back to Japan.
– You already become friends with (the other) members?
Chikano: They are awesome!! They really welcomed me. We went shopping together or teach our native languages to each other. I made friends with them. They are so kind. They tell me many things politely.
– How about the language barrier?
Chikano: Staff help me with the translation. But since I want to speak by myself, I asked ”Tell me what to say” again and again and made a note. I study so that I can communicate by myself as soon as possible.
– You feel anything different between Japan and Jakarta at the live show?
Chikano: The fans are really passionate. When a member readying for her MC session, fans will remind themselves to be quiet. You can heard “Sssh” from various places and it became silent. That is so awesome, right? At MC fans communicate and laugh with members, so I want to be able to speak the language soon.
– What is your appeal point to JKT48 fans?
Chikano: I can’t speak the language at all currently. So please, watch my steps as I learn the language.
– I guess you worry about public safety of Indonesia, which obviously different from Japan
Chikano: Well…, basically, the main method of transportation there is by car. As well as heavy rain, which then sometimes, the road became flooded and everyone move by boat..
– You live alone at there?
Chikano: I live with Nakagawa Haruka. I guess we are a good combination. I’m really looking forward to the future.
– But do you feel lonely being apart from your parents?
Chikano: I wasn’t really into my household or so to speak. I can understand my parents were worried about me, but I didn’t like being told way too many things back then. After just two weeks in Jakarta, I really aware the importance of family now. I realize how much I love them and I feel lonely since I don’t know when I can meet them again. I’ll cherish the time I can spend with them.
◆ Rina Chikano from now on
– Do you have any target at JKT48?
Chikano: First: to become Senbatsu. Then appear on many CMs. There are many Japanese companies with JKT48 as their brand ambassador. I will appear on many CMs and want fans to remember me. And I will active as bridge between Japan and Jakarta in the near future.
– Do you feel confidence?
Chikano: Yes, of course!! I often told that my face looks like a Southeast Asian, and maybe I’ll fit in right away. So, I’ll reach the success in Jakarta!!”
– Last question. Please tell me your key to have your dream came true”
Chikano: I think dream comes true or not depends on effort of myself. Challenging any obstacles one by one is necessary for growth. If anything (bad) ever happened, face it and face forward. I keep on doing that, then I got this chance. So, at a new place, I will not neglect any kind of effort and try to get as many experiences as I can.
Rina Chikano profile
Birth date: 23rd April,1993
Birth place: Tokyo
Blood type: B
Height: 162cm
Hobbies: Collecting adhesive plasters, Nose observation
Specialty: Dance
Source
English Translation by Anon and Japarta.
Thanks for the quick translation!
I can see Chikarina do well at JKT48, as long as she shows effort and hard work. It’s nice that the members get along with her well, I hope she doesn’t feel lonely anymore.
Nice article, good translation. Thank you Anon!
I hope she can learn ‘bahasa Indonesia’ (Indonesian language) and Indonesia culture as fast as she can like Haruka Nakagawa. That’s the key to win the fans heart and turn her into ‘our beloved idol’.
Indonesian people is unique, we love to give people second chance. Haruka Nakagawa used it really well and she succeed. Let’s hope that Chikarina use it too.
i saw the on Yupi’s CM
she’s set and ready to blast
What i like about her after reading the interview is her will to study the language…she asks the translator waht to say instead of making the translator speak for her…this maybe could make her progress of learning bahasa quicker than Gon….
“a chance that won’t come twice in life..” that is one absolute resolution :the man::the man:
keep the spirit girl, me sure you can learn many things from Haruka (the positive ones of course, not the lunatic ones)
Ohhhh I’m so proud of Chika-chan~~~~ <3
I really love it when she openly says that she wants to be popular, it is so admirable of her!
She is so positive and that's what I like from her