The weekly women's magazine Josei Jishin recently interviewed several members of Hello! Project's Dream Morning Musume.

This time, we bring you a partial translation of the interview with Iida Kaori, who was the second leader of Morning Musume:

Q: How did it feel to form Dream Morning Musume?
In the past, even though we were members of the same group, there was a feeling of rivalry between us. But I still really liked the members, even more after I graduated ... This time, instead of it being about who's going to be in the center, we will share the burden together.

Q: How about being the leader again with these members?
When I was active (in Morning Musume), I was the leader the longest. At the time, I was frantic trying to show leadership, but I'm actually the type of person who likes to let others take the lead...this time, I want to cherish the airy feel.

Q: Tell us about the new song.
Even after graduating, we've been given the opportunity to perform songs like "LOVE Machine", but we wanted to be an actual unit and not a reunion this time. So I was happy that we could have a new song. I want to work hard with the new song while showing appreciation to all the songs from the past.

Q: How was the recording?
It was a lot of fun. There's bright songs and songs with a mellow feel ... After leaving Tsunku-san's producing, I've seen many things, so I'm able to arrange things on my own now. Our fans have gotten older just like us, and while we have to work hard to get our physical strength back, we want the fans to do the same.

Q: Does it feel different to sing Morning Musume songs after your experiences (after graduation)?
At the time, when I was singing and dancing "LOVE Machine", I didn't think very hard, but after receiving dance lessons from Natsu-sensei (Morning Musume's choreographer) again, I realized this song has very deep meanings. Perhaps I can feel it now that I've experienced many things. I've also become able to understand Tsunku-san's feelings toward Morning Musume. After being able to see things from an objective point of view, I was finally able to realize what a great song "LOVE Machine" was. In my mind, this is a reborn "LOVE Machine".

Q: Do you prefer the hectic days of the past or your lifestyle now?
In the past we didn't even have time to eat. But, if we're going to do it, I prefer an intense lifestyle. I say this a lot, but I have dual personalities. The soloist Iida Kaori and Dream Morning Musume's IidaKaori are different people. I want to switch gears when I'm doing it.

Q: How do you feel about Dream Morning Musume having a world tour?
I want to go~! I saw a video of the current members (of Morning Musume) working hard in Paris, and there were foreign people singing "LOVE Machine". If I can, I definitely want to go.

Q: What is your relationship with former members?
I go out to eat with them in private. We also talk about music. An we came to the agreement to challenge the stage together. From the bottom of my heart, I treasure my members.

Q: What were the most difficult things, looking back to your Morning Musume days?
There was no time. I was doing what I loved, but it was difficult when I couldn't get time to sleep, eat, or get vacations. I wanted to value each of those things, so it was painful not being able to do so.

Q: What was the most fun you had?
The concerts. At the time, we would be so busy that at work, the atmosphere would be hostile, but we all loved to sing and dance, so when it came to the lives, the adrenaline would start flowing nonstop. I loved the moment when everyone started smiling.

Q: If you were to represent Dream Morning Musume as a color, what would it be?
It's a dream, so personally, I think yellow, with a feeling of hope, suits it.

Q: What are your future goals?
Work hard in Dream Morning Musume. I want to give energy to all the fans.

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Source: Josei Jishin�1 &�2