I’m happy to present the transcript for the Morning Musume Q&A panel at Anime Expo 2009. Unlike the Tsunku panel, which was basically just questionners and Tsunku, I had to make sure I got down who was talking for each answer. Short forms are given the first time each person talks, so I hope it’s easy to follow. Comments in square brackets are things I couldn’t hear or wasn’t sure about the translation. Comments in round brackets are actions or observations from the panel. I hope you guys enjoy the transcript!

H!P Translator (H!P T): Why don’t you introduce yourself first?
Takahashi Ai (TA): Yes. Morning Musume leader, I’m Takahashi Ai.
Niigaki Risa (NR): Morning Musume sub-leader, I’m Niigaki Risa.
Kamei Eri (KE): 6th generation member, I’m Kamei Eri.
Michishige Sayumi (MS): 6th gen member, I’m Michishige Sayumi. Usa-chan peace!
Tanaka Reina (TR): 6th gen member, I’m Tanaka Reina.
Kusumi Koharu (KK): 7th gen member of Morning Musume, I’m Kusumi Koharu.
Mitsui Aika (MA): 8th gen member, I’m Mitsui Aika.
JunJun (JJ): 8th gen member, I’m JunJun.
LinLin (LL): Hello everybody! I’m LinLin!

H!P T: Wow, you guys are great. I really want to hear all the girls, how to you welcome… How do they welcome your craziness. Can I?

Audience: YES!

TA: I am expecting a different reaction from Japan, so I’m very happy to [hear you guys?]

H!P T: Is this your first time in LA?

NR: Yes, it is my 1st time in LA. I’ve been wanting to come for a long time. I’m hoping we can have a great time together and I’m hoping for a great communication together.

H!P T: They arrived yesterday and there were many fans at the airport. What was their real impression about the United States?

KE: The United States impression was amazing. Everyone is super super hyper. To be honest with you, I was sleepy when I got off the plane, but I woke up.

H!P T: What would Sayumi like to do while she’s in LA?

MS: What would I like to do in LA? In my off time, I’d like to go around to famous places to famous places… What’s it called? Paris..? No, no.. Hollywood! XD

H!P T: Where would you (the audience) recommend them to go?

Audience: Lots of yelling.

H!P T: Did someone say “my house”? LOL

Morning Musume: LOL.

H!P T: Tomorrow is the concert. What kind of concert is Reina expecting?

TR: [Wasn't translated.. o_O]

H!P T: What kind of food are you expecting to taste?

KK: I want to eat soft serve ice cream.

NR: But you can get that in Japan, can’t you?

KK: I know they have lots in Japan, but the ones in America have lots of colours. While I was on the plane, I was thinking of how I could bring it home. [Thanks to Seiya for help with who said the 2nd sentence]

H!P T: What do you want to communicate with fans?

MA: More than communication, I just want to get to you know you guys better.

H!P T: You guys know that JunJun is from China. What is the difference in reactions between Chinese fans and American fans?

JJ: The American fans, their voices are much higher and louder. They have a higher pitch. I’m really excited to hear you guys at the concert. I like American fans – they’re more poppy and energetic. They’re more fun too.

H!P T: Did you know that LinLin is a big fan of anime?

LL: Yes, yes, yes, yes!!

H!P T: Since this is anime expo, I’d like to ask what kind of anime she’s into.

LL: I like One Piece, Inu Yasha, Bleach, Naruto, Tom & Jerry, and more. THANK YOU!!

Audience question (AQ): What do you think is more important? Being an idol, or an entertainer/singer?

MS: IDOL!!!

AQ: Overseas fans get information about you from the internet. In the future, will any of you get a personal or a group blog?

TR: [Answer not translated]

AQ: Do you have any plans to perform in any other cities in the US?

TA: There are no plans yet, but we would really like to play more concerts in the US.

AQ: (Someone wearing a Milky Way cosplay) If you had a free day in California, what would you do?

KK: Go see you guys for sure!! Thank you!!

AQ: After the panel , could I get a photo with you guys?

H!P T: The girls would have to be here for a month to take photos with all of you. Sorry. I’m a devil. XD

NR: SORRY!!! SORRY!! (before she understood what was said. After it was translated for her, she continued to the apologize) SORRY!! (cute!!)

AQ: If someone gave you a GakiKame art theatre parody DVD, would you watch it?

NR: (a very enthusiastic) Yes!!

AQ: Could you do the Atto pose for us?

NR: Okay, okay! ^_^

NR & KE: Atto!!!

AQ: Do you think you would work with any US artists/producers if you do well here?

TA: [answer not translated] (translation was interrupted by H!P T)

H!P T: Who would you want to work with if you could?

TA: Beyonce!

AQ: Obviously there are things about being a celebrity that are fun and entertaining, but what are the aspects that don’t you enjoy about being a celebrity?

TR: The good aspects about being a celebrity… I’m from Fukoka, Japan, and when I go home all my friends meet and greet me when I go home. So I definitely feel a better appreciation for my hometown and I definitely have gained more confidence since I joined Morning Musume.

AQ: There are fans who have studied your songs and have written arrangements for them on other instruments like piano. What is you opinion on these interpretations of your works?

TA: It makes us very happy.

H!P T: Did you know guys know about the myspace concert? Where you guys make your own PV for 3, 2, 1 Breakin’ Out. And Takahashi-san said she was very overwhelmed with your interpretations for the song.

AQ: What was the most recent movie you’ve seen? [I think that was the question... Or was it, "Have you watched Transformers?" The question wasn't actually translated]

JJ: The most recent movie I saw was a Korean movie “Atama no naka no keshigomu”, “The Eraser in my Head” [Thanks to Seiya for clearing up the movie title]. It was a very moving movie.

MA: She really likes moving movies. Heart-wrenching, moving scenes.

JJ: I love moving scenes, and it came out on DVD, so I went out and [purchased it?].

AQ: Is there a dish that you are most confident in making?

JJ: I love cooking and I like making things, trying new things. It may not look very good, but personally, I think it tastes great.

Audience member who asked the question: I would like to try that.

JJ: Thank you!

AQ: [Some question in Japanese I didn't understand]

KE: [Answer wasn't translated]

AQ: Eri, how long did you sleep last night? I didn’t sleep at all because I was very happy to meet you.

KE: I did get enough sleep last night. I actually went to sleep at 11:30, so… 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30. 5:30. 6:30.. So I went to sleep for 7 hours and 20 minutes. I want to say I’m not sleepy, but I have to be honest. My eyelids are a little bit heavy right now.

AQ: What do you really want to do when you’re in LA? Eat, or go to some place?

KE: Pinks. I want to go to the hot dog place.

H!P T: Please don’t camp out there. Please.

AQ: I was wondering if I could have a rock, paper, scissors battle with Reina…?

TR: Yes! Err… In Japanese?

AQ: I was also wondering if there could be a punishment game?

H!P T: Only if you have to do the punishment, even if Reina loses.

AQ: … Err. Okay. The punsihment is the loser has to act like a cat.

H!P T: Okay. But even if Reina loses you have to act like a cat.

AQ: … Okay….

[Jan Ken Pon battle. 1 ties, and Reina wins the second]

AQ: Nyaaa…

AQ: Gaki-san!

NR: Hai?

AQ: Eyebrow beam, kudasai!!!

NR: Oooh.. In English? :O (as in the fan said it in English, not that she would do it in English) …. Mayuge…. BEAM!!!! (with motions)

AQ: Koharu is acting as a voice actress for Kirarin Revolution…

KK: Yeah!

AQ: Do any of you have plans or want to be a voice actress for anime?

KK: [translation was muffled, but Koharu wanted to do the voice from the anime for the crowd] OK! [Some line from Kirarin Revolution, I would assume - it wasn't translated]

AQ: Concert wise, what is the difference between Taiwan and the US?

TA: In the beginning of the Taiwan concert, it seemed like the screams were a little higher pitched, and I saw more female fans. I’m really excited to see the reactions here at the US concert tomorrow.

AQ: Sayumi, you’re turning 20 this year. What kind of adult do you want to become?

MS: I definitely want to stay with Morning Musume, but now that I’m 20 and becoming an adult, people will see me as an adult. I really want to grow, but I want to stay connected with everybody.

AQ: Is being where you are now everything you ever dreamed of?

TR: In preschool, everybody asks you what’s your dream. People say they want to be a pilot, an actor, etc. [I wanted to be an idol - (I'm assuming she said something along these lines)] I auditioned for Morning Musume, and I didn’t think I’d get in but I wanted to see how far I could go. Now look where I am. I’m really excited and very proud of myself.

Audience member who asked previous question: Koharu, I was also born on July 15, 1992.

KK: (confused because she didn’t hear the translation, but eventually pieced it together). We have the same birthday? ……… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

AQ: Koharu, do you read any shoujo manga? And if so, what’s your favourite?

KK: ONE MORE!! ONE MORE!!!

AQ: (repeats question)

KK: My favourite shoujo manga is Kirarin Revolution!!!

AQ: Takahashi-san, since becoming the leader of Morning Musume and Hello! Project, what’s the best thing that’s come out of it?

TA: The best thing is getting to cheer everyone on!

AQ: What does it mean to you to be an idol?

TA: It’s a dream come true. [Thanks to lazyboyterry for the translation]

H!P T: We have run out of time, but I will ask each girl what they are looking for from you guys.

TA: I am looking forward to the concert, and I hope you all are as well. We will be talking about the myspace concert, so I hope you guys will [??].

NR: I really hope tomorrow goes well. I really want to see how you guys enjoy the concert. I really want to go home with great memories.

KE: Tomorrow, I really want to reach out to all of you. I want to dance hard and sing loud, so I hope you will all cheer loud for me.

MS: For the concert tomorrow, the songs will be cheery and jumpy. I hope you guys will be jumping with us.

TR: The US is a country I always wanted to visit and LA is a city I always wanted to visit. I’m really excited. I hope you guys are excited too, and I hope you guys go crazy.

KK: I’m really excited to meet you guys. I really like you guys and after the concert , I’m sure I’ll like you guys even more. I’m having a lot of fun, and I hope you’re having fun too. I LIKE LA!!

MA: Seeing how excited you are, I know at the concert everyone will be just as excited for us, and I’m really happy for that. I really want to remember each and every one of your faces. I hope to see you tomorrow!

JJ: I am greatful that you guys come to Japan for our concerts, but not we’re here for you. I hope you guys are as excited as I am. LET’S SINGING, DANCING AND EXCITING!!

LL: I am very happy and exciting. I wish we have very wonderful time in tomorrow! (She spoke English – this was directly from LinLin – not through the translator, thus the grammar)