A signpost to a new world, illuminated by a guess.
Interview with Hana Sugisaki and Kotona Minami in commemoration of the release of the film "Meets the World.

South: There was something that made me happy, and when I told Hana-chan about it, she responded with a reaction beyond what I had expected. That made me so happy that I decided to report back to her as soon as I had something good to say (laughs). We talked about many things during the filming and ordered chicken in Rai's room and ate it together.

Sugisaki: Rai's room was rented from an actual apartment, so there was one day when Kotona and I stood in the kitchen and made a lot of instant noodles. We all ate together with the staff and had a lot of fun.

South: It was fun!

Sugisaki: Everyone was very free, sometimes spending their own time as they pleased, and at other times conversations naturally spread, creating a comfortable atmosphere in which people could relate to each other without feeling overwhelmed.

Sugisaki: Before the shooting, I had an image of a "chaotic city," and I felt that even after we actually started filming, but as I went to the site every day, it began to feel like my own territory.

South: I didn't have the impression that it was a scary town to begin with, so I didn't change much. However, when I filmed the scene where Yukari and I watch the sunrise in Kabukicho, it was a new discovery for me that the city, which until then had given me a strong impression of night, looked so beautiful and full of energy.

South: I have a friend from high school who belongs to a group called Girls², and they recently had their 6th anniversary concert. They invite me to their live performances every year. I was very nervous at the milestone live performance, and I knew that they were busy with lessons before performing their new songs, so I felt empowered when I actually saw them perform. I simply have a lot of respect for them. They are my friends, but I also think of them as my favorites.

Sugisaki: I am crazy about the girl group HANA. I am really encouraged by the way they are taking care of their past experiences and themselves, and how they are rapidly becoming more luminous, which cheers me up even when I am tired or depressed.

Sugisaki: That's right. I had been watching the auditions for "No No Girls" for a long time, and when the members were chosen and the group name was announced, "HANA" I thought it might be fate (laughs). I am very happy to know that there are people I love so much and that we are living in the same era, and it gives me a lot of energy.