Sayumi Michishige to Asuka Saito... A collection of memorable speeches from six idols

Mirin Furukawa (formerly of Dempagumi.inc)

Selected by: Maiko Fukushima

Her proactive choice of words shows her pride as a seasoned idol

Dempagumi.inc has been active from the Heisei era to the Reiwa era. When they were formed, it was called the "Idol Warring States Period," and live idols were risking their lives on stage, but nowadays, that suffocation has disappeared and we are living in an age where dreams can come true through social media.

These words came at a time when the transition from the old to the new generation was so rapid that people were saying, "The end of Dempagumi.inc may be the end of Heisei idols." The MC came at a moment when the live show was in its final stretch and the feelings were overflowing, and the words were easy to understand and packed with emotion.

I thought that her proactive and defiant use of words, "I've come to end it" rather than "Heisei is coming to an end," was very much like her, who survived the idol warring states era. The audience responded with "Heisei has been over for a long time now, hasn't it?" (laughs), but I think it will gradually hit home later.

Asuka Saito (Nogizaka46 OG)

Selected by: Takashi Katsuki

His carefree demeanor reveals his deep affection for people.

In the words that Saito weaves, one often senses the wealth of knowledge and thought that he has accumulated over the years, but at the same time, because he normally has a somewhat nonchalant demeanor, the sincerity within him seems to shine through even more strongly when he speaks at major milestones.

This speech was impressive, as it effortlessly woven together affection for the people who have shared history while building a culture, as well as the legacy of the organization. Meanwhile, today's Japanese idols' proactive practices are evident in their everyday communications, such as admonishing ageist behavior on social media, rather than in speeches given at grand occasions. It's in these words and actions, which are rarely reported widely, that we can find opportunities for empowerment that quietly changes the atmosphere in society.

Kanako Momota (Momoiro Clover Z)

Selected by: Kurumi Nakata

Thinking back on the past, I promise to continue running on my own volition.

I was completely hooked on Momoiro Clover Z at their peak, when the venues they performed at kept getting bigger, and the last live concert I went to was a fan club-only concert in May 2013. I felt sad that Momoclo had gone so far away, and I remember crying when I later watched the DVD of the concert held at the National Stadium in March of the following year. It was a performance that was like the moment Momoclo had run through the times and completed the Hakone Ekiden.

They have spent the past few years running at full speed under the gaze of many. Their speech seemed to capture all of their thoughts and feelings, and they said that the goal is not to achieve the dreams set for them by adults, but that they will continue to run on their own will. I was touched by their words, which evoked the sense of mission they have as idols.

BI (formerly of iKON)

Selected by: DJ Utakata

Expressing heartfelt feelings for people all over the world in simple and honest words

Around this time, a popular idol in South Korea took her own life. It was a time when many people were particularly concerned about the intense criticism and anti-fan behavior in the Korean entertainment industry, and the high number of young people who choose to commit suicide in South Korea. At a time like that, her speech, delivered from the perspective of a Korean idol, a person who is easily criticized by society and discouraged from being outspoken, was memorable, along with IU's speech at the Golden Disc Awards around the same time.

BI's skillful choice of words and IU's frankness in their content were appealing, and they seemed to be speaking to idols, the entertainment industry, and society as a whole. Even from the perspective of an idol, where there are (or are thought to be) unique restrictions on what can be said, the moment when their honest thoughts are conveyed is what really moves us.

Sayumi Michishige (Morning Musume OG)

Selected by: Nozomi Omori

By deliberately using taboo words, the loving truth stands out

The words given to graduating members at graduation ceremonies tend to be a list of niceties. However, when it came to the graduation of Kusumi Koharu, a junior member whom she had looked after as her mentor, Michishige started off by saying something very strong and taboo for an idol: "Honestly, I hated you." This directly conveyed the feeling that she was speaking her true feelings, and it was for this reason that her words, "Why do I feel so lonely?", struck a chord with the fans watching.

This was a rare speech that only Sayumi Michishige has attracted public attention as a "narcissistic character with a sharp tongue" and has always pushed the boundaries despite being criticized, turning her sharp words into laughter, could pull off. In fact, the audience was filled with laughter and cheers of "You're going to say that?"

LEO（〈BE:FIRST〉）

Selected by: Moegara

Promising a future with each and every one of you in honest words

I've been friends with him, an avid reader, since we appeared together on a radio show, and I've had the pleasure of seeing his live shows, but the size of the venue at this concert made it seem as though their presence was somewhat distant. However, when LEO took the microphone and spoke, the words came across as a powerful promise: "We'll continue to sing, just for you, without changing," and I felt a deep sense of relief in the hearts of each and every BESTY (the collective name for fans) who had gathered at the Tokyo Dome.

He has always been interested in words and is a member who takes the lead in delivering powerful messages, but the straightforward words he spoke, trusting his fans, and the relationship he had with them were all truly divine. I was deeply moved to witness the moment when the relationship between artist and fan was connected.