[tenshi no hane]

I translated her latest ViVi interview (scans here). It's quite interesting~

ViVi 2014-03 Interview Translation:

Spoiler:

Bon Voyage
Koda Kumi
Time to go on a new voyage

Although she is as sweet as always, Kuu-chan is now clad in the aura of an "adult woman". Feeling a change inside herself both as an artist and as a woman, she now aims towards a "new place".

It's been nearly 2 years. Kuu-chan will release her first original album 'Bon Voyage' since her return. When we asked the reason behind the album's title (which means 'starting on a journey'), she answered: "I think this album will become a turning point for me."

Laughter and tears – the things I have experienced so far allow me to go on a new voyage.

"14 years have passed since my debut. I was running like crazy the entire time. But recently I was finally able to stand still and take a look at my surroundings. And, when I faced myself, I felt that I have really experienced many things. While plunging forward towards one goal, I have met many new people and I have also lost many people in order to move forward. I have experienced countless fun things and I have also experienced a great amount of hardship… In the past, I often felt this complicated life of mine was hard. But now I feel lucky. When I first debuted, the backpack on my back was still empty. But my hardships have filled my backpack with "experience". Thanks to this, the backpack I carry right now is completely full. I've finished preparing for my journey. I recognize and accept the me who has worked like crazy until now, and I will now step into a new world confidently. That's how I feel right now."

She wants to journey to a new world. Having been separated from her music for a period of time played a big role in this desire.

"Until now, I had only been taking things out of my 'drawer' and it was nearly empty. But now I've had the time to put new impulses into my drawer. Thoughts such as 'I want to do this kind of thing' and 'I want to sing these kinds of songs' came welling up."

It was terrifying to overturn my image but I feel proud and I know I wasn't wrong.

The album is filled with new challenges, born out of the thought: 'I want to show a side of Koda Kumi that no one has ever seen before'. Her sound is more polished and cool. The woman who always sings about love has now sealed off sweet love songs (aside from Koishikute). She explains: "This album overturns the image of Koda Kumi that everyone has. This album required a lot of courage."

"But thanks to this change I am able to sing about a broader 'love'. This means some people might say that I have changed, but, to the current me, that is a good thing. My twenties was a period of trial and error. Having challenged many different things, I was able to discover the 'answer' and place it in my backpack. That's why I am not afraid of change. I am confident that my choice is right."

I've gotten room to breathe. I think I am now confident that I can be myself.

Calmly choosing her words, voicing her quiet determination… Kuu-chan exudes a mature aura as she answers our questions.

"I think I have gotten room to breathe. In a good sense. I stopped trying too hard. I've become able to relax."

When we asked her how we could feel like that too, she answered: "I think you need to have 'something' that you know will always be there."

"For example, it can be your work, your hobbies, love -- anything is fine. But you need the confidence that 'this is something I won't lose to anyone in'. Of course you can't gain this confidence without effort. I think people can change when they accept and recognize their past self."

When we asked whether her family also played an important role in this, she smiled and said: "That might be so."

"I think, in the end, people can't hold on without laughter. It's definitely true that the happy time I spend with my family gives me the energy to move forward. This album is an energetic, uplifting work, so please listen to it when you feel down. I'd be happy if many people will listen to it and hear the new me."

New album 'Bon Voyage'
Release date: 2/26
Her latest original album in the 2 years is a compilation of the various things she wanted to do. When asked to describe the album in one word, she answered "Cool!!" She has transformed into a cool adult. Be ready to hear a new Koda Kumi on this album.

She tends to say "please look forward to a new Koda Kumi" every time, but I'm really looking forward to what she has in store for us.