Interview time, humans. There many j-pop idols rising. But one in particular has decided to move to New York and plant the heavenly j-pop seed here in America. She is the angelic and adorable Reni Mimura. She is a talented woman who sings with much passion and radiates cuteness beyond your human comprehension (she is an anime character come to life). Reni is leading the burgeoning Moe/kawaii movement in America. She has performed at many concerts and anime conventions across the USA, runs a monthly maid café event, has had two albums released and was featured on two NHK documentaries. Reni refers to her fans as angels (because they keep her going), and even told one of her callers on her ustream-show to message any personal problems this fan may have on Reni’s facebook (yeah, Reni’s that close to fans).
So what happens when this Japanese pop angel runs into a digital demon like myself? Let’s find out!
G: Thank you for joining us Reni! Let me ask first, why did you want to be an idol?
RM: When I was an active singer in Japan, because I was too eccentric, just like “Haruhi” for Japanese people, my performance wasn’t grasped the way I wanted. People in Japan tend to devalue differences in personality, performance and lifestyle etc… But everyone is different. I wanted to spread a message “Don’t worry everyone is different, and don’t give up on what you believe!! I think this is the main reason why I started.
I also think that we need to learn to communicate better. I believe “communication” is the key for our life.
I want to say those things in my songs, performances and interactive programs.
After seeing me taking the path to become a big idol, I want my angels to have strong confidence on themselves, and be brave enough to believe in themselves and take their own paths.
G: Who are some of your music influences?
RN: I have been influenced by many artists and genres because I used to study acting and dancing as well.
I listen to 1960’s~ to the current music including Pop, Rock, Jazz, Classic, Electoro, Hip hop, etc… in English and Japanese. I especially like artists who can dance and sing. For example, Michel Jackson, Madonna and Brittney Spears.
I also like Alanis Morissette for her soulful singing. In addition, I love Yoko Kanno who’s a composer of Macross Frontier between 2008 and 2010.
G: Aside from strawberry shortcake, what is your favorite food to eat?
RM: Strawberry shortcake is a perfect sweets for me, It looks cute and delicious. Reni loves American food!! um….Beef jerky(^^)
G: Why did you start doing ReniTv on Ustream? (The Japanese lessons are my favorite)
RM: Everyone can see and interact together from everywhere. It’s easy and free!
I just want to communicate with angels from around the world, and the Internet is very convenient (^w^)
G: What anime are you currently watching right now?
RM: Kung fu Panda!!Kyaha!(^^)
Hayao Miyazaki’s “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea“It was cute!!
Princess Tutu and Lucky star!!!Reni loves main character Konata of Lucky star(*w*)/
G: What do you enjoy the most in America?
RM: I am so excited to meet with American people!! I think meeting people is a way to change our life.
Reni is impressed by American people(^0^)/
G: What do you miss from Japan?
RM: Shopping cute clothes!!(>w<) Shinjyuku,Harajyuku,Shibuya and Akihabara!!!
G: If you don’t mind me saying it, you have very fit legs. Do you get a good workout with your onstage dancing?
RM: I’ve been dancing almost seven days a week since I was 10 years old. Classical ballet, Jazz dance, Hip hop, Contemporary dance, etc…. My current show style is dancing and singing with Moe dancers. No lip sync and no rest in 30 mins., and that’s hard working. If I don’t exercise everyday, I can’t keep up my physical strength to do a show. But I also like exercises. It is refreshing.
G: What can we look forward to with Reni in the future?
RM: Reni is making new music!! I am planning to release it in October. That’s very close ><
Also Reni wants to travel beyond dimensions, 2D, 3D and 4D!! just like Miku Hatsune.
But I’m a real and natural person, so I think I should be able to send warmer Moe idol ENERGY(*w* )
So there you have the spectacular that is Reni Mimura. Now let’s end with one of her cool songs. Enjoy earthlings.
http://www.renireni.com/
Reni’s facebook page
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/reni-live