The photo printed on the T-shirt? That's actually me!

──This design is inspired by your 55th birthday, isn't it?



Go Ueki (hereafter, Ueki)My friend took the photos, and we took quite a few in various styles. From those, we looked for one that would work well on a T-shirt, or seemed to fit, and then processed it further. The design progressed with the photo as the starting point.

TodaIt took some time even in the final stage, after the photos were ready. We debated how much to obscure the recognition. The first ones they brought were quite recognizable. So, I said, 'More, more, more!' (laughs) I've always felt it's best if people only recognize me when asked.

A Fresh Impact with a Sophisticated Heather Gray × Pink Foil

TodaWe decided on just the "55" in pink on the gray T-shirt. But we debated whether to use foil or not. In the end, Go also advocated for foil, so we went with that this time. Naturally, foil stands out, but the shape of "55" is very graphical, so I thought it wouldn't be too noticeable from a design perspective.

UekiIt adds a bit of luxury, doesn't it? But too much would be too much, so just one bold accent. I saw customers wearing it at the live venue right away, and I thought, 'It really looks good.'

A Hoodie with a Subtle BG Original Monogram in Black on Black

──The design on the sleeve, is that the monogram pattern from when you previously made thetote bags?

UekiNo, the monogram has been significantly reconfigured and upgraded since then, as adding even one element changes the entire layout. It's a special monogram that rearranges the classic "BG Brand" motifs like crowns, emblems, and skulls, plus the new "55."



TodaLike with the tote bag, I wanted to print it subtly in black on black this time, but for this hoodie, we used a polyester jersey material so it could be worn frequently. So, we discussed that the finish wouldn't be the same as printing on canvas tote bags...

UekiWith polyester, it won't stretch out shapelessly even with frequent wear, and it won't fade with repeated washing, so I think it can be worn for a long time. Regarding the print, we consulted with the printers and decided on a black rubber print on black. This way, it's subtle but still visible.

Riding a motorcycle and wilding down "Route 55" – we're still going strong!

──What is the design on the chest?

UekiIt's a woman, a motorcycle, and "55." The image is of a biker girl riding down a fictional road called "Route 55." This woman isn't necessarily an older sister figure, though (laughs).

TodaGo told me the image was of a motorcycle, not a car. Whether this woman is me or not, the "55" anniversary suggests a motorcycle's dynamism rather than a car's stability. I understood that this was the image and the meaning behind it.




──Was the live performance also special, keeping the anniversary in mind?

TodaYes, it was a special live performance for the anniversary. Normally it's held at a live house, but this time we upgraded to a theater-style venue, and we asked director Yukihiko Tsutsumi for the direction, making it a more elaborate live show than a typical free live performance. It was divided into two acts, Act 1 and Act 2, with a short play in Act 1.

The Performance by Three World Champion Dancers Was Breathtaking!

──What about the story?

TodaThe setting was that it was the cleaning lady's birthday that day. She always spent her birthday alone and sadly, so she would entertain herself by doing a little magic or dressing up a mop as a lover and dancing with it. The dancers had always seen this and knew about it, and that's the story...

UekiIt ends happily in the end.



TodaWe wanted to create something small but sophisticated, so I discussed with the director about doing something interesting. I had always wanted to do magic, so I decided to perform a magic trick where I'd produce flowers and decorate myself, celebrating my birthday alone. The song choice was also "Welcome My Birthday," a slightly melancholic song, and the first act was conceived from the idea of doing magic while singing it. The image of someone working as a cleaner in a theater somewhere was there from the start. Then Go, along with world champion dancers Takashi Utsumi and Goji Ohno, performed, creating a wonderful stage with three world champions.




If they come to my live show and discover the wonders of dance they never knew about, it's a chance to broaden their horizons and feels like a bonus, doesn't it? (laughs) Seeing the audience's reactions, they are all very surprised and seem to be enjoying it, which makes me very happy.

Everyone Had a Strong Desire to Make the Entire Show Better, Which Was Heartwarming

──Go, were there any new challenges for you in this live performance?

UekiRather than new challenges, it felt more like a culmination. I always have to take on challenges in my own performances and try new things, but this time, I particularly focused on showcasing what I've done so far effectively. It was truly enjoyable to be able to perform with dancers I've known for a long time! While the overall flow was set, the duration of headspins, the subtle variations in handstands – I was constantly thinking on the spot, figuring out what each person would bring. There were moments when a spin ended unexpectedly quickly! And then they'd look at me with a knowing glance, like, 'It's up to you now!' (laughs) All three have different styles, so their moves don't clash, and they can cover for each other no matter what happens. That makes it more interesting.




──It's amazing to have three world champion dancers!

TodaHearing about it is one thing, but seeing it is completely different. Their level is on another plane, which is astonishing. Everyone is just stunned. They are left speechless.

UekiI knew of them before, but we only recently became acquainted. After practicing together for a day, you can generally understand how someone approaches dance, whether they're rigid, and you can tell from their moves. There are many world champions, but in that sense, we share a similar direction or understanding, which led us to decide to work together.




I think it's because "Sis" rehearsed with such intense energy. When I asked the dance members, "How are Sis's rehearsals?" they replied, "She's full of spirit!" Not just "She's working hard," but "full of spirit" (laughs). If anyone were to slack off, the balance would be disrupted, but it feels like we gathered people who wouldn't do that. Perhaps everyone had moments where they thought, "This is tough today..." – because they're human. But I think we gathered people who pushed through those times.

Mini Album "ROUTE 55" Released Prior to the Live Performance

──Director Tsutsumi's direction is also spectacular, isn't it?

TodaThe director handled both the direction and the video projections shown on stage. Everything was meticulously crafted; during the theatrical scenes, subtitles would appear. For example, in "Sekaiichi no Mama" (The World's Best Mom), numerous photos of mothers and children were shown, including photos of Sayaka Aoki and her child, who inspired the song, and myself with my mother. During dance scenes, the video was intentionally cut to emphasize the dancing. I asked the director to use his unique visual approach to create a performance different from a live house show, conveying our gratitude to the audience.


──Were the songs also special?

TodaThe flow was Act 1 as a story, and Act 2 as a regular free live performance. However, this time, to celebrate my 55th birthday, I sang a medley of songs with the sound of "go go," like birthday songs, and debuted new songs: "Ie ni Oide yo" (Come Home), "Nemurenai Yoru no Madobe de" (On the Windowside of a Sleepless Night), and "Go! Go! Rock'n' Roll." Also, also, we were able to perform "Dancin' on the Earth" in Tokyo for the first time.Dancin' on the Earthwe were able to perform in Tokyo for the first time.

──The mini album "ROUTE 55" was released prior to the live performance. Are the new songs included on that?

Within Limited Conditions and Time, What Can I Accomplish?

TodaThat's right. Even after singing and being told "OK!", I might think privately that the second take was better for a certain part, but when I hear the final product, they've actually used the second take. Through that process, I've come to trust them. We also asked the same director for these three new songs. This time, we re-recorded not only the new songs but all the older ones as well.

UekiWhen recording new songs, I usually record them right after receiving them, so there are times I'm singing without fully understanding them (laughs). For songs like "Dancin' on the Earth," which I've sung many times live, the emotion is deeper, and recording it after it has truly become my own makes a significant difference.

──It was released on September 12th, your birthday.



So, I'm always thinking, "What do I need to do to achieve that?" But there are limits to what I can do. For example, I can't appear on music programs, so maybe I can appear on variety shows? And how far can I go? Can I tour all the local radio programs? Within limited time and conditions, what can I accomplish? Five years ago, I released the mini album "ACTRESS" and started holding live shows twice a year. Those were very fulfilling times. But to evolve further, to see different scenery, I believe the mini album "ROUTE 55" has become a meaningful milestone for me.ACTRESSI believe the mini album "ROUTE 55" has become a meaningful milestone for me.

──Thank you very much.