What were you feeling when you found out you passed the audition?
I was practicing for a Hello! Pro Foreigners concert, and I was called out into the office. The moment I saw Rei Meifei (fellow 9th generation member) there, I knew that it was happening. I had been waiting for my debut since 2013, which really isn't a long time compared to others, but it was relieving that I didn't have to come home doubting myself any longer.
What was your families reaction?
My father is still in China, and my mother was at work, so my inital reaction was to video message my father. When I told him, he just starting crying! That was the first time I saw a grown man, nonetheless my own father, crying.
When I told my mother and my siblings, the first thing on their minds were "celebration!". It really annoyed me because I hadn't even started anything yet.
And your friends reactions?
When I came to school after the announcement, everyone cheered me on, even my teacher. There were a few Happy Jikan fans in my class, so they were the happiest. They wanted me to fill them in on everything, but it's confidential.
When you did start to like Happy Jikan?
I was walking home with my older sister once, and she was blasting this song really loudly out of her earbuds. Later that night, I went through her playlist and fond "Hold On!! - Happy Jikan". The members sounded really good, and once I watched the MV, I was astonished by how beautiful they are. I watched some of their lives, and all of the members shined. That's when I realized that I too, wanted to shine and be in the spotlight as a Happy Jikan member.
Why did you decide you wanted to audition?
I had failed the Eighth generation auditions but I was determined to not give up on myself. My mom gave me a speech about how even winners have to lose every now and then, and that really motivated me.
What was it like performing during the MISS LADYBUG Tour?
It was chaotic for me. I had never performed in big crowds before, so I was afraid of freezing or faiting or messing up. In the end, it all went smoothly.
From now on, what would you like to be called?
Haruppi. Meifei insists Harukki, but I like Haruppi more. It's way cuter.
Do you have a rival within Hello! Project?
My initial rival was Madison. Everyone called her "Perfect-chan" and was in awe of her talent, and then there was just me. I was determined to beat her, to show people I couldn't be shoved in the corner for someone else, and in the end, I finally won. But I'm still rooting her on! Despite our hectic relationship.
Right now my rival is Bui Shun. She's my senpai, but from afar, it looks like performing comes easy to her. I want to beat her in this.
What do you think your character is like in regards to Happy Jikan?
I actually want to develop a Boke character, but I have no one else to play the Tsukkomi character with. It's scary doing it with senpai, and Meifei is too clueless to actually catch on to the joke, lol.
Within the group, what type of personality do you want to show?
I want to show a powerful personality within the group. I want to show the fans and everyone else that no one can get the best of me, despite me crying a total of five times in the auditions alone.
You seem very determined to be number one.
I don't want to be number one! I don't know... Do I? I just want to prove myself worthy of a good position within Happy Jikan.
What is your goal within Happy Jikan?
To become one of the front girls in HaJi. To do this, I will work day and night to polish myself as a great performer and an entertainer.
