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【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 7

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says that today (May 15) is the 10th anniversary of their first SCANDAL concert...actually, 10 days before it. The band laughs at this. The listener says that they had seen them during their LIVE IDO LIVE tour (Note: But that tour was back in 2012, so that would actually be 11 years lol) in Okayama when they were 13 years old. The band thanks them for supporting them for such a long time. HARU says that a lot of people told them during the band's recent signing events for Line of sight that they had attended the LIVE IDO LIVE tour as well.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who says that they have a date with their boyfriend a week from today. They've been dating for almost a year, and they're planning to take a day off and go to a movie or such. They also say that they'd like to tell their bf about SCANDAL. The band laughs about how they're telling them something that'll happen in another week. RINA says that it's often that the bf will tell the gf about SCANDAL, but here it's the opposite. Those couples also attend SCANDAL concerts together. TOMO says that a lot of couples like that had attended the signing events. They say that that made them happy. RINA says that some couples have even gotten married, which she says is amazing. HARU goes, "That's how long we've been doing this [being a band]!" MAMI says that she gets really happy when she thinks of how in a parallel world/different world timeline, she could have had a lot of friends she'd go to concerts with, and she might have fallen in love with one of them. TOMO says that it's fun since you definitely like the same things as each other. The band says thanks and that it makes them happy. They also say that they hope the listener enjoys their date and wonder what movie they're going to watch. TOMO says, "Maybe Guardians of the Galaxy?" HARU says to definitely watch it.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who says that today is their 12th anniversary of being a SCANDAL fan. TOMO goes, "Oh, is it really their anniversary?" MAMI goes, "Is it really?" TOMO says most likely. MAMI then goes, "It's not ___ days before?", which they laugh at. TOMO continues reading the message. The listener says they just turned 30 and it's been 12 years since they became a SCANDAL fan, and in that time they've graduated high school, worked at a hospital, and went to nursing school to become a nurse. They say they've been able to make it this far without any setbacks thanks to SCANDAL, and thanks them for being a part of their life. The band sighs happily and says thanks. RINA says that hearing things like that really supports them. HARU again wonders if it really is their anniversary and what made them become a fan on that day. TOMO says that maybe they played a concert then (they didn't; the closest one was this one on May 14). HARU says that in addition to having a lot of teachers among their fans, they also have a lot of hospital workers. TOMO says that they should really start doing "Hey! Doctor" (like "Hey! Teacher"), which makes the others laugh.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who says that today is the 8th anniversary of their first time traveling overseas. They had gone to the US for the Chicago performance of SCANDAL's HELLO WORLD tour. They say that they might have made friends overseas if they had been able to speak English, which they regret not doing, but they're continuing to study English. TOMO says that it feels like that tour didn't happen that long ago. They also talk about how that was a pretty long tour in Japan where they did around 30 performances. RINA says that it makes them happy to hear that they're the reason people travel overseas. TOMO says that choosing Chicago to go to is pretty cool (...yeah, I don't know about that lol). HARU says that if they're able to go overseas again at the same time SCANDAL does, that experience will be completely different than the one before. HARU also says that their overseas fans are very kind (). TOMO mentions that overseas fans had also come to the signing events. HARU says that they think the listener would be able to make friends, which the others agree with.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says that today they have their part-time job as a teacher for a cram school (SCANDAL: "Hey! Teacher") and will be working for 80 minutes with a second-year high school boy. He always comes to the school after their club activities and always seem to enjoy talking about what happened during those activities. HARU says that it's much easier to talk about stuff with a teacher at cram school than with a teacher at your regular school. RINA asks if HARU ever went to cram school. HARU says that she only did in her third year of middle school when she was taking high school entrance exams. The others say that HARU's never mentioned this to them before. She says that she wouldn't have passed if she didn't go, which makes the others laugh really hard. She also says that her teachers were college students and viewed them as older brothers/sisters, and so was able to talk to them frankly. RINA says that she's always admired those who go to cram school. TOMO says she has as well.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who says that today is when they'll have an easier day at work than usual. They'll eat their favorite kind of lunch, have dessert after, and will be kinder to themself than usual since it's Monday. The band says that's nice and that doing stuff like that is important. HARU says that you have to take care of your own well-being. RINA says that food is what gives you the most power.

•They then close out the episode. They say that this entire episode was just them reading messages, and that there were a lot sent in in response to the theme. They say to keep sending messages for the program segments, or really about anything, to the program.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

Reading messages with the "Tomorrow is ___ day" theme sent in for the 5/14 special, but now it's "Today is ___ day"!

Season 2, Episode 7 blog

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HARUNA: We'll be bringing you an extended edition from the live broadcast! The messages everyone sent in, "Tomorrow is ___ day," will now be called "Today is ___ day." We asked people to send in messages what today is for everyone, whether it's an anniversary, if you have important plans, or if you have simple plans. Let's get right into reading themー

Gyu

On May 15th, I'm going to make oatmeal pancakes and eat them. I'm on a sugar restriction, so I can't eat sweets very often, but I eat them with yogurt. Since you guys asked to hear about simple schedules, I decided to send this in.

All: Cute!

HARUNA: So they're on a sugar restriction. MAMI and TOMO are also careful about that these days, right?

TOMOMI: I'm fine with carbs, but I found out that my constitution is slow to break down fats. That's why I've been cutting back on fats--or rather, I used to intake twice as much as I should have. I'm reducing it to a reasonable amount.

RINA: How do you know what your appropriate amount of fat is?

TOMOMI: It'll come up when you enter your height and weight in an app.

RINA: That can also be done with the app, huh!

TOMOMI: Yeah, I found out through a blood test that I'm not good at breaking down lipids. I try to take in nutrients according to my constitution.

RINA: I see. Health is important, isn't it?

TOMOMI: Very important.

Momo

Tomorrow is my "first soup curry" day. I received a retort soup curry that contains a whole chicken leg. I'm looking forward to lunch tomorrow.

TOMOMI: A whole chicken leg in a retort!?

RINA: Whatー? I didn't know there was such a thingー

TOMOMI: I'll look into it...

HARUNA: Are they sold in supermarkets?

TOMOMI: I wonder if it's a souvenir.

RINA: That's extravagant.

HARUNA: I'm curious about itー

RINA: There's that samgyetang one with it in it.

MAMI: Yeah, there is.

RINA: Ah, is that what they mean?

TOMOMI: The pouch type?

HARUNA: Isn't it?

MAMI: Soup curry has a lot of ingredients and a lot of vegetables, so it would be nice if there were some.

TOMOMI: We're curious, so send us a pictureー

HARUNA: Tell us where you got itー

【Translated Summary】
TOKYO FM - 『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 ～ON AIR～

•The message theme that they asked people to send in is "Tomorrow is ___ day." This live broadcast was done on May 14, meaning that May 15 is the day in question. HARU reads the first message from a listener who says the 15th is the day before their wedding. SCANDAL's song "Kinenbi" will be their entrance song, and "Sisters" will be used as background music when they read their thank-you letters to their family. The band congratulates them. TOMO says that today's message theme is very live broadcast-like. They say that they're happy that two of their songs will be used.

•The next message is from a listener who says that the 15th is their long-awaited payday. They're planning on withdrawing money from the bank early in the morning and going to an all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurant. RINA says that it's important to treat yourself, which the others agree with. TOMO says that they had eaten meat with yogurt on it when they were in Mexico. RINA says that it made the meat more tender.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who works at a bank and says that the 15th is a busy day at work since days that end in 5 and 10 are busy then (often days of pension payments or payday). They say that the fact that this live broadcast is happening the day before makes them feel like they can do their best the next day.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says the 15th is the day they're meeting with their boss to discuss whether to go to an island or not. The band is confused and goes, "An island? What does that mean?" The rest of the message says that they've always had a strong desire to go to a rural area rather than a city, and they would like to discuss whether it would be better to gain some experience while they're young. They then ask the band if they prefer the city or an island. The band is still confused by this. RINA wonders what kind of island they're talking about (deserted, Okinawa, etc. lol). TOMO says that she'd totally be fine with an island like Awaji Island. MAMI says that maybe they're trying to ask if they like calm places or bustling ones better. They again wonder what kind of island this person is talking about. TOMO says that she'd need to know the level of convenience/how livable the island is, and again they all wonder at what kind of island they're talking about. MAMI says that maybe it's one that you'd be able to travel to for work. RINA says that maybe it's something like you'd go there once a week by boat. MAMI asks what they'd do. RINA says that it's better to know proper info about the island. They say the listener should study up on whichever island it is.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who says that the 15th is their due date (for their baby). They say that they married someone whom they met through SCANDAL. They then say that the baby was born earlier than expected. The band goes, "Oh, so it was already born?" They thank them for sending in a message during this really tough period when a baby is first born.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who says the 15th is the last day of their eldest daughter being 17 years old. On the day before she turns 18, the listener wants to greet her with pride because they gave birth to her at 19 and has worked hard as a single mother for the past five years. The band says that's lovely and the listener definitely worked hard at a young age.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who says that the 15th is when they're getting their wisdom teeth removed. They say they're going there believing that the only benefit of having their wisdom teeth removed is that it's supposed to make their face look smaller. The band laughs at this. RINA says that's cute. MAMI says that she's had her bottom wisdom teeth removed but her face didn't look any smaller. They start talking about their own wisdom teeth and HARU and TOMO have never had any removed, while RINA is the only one who's had all of her wisdom teeth removed. RINA is surprised that the other two haven't had any removed. HARU says that it depends on the person and sometimes they don't come in or they erupt cleanly. TOMO says that hers erupted cleanly, but has the option to remove them in the future. MAMI says that some (or one?) of hers stopped erupting halfway through, and another didn't erupt. HARU also says that one of hers hasn't erupted. MAMI says that she doesn't know if it'll erupt one day. RINA wishes the listener good luck and to have them pull them out cleanly.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says that they started liking SCANDAL because of their boyfriend, and their one-year anniversary is...one week from the 15th. The band laughs at this. RINA says that they're all lovey-dovey, anxiously counting down the days to the anniversary.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who says their wedding anniversary is tomorrow, but they're currently on a business trip in Hiroshima. They apologize to their wife and thank her for raising their child and taking care of their house, though they can't say this outloud. They end it with saying, "I love you! *heart*" RINA goes, "That's so lovey-dovey!" HARU goes, "Tell your wife this!" TOMO goes, "Are they trying to tell the wife via this radio program?", which the others laugh at. They say they should really tell their wife this themselves.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who says the 15th is the day after their favorite vtuber's birthday. The band laughs and wishes the vtuber a happy birthday. The message then ends with how the vtuber is likely going to do a celebratory livestream. TOMO goes, "Then they're not listening to this program!", which makes the others laugh. RINA says that maybe they're using their computer to watch/listen to one and their phone to watch/listen to the other. TOMO says that not a lot of messages are about something that's actually happening tomorrow. RINA says she'd love to hear from people who have some simple plans. TOMO gives an example of, "Tomorrow I'll eat omurice." The others say they'd love to hear some cute messages like that. HARU says that they'd also like to hear from people who are tackling something big tomorrow, which leads in to her saying that she'd want those people to listen to "Line of sight."

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who says that the 15th is the day before their midterms. She says that she'd love for them to listen to "Line of sight."

•She then says that the band will now talk about their new single. She first mentions how they went around the country to promote the single and held autograph sessions for the first time in Japan. She asks MAMI how the songwriting process was. MAMI basically says the same kind of things she said in this interview. The Arsenal Base team had a very clear image of what they wanted the song to be (up-tempo and danceable), so she used that as a reference. At that time, and even now, it was very difficult for her to make an uptempo or rock song, but it was thanks to this offer that she was able to make a song like this that she had been wanting to make for a long time but just couldn't. She says she's very grateful for the great opportunity. HARU says that the way they wrote the song and put it together was different from how they normally do it. It's usually the case that MAMI makes the demo all by herself, but this time she took voice memos of different intro riffs and send them to the band members to see what they thought. MAMI says that since it was really difficult for her to figure out how to put it together herself, so she thought she'd try relying on the other members for help. She asked them to pick their favorite ones and kept rewriting/reworking it until they found something that all of them liked. She could see that everyone's arrows were pointing in the same direction, and thought that was a great way to write a song.

•HARU says that RINA wrote the lyrics after the music was done. RINA says that after listening to the game's team talk about the worldview of Gundam and concepts that they hold dear, the thing that stuck out the most to her was that there is no one bad guy within that world--it depicts justice from one side. So when she heard that there's no one who's wrong and no one's who's right, she really empathized with that. When the band makes music, they always choose words with that in mind; and when they perform live, they want to affirm everyone so that no one's left behind. That's why RINA tried to choose words based on those feelings when writing the lyrics. She also wanted to include what the band feels as they celebrate their 17th anniversary this year. She feels she was able to express the concept of Gundam and the band as they currently are in the lyrics. HARU says that it really feels like it's their own song when she sings it. Even though it's been 17 years since they formed the band, they can still do this with a level of freshness. RINA says that it feels like they're taking a fresh start again. HARU says that she feels the four of them can still work hard, and that she sings the song with a very positive feeling.

•HARU then talks about how they performed this song as the first song on their recent tour. She was wondering how the fans would react with it being the first time they'd be performing the song, as well as being the first song of the concert, but it surprised her that everyone was so vocal during it starting from the first day of tour. MAMI says that it made her think, "Wait, have we performed this song before?!" RINA says that everyone seems more powerful than they were before vocalization was not allowed at concerts [during the pandemic]. HARU says she's sure this song will continue to grow, so she's looking forward to performing it from here on out as well. MAMI talks about how fans at their recent signing events were telling them things like how they play Arsenal Base and really like the song. She says that when she asked what they thought of the song in the game, they said it was really cool, but since they love the song so much, they get all flustered and aren't able to play the game properly (since it's played during the battle scenes).

•Next, HARU says that they'll be doing a bit of a newer segment that they started doing when the program became sponsored by Bulgaria Yogurt in April: The "Bulgaria Quiz" segment. This time it's one question read by a TOKYO FM announcer: "This year marks the 50th anniversary of Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt, but Japan's relationship with Bulgaria began with a world event held in 1970. What was this world event?" RINA guesses the Olympics, which is incorrect. MAMI says that the Olympics are held every 4 years, during years divisible by 4. Right after, HARU quietly guesses a world's fair before TOMO immediately says, "The event was exactly in the year 1970?" Then MAMI guesses the World Cup, which is also incorrect. HARU and RINA wonder what it could be. A staffer says that it was already said. HARU repeats her world's fair answer, which is correct. RINA says that HARU had been saying it the whole time but was ignored, making the others laugh. RINA laughs and goes, "Why was she ignored?? She guessed it right, right at the start." The staff says that they wanted them to keep guessing a little bit more. The band laughs at this. HARU says that they were pretending to not have heard it. RINA says that it was answered correctly too quickly. They go, "Sorry about that!" and laugh. The world's fair in 1970 was held in Osaka and it started the relationship between Japan and Bulgaria. TOMO then says she wants to go back to the topic of yogurt day and goes, "Yogurt Day is the birthday of that professor, right? He discovered lactobacillus, was it? (RINA: "He researched it") But lactobacilli are in more than just yogurt..." RINA says that yogurt's like the star of the show and the leader of lactobacilli. TOMO goes, "I see. I was thinking, 'I guess anything goes.'"

•HARU then reads a message from a listener who works at a daycare, and May 15th is morning glory germination day. With the children at the daycare they had planted Japanese morning glory seeds that will germinate in 23 days, so they'll be commuting to work hoping that the plants will pop up. After the message is read, they go, "Hey! Teacher!" and explain why they say that (there are seemingly many teachers among their fans).

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who says that tomorrow is the day that they'll be surviving on 100 yen ($1 USD). Their entertainment expenses this month have been so high that their bank account balance is currently 100 yen. The day after that will be their payday, so tomorrow they'll have to endure their seniors eating their delicious-looking lunches in front of them. TOMO says that the band had to do that as well when the band first started. They'd do things like buy bread that came in a pack of 3 for 100 yen. RINA says that stories from times like that become funny stories and good memories in the future. MAMI wonders what kind of things you could buy for 100 yen now. TOMO wonders what the best bang-for-your-buck meals for 100 yen would be. MAMI says that you couldn't actually buy something that's exactly 100 yen since you'd have to account for 10% tax, which would make the total cost 110 yen, so you'd have to buy something that's 90 yen. The others say that that'd be really hard. MAMI says that maybe you could find something on clearance at a market. HARU says it'd be nice to find some money left over on a mobile payment app or such during times like that. MAMI says the listener should look; they might find even more left over. Points (like ones you get for shopping at various stores) as well. TOMO says that since this message was read, they can give them a coupon for free yogurt. The others laugh and say they totally could. TOMO says it'll be delivered too late, though. HARU says that they should just send them yogurt outright. They tell the listener to hang in there.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who says they're scheduled to work the night shift at the hospital tomorrow. It's been a year since they became a nurse, and they're learning and growing while busy with their duties every day. It's not always fun, and there are a lot of hardships, but when a patient says thank you, it really helps them out and makes them want to work hard. They also say that they want to know what tomorrow will be for SCANDAL. RINA says that there days when a word of thanks really helps you out. HARU says thanks for always helping others out. The band says that tomorrow they'll be recording, and that they'll do their best to record a good one.

•They then close out the episode. HARU says that there were apparently a lot of people who said that their birthday's tomorrow, so the band all wish them a happy birthday and to come out to a SCANDAL concert. They then mention their new single and the B-side song "Vision." HARU says that people thought before it was released that RINA would be singing main vocals on it since the lyrics and music are written by her. She also says that apparently people at their record label were wondering who was singing since her voice tone sounds different that it normally does. MAMI is surprised to hear that. RINA says that she wonders if they thought that since RINA sang the scratch vocals and then HARU took that approach into consideration when singing her own vocals. They then say that recording this episode was really fun and to keep sending in messages to this program.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 6

•The episode starts with them trying the frozen (popsicle) version of Bulgaria Yogurt. Then they announce the live broadcast of Catch up aired on Tokyo FM on May 14 (a summary for that will be coming after this one).

•Then this happens.

•HARU then reads the next message from a listener who has been posted to the Japanese Embassy in Bulgaria starting from this February and lives in the capital city of Sofia. Though they're a newcomer to Bulgaria, they really appreciate the fact that SCANDAL enjoys talking about Bulgaria on this program. They say that there's more than just yogurt, and that there's a wide variety of food and wine, and even hot springs. They also say that if they have a chance to visit Bulgaria this year, the 50th anniversary of Bulgaria Yogurt, then to please do so. HARU says that this person is not a SCANDAL fan but somehow heard about this program somewhere and sent in a message. MAMI says that's awesome how someone from the Japanese Embassy contacted them. HARU laughs and says that there was meaning to them taking those quizzes about Bulgaria in previous episodes. MAMI says that they were close to Bulgaria when they had visited Turkey before, and that the yogurt sauce there was really good.

•They then close out the episode. HARU says that it's been a little over a month since the program is now being sponsored by Bulgaria Yogurt. RINA starts to say how she checks out the yogurt when she's at the market. MAMI laughs and says she does the same, and sees what kind of different Disney packaging they have. They laugh and RINA says she does that as well. TOMO says that she feels like it's her duty to buy some, and it's like their own CDs are being sold. They laugh and agree.

•Lastly, HARU says that they'll be playing some audio recorded right after the finale performance of their unlimited UTOPIA tour. HARU says that the tour was really awesome and seven performances went by in no time at all, and the audience for the finale was so pumped up that it really did make it feel like a finale. HARU asks the others if the tour was fun. TOMO says it was so much fun and that she'll probably never forget this tour. RINA says that it was special [since it had been so long since audiences have been able to vocalize]. TOMO agrees and that it solidified again how much she cherishes the band and their fans. There's a long pause before HARU goes, "What's wrong?" TOMO laughs and MAMI goes, "Feeling emotional?" RINA says it was emotional. TOMO says that she felt like tearing up. MAMI says how it's been a long time since they've done in-person meet-and-greets in Japan, and that it was nice to directly hear things that people have been waiting to say to them for years.

•RINA says that they had been having a lot of tough days over the past 2-3 years and have been spilling their feelings about it more than usual in interviews and such. There were times when she wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, but they were able to talk about it because it was something that was true. She says she's glad they've always been honest and told the truth without hiding anything. They went out on this tour feeling like they left a really long tunnel, and she's glad that the band has continued to be a band. HARU says that she was able to really express her feelings during the MCs, and she felt like she showed her heart and soul without concealing anything. It feels like the audience is more open/accepting when you do something like that. She says it was a really fun, really hot, really great tour and thanks everyone who attended. They say that they have more concerts, festivals, and events coming up, so there will plenty of chances to see each other again.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

"113" is legitimately a fated number for SCANDAL!? MAMI says, "We took it too lightly...!"

Season 2, Episode 6 blog

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HARUNA: We'll mainly be reading messages this time as well.

Staff: We verified many times on a previous episode how the number "113" is a fateful number for SCANDAL and unraveled the relationship between the two, right?

HARUNA: Yes, we did. Well, it is a mysterious number...

TOMOMI: It's a number that doesn't have much to do with us...

RINA: Eh? Does that mean we got a message about that?

HARUNA: You mean that there were listeners who went along with that forced analogy?

Staff: Wait a minute, everyone... This is 'legit.' Things are going in a great direction.

RINA: What do you mean, "legit"?

Staff: It's a big deal. Please read the message.

HARUNA: I'll just read it.


*The message talks about how "A113" is relevant to Pixar and its films: https://pixar.fandom.com/wiki/A113


All: Oh...

Staff: See? We knew that "113" was a fateful number for SCANDAL...

TOMOMI: Yeah, it's 'legit'...

MAMI: That's true...

HARUNA: Wow...

Staff: We did more research...
→And found that "A113" is hidden in Toy Story; A Bug's Life; Monsters, Inc.; Lilo and Stitch; Finding Nemo; Cars; Ratatouille; Up; The Princess and the Frog; etc.

All: Wow... It is legit.

Staff: It's in The Avengers and The Simpsons as well...

All: Ehーー!!

→They look at images of "A113" hidden in films

RINA: It's true...

MAMI: It's scary...

HARUNA: This is serious...

MAMI: We took 113 too lightly... Now we know.

HARUNA: I guess this wasn't an easy issue to deal with...

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 5

•The episode starts with them introducing a recipe that combines Meiji Kaju Gummy and Bulgaria Yogurt (like this) + a tasting party for it for the first 13 minutes - more than half of the episode, which I don't think needs to be translated lol

•HARU reads the first message from a listener who recently started listening to Catch up. They first heard about SCANDAL 10 years ago (since they were in middle school). Living in the countrysied, they could only buy singles or albums, and they didn't have access to TV programs in Tokyo, so all they knew about SCANDAL was how cool they were. By the time they moved to Tokyo after high school, their tastes had changed and no longer listened to SCANDAL. Recently, though, SCANDAL's song "Ai ni Naranakatta no sa" came up in their YouTube recommendations and quickly got hooked again and even got tickets to see them in Fukuoka. They also say that now that the internet has developed, you're able to better get to know those who you previously didn't know too well. That's why their impression of SCANDAL has changed from being cool girls to amusing/interesting ones. The band laughs and says they've been found out. RINA says that they did have a time when they weren't as personable/relatable as they are now. HARU says that it is true about what they said about the internet.

•Then this happens.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who is a father that saw SCANDAL in Sendai with his daughter. They drove six hours from Toyama and listened to SCANDAL songs while predicting the setlist on the way there, and on the way back they discussed their thoughts about the concert, making for a fun trip from start to finish. He says that they've had less time to spend together since his daughter recently joined the workforce and started living alone this past spring, so being able to go to concerts together is a precious opportunity for them to spend time together as parent and child. He hopes that the precious time they have together, not just as parent and child but as concert buddies, will continue for as long as possible. MAMI says that she's happy they enjoyed their parent-child time together like that in the car. RINA says that it's quite a luxury to be able to do fun stuff, like going to concerts, with your parents after you've grown up.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who is a teacher at a special needs school (SCANDAL: "Hey! Teacher!"). They married someone from Brazil last October and will be going to Brazil to visit their family. It'll be their first time being on a plane for a long time and they also don't speak the language, so they're full of anxiety while also looking forward to it. However, when a message from a Brazilian fan was read during episode 157 and learned that there are SCANDAL fans in Brazil, they felt a little closer to Brazil. They ask the band, who has been overseas a lot, what things they were glad they brought with them when going overseas, as well as recommendations for things they could do on the plane. TOMO says that they've never traveled as long as that, and that she's heard it takes about 30 hours to get there from Japan. RINA says that they could download a bunch of movies. TOMO says that if the listener's not flying on a Japanese airline, there may not be any movies on the plane with Japanese subtitles, so she also recommends downloading a bunch of movies. She also mentions that there's Wi-Fi available on some planes for a fee. RINA wonders what else you could do on the plane. TOMO says that you could look forward to the meals and wonder when they'll be served. RINA says that it'll likely be served soon when it starts to smell good. A staffer seems to ask them what their favorite kind of airplane food is. MAMI says that the food's different every time. TOMO says that she does like bread that's always served, which RINA says she totally gets. MAMI says she likes rice dishes a lot. HARU says that it's kind of luxurious to drink a glass of wine when you first get on the plane. RINA is surprised and goes, "You drink wine on a plane?" HARU says that she's done it before, and MAMI says that the two of them have done it before. HARU says that she drinks it because she wants to sleep on the plane. TOMO says that they'll recommend that to the listener. RINA says that she's never had alcohol on a flight before.

•RINA then says that she always thinks it's a good idea to buy a few bottles of tea or the like before you board the plane so that you can drink actual Japanese tea. It gives you a bit of peace of mind and helps you relax. MAMI says that that's a good idea since there are times when you miss tastes like that when you arrive at your destination. TOMO recommends bringing something like slippers that you can slip in and out of quickly, rather than deal with footwear like sneakers that may be too tight. HARU recommends also wearing wide-leg pants rather than something like jeans. RINA says that the things she's been glad to have taken with her are a pair of flip-flops and a toothbrush. Many hotels overseas don't provide slippers, so it's a good idea to bring sandals with you if you're concerned about that. And for toothbrushes, the size of the brush head is usually quite a bit bigger than ones in Japan. TOMO says it's better to assume that the hotel you're staying at won't have any amenities since many don't. The band wonders when the listener's going to Brazil, and if it's around the same time they're going for their anime convention performance. They say to come see them if they are.

•They then close out the episode. They say to send in any 'recipes' for Kaju Gummy and Bulgaria Yogurt, and to send in any messages for their current segments.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

The band members tear up at this story about a little boy they spotted from the stage?

Season 2, Episode 5 blog

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HARUNA: This week we'll mainly be reading messages.

TOMOMI: So let's read some.

Kanegon

Since things have improved [regarding the pandemic], I went somewhere with my elementary school-aged son for the first time.

My son is not very good at expressing his feelings and emotions. When we go out to play, he says he had a good time, but it sounds like he's trying to be considerate. I sometimes wonder if he's really enjoying himself.

I wondered how he would react if we went to a SCANDAL concert. Nothing would make me happier if we could have fun together, but what if he's surprised by the sound, or gets bored and says he wants to go home?

I was nervous with anticipation and anxiety, but when the concert started, my child was so excited that he raised his hands in the air with the people around him and clapped his hands in the air! During "Saishuuheiki, Kimi," which he always sings along to, HARU-chan waved her hands and shot me right in the heart...

TOMOMI: It's that kid!

HARUNA: I know which oneー!!

TOMOMI: I'll keep reading...

After the concert, RINA-chan asked if he had a good time...

RINA: I know! He was in the very front!

TOMOMI: I feel like I'm about to cry, but I'll read the rest...

I've never seen him like this before, really enjoying himself.

Thanks to seeing my boy like that and the awesome setlist, dad's mask was soaked with sweat and tears. I've never had such a happy time. I have no more regrets! That's how happy I was.

TOMOMI: ...I'm really going to cry.

On the way home, my son was so tired that he immediately fell asleep, but as soon as he woke up, he said with a smile, "Yesterday was fun! I want to go again!"

TOMOMI: I'm going to cry... That boy was so cute.

RINA: I'm so happy...

HARUNA: I'm seriously starting to cry too...

TOMOMI: (*crying) ...you're usually so indifferent.

HARUNA: He was smiling so much.

TOMOMI: Yeah, he was.

RINA: At the end, when we were leaving the stage, his cheeks turned bright red.

All: That's right!

RINA: The heat from the audience made their cheeks turn red like crazy. When I asked him if he had a good time, he didn't reply with words but smiled so kindly... So that's the backstory...

HARUNA: That was in Sendai, right?

TOMOMI: Yeah, Sendai.

MAMI: I remember he was in front of meー

HARUNA: It didn't seem like his first time. He looked so happy.

MAMI: I'm so happy.

RINA: I hope they come again.

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 4

•The episode starts with them eating Bulgaria Yogurt for the first 12 (!) minutes lol. They talk about how Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt is currently featuring limited-edition packaging featuring Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters to celebrate the yogurt's 50th anniversary, with a total of 113 characters used. They apparently have all of the different characters at the studio as they're recording this episode. TOMO says that she thought that there'd be characters that she didn't know but she's surprised that she seems to recognize all of the ones she's seeing. HARU says that it's written on the script that they should each choose their favorite character. The others are surprised and go, "Ehh??" TOMO and HARU pick theirs first. HARU picks Iron Man. MAMI says "So cool!" HARU laughs and says that he is cool, and that this might be her first time seeing Marvel characters illustrated in the way that they are on this packaging. TOMO picks two: Miguel from Coco and Monsters, Inc. She says that she picked the first one because really likes "Remember Me" from Coco, and the second one because she went with Sully from Monsters, Inc. ears when she most recently went to Tokyo Disneyland.

•Right as RINA and MAMI go off to choose theirs, HARU discovers a Lady and the Tramp one (remember that HARU's dog Lady is named after the character). MAMI chooses a Jessie from Toy Story one and says that she remembers a friend in elementary school had a dachschund named Jessie. She asked the friend why they named it as such, and the friend told them about the movie and they watched it. RINA picks an Ariel from The Little Mermaid one. HARU says that RINA does love Ariel. RINA says that she's loved Ariel since she was little and had even tried brushing her hair with a fork. She also wanted to be a mermaid.

•Then this happens (the number "113" was originally chosen due to it being the same number of Disney characters there are on the limited-edition packaging of Bulgaria Yogurt).

•After the fact about nihonium was read, TOMO says that not a single fact so far has made her want to go, "Oh, really?!" The staff says that they're slowly getting there. The next fact HARU reads is that 113 is the 30th prime number. She reads that it's "a strong-willed number, much like SCANDAL." There's a pause before TOMO goes, "...oh..." The next fact read is that four years ago (technically in 2018), the total of SCANDAL's ages added together equaled 113. TOMO goes, "Four years ago..." MAMI laughs and says that it would have been more impressive if that was applicable right now instead. The next fact read is that the 113th day of the year is April 23rd, the day that SCANDAL's single Departure was released in 2014. TOMO says that that's a little applicable, which HARU chuckles at. The staff wonders what number will be next. RINA says that it seems like any number is doable, which makes the staff laugh.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

Is "113" a fated number? Exploring the deep relationship between "113" and SCANDAL!

Season 2, Episode 4 blog

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HARUNA: Now, for this episode of "Catch up," we'd like to focus on the number "113." It is no exaggeration to say that this is truly a fated number. We, who have encountered the number "113," can say that we have been guided by fate...

RINA: ...what?? An urban legend? What do you mean?

TOMOMI: We aren't that attached to "113"...

MAMI: "113"... Is there anything??

TOMOMI: Is there anything that comes to mind?

All: No...

(Staff: There is... We saw the number "113" and thought, "This is SCANDAL's number!")

RINA: SCANDAL's number?

MAMI: Why?

TOMOMI: SCANDAL's number is "821," though...

HARUNA: Yeah... At any rate... "113" is a number that's acquainted with SCANDAL, so here are some stories and facts about "113".

MAMI: That's a lie...

(Staff: It's true!)

HARUNA: ...I'll read them.

★The year "113" A.D.
　The year "113" is said to be the year Atsuta Jingu Shrine in Nagoya was founded.

(Staff: See? That's amazing!)

TOMOMI: ...what?

RINA: Did you two from Aichi know?

MAMI: I didn't, but I know Atsuta Shrine.

HARUNA: I love Atsuta Shrine.

TOMOMI: How is this connected to SCANDAL?

(Staff: Nagoya is a frequent topic on this program! I mean, I can't believe you didn't know that...)

MAMI: Sorry. So it was the year 113.

HARUNA: Yeah, we didn't know this. I'll continue...

★January 13 is CHARA's birthday!
　　November 3 is Kannazuki's and Akimasa Haraguchi's birthday!

(Staff: See!)

TOMOMI: Well... I like CHARA.

(Staff: You like her, but you didn't know?)

TOMOMI: Yes...

HARUNA: Aren't both of the November 3rd ones "impersonators"?

TOMOMI: You're right. But it doesn't seem to have anything to do with SCANDAL...

(Staff: Isn't it amazing that two people representing the world of mimicry have the same birthday?)

HARUNA: Isn't it amazing??

RINA: Yes, it's amazing, indeed.

TOMOMI: Amazing.

MAMI: But it doesn't have anything to do with SCANDAL?

(Staff: We'll keep going with the next one.)

★The element with atomic number "113" is nihonium.
　The first element discovered and recognized in Asia. A Japanese team succeeded in producing it.

HARUNA: I think it has something in common with SCANDAL, the Japanese representative all-girl band...

RINA: I see...

TOMOMI: This has been too forced...

RINA: It's way off...

(Staff: It's the same as all of you who are trying to set a Guinness World Record, SCANDAL and nihonium)

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 3

•The episode starts with them eating Bulgaria Yogurt for the first six minutes lol and then this happens.

•The next word is "Dobar den." They joke and all start saying things sound like the equivalent of what it sounds like in Japanese. RINA guesses "You're welcome (douitashimashite)" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "What are you doing? (nani shiten no)" (*bzzt). TOMO guesses "I'm watching TV (terebi miteru yo)" (*bzzt). They all laugh at these. MAMI asks if it's a greeting. HARU says that it is. TOMO guesses "Hello," but then RINA immediately goes, "Let's eat (itadakimasu)." HARU says that's not right, but then goes, "Ah, wait. Say it again," to TOMO. TOMO says it again and HARU says that it's correct. RINA asks how it's spelled in katakana, which is "ドバル デン." She says that the pronunciation for all of these words is interesting.

•The last word is "Dobŭr vecher." The band sounds confused since it sounds similar to "Dobar den." TOMO goes, "Wait, what does 'dobar den' mean, again?" while HARU laughs. HARU tells her that that means "Hello," so TOMO says that this new word must mean "Goodbye." HARU laughs, says no, and says that "Goodbye" is "Doviždane." MAMI asks for the audio of the word to be played again. TOMO then guesses "Sorry (gomen ne)" (*bzzt). RINA guesses "Goodnight (oyasumi)" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "Let's eat (itadakimasu)" (*bzzt). TOMO guesses "Good morning (ohayou)" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "Thanks for the meal (gochisousama)" (*bzzt). TOMO guesses "How's it going? (choushi dou?)" (*bzzt). HARU then says that this is what it means in French, and plays an audio clip of the word "Bonsoir." They all go, "Ohh," and TOMO guesses "Good evening (konbanwa)," which is correct. They say that this was very interesting and fun. HARU says that she's interested in learning greetings from all kinds of countries. TOMO says that she's interested in all of them and would like to hear them all.

•They then close out the episode. They say that doing this quiz and also eating yogurt made the time go by really quickly. HARU asks if anyone remembers the words they learned. MAMI and TOMO keep repeating "torontoron" (what they kept saying "Dobró útro" sounds like in Japanese). HARU asks if they remember what it means. TOMO answers "Good morning," which is correct. MAMI then says "Doviždane (goodbye)," and HARU says that they should close out this episode with that. After they make a few announcements about the next stop of their tour and a festival performance, they do close out the episode saying "Doviždane" while laughing.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

What does "Blagodarya" mean? SCANDAL takes on a quiz about the Bulgarian language!

Season 2, Episode 3 blog

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HARUNA: We'll be doing...this! "Last-minute cramming! Bulgaria quiz!" We'll  be bringing you a quiz related to the Bulgarian language.

TOMOMI: Nice.

HARUNA: Let's get right to the questions. In Bulgarian, what does "Blagodarya" mean?

All: "Blagodarya"!?

MAMI: Me! "Bulgarian."
(*bzzt)

HARUNA: The clue is it's a greeting.

TOMOMI: "How are you?"
(*bzzt)

TOMOMI: "Hello."
(*bzzt)

MAMI: "Good morning."
(*bzzt)

RINA: "Goodnight."
(*bzzt)

HARUNA: As a hint, let's hear the same greetings from other countries.

TOMOMI: Then, please say it in Japanese.

HARUNA: That would be answering the question. No Japanese. In Russian, it's "spasiba."

MAMI: Oh, what's "spasiba"... Uh, "Thank you"!
(*ding-dong!)

RINA: I wonder why we avoided answering "Thank you"...

MAMI: Let me hear it again in Bulgarian.
(*"Blagodarya")

TOMOMI: That's difficult...

RINA: I've never heard this word before, so it's difficult to express my gratitude...

HARUNA: Let's move on to the next question. The Bulgarian word is this... "Dobró útro." What does it mean?

RINA: Is this a greeting too?? It's kind of slick.

TOMOMI: Sounds like a notification sound, like a LINE message.

RINA: Yeah, it's slick.

MAMI: Me! "Aren't you happy??"

RINA: "Feeling good"?
(*bzzt)

TOMOMI: "How are you feeling?"
(*bzzt)

RINA: "I'm fine!" isn't a greeting, huh... Then, "Good morning."
(*ding-dong!)

All: Ohー!

RINA: "Dobró útro" - It's such a nice morning.

HARUNA: I've never heard of this word before.

TOMOMI: It's really hard to pronounce.

MAMI: Yea, it is.

TOMOMI: We don't know any of these word, so we could do this quiz forever!

HARUNA: Let's move on to the next question. The Bulgarian word is... "Doviždane." What does it mean?

TOMOMI: Me! "Goodnight."
(*bzzt)

RINA: "Good work." "That's difficult." "Saturday and Sunday."
(*bzzt)

HARUNA: That's not it.

MAMI: "See you tomorrow!"
(*bzzt)

TOMOMI: "Welcome home."
(*bzzt)

RINA: "I'm home."
(*bzzt)

TOMOMI: "Goodbye."
(*ding-dong!)

All: Oh!

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 2

•The episode starts with them discussing that they need new program merch for this new season. TOMO says that maybe they could do a yogurt version of their previous Apollo items. RINA says that they had previously talked about how it'd be cute if they had some merch with "SCANDAL" written in the Bulgaria Yogurt font. TOMO says that the blue used in it is nice, which the others agree with. She also says that she'd want to make it into a pouch as is. HARU says that they sure like pouches. MAMI says that she wants all the pouches, and that she'd also want drawstring bag/pouch. The others agree that that'd be cute. Another thing MAMI lists that she says would be cute is a handkerchief. They say that they also need stickers. TOMO asks about doing a pick this time as well. The others don't seem sure. TOMO says that the past one did work out since Apollo pieces are triangle-shaped. MAMI wonders if there's something they could do for the yogurt that's related to instruments. RINA says that maybe they could make a lot of smaller things. TOMO and HARU say that a cloth would be good. MAMI says that a lens-cleaning cloth could be good. Three things they say they'd like to make are a pouch, cloth, and stickers. They wonder what else they could do. TOMO mentions the handkerchief and drawstring bag ideas again, which they agree on. HARU says that they should have stuff that they could give out to more people. MAMI clarifies, "To bring things down cost-wise," which makes HARU laugh. TOMO says that for the pouch, she wants it to be longer so that pens could fit into it. MAMI says that a drawstring bag/pouch might be best in that case. HARU says that it might be best to make it the same size as an actual container of the yogurt and just change out the logo. MAMI says that sounds cute. They say they'd like for listeners to send in merch ideas as well.

•This then happens.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who is a high schooler who went to their homeroom teacher's wedding recently. There were four students, a mix of boys and girls, from their class who went. At first they had their doubts, but the wedding turned out to be a lot of fun. They say they're not good at talking to girls, but the girl that they went with was very easy and fun to talk to. They ask SCANDAL if this is love. HARU goes, "That's cute!" TOMO says that a lot of relationships seem to start out in that same kind of way. HARU says that they also might become good friends. They say to keep talking to each other and see what happens.

•MAMI says that they had asked listeners previously to send in messages about moments that have no words to explain them, and she says it's written on the script that this new segment could be titled "Shunkan Plain (瞬間プレーン)," and shortened to "ShunPlay" (like "ShunSen," the way you shorten "Shunkan Sentimental"). The others say it sounds good. MAMI reads one from a listener: "The shower [handle?] slowly turns to the left no matter how many times you correct it." The others say that they totally get that. RINA says that it happens at hotels, which the others agree with. Another: "Whenever you make gyoza, there's always a little filling left over that you could make mini burgers with." They say that does happen. Another: "The moment you smell curry, it makes you want to eat it." She then reads a few more all at once: "Forgetting your phone in your room after putting on your shoes," "Finding one unwashed sock after doing the laundry," "Spacing out on the couch for an hour after getting home." They say they all get those, and do all those. One more: "Being told something very useful but you already know it."

•They say that actually giving names to these kinds of moments is difficult to do. TOMO says that the shower one is very frustrating when it happens to you, which the others laugh at. MAMI asks the others what they'd call the gyoza one. After a pause, TOMO goes, "Food loss zero." MAMI laughs and says that's a positive way to put it. For the curry one, there's a bit of silence before TOMO says that there's no helping wanting to eat curry after smelling it, and HARU and MAMI both go, "An act of God" at the same time. They laugh and agree. For the shoes one, RINA answers with "Rewinding," which they agree with. After MAMI asks about the sock one, RINA says that she'd like for them to come up with coined words. She then says that basically the only thing you can say in response to things like that are "I see." She says, "Wouldn't it be something like, 'I get it somehow'?" TOMO says that the word for that would be "understanding." RINA then immediately goes, "Understanding-I-see." HARU says that this segment is a pain to do. MAMI says that it might be better if they were able to quickly come up with things. HARU says that it would be better if they only had to come up with 1-2 things.

•RINA says that this next message is about a merch proposal. The listener says that got their first car and immediately decorated it with a bunch of SCANDAL merch but felt it wasn't enough to show off that they're a SCANDAL fan. They suggest that the band come out with car-related stuff such as bumper stickers, sun shades, etc. TOMO says that bumper stickers would be nice, and that she sees a lot of cars with stickers when she goes camping. They say they'll take this into consideration.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who is sending in a fine-line message. They are an elementary school teacher (SCANDAL: "Hey! Teacher") and say how the other day a second grader had asked them what kind of season May is in Japan. They say they never really thought about it before, and the only months they could really picture is April (cherry blossoms) and June (rainy season). They ask what kind of season SCANDAL pictures May to be, and directs the question more towards MAMI and TOMO whose birthdays are in May. MAMI and TOMO say that it's the beginning of summer, and it says so according to the calendar. HARU is surprised and thought that summer started in June. TOMO says that the atmosphere is summer-like starting in May. MAMI brings up the fact that cherry blossoms are blooming in Hokkaido in May (they bloom later than the other parts of Japan since it's in the north and colder there), which is why their perception might be different. TOMO says that the cherry blossoms had certainly been blooming when they had gone up north for a tour in May a while ago. HARU asks the two what season they think their birthdays fall under. TOMO answers spring. MAMI says that she thinks it's between spring and summer, and that it's not exactly spring. TOMO says that the weather totally varies depending on what day it is; it could be cold one day and hot the next. That's why it's hard to say what season it really is. TOMO says that you could describe it as being the month of her and MAMI's birthdays, which makes the others laugh. MAMI says that it's the season of new fresh green leaves.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

*All episodes of Season 2 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

Discussing with each other about when to propose? HARUNA says to the too-cute consultation, "Do it today!"

Season 2, Episode 2 blog

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HARUNA: "SCANDAL Catch up" is starting a new season, and is now "supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt"! We'll be introducing this one message about love advice.

Please give me a nickname

Hello. This is my first message! I've been listening to you guys since "DOLL," and I was so impressed when I saw SCANDAL live for the first time at the 360° concert [at Osaka-Jo Hall in 2014] that I have been going to Osaka by myself whenever my schedule permits. Thank you for your wonderful performances.

Let me cut to the chase. I am 32 years old this year.

TOMOMI: Oh, they're the same age [as me and MAMI]?

RINA: Maybe the same age as me.

HARUNA: I'll read the rest.

I have been dating a SCANDAL maniac for about five and a half years. (He loves SCANDAL very much.) He is a very important person to me. I'm thinking that it's time to get married, and I know it sounds strange, but should I propose? Or should he propose to me? Maybe we will propose to each other? We are both wondering what day it will be, haha

All: ...what!?

Should it be on 821, the day SCANDAL formed, or 10.22, the day of your debut? Or if there's another date you think would be good to propose on, please let me know!

TOMOMI: What? You mean you two are discussing the date of the proposal?

MAMI: Like when they should propose??

TOMOMI: That's cute～! I mean, why don't they just do it now?

RINA: Get married soon.

HARUNA: Today! Do it today!

TOMOMI: Yeah, anytime is fine.

HARUNA: Propose today! Just do it today!

TOMOMI: Is proposing something to talk to each other about?

MAMI: It's cute.

HARUNA: They're not talking about a wedding anniversary, right?

TOMOMI: I know that discussing the date of marriage registration is one thing, but deciding on the day to propose is something I've never heard of before. That's cute!

RINA: They must be very close.

TOMOMI: Yeah, seems like it. Do it nowー

MAMI: They should.

HARUNA: There's still a little time before August 21.

MAMI: If they decide to do it in October or December, it would be much further away.

TOMOMI: Then you should register on 821 (August 21)ー

RINA: That's a good idea. Just make sure to check if it's a good date.

HARUNA: You're right; that's important.

RINA: At any rate, I think you should get married as soon as possible.

HARUNA: Propose on the day you hear this episode.

RINA: The sooner the better.

TOMOMI: If they're talking to each other about this, there's no way they'll say no, right?

MAMI: But isn't it more about who's going to propose? Or what they should do about it?

TOMOMI: Even cuter.

HARUNA: It's really cute.

RINA: It's really nice.

HARUNA: Be happyー

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』 - Season 2, Episode 1

•The episode starts with this. The correct answer is revealed to be wine, which RINA had guessed. They all go, "Ahh," when they hear the answer. RINA says that that is something you think of when you think of Europe. The program director says that Bulgaria is also famous for roses. They are apparently shown photos and they sound surprised as they look at them. HARU says that the country seems different from what she was imagining.

•HARU reads the second question: "What is the capital of Bulgaria?" The others go, "Ehh, we have no idea!" HARU then reads a hint that there's a band of the same name. They still have no idea what it could be, but they're told to write their answers down. RINA asks if this is something that the four of them definitely know, to which the director says it is, and that the band is still around. They still keep saying that they have no idea. MAMI says that no possible band names come to mind when suddenly asked a question like this. HARU asks if it's a Japanese band or an overseas band. The director pauses and says that this will be a big hint: It is the name of a Japanese band. They're really surprised at that. RINA says that they should take a break and eat some yogurt while thinking it over since it'll give them power. TOMO says that Mr. Children is probably not the right answer. RINA jokes and says that Kishidan must also not be the right answer. MAMI jokes too that Yabai T-Shirts Yasan must also be wrong. TOMO goes, "It's not SCANDAL, right?", to which they all laugh at. The director gives another hint that The Alfee is close to it. TOMO asks if the hint is that the band in question also has three members in it, and then says that maybe it's ALICE. HARU laughs and says she thought the same thing.

•They then all flip their answers around. There's a pause before they all start yelling and going, "Ahh, that's got to be it!", making it seem like at least one of them wrote the right answer. The director asks them to first read out their answers. HARU says that at first she thought it was Weezer, and when she heard that the band is a veteran one, she answered TULIP. The others laugh and MAMI says that that's cute. TOMO says that she first wrote Wet Leg (I think?), and for the Japan artist she wrote B'z. RINA says that both her and MAMI wrote down Alexandros. HARU and TOMO both go, "That must be it!" MAMI says that she suddenly had a thought about how Alexandros was a region somewhere, although she isn't sure. RINA says that she went with a band name that sounded stylish and fitting. TOMO goes, "That's it, right?" Immediately following that, the "bzzt" sound is played. The band all goes, "Ehh?!" and that it definitely seemed like that was correct. The director says that the correct answer is SOPHIA. The band all goes, "Aaah!" as if understanding it perfectly. RINA says that that's a nice name. MAMI says that she looked it up and there's no region called Alexandros, which makes them all laugh. HARU says that it does sound like one, though. RINA says that she must have dreamed it.

•The director then asks the next question: "In Bulgarian, the word 'yes' is the same as one Japanese syllable. What is it?" He says that they can all take turns answering. The band goes through basically every syllable, so I'll try to list what each member says.

-HARU: ta, ki, wa, a
-MAMI: hi, mo, ru, ra, shi, chi
-TOMO: po, to, mi, po (again), e, wa, ta
-RINA: u, se, ya, bi

•After TOMO answers "ta," HARU says that she already said that. But the director pauses and goes, "Ah! 'Ta' is close." HARU goes, "Wait, that was the first one I had said!" He pauses again and goes, "...did you say 'ta'? It is close." TOMO then guesses "da," which is the correct answer.

•The director goes right into the next question: "In Bulgarian, the word 'no' is the same as one Japanese syllable. What is it?"

-MAMI: de
-RINA: no
-TOMO: ni
-HARU: ne

•They each only answer one time. HARU says "ne," to which the "bzzt" sound is played. However, the director then laughs and says that was actually supposed to be the "ding-dong" (correct) sound, which the band all laughs at. RINA asks if those words are only used in Bulgaria, and the director says yes to that. TOMO asks which language "d'accord" comes from. RINA and HARU answer that it's French. TOMO asks if it's close to those Bulgarian words, or if it's related. RINA says no, and that it means "okay" rather than "yes." The director says that they'll be getting more quizzes about Bulgaria. TOMO says that it's kind of like "I see - The Catch up" segment. They also wonder if there are any Bulgarians among their fans, or who live in Bulgaria. The director says that they've never gotten any messages from fans there. HARU says that there may be some silent listeners. They close out the segment with RINA saying that it's nice to learn about European culture.

•They then close out the episode. HARU says that starting from next week's episode, Catch up will be available on more platforms: Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts. The band is surprised to hear this, since they're learning about this info for the first time. They say that that they're very happy to hear it.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

Updating "SCANDAL Catch up" as of April! For the first episode after the update, we will be doing the segment everyone loves!

Season 2, Episode 1 blog

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HARUNA: Starting with this episode, a new season of "SCANDAL Catch up" will begin! We will be bringing you fun with "supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt"!

TOMOMI: I love Bulgaria yogurt!

RINA: I really do love it.

HARUNA: We would like to create a new story with "Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt" celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and SCANDAL celebrating its 17th anniversary this year.

With the "oldest authentic yogurt in Japan," and us on the verge of setting a Guinness World Record for all-girl bands, we also have this in common: we value the importance of continuing to evolve in order to provide good products.

We would like to walk through our respective histories together and move forward together with all of you through this program. Let's have a taste test...

TOMOMI: I eat it all the time.

HARUNA: Thank you so much to Meiji for the support. Now then, since we might be asked about Bulgaria on the street now... We will bring you this project: "Last-minute cramming! Bulgaria quiz!"

MAMI: I didn't cram last minute, though.

HARUNA: Well, we haven't done any cramming.

TOMOMI: You never get asked about Bulgaria on the street in the first place...

RINA: That'd be really scary to be asked about Bulgaria on the street!

HARUNA: Like, "Excuse me, I was wondering about Bulgaria..."?

TOMOMI: That's scary!

HARUNA: At any rate, we're going to learn some useful knowledge about Bulgaria in a quiz format.

The Republic of Bulgaria, by the way, is about one-third the size of Japan and has a population of 6.9 million. Let's start the quiz!

Bulgaria is known in Japan, of course, for its yogurt, but there are other specialties of Bulgaria that are well known throughout the world. What is the most typical one?

Staff: Please write your answers down and flip them!

RINA: No hints? Would we go "Ah!" if we asked for some?

TOMOMI: Would we know this??

Staff: It's something you would know, of course. You're used to going to Europe, so please picture Europe in your mind. It is a common thing.

HARUNA: What is it...

Staff: It's not a "building" or the like.

HARUNA: I have no idea...

Staff: Multiple answers are allowed!

MAMI: Can I write two or more?

Staff: Of course.

HARUNA: What? Why are there two?

MAMI: I'll write down everything I can think of.

HARUNA: What can you write that much about??

Staff: Picture Europe! It's something European.

HARUNA: Something European!?

Staff: Please answer all at once!

(*All of them flip their papers around)

HARUNA: I chose dishes, lamps, soap, and non-food items.

RINA: Cheese and wine.

TOMOMI: Financier, cheese, and chocolate.

MAMI: I wrote so many. Milk, cheese, butter, wheat, ham, water.

Staff: One of you has the correct answer.

All: Ohー! What is it?

TOMOMI: That means it's not cheese...

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 160

•The episode starts with this.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener whose message was read during episode 158 (the one whose message had to do with money). They say they were very happy to hear SCANDAL's advice and warm words, and their gf was happy to hear the listener's honest feelings as well as SCANDAL's kind words. They had a positive conversation on the phone and talked about how they should cherish their feelings for each other if they are planning to be together forever. They want to be a little more supportive of the gf's not-so-positive thoughts [about money], and they don't want to ever let her go. They say they're glad that SCANDAL is always there for their fans, even those in the minority, and listens to what they have to say. They say they are very excited they will be attending SCANDAL's concert in Sendai together. HARU comments how the listener sent in this message right away. RINA says that it seems like they found a path forward, and that she could feel the positivity even though the text. She also says that she thinks it's important for the two of them to talk about things head-on. HARU agrees that it's good to have a relationship where you can talk things out. The band then tries to decide how many items to give them. MAMI says to give them 60, which makes the others laugh. The staff then seems to tell them they don't have many left over after they already gave away a lot to the first listener. They then ask if they could send 20. The staff says to go lower. Next, they try 10. The staff still says to go lower. TOMO says to give them one of each. The others laugh. MAMI says they could give them two of each since there are two of them, which is OK'd.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener who saw SCANDAL recently at the event held at Abenos Harukas in Osaka. They also mention how they discovered SCANDAL when they were 15 years old and are now 30 years old, which makes her feel like they grew up together. They talk about all the changes they've gone through, much like SCANDAL, and seeing how the band changes/evolves, they feel like it affirms that they can change/evolve too.  RINA says she's glad they're all of the same generation. HARU says that like how them being a fan hasn't changed, SCANDAL remains the same band at the core of what they do. They decide to give them two of each item as well. TOMO again says how they overdid it with the first listener.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener writing in for the "GyouColle" (Gyoukaiyougo Collection = A collection of industry terms) segment. HARU goes, "What was GyouColle again??" RINA goes, "That segment's still alive?" MAMI says that all of them are technically still alive. The message starts off with a quiz: "What food is called 'marujuu' (丸十)? Those well versed in Japanese food might know it." TOMO asks if she should read the hints. MAMI asks if they would give away too much. TOMO says it doesn't, so they tell her to read them. The hints are that the listener works in the confectionery department of a supermarket, and that the food is a vegetable that is strongly associated with autumn. TOMO guesses right away that it's satsumaimo (sweet potato), which is the correct answer. The correct answer sound effect plays, which makes TOMO pause and go, "Eh, I got it right?" The staff says that it's called that because it's the family crest of the Satsuma Domain (maru = circle, 十; juu = 10; literally, 'the number 10 inside of a circle'). The band decides to send the listener 10 of each item, which is apparently barely doable.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who says they'd like to visit Aichi Prefecture when COVID settles down and asks HARU and MAMI to give them recommendations. RINA laughs and says that MAMI has such an unpleasant look on her face. HARU sounds annoyed when she goes, "Please listen to past episodes of 'Catch up' for those!" RINA says they should go over them again. MAMI says that she doesn't really know what's going on in Nagoya right now, but she's been seeing a lot of people on Instagram have been posting about going around to different cafes in Aichi. She says how there's apparently some place that looks like a straw or barrel-looking house near Okazaki (a city about an hour outside of Nagoya). HARU goes, "What's with that?" MAMI says that she'll try to look it up. RINA says that they'll read the next message in the meantime.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener who is 16 years old and in their first year of high school. They're in their school's dance club and get nervous before an event or recital. They ask the band how to relax before performing in front of others. The band says that they still get nervous even now. RINA says that nervousness is a feeling that grows out of the desire to make that time important and to make it a success. That's why it's a good thing above all. HARU says that it means you're taking it seriously. RINA says that you can be nervous because of the feelings you put into it. HARU says that nervousness can be reduced if there's a strong bond between the students. They again say how they don't think being nervous is a bad thing, and that it means you're preparing for something with a high level of awareness. RINA thinks that it's a good idea not to be too rigid, but to push your body to the point where you can move without really being aware of your body's movements, so that you can be on stage. They wonder how many items to give them, and wonder how many people are on the team. RINA decides that there are perhaps four of them, so they will give them four of each item. She then goes, "There may be dozens on the team, but we're giving four of each item." MAMI says that she's still looking for that cafe.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who attended SCANDAL's Mystery Tours 2 event last year, which was a great opportunity for them to make some good friends who also love SCANDAL. Since the event, they've been doing all sorts of stuff together such as going to karaoke. There is one thing they've wondered about. They say that they've always dimmed the front of the room when doing karaoke and thought it was the normal thing to do, but when they went with their new SCANDAL friends, they were surprised when one person said to turn up the lights. They wondered if your preference has something to do with where you're from. They are from Kanto while the other person is from Hokkaido, for instance. They ask SCANDAL if they sing karaoke in the dark or in the light. The band seems to agree that they like it dark since it reminds them of a concert. They also think that the preference depends on the person rather than where they're from. MAMI then suddenly yells out, "I can't find it [the cafe]!" The others laugh and TOMO says that it's okay to give up. RINA wonders if MAMI actually dreamt about it instead. The band then decides to give two of each item to the listener.

•MAMI says that the cafe might not be in Okazaki after all. RINA says that she'd think that an offbeat cafe that is apparently shaped like a barrel would be easy to find. MAMI says that it might have been ranked as the most popular place to post about [in Aichi, I guess? lol] in 2022. HARU agrees that it seems like it should pop up right away. TOMO says that the place must be a mirage. A staffer then finds the cafe: Oasis Coffee located in Nagoya. They say that it looks like a really nice place. HARU says that there is one thing she'd like to recommend, which is fumanju. She says it's so delicious and would really like people from all over the country to try it. RINA asks if she (RINA) has ever tried it before. HARU says she doesn't think so, but she'll buy some for her next time. She mentions that there's a shop called Anpu-sankira near the entrance to the shinkansen entrance at the station. She says it's really good with a little bit of salt. They decide to give the listener two of each item. HARU says that they apparently gave out 126 items today. RINA wonders how the listeners are going to use them.

•They then close out the episode and say they have an announcement. They thank everyone for listening to this program and that it's been a fun three years being surrounded by Meiji sweets with Apollo on top of the list. HARU says that each band member will say a brief comment about Apollo or their favorite Meiji sweets.

•RINA: "To Macadamia Chocolate: Thank you so much for supporting me for three years with a wonderful amount of sugar and such a rich feeling. When I was ready to work hard again, I'd eat a piece and it would give me such power and support. Thank you so much for the past three years! Thank you very much!"

•TOMO: "To Yan Yan: Thank you so much for being there for me since I was little. We have spent these three years so closely together and made many memories. Yan Yan, don't ever forget me!"

•MAMI: "To Poifull: Thank you for spending three years with me. I was kind of surprised when I heard more hearts were added to your shapes, but I was so happy. I know your love has reached me. I look forward to seeing you again. I love you, Poifull!"

•HARU: "To Kinoko no Yama: I'm sorry for making you fight on your own, always calling it a kinoko vs. sato war. But in my opinion, Kinoko no Yama is number one. Thank you so much for the past three years!"

•They all clap and laugh after they finish reading their comments. HARU laughs that no one made one for Apollo. They then say that a new season of "Catch up" will start on April 3, 2023. They say to look forward to what kind of 'changes' the new season will have.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries from ＃1-160 can be found here

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Since the program has been slightly renamed to 『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt』, all episodes after this one will now be posted in this thread!

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#front-page #catchup

End of the fiscal year! A big giveaway special of program merch! There's an important announcement at the end!

Episode ＃160 blog

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HARUNA: This episode is: "SCANDAL Catch up! End of the fiscal year! A big giveaway of program merchs! Special!"

"Catch up" is celebrating its 3rd anniversary...
As it is the end of the fiscal year, we will introduce some of the messahes we have received from you guys and give away a lot of program merch (program stickers, guitar picks, etc.). We'll be putting out more and more items. If you are introduced this time, it means you are very lucky. So, let's get started!
 

Hiiragi
 
Hello, SCANDAL.
(I'm sure you don't remember me, but) I am the medical student who asked for advice on dreams and career paths in episode 104. I am sending this message to say thank you.

I was troubled by the gap between my dream of being involved in disaster medicine and being timid, and I couldn't stop crying when you told me that I don't have to feel inferior to my being timid, and that I'm not wrong for being confused right now. I had been obsessively thinking that I had to break away from my weak self, so I felt relieved.

I thought about what I was suited for and what I wanted to do, and decided to become a psychiatrist to take care of the mental health of the disaster victims. I passed the national examination, and from this April I will start working as a doctor at a hospital that is well suited for training in such a field.

I was able to reconstruct my dream from such a positive perspective because of the seriousness with which SCANDAL answered my questions. Thank you very much.

Sometimes I feel like I'm losing myself in a world where things are happening too fast, but the way you guys are enjoying change and continuing to make music freely is a compass and source of hope for me.

RINA: You worked hardー!

All: Congratulations!!

RINA: I'm so happy...

HARUNA: It's great that they found a new path for themselves.

TOMOMI: They found a wonderful path.

RINA: It's really wonderful.

HARUNA: I think it's a great confidence boost to have found another way to help people. It means that the path you thought you were on wasn't the wrong one.

RINA: It means you found a good answer on your own.

TOMOMI: Yes, let's give them 100 stickers!

HARUNA: They don't need that many!?

TOMOMI: They don't, huh...

RINA: Well, how many should we give??

MAMI: Let's give them all kinds. Program stickers, program guitar picks, and also Kyoukai-sen Kyoukai stickers!

RINA: A set - that's nice.

Staff: One of each?

MAMI: No, no, no, let's give them more. They worked hard, and they passed the national exam.

TOMOMI: Yeah, it's totally fine. Let's give them about 20 of each item!

MAMI: They can give them out to the people at the hospital.

HARUNA: That's a good idea.

TOMOMI: Have them put them at the reception of the hospital,

MAMI: FREE!?

HARUNA: Okay, then 20 of each.

RINA: I didn't know we were going to have such a big giveaway at this level!? That's more than I expected...

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 159

•The episode starts with this.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener: "When we first met, I was able to say this as a matter of course, but now I can't get the words out. But I want you to remember to tell me. If possible, I'll do my best to answer first, not last. So please give it a listen: Hey! Teacher." The band laughs at this. A staffer says this was about how the band constantly forgets to say the phrase when a message from a teacher is read on the show. MAMI jokes that they're reprimanding the band in a roundabout way, which makes the others laugh.

•RINA starts reading the next message from a listener but laughs before she can really say anything. The others wonder what's up, and RINA goes, "What's up with this person's radio name?? I can't read it!" She then reads the name, which sounds like "Sweets Kyuuinki" (inhaling sweets). They laugh and wonder if this person likes sweets a lot. RINA then reads the message: "I believe that everyone suffers from the difference between their own values and those of those around them. But it's a wonderful thing to be true to yourself! No matter what the situation is, you should go forward as you feel. I hope this song will give you a push forward. Give it a listen: Smental Nanka Buttobase (Sending Smentals Flying; a riff off of SCANDAL's song "Scandal Nanka Buttobase" [Sending Scandals Flying])." RINA says that Sweets Kyuuinki is a good name, which makes the others laugh. They say that it's a good song title. TOMO says that it would mean that the Smental segment would be gone. RINA goes, "We mustn't send it flying," making them laugh.

•MAMI is to read the next message, and before she does, she gets surprised and says how this person also made up an album of "Song titles that sound like they could be SCANDAL songs," with 12 songs in total. She says this person also indicated which songs have music videos, and even which are tie-in songs. The band is surprised at the latter and wonder what they could be. MAMI seems to look at what the tie-in songs are a part of, and goes, "Wow, thanks for having such confidence in us!" As MAMI starts to read what the lead song is, HARU asks what the title of the album is. MAMI says that there isn't one. HARU and TOMO are surprised and go, "There isnt'?!" TOMO goes, "They should have thought about that!"

•MAMI lists the first song, which is the lead one and features lyrics by RINA, music by MAMI: "Fiesta!" They all agree that that sounds like a possible song of theirs. The second song features the same songwriters, titled "Kireigoto Distortion" (Ideal Distortion). They also say this sounds possible. The third song is a single written by MAMI: "Mikansei Kansei" (Incomplete Completion). The others go, "Ah..." The fourth song is written by HARU: "Setsuna" (Momentary). They laugh hard at this and say it sounds HARU-like. HARU goes, "I don't like it!", which the others laugh at. She keeps saying that she doesn't like it. MAMI laughs and goes, "Sounds like she doesn't like it." The fifth song features the RINA/MAMI songwriting duo again, and MAMI guesses could have been written at the same time as the second song: "Yon-mai-goto Compressor" (A Compressor for Every 4 Sheets). This doesn't really get a reaction from the others (probably because it's weird and doesn't make sense lol). The sixth song features vocals, lyrics, and music from TOMO: "Jellyfish." TOMO says, "Yes, I wrote that song," which the others laugh a little at.

•The seventh song is a single with lyrics by HARU, music by TOMO: "Kimi to Mita Shikisai" (The Colors I Saw With You). The others laugh. HARU is surprised is supposed to be a single. The eighth song features lyrics and music by RINA: "Kokoro Dake Yorisotte." (Only Our Hearts Are Getting Closer). RINA goes, "Only our hearts are getting closer. Our bodies are far away," which makes everyone laugh. The ninth song features lyrics by RINA, music by TOMO: "Meltykiss" (in reference to the Meiji sweet of the same name). MAMI goes, "You guys wrote it, right?" They say that they did. The 10th song is written by MAMI and titled "Singing Ringing." RINA laughs and says that the rhythm of the title sounds nice. MAMI goes, "'Ring!Ring!Ring!'?", perhaps trying to connect it to their past song. The 11th song MAMI says is a complicated one, and is a single featuring lyrics by HARU+RINA, music by MAMI+TOMO. The band is impressed with the setup of who wrote the song and says it's a very cooperative one. TOMO says that's sounds like a difficult method of writing a song. The title is "Kansei na Finale" (A Complete Finale). RINA laughs and goes, "Ah, I'm glad we finished it." But then they realize that the "kansei" is supposed to mean "cheering" (歓声), which would then make the title "A Cheerful Finale." The 12th and final song is a physical CD-only track: "SCANDAL ACTION."

•MAMI says that the songs with MVs are the single songs (Fiesta!, Mikansei Kansei, Kimi to Mita Shikisai), plus "Kansei na Finale." Also, "Meltykiss" is used in a commercial for Meiji. The band laughs hard at this and says that's awesome. Also, "Fiesta" is used as a theme song for a daytime news program. This also makes the others laugh hard. The "Kimi to Mita Shikisai" song is used as a movie theme song. They also say that's great. TOMO says that they'll write this song if they get an offer to do a movie theme song. "Mikansei Kansei" is a theme song for a sci-fi anime. MAMI then reads that "Kansei na Finale" is the theme song for the Tokyo Olympics, which surprises the band and makes them laugh. They say the tour in support of this album would be amazing. HARU goes, "Think of a title for this album, would you?!"

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who also submits a fake album of 11 songs. The title is "Pale Green," which makes them go, "How do they know about that??" They say that the band has been in a 'green' mood lately. The first song is called "Hitoshizuku" (A Drop of Water), with lyrics+music by RINA. RINA says that sounds pretty. The second song is a single called "Backstep," with lyrics by RINA, music by MAMI. They laugh and say that sounds like a dancy single. The third song is called "Kibun = Tenkiame" (Mood = Sunshower), with lyrics by RINA, music by MAMI. RINA says it sounds like a ONE OK ROCK title, which makes them all laugh. The fourth song is "Eye Contact," with MAMI on lead vocals and lyrics+music by MAMI. TOMO says that sounds probable. The fifth song is "Minus 1%," with TOMO on lead vocals and lyrics+music by TOMO. TOMO says that sounds possible, and RINA says that sounds like the title of song you'd want to listen to. The sixth song is "Me Collage," with RINA on lead vocals and lyrics by RINA, music by MAMI. The seventh song is "Twins Rule," with lyrics by RINA and music by TOMO. The eighth song is "Futarigoto" (Soliloquy for Two), with lyrics by TOMO+RINA and music by TOMO. TOMO says that sounds possible. HARU points out how the songs go from "Twins Rule" to "Futarigoto." The ninth song is "Moon River Poolside," with lyrics+music by HARU. They say it sounds cool. The 10th song is "Matataita" (Twinkling). The 11th and final song is a secret bonus track called "Sono Naru Hou e" (Towards That Direction), with lyrics+music by RINA. The band says this was a really good album and that they made sure that every member sang and wrote songs. RINA says it's very close to how SCANDAL is right now. They again say how this segment is over for now, but to still send in any messages for it if something comes to mind.

•They then close out the episode. Before they do, though, HARU reads one last message from a listener who is writing in regarding Meiji. They say that there's a Meiji factory in their hometown of Fujieda City in Shizuoka Prefecture. The unique symbol for Meiji sweets made there is "+5," and ask SCANDAL if there are any Meiji sweets with that number in front of them. They also mention how they immediately raised their hand when SCANDAL asked at BEST Xmas who had come from the Tokai region, but when they later talked about which region Mie Prefecture is part of, and that it's part of Tokai, they as a Shizuoka resident wondered where Shizuoka fit in. However, since the Meiji factory in Shizuoka is called the "Tokai factory," they say that Shizuoka can also be included as part of the Tokai region. The band laughs and MAMI goes, "On the contrary, is it okay for Shizuoka to join it?" HARU says that depending on their location in it, some probably think it's part of Tokai and some probably think it's part of Kansai. TOMO says that Shizuoka is a pretty wide prefecture, after all. She mentions that when she goes back to her hometown via car, a large portion is spent driving through Shizuoka. She also says that they should cut it in half. The band then checks their Meiji sweets to see if any are from that factory. After looking for a few minutes, they do happen to find some Galbo chocolates that are from there.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

TOMOMI says, "I'd love to be praised!!" for the band name "SCANDAL" that was chosen by the four of them

Episode ＃159 blog

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HARUNA: We're doing that segment this time!

All: ...??

HARUNA: Song titles that sound like they could be SCANDAL songs!

RINA: I didn't know this segment was still alive...

HARUNA: Yes, it is. Various segments are disappearing here and there.

RINA: Maybe it was on the verge of extinction...

HARUNA: The content remains the same. We ask the listeners to come up with song titles that sound like they could be SCANDAL songs, starting with an intro to the song. We've received a lot of submissions, but...we'll be wrapping it up with this.

RINA: So it's the final one.

HARUNA: So let's get started.

Takepiyo

From the time we started the band and up until the present,
This is a song that expresses our determination and resolve for the future.
Give it a listen:

SCANDAL ZERO

All: Ohー!

TOMOMI: It's like episode zero.

All: It also means that you've never had a "scandal," in the original sense of the word.

TOMOMI: Ahー! Meaning that SCANDAL has never had a scandal.

HARUNA: So that's what it is...

MAMI: It is...

HARUNA: Indeed, there hasn't been one.

RINA: Ahー! Like we've never been photographed by weekly magazines and such.

MAMI: Yeah, they're talking about that kind of scandal, right?

TOMOMI: Yes, but I'd love to be praised for that.

RINA: Isn't there a Guinness record for that type of thing? Should we apply for that Guinness World Record?

MAMI: That record is going to really be updated...

HARUNA: Like, "A band with no scandals."

RINA: ...but it must have been fate that led us to having this band name. It's a band name that can only be given by four people who can live this way of life.

TOMOMI: In our early days, people would often tell us to be careful because if anything happened, others would be like, "They say SCANDAL causes scandals."

RINA: Yeah, that's true.

TOMOMI: "Not anymore"...you know.

RINA: "Not anymore"! Yeah, we can afford to live a normal life.

TOMOMI: There aren't even any rumors surrounding us.

HARUNA: No one tells us to be careful.

RINA: Because we haven't done anything wrong.

MAMI: Yeah, we haven't.

RINA: Interesting--this is a strong song.

MAMI: It's deep if you know the meaning.

TOMOMI: It kind of has a finality to it.

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 158

•The episode starts with this.

•TOMO reads the next message from a male listener who says that they're in love with a junior colleague of the same sex. They've been trying to forget about him, but they really can't at all. They recently heard that he might be moving away for a new job. They ask SCANDAL to help them forget about him. TOMO then says that she'll read another message from another listener. They also happen to be a male listener in love with another junior colleague of the same sex. Every time they see him, they fall even more in love. However, they're in a lot of pain because of this one-sided love. They also ask SCANDAL how they can forget about him.

•RINA says that she can tell they're very caring, kind people, and that they're trying to get to a place where they're trying to work out what's happening within them. She also says that it's miraculous how they both found people that they like. TOMO says that the first listener should just go ahead and tell the guy since the guy might be moving away for a new job. If he really wants to forget the guy, then he can take the first step in doing so. Even if it doesn't work out, he might be able to forget about it since they'll then be far away from each other. MAMI says that she thinks if they want to forget about someone you like, then telling them your feelings could be a good way to do so. TOMO says that if you don't tell them, you'll keep thinking about it and will be stuck in a rut. MAMI seems to talk in the pretense that the listener(s) told the people they like and were possibly rejected, and that it might make things awkward between them after. HARU says that if they tell them their honest feelings, they probably will understand them. They all say that it's probably best to tell the people they like what they feel about them. RINA says that if they could convey that they care about them in a way that includes how they feel, it might get through to them.

•MAMI says that My Melody (the Sanrio character) would probably say to tell your feelings to the treasure box in your heart, and no matter what the result is, if you keep those feelings in the treasure box then they'll keep shining. HARU giggles in the background and RINA says that those are some nice things to say. TOMO says that My Melody really helps you out in your 30s. HARU goes, "Have we talked about this topic on this program before?" MAMI says they haven't, which makes HARU laugh. HARU says that MAMI's addicted to Sanrio right now, and it probably surprised their listeners to suddenly hear about MyMelo all of a sudden. MAMI says that she loves listening to "My Melody's Secret Room" radio program and listens to it every week. She goes, "Maybe those two [the listeners that sent in the messages] should try listening to it." TOMO agrees that they should. MAMI says that MyMelo's mindset is really something and her vocabulary is so impressive that it'll make you see things in a positive light, so she'd love for people to listen to the program. TOMO asks the two listeners to listen to it, which makes them all laugh.

•RINA reads the next message from a listener whose message was read during episode 140 (the first one) about how they started listening to SCANDAL because of their girlfriend. They say that they've known each other for 3 years and have been dating for 2 years, and are currently in a semi long-distance relationship. They see each other at least twice a month, talk to each other almost every day, and get along well. They do fight occasionally, and lately they've been fighting a lot about their future. The listener works in the medical field while the gf works at a corporation. The other day the gf said that she's paid a low salary and doesn't have much money saved. The listener is hoping to have enough money so that they won't struggle to make ends meet. The listener heard from their parents that they fought about money after getting married, which makes the listener think that it is better to have money saved up. The listener loves the gf, and the gf loves the listener. They don't want to leave the gf, but they sometimes worry that they'll have a hard time financially if the laws change and they're able to get married (they're both women, and same-sex marriage is still not recognized in Japan). They hate that they're weak-willed and how they can't say anything to reassure the gf. They ask SCANDAL if they should continue to put love first in their relationship.

•Both TOMO and MAMI say that that's fine. MAMI says that though money may be a concern as well, feeling love is the most important thing. It would be very heart-breaking to break off the relationship due to just money issues. TOMO says that things are fine as they are if they're okay with staying together with little money, or if they want to live a more abundant way of life together, there are different ways of changing that, including finding new employment. She also says that the most important thing is that they love each other, so it would be kind of sad to break up over money. She thinks there are many ways to go about things. RINA says that it seems like they're trying to be realistic about things since they're looking at things in the long term. They're thinking of these things right now because they're considering things seriously, and something like staying together for life is a difficult thing to do. TOMO says that they're not thinking of breaking up at all. RINA says that being able to talk about money isn't something you can really talk about unless you've reached a certain level with someone, even in a relationship. If you both understand each other and want to stay together, then you should talk about it. MAMI says they should find something positive to do. If that's not realistic, then try to think of other ways to make things better a little at a time. If their relationship is strong enough to the point where they're worried about money, it might be a good idea to try and work together and do what they can do. HARU says it's a matter of what the gf is going to do. She's okay with how things are now, so it's also important for the listener to find out how to reassure her when she's worried. They basically say to reassure the gf how they feel and discuss what they should do to be able to be in this together.

•MAMI reads the next message from a listener whose message was read during episode 151 (the first one) about how they met someone at SCANDAL's anniversary event and are dating them now. On the day they submitted this new message (January 25), they had a meal and listened to the episode together. They say it was embarrassing to hear their message being read, but as a SCANDAL fan they couldn't be happier. The band gets all excited and MAMI goes, "You listened to it together?? Oh my god!" RINA says that that sounds like fun. HARU goes, "Wait, but they couldn't have known their message was read until they listened to the episode, right?" RINA says that maybe they listened to it together because it was read (as in they had already listened to it on their own, but then they listened to it together after that). MAMI says that it's so awesome that they listened to it over a meal. A staffer says something in the background, which makes HARU go, "Oh, katsudon, perhaps?" (since it contains the word "katsu" 勝つ, which means "to win"), while MAMI laughs. They keep going, "That's so nice!" TOMO says that that's the only thing they've been saying, and don't really have anything special to say, which makes the others laugh.

•They then close out the episode. HARU mentions the increase in messages about love advice. RINA goes, "Love is a pretty tough thing!" HARU says that this makes her think once more about how everyone worries about love, and apparently there are a lot of people worrying among their listeners. She says to send in a message to them if there's something troubling you and can't figure it out on your own. RINA says that even if the band can't fully answer something, it's nice to be able to talk about different topics and to let people know that others do worry about the same kinds of things that they do. MAMI says that there are a lot of things that'll make you feel better after getting them off your chest, and to please send in any messages like that as well.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

Is it strange to not fall in love? HARUNA says to the listener feeling uneasy about love, "You don't have to fall in love like everyone else."

Episode ＃158 blog

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HARUNA: This week...we'll be reading lots of messages.

Rira

I have never been in love before. I still have no desire to fall in love with anyone.

I used to watch romance dramas. Somehow I saw falling in love with someone and taking special care of someone as things that happen because it's a drama series.

But now that I'm older and learned that I don't fall in love, I've realized that when I watch romance dramas, it's not that they're special cases--it's that I'm different, and that I can neither sympathize nor agree with the drama.

Because I don't know, I'd like to know if there is a fine line between the feeling of being special to someone, and the feeling of being in love.

When I watch romance dramas, I feel lonely and empty because I don't understand them, but that's why I'm so interested in them.

SCANDAL, do you think that love exists and is possible because it crosses that borderline?

HARUNA: This one is regarding love advice.

RINA: I think that it can be assumed that dramas are works of fiction, but if you ask if it's happening to a lot of people in real life, I don't think it's equal. However, I do think that dramatic things like grand romance do happen. I don't think it's possible to make a blanket statement on this.

HARUNA: I don't know if there's a borderline between the feeling that someone is especially important to you, and the feeling of being in love...

RINA: This is difficult to answer.

HARUNA: We talked about this before, but I think it's similar to the difference between love and romance...

RINA: You might feel lonely wondering if you have any romantic feelings for someone, but it's possible that you haven't met the right person. Also, asexuality is a trait that some people have where they don't experience romantic feelings. Perhaps you have that trait, but that doesn't mean it's strange at all. I don't want you to blame yourself.

MAMI: We don't live our lives with boundaries in mind. That's why I think it's better not to think too hard about it. The more you keep thinking about whether these feelings mean that you're in love with someone, or whether it's different from not romantically liking someone, the more you'll feel like you're stuck between the two and unable to choose either... That might be what it feels like.

TOMOMI: Not all love is dramatic, so I think there are some romantic feelings that are very difficult to recognize. There may be times when a person you love and care for as a friend develops new feelings for someone else. You may not notice it by an obvious trigger, but rather by a gradual change that is difficult to notice. I think there are cases where there are no boundaries.

HARUNA: I think there are many people who feel the same way as Rira. I think there are types of people who don't take pleasure in being devoted, or wanting to touch and be touched. A little bit of love can be an uplifting feeling. Just because you are in love doesn't mean you have to have physical contact. If you meet someone with similar values, it might be more liberating. I don't think you have to fall in love like everyone else.

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 157

•The episode starts with this. RINA asks what letter it starts with. The staff says "G." TOMO answers "Amethyst" (?? lol), which makes the others laugh. It's wrong, of course. RINA goes, "Did this turn into gemstone names??" HARU asks the staff if they could guess it if they told them what it starts off with, which the staff agrees to and says it starts with "Ga." The band laughs and goes, "It's gotta be Gaspard!" The staff reminds them that Gaspard ranked 9th. After a beat, MAMI answers "Gabriel," which is the correct answer. They all go, "Ahh!" and clap. RINA and TOMO go, "Impressive!" MAMI goes, "Gabriel's an angel, right?" The others agree, and HARU says she thinks she's heard of that before. RINA says that none of their European staff are named Gabriel. MAMI seems to look up the angel Gabriel and reads a few things about it, plus the names of a few other angels (Raphael, Uriel, etc.). HARU says that they all have an "-iel" name. The staff says that an odd thing is that "Gabriel" is also 8th on the girls' name list (but of course that's spelled as "Gabrielle" - there's no distinction in spelling between the two in Japanese, which is probably why they do not mention it). HARU says that a popular baby names list comes out in Japan as well, and says that them doing the same kind of list in Paris makes it feel like it's a bit Japanese-like (even though I'm pretty sure every country does this?? lol).

•RINA wonders what the top names in Japan are right now. A staffer goes, "What are they?" and the quiz sound effect plays, as if it's supposed to be a quiz question (and it actually does turn into one lol). They laugh at this. TOMO guesses "Aoi." HARU says that she often sees "Hina" as a girl's name. RINA says she also sees ones like "Hana" and even "Haruna." MAMI says that "Tsumugi" is also a popular one. Another one they say is "Mugi." MAMI says that she feels that a lot of names that consist of two Japanese characters are popular. Their director seems to say that they already said what one of the current most popular name is for boys. TOMO guesses "Haruto," which is incorrect. She then guesses "Aoi." He says something else, which makes them then guess "Ao," which is correct. RINA says that that's a nice name. Apparently, it's in third place. MAMI says that her friend's baby's name is Ao. TOMO mentions Tsumugi again, which apparently ranks ninth. MAMI asks the staff if they've already said the first place girl name, which the staff says they haven't. RINA guesses "Sakura" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "Tsuyu" (*bzzt). TOMO guesses "Hina," even though it's been said before, and then guesses "Hime" (*bzzt). HARU says that she thinks that Hina does seem to be popular. Their director says that Hina is in sixth place, but the first place name does start with "Hi." TOMO then guesses "Hinata" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "Hima" (*bzzt). TOMO guesses "Himari," which is the correct answer. She says that it gives off a warm feeling (maybe since it contains 'hi,' which means 'the sun'; or becauce it's close to 'himawari,' the word for 'sunflower'). The band says that this ranking was interesting.

•HARU reads the next message from a 37-year-old listener from Brazil who is writing in for the "Life before SCANDAL" segment, and who happened to ask earlier on SH what the title of the segment is in Japanese. They say that they used to listen to L'Arc-en-Ciel, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Chatmonchy, etc., and that SCANDAL has been by their side during difficult times these past 10 years. They say that they're planning to go to SCAFES in 2026, which confuses the band (since SCAFES was their 10th anniversary event). TOMO goes, "We never said we have plans to hold another SCAFES," which makes them all laugh. MAMI goes, "But he has plans to go to it...", which makes them laugh again. HARU mentions that the listener is close in age to the band, so it makes sense that their former favorite bands were L'arc, AKFG, etc.

•The next quiz question is asked:

Carnival, the world-famous midsummer festival, took place last month in Rio. Rio = Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil.

What does Rio de Janeiro mean in Portuguese?

•RINA guesses "Taiyou no Machi (City of the Sun)" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "Mizu no Miyako (City of Water)" (*bzzt). RINA goes, "Wait a minute - we're all thinking of Parque Espana," which makes them all laugh. HARU goes, "It's because it's also Portuguese." A staffer seems to go, "Is that right?" HARU then thinks about it for a second and goes, "Oh, it's Spain." TOMO then goes, "Taiyou to uta motomete... (Seeking the sun and songs)", which are lyrics to Parque Espana's theme song. They all laugh and the buzzer is sounded. Their director seemingly says that a hint is that "Rio" is describing that belongs to "de Janiero." HARU wonders what "rio" means. RINA says that once they hear it, they'll all be like, "Oh yeah." HARU asks if they're close to it with what they've said so far. The staff says they're surprisingly going in the right direction. MAMI guesses "Jounetsu no Senshi (Warriors of Passion)" (*bzzt), which she and the others laugh at. RINA asks if the word "sun" is in it. The staff says no. They're surprised at this and feel like it would be in it. TOMO guesses "Honoo no Miyako (City of Fire)" (*bzzt). RINA guesses while laughing, "Koori no Dance (Ice Dance)" (*bzzt), which makes the others laugh as well. HARU guesses "Ame no Machi (City of Rain)" (*bzzt). RINA guesses while laughing again, "Tsuki no Sekai (Moon World)" (*bzzt). MAMI guesses "Yami no Iriguchi (Entrance to Darkness)", which makes everyone laugh hard. HARU says that that has a total different image from what one would picture Rio to be. TOMO guesses "Tamashii no Shinden (Temple of the Soul)." Everyone laughs at this too. HARU goes, "How mystical!"

•TOMO asks if it's the opposite of the sun. The staff says that it's not related to the sun at all, and then seems to say that it's related to water. TOMO says while thinking, "Mizuumi...no......Machi (Lake Town)" (*bzzt). They laugh at this. RINA goes, "It's gotta be related to Lake Biwa (in Japan)," which they laugh at. They joke that it must be "Shiga" (the prefecture in Japan that Lake Biwa is located in) (*bzzt). HARU guesses "Kawa ga nagareru machi (City with a river running through it)" (*bzzt). The staff seems to say that they're close, and that the correct word was said. MAMI guesses that "kawa" (river) was the right word. TOMO guesses "Kawa no Miyako (City of Lakes)" (*bzzt), and then "Kawa no Shinden (River of the Soul)" (*bzzt). They laugh at how TOMO used "shinden" (soul) in her answer again. TOMO wonders if "kawa" is one of the correct words. HARU says that it seems so. The staff seems to give a hint as to what "Janiero" refers to. MAMI guesses "Michitarita kawa (River that is full of water)" (*bzzt). The staff tries to explain the hint more, but it's not really audible. They seem to get the hint, and then guess "Ichigatsu no Kawa" (River of January), which is the correct answer. HARU says that it's probably warm in Brazil in January since they're in the Southern Hemisphere. The staff seemingly explains why it's called that but it's inaudible (the real reason: Portuguese explorers first started exploring the area in January). HARU says that they've been saying the name without knowing what it meant. MAMI says that they weren't able to guess it correctly [without hints]. HARU and RINA poke fun at MAMI's "Yami no Iriguchi" answer, and HARU says that that would have been pretty cool if it did mean that. MAMI then laughs at TOMO's "Tamashii no Shinden" answer, and then says that there's probably a temple of the soul at the entrance to darkness, which they all laugh at. HARU says that sounds like fun.

•HARU reads the next and last message from a listener from India who is also an SH member They say there are two Japanese teams that they support: SCANDAL and the Japanese soccer team. They ask SCANDAL what their favorite sport is. RINA says that she was pretty sporty before she joined the band. She played soft tennis in middle school, and did track-and-field in elementary school. Her favorite one might be soft tennis. It's something that she wants to do even now. She says that they had done a shoot once before at a tennis court, which she enjoyed. TOMO says that she didn't play any sports; the only thing close she did was dance, which is what she chooses as her favorite. The staff seems to ask about any sports they watch. HARU says that she did watch some World Cup games. RINA says that she thinks they had all watched a World Cup game while they were overseas. The others all remember that too; they had watched it while eating after a concert.

•The next quiz question is asked:

It is said that India will overtake China to become the most populous country in the world.

How many people are there in India?

•They say that this is a simple yet difficult to answer question. TOMO guesses 700 million (*bzzt). MAMI guesses 1.36 billion. There's a pause after she answers, which makes her go, "Wait, wait?!" The staff then says that it's close. TOMO then guesses 1.34 billion (*bzzt), and then 1.47 billion (*bzzt). MAMI guesses 1.58 billion (*bzzt). RINA guesses 1.42 billion, which is correct. They all go, "Wow!" The staff then lists more info about the population growth and etc. that is not very audible. The band says that they'd like to visit India one day. They also encourage overseas listeners to keep sending in messages to the program.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries can be found here

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#front-page #catchup

SCANDAL takes the "Ranking of Popular Baby Names" quiz for 2022 announced by Paris!

Episode ＃157 blog

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HARUNA: This week... we bring you the 8th edition of "I see - The Catch up"!
We bring you world news and country-specific quizzes! It's a very SCANDAL-like segment, with us having fans all over the world.

TOMOMI: I love this segment.

HARUNA: It seems that it's been about a year since the last one...

TOMOMI: It doesn't feel that long ago...

RINA: That's a lot of time.

HARUNA: The staff comes up with quizzes related to the country of the person who sent in a message, and the band members are asked those questions.
So far...
We have had quizzes based on messages from Estonia, Malaysia, Argentina, Italy, Russia, the US, Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, India, and Indonesia.

RINA: Hearing it all again, that's impressive.

HARUNA: It is. "Catch up" is getting messages from all these countries, so it's quite a global program.

MAMI: We're very grateful.

HARUNA: Now, what countries are these quizzes from this time? Let's start with the messages. It's a quiz from a new country!


(*Note from the staff: This message in Japanese from an overseas listener has been left as is)

(*And a note from thoseguiltyeyes: There are a number of mistakes in this message, so I will try to translate those as such to English)

Sixpenny

Hello, everyone!

You well? It's cold, so dress warmly, okay?

I'm French, so please forgive my bad Japanese.

Ah! I went the Paris concert, so it was really the best night of my life!
But I'm sorry I said "Don't cry, Teimo-chan" (haha)
It was a pink T-shirt

But you guys helped me find my purpose.
When will I make your fantastic music?

Enjoy this year!
I will continue to support SCANDAL from the bottom of my heart this year.

All: Thanks!

RINA: This was our first message from France.

HARUNA: I'm happy they went to our Paris concert.
Now then, from France, here's "I see - The Catch up"!

The city of Paris has announced the 2022 "Popular Baby Name Ranking'' based on last year's birth registrations.

The ranking of boys' names was Louis (4th), Raphael (3rd), and Adam (2nd).

What is in first place?

TOMOMI: No, no, wait a minute - That's too hard.

RINA: But it's a good question.

Staff: We'll give you a hint, of course.

HARUNA: Yes, a hint would be good.

RINA: Thanks!

*Hint: By the way, the girls' name ranking is as follows: No. 4 is Jeanne, No. 3 is Emma, No. 2 is Louise, and No. 1 is Alma.

TOMOMI: No, no, that's not a hint!

MAMI: Say the mens' ranking again, starting from fourth place.

HARUNA: Louis in 4th place, Raphael in 3rd, and Adam in 2nd.

TOMOMI: Um, Eve!

(*bzzt)

RINA: What could it be...

MAMI: Paris...

RINA: I wonder if it's one of the names of our European staff...

TOMOMI: Matthew!

HARUNA: George!

(*bzzt)

RINA: I don't know what a standard French name would be.

Staff: By the way, number 10 is "Leon." That's a hint.

TOMOMI: Leon...

MAMI: Eh, that's a hint!? Um, Mike!

(*bzzt)

RINA: It's kind of American, isn't it...

Staff: By the way, number 9 is "Gaspard"!

TOMOMI: Then, Noel!

(*bzzt)

TOMOMI: Liam!

(*bzzt)

HARUNA: Those are Gallaghers.

MAMI: That's Oasis.

TOMOMI: Those are European names, or at least British ones...

Staff: By the way, number 8 is Noah!

TOMOMI: Noah, huh... I said before that those aren't hints!

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 156

•The episode starts with HARU reading a message from a listener from Aichi Prefecture who attended the "recording field trip" for Catch up. They mention the Fine Line Association topics about food and are shocked that what they use for those foods they discussed aren't commonplace when they thought they were (ex. they use ponzu and chili oil for gyoza, and had at that point thought that that's what everyone uses as well). They also say they use mentsuyu (noodle soup base) on tofu and ohitashi (spinach salad). RINA says that that conversation really fired everyone up who was there. HARU says that ponzu is delicious, which the others agree with. RINA says that you don't really get the chance to have these types of convos, so you don't realize that what others do might differ from what you do. HARU says that putting mentsuyu on ohitashi sounds good.

•TOMO reads the next message from a listener who also attended the event. They say their answers for Smental were close to what HARU answered, and so symphathized with her (they're saying this due to how HARU answered differently than the other 3 members for most of the questions). HARU says thanks to this, which the others laugh at. HARU also says that after the episode aired they got a lot of messages from people saying that they also thought the same things as HARU. She then says, "Don't let it get you down!" The others laugh and RINA says that the listeners are being really considerate. MAMI asks their program director if it's okay to discuss and try to get each other's answers to match before answering, which he says yes to.

•This message/part then happens.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who recently sent in their initial message and then sent in a follow up shortly after. The listener has lived with her boyfriend for a little over two years, and they've been dating for almost three years. The bf might be transferred in April and will have to move to Tokyo. The listener wasn't surprised since he had been trying for a transfer request for a while. She is 28 while the bf is 25. She'd ideally like to get married and he says he's willing to get married as well, but he'd ideally want to get married when he's 30 and have fun without being tied down a bit more. She says she doesn't want to tie him down too much and is wondering if it's okay for her to go to with him to Tokyo without them promising to get married. She also doesn't want to quit her job since she enjoys it, so she's having a hard time taking the plunge. The bf says that he doesn't mind if she goes with him or not. She asks SCANDAL for their opinion.

•Right after the first message is read, MAMI then reads the update. The listener says that a few things have happened. Right after she sent in the message, the bf did in fact ask her to move to Tokyo with him, and even asked her to marry him. She was thinking about what she should do about her job when she found out that she was pregnant. She's been so happy since the beginning of the year that her family and friends have told her she's giving out too much information, but everyone has been encouraging her to leave my job for now and just try to work hard. She apologizes that she ended up quitting her job, but she's taking it as a positive opportunity to try something new. They got married on the third anniversary and had only two weeks to prepare for the ceremony. She says that even though she's moving to Kanto and is pregnant, she's still planning to go see SCANDAL on their upcoming tour and will be going crazy in her heart since she won't really be able to physically do so. The band says that that was a fast development. RINA says that the bf took more action as if being guided, and with the baby on the way, it's like she was being told that this is how things were to naturally flow. HARU says that life sure is interesting.

•HARU reads the next message from a listener who asks the band whether she should be happy with the person she loves, or the person who loves her. She's had a crush on someone for a year and talk on LINE every day, but she's not sure if he likes her in the same way or just as a friend. She's afraid of ruining their relationship and so hasn't told him how she feels yet. While in the middle of all this, she met another guy, and it happened to be at SCANDAL's 16th anniversary event last year. They were in the same group and started talking to each other on LINE. Since she already had someone she liked, she wanted to keep her replies casual. However, he would somehow keep the convo going so that there was no awkward break. He lives in Kanto while she lives in Kansai, so if they ever got together, it would mean a long-distance relationship. They met again at BEST Xmas where they had both gone solo, and so enjoyed the concert together. He hasn't clearly said that he likes her yet, but he's planning to go to Kansai in March and asked if they could hang out then, which she said yes to. She says she honestly thinks she would have been attracted to him if she didn't already have someone she liked. She still likes the first guy more and can't give up on him, but she also doesn't want to stay in this half-hearted state and feels bad for the second guy, so she's been wondering if she should give up on her crush or not. She re-asks her question to the band of whether she should be happy with the person she loves, or the person who loves her.

•HARU goes, "Ono, you're responsible for this!" since he was the one who encouraged groups at the anniversary event to exchange LINE contacts with each other. The others laugh and agree. HARU also says that the second guy is obviously in SCANDAL's fan club (since the anniversary event was only for fan club members) so he probably does listen to "Catch up" and is probably like, "This might be me they're talking about!" MAMI jokes and says that they of course want to support the second guy (they refer to him as "MANIA"/"MANIA-kun" lol) since he's a SCANDAL fan. TOMO says that it's hard to lie about how you feel about someone you like, and that she thinks you should be honest and go for the person you're attracted to. The listener clearly likes the first guy more. MAMI says to try going hard on that first guy, if only to settle things, and tell him how they feel. If nothing comes of it, there's MANIA-kun who might like them, and they'll be able to look at him in a romantic way as well from now on. The others agree that it's probably better to first tell the first guy how they feel. TOMO says that there's a possibility that the more the listener and MANIA-kun will become more and more attracted to each other the more they spend time with each other, and there may come a time when she likes him more than he likes her. She says again how she as a members of SCANDAL is rooting for MANIA-kun, but she as a person thinks she should be with the one she likes. A staffer laughs in the background about how they're calling the second guy "MANIA," which makes the band laugh as well. HARU says that both MANIA-kun and the listener shouldn't give up for the time being. TOMO goes, "We're talking about you!", as if talking directly to MANIA-kun. They laugh and RINA says that whoever he is, he's probably realized that they're talking about him. RINA says that even if it doesn't produce results, if he has the power to wait and understand her, maybe it will bear fruit years later - "I have no idea if that'll be true, though," she adds. TOMO says that now he knows that the girl he likes has someone that she likes, which they all laugh at. HARU says that it's possible he's finding it out for the first time. TOMO says that they're rooting for the listener, no matter whom she chooses. HARU says that they're rooting for both the listener and MANIA-kun. TOMO says to eat some sweets together when they meet up in March, and that the band will send them some.

*As always, you can send in a message to the program here. I've made a guide as how to input your info and message for those who need assistance (click to enlarge):

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*A list of all episode summaries can be found here

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#front-page #catchup