Their music really sounds like the stuff I grew up with.

hogradish wrote:Well anyway, I like them. And it's not just random. Shonen Knife was on a Subpop album back in the mid-80s here in Seattle, and they got a bit of airplay. My friend Laura was really into them, so I've at least kept in touch on occasion with bands from Japan for a while now. I'm at least familiar with lots and lots of them, nowadays thanks to YouTube. Certainly not all, and I'm not an expert by any means. But it turns out I really like Scandal.
If I've left anything out, let me know.

Happening just this time? 「STAY HOME HOME-TE」
 
Episode ＃12 blog

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HARUNA: You probably won't understand the word "home-te" (ホメテ; home technology--more specifically referring to something close to you that makes your life easier) just by hearing it. If you were to write it out...

MAMI: "Home" is read in the same way as in "stay home," and then add "te."

HARUNA: We've been staying at home for two months now, and I'm sure there are people wondering if we each learned how to do something or discovered a new side of ourselves during this time. During this segment we'll reveal how we've grown.

TOMOMI: What does that even mean...

MAMI: How we've grown...I don't know if I have.

RINA: This is kind of embarrassing...

HARUNA: One thing is that we made a new song!

MAMI: Praise us for that!

TOMOMI: As a band, right?

MAMI: I really want us to be praised.

HARUNA: We attempted something totally new, for one. Please just advocate for yourself.

MAMI: All right; how have I grown...

HARUNA: It could be something small.

RINA: HARUNA, you should start things off.

HARUNA: All right. I'm sure this is the same for people around the world...but I feel like I've gotten better at cooking. I live alone, and in the past there had been a lot of times after getting off work when I couldn't be bothered to cook and ordered delivery instead. But during quarantine I've been cooking for myself every day. That's been a big change for me.

TOMOMI: Good job!

RINA: We're proud of you!

TOMOMI: You did so well, HARU-chan!

RINA: So healthy!

HARUNA: You feel really good when you cook for yourself, don't you?

All: Right?

MAMI: You get to eat a well-balanced meal.

HARUNA: I feel like I can sleep well at night. It's nice waking up in the morning and feeling hungry. I think I'll be able to keep this up even after quarantine.

MAMI: Cooking's now more fun to do.

HARUNA: You're next, TOMO-chan!

TOMOMI: For me...well, I can now play the main theme of "Animal Crossing" (the game) on the ukulele.

All: (Laughs loudly)

TOMOMI: I thought I could copy it by ear on the ukulele... The nylon strings are really hard and are completely different from bass strings. The thinner the string, the more it hurts and digs into your fingertips. I realized once again how great guitartists are and made me want to complement them.

MAMI: What? Are we supposed to praise you, TOMO-chan?

TOMOMI: Ah, is that what it is...

HARUNA: You're not just playing a game.

MAMI: You're studying music.

TOMOMI: I didn't think playing the ukulele would be this hard.

MAMI: You're doing so well, TOMO-chan.

HARUNA: You're doing great!

RINA: That's a musician for you!

TOMOMI: It's such a good track! Maybe I'll play it somewhere if I get a little better at it...

TOMOMI: I didn't think playing the ukulele would be this hard.

Meph1766 wrote:Does anyone know who of them is the best cook? Tomomi?

izzy wrote:Tomomi seems to be a great cooker, her instagram stories make me hungry every time I see them    

hogradish wrote:I hope a radio rip of the song doesn't end up all over the web, cutting into digital sales!

hogradish wrote:I hope a radio rip of the song doesn't end up all over the web, cutting into digital sales!

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 12

•The band begins the episode by talking about how they played the full version of "Living in the city" during the previous episode. They also mention that TOMO talked a little about it last time, and this time they'll be talking even more about it.

-H: "'Living in the city' is a song we made during this stay at home period."

-T: "Yeah. We originally wrote this song when we were working on Kiss from the darkness, and releasing it now gives it another meaning. We thought it'd be great if we could release it during this time, so that's what we did."

-H: "After our Instagram Live two weeks ago, our manager suddenly pulled out TOMO's demo of the song and was like, 'Wouldn't this be good [to release]?' We relistened to it and realized that it overlaps with many aspects we're going through now, and thought that it'd be a great song that could support everyone's daily lives right now and rewrote it."

-R: "The way we recorded it is very in-line with the times. This was our first time recording at home, right?"

-All: "Yeah."

-T: "We had Shun, an artist who is part of the same managing office, arrange the song. Additionally, at the same time we put in my vocals while having MAMI do harmonies and adding in the guitar parts. We then put in each of the members' voice memos at the end."

-R: "The outro's pretty emotional, isn't it? Enough to make me say so."

-All: *laughs*

-T: "It is."

-M: "If someone just listens to it normally, they wouldn't expect our voices to be included at the end. So, there are some fans who have told us it was like a surprise for them."

-R: "Each of us didn't know what we would be saying and recorded them separately, but it turned out to sound like a real conversation."

-H: "I think it's crazy how we all decided to end it with 'Goodnight.'"

-R: "Right?!"

-H: "We did a lot of different takes to cover different kinds of situations, but we all decided to use 'Goodnight.' It was like we had one mind."

•After "Living in the city" plays, they talk about the HOME-TE as talked about here. After HARU and TOMO talk, MAMI goes next. She talks about how she moved a little bit before everything got crazy. Since she had to stay at home and couldn't go out after things started to get crazy, she learned how to properly organize and put things in their proper places (TOMO: "We're proud of you!"). She also mentions how, when you spend a lot of time at home, you start to be bothered by things put in places you weren't bothered about before, so she started organizing everything all at once. HARU says that there are certainly a lot of people who are tidying up their houses during this time. MAMI says that her cleaning-out included things like clothing, books, and old things. She also bought a paper shredder, which she says is really fun to use (RINA: "That's so cool!" - MAMI: "No way!"). RINA then asks MAMI to let her use it (MAMI: "*laughs* Like, let you come over to use it?"). MAMI then talks about how there are different kinds of shredders like compact ones, ones that shred three sheets at a time...basically a lot of talking about shredders lol

•RINA goes next and talks about how she started a YouTube channel due to wanting to do something new while staying at home. Their manager said starting one would be a good idea after RINA asked them about it, but RINA was really nervous about whether or not she'd be able to do it. She decided to just go for it and hope that she gets good at it while she's doing it (All: "You're doing great, sweetie!"), and that she's doing her best to study up on editing. HARU says that you usually do have to edit your own videos if you're on YouTube. RINA says that there are people who can edit for you, but she decided to edit for herself (HARU: "That's a good skill" - MAMI: "It's useful"), and that she'll do her best. TOMO asks her if she's going to have an intro, and RINA says she won't (the band laughs). And speaking of YouTube, HARU also mentions that SCANDAL's YT channel made it to the ＃25 spot of Nikkei Entertainment's "most subscribed-to Japanese performer/entertainer channels in 2019" ranking. The other members are surprised by this. RINA says that their subscriber count grew a lot after they established their "her" label (more like because they finally had a region-free channel lol). The band is grateful and thanks everyone.

•They then close out this segment, mentioning how there were quite a few things that qualify as "HOME-TE," and that they hope these things will continue in the future. TOMO asks if there's a place she can perform the "Animal Crossing" theme at in the future. RINA says that she can do it during an MC once they resume playing shows.

•After "Laundry Laundry" plays, they briefly talk about the snacks they have this time. MAMI is eating Yoguretto, and asks the rest if they're the type to bite into it right away or let it dissolve. RINA and HARU say let it dissolve while TOMO and MAMI say they bite into it right away. TOMO says she lets it dissolve for five seconds and then bites into it (RINA: "So fast!").

•MAMI reads a message from a listener who says something about they went first at a karaoke tournament and sang the song "Apollo" by Porno Graffitti (SCANDAL's radio program is sponsored by Meiji's Apollo chocolate snack, so I guess they were trying to draw that parallel? lol). TOMO goes, "This story had nothing to do with us!" MAMI: "It's a story to recall while eating Apollo."

•Near the end of the episode, HARU asks the others if they should add a "mysterious nickname" segment (which they say is something they did a while ago) to the show. The band says it's a good idea and that it could be interesting.

more like because they finally had a region-free channel lol

etwee wrote:RINA's YT channel is much appreciated, she is an assiduous communicator!
I've noticed how fast their YT subscriber tally has been growing lately. At this rate there should be over a half million of us by August 21

Meph1766 wrote:

I have an archive screenshot SCANDAL channel from February 25, 2019  

etwee wrote:We may be cut off for wandering off-topic but since HARU brought the subject up... does anyone know how YT determines these subscriber numbers? I know the number I would see in February 2019 was way different from Meph's screenshot, I think it was around 440K.

Love the members! 「LOVE SURVIVE　〜SCANDAL's Love Advice〜」
 
Episode ＃13 blog

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HARUNA: We'll read some messages as we eat our snacks. 「LOVE SURVIVE　〜SCANDAL's Love Advice〜」

All: (Getting excited)

TOMOMI: (Reading a message)

Harupon (from Osaka)
I'm a 26-year-old working at a deli. It's a shame that I can't go see you guys live, but I look forward to listening to you talk on the radio and on Instagram. Today, I'll be asking for love advice that I haven't talked to anyone about yet. This is my fifth year as a working adult, but love feels too far away from me and I no longer know what I like. However, in terms of age, I'm vaguely thinking that I would like to marry the next person I date. My favorite type has always been someone older than me and is reliable, and has that gap where they always seem to act silly but is a diligent worker. Perhaps because I have a younger brother, I have never considered dating someone younger than me. However, I currently have feelings I've never felt before, for a junior colleague. He's four years younger than me and is unreliable and troublesome. However, he's honest, cute, and fun. We talk daily on LINE or on the phone--I never get tired of talking to him. However, once in a while there are moments when I'm conscious of him being younger and that dating him wouldn't be right. He's like a younger brother to me. However, if he ever got a girlfriend, I think I'd feel extremely jealous. What kind of emotions are these? Our current relationship is enjoyable, and I don't want to be oddly conscious of it. SCANDAL, could you please give me some advice?

MAMI: That's adorableー

All: I seeー

TOMOMI: They're very shaky, aren't theyー? How many times did they say "However"? There were nothing but those...

RINA: This is already "love"; she's fallen for him.

※One more message was read

RINA: (Reading a message)

Sawa-chan who LOVES SCANDAL (from Osaka)
I am an elementary school teacher in Osaka. I have loved SCANDAL since I was in middle school, but did you know that you have a lot of teachers among your fans, and I was drawn in as well? It's been four years since I became a teacher, but until the last year all the men at work were married, so I didn't have to worry about romance at work. However, some of the new arrivals this year include unmarried people and younger men. That's when this happened. I basically work with my hair down, but I put it up for cleaning and doing PE. The other day when I finished cleaning the classroom and undid my hair, a younger man who started working here this year suddenly went, "Your hair's down!" That surprised me. I inwardly panicked a bit and went, "Eh!? What do you mean!? What are you trying to say!?" in my head. But instead, with a really serious look on my face, I said, "It was in the way of my cleaning, so I tied it up." When I thought about it later, I thought that maybe I should have given a reply with a little more leeway, like, "Which style suits me better～?" That was the first heart-pounding thing to happen to me in a while. Is there anything that men can say to you that will make your heart pound or leave an impression on you?

HARUNA: They're all falling for younger guysー

TOMOMI: Right?

MAMI: It might be an offhand remark to call that pure... Even so, this older woman has been swayed...

HARUNA: Hasn't that been a trend recently, going for guys younger than yourself?

TOMOMI: It's a trend??

HARUNA: It has been for a lot of people I know.

RINA: Reallyー?

HARUNA: There are quite a few women who have been won over by guys younger than them...

Does this mean that SCANDAL has also been charmed by younger guys...??

Find out the rest in the episode...together with some snacks!

I no longer know what I like

【Translated Summary】
『SCANDAL Catch up supported by Meiji Apollo』 - Episode 13

•The band begins the episode by talking about how they're still recording these episodes at home but are looking forward to when they're able to meet up and record again.

•After "Living in the city" plays, RINA reads a message from a listener who says that hearing this song at this point in time is very moving. They ask what the first line in the chorus is (apparently they don't understand what TOMO is singing). TOMO says she's saying "Living, living, living in the city" and there's no real meaning to repeating "living"; she thought that repetition would fit the flow of the lyrics. The written lyrics have "living" written only once, so if you don't understand what she's saying in the song and try to look at the lyrics, you might be confused. MAMI mentions that during their past weekly IG Lives they had a hashtag that fans could use to post about misheard SCANDAL lyrics, and someone thought that those LITC lyrics were "Everybody living in the city" instead (RINA: "It makes it more lively"). MAMI and RINA are surprised that a lot of people seem to mishear that line, but even HARU says that she didn't know what was being said at first (MAMI: "No way! Really?!").

•They then talk about the Meiji snacks they have. After that, they have their love advice corner as talked about here. TOMO says that as they've gotten older, those younger than them have also matured as well. RINA agrees with TOMO and says that now that she's older, her mindset's changed and is now completely open to the idea of dating someone younger. She says that she used to be like their listeners and was only open to the idea of dating someone older, but she's come to realize that talking to someone younger is totally something doable and can be enjoyable now. HARU says that that's a big change, and RINA says that this also surprised her. MAMI says that those younger than them have matured to an extent as well, which is a big thing. She talks about how when you're a student, dating someone who's even a year younger than you makes it feel like a senpai/kouhai thing; however, it's completely different when you're an adult. RINA says, "I think it's totally doable as long as they're like, older than your younger brother. I have a younger brother, and dating anyone younger than that..." HARU goes, "He's quite a bit younger than you, right?" RINA says yes, and that he's eight years younger than she is. She's currently 28, and someone who's 20 is someone she considers to be pretty young. HARU says that the main thing is that women want someone they can rely on. They might automatically associate reliable with someone who's older, but being older doesn't always mean reliable. Someone who's younger could be reliable as well. TOMO says that you really start to understand yourself when you become an adult, but if a little bit of leeway is born then a kind of maternal instinct is born at the same time. Having someone support you at that time is a big thing, but you don't necessarily need someone who's older and has more life experience. She says there are times when she's seen guys younger than her and thought they were cute, and wished that they'd invite her to go eat somewhere--the other members start laughing (RINA: "As a romantic interest?" - TOMO: "I don't know!"). Going back to the listeners' stories, MAMI says that with Parupon it's either maternal instinct or romantic love that she's feeling, and that it seems like maternal instinct did come out. RINA says that those two need to talk more to each other to find out what it is. MAMI brings up what the listener said about shey'd probably feel jealous if the guy got a girlfriend, so it probably is romantic love that she's feeling. HARU says that age shouldn't matter if you truly have feelings for a person. MAMI says that the listener should probably give it a little bit more time. TOMO brings up how unsure they seem with their constant use of "however." RINA says, "It seems like they've considered this a lot." She feels the same as MAMI and says that the listener should give it a little bit more time to confirm things while also determining if this will make her happy ("Deciding for yourself is important"). TOMO says the same thing goes for Sawa-chan, the second listener.

•The band was also asked if there had ever been a time when a guy younger than them had their hearts skipping a beat, or did something memorable. RINA says that it seems like it would be hard for someone to make MAMI's heart to skip a beat. MAMI says there have only been guys who have made her ticked off while she and the band laugh. She then recalls a time when she was a high school student. Her friend group usually hung out in school uniforms and would only dress in casual clothes on days off from school. There was a guy who was in middle school, and on one of those days off when their group hung out dressed in casual clothes, he told MAMI that she should dress more often like that since it suited her well. He probably thought that was a positive thing to say, but MAMI was thinking to herself, "How annoying." TOMO says that a guy younger than her told her, "You come to me just like a dog!" TOMO says that it didn't make her heart skip a beat, but it was certainly memorable. MAMI says that you have to be brave to say that, but that was probably just due to innocence. HARU goes next and says it isn't something specific, but she mentions how people in Tokyo usually speak in standard Japanese, so when she hears someone here speak in her home area's dialect, it makes her heart skip a beat.

•After "Mabataki" plays, they read a message from a listener whose boyfriend is 48 years old, which is twice as old as she is. They met each other via a friend of a friend at a SCANDAL show, have been dating for about a year, and are currently living together. Her parents are surprised that she's dating someone who's older than them, but they support the two. Her current situation is different from others she knows, and gives it an odd sort of feeling. The band thinks that their situation is completely fine. MAMI says that someone who's 48 gives off a dandy, refined sense. TOMO says that their parents support them, so there's nothing to be worried about there. RINA goes, "It's already been resolved!" HARU mentions the "maternal instinct" they talked about earlier, but this would be a different kind of "maternal instinct." The band reiterates that this is perfectly fine, and that they're rooting for them.

MAMI says there have only been guys who have made her ticked off