Takanashi Kiara / Ninomae Ina’nis 1st Concert "Drawn to Dawn" Talent Interview — Part 2: Ninomae Ina’nis

Ninomae Ina’nis shares her thoughts about her upcoming concert in this two-part interview series!

How does the theme of this concert connect to what you’re feeling lately?

The theme and title of this concert has multiple meanings to me, but most importantly I think it really represents the message I want to send to my fans! Dark nights will pass and dawn will always reach us, so I hope this concert can be a representation of us overcoming our difficulties and reaching our “dawn”!

How is this concert different from your past performances, emotionally or personally?

Previous performances were performed with a lot more members, so I never felt as nervous or anxious about the live…at the same time, I think because I had the experiences from those performances that I feel a lot more confident now!

Can you remember an earlier version of yourself around this month, 5 years ago? How was she feeling and what was she up to? Do you think she’d already been imagining herself starring in a concert of this scale?

I think I was definitely more shy and reserved! I still remember being very conscious of my singing that I had to make sure my family members weren’t around before I could sing anything. I think I would have never imagined that I would be singing in a concert of this scale!!

What was your involvement in the development of the key visual? What were you inspired by when it came to the featured costume direction? Any favorite parts?

Since my other 3D outfit (Yuusha Ina) was more fantasy-like, I knew that I wanted to go for an outfit that leaned more towards the wafu (japanese-styled) design that had some mysterious/chthulu-esque motifs mixed in. Kuroboshi-papa gave me a lot of amazing options in the first design draft, but this one stood out to me right away!! I won’t spoil the surprise, but the outfit was more versatile than I originally thought!!

Let’s talk about rehearsals! What has been the most challenging part of preparing for the concert?

I think the biggest challenge is probably being able to remember all the choreography while reserving enough stamina for back to back performances. I tried to arrange my setlist to make sure I don’t run out of energy mid way, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much my stamina has grown during the rehearsals! All the training has paid off!!

Does the wait feel longer or shorter now that the concert is approaching? Why?

I feel like the wait seems longer the closer we are getting to the concert! The earlier stages of rehearsals and meetings also overlapped with the preparations for my EP, so I think time felt like it was zooming by. Since I mostly have to worry about refining my choreo and singing, I definitely feel like I have a little more time to spare!...Although I think once the concert is around the corner time will zoom by again in a blink!

What do you think are some of the best things fans can do for you when it comes to showing their support? How do fans support you in ways they probably don’t even realize?

Nothing makes me happier than reading about what everyone thought of my projects and performances, and generally sharing their excitement with other fans! I was never really a great vocal communicator, so my creative projects or performances have always been a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings with everyone! Seeing everyone being excited about what I do really motivates me and pushes me to do more!

What was your first impression of your co-star, and how has it changed since then? What’s something about them that fans might not expect?

I thought she was very energetic and a great communicator! I was also impressed with how many languages she can speak, since my brain gets jumbled with only knowing 3!! I have also seen how passionate she is and how she never gives up in order to reach her goals! She has also been so supportive of my own idol journey as well!! I used to be very self-conscious about my dancing, but her support was one of the things that really helped me gain a lot of confidence!

If you could send a supportive message to your co-star now to refer back to on concert day, what would it be?

Kiara, I want you to know that no matter what, you will always be our shining star!!!! The energy you bring to your performances always inspires me and everyone around you, and I know all the hard work you put in will bring you to greater heights! I know you hold high expectations for yourself, but don’t be too hard on yourself!! Let’s have fun!!!!

How would you describe TakoTori’s energy together?

I think TakoTori has an interesting balance! Kiara has a very “go-getter”, lively energy whereas I have the laid-back, my-pace type of energy!! I think our energy works especially together when we are working towards the same goal, since both our energies compliment each other! To me it’s as if one of us is the gas pedal and one of us is the brake, and you would need a good balance of both in order to reach the destination safely! (That example made more sense in my head haha)

Without giving anything away, what new side of yourself do you think fans will like to get to see at the concert?

To me, this concert is like a thank you letter to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, so I challenged myself to showcase everything that I’ve been working towards!

What do you hope fans will take home with them after the concert?

I want my fans to feel proud of me after the concert and I also want them to be excited to see how far I’ll go in the future! I definitely felt like I grew a lot over the years as a performer and as a person, so I want this concert to feel like a celebration!