What made you want to become idols?
Ayaka Sasaki: I loved Morning Musume but it was sort of coincidental that I became part of Momoiro Clover Z. lol

What does it take to be a member of Momoiro Clover Z? How has the group changed you?
Ayaka Sasaki: Have not really thought about this that hard, but it has made me become a brighter person.

You released your latest single “The Golden History” back in September. Could you tell us what the song is about?
Ayaka Sasaki: Autumn in Japan is the season for rice. A lot of the lyrics are a representation of Japanese culture. The tempo is up beat so I hope everyone will jump at the choruses.

You performed in Los Angeles for last year’s Anime Expo, but for this tour you’re also going to be performing in Hawaii and New York City as well. What are you most excited for?
Ayaka Sasaki: I’m excited for the shows obviously, but food will also be an exciting part of the trip.
Reni Takagi: The shows are the most exciting thing but I’m looking forward to eating local food and buying cute local gifts also.

What made you want to do a US tour?
Reni Takagi: It was a complete surprise! A pleasant one!

How is the preparation for an overseas live different from preparing for concerts in Japan?
Ayaka Sasaki: The language being different is a big difference. None of us can speak English…
Reni Takagi: There will be people to see us live for the first time so a concern is if the concepts of our songs will translate to the audience.

Are there any rituals you do before performing?
Ayaka Sasaki: We do a roll call.
Reni Takagi: Everyone is part of roll call.

How will you get the audience involved at your shows?
Ayaka Sasaki: I’m going to shout out “Let’s make some noise!!”
Reni Takagi: I will shout “SAY!!”

Is there any other place you would like to perform or visit in the US?
Ayaka Sasaki: Disneyland.
Reni Takagi: I simply would love to visit Disneyland and Salvation Mountain (an environmental art installation covering a hill in the Colorado Desert in Imperial County, California)!

Although you are idols, you have a strong recognition within the anime industry and you’re the only group to provide the theme music for three well-known worldwide anime: Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon. Are you fans of anime?
Ayaka Sasaki: I watched Sailor Moon growing up.
Reni Takagi: I was a super fan of anime when I was young and watched it everyday. I watched “Cheeky Angel” and it still is a strong memory from when I was small.

Now it’s time for some more fun questions. You suddenly develop a superpower. What kind of superpower is it?
Reni Takagi: The power to make people happy.

You are forced to spend a night in a haunted house. Which member would you want to take with you?
Ayaka Sasaki: Shiori or Reni.
Reni Takagi: Shiori.

Can you tell us a dream you’ve had recently?
Ayaka Sasaki: I actually don’t have many dreams.
Reni Takagi: A dream of celebrating New Year’s, but then realized it actually wasn’t New Year’s.

You see a mysterious button in front of you. What happens when you push it?
Ayaka Sasaki: It rings.
Reni Takagi: Your gender changes.

What did you want to be when you were younger?
Ayaka Sasaki: An actress.
Reni Takagi: A fire fighter.

Do you have any hidden talents besides singing and dancing?
Reni Takagi: I can tap dance.

Do you have anything to say to your international fans?
Ayaka Sasaki: Many of you may not know us, but if you come to our show I believe you’ll have a great time and like us. I hope to see you at the show!
Reni Takagi: Let’s have fun together!! I love you, I want you, I need you!!

What is your favorite thing about being able to meet fans?
Ayaka Sasaki: I'm looking forward to talking to the fans in English.

Seems like your performances can be very physically demanding with very intense choreography -- how do you make sure you have enough stamina between performances? Do you work out? Do you have special trainings?
Ayaka Sasaki: Not really. It's adrenaline.

You had some member changes in the beginning -- but you are now one of the most successful idol groups in Japan with a strong teamwork. How did you build such strong sense of team?
Ayaka Sasaki: You're always together so it's like being in a family. Touring the whole country when we debuted was a real good experience for us.

Momoiro is known to have amazing outfits like no other! Do you have any favorite outfits from your past performances?
Ayaka Sasaki: I love the costume for "Yume no Ukiyo ni Saite Mi na" because it's really Japanese.

What is your favorite Momoiro song and why?
Ayaka Sasaki: "Hakkin no Yoake." It has a beautiful melodies and lyrics.

Many U.S. and other international fans become fans of J-POP then become very interested in Japanese culture! Can you tell us what aspect of Japanese culture (other than J-POP; food, history, fashion, etc) you would like your fans to check out?
Ayaka Sasaki: "Ipponjime", a Japanese ritual where everyone claps their hands together at the end of an event.

Who do you look up to as an idol/entertainer?
Ayaka Sasaki: Ayumi Hamasaki.

Please tell us your proudest aspect of being a member of Momoiro Clover Z!
Ayaka Sasaki: All 5 of us are close friends and the fans are very nice.