— You’ve just announced the second volume of your 4-disc compilation album Tsunku♂ Best Sakuhinshuu “Sharan Q ~ Morning Musume” commemorating your 15 years in the entertainment industry. How was it looking back on your work of the past 15 years?
Tsunku♂: Well, there were over 1000 songs I had to choose from — even I found myself thinking “wow, I really wrote a lot.” But I have to say, having had the good luck of scoring many hits as well, compiling the hits among them made me feel the power of those songs rather than any nostalgia. At the end of the day, the hit songs are often the ones that sound the most complete.
— How has your songwriting style changed over the years?
Tsunku♂: Taking that image I have in my head and turning it into a song is something I was much slower at doing when I was younger. I’d have trouble writing the chorus or I’d struggle with coming up with the right riffs or phrases. But as the years went by with me working as a professional, I got better and more efficient at it. Now there are times I’ll start by writing the chorus. That’s one concrete thing that’s changed about the way I work.
— So could you walk us through your average songwriting process? How do you do it?
Tsunku♂: Well, first I pick up a guitar and my portable recorder and record the idea I have so as to not forget it. Then I do a simple demo recording of the song by myself. Once I’ve nailed it down to my satisfaction, I give it to the staff and we do a basic arrangement of it. Then, once the song has taken shape, that’s when I hand it to the arranger.
