Loosely Translated and Paraphrased from Japanese:
Exceeding 2.2 million copies sold and written by one-half of the comedy duo Kirin, Hiroshi Tamura's autobiography entitled "Homeless Middle School Student" has become both a drama and a movie this year. Tenjochiki, the four woman chorus and dance group from South Korea was put in charge of the theme song for both movie and drama. All are above 165cm tall with remarkable charm and beauty. To help them with the theme song, they collaborated with soaring in popularity Hip Hop Group, Cliff Edge. Were they born to collaborate together? Watch both the drama and movie for the theme song to find out!

- The theme song was for both the drama and the movie, how do you feel about each?

Sunday: Yes, we did the theme for the original tv series and movie. Tamura said he had a homeless experience in middle school, and it made the content of the novel so much more interesting. In addition, he overcame a tough time and allowed his dream to be fulfilled. He got through it all with courage and hard work.

Dana: We are currently not with our families, but active in Japan. With that, he can feel sympathy with the story concerning being away from our parents. When we first read the story we thought, "Ah, this story is really good!" But afterwards, we began fully immersed in it when we began working on "Here."

Lina: I was very impressed by the movie, but I was even more moved when I heard the song being played too.

Stephanie: Yeah. I was moved twice. The seven of us, Tenjochiki and Cliff Edge, have created a moment that caused me so much happiness I cried.

- In the song "Here" there is the phrase "Happy Birthday" which is repeating often. What is the significance of this phrase?

Stephanie: The original version of the song is "Here's to You" by Cliff Edge. The originally lyrics were "thank you for being born," we changed it to "Happy Birthday." With the connection to the movie, although the main character is alone after the disappearance of both parents, he is still going to celebrate his feelings with his rice. I really like the lyrics, because it signifies thanking everyone around you for being born and coming into your life. However, life is not only filled with joy and happiness, but also worry and sadness. The song encompasses all of this.

- What do you want Escala readers to feel when they listen to the song?

Lina: The song can also being used with relationships. Sometimes I may feel depressed. But, when I listen to this song, "I know I'm not alone because of family, loved ones and friends... there are a lot of people that love me." I want to have that power.

Sunday: It is also important to make people feel important. Each small personal thank you should me expressed, never forget to move on and have a heart.

- Tenjochiki had a new challenge singing the chorus to "Here," but you all sang very vibrantly. And in the B-side track "Near," you all spoke of lyrics that normal people feel. It feels as if you all sang this song for all women!

Lina: The moment I read the lyrics I knew exactly what they meant. The producer, Satoru Akira, wrote the lyrics so realistically, any girl can identify with them.

Sunday: Girls are always thinking, at the beginning and end of the day, what they want to do with their boyfriends. So the lyrics are to express the boy who takes no notice or just doesn't care.

Dana: With the way the man acts in the song, you begins to like the girl and want to know more about her.

- Doing this interview, it is a very cozy atmosphere and a calm chat. Before the formation of Tenjochiki, you all were doing individual activities. Is it better being together?

Stephanie: There are lots of advantages. Now, we have two people living in each apartment, so the presence is more family-like. There is no more time to feel lonely. Plus, each girl is "special," which also makes for a pleasant scene.

Dana: We originally wanted to do all types of genres. So, we overlapped each others voices to create a unique chorus. Being active in this group is my happiest time.

Stephanie: For example, if we are taking a break, someone starts singing in a little hum, and the other three all jump in. Immediately we begin singing songs (laughs).

Lina: We all draw a line between work and privacy. The group is very balanced and we do not fight.

Dana: We do have minor disagreements, but once the senior member Lina speaks, we all obey at once!

- With your longs legs and beautiful chorus, you all take full advantage of your dance performances. Since your re-debut in Japan in 2007 and your rapidly growing popularity, what are your future goals.

Sunday: I would like to learn more Japanese so I can communicate more with the hearts and minds of our fans.

Dana: I feel our harmony is most important. We want people to listen to our songs and enjoy both the tune and harmony.

Lina: To do more things like "Here." It was a big challenge trying a new genre, and I wouldn't mind doing it again.

Stephanie: The goal is to have our music loved by everyone. We want people to love our song and dance regardless of the genre. As long as we continue to improve, I believe we can achieve this.

- Looking toward the future, what are you aiming for?

Dana: Male of female, should work for equal rights for women. For example, tackle the job in a professional sense. If there is a hurdle, clear the hurdle. Even if it is a difficult job, tackle it with a warm heart. I have a cool job, so I'm content

Sunday: I was born into a family of all girls, but I turned out good.

Stephanie: (For my parents) It was to be a good child. (laughs) In the future, I'd like to be a wife and a good mother to my child. That's my goal. But now, being an artist is my top priority!

Lina: I want to be a happy house wife (laughs). To work on the interior design and take care of the houseplants.

- Finally a message to readers!

Sunday: On behalf of (laughs), Tenjochiki and Cliff Edge, we put a lot of effort into the single, so please listen to it. Also, please look out for the movie "Homeless Middle School Student." Lastly, Tenjochiki will be continuing activities in Japan, so please support us.

Sincerely also, Dana・Stephanie・Lina!

Original Article
Source: Escala
Data: 10/24/08