Why are you releasing your first ballad album “Ballada” this time?

“I don’t sing ballads all that often during lives, so that may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to me, but each album contains a few ballads and I thought there were a lot of good old songs. A lot of people relate to “Love Story”, so I thought there may be other ballads people would really like, so I decided to go with “Ballada”.”

“Ballada” is a compilation of 15 songs that listeners voted from amongst all of your ballads, right?

“I think people have ballads they clearly like and dislike. I myself am not the type to listen to ballads religiously, so me choosing the songs wouldn’t be the best idea. I thought it would be better to fill the album with songs others requested. The song order is just chronological, so when you put it in your music played your can start it with your favorite songs and you can have your own special story in that way, I think.”

The one that was at the top of the requests this time was “Love Story” and “Can You Celebrate” was at number two. I think the lyrics and content of two songs are opposites.

“There’s a clear divide between them, isn’t there. “Love Story” is a song that symbolizes an independent woman, while “Can You Celebrate?” is the anthem of someone who wants live with someone else for eternity. I think it makes sense that these two placed first and second because it symbolizes the way of life for women.”

These results may be the proof that everyone wants both the girly and strong Amuro-chan that’s so often talked about.

“You may be right (laughs). But surely the charactaristics of a lady are a combination of the two, right?”

Including the 4 songs that get new music videos on the CD+DVD and CD+Blu-ray editions, there will be 17 music videos included, and the new “Can You Celebrate?” mash-up CM featuring 12 ballad songs from the past is a must-see.

“Right? That was so great. I watched the video myself and thought “Are there lyrics that fit this?” when each scene came up.”

Your long-awaited arena tour will start at the end of August after the release of “Ballada”. By any chance, will it be a ballad tour?

“No, it won’t be at all like that (laughs). However, I usually only sing one ballad, so this time around there will be more of them. Look forward to it!”