MTL: Dexter, Kael
FTL(Hardest Part): KayL
TLC/Editor: Alisa
Final Editors: Kakarotto (aka G-String)
Note: We are using the Chinese Official Translation and Original Japanese Raw in our translations. Our Editors and Raw Readers (Translators) have done their best to give you the best quality English translation. We hope you enjoy reading Chiramune as much we do!
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7
Before I knew it, about an hour had passed.
“Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me,” I said, bowing my head to Hirayama-san.
For my first interviewing experience, I dare to say it was a great success. Though being a novel and magazine editor was different, I felt a little more confident that I could handle conversations with authors just as smoothly.
Hirayama-san smiled warmly and replied, “The pleasure was all mine. It was truly enjoyable talking with you.”
Saku-kun, who had been listening attentively, playfully clapped his hands, “Well done, Asu-nee. Your words flowed effortlessly, I’m impressed.”
“Thank you! I think I managed quite well too, actually.”
The editor-in-chief, who had been observing our exchange, spoke up.
“All right, Chitose-kun, it’s your turn next. Give it a try.”
There was no particular feedback given regarding my interview. It was a bit disappointing, but perhaps we would have a discussion about it later.
Regardless, I finally felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Dealing with this kind of tension day in and day out was truly demanding.
Suddenly, my gaze fell upon the editor-in-chief. Seeing his stern expression, I straightened my posture once again.
“Well then,” Saku-kun began, and I turned my attention towards him, “I’d like to ask some questions as well. Thank you in advance.”
“Yes, of course. I’m looking forward to it. Since I’ve already had a lengthy conversation with Nishino-san, the latter half might be a bit challenging.”
Indeed, that was a valid concern. It made me feel a slight pang of unease. I had meant well, but I wondered if I had inadvertently caused some inconvenience for him.
Considering how deeply I delved into questioning, he might struggle to come up with new ones.
“No, I think I’ll be fine,” Saku-kun replied as if it were nothing, and then he continued.
“Well, why do you continue to be a magazine editor? From what I’ve heard, it seems like a pretty tough job.”
I was taken aback by his audacious question. It was akin to asking, “Don’t you ever feel like quitting?“
“Why do I keep doing it, huh? That’s a rather difficult question,” Hirayama-san mused, looking down in contemplation.
I had managed to lead the conversation by offering some words that might serve as a clue for the answer, but…
Saku-kun silently observed Hirayama-san, strangely relaxed.
Ten seconds… Twenty seconds… The silence was starting to feel painfully tense.
What should I do? Should I offer assistance from the side?
As I fretted and pondered such things, Hirayama-san suddenly muttered, “…a fan.”
As if that were the trigger, she jolted upright, her face filled with realization.
“That’s it! Being a magazine editor is the ultimate act of being a fan!”
With a thud, Hirayama-san slammed her hand on the table, leaning forward.
“Don’t you often hear stories about supporting your favorite works or idols? As an editor for a magazine like URALA, I can boldly and wholeheartedly spread the word about the people, things, and experiences I’ve discovered and fallen in love with, which still aren’t widely known!”
Saku-kun burst into laughter, “The ultimate blending of work and personal interests, huh?”
“Yes, the perfect blend!”
As if a different person had taken over, Hirayama-san continued passionately.
“And isn’t it amazing that it’s part of our job? We get to eat delicious food at restaurants and shout, ‘This place is absolutely amazing!’ and get paid for it! Even the nagging from the editor-in-chief seems to disappear!”
“If that’s your attitude, we won’t do any restaurant reviews for a while,” the editor-in-chief interjected, somewhat amused.
“Oh, if you’re going to be like that, then I won’t bring back any souvenirs from restaurants anymore.”
“But that’s on the company’s expense!”
“Speaking of which,” Saku-kun said, stifling a laugh, “Do you have any memorable story while doing restaurant interviews?”
“Hmm, memorable story? There should be plenty, but when asked suddenly, it’s hard to recall them.”
Without realizing it, Hirayama-san’s tone had become more casual. While she had initially responded my questions as a URALA editorial staff member, somehow, she now seemed like an older sister, emitting an aura of a senpai at school.
As always, Saku-kun quietly observed Hirayama-san, who was deep in thought.
For some reason, there was a subtle sense of dissonance, like I had buttoned my shirt wrong.
Before I could figure out what kind of feeling it was, Hirayama-san opened her mouth.
“It’s not a specific story, but when I was interviewing restaurants in Fukui, I often get told, ‘Eat it as much as you want!‘ And even when I tried to pay for the dishes we’ve photographed, they usually said, ‘No, no, it’s on the house!’“
“Is that situation uncommon in the industry?”
“Well, at more places in Tokyo that are familiar in the media, I’ve heard stories where once the shooting is done, they quickly clear the plates, settle the bill, and call it a day. Of course, the restaurants are already busy and kind enough to cooperate in between their hectic schedules, so I think it’s only natural to pay for the dishes they’ve prepared. However, in Fukui, they keep bringing out menu items that are unrelated to the interview, saying, ‘Don’t hold back!’ one after another. And they even go as far as preparing freshly made dishes separately because they know the food gets cold during the shoot!”
“Did you actually prompt them to do that?”
“I didn’t! I might have had a look that showed I wanted to try it, but I never said it out loud!”
Everyone burst into laughter at once.
It seemed like a complete shift from the relatively formal atmosphere that was present during my turn, and now we were all engaged in lively conversation.
Saku-kun, still with his hand covering his mouth, spoke up, “May I ask you a serious question now?”
“Haven’t I been answering seriously all along?!”
It turned out that Hirayama-san had a rich range of facial expressions.
Saku-kun calmly continued with his next question.
“What is it that you value in magazine writing, Hirayama-san? Or, if you prefer, what kind of writing do you consider skillful?”
“Magazine writing, huh? That’s quite a sharp question. It’s not something I can definitively speak about, as it really varies from person to person, but…”
“I’m interested in your thoughts, Hirayama-san.”
“…I see. Give me a moment, please.”
A twinge of pain shot through my chest.
Hirayama-san entered a contemplative state once again, while Saku-kun remained silent, patiently waiting.
It was entirely different from my interview, which had been flowing smoothly and briskly. He would occasionally question the other person, had long periods of silence, but still maintain a lively atmosphere…
Hey, could someone tell me?
What was this suffocating sensation that felt like a burning in my throat?
Hirayama-san nodded. It seemed like her thoughts had finally come together.
“To answer that question, I think it would be better to first talk about what kind of magazine URALA aims to be. Can you help with that, editor-in-chief?”
“Sure thing.”
He responded as if he had anticipated it.
“For example, when you’re looking for a place to eat, or clothes or books, what is the first thing you do, Chitose-kun?”
“Well, I usually just grab my phone and search the internet.”
“And what about you, Asuka-chan?”
“Um, I do the same.”
Though I didn’t take online reviews at face value, it was the quickest way to gather some initial information.
“That’s right,” the editor-in-chief remarked, “You may not feel it strongly, but there was a time before every household had computers or tablets like today, and before most people started carrying smartphones once they reached a certain age. Back then, magazines were a valuable source to quickly obtain the latest information.”
Saku-kun nodded in agreement, “Simply searching things online wasn’t a thing back then.”
“Exactly. That’s why magazines held an absolute value in terms of providing information. Fashion enthusiasts would turn to fashion magazines, those interested in cooking would rely on culinary magazines, mountain climbers would look to mountaineering magazines, and those who wanted to delve deep into Fukui would choose URALA. Magazines were a convenient way to gather information in your field of interest.”
Indeed, when I imagined a world without the internet… If you didn’t have access to specialized or lengthy programs on TV or radio, the amount of information you could gather would be minimal.
“But nowadays, even high school students like you, who come here willingly to listen to us editors, instinctively turn to the internet for searching. We also have our own web media called ‘Daily URALA,’ not to mention various social media platforms, YouTube, review sites, and blogs. They are flooded with all sorts of information. With the ability for individuals to easily share their thoughts, paper media often lags behind in terms of freshness of information. Of course, we strive to provide trustworthy, high-quality content as professionals, but realistically, there are many people who believe that the internet is enough.”
His tone carried a hint of loneliness, like a solitary balloon swaying in the wind.
“Let’s go back to the topic. In such an era, what URALA aims for is to be a ‘medium worth keeping at hand.’ As internet information gets updated rapidly, the outdated content is swiftly pushed aside, right?”
“That’s why,” the editor-in-chief continued.
“──Not as mere collection of convenient information, but we want magazines to be a delightful collection of captivating stories.”
In the depths of those eyes, a change was evident. It wasn’t a nostalgic longing for a bygone days, but a fierce determination to forge the present.
“Like novels, like a manga, like picture books, like poetry. A magazine that captures your heart, one you carefully place on your bookshelf, and perhaps, after ten or twenty years, you might find yourself turning its pages once more.”
He paused for a moment, as if making a solemn vow to himself.
“We want to preserve the history and culture of Fukui, its towns and people, in a magazine that future generations can enjoy.”
Thump, thump, thump—my heart began to race.
These editors…
Were they truly engaged with words and stories, fueled by such passionate aspirations?
At the same intensity, with the same dedication, would I be able to keep running on this path as well?
“…Did I get a little too cool there?”
The editor-in-chief displayed a bashful smile. His way of teasing resembled someone I knew, and I found myself unable to suppress a slight smile.
Taking the opportunity to play along, Hirayama-san said, “Are you drunk, Chief?”
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t you think you’re trying to sound cool just because you’re in front of a cute high school girl?”
“Shut up! It’s an old man’s duty to lecture young folks, you know?”
From their banter, I could catch a glimpse of the foundation of trust they had built. Though Hirayama-san said such things, I think she found fulfillment in working under this person.
To be honest, I felt a twinge of envy myself.
“About the topic of writing,” Hirayama-san took over once again.
“As the editor-in-chief mentioned, URALA currently places great emphasis on the value of being a captivating read. However, it’s also a fact that we are an informational magazine. What is expected in the medium of a magazine is writing that conveys the desired information as concisely and accurately as possible, in a way that is easily understandable to everyone. Flowery language or metaphorical expressions, like those found in novels, are generally not favored. Of course, if you can refine your individual style to the point where people say, ‘I want to read an article by so-and-so on this page,’ then that’s a different story. But for now, let’s consider this as a general rule.”
Saku-kun looked puzzled and spoke, “But doesn’t that somewhat contradict the appeal of being a compelling read? If you push these conditions to the limit, won’t the writing become rather dry and tasteless?”
“Exactly,” Hirayama-san, “For instance, the introduction and conclusion. While staying true to the purpose of being an information magazine, there are those who possess the skill to create a captivating atmosphere by infusing brief, clever descriptions and phrasing. However, it’s a rather advanced technique and not something that anyone can easily imitate, so let’s put that aside for now.”
After taking a sip of water, Hirayama-san continued speaking.
“So, what kind of writing can transform an informational magazine into an interesting read? This is just my opinion, and others may have different perspectives… By the way, Chitose-kun, what do you think?”
Prompted by the question, Saku-kun pondered for a moment before answering.
“Depth of information, perhaps? Something that goes beyond simply introducing the menu at a ramen shop and delves into the process of preparation and cooking.”
“Yes, yes, I think that’s one correct answer. Although, nowadays, YouTubers and such have been able to capture even more in-depth footage, going beyond what could be achieved in a written format. So, it’s more about the pursuit of the magazine’s appeal as an information source rather than purely as a captivating read. What about you, Nishino-san?”
While listening to the conversation, I express my thoughts on what I had been contemplating.
“I think it’s the synergy between photos and designs. Images captured by professional photographers combined with pages layout made by professional designers, and with the writer’s words aligning with the fonts and visual arrangement, they create a visually pleasing experience… Oh.”
As I spoke, I realized my mistake.
“It’s alright,” Hirayama-san reassured me, gently lowering the corner of her eyes, “Yes, that’s undoubtedly a strength that’s indispensable for making a magazine an engaging read. Even we editors get a boost in enthusiasm when we receive page designs with stunning photographs. However, as you noticed, Nishino-san, it strays a bit from the discussion about the writing itself.”
Feeling embarrassed, I involuntarily lowered my gaze. I got too caught up in the concept of an engaging read that I forgot the premise of the question.
“For me,” Hirayama-san continued,
“──It’s the perspective of the writer.”
The perspective of the writer, I echoed my mind. It was phrase that felt vaguely comprehensible yet hazy, as if it was drifting away.
Saku-kun remained silent, prompting Hirayama-san to go on.
“It could be called the focal point or interpretation. For example, even if Chitose-kun, Nishino-san, and I went on a coverage together, visited the same place, and heard the exact same story from the same person, what we find interesting or beautiful and how we perceive it would surely differ, right? Honestly, there are those who believe that such personal subjectivity should be eliminated, and the writing should strictly adhere to objectivity.”
“However,” Hirayama-san spoke with unwavering eyes.
“For instance, when visiting a small leather workshop. Should we discard the sight of the craftsman continuously stitching leather during the interview as unnecessary information, or should we depict it as a reflection of their character—someone who, despite working by hands, strives to deliver their works to as many people as possible as quickly as they can?”
“Or when introducing a ramen shop that always closes earlier than its official business hours. Should we simply urge readers to come early due to frequent sold-out situations, or should we perceive it as a manifestation of the owner’s commitment in serving only bowls of ramen that they find satisfactory, even if it means limited quantities?”
“Or when suggesting a travel destination in an area where buses run only once every three hours. Should we dismiss it with a simple statement like ‘The transportation is inconvenient,’ or should we write about how it allows people to forget their busy everyday lives and spend a leisurely time without hurrying?”
“As a closing line for an information magazine, phrases like ‘Please give it a try,’ ‘Why not visit and see for yourself,’ ‘I highly recommend experiencing it at least once‘ are common and effective. But what if you added your own personal summary there?”
Like a rain that enhanced the allure of her life,
“──I believe it is precisely that kind of perspective from the writer that enriches the writing as a captivating read.”
Her words poured down relentlessly, soaking me to the core.
I didn’t want to hastily dry them, instead, I wished to remain drenched, even if it meant losing my original form, and let them beat down upon me, alone and battered.
“Thank you very much, it was really helpful,” Saku-kun said.
“Did my answers enlighten you a little?” Hirayama-san responded, her shoulders were shaking as if tickled.
Finally, I understood. The reason for the knot in my heart that had been bothering me.
From then on, the two of them engaged in various conversations. Saku-kun would pose a question, and Hirayama-san would answer.
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“────”
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Tap, tap, tap. The awkward rhythm seemed irresistibly captivating.
I remained to be consumed by this scorching summer, endlessly.
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Plebian Translation 