Shiraishi Sei: Is it not so bad to be swept away? Cherish the unexpected encounters in life

■ Profile

Actress. Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1998. Debuted in 2016. Selected as the 12th "Zexy" CM girl in 2019. Her first lead role in a TV series was in the Fuji TV drama "Kyoufu Shinbun" in 2020. Currently appearing in the NHK BS Premium drama "Yappa Oshii Keiji." She is also scheduled to star in the MBS TV drama "Girl Gun Lady." "My Heart Beats Because of You" is scheduled to be released on June 4, 2021!

■What was your student life like?

　I was scouted when I was in my second year of high school, but I'm actually not the type to be in the spotlight. However, for some reason I had no problem reading something out loud. I loved listening to my mother read to me, and I was influenced by the voice actors in my favorite anime, so before I was scouted I was interested in working as a voice actor.

■Why did you decide to do this job?

　Actually, there was a voice actor I liked at the agency (business partner) that scouted me. At the time, I didn't have anything in particular that I wanted to do, so I thought I might give this job a try. I also thought that the world of voice acting might be difficult for me... Looking back, I think I may have wanted to break out of my shell.
　I tend to overthink things, so I sometimes struggle with creating characters, but I enjoy my current job because I get positive feedback from the director, get praised for my acting, and get to interact with fans. However, if I have the chance, I would like to try voice acting as well (laughs).

■Please give us a message for university students

　I think it's tough for students, especially those job-hunting, during this COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, my friends seem to be struggling with their future career paths. I'm the same age as you, so I don't think I have much advice to offer, but if I had to say something, it might be that "it's actually not a bad thing to go with the flow."
　I originally wanted to be a voice actor, but I ended up going with the flow in a good way, with the support of some fascinating people, and that's how I got to where I am now. It's not good to have no will of your own, but if you choose your path properly, it's not so bad to go with the flow. Don't rush, don't blame yourself, and have fun choosing your future!

■After the interview

　She was just so cute. Shiraishi-san and I are close in age, but as you'd expect from someone so successful, she has a wealth of experience and we had a lot of very informative conversations. I hope that everyone will find some inspiration from Shiraishi-san's stories, just like I did.

Student Newspaper April 2021 Issue Tsuda University 3rd Year Student Mayu Wakiyama