35th Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2022 AUTUMN/WINTER ~Riding a Unicorn~

The 35th Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2022 AUTUMN/WINTER was held on Saturday, September 3, 2022.
The theme this time is "GOING MY RUNWAY."

The drama series "Riding a unicorn' (TBS, Tuesday 10pm) cast members Mei Nagano, Yosuke Sugino, Thelma Aoyama, Ryuta Bando, and Ko Maehara will be on stage.

We asked him about the highlights of the final episode.

■Please tell us your impressions of walking down the runway.

Nagano: It felt like I was immersed in a sparkling world lit by the glow of penlights for the first time in a long time, and I was very happy.

Sugino: Walking down a runway is not something you do often, so I was nervous, but I'm glad I had the experience.

Bando: Oh man, I was drenched in sweat (laughs). I was really nervous before going on stage, but when I actually walked on stage, I saw fans I knew waving their fans and cheering me on...it made me really happy.

Maehara: I walked, savoring the experience, thinking, "This is the first and last time in my life." (laughs) I was able to enjoy the walk and remember it as a memory.

Aoyama-san: We usually meet with this group at Midoriyama Studio (the filming location), so it was very refreshing. We spent a lot of time together this summer, so I'm happy that we were able to end it on a high note like this.

■When do you feel your work is rewarding?

Nagano: I have the impression that the entertainment industry is a mixture of ideals and reality. For example, when I'm on stage it looks like a really sparkling world, but when I look behind the scenes I realize that it's made possible by an incredible number of people. I've been given the opportunity to have so many experiences that no single person could have, and I always feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.

Bando: It's the fact that there are so many exciting moments. Every day I play a different character and think about the life of a different character, and that's what makes me "happy" the most. That's why I want to continue doing this job until I die, and I want to keep feeling excited forever.

■Drama 『Riding a unicornHow did you feel after finishing filming for "?"

Aoyama: It was a really fun shoot. I usually work mainly as an artist, so I got to meet people I would never have met if I had only been an artist, and it was a truly treasured time. It was also my first experience working as an actor, which helped me grow as a person, and I feel that I was given such a wonderful opportunity.

Maehara: First of all, I'm happy that we were able to complete filming safely under these circumstances, and I'd like to thank all the people involved. I'm sure we'll all be doing various jobs in the future, but I'd be happy to see you again on another project.

Bando-san: People who feel lonely when they part ways will definitely meet again somewhere! So we'll definitely meet!

■Please tell us what to look forward to in the final episode on September 6th.

Nagano: The biggest highlight is undoubtedly the relationship between Sana and Isao. I also hope you'll look forward to seeing how the company Dream Pony, which they've built up until now, will come to an end. I'm sure it's something that will give everyone a push!

Sugino: The ending of Sana and Isao's relationship was something that was discussed a lot on set and worked out. I hope viewers will pay close attention to the changes in their emotions.

■Finally, please give us a message for university students.

Nagano: I think there are some people who are conflicted when they see the difference between what they like, what they want to do, and what they can do. At times like that, I want them to look at it positively as an opportunity to learn. You won't know until you try. Why not just jump in and try it for yourself? That's what I would say. I'm rooting for you!

Sugino: I don't think that people who have been able to turn what they love into reality have had the freedom and ease to do so. Doing what you love can involve risks, and I think it can be challenging for some people. But that's why I want people to not be intimidated by the risks and to boldly take on the challenge.

Maehara: Don't set restrictions on age or anything else, just do what you want to do to the fullest. It's okay if you fail, so I hope you'll start by accumulating as many successful experiences as possible while working on it. I hope to be able to live like that, no matter how old I get.

Student Newspaper Online, May 3, 2022, Interview by Miyu Ito, 3th year student at Keio University