Sakura Fujiwara: The moment my "love" and your "love" resonate with each other, there is a happiness that can only be experienced there.

Singer-songwriter　Fujiwara Sakura(Fujiwara cherry blossoms)

■ Profile
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1995. Active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as an actor.
The single EP "Mabataki" will be released in November 2022. The final leg of the 2022-2023 "heartbeat" acoustic tour will be held at the Mitsukoshi Theater in Tokyo on April 21st (Friday) and 22nd (Saturday).

◆Please tell us how you first encountered music.

It was my father who sparked my interest in music. He played bass and was exposed to British rock, such as the Beatles, and I thought, "I want to write songs as cool as those!" I was still in elementary school at the time and had just learned about the profession of singer-songwriter, and looking back now, I think I had a stronger desire than most to make my dream come true. After that, in order to make my dream not just a dream, I enrolled in a vocal school and tried out for an audition. I believe that the step I took then has led me to where I am today.

What is the basis of your music production?

I mostly write lyrics and compose music with the hope that the fans behind each song will empathize with what I love. Previously, I often wrote about my everyday life like a diary, but once I realized the joy of our shared love for each other, I couldn't escape that feeling. Of course, there are difficult moments in the creative process when I can't get to the point where I'm satisfied. At those times, I choose not to cling to my own feelings, but to trust the voices of those around me who are watching over me. This is because, given the nature of music, where there is no "right answer," I feel like I'd keep writing forever if I didn't take that bold step. Honestly, focusing on sound and lyrics isn't easy, but perhaps that's what makes it all the more rewarding: the joy I feel when I succeed.

◆Please give us a message for the students.

I think it's a good idea to make the most of your current sensitivity and experience. It's really cool to continue to act while imagining the person you want to become. I hope you'll be able to take flight in a society with limitless possibilities, armed with the means to express yourself.

■After the interview　

I was impressed by how straightforwardly he answered my questions. I was able to feel firsthand how carefully each song is created and how much love is put into them. I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn about the dedication that goes into continuing to hone what you love.

Student Newspaper April 1, 2023 Issue by Rien Kanda, 4th year student at Japan Women's University