Takumi Kawanishi (JO1) / Hiyori Sakurada

We are who we are today because of "that time"

■ Profile
Takumi Kawanishi (JO1)
Idol. Born June 23, 1999, from Hyogo Prefecture. In 2020, JO1
Sing as a member of
She made her debut with the album PROTOSTAR.

Hiyori Sakurada
Actress. Born December 19, 2002, in Chiba Prefecture. Started her entertainment career at a young age. Won the grand prize at the Miss Seventeen 2018 audition.

■Are there any similarities between you and your character?

Kawanishi　I had a lot in common with Kiyosumi. He's a little uncomfortable with socializing, and he loves music from the bottom of his heart. It was like seeing my old self. Because we have so many similarities, I empathized with him a lot while reading the script.

Sakurada　Like Ushio, it's difficult for me to express my opinions clearly, but when someone asks me something, I try to give an answer that is meaningful to that person. Ushio has made me realize that I want to be able to express my feelings more directly and in words.

■Please tell us what is appealing about the film.

Kawanishi　I hope you will pay close attention to how Kiyosumi's appearance gradually changes as he meets important people, including Ushio. The music that plays throughout the film is also really fascinating, so I hope you will enjoy the music that matches each scene.

Sakurada　All the characters are realistic, and I'm sure you'll be able to relate to at least one of them. Please come and see them as they really are.

■Turning points in life

Kawanishi　My life changed 5 degrees when I took an audition five years ago. Until then, I had a normal job, going to work in work clothes and working in a factory. I think either path would have been the right choice for me, but it's because I took that step back then that I'm where I am today. I hope you all will do everything you can now and keep going.

Sakurada　The biggest turning point for me was graduating from high school. I had been doing this job since I was five years old, but once I left the frame of being a "student," I began to feel like I was entering society for the first time, and I felt a stronger sense of responsibility for each and every piece I created.

Student Newspaper April 1, 2024 Issue Keio University 4rd Year Student Miyu Ito

■After the interview　
We were able to catch a glimpse of the two of them at their wonderful side, as they greeted each person in the room, making eye contact, and even making fun of each other. I think this is a work that will remain in the hearts of many university students, as it shows how good it is to work hard for someone and pursue what you love. (Yusa Matsuzaka, second-year student at Keio University)

■ Cooperation
Takumi Kawanishi (hair and makeup by Mika Sasaki, stylist by Kentaro Okamoto)
Photography: Kosuke Shimoda