Idol Shiomi Kira

The reason why this talented girl who topped mock exams is able to master both her idol and education careers

Idol　Kira Shiomi(Shiomi Kira)

■ Profile

Shiomi Kira is 25 years old. Born November 6, 1998 in Ehime Prefecture. Graduated from Tsuda University's Department of Mathematics. Joined the idol group "Kamiyado" in 2019. After the group went on hiatus in 2023, she will pursue a career as a solo idol. She is active in many fields, making use of her many hobbies, including mathematics, saunas, and watching baseball (she is a Hanshin Tigers fan). She also teaches career education classes to elementary, junior high, and high school students. For further updates, please visit her official account X (@Kira_KMYD) and official Instagram (@kira_kmyd).

While attending a prestigious private university, Shiomi happened to come across the idol group "Kamiyado" and auditioned to become a member. Affectionately known as "Shiomii," she has continued to expand her range of activities as a solo artist since the group went on hiatus. We spoke to Shiomi, who is not only an idol but also a career instructor and TV personality..

Although I achieved first place in a national mock math exam in high school, I wasn't always good at math. When I was in elementary school, I felt that I wasn't good at math, in fact I was bad at it. However, when I entered junior high school, my cram school teacher told me that "arithmetic and math are different," so I worked hard and achieved good marks on the first test, and math became my favorite subject.
After graduating from high school, I longed to move to the city and entered Tsuda University. I had imagined a glittering university life, but the reality was not so bright. Living in the dormitory, I gradually became more withdrawn, and spent my days listening to the bell ring for the first period in my room. During this time, I was constantly plagued by feelings of alienation and inferiority, wondering, "What am I doing here?"
One day, when I was 20 and living a boring life, I happened to come across an idol audition on Twitter and applied. I was strongly attracted to the sight of girls my age shining brightly on stage. Miraculously, I was selected from about 3000 applicants at the audition and was able to become an idol. However, when I told my parents I was auditioning, I remember them being opposed, asking, "What are you doing?" After passing the final audition, they finally allowed me to pursue a career in showbiz, on the condition that I promise to "graduate from university."

■ The joys and hardships of being an idol

Currently, I am on a hiatus from group activities, so I am working as a solo idol. Basically, I enjoy everything about my job. I feel especially joyful when I feel a connection with people. I am truly grateful to the fans who get to know me and spread the word about me to others, and to the staff who give me advice like, "This will bring out Shiomi's strengths." Living every day doing what I love is truly happy and enjoyable, and not difficult. I am truly glad that I became an idol.
Of course, being an idol comes with its challenges. At one point, I was troubled by slander. At first, I was depressed by the unkind words, but after I changed my way of thinking and realized that "there must be people who are interested in me" and "I must be working so hard that people are jealous," I no longer felt so depressed. I also made an effort to avoid thinking about other things because of my busy schedule. It was difficult to get used to the early morning life of an idol, but now I'm doing well.
My goal as an idol is to work hard every day so that my fans can be proud to be Shiomi Kira's fans. When I first started my idol activities, I wasn't interested in other people. However, recently I've become interested in what my fans are thinking, and I enjoy talking to them. I want to continue my idol activities as long as my fans are enjoying it.

■First gravure shoot, eager for new challenges

I tried my hand at gravure modeling for the first time in a weekly magazine released on May 8th. I took the opportunity to take the opportunity on April 29th, the 5th anniversary of my idol career, as the first step to further enrich my future solo activities. I had never done gravure modeling while I was active in "Kamiyado", so I had always wanted to try it.
My core as an idol is to stand on stage and sing. I hope that through this gravure shoot, more people will get to know me and come to my live shows. In fact, after the gravure shoot began, my number of followers on social media increased, and I realized that new people have gotten to know me. I will continue to take on new challenges and actively engage in fun things, so please look forward to it.

■ Not just idol activities, but education for the future

In addition to my idol activities, I am currently teaching career education classes to elementary and junior high school students. My goal is to teach my fans about the dangers of slander and internet literacy through my own experiences, so that they can be proud of their love for me.
Once, when I went from being an ordinary university student to becoming an idol, I was subjected to unfounded slander. It was a shock at the time, but I tell elementary and junior high school students that "slanderous words are not meant from the heart, they are just a way to relieve stress." I also teach them that they can request disclosure of slanderous comments and that they could become perpetrators.
I have received letters and had the opportunity to listen to stories from the children who have attended my classes, which has given me the strength to persevere. When I hear comments like, "I wanted to be an idol, but I realized it's hard," it really moves me to realize that even elementary school students are thinking about so many things. If everyone enjoys it, I would like to hold a live concert in the gymnasium one day. In the future, I would like to continue activities that will benefit others.

■Message to students

Students, are you truly enjoying life right now? Even if you're not having fun or don't want to go to school, don't ever think that your life is over. Just taking a step towards what you love can dramatically change your life. I used to shut myself in my room crying, but now I'm able to enjoy my activities from the bottom of my heart because I took a step towards my dream of becoming an idol.
Furthermore, with the rapid spread of social media in today's world, the risk of being hurt is also increasing. You may sometimes be subjected to unkind words, but there's no need to worry too much. First of all, please take care of yourself and protect yourself.

Student Newspaper Online, May 16, 2024, Interview by Tsuda University sophomore Karin Ishimatsu

Reina Inomoto, 1st year student at Kyoto University of the Arts / Sophia Ogura, 2nd year student at Sophia University / Karin Ishimatsu, 2nd year student at Tsuda University