Singer and entrepreneur Tomomi Itano　

It is important to accumulate small successes.
I want to continue taking on challenges without being bound by stereotypes

Singer and entrepreneur　Tomomi Itano　(Tomomi Itano)

■ Profile
She began her career as a member of AKB48's first generation in 2, and attracted attention as a central member of the group. After graduating from AKB48, she has been active as a talent, actress, and artist. She has also founded and managed two companies: the lifestyle brand "Rosy luce" and the skincare brand "peau de bébé."

◆What made you start your idol activities?

When I was in kindergarten, I saw SPEED on TV and became interested in idols. I asked my mother, "How can I get on TV?" and she replied, "Maybe you can do it if you work hard," and that was the beginning of my challenge. My mother told me, "If you can achieve a good swimming record, you can learn dance," so I practiced hard and successfully fulfilled my promise to my mother. Learning to dance made me realize that "if you work hard, your dreams can come true!" Small successes lead to happiness, and it's rewarding when your imagination comes true.

When I was in junior high school, my mother encouraged me to take the AKB48 audition, and I passed. I started performing in October of my second year of junior high school. There were only seven people in the audience at my first live show, and I felt the harshness of the entertainment industry. But with a weed mentality, I steadily handed out flyers and gradually became more well-known.

◆What motivated you to start a company as a manager?

I want to challenge myself without being afraid to pursue the things I want to do and my dreams.BrandI also want to support those who want to become idols while there are still people who know "Tomomi Itano" from her idol days, and I am also focusing on idol training. I want to move forward with a spirit of "immediate action" without being bound by the roles of "business manager," "wife," and "mother."

◆Please give us a message for the students.

Don't be bound by preconceived notions, listen to your heart, and try to do what you want to do. I want you to take a step forward even if it seems reckless.

■After the interview
It was a lot of fun to interview someone who has been on screen all this time. I was able to hear stories that I don't often hear anywhere else, such as the process of how he became popular, the way of thinking he values, and his future plans, and it was a very valuable experience.

Student Newspaper October 1, 2024 Issue Keio University 10rd Year Student Sayori Yamamoto