Artist: Shinjiro Atae

"That's just life," I say with a smile, and move on

Artist: Shinjiro Atae

■Profile
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1988, Atae currently works both in Japan and overseas. He debuted in 2005 as a member of the mixed-gender performance group AAA (Triple A). The group will go on a full hiatus in 2021, following AAA's first six-dome tour. In July 2023, he announced at the "Atae Shinjiro Announcement" in front of approximately 2000 fans who were invited free of charge. He is currently producing a documentary about his life in Hollywood. His books include "Every Way of Life is Right and Wrong" (Kodansha). As a solo artist, he will release his latest single, "Kizuketa," digitally on October 30, 2024, and will complete the "SHINJIRO ATAE LIVE BAND TOUR & BIRTHDAY TALK SHOW 2024," which will consist of nine performances in five cities, in November.

Atae Shinjiro discovered dance in elementary school and entered the entertainment industry. After coming out, he continues to convey the importance of living as your true self. In his newly published photo essay, "Life is Like That," he frankly writes about his family, love life, and daily struggles. We spoke to him about his aspirations for the future and his heartfelt message for university students.

I discovered dance in the fifth grade of elementary school and became obsessed with it. I was originally a baseball player, but as I learned dance, I fell in love with it so much that I wanted to become a dance teacher. I had no particular desire to go into showbiz, but after people around me encouraged me to audition, I passed. I wasn't particularly keen on becoming a star, so I was surprised when I passed, and I had a strange feeling, wondering if I was really good enough.
After that, I continued taking lessons while attending high school, and when it was decided that I would make my debut, I decided to quit school and devote myself to my entertainment career. Rather than continuing both half-heartedly, I wanted to bet on my dream. Since I was young, my resolve outweighed my anxiety. I was also grateful that my parents encouraged me, saying, "Do what you love."

■ Connecting with fans is what gives me meaning in life

The most rewarding thing about working in the entertainment industry is being able to meet my fans face to face. I feel an immense amount of love, especially from the fans who have continued to support me even after I came out. When I receive love, I want to give it back, and it feels like our love is nurturing for each other.
In addition to concerts and events, I've also been traveling to other regions recently, which has given me more opportunities to interact with people I don't normally get to see, which is really nice. I've been trying to read as many comments and direct messages as possible recently, and everyone's support has been a great encouragement to me. To commemorate the release of the photo essay, we'll also be holding a meet-and-greet event. I'm happy because it's an opportunity to meet my fans face-to-face. When I see everyone's faces, I'm moved and think, "They really came," and every event gives me a stronger sense of purpose in life.

■ The struggles and mental growth he experienced in the entertainment industry

The entertainment industry may seem glamorous, but in reality, there are many harsh realities. In particular, being compared to others and enduring anti-comments was a huge stress for me. When I debuted, I had no confidence, so even small negative comments would really hurt me.
Wanting to change myself, I moved to the United States at the age of 26. I couldn't speak English and didn't know anyone, but by taking on small challenges, I was able to develop a sense of self-worth, realizing that I was surprisingly capable. Living in America for nine years also gave me the opportunity to value my mental health, and it was a major turning point for me to learn to love myself.
The two months I spent traveling the world alone was also a major, life-changing experience. The accumulation of small adventures, like striking up a conversation with an old lady sitting next to me at a cafe in a foreign country or getting a haircut in an unfamiliar place, gave me confidence. Every time I took action, I felt like, "Hey, I can do this," and I think that this was the foundation for developing my own identity.

■Coming out and the thoughts behind the photo essay "Life is like that"

To be honest, I had some extreme mental ups and downs before and after coming out. Before I came out, I was scared of the reactions of those around me, and even after, I was troubled by the anti-commentary. But now, I'm truly glad that I came out. It's because of those difficult times that I'm who I am today, and I've come to realize the importance of living life as yourself.
In this newly published photo essay, I honestly write about my relationships with my family and my love life. I also talk about my ex-boyfriend, the freedom I felt abroad, and the differences between Japan and abroad, all of which are things that I normally wouldn't talk about.
I would be happy if someone who reads this book thinks, "There are crazy lives like this," or if it inspires them to try their best too. Living without pretending to be someone you're not may not be easy. But I now truly believe that living true to yourself is the best way to put your mind at ease.

■Message to university students

I would like to encourage all university students to believe in themselves and act without fear. If you act without fear of failure, you will definitely gain something, and even failure can help you grow. Also, cherish the peers and friends who understand you. Finding an environment where you can be yourself will be a very important support for your future life.
The ability to take action is really important. Don't just think about it, but try doing it, even if just a little. By taking action, your world will expand, and eventually it will connect with you.
Don't strive for perfection, and when things don't go well, just relax and say, "That's just how life is." Life isn't all black and white; it can be gray, too. Relax and enjoy your own path. I hope you take care of yourself and walk through life with confidence.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on March 29, 2025 by Tsuda University sophomore Karin Ishimatsu and Showa Women's University freshman Rurika Abe

Karin Ishimatsu, second-year student at Tsuda University; Yurie Watanabe, first-year student at Josai International University; Rurika Abe, first-year student at Showa Women's University

Photographer: Kosuke Shimoda