Actor, talent, musician Sonim

I hope that my expression will be a catalyst for changing people's lives.

Actor, talent, musician Sonim

■ Profile
She debuted as a singer in 2000. After appearing in a TV drama in 2003, she began working as an actor. Her major stage appearances include the musicals "SIX," "Kinky Boots," "Marie Antoinette," and "FACTORY GIRLS: The Story I Draw." She won the Drama Award at the 41st Kikuta Kazuo Drama Awards and the Outstanding Actress Award at the 26th Yomiuri Drama Awards. In recent years, she has also appeared in video productions such as "After School Chart" (NTV), "Broadcasting Station Occupation," "Large Hospital Occupation," and "New Airport Occupation" (NTV), and "The Power of My Neighbor" (EX).

Sonim has experienced many ups and downs, such as the disbandment of her group and her solo debut, and was once called "Sonim's turbulent life." However, she overcame these hardships and is now active in multiple fields as an actor, TV personality, and musician. We spoke to her about her life in showbiz, including anecdotes from "Sonim's 25th Anniversary Live "Beautiful Mission," which she is fully producing and hosting to commemorate her 25th anniversary in the entertainment industry.

When I was in junior high school, I was worried about my future career. Until then, I had wanted to become a pastry chef, but because I loved making sweets so much, I was worried that if I made it my job, I would end up hating it.
What helped me overcome these worries and find my path forward was a concert by SPEED, a band I was a huge fan of at the time. It was a truly impactful sight to see girls my age running from one end of the huge venue to the other, performing, looking so radiant. Learning that there were girls living in a world I didn't know, I wanted to stand on stage too, and become someone who could inspire people in the way I felt.
As soon as I got home from the concert, I wrote a fan letter to SPEED saying, "I've decided to become a singer. Please support me when that happens."

■ From idols to dramas and musicals

I made my debut in the entertainment industry as an idol after passing the second round of auditions in my second year of high school. At the time, I had no idea that acting would be a part of my life. However, during my activities, someone asked me if I wanted to try acting in a drama, and that's how I got started. After that, I appeared in TV dramas and movies, and just as I began to realize how fun acting is, I was approached about a stage role. Unlike film, theater never stops once the performance begins, so you have to rehearse multiple times to fully immerse yourself in the role. I experienced the feeling of living the role and became captivated by theater. After that, I auditioned for a musical, and my world changed even further. Acquaintances who saw my first musical started to say to me, "Maybe musicals are right for you?" I realized that this was my place in life, and I decided to dedicate my life to theater and pour everything into it.

■I want to change other people's lives through my expression, just as it has changed mine.

I've tried a variety of jobs, but for the past 25 years, I've consistently wanted to "make an impact on the lives of those who watch my performances." My life changed dramatically when I saw a SPEED concert. In the same way, I want to inspire others to change their lives through my performances, whether it's on stage, at a concert, or on television. In fact, when I perform on stage, I want the audience to feel such shock, realization, or emotion that after the curtain closes, they sit down and say, "I can't stand anymore!" I stand on stage every day with the hope that everyone who watches my performance will take something away with them. For me, that's what it means to continue expressing myself.
However, although it may seem contradictory, I also don't want to be someone who gets in the way of people's feelings. With slander becoming a problem these days, for example, when someone says, "Looking at Sonim makes me feel depressed," it makes me want to quit my job. As I am in a position to speak out in various places, it is inevitable that some people will feel displeased, but I aim to be someone who gives courage to others without causing harm.

■25th Anniversary Live"Sonim's 25th Anniversary Live "Beautiful Mission""

Looking back over the past 25 years, I wondered why I had been able to work almost without any rest periods. I'm sure there were many setbacks and incidents that would have led to me retiring. But every time something difficult happened, I was helped by many people, and I was given many chances to survive. Why was I able to receive such support in some way? I believe it is because I felt that God had given me a "mission" to keep running as an artist. In order to fulfill my mission, I named this live performance "Beautiful Mission" as a symbol of the 25 years I have lived.
For "Beautiful Mission," I am in charge of all the direction, including the composition and lighting. Rather than a separate venue like a typical live concert venue, I've rented a venue where the audience seats and stage are integrated, creating an environment where we can also perform theatrically. I want to take advantage of this characteristic to create a live performance that incorporates acting. Furthermore, I am considering a composition and direction that will make the audience feel like they are part of the story. I owe my 25 years to my fans, so I would love for them to feel that. Who knows, maybe I'll even come next to you and get the audience involved. When that happens, I hope you'll join in the fun, not be shy, but think, "Lucky me!"

■Message to university students　

I'm sure you all have your own dreams and are choosing your university and career options. However, dreams are changeable, and they will continue to change in the future. When you work hard toward your dreams, even if they don't work out, they will transform into a wonderful dream in a new form. So, even if you encounter an obstacle, don't be discouraged and keep looking for a new form for your dream. If you don't want to give up on your dream, keep trying until you're satisfied, no matter what others say. Even if you fail, you can always start over. Keep trying without fear, and don't stop thinking about your possibilities. There is no one stronger than someone who believes their potential is infinite. Have the conviction that you have infinite potential, and live your life with all your might toward your dreams.

Student Newspaper Online, October 2, 2025, Interview by Ochanomizu University First-year student, Ieda Arisa

■ Information
“Sonim’s Anniversary Live “Beautiful Mission””

Ochanomizu University freshman Ieda Arisa / Musashino University junior Yoshimatsu Akina