[QJ Store Limited Edition Cover] "Quick Japan" vol.175 (Cover: Asuka Saito)

The 175th issue of "Quick Japan", to be released on Wednesday, December 11th, features on the cover and in the lead feature, Saito Asuka, who has been achieving remarkable success as an actor and model even after graduating from Nogizaka46.

"QJ Store" will be selling a limited edition with a different cover than the general distribution version.
(The cover design will be released at a later date.)

▶︎ [Standard version] “Quick Japan” vol.175

For the past 10 years, Saito Asuka has been loved by many fans, both male and female, but at the same time, she has been an elusive individual. With her beautiful and powerful performances and words that are mysteriously persuasive, how will she, who has lightly repainted the image of an idol, carve out her future as an artist in the next stage?

This 90-page feature explores his aesthetics and beliefs, including an extensive interview with him and testimonies from people involved and staff.

The special photo story at the beginning of the issue, "Acting Body," is a large volume of original shots by photographer Shun Omiyama .
Based on images born from conversations with the artist, the exhibition expresses her unique world through striking film photographs.

In the long interview "How does Saito Asuka see the world?" , we ask about the changes in her mindset from around the time she graduated from the group to her current job, and her awareness of getting older. The interviewer is Takashi Kazuki, a writer and researcher who has followed her activities since her time in the group through books such as "Nogizaka46's Dramaturgy".

In the first part of the feature, "What Shapes Saito Asuka -- Film, Literature, and Music," Saito talks in detail about 12 works that have had a major influence on her career so far.

The film section includes "Monday Yuka" (directed by Nakahira Yasushi), which depicts a girl living on the night streets of post-war Yokohama, and " Perfect Days" (directed by Wim Wenders) , which was released last year and caused a buzz. In terms of literature, the section will feature works by Oe Kenzaburo , of whom he has long been a fan, as well as the non-fiction works of Shimizu Kiyoshi , known as the "bible of investigative journalism," and numerous other masterpieces by Murakami Ryu and Kazuo Ishiguro .

He also talks extensively about his favorite music, songs that he has never spoken about himself before.

What is Saito Asuka's rare talent?
10 creators share their secret thoughts

In "From Solitary Girl to Spirited Artist," a collection of testimonials from 10 creators who have worked with Saito Asuka, Nogizaka46 LLC representative Konno Yoshio, Nogizaka46 video producer Kanamori Takahiro , and Motonobu Mitsuri , who directed the "Nogizaka46 Artworks Daitaizenbu Exhibition" and "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter/Four Seasons Nogizaka46," talk about her journey since her time in the group from their own perspectives.

In addition, Tsutomu Hanabusa , director of the movie "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!", and Keiichi Kobayashi, director of the music video for Nogizaka46's "Something That Doesn't Exist Here," will analyze Asuka Saito's appeal as an actor. In addition, a wide variety of creators, including stylists, hair and makeup artists, and photographers, will talk about her appeal in detail.

The special feature "A Month in Asuka-san" includes recent personal notes and photos by Asuka herself. It is a feature that thoroughly delves into the rare talent of "Saito Asuka" from every angle .

▶︎ [Also recommended] "Quick Japan" vol.157 (Cover: Nogizaka46)

( We are also working to donate a portion of our sales to support the recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake .)