[Limited edition cover & 16-page photo story "escape"] "Quick Japan" vol.175 (cover: Asuka Saito)

*Simultaneously released with two types of covers: a standard edition and a QJ Store limited edition!
The 16-page photo story at the beginning of the magazine also uses completely different cuts for the standard and QJ Store limited editions. 

▶︎【Standard Edition】『Quick Japan』vol.175

『Quick Japan』vol.175, going on sale Wednesday, December 11, features Asuka Saito, who has been showing remarkable activity as an actress and model since graduating from Nogizaka46, in its cover and lead feature.

For the past 10 years, Asuka Saito has been loved by many fans, both male and female, while at the same time possessing an elusive individuality. Her beautiful and powerful performances, and words imbued with a mysterious persuasiveness—how will she, who lightly reinterpreted the idol image, carve out her future as an artist on the next stage?

Through a 90-page special feature, including a long interview with her and testimonies from related parties and staff, we delve into her aesthetics and convictions.

The special photo story "Performing Body," which graces the opening pages, was extensively shot by photographer Shun Komiyama.
Based on images born from conversations with her, her unique world is expressed through vivid film photography.

In the long interview "How Asuka Saito Sees the World," she discusses the changes in her state of mind from before and after graduating from the group to her current work, and her awareness of aging. The interview was conducted by Takashi Katsuki, a writer and researcher who has followed her activities since her group days through works like "Nogizaka46's Dramaturgy."

In addition, the first part of the special feature, "What Shapes 'Asuka Saito'—Film, Literature, Music," she details 12 works that have significantly influenced her throughout her career.

In film, she introduces "Yuka on Monday" (directed by Ko Nakahira), which depicts a girl living in the night streets of postwar Yokohama, and "PERFECT DAYS" (directed by Wim Wenders), which was released last year and became a hot topic. In literature, in addition to works by Kenzaburo Oe, whom she has publicly declared to be a fan of, she also introduces Kiyoshi Shimizu's nonfiction, often called "the bible of investigative journalism," and masterpieces by Ryu Murakami and Kazuo Ishiguro.

She also talks extensively about her favorite music, which she has never spoken about publicly before.

 

What is Asuka Saito's unique talent?
10 creators speak about their hidden thoughts

In "From an Isolated Girl to an Emerging Artist," a collection of testimonies from 10 creators who have worked with Asuka Saito, Nogizaka46 video producer Takahiro Kanamori and Mitsutoshi Honshin, who directed "Nogizaka46 Artworks Daitai Zenbu Exhibition" and "Shunkashuto / Four Seasons Nogizaka46," discuss her journey from her group days from their respective perspectives.

Furthermore, Tsutomu Hanabusa, director of the movie "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!", and Keiichi Kobayashi, director of Nogizaka46's "Koko ni wa Nai Mono" music video, analyze Asuka Saito's appeal as an actress. In addition, stylists, hair and makeup artists, photographers, and other diverse creators discuss her charm from their viewpoints.

The special project "Asuka-san's Month" includes her recent personal memos and photos. This feature thoroughly explores the rare talent that is "Asuka Saito" from all angles.

▶︎【Also Recommended】『Quick Japan』vol.157 (Cover: Nogizaka46)

 

 

Also, SHUNTO, RYOKI, and LEO (BE:FIRST) appear on the back cover & in the second feature!

To commemorate the release of the live documentary film "BE:the ONE -MEANT TO BE-,"
SHUNTO, RYOKI, and LEO of BE:FIRST will appear on the back cover and in an 11-page second feature of "Quick Japan" vol.175.