[Cover: Asuka Saito / Back Cover: BE:FIRST] Quick Japan vol. 175 | Standard Edition Cover & 16-Page Photo Story "Dive into Wonder"

▶︎[QJ Store Limited Edition] "Quick Japan" vol.175

For the past 10 years, Asuka Saito has been loved by many fans, both male and female, while also possessing an elusive individuality. Beautiful and powerful performances, words with a mysterious persuasive power—how will she, who lightly redefined the image of an idol, forge her future as an artist in 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 beliefs.

The special photo story "The Acting Body" that graces the beginning of the magazine was shot in large volume by photographer Shun Komiyama.
Based on images born from conversations with her, it expresses her unique world through vivid film photographs.

In the long interview "How Asuka Saito Sees the World," she talks about the changes in her feelings from before and after graduating from the group to her current work, and her awareness of getting older. The interviewer is Takafumi Kazuki, a writer and researcher who has followed her activities since her group days through works like "Nogizaka46 Dramaturgy."

Furthermore, in the first part of the feature, "'What Shapes Asuka Saito'—Movies, Literature, Music," she elaborates on 12 works that have significantly influenced her throughout her career.

For movies, she introduces "Yuka on Monday" (directed by Ko Nakahira), which depicts a girl living in the nightlife district of postwar Yokohama, and "PERFECT DAYS" (directed by Wim Wenders), which garnered attention last year. For literature, in addition to works by Kenzaburo Oe, whom she has publicly admired, she also discusses Kiyoshi Shimizu's nonfiction, known as "the bible of investigative journalism," along with masterpieces by Ryu Murakami and Kazuo Ishiguro.

She also talks extensively about her favorite music, including songs she has never mentioned before.

 

What is Asuka Saito's Rare Talent?
10 Creators Speak Their Hidden Thoughts

In "From an Isolated Girl to an Aspiring Artist," a collection of testimonies from 10 creators who have worked with Asuka Saito, Nogizaka46 video producer Takahiro Kanamori and Hikari Motonobu, who directed "Nogizaka46 Artworks Daitai Zenbu Ten" and "Shun Ka Shu Tou / Four Seasons Nogizaka46," talk about her journey from their respective perspectives during her group days.

Furthermore, director Tsutomu Hanabusa of the movie "Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na!" and director Keiichi Kobayashi of the Nogizaka46 music video "Koko ni wa Nai Mono" analyze Asuka Saito's charm as an actress. In addition, various creators such as stylists, hair and makeup artists, and photographers discuss her appeal.

The special project "Asuka-san in a Month" includes her recent personal notes and photos. This feature thoroughly explores the rare talent of "Asuka Saito" from all angles.

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

Also, SHUNTO, RYOKI, and LEO (BE:FIRST) will 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 from BE:FIRST will appear on the back cover and in an 11-page second feature of "Quick Japan" vol.175.