[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 imbued with a mysterious persuasiveness—how will she, who effortlessly redefined the idol image, carve out 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 "Performing Body" adorning the beginning of the magazine was extensively shot by photographer Shun Komiyama.
Based on images born from conversations with her, her unique world is expressed through striking film photographs.

In the long interview "How Asuka Saito Sees the World," she discusses changes in her state of mind from before and after her group graduation to her current work, and her awareness of aging. The interviewer is Takashi Kazuki, a writer and researcher who has followed her activities since her time in the group through works such as "Nogizaka46's Dramaturgy."

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

For movies, she mentions "Yuka on Monday" (directed by Ko Nakahira), which depicts a girl living in the night streets of post-war Yokohama, and "PERFECT DAYS" (directed by Wim Wenders), which garnered attention last year. For literature, she discusses works by Kenzaburo Oe, whom she has publicly admired, as well as Kiyoshi Shimizu's non-fiction, known as "the bible of investigative journalism," and masterpieces by Ryu Murakami and Kazuo Ishiguro, among others.

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

 

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

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

Furthermore, Tsutomu Hanabusa, director of the movie "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!", and Keiichi Kobayashi, director of Nogizaka46's "Koko ni wa Nai Mono" MV, analyze Asuka Saito's charm as an actress. In addition, various creators such as stylists, hair and make-up artists, and photographers talk extensively about her appeal from their viewpoints.

The special project "Asuka-san's One Month" also 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) appear on the back cover and in the second feature!

In commemoration of 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.

(A portion of the sales will be donated to support the recovery efforts for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.)