WHITE SCORPION Serialization [Part 4] NATSU: “I want to be someone who shocks people”
A special series of articles on the true faces of the idol group "WHITE SCORPION" produced by Akimoto Yasushi!
── Among all the idols, including yourself in WHITE SCORPION, who are currently active, what do you think is your unique weapon or personality?
“I would say it’s my love for music. I have confidence that it’s stronger than other idols. I sing, I create, and I listen. This love has been with me since elementary school, when I used to spend a lot of time at home. When I came home from school, the first thing I did was open my computer and watch Nico Nico Douga. That’s where I discovered Neru, the Vocaloid producer (who wrote and composed Ado’s song ‘Asura-chan’). I fell in love with their music. I saw a comment on Neru’s video saying, ‘This song sounds like amazarashi,’ and that’s how I discovered amazarashi. Since then, I’ve always loved music. Even in high school, my grades were mostly around 3s or 2s, but my music grades were always a perfect 10 (laughs).”
── What do you find so appealing about music, something you’ve loved for so long?
“I think it’s the impact. I love the sensation of sound resonating in my ears. When I’m struck by music, I feel like I can transform. It’s like I can become someone else, somewhere else. Even now, there are times when I lose track of time just listening to music, but during those moments, I feel like I can find solace in a different world from my everyday life.”
── Despite getting busier, what brings you the most happiness in your personal time?
“The time I spend making music. I hope to be able to share it someday. Also, I find happiness in connecting my YouTube to the TV and just streaming music endlessly. I often listen to Vocaloid music that influenced me. Additionally, I enjoy listening to rock music. When I was in my third year of high school, I learned about the history of rock music in class, which led me to start listening to Western rock. Through the class, I discovered artists like Elvis Presley and KISS, and then I learned about QUEEN. Now, every night, I listen to QUEEN’s ‘Killer Queen.’ It feels like my brain is melting as I listen (laughs), but it’s incredibly soothing.”
── You really have a passion for music. Besides music, what other things do you enjoy?
“It’s kind of like a routine, but I read every night before bed. I read business books and novels. As for novelists, I like Yasutaka Tsutsui. I discovered him through the anime movie ‘Paprika’ and wanted to read the original work. Also, I have a cat, and I hold a qualification called the ‘Cat Certification Exam,’ although I’m still at the beginner level. My goal is to obtain the advanced level certification. I’m studying for it so that I can proudly say, ‘I’m an advanced-level idol in the Cat Certification Exam!’ The beginner level covers understanding things like where to place a litter box, but the advanced level even involves legal matters.”
I want my sister in the U.S. to see me on stage.
── Could you share your future goals as a member of WHITE SCORPION?
“As a group, our goal is to expand globally, but personally, before that, I have a goal of performing on the stage of Nippon Budokan. I’ve seen many idols aim for Budokan, and if we could deliver our music in such a historic place, that would be incredible.”
── Global expansion is a huge goal, what’s your current vision?
“I’ve never been outside Japan, so I can’t imagine what the scenery is like… but I would love to visit America. My older sister is a ballet dancer and currently studying in the States. So, performing with WHITE SCORPION in America and having my sister come to our concert would make me incredibly happy!”
── You reunited with NICO, whom you worked with in WAgg, in WHITE SCORPION.
“It’s like a miracle. When NICO left WACK, she said she was done with being an idol, so I was really surprised to see her at the third audition for WHITE SCORPION. I was like, ‘Why are you here?’ (laughs). When I was feeling down after being eliminated in the audition, NICO would tell me, ‘There’s always next time,’ and I think I was supported by her strong determination. Now, I see her as a lifelong comrade.”
── Looking ahead, what kind of idol do you aspire to be?
“I hope to become someone who can give others the same impact as the music I love!”
PROFILE
Natsu
Born on July 16th, from Kanagawa Prefecture.
Hobbies: Karaoke, reading, UFO catchers.
Special skills: Music production, creating 10-second catchphrases, sharing knowledge about cats.
Interview and text by: Kazunori Okubo Photographed by: Masaru Kumaki Stylist: Yuri Kasahara Hair & Make-up: Shiho Kato