Exclusive Interview with Tomoya Nagase, Former Top Idol Turned Motorcycle Racer, with Intense Passion

Even three years after retiring from showbiz, his Instagram followers have exceeded an astonishing 1.93 million!

Direct interview at Fuji Speedway

“Thank you for coming from afar!”

“We are fully aware that no reporters have come for us, but if there were any reporters who chose our race, we would actively consider accommodating them for interviews. (Omitted) We look forward to seeing you on the day.”

If Tomoya Nagase (45) says that much, one must go.

Accompanied by a photo of an angry face, Nagase himself requested coverage of a motorcycle race to be held at Fuji Speedway (Shizuoka Prefecture) on June 1 on his own SNS. Will he really accept an interview from FRIDAY, which once scooped up love affairs with charismatic divas and popular actresses? With doubts, the reporter flew to the scene.

On June 9th, though somewhat cloudy, Mount Fuji occasionally peeked out majestically. In one corner of the paddock, a crowd had gathered around a black mountain. Perhaps the announcement had paid off, as media and 20-30 fans had gathered. Tomoya Nagase, munching on a bento box, Tomoya Nagase smoking a cigarette. Fans aimed cameras and smartphones at every move of this charismatic figure. It’s been three years since Nagase left the spotlight. It’s amazing how popular he still is.

“The machine Nagase-san rides is a bagger racer (a large motorcycle capable of carrying lots of luggage). It has an engine capacity of about 2000cc, comparable to a car. Popular in the United States, it features a unique restriction where it runs equipped with pannier cases (boxes attached to the left and right sides of the body),” said a motorcycle magazine editor.

Driving such a powerful machine, Nagase steadily increased his laps. He zoomed through Japan’s longest 1.5 km main straight at a top speed of 240 km/h.

After finishing the race and returning to his tent, Nagase showed a relieved expression, wondering if he had given his all. It was then that someone called out to him.

–Will you be accepting an interview with FRIDAY?

“Of course! Thank you for coming from afar!”

–What did you think of the request for an interview on your own SNS?

“All of us, including myself, have spent years preparing for this (race). But as you can see, there are hardly any spectators. My old man used to be a racer, and I remember as a kid seeing the stands packed. I wonder why it turned out like this. I just want people to come, so I’m doing my best to help by promoting (it on SNS). I’m really grateful that people have come like this.”

–We saw some impressive cornering with your bagger racer this time. I actually used to compete in races myself.

“(With a big smile) Oh, you’re a bike enthusiast. I want to support not just performers and journalists, but anyone who loves bikes and those who actually ride them. If you want, I’d like to ride with you.”

–You have added the title of “racer” to your website?

“Oh no, if I’m a racer, then everyone becomes a racer (laughs). Well, whether it’s acting, singing, it’s all about expression. It’s others who make those distinctions; I don’t really understand it that well.

As for bikes, it’s just something regular folks do, so if a fool like me can do this much, I think smart people can do even more amazing things. So, I want to inspire them. There are plenty of people who would be frustrated if they couldn’t do what I can. I just think it’s enough for me to enjoy riding bikes.”

The final race in which Nagase and his team will compete is scheduled for November at Tsukuba Circuit. With his long hair and wild beard, Nagase, the rugged “man,” will surely welcome the visitors enthusiastically.

From the June 28, 2024 issue of FRIDAY