Ayano Hamaura Takes on Gravure After Intensive Training Session with Tsunku♂

“I didn’t expect such a response”

— Since graduating from Hello! Project in 2020, this was your first gravure shoot. Can you tell us about the motivation for taking on this challenge and your impressions of the shoot?

“Every time I met fans at events or concerts, they would say, ‘I want to see gravure’ or ‘I want you to release a photo book.’ When I received the offer from FRIDAY, I thought maybe I could meet the expectations of everyone who had been waiting! I was filled with the desire to share this news with my fans as soon as possible. I was really able to relax during the shoot, so I think everyone will get to see the real me at 24.”

—Right away, the digital photo book has entered the top rankings of various e-book stores.

“I never expected such a response, so I’m surprised (laughs). We prepared six different outfits, and both the staff and I approached the shoot with a lot of enthusiasm, so I’m really happy that so many people are able to see it!”

—Currently, you are mainly active in theater. Is there a difference in your mindset between performing as an idol in live shows and as an actress on stage?

“In live performances, I repeat call and response while observing the audience’s reactions, creating an interactive experience. In contrast, theater is a one-way delivery of the work, which feels like a significant difference. However, I believe that both live shows and theater can leave the audience feeling inspired, like ‘I had fun today, so I’ll do my best at work starting tomorrow.’ I perform earnestly to be a source of encouragement for the audience.”

—Since becoming a trainee in Hello Project at the age of 11, she feels that her long nine-year idol career has laid the foundation for her current acting.

“Typically, trainees debut after about two years, but it took me four and a half years to debut. I particularly struggled with rhythm, so I practiced for three hours straight in front of Tsunku♂, working on the song ‘Genki Pikappika!’ (Morning Musume). Even so, many younger trainees debuted before me, and during my third year of junior high, when I seriously considered quitting, I was finally able to debut with Kobushi Factory. During the live shows, I was entrusted with lead vocals for the a cappella performances.

Looking back on my idol life, I have many memories of it being really tough. But it was through this experience that I was able to receive the Best New Artist Award at the Record Awards, and I believe it has led to the foundation for my current work in musicals and theater.”

 

Even after graduating from Hello Project, she meets with the members every year.

— The group Kobushi Factory disbanded in 2020 when leader Ayaka Hirose entered music college, but do you still stay in touch with the members?

“I feel like we meet quite frequently. During holidays like Obon and New Year’s, when our breaks overlap, we contact each other and make plans to get together every year.

Since being apart, I’ve really come to appreciate our close bond. While groups like Angerme tend to be lively and cheerful in the dressing room, Kobushi Factory members usually spent time in the dressing room individually. At that time, I never imagined we would meet this often after graduating.”

— What do you usually do on your days off?

“I love staying at home and playing games, often spending the whole day playing ‘Apex Legends’ (a competitive online game). Occasionally, when I post on social media about going out with friends, I get comments like ‘You have friends!’ But I have about four friends, so please don’t worry (laughs).”

— What are your future goals?

“I think it might be a bit late for a woman, but the people I work with in theater are very knowledgeable about cosmetics and beauty, and recently I learned about personal colors like ‘cool undertone’ and ‘warm undertone’ for the first time. I want to study fashion and makeup seriously.

Also, I recently took my first trip abroad to Korea. I’d like to become fluent in foreign languages like English and Korean. I believe that mastering beauty and foreign languages will broaden my acting range, and I want to take on various challenges in both my work and personal life. This gravure challenge is part of that, and I think there are many people getting to know me for the first time, so I want to keep pushing forward as an actress so that more people can get to know Ayano Hamaura!”

Ayano Hamaura
Originally from Saitama Prefecture. Former center of the Hello! Project idol group Kobushi Factory. Graduated from the group in 2020 and is currently active as an actress. She will hold a solo live concert, “AYANO HAMAURA SEPTEMBER LIVE 2024,” on September 15 (Sunday) and is set to appear in the stage production “World Trigger the Stage: Galopra Counterattack” starting in October.

To purchase the digital photo book, click here.