Artist Asaka Embraces Gravure Despite Mixed Opinions Surrounding Her Role in Yuru Camp △

“I want people to understand the profession of being an anime song singer.”

After nearly two years, your gravure work is creating quite a buzz. How do you feel about the reaction?

“I knew there would be mixed opinions about a singer doing gravure, but this isn’t my first time, and I accepted the offer after considering it in my own way. I didn’t expect such a strong reaction… However, I’m really happy that so many people have complimented me with comments like, ‘So cute!’ and ‘You have a great tummy!’ I see my gravure work as part of my multifaceted activities, with the hope of raising awareness about the profession of being an anime song singer. I hope that those who become interested through this will also want to learn about my side as an artist.”

How was the shoot after such a long time?

“It was so much fun! The shoot took place at the end of July, and I really got to feel summer more than usual this year. While doing my activities as an artist, I don’t often get to experience the seasons. Since I tend to spend a lot of time at home in my personal life, I truly enjoyed swimming and soaking up the sun this summer.

Since this was a great opportunity for everyone to see my work, I did a salt reduction diet a week before to reduce any swelling in my face and body. The day before the shoot, I only ate fruit, and on the day of the shoot, I maintained a pretty strict diet, only having a little honey no matter how hungry I was. But thanks to that, I was able to shoot in the best condition!”

What’s your favorite outfit?

“It’s the yellow swimsuit. I used to be hesitant about showing my stomach, but… actually, I’ve been really into weight training since last year and successfully lost 10 kilograms (laughs). With that in mind, I thought it would be great to wear a classic type of ‘THE swimsuit,’ so I chose it. I also tried lingerie for the first time, and I think we captured a pure, cute, and natural vibe in those shots.”

I love Mahjong enough to stop by a free Mahjong parlor.

ーーーIn addition to my main work as a singer, my hobby-related work in horse racing has been rapidly increasing. Can you tell us about a horse race that really got you excited while watching?

“This year’s Takarazuka Kinen. The favorite, Do Deuce, finished in sixth place, which was a big upset, but my pick, Broza Horn, came in first, resulting in a considerable payout. I love that horse racing has romance and dreams, and the horses run with various stories behind them. I enjoy watching both central and local races almost every day.”

ーーーApart from horse racing, is there anything you’ve been passionate about recently?

“Well, it’s not exactly recent, but I love Mahjong. I started learning it so I could play online with my father, who was stationed in Mexico. Now, I often find myself stopping by free Mahjong parlors. (laughs) My favorite hands are Mixed One Suit and All Pungs!”

ーーーYou turned 25 on October 7. What do you want to focus on moving forward?

“I want to continue challenging myself in various ways so that more people will come to know me as the anime song singer Asaka. I’ll be holding live performances in various locations across the country leading up to the end of the year, so I hope many will come and experience the unique atmosphere that can only be felt in person!”

Asaka  

A singer from Aichi Prefecture. Debuted in October 2016 as a high school anime song singer. She has performed the theme songs for anime such as “Yuru Camp△” and “Dosanko Gal wa Namara Menkoi,” and also works in voice acting, playing the role of Espoir City in the mobile game “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.” She has a birthday live performance in Nagoya on October 27 and plans to hold a live house tour in six locations nationwide starting in November.

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