Maki Goto’s Favorite Backshot in White Swimsuit
Gomaki's latest photo book was a huge hit as soon as the information was released, and the book was reprinted before its release. Gomaki, who continues to be at the forefront of the industry even as he marks his 25th anniversary, reveals behind-the-scenes stories about the photo shoot and his thoughts on the book.
“If I were to shoot a photo book now, it would turn out to be a wonderful work,”
―― Congratulations on your 25th anniversary debut. Can you tell us about the feelings you put into your latest photo book, flos?
“Last autumn, I suddenly felt like, ‘If I shoot a photo book now, it would turn out to be a wonderful work.’ The staff were the same as for ‘ramus’ three years ago, so I was able to approach the shoot in a natural way. I think I have a softer expression. In the previous work, even when I was told ‘Please smile,’ I could only shyly manage it, but now, smiling is ‘normal’ for me. In fact, I’m now often asked to give a cool expression. I think I’ve become more relaxed and I feel my own changes.”
―― Why do you think you’ve become more calm?
“Until now, I’ve lived without social media, so I think there was a part of me that kept my private life separate from work. But recently, I’ve started posting routine videos on YouTube, doing Instagram live, and talking more about daily events on social media. I’ve started saying things I want to say to my fans. I’ve become more natural. It feels more comfortable to interact with my fans as my true self.”
―― Why did you choose Yamagata as the location for the shoot?
“I was looking for a location with snow. The shoot was at the end of February, and if it was sunny, the snow would start to melt, so I found a place with a lot of snow and shot there.”
―― You also did a shoot in Jeju Island, Korea. How was it?
“I chose it because it was a place I had never been to and felt fresh. When we shot there, it was the rainy season in Jeju, so it didn’t really feel like a resort area. I’ve always liked Korea and often went to Seoul, but I had never seen the sea in Korea, so it was fresh to shoot in such an open location. I also love Korean food, so I was deciding on meals from morning to night, like ‘I’m definitely going to eat budae jjigae.’ I kept saying ‘budae jjigae, budae jjigae’ over and over again so everyone wouldn’t forget it (laughs). Our schedule was tight, and the only time I could relax was at dinner, but the grilled abalone was really delicious. Also, there were stray cats in the town. Whenever I saw them, I couldn’t help but want to touch them. I was healed in between shoots.”
―― What is the meaning behind the title of the new work?
“The previous work, ramus, meant branch in Latin. This time, I chose flos, which means flower, to represent the idea of growing from that branch.”
―― Do you have a favorite shot?
“There was a white dress swimsuit that I really wanted to wear from the costume fitting. Actually, it shows my body line, so I wouldn’t be able to wear it without confidence, but I wanted to try it. My favorite shot is the back shot. There’s a sexy snapshot of overseas celebrities showing their back and turning around, and I wanted to take a similar photo. I was so particular about it that I even re-shot this scene at the hotel pool on the last day.”
―― Did you pay a lot of attention to body shaping?
“Actually, not much. The only thing I did was some light exercises to lift my hips. I’d do things like raise my legs while brushing my teeth in my spare time. I didn’t really think, ‘I need to get in shape because I’m shooting a photo book.'”
―― It’s amazing that your body shape hasn’t changed.
“On the contrary, I tried not to lose weight. When shooting a photo book, there are costumes that show a lot of skin, so I prefer to be a little fuller rather than being too thin.”
“We will have a bus tour for the fan club.”
――Speaking of surprises, your gaming streams on the YouTube channel “Gomaki no Guild” have become quite popular.
“I’m the type who would keep playing games if I had the time. Recently, I’ve been playing ‘Apex Legends’ and ‘Elden Ring’ quite a lot. It’s a great way to pass the time.”
――Is there anything new you’d like to try in the future?
“I’m going to have my first fan club bus tour in February next year.”
――A bus tour with Gomaki?
“It all started because I said I wanted to go strawberry picking, and then the idea turned into a bus tour. It’ll be my first time spending the whole day with fans from morning to evening, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
――Are there any personal hobbies you’re into lately?
“I’ve watched every Korean movie and drama. I really love actress Kim Tae-hee. I even wish I could look like her. If I could be reborn, I’d want to be Kim Tae-hee from the drama ‘Jang Ok-jung’ (laughs).”
――Any message for readers looking forward to your new photo book release?
“The new photo book has more pages than the previous one, and it really shows a more natural version of me. Some fans have even gone on pilgrimages to the locations where the photo shoots took place, which makes me so happy. I’d love for you to visit places like Yamagata and Jeju Island too.”
Maki Goto, 39 years old,
Debuted in 1999 as a third-generation member of “Morning Musume.”
The song “LOVE Machine,” where she served as the lead center, became the group’s first million-seller.
In November 2024, her latest photo book, “flos,” was released by Kodansha after a three-year hiatus.
Recent My Best GAME
“Elden Ring”
I wasn’t that fond of the Super Famicom era, but around my mid-twenties, I got hooked on games. Now, as long as I’m feeling good, I could play all day. If I have a free day, I can play as long as I don’t have to eat or take a bath. Especially with Elden Ring, I was playing for such long hours that it felt like it was bad for my health. When I turn on the PS5’s Share Play function, I can watch my friends play, which has become a really great way to pass the time.
From FRIDAY, December 13-20, 2024 issue.
PHOTO： Yasuhisa Kikuchi Interview and text by： Koichiro Umeki
