Miku Tanaka: “Among actors of my generation, I admire Mana Ashida.”

“I love the fact that I can capture the now of the moment.”

――Tanaka-san, often referred to as the “Gravure Queen of the Idol World,” what do you find most appealing about working in gravure?

“I think it’s wonderful to be able to capture the ‘present’ of that moment in a tangible form. When I look back at old photos, I can see how my expressions have changed over time. For example, in my first photobook, 1/2 Shoujo released in 2021, I was 20 years old and still a member of HKT48, so I think my expressions were fresh and very idol-like. However, in my second photobook, Kimamani., released this September, I had graduated from HKT48, and my surroundings had changed as I moved on to the next stage. My expressions seem more liberated, you might say. Rather than fresh, I think they give off a slightly more refined impression.”

――Your second photobook was shot in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast in Australia, correct?

“It was my first time in Australia, even including private trips. Just the fact that it was an overseas shoot really got me excited. When I started doing more gravure work, it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, so I couldn’t travel abroad easily. Since I was also active as an idol, most of my shoots were domestic, and there were many times when I’d travel from Hakata to Tokyo for a same-day shoot. That’s why being able to go overseas for a gravure shoot was such a big deal for me. I was thrilled to discover things like ‘This country has this kind of charm, and we can take these kinds of photos here!’ In Australia, surrounded by magnificent nature and foreign cityscapes, I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom. I also love animals, so I was delighted to touch a koala and feed kangaroos!”

The extraordinary feeling is fresh!

――Tell us about the highlights of this newly shot gravure.

“All the outfits were wonderful, but I especially liked the photos where I wore a white top that felt very wintery. This time, there were many stylish photos with a fashionable vibe, like something you’d see in a fashion magazine, and I was so excited, thinking, ‘I’ve always wanted to do a shoot like this!’ I feel like I was able to show a different side of myself. I can’t wait for my fans to see it.”

――You’ve also been active as an actress, appearing in the movie Saint☆Young Men and the NHK drama Omusubi. What appeals to you about acting?

“The ‘extraordinary experience’ of playing someone with a personality different from my own feels so refreshing. It’s fun to connect with various emotions, not just my character’s but also those of my co-stars. When I see the final product after all the hard work and hear people’s reactions, it makes me think, ‘I’m so glad I did this.’ Because life only happens once, I think acting, where you can experience so many different lives, is incredibly fascinating.”

――In the drama Class 3C Is Having Affairs (Nippon TV), your intense affair scenes with a high school teacher played by Yoshihiko Hosoda (36) became a big topic online.

“I worked hard in collaboration with Mr. Hosoda, the director, and the staff. Since I had the chance to play the role, I wanted to convey the charm of the character, Marin Sasaki, to as many people as possible, so I gave it my all. When that scene made the news, I secretly made a fist pump and thought, ‘Just as planned!’ (laughs).”

――Was there any actor on set who made you think, “Wow, that’s amazing”?

“There are so many, but among my peers, it’s Mana Ashida (20). When we co-starred in last year’s drama The Best Teacher: A Year Later, I Was Killed by a Student (Nippon TV), I was blown away by her acting skills. I’ve been a fan of Mana since the 2011 drama Marumo’s Story (Fuji TV), and I used to sing and dance to the theme song Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori! in front of the TV. Getting to work with her was such a joy, and I could feel firsthand how hardworking and extraordinary she is.”

――How do you spend your days off or spare moments?

“I play games at home or take care of my houseplants, but in autumn and winter, I mostly go for walks. Unlike summer, I don’t have to worry about getting sunburned, so I find time to wander down unfamiliar streets, enjoy the scent of osmanthus flowers, or drop by a café on a whim. I also take walks during downtime at shoot locations. Recently, for a Weekly Shonen Magazine gravure shoot, I visited a port town in Shimane Prefecture, and the nostalgic scenery, along with the faint scent of the sea, created such a charming atmosphere.”

――What kind of work would you like to do in the future?

“I aspire to work on commercials for cosmetics or jewelry—projects that involve sophisticated adult brands. In the future, I hope to become a graceful woman who suits such roles.”

Miku Tanaka, 23

A talent from Kumamoto Prefecture and a former member of HKT48.

She made her first selection in March 2014 with Sakura, Minna de Tabeta. After graduating in 2023, she has been active as a gravure idol and actress, expanding her career by appearing in works such as the NHK morning drama Omusubi.

My Best Recent “GAME”

“Puyo puyo.”

“I sometimes get so immersed in it on my days off that I end up playing for 3–4 hours. I first encountered Puyo Puyo back in kindergarten, when my dad used to play it on his flip phone. This fall, I bought a Nintendo Switch, and my passion for Puyo Puyo reignited! I might have gotten too good at it because when I play against my friends from my HKT48 days, I always win by a landslide, and they say, ‘Miku’s too strong; it’s no fun’ (laughs). I’m currently looking for opponents!”

From FRIDAY, December 27, 2024 issue.