What If You Could Produce an Idol?: Unexpected Revelations from a Candid Idol Talk

“Is this the first time revealing that info!? Are you sure?”

Rui Takanashi from #BaBaBaBambi makes her debut in the latest issue of FRIDAY!

A self-proclaimed idol otaku, Rui attended over 100 live shows a year as a student while studying at the prestigious Nara Women’s University. But instead of pursuing a traditional career path, she chose to become an idol herself—overcoming her struggles with dancing through sheer determination.

Kotori Takanashi makes her first appearance in FRIDAY! Check it out here!

To celebrate her first FRIDAY feature, we’re bringing you a special idol talk from her “Rui’s Room” series on Zeroichi TV, featuring her close friend, NANIMONO’s Purin Nemigishi!

 

Kotori Takanashi: Today’s talk theme is “What if we hadn’t become idols?”

Nemigishi: Since I know you’re a science major, I’m really curious about your answer!

Kotori: I graduated from university before becoming an idol, but just a few months before joining #BababaBambi, I was actually job hunting. Since I was a chemistry student, I probably would have ended up as an office worker like everyone else around me.

Nemigishi: What kind of job were you looking for?

Kotori: I liked talking even back then, so I considered sales-related jobs. I also thought about working for a company that deals with innovative textiles. Some of my friends got jobs in companies making women’s underwear or skin-friendly fabrics, so I thought it would be nice to work in that field too.

Nemigishi: If someone as cute as you came in as a salesperson, everyone would definitely buy from you!

Kotori: VIP customer alert! (laughs) What about you, Purin?

Nemigishi: I’m still a university student, studying at a business school.

Kotori: Wait, is this the first time you’re sharing that info!? Is it okay?

Nemigishi: Yeah, it’s fine! (laughs) I originally went to university because I wanted to become an event organizer to help revitalize my hometown. Since I come from the countryside, I always had a strong desire to bring more energy to my local community.

Takanashi: Local love♡ That’s so wonderful. I also love my hometown. I can totally picture you there, Purin-chan…

Nemigishi: I can also imagine you as a salesperson, Rui-chan. A career woman. You would totally rock a suit.

Takanashi: Really? Wouldn’t I just look like I’m in KidZania? (laughs) But I’m glad I became an idol. Thank you for being an idol.

Nemigishi: Thank you too.

Nemigishi Purin showers Takanashi Rui with praise, calling her cute! Takanashi’s digital photo book “Tsubasa ga Nakutemo” is now available! A must-check for Nemigishi’s fans as well!

An idol group where everyone is ○○

Takanashi: The next theme is, “If you could produce an idol group, what would it be like?” What’s your ideal idol group, Purin-chan?

Nemigishi: I’d name all the members after sweets and make it a group like a dessert buffet.

Takanashi: Like “Cake-chan”?

Nemigishi: Exactly! A group that makes people hungry, and I’d want their songs played during lunchtime.

Takanashi: That’s a solid concept! Who would you include?

Nemigishi: Canelé-chan, Coffee Jelly-chan, Warabi Mochi-chan, Kuzumochi-chan.

Takanashi: Those last two would definitely have black hair.

Nemigishi: And also, maybe Éclair-chan!

Takanashi: That sounds like an Anpanman character! I’d love to make it happen someday.

Nemigishi: What about you, Rui-chan?

Takanashi: I already know what I like—I’m totally obsessed with black-haired twin-tail lolis. So, I’d create a group where everyone is a black-haired twin-tail loli. No other hairstyles allowed!

Nemigishi: Ehh!?

Takanashi: But then, maybe no one would be able to tell them apart. I might not be cut out for idol production.

Nemigishi: In that case, I’d create a group where everyone is Rui-chan!

Takanashi: How many members?

Nemigishi: Five! And I’d make sure every song has a dance break.

Takanashi: That sounds insane (lol). It would be total chaos.

Nemigishi: No way! It would be adorable!

Nemigishi Purin can’t stop praising how cute Takanashi Rui is! You can watch behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot on FRIDAY Subscription! ⬇️

Rui Takanashi / Born in Mie Prefecture, graduated from Nara Women’s University. Debuted as a member of #BABABAMBI in 2008. Known as an avid idol geek herself, she used to go to over 100 idol events in Tokyo a year when she was a student. On October 4 last year, she released her first photo book “Kotori Asobi”. On March 29 this year, the group will hold a solo live at GARDEN Shinkiba Factory to celebrate the 5th anniversary of their debut. For the latest information, please visit her X and Instagram (both @pipipi_br).

Negishi Purin / Born in Gunma Prefecture. In charge of yellow for NANIMONO, an idol group that caters to the incapacitated. For the latest information, please contact X (@ANIMONO_purin) and Instagram (@purin__oi4).’ On March 5, 2013, the video of the 2nd anniversary solo live concert held at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL last year will be released as a Blu- ray. For more information, please contact official X (@NANIMONO_idol).