Former Dempagumi.inc Member Mirin Furukawa Reflects on Her “Second Life,” Inspired by Shohei Ohtani

What are the chances of returning to Idol?

ーーWhat else did you write on your mind map?

“I wrote things like wanting to be a ‘mom talent’ or pursuing a solo career—totally personal things, so it’s a bit embarrassing… As an idol, I was supported by many people, but from now on, I’ll be on my own. So, I thought maybe it would be fun to play guitar or create original songs. I suddenly got this random ambition and started listening to songs by Aimyon and Masaki Suda (laughs).”

ーーDo you think there will be a day when we can see ‘Mirin-chan’ as an idol again?

“I’m really torn about that… I love singing and dancing, but I’m also wondering if it’s the right time to return to being an idol. If I were to do it, maybe it would be like ‘Dream Morning Musume’—I’d suddenly jump in with the younger members and say, ‘Let me dance to Future Diver!’ or something like that (laughs).”

ーーYour autobiography “At the End of Twin Tails, #Mirin’s Autobiography” will be published on March 14.

“This book is sort of like a ‘will’ for me. It’s a bit strange, but I’ve always had this fantasy about wondering how many people would cry at my funeral if I passed away. I want as many people as possible to cry for me at my funeral, and I’ve always said, ‘When I die, I want to write my will on Twitter.’

In the midst of that, I was given the opportunity to write a book. I wanted to leave behind how I feel now as an idol, and I hope that someday my children will read it. Even if it ends up gathering dust, I’d be happy if it sits on a shelf somewhere and people think, ‘There was an idol like her.'”

Having lived 16 years as an idol, “Mirin-chan” is now stepping into the second phase of her life.

“Denpagumi.inc has come to its end. Now it’s time for me to simply enjoy my life. Results and numbers are important, but there’s no need to get discouraged over them. I don’t want to push myself too hard—I want to do things that make me happy, that bring me joy, and make me feel fulfilled. I plan to enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest.”

You can watch a behind-the-scenes video of the making of Mirin Furukawa’s first and last serious gravure photo shoot, the final challenge of her idol career, available now on “FRIDAY Subscription.”

Mirin Furukawa is a gamer idol from Kagawa Prefecture. She has been leading “Denpa-gumi.inc” since its formation, and published her first book, “At the End of Twintails, the Autobiography of #Misuzu,” on March 14.