[Special Dialogue] Osawa & Akasaka Share Hopes for a Full Hikaru GENJI Comeback

I couldn’t forgive myself as the lead actor

After debuting in 1987, they sold 12 million CDs in just about eight years of activity. On Valentine’s Day, they received enough chocolate to fill 45 4-ton trucks—Hikaru Genji was a legendary super idol group. Following their disbandment in 1995, rumors circulated about tensions and discord among the members. However, 30 years later, former members Mikio Ōsawa (56) and Akira Akasaka (52) have reunited. On April 20 of this year, they launched a new radio show called “Mezase! 7NOTES Itsuka Kitto” on RADIO LUSH, a local FM station in Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. During their group days, the age difference meant they rarely spoke to each other—but now, the two reflect on their past struggles.

The first part of the interview is titled: [Special Talk] Mikio Ōsawa × Akira Akasaka: Let’s Do Hikaru Genji Again – “It’s true we barely talked back then.”

Ōsawa: It’s true that right after I left, I went through a phase where I rejected everything—Hikaru Genji, the agency we were with at the time. But now, that’s no longer the case. In fact, I’m welcoming it all back. It might sound strange coming from the guy who quit, though.

Akasaka: Still, I totally understand how you felt when you left. We had to wear those frilly, cute outfits and dance around on roller skates forever. Naturally, there was a fear of, “How long can we keep doing this?” That’s why I went to college—just in case I ever left showbiz.

Ōsawa: In my case, I started getting more interested in acting during the group’s active years. But because I was with a big agency, I’d get lead roles even ahead of seasoned actors whenever I landed a job. I couldn’t forgive myself for that.

Akasaka: I think everyone felt that way, to be honest. I was often cast in musicals through the agency slot, and fans would come see me. But once I was actually on stage, I realized I was worse at singing and dancing than the ensemble cast. That was a shock. So, I started going to vocal training and doing everything I could to catch up.

Akasaka also went through tough times, including two arrests for drug-related offenses, which led to a hiatus from show business. He later relocated to Miyako Island, where he’s been based for 11 years now.

Ōsawa: I think I found out from a breaking news bulletin during the day—“Former Hikaru Genji Member Akira Akasaka Arrested.” I got chills. I was just stunned.

Akasaka: I really can’t say anything but “I’m sorry.” My mom still has a trauma response whenever she hears the news jingle— “tirolirorin, tirolirorin.”

Ōsawa: But you’ve already paid your dues. That’s all in the past. You’re doing solid now, so I think it’s fine to say, “No problem.”

Akasaka: Going forward, what I really want to do is theater. Mikki (Ōsawa) has even directed movies, and I’d love to act on stage together someday.

Ōsawa: When it comes to live shows, we each have our own artistic visions. So it’s not like we can just say, “Let’s do it” that easily.

Akasaka: Maybe just a guest appearance—jump in and sing one or two songs? That could be fun. Since we’re both actors now, I think there’s a lot we can explore as performers.

Ōsawa: At this age, to be able to do something with Akira again makes me really happy. For now, I just want to keep the radio show going. And if something new comes out of that, it would be the best thing ever.

From the July 18-25, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”