Ayako Fuji to release bikini-clad photo book in April: “I would like women to see it, too.
Enka singer Ayako Fuji’s photo book will be released by Kodansha on April 15. Some of the photos in the book, which is currently available for pre-order, were first shown on the cover and first 10 pages of the gravure of “FRIDAY” on February 10.
Ayako Fuji exclusively confesses why she decided to do a photo book now!
–Why did she try a photo book?
I feel that I am an expressive person before I am a singer. Having my picture taken is also an expression, and cooking and social networking are also expressions. Everything that I send out is an expression. That’s why the moment I heard about the photo book, I thought, “Really? I want to do it! Can I do it? I want to do it! I want to do it! I want to do it!” I was like that.
–Episode on the set
I didn’t mind wearing a bikini because I had already lost weight, but the sea in Ishigaki Island in November was cold (laughs). The photographer said, ‘Oh, cute! That’s good! (laughs). I was very happy to hear the photographer’s intuitive words, “Oh, you look so cute! I think the most flattering compliment is “cute”. I would definitely prefer “cute” to “beautiful” or “beautiful”. It’s the same even at my age (laughs). (laughs) I still get embarrassed when people say ‘cute’ to me.
— “I’ve lost a lot of weight for the photo book.
Hiromi Go used to go to the gym every day. She used to go to the gym every day, even when she went to the countryside. At the time, I was like, ‘This is unthinkable! It’s impossible! I was like, “No way!
However, once the switch was turned on, I was the type of person who would go all out (laughs). (laughs) I’ve always had guts, ever since my minyo days before I debuted as an enka singer. By the way, I gave up my favorite drink about three years ago. There is nothing that tastes so good and is so enjoyable, but I managed to endure it and quit drinking.
–Why did I quit drinking?
The thing that made me quit drinking, which I love, was when I saw a picture of Jennifer Lopez at 50. I saw a picture of Jennifer Lopez at 50, and I thought, ’50 and this body? What are you doing? What are you doing to cut sugar? That’s what I’m doing. …… I stopped drinking alcohol. That’s how I was able to quit.
People can change, no matter how old they are. When you are young, it’s okay, you can manage. But as you get older, you have to eliminate things that are not good for you in order to take care of yourself. Living a beautiful life is not just a matter of living a long life, but as an expressive artist, I must not leave the stage unless I am satisfied with the way I look. You only have one life. If I don’t live a nice life, I’ll feel sorry for myself, won’t I?”
–To the readers of the photo book
I want everyone to see me as I really am, not in a kimono or dress. I want everyone to see me as I really am, not in a kimono or a dress, and I want not only my male fans but also many women to see that.
Ayako Fuji’s photo book (to be released on April 15) is now available for pre-order at bookstores and online bookstores! (To pre-order on Amazon, click here )
