Kisumi Amau Opens Up About the Mixed Emotions Behind Her Latest Photoshoot

Graduating from idol life

—This is your first time appearing on the cover! First of all, how do you feel about it?

“It’s definitely something special. My younger brother lives in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and whenever I’m on the cover of a magazine, he’ll message me saying, ‘Big sis Nozomi was at the convenience store!’ Hearing that really makes me realize that my work is reaching people across the country. One of my goals is to become ‘the woman you often see at convenience stores,’ so I’m filled with happiness!”

—In addition to shooting at a studio in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, you also did a photoshoot at a hotel and in the love hotel district in Shibuya, Tokyo. How was that experience?

“The shoot in the love hotel district was pretty embarrassing. I kept wondering how the people walking by were seeing me (laughs). Coincidentally, it was near a live music venue I used frequently during my idol days. It was a place where I used to walk quickly through all the time, so to end up doing a gravure shoot there it felt surreal. Since it was a nighttime shoot, there were also couples passing by. During breaks in filming, I’d watch them and let my imagination run wild, wondering, ‘What kind of relationship do those two have?’ It was a mixture of fun, embarrassment, and a touch of nostalgia. I hope people pay attention to the expressions that came from all those emotions blending together.”

—Which shot is your personal favorite?

“It was taken at the studio in Hayama—the one where I’m in the bath. I’m wearing an entirely beige swimsuit, and I think it resulted in a sensual photo that’s suggestive without actually revealing anything. I only just graduated from the idol unit ‘#2i2’ at the end of last year. Going forward, I’d like to explore more mature forms of expression, so I’m particularly fond of the beige swimsuit shots.”

—How has life been since graduating from idol activities?

“Since my debut in 2013, I’ve always worked as part of an idol unit. After graduating, I became simply an individual talent, so honestly, I was anxious. But thanks to gravure work like this and appearances at pachinko parlors, I’ve actually been quite busy. While I no longer perform live concerts, which means fewer opportunities to interact with fans, some people still come out to see me at pachinko events. In a way, pachinko parlors have become my live venues now.”

—Has pachinko always been a hobby of yours?

“I only got into it three years ago. In 2023, ‘#2i2’ performed the tie-in song for the pachinko machine ‘P Shin Hokuto Musou Chapter 4.’ Until then, I’d never played pachinko before, but since the opportunity had come along, I thought I’d give the actual machine a try in my private time. Beginner’s luck really is a thing. I started playing with just ¥2,000, and suddenly I won 10,000 balls—worth about ¥40,000. I thought, ‘Wow, there’s really a dream here.’ The ‘pikyun!’ sound effects, the stimulating lights, and the immersive feeling of gripping the vibrating handle when you hit a jackpot… The rush of adrenaline felt amazing, and ever since then, I’ve been completely immersed in the appeal of pachinko.”

A fighting spirit that refuses to give up!

—Pachinko has also led to work opportunities for you. Was there a particular event that sparked that connection?

“In 2024, I appeared on a YouTube variety show where I used a pachinko joke: ‘Tch, an even number? So I didn’t get into jackpot mode.’ It blew up online. Until then, my agency had told me not to publicly reveal that I played pachinko. But that joke was something only someone who actually plays pachinko would come up with. There was no hiding it anymore, and since it went viral, I was finally allowed to talk about pachinko (laughs). After that, I started getting more pachinko-related work.”

—From your pachinko jokes during your idol days to your bold gravure work, you seem to have a very proactive, fearless approach.

“I was never part of a huge idol group, so if I wanted to stand out in the entertainment industry, I had to actively make my presence known. I’ve always tried to leave some kind of impression, no matter how small or scrappy it had to be.

I’ve admired idols since I was little, and when I was in high school, I auditioned for Nogizaka46. I made it all the way to the final round, but I didn’t get selected. I think it was because of the frustration I felt back then that I was able to keep working hard as an idol for so many years and become the person I am today.

Back in my idol days, whenever I had to create an ID or username, I’d include letters like N (Nogizaka), Z (zettai/absolutely), and M (makenai/won’t lose), as in ‘I absolutely won’t lose to Nogizaka.’ I definitely had a competitive spirit. These days, though, I look at things much more calmly.

For example, Hinako Kitano, formerly of Nogizaka46, has been my friend since the time we auditioned together. She graduated from Nogizaka, got married, and is continuing to work hard as a solo entertainer. Seeing her like that inspires me.”

—Is there anything you’d like to challenge yourself with in the future?

“I want to try all kinds of things. Originally, I was actually more of an introvert. I didn’t think I was funny, and I honestly believed variety shows just weren’t for me. But the thing that ended up going viral was my appearance on a variety program.

You never really know what suits you or what people are looking for from you. That’s exactly why I don’t want to be picky. I want to challenge myself in as many different areas as possible.

I grew up in Edogawa Ward, so I take pride in having that downtown grit—or what you’d call a weed-like fighting spirit. I’d be really happy if people continued to support and encourage me!”

Amau Kisumi

She made her entertainment industry debut in 2013 and joined #2i2 in 2020. Following the group’s disbandment in 2025, she has remained active in gravure modeling and variety programs.

Recent personal favorite: HAND HABIT
Squishies

“I love things that feel nice to touch. Squishies are novelty items that you squeeze and enjoy for their texture, and I first discovered them through a TikTok Live stream I watched in April. There are so many different textures—soft and chewy, fluffy, gooey—you name it. They also come in adorable designs like animals and sweets, and I’ve already bought more than thirty of them. Kneading them helps calm me down and relax. At this point, whenever I have a free hand, I’m constantly squeezing one. I’m completely hooked!”

From the May 29, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”