First Place in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the National Sports Festival! An Exclusive Scoop on the First Swimsuit Photo Spread of the “Real-Life Minami Asakura” Who’s Finally Arrived‼︎

She began rhythmic gymnastics at age 6 and competed in the National Sports Festival during high school. She is a talented athlete who has won first place in individual events. Currently active as a member of an idol group, she is drawing attention for her dynamic performances—such as doing handstands during live shows—that showcase her physical abilities.In this interview, we asked her about everything from what inspired her to pursue a career in show business to her feelings about taking on her first gravure shoot.

SNS During High School, When Social Media Was Banned

――Were you always interested in the entertainment industry?

Sakuramoto: I’ve been interested since elementary and middle school. A big part of that was discovering the joy of performing in front of an audience through rhythmic gymnastics. While the sport was often tough, I drew courage and energy from the artists and celebrities I saw on TV, and I always wanted to be someone who could inspire others someday.

—When did you start rhythmic gymnastics?

Sakuramoto: I started when I was six. I went to watch a rhythmic gymnastics class that a friend was taking, thought, “That’s so cool!” and decided to give it a try. I kept it up all the way through my senior year of high school, juggling both my school club and a club team.

On weekdays, I’d practice after school, and on weekends, from morning until night. I did dream of that glamorous, “high school girl” lifestyle, but since social media was banned in my school club, I didn’t have any romantic opportunities at all (laughs). I used to think, “Maybe I’ll get a boyfriend once I start high school,” but I never had any of those typical high school romances—I really did devote my entire youth to rhythmic gymnastics.

――You even took first place at the National Sports Festival.

Sakuramoto: When I was a sophomore in high school, I took first place in the individual “Club” event. Back in middle school, the training was so tough that I even thought about quitting, but people around me told me, “Wouldn’t it be a waste to quit now?” The atmosphere on the high school team was great, too, so I decided, “I’ll give it my all for three more years.” Looking back now, I’m glad I stuck with it.

――What led you to become an idol after that?

Sakuramoto: After I retired, my parents told me I could do whatever I wanted, so I majored in the arts in college.But as I was hanging out with friends and working part-time jobs, I realized, “I wanted to get into show business—I can’t just let myself drift along like this,” so I decided to audition for my current agency. That’s when they asked me, “Why don’t you try being an idol?” At first, I worried that I wasn’t cut out for it, but I didn’t want to let such a rare opportunity slip away, so I decided to give it a shot.

――Does your experience in rhythmic gymnastics help with your idol activities?

Sakuramoto: It’s been incredibly helpful. I’m good at memorizing choreography and formations, and I think being able to incorporate acrobatic moves like handstands is one of my strengths. It really feels great when the crowd cheers during a live performance. I’m also happy when people tell me I’m paying attention to even the tips of my fingers or that my posture is beautiful.

My strength lies in my supple, long legs

――How did you feel about taking on your first gravure shoot this time?

Sakuramoto: I’ve always felt shy about showing skin. But opportunities like this don’t come along very often, and since people have taken notice of me, I didn’t want to let this chance slip away. I decided to take on this challenge because I wanted it to be an opportunity for more people to get to know Tamaki Sakuramoto.

――During the shoot, you also showed off some poses typical of rhythmic gymnastics.

Sakuramoto: It’s been about five years since I retired, so there were moments when I thought, “I used to be able to do this better.” But the staff told me, “That’s amazing!” so I figured I must still be okay. During the jumping shots, there was even a moment when I slipped and took a tumble (laughs), but I think I was able to showcase my strength—the fluid movement of my legs extending all the way to my toes.

――I’m sure you’re looking forward to the fans’ reactions.

Sakuramoto: I am a little shy about it. In all my years as an idol, this is the first time I’ve been this exposed, so I’m nervous about what people will think. But I think I was able to express myself using my unique strengths, so I’d be happy if people focused on that. While continuing to give my all as an idol, I want to become a versatile artist active in various fields, such as acting and modeling.

PROFILE
Tamaki Sakuramoto / Born November 28, 2002. From Chiba Prefecture. Member of the idol group “ReverseTokyo.” For the latest updates, follow her on X (@tamaki_Cherry) and Instagram (@s.tamaki_28).