Kumi Sasaki, captain of the idol group Hinatazaka46 who recently announced her graduation from the group, attended a photo session and Q&A session on March 25th to commemorate the release of her first photo book, "Mekuru Hibi" (DONUTS/Shufunotomosha), which was released on the same day.
Sasaki will graduate from the group at the group's "6th Hina Birthday Festival" live concert to be held at Yokohama Stadium (Naka Ward, Yokohama) on April 6th. "I was active as a member of (the predecessor group) Keyakizaka46 and Hinatazaka46 for nine years. My idol life was truly supported by 'Ohisama' (nickname for Hinatazaka46 fans). I want to give back to everyone by putting all my feelings into my performance. I hope to have a good time with lots of people," she commented.
Regarding her nine years as an idol, she said with a smile, "I have no regrets about my life as an idol. I've been able to experience a lot of things. I've had a lot of experiences that I wouldn't have been able to have if I hadn't become an idol, so it's simply been a fun nine years."
When asked about her activities after graduation, she said, "(Until now) I've always thought about the group Kumi Sasaki, and the group's dreams were my dreams. My goal now is to find my own dream. I've had the opportunity to experience a lot of different things, so I want to use them as nourishment to find my dream."
She said that she would like to take a "long trip" after graduation, and said with a bang, "I want to go to the Netherlands. I like Van Gogh, and there's a Van Gogh museum there. Ever since I became a fan of Van Gogh, I've wanted to go there!"
When asked to rate her photobook, she said, "I've been thinking about it. I think this is all I can give..."Captain points". It's because I was allowed to be captain that I am who I am today." She appealed, "I want the fans who supported me to take a good look at it." The photobook is A4 size and 144 pages. It costs 2,500 yen.
