Model and actor Mai Shiraishi, who was appointed as a new member of the popular segment "Gourmet Chicken Race Gochi ni Narimasu! 26" of the Nippon Television variety show "Guru Guru Ninety-Nine" (Thursdays at 8 p.m.), showed off her lovely brown uniform. Immediately after the recording of the second round, she talked about her current thoughts after two battles and her enthusiasm for the future.
Shiraishi was announced as a new member along with Seiya from Shimofuri Myojo on the January 16th broadcast, and competed with Takashi Okamura for last place, narrowly escaping disaster. From the second round on the 30th, Shiraishi will appear in her school uniform.
◇Comment from Mai Shiraishi
--What was the reaction from those around you after the new members were announced on January 16th?
I was very grateful to receive messages from many people saying, "I'm looking forward to it" and "I'll definitely watch it!" Reina Ichiki, a former Nogizaka46 member and Nippon Television announcer, also contacted me saying, "It's Maiyan!" and we both said, "I hope we can work together again!" I was very happy.
--How did you feel when you heard you'd be a new member?
I was happy and surprised. I was a little worried, wondering if I was the right person for the role, and if it would be okay. To be honest, I also felt a bit of pressure. Everyone was seriously guessing the price, and there was a big settlement at the end of the year... but I was happy that everyone welcomed me so warmly when I first appeared. I hope I can continue to enjoy it.
--What is your impression of "Gotchi ni Narimasu!"?
Of course, I've known them for a long time and have been watching them. I've always thought it was wonderful how friendly and family-like the Gochi members are. I actually joined the show, and as expected, everyone was very friendly and kind, and even though it was an individual competition, it was a warm atmosphere where we all talked together and made progress. I'm happy to be able to participate among such wonderful members.
--What is your impression of "Gotchi ni Narimasu!"?
I was really nervous when I came to the recording today because it was only my second time, and I couldn't sleep well the night before because I was so nervous... But everyone is so kind, so I think I'll gradually get used to this nervousness. Seiya, who is a fellow member of Gochi, is the same age as me, so that alone helps me emotionally, and I hope we can do our best together.
--Seiya, a new member of the same generation, answered in an interview with us the other day, "I want to get first place before Shiraishi, and I don't want to come in last so soon."
(laughs). Having competed twice, I felt that it was a battle with myself, but I also had a strong desire to take first place and not come in last. As a regular member, we started at the same time and competed against each other, so I think I might be hoping that I can get ahead of Seiya and get a better ranking each time (laughs).
--One of the members is also a female actor, Fuka Koshiba.
I'm quite shy, so I'm still nervous about how to start a conversation, but since we are the only two female members, I hope to become friends with her quickly.
--What do you think of yourself in your uniform?
It's embarrassing! I do feel like I'm not old enough to wear a uniform after all (laughs). However, I don't wear a uniform unless there's an opportunity like this, so even though I feel embarrassed, it's been a long time since I've had the chance to wear one, so I hope I can wear it in a natural way that doesn't seem like something I'm overly ambitious about. I chose this uniform because I thought of the atmosphere when I was a student and when I was in Nogizaka46. I've always admired brown uniforms, and the reason I chose this color is because I heard from the staff that there have been no female regulars who have worn brown uniforms so far.
--Have you gotten used to predicting prices and writing food reviews of high-end gourmet food?
I'm still not used to it at all! (laughs) Looking back at the first and second races, I feel like my predictions were a little off from what I expected, and I also feel like I made some pretty good predictions, so I hope I can make progress little by little.
--Is there any favorite food you'd like to try on Gochis in the future?
I like spiny lobster, but it's expensive, so I don't eat it often. However, I think it's an ingredient that I'll have a connection with someday in my work on Gochi, and I can eat it at a delicious restaurant, so if I have the opportunity, I'd like to eat it. Considering the price, I think it would be good to order it while considering various balances.
--You're going to be very busy with dramas and movies this year too, but what do you think your time on Gotchi will be like for you, Shiraishi?
The recording is fun! It's not just about price predictions, I've been able to participate in various games, and the conversations with everyone are fun, so I think it's going to be a place where I can relax and enjoy myself. It's a place where I can relax. After the first and second rounds, everyone has been really kind and helpful.
--Once again, as a new member, please tell us your enthusiasm for the future.
As a new member, I still don't know what to do, but I think this is a show that a lot of people will be watching, so I'd like to do my best while having fun, and I'm enthusiastic to show a new side of myself without getting too worked up. And of course, I want to do my best not to come in last!
