Rina Matsuda Rina Matsuda , captain of the idol group Sakurazaka46, will release her first photo book, "Matsuri no Jikan" (Gentosha), on January 20th. While active as a central member of the group, she also appears as a Thursday regular on the TBS morning information program "THE TIME," where she brightens up the show with her characteristically bright smile. It's been about eight years since she joined the group, so we asked Matsuda where she is now.
◇ "THE TIME," an event that gave me the determination to see it through
This marks his fifth year appearing on "THE TIME," and he frankly admits, "I get extremely nervous every time (laughs)." "I have to communicate clearly and without making any mistakes within the short time frame. I absolutely cannot get the time wrong, so my heart is always pounding."
She says that the work environment is one where she has learned a lot, saying with a smile, "It's an experience that is completely different from my usual activities. The announcers I work with are all kind and warm. It's like a home away from home from my group, and I'm happy to be able to go there one day every week."
Before going on stage, she prepares meticulously. "I know I'm not good at speaking, so it's essential that I organize my thoughts in my head. I check the script while putting on makeup in the morning and have a meeting with the director before going on stage." The presence of announcer Shinichiro Azumi, who serves as the general host, is what supports her on set, where tension can be intense. "I feel reassured knowing that Yasuzumi will definitely do something about it, so I just do what I'm told to do with all my might. No matter what the atmosphere, I'm not afraid."
One particularly memorable moment from the past five years was when, in conversation about Christmas songs, she answered, "I like Mariah Carey's songs," and was suddenly asked to sing by announcer Yasuzumi. "It was so sudden, I didn't know when I should finish singing (laughs). But now, whenever those moments come, I'm prepared to 'see it through,'" she said with a blush.
◇Sakamichi Group's first live concert at the National Stadium: "A performance that will go down in history"
She debuted in 2018 as a member of the group's second generation and has been active in the entertainment industry for over seven years. She cited being appointed as the second captain in 2022, succeeding Yuka Sugai, as a major turning point so far. "If I hadn't been captain, there were many sights I wouldn't have seen and emotions I wouldn't have felt," she recalls.
Her appointment as captain was announced on stage at a live concert, but she revealed, "I had experience as vice-captain, so I was kind of prepared for it." The role is by no means easy. "I'm the type of person who is always overwhelmed with my own concerns, so it's tough having to think about the group as well. I still struggle with how to get the members to focus in the same direction, and how to balance my role with the group." Even so, she emphasized, "Our core is our fans. That's the one thing I try not to waver from."
As captain, he is conscious of his daily posture and behavior. "Greetings, responses, and the way I approach my work. I try to be someone that others think, 'I'd like to emulate.' I'm not perfect, but I want to keep working hard to be a good example."
Last year, the 4th generation members joined, bringing a change in the atmosphere of the group. "The 3rd generation members have become very reliable, and I can sense a strong desire from the 4th generation members too. There is an atmosphere of everyone joining forces and aiming even higher." With the new lineup, they are scheduled to perform a live show at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in April this year. This will be the Sakamichi Group's first live show at the National Stadium, and they are enthusiastic, saying, "I want to make it a performance that will go down in history. And I want this to be a year in which we can show the meaning of standing at that venue."
Her personal goal is to "appear on TV more," and she said, "I would be happy if I could improve my skills, get my name known, and then connect to Sakurazaka 46." When asked what kind of work she would like to try, she mentioned city walk location shooting, saying excitedly, "I know it's difficult, but I was able to communicate more than I expected when I tried it before, so I'd like to do it again!"
While shouldering the future of the group, he also takes one step at a time in his solo activities. Keep an eye on the next step of this reliable captain.
