Asuka Saito's "Quick Japan" vol.175 will feature a 20,000 character interview and 90 pages of all-out special feature

■A thorough look into Asuka Saito, who was loved by many fans regardless of gender, but at the same time had an elusive personality!

Asuka Saito will appear on the front cover feature of “Quick Japan” vol.175 (released December 11th). Prior to its release, the contents were made public.

For the past 10 years, Asuka Saito has been loved by many fans, both male and female, but at the same time had an elusive personality. Beautiful and powerful performances, words with mysterious persuasive power – how will she carve out her future as an artist on the next stage, having effortlessly changed her image as an idol?

It is a 90-page special feature that approaches her aesthetics and beliefs through new gravure photos taken by photographer Jun Komiyama, long interviews with the actress, and testimonies from related parties and staff.

■Large photo story and interview that explores the person’s cultural roots
The special photo story at the beginning of the book is newly taken by photographer Shun Omiyama. Based on interviews with her about her cultural experiences, she expands her image and expresses her unique worldview.

The first part of the special feature, “What shapes Asuka Saito – movies, literature, music,” is a detailed discussion of 12 works that have had a major influence on Asuka Saito. In terms of movies, he has released “PERFECT DAYS” (directed by Wim Wenders), which will be released in 2023, and “Yuka on Monday” (directed by Yasushi Nakahira), which depicts a girl who lives the night life in Yokohama after the war, and in literature, he has been a fan for a long time. In addition to the works of Kenzaburo Oe, who professes to be a “Bible of investigative reporting,” we also introduce non-fiction by Kiyoshi Shimizu, who has been called the “bible of investigative reporting,” as well as numerous masterpieces by Ryu Murakami and Kazuo Ishiguro. Regarding music, he talks a lot about his favorite songs, which he has never talked about before.

In the long interview, “How does Asuka Saito view the world?”, he was asked about the changes in his state of mind from before and after graduating from the group to his current job. The interviewer will be Takashi Kazuki, a writer who has been following her activities since her group days through “Nogizaka46 no Dramaturgy” (Seikyusha).

■What is Asuka Saito’s rare talent? 10 creators talk about their hidden feelings
Furthermore, in the collection of testimonies by 10 creators who worked with Asuka Saito, “Saito Asuka Chronicles: From a Solitary Girl to a Rare Artist,” Nogizaka46 video producer Takahiro Kanamori, “Nogizaka46 Artworks Almost All Exhibition,” “Spring/Summer” Mikami Honnobu, who was in charge of direction for “Autumn/Winter/Four Seasons Nogizaka 46”, talks about her journey since her days in the group from their respective perspectives.

In addition, the movie “Keep your hands off Eizouken! ‘ Director Tsutomu Eid and Nogizaka46’s ‘Here Not A Thing’ MV director Keiichi Kobayashi analyze Asuka Saito’s appeal as an actor. A wide variety of other creators, including stylists, hair and make-up artists, and photographers will tell you all about her charm.

In addition, the special project “One Month of Asuka-san” includes recent personal notes and photos by the person himself. This is a special feature that thoroughly delves into the rare talent of “Asuka Saito” from every angle.

■Special cover version available only at QJ store
“Quick Japan”‘s official e-commerce site “QJ Store” also sells special covers exclusive to the QJ store that use unreleased other cuts. A portion of the sales will be donated to support reconstruction efforts following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

*Image is temporary. The cover of “Quick Japan” vol.175 is planned to have a new photo taken by Shun Komiyama.