Mizushima Miyuu (Mizumin)

Discussion in 'AKB48 Members' started by ForrestFuller, May 5, 2022.

  1. x_lambs

    x_lambs Next Girls Stage48 Donor

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    i'm shaken, who is this beauty? in my mind I retconned miyuu to always have bangs/fringe and now this??

    if the video does not show watch the video here
     
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  2. otabe

    otabe Upcoming Girls

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    the return of the king
     
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  3. xabizalla96

    xabizalla96 Upcoming Girls

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    Dekomin is back
     
  4. Mana

    Mana Stage48 Moderator Staff Member Stage48 Moderator

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    Mizumin at the recent talk event without bangs! I prefer her without bangs :cute: (her original hairstyle and haircolor was the best :oops:)

    001.jpg 002.jpg
     
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  5. theamazingdaveman

    theamazingdaveman Kenkyuusei

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    Me too @Mana! Now she blends in too much with all the other girls. I don't know if it has anything with her loosing to Yumemin(s team) in the sports episode of Nemousu? I thought they were just joking :blink:
     
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  6. Ian905

    Ian905 Kenkyuusei

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2011
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    Oshimen:
    Mizushima Miyuu
    Yet another hairstyle just dropped, side parted! I think this style is my favourite. <3
    AK-003-2407-85476_p03_500~2.jpg AK-003-2407-85476_p04_500~2.jpg
     
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  7. donjonnie

    donjonnie Next Girls

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    Mizumin Driving!!

    if the video does not show watch the video here

    So staff wants to do filming project with Mizumin driving, but she says she's not ready.
    She took the driver's license 1.5 year ago, right after graduating highschool, but has only driven car twice since then.
    Also she doesn't know Tokyo streets well.
    Thus she asked for practice sessions

    Instructor seems friendly and helpful, from Tcode school
    He's quick at helping when Mizumin almost crashes lol (at 5:33) :^^;:

    In the end staff wants to go on with the project but Mizumin says she's still not ready and need more practice
    will we see part 2? [hehe]
     
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  8. donjonnie

    donjonnie Next Girls

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    We got part 2!
    I posted the video and some summary here:
    http://stage48.net/forum/index.php?threads/general-the-akb48-thread.180/page-1443#post-1833491


    ========================
    Recent double showroom with Aichan (Aug 8 2024)
    Full : www.youtube.com/watch?v=90poQck8B7I and www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTo5qviZPX4

    Clip: Bug talk with Aichan

    if the video does not show watch the video here

    Reminder that Mizumin really HATES bugs and will be in panic mode if she sees one. (maybe in Hokkaido there was not a lot of bugs)
    Thus she actually pays a lot of attention to bugs around her in order to avoid them.
    She insists that mosquitoes and flies make different sound, knows details of their legs and wings, etc [hehe]
    Aichan : "Isn't it better if you just don't pay attention so much to them?" :^^;:

    Also Nonchan taught a new word for Mizumin:
    SEMIFINAL = Last days of SEMI :^^;::rofl: (BTW "Semi" means Cicada in Japanese)
    Mizumin believed it lol
    Most likely fans trolled them with the Olympics being around and that word being used around. :XD:
     
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  9. Ian905

    Ian905 Kenkyuusei

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2011
    Location:
    Canada
    Oshimen:
    Mizushima Miyuu

    if the video does not show watch the video here

    It was uploaded a couple weeks ago but for anyone who missed it here is part 2 of Mizumin driving, featuring a trip to a safari park and the reluctant participation of Harupyon (a licensed and insured driver) who is very nervous to be riding with inexperienced Mizumin. Haruna insists Miyu keep both hands on the wheel at all times so she hand feeds her potato sticks and scolds Miyu whenever she does a peace sign for the camera lol. There's a touching moment where Miyu talks about how she wanted to audition for AKB48 after she graduated high school she found out her parents had already made a down payment on a college they wanted her to go to, but after discussing it with them they gave her permission to audition for AKB48 instead. It was mentioned earlier in this thread that Mizumin's high school was a prestigious all-girls school. Her parents probably expected her to take her education very seriously and attend a good school after graduation, so it's nice that they were able to put that aside and accept what she wanted to do, Mizumin even looked teary eyed talking about it.
     
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  10. Kuura

    Kuura Future Girls Retired Staff

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    Mizumin has started to grab my attention in recent days. Have read through this thread and saw some things that caught my eye (e.g. the driving lesson videos), but what TV shows/videos with 17ki/Mizumin would you all recommend to get to know her better?
     
  11. donjonnie

    donjonnie Next Girls

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    17ki have their own show called 17kenkyuujo (read as: "Ii na Kenkyuujo", or short: "I-ken") on NicoNicoChannel
    https://nicochannel.jp/akb48-17ken
    Fun to see their relaxed interactions with each other there!
    I'm still looking for the episodes where Mizumin has the funniest reactions, but any episode with her is great!
    Episode 11 (Oct 17) where Mizumin is cooking is very funny :D
    https://nicochannel.jp/akb48-17ken/live/smXezmVcjVUtNMeRGNi3VPZS
    [​IMG]

    Also very recommended to check out their 2023 Training Camp Day 1 and Day 2, SUPER FUN in my own opinion.
    Day 1 is free on Youtube :

    if the video does not show watch the video here

    While Day 2, officially you need to be subscriber to watch or just search 2023.06.04「AKB48 17研究所!合宿配信 DAY2」
    Some fanmade trailer of the fun of DAY2

    if the video does not show watch the video here

    Nemousu TV also had lots of gems of Mizumin and 17ki
    Season 39 ep 3&4 - 17ki Introduction
    https://x.com/EitoSubs/status/1564330578819928069
    https://x.com/EitoSubs/status/1566918721188335616

    Season 41 ep 09 - 17ki vs 18ki sports battle SPECIAL
    [​IMG]
    https://x.com/EitoSubs/status/1741137621252702661

    Extra : 17ki in Out Of 48 episode 43 and 44 - Preparing for promotion
    https://x.com/EitoSubs/status/1762611022358061312
    https://x.com/EitoSubs/status/1765106235937112178

    Also the Hokkaido Summit with all 4 Hokkaido girls

    if the video does not show watch the video here

    sorry for the long-winded answer :^^;:
    She also shines a lot on the theater/performances.
     
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  12. David61

    David61 Under Girls Stage48 Donor

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    UP-TENSION #13:

    [
    if the video does not show watch the video here

    (Correct video now posted by the channel)
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2024
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  13. David61

    David61 Under Girls Stage48 Donor

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    UP-TENSION #14:


    if the video does not show watch the video here
     
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  14. David61

    David61 Under Girls Stage48 Donor

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    Mizumin in the first of her two 'Why AKB48 in the Reiwa era?' videos from Weekly Playboy:


    if the video does not show watch the video here

    I've just received the card she signed for me in the recent online talks and she wrote a nice message in English on the back:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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  15. Ian905

    Ian905 Kenkyuusei

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    Canada
    Oshimen:
    Mizushima Miyuu
    @David61 her English is pretty good! <3

    Is she going to be appearing in an upcoming issue of WPB or is she just making those videos?
     
  16. David61

    David61 Under Girls Stage48 Donor

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    The day before I had the online talk I watched her in the '17 Kenkyuujo' broadcast and she said she was learning English so in the talk I tried speaking a little English with her but she didn't reply, maybe she didn't understand me or she didn't feel confident. Anyway her nice message on the card shows that she knows some English.

    In WPB's series 'Why AKB48 in the Reiwa era?' each member has a 2-part video and interview. This is the link to part 1 of Mizumin's interview which was published yesterday:
    https://wpb.shueisha.co.jp/news/entertainment/2024/10/17/124849/

    For each interview @donjonnie has very kindly and helpfully provided an English translation and I guess that one is on its way for this one? ;)

    Finally just to say that with Komi's graduation in February I'm wondering who will be my next group oshimen? At the moment Mizumin is looking like a front runner. <3
     
  17. donjonnie

    donjonnie Next Girls

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    @David61 thanks for the reminder!
    I haven't posted here for a while since it kept giving me error, but now seems like it's stable enough!

    WeeklyPlayBoy's Interview Series, [Why AKB48 in Reiwa] continues!

    This time it's Mizumin's turn!

    Mizumin's article, part 1 (Oct 17, 2024)
    https://wpb.shueisha.co.jp/news/entertainment/2024/10/17/124849/

    video:

    Translation assisted by ChatGPT (inform me if there are any mistakes!):

    AKB48 17th Generation Member Miyuu Mizushima:
    "I had already decided to go to paramedic school, but I decided to challenge my dream of joining AKB48"
    [Series: Why AKB48 in the Reiwa Era?]

    [​IMG]
    In 2005 (Heisei 17), AKB48 was born in Akihabara. It has produced countless stars such as Atsuko Maeda, Minami Takahashi, Haruna Kojima, Mariko Shinoda, Yuko Oshima, and Rino Sashihara, becoming a nationally recognized idol group.

    More than ten years have passed since then, the era name has changed to Reiwa, and new aspiring stars are joining the group one after another. In a different environment from back then, what do these girls think about joining AKB48? What are their goals? This in-depth interview explores the charm of these fresh members!

    In the 13th installment, we feature Miyuu Mizushima from Hokkaido, a 17th-generation member. She is known for her serious attitude and performances and is active as a selected member of AKB48. In this first part, she talks about her journey before joining AKB48, her athletic school days, and the audition process.


    ■ I’ve always been a crybaby since I was little

    — What kind of child were you?

    Mizushima: I was very shy and would always hide behind my mom or sister. But once I became friends with someone, I would talk loudly and sing.

    — What kind of relationship do you have with your sister?

    Mizushima: We’re three years apart, and until elementary school, we always played together. She would hold my hand and walk with me, but when we entered middle school, we barely talked due to adolescence. Now, though, we’re like best friends and talk about everything.

    — You’re from Hokkaido, right?

    Mizushima: Yes, I grew up in a pretty mountainous area, close to the sea and surrounded by nature. My kindergarten was in the mountains, and I would play by picking up nuts, playing tag, or using the horizontal bar. I think I was a pretty active kid. I also started baton twirling when I was two.

    — Two years old sounds early!

    Mizushima: My mom and sister were doing it, so batons were always lying around, and before I knew it, I started as well. It was a strict school, so the training was pretty tough.

    — Did you compete in any tournaments?

    Mizushima: I didn’t get many results in individual competitions, but in team competitions, we placed third in Hokkaido when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. I was the team leader back then.

    — Wow! And despite being shy, you were the leader?

    Mizushima: I have a strong sense of responsibility and wasn’t afraid to voice my opinions. I was really happy to be chosen as the leader, so I worked hard to lead the team.

    — What was elementary school like for you?

    Mizushima: I started overcoming my shyness. I would play really actively with my friends, but I’d still be shy around teachers. My shyness would come out depending on the person.

    — Were you part of any committees?

    Mizushima: My sister was in the broadcast committee, so I admired her and joined it too. I would announce the lunch menu and play music during lunchtime, but I was in charge of classical music on Wednesdays. I wasn’t knowledgeable at all, so I just picked CDs randomly since I couldn’t read the English titles (laughs).

    I was also part of the lifestyle committee. We would come to school early to greet everyone and check if they had their handkerchiefs and tissues.

    — That sounds tough.

    Mizushima: But compared to other committees, it was easier. The physical education committee had to lead exercises in front of everyone, which I was too shy to do. I preferred checking things for the lifestyle committee.

    — You weren’t the type to step out in front?

    Mizushima: When the teacher asked who knew the answer, I wanted to raise my hand and go up front, but when I was actually called, I got nervous and started crying (laughs).

    — You cried!?

    Mizushima: I’ve always been a crybaby, and I still am. Whether I’m happy, sad, or even angry, it all comes out in tears. But the next day, I’d calm down. I probably caused a lot of trouble for the people around me. I would let out all my emotions, and I was probably a handful as a child. When I asked my mom when I went through my rebellious phase, she said, "You’ve been in a rebellious phase since you were born." Apparently, it hasn’t ended yet (laughs).

    [​IMG]
    — What was middle school like?

    Mizushima: I had completely overcome my shyness and started talking to everyone. I wanted to make lots of friends, so I would actively talk to kids in other classes. By the end, there wasn’t a single classmate I hadn’t spoken to.

    — That’s some impressive communication skills! Did you have that much to talk about?

    Mizushima: With kids who were good at studying, we’d talk about schoolwork. I wanted everyone to think school was fun.

    — That sounds like something a principal would say!

    Mizushima: It does, doesn’t it?

    — Were you student council president by any chance?

    Mizushima: No, but I did volunteer to be the class representative. Our middle school was really strict; when moving between classrooms, we had to line up and weren’t allowed to speak. I would have to tell people off if they were talking.

    — What club activities did you do?

    Mizushima: I was in the track and field club. Since I was already doing baton twirling, I didn’t plan to join, but the track coach saw my 100-meter time and asked me to join. I told him I might not be able to commit fully, but he still wanted me.

    — So you were fast?

    Mizushima: I could run 50 meters in under 8 seconds. I was ranked 4th among the girls in my grade. I did the 100 meters and the 4x100 meter relay. But I wasn’t good at long distances—I would get so out of breath running 800 meters that I’d almost pass out.

    — It’s impressive that the teacher scouted you.

    Mizushima: There was only one person in our grade in the track club, so I think they asked me because the club was on the verge of being shut down. But after I kept telling everyone how fun it was, more kids joined, and we eventually had about seven members.

    — You saved the club from being disbanded. How did you do in competitions?

    Mizushima: Since I was doing baton twirling, I didn’t participate much, but our relay team made it to the semifinals of the Hokkaido competition.

    — That’s amazing! How were your studies?

    Mizushima: In middle school, I was probably near the bottom academically. I didn’t hate studying, but I just wasn’t good at it. I would copy notes but couldn’t retain the information, so I think I just wasn’t studying the right way.

    — What did you do in high school?

    Mizushima: I continued baton twirling and started high school as a manager for the track team, but eventually, I wanted to run again, so I became a runner.

    — Did you have a part-time job?

    Mizushima: It was prohibited at school, but we were allowed to work during long breaks, so I worked at "Gin no Sara" (銀のさら) for a while. I learned how to make gunkan rolls. The rice was already prepared, so I just had to wrap seaweed around it and weigh the ingredients to put on top.

    — I’m not sure that counts as making sushi, though (laughs).

    [​IMG]

    ■ A Close Friend Accompanied Me to Tokyo for the Final Audition

    — How did you first encounter AKB48?

    Mizushima: When I was in first grade, a neighborhood friend brought me some AKB48 photo cards. That’s when I saw Haruna Kojima for the first time and thought she was so cute. Her face was really beautiful, and she had this soft, fluffy vibe but also a strong core. Her personality was exactly my type, and I really liked her. After that, I became a fan of Mayu Watanabe and Yuki Kashiwagi, so I was basically a DD (someone who loves everyone). I even bought CDs and voted for Haruka Shimazaki in the Senbatsu General Election.

    — What made you decide to audition?

    Mizushima: I had wanted to audition since I was in elementary school, but when I talked to my parents, they said it would be impossible because we were in Hokkaido. They said it would only be possible if a 48 Group were created in Sapporo.

    But when I was in my third year of high school, right when I was deciding on my future path, the 17th-generation auditions were announced. My mom said I probably wouldn’t pass, but I should give it a try anyway.

    — If it hadn’t been AKB48, what path were you planning to take?

    Mizushima: I had already decided to go to a paramedic school in Sapporo. When I was in middle school, I collapsed with a high fever, and the female paramedic who came to help me was so cool. I thought I’d like to do a job where I could help people too.

    — Even though you had already decided on your future, you still auditioned for AKB48.

    Mizushima: I couldn’t give up on my dream of becoming an idol. I felt like this was my one and only chance, so I went for it.

    — It was your first and last chance, right? How did you prepare for the audition?

    Mizushima: I practiced singing. I wasn’t very familiar with it, so I went to karaoke and practiced. As for dancing, I thought I’d be okay since I had experience with baton twirling.

    — Do you remember anything specific about the audition?

    Mizushima: I thought I would be eliminated if I talked too much, so I didn’t talk to anyone. I figured it would be better to avoid small talk. When I get nervous, I tend to focus intensely on one thing, so I practiced alone in a corner before the dance audition.

    — So your fellow auditionees didn’t really remember you?

    Mizushima: But I was the only one without bangs, so they remembered me for that. They also remembered me for crying during the singing portion.

    — You did mention earlier that you’re a crybaby.

    Mizushima: I was crying the whole time. Even during the online screening, I was tearing up. When I later asked one of the judges what they remembered about me, they said their impression was that I cried a lot. Maybe my tears are what helped me pass (laughs).

    Also, for the final audition, I was the first to sing and dance. My entry number was 101, so I thought there would be someone before me, but I ended up being the first one. I didn’t like the idea of being the one to set the standard for everyone else.

    — Who did you go with to the final audition in Tokyo?

    Mizushima: I had never been to Tokyo or even flown on a plane before. When I told my mom, she said she couldn’t go with me, but she also wouldn’t let me go alone. She told me to either give up or think of another option. I didn’t know what to do, so I asked a close friend, and they offered to go with me. So the three of us went to Tokyo together.

    — What great friends!

    Mizushima: If they hadn’t come with me, I wouldn’t have been able to take the final audition. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I’m incredibly grateful.

    — The results were announced on the spot, right? How did you tell your friends?

    Mizushima: For us, it was a provisional acceptance, so it wasn’t certain yet, but they were so happy for me and started dancing to “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie.”

    — They’re quite lively! What was your parents’ reaction?

    Mizushima: They were like, "Are you really sure about this?" They had already paid for my vocational school, and they wanted me to follow a stable path, but in the end, they told me, "It’s your life, Miyuu, so you should decide for yourself." And that’s how I chose the path of AKB48. (To be continued in Part 2)

    [The series "Why AKB48 in the Reiwa Era?" is updated on Thursdays. The second part, where Mizushima discusses her relationship with fans and her determination as a selected member, will be published on October 24!]

    [​IMG]

    --------------------
    Funny how she was a DD [hehe] knowing her jokes as "Omoi Onna" with Harupyon :blush:
    Also thank you for choosing AKB, Mizumin, despite already having your next school fees paid already:flower:
     
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  18. Mana

    Mana Stage48 Moderator Staff Member Stage48 Moderator

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    Sep 11, 2012
    These pictures in the article are just great, Mizumin looks so beautiful :cute:
    It might just be the best pictures of her so far! Looking forward to part 2!
     
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  19. David61

    David61 Under Girls Stage48 Donor

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    Second of Mizumin's 'Why AKB48 in the Reiwa era?' videos from Weekly Playboy:


    if the video does not show watch the video here
     
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  20. donjonnie

    donjonnie Next Girls

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    Time's up
    WeeklyPlayBoy's Interview Series, [Why AKB48 in Reiwa] continues!

    Mizumin's article, part 2 (Oct 24, 2024)

    https://wpb.shueisha.co.jp/news/entertainment/2024/10/24/124925/

    video:


    Translation assisted by ChatGPT (inform me if there are any mistakes!):


    Miyuu Mizushima, 17th generation member of AKB48:
    “When I couldn’t make it into the selection, I wanted to go back to Hokkaido, but my mom said, ‘You can’t come home now.’”

    [Series: Why AKB48 in the Reiwa Era?]

    [​IMG]

    AKB48, which was born in Akihabara on December 8, 2005 (Heisei 17), has produced countless stars such as Atsuko Maeda, Minami Takahashi, Haruna Kojima, Mariko Shinoda, Yuko Oshima, and Rino Sashihara, becoming a nationally recognized idol group.

    It’s been over ten years since then, and now we’re in the Reiwa era. New star candidates are continually joining the group. What do these new members think about as they pursue AKB48? What are their goals? We bring you in-depth interviews to explore the charm of these fresh members!

    In the 13th installment, we feature Miyuu Mizushima (Mizushima Miyuu) from Hokkaido, a 17th-generation member. In the first part, we talked about her time as a sporty student. In the second part, she talks about her experience after joining AKB48, her first selection, and her relationship with fans.


    ■ I might have cried from nervousness, so I’m glad the debut was done online

    — You passed the audition for AKB48 while still in high school. It must have caused quite a stir at school, right?

    Mizushima: But since I passed around the time of my third-year graduation, I couldn’t tell anyone until my debut... But I had to inform my teachers about my future plans, so when I told them, “I’m joining AKB48,” they were like, “What?! You’re joining AKB?!” They were really surprised. The teachers were kind and said, “We’ll support you, so do your best.” They still cheer for me to this day.

    Also, at my high school, the students’ future paths are posted on the school bulletin board. My initial plan was to attend an emergency medical technician course, so there was some discussion about what to do with that.

    — I’ve never seen a career path labeled “AKB48”! Then you moved to Tokyo?

    Mizushima: I was really excited. I’d get to go to Shibuya, a place I admired. But I had heard that there are cockroaches in Tokyo, and since I really hate bugs, I was worried about that.

    — It’s said that cockroaches don’t appear as much in cold places like Hokkaido. At first, you lived with other members, right?

    Mizushima: Yes, I lived with Moka Hotei, Eriko Hashimoto, and Kokone Kohama, the four of us. We would decide the menu together and each cook what we could, then eat together. But once we got busier, we each started buying food from convenience stores.

    Since I was the oldest, I felt I had to take charge, maybe too much. I was probably too strict about housework. Living together came with various challenges, but having the other members around gave me strength, and every day was fun. It’s a great memory.

    — What was your first impression when you met your generation mates?

    Mizushima: I thought, “They’re all pretty quiet and reserved.”

    — In middle school, you were the type to talk to everyone, right?

    Mizushima: But not in high school... When I first entered the dressing room, a few people were already talking, and I thought, “They’ve already formed groups,” so I quietly put down my stuff and left the room.

    — You were that shy! How did you all eventually come together?

    Mizushima: For the first two months of lessons, it felt like everyone was still holding back. But once we started our own online show, "AKB48 17 (Ii na) Kenkyuujo!", I think we got closer.

    [​IMG]

    — Do you remember your debut?

    Mizushima: I was so nervous that my hands were shaking. I was on the stage I had always dreamed of, and I finally felt like I had become an idol. It was such a happy moment. Back then, due to the pandemic, the debut was done online, but I think it was a good thing. If fans had been there in person, I probably would’ve cried from nervousness.

    — How was your first event in front of fans afterward?

    Mizushima: Dancing in front of fans was so nerve-wracking, my smile was stiff. I was more nervous than happy. But everyone was holding glow sticks, and I was so happy to see that even someone like me had people cheering for me.

    — At first, you seemed to have a cool image, maybe because your expression was stiff.

    Mizushima: But once I was chosen as an understudy for senior members’ performances, and I started getting more chances to appear, I think I changed. I was the first of my generation to be called for Team B’s performance, and after that, I was able to perform for Team K and Team A. Through those experiences, I gained confidence, and the more I performed, the more I started to enjoy it instead of feeling nervous.

    — How do you get the opportunity to perform in a senior member’s show?

    Mizushima: The seniors or staff would ask me, and I’d start learning from there. But there wasn’t a teacher to guide me—I had to watch videos and learn the choreography myself. It was about ten songs in a month. I practiced without sleep, crying. Even now, I think back and realize how tough it was.

    — Being chosen despite not having dance experience is impressive.

    Mizushima: I think I’m really serious by nature. I always want to do my best with the tasks I’m given, to put in the effort. I think that’s why I was chosen—because I didn’t slack off in any of my activities. I was happy to hear, “We trust Mizushima, so we want to ask you.”

    ■ I’m fired up with the determination to lead the new stage show!

    — You have a lot of passionate fans, don’t you?

    Mizushima: I’m really supported by my fans. I’m the type who shows all my emotions, and they accept my various whims and requests. A lot of them say, “If Mizumin says she’s going to try her best, then we’ll support you all the way. Just keep looking forward and work hard to become your ideal idol.”

    — You’re the type to show your emotions.

    Mizushima: Yes, I often hear, “What’s great about Mizumin is that you show everything on the surface. I like how easy it is to understand you.” I’ve cried a lot. In the beginning, it was mostly out of frustration, but recently it’s been more from happiness. I’m glad I’ve had more opportunities to cry tears of joy with my fans.

    — You share your joys and sorrows with your fans.

    Mizushima: Yes, I sometimes even share my struggles with them, but I really enjoy that time together. The time I spend with my fans is the most fun for me.

    — When you talk about frustration and happiness, it seems to relate to being selected as part of the main group. You weren’t chosen for the 61st single Doushitemo Kimi ga Suki da or the 62nd single Idol Nanka Janakattara, even though three other 17th-generation members were selected.

    Mizushima: At the time, I was already performing in senior members’ shows and receiving a lot of solo work, so it was really frustrating. I felt like, “What more do I need to do?” I was really down, thinking, “If I can’t make it even after all this, maybe there’s no hope for the future.” I even thought about going back to Hokkaido.

    — How did you overcome that feeling?

    Mizushima: The support from my fans played a big role. They said things like, “We’ll support you no matter what. You’ll definitely make it next time.” Thanks to their words, I was able to keep going. Also, when I told my mom I wanted to go home, she said, “You can’t come home right now.” Normally, she’d say, “Come home whenever you want,” but that time she said no.

    — It sounds like she was encouraging you not to give up. And it seems that paid off, as you were selected for the 63rd single Karacon Wink, released in March this year.

    Mizushima: I was incredibly happy. Finally. Well, it’s only been a year and a half, so it’s not like I waited for ages, but I felt like I had finally reached a goal I’d been aiming for. I also felt that the timing was perfect. It was because there was a time when I couldn’t make it, and because I had felt frustrated, that both I and my fans were so happy when it finally happened.

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    — What’s the most enjoyable part of your activities now?

    Mizushima: It has to be performing on stage. I love singing, dancing, and making eye contact with the fans.

    — You were selected as one of the initial members for the original new stage show starting on December 8, the first in about eight years.

    Mizushima: I’m really happy, but at the same time, I wondered, “Am I good enough for this?” I was thrilled because it’s a place I’ve always admired, but when I perform with my seniors, I realize just how much I still lack. But since they chose me, I feel fired up, determined to lead the way forward. I want to give it my all.

    — In what areas do you feel you’re lacking?

    Mizushima: I feel like I don’t have the observational skills to pay attention to what’s happening around me. When someone makes a mistake in the choreography, the seniors immediately notice and help correct it, but I’m still too focused on doing my own part. I’m also not great at MCing or keeping the energy up during performances, so I think I have a long way to go.

    — In what ways do you want to contribute to AKB48?

    Mizushima: I’d like to draw more fans to handshake events, and I also want to attract younger fans who’ll say, “I saw Mizumin in my first theater performance.” I hope to lead AKB48 through my stage performances.

    — How do you feel when you look at the current AKB48?

    Mizushima: Everyone is really driven and has clear goals. It feels like we’re all in a warm-up period, preparing to rise to new heights together. There’s this sense that everyone’s ready to give it their all.

    — What’s your personal goal?

    Mizushima: Watching my peer Airi Sato being chosen as center made me want to become someone who can be selected for a center position, someone trusted to take on important roles. Personally, I want to release a photo book and hold a solo concert. I’m already thinking about a setlist!

    — What does AKB48 mean to you?

    Mizushima: It’s a place that helps me grow. I’ve come to like myself the most I ever have. There were parts of myself I didn’t like before, but now I feel like I’m shining as I work hard toward a single goal. I think I’m at the brightest moment of my life, and I’m genuinely grateful, happy, and blessed to be in AKB48.

    [The series "Why AKB48 in Reiwa?" is updated on Thursdays. The next installment will feature Eriko Hashimoto on November 7!]

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    Her mom forbade her to come home and give up during the crucial moment :cry:
    Today she's back home as senbatsu member in the Hokkaido tour!

    She had an appearance at HBC Radio with Kohi:
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    https://x.com/AfterBeat_HBC/status/1849391789163298912
     
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