Interview translation: Sayaka models in Chinese magazine

First of all, thank you to Nihongogo's KORP for voluntarily translating this interview from Chinese. Thanks Korp for offering to do this ;___;

And thanks to S48's makistar for editing the translation! (no that voluntarily... D:)


Last Thursday, I told you about Sayaka modeling and being interviewed in the Chinese magazine Mina.

The interview was (obviously) in Chinese and I couldn't provide a translation until today.

So... Enjoy it!


AKB48 Akimoto Sayaka’s Life Experience

March 18, 2011

She really likes Shanghai; the people (in Shanghai) are great, as well as the city! Additionally, she very much wants to learn Chinese and to use it for her self-introductions. Having been born into a mixed family, Akimoto Sayaka seemingly should have learned more than one language. Although she modestly claims that English is not good enough, she feels that with fluency in English and Chinese will one only be fundamentally able to participate in worldwide communication.

“I really hope to interact with many people, so from now on I want to learn it properly.” Cheerful, optimistic, and matching together with her straightforward character, Akimoto wants to partake in even more communication. AKB48 can be seen in stage shows, songs, variety shows, movies, etc. In the course of experiencing these and improving oneself in every area, Akimoto receives help and encouragement from different people. Since leaving home and entering show business, she reminisces about life, “The most important thing in life is the relationship between people. Cherish gratitude. It’s a must!”

A few days ago, she became a regular guest on the variety show “Waratte Iitomo!”. She hopes that she “is able to become a completely different person.” And talking about the experiences of stage performance, Akimoto enthusiastically summarizes, “The so-called acting is rougly about not letting others to see the characteristics of Akimoto Sayaka.” Later, she doesn’t forget to murmur, “Recently, some members told me that my expressions on stage and after shows are completely different. I was probably unconsciously too absorbed into my own character!” All along she keeps her energy full of great effort and strives in advancing “to become an outstanding, well-rounded actress”, and recently she made it a goal to perform in CHICAGO The MUSICAL! This is perhaps what Akimoto Sayaka actually is; courageous, straightforward, persistent, just like her own catchphrase, “strong, noble, beautiful 20-year old Akimoto Sayaka.” (Ange's comment: Sayaka is 22, whoops, the magazine made a little mistake on this.)

Indeed, as a member of AKB48, and a former captain, the challenges and pressures Akimoto will face cannot be underestimated. “Character traits such as liking denim or cool styles of clothing, as well as being quite an active person, largely contributes to a male image, right?” The truth is, whether in her own words it is “easily her tone physique” or fishing out Oohori Megumi’s cell phone from a scalding hotpot on TV, you can see her courage take on a male character.



Q: Because Akimoto Sayaka is “strong”, does that mean you assume even more responsibility than other members? For example, tasks that require more physical strength?
A: It doesn’t have to be like that, right? (lol) Everyone is able to assume their respective responsibilities.

Q: “The day you are praised by someone, you write it down in your notebook.” Is this true? Right now, in your notebook, how many praises have you noted?
A: Because I don’t have self-confidence, I sometimes write it down. Lately, I’ve been remembering them in my heart. I’ve only written about one page. (lol) About halfway into it, I got tired.

Q: On a television show, you really threw yourself into imitating Ozaki Yutaka. Do you like this type of man?
A: Since I’m quite self-conscious, the person I like ought to be able to tolerate my type of personality. Speaking in this respect, I think…maybe, right?

Q: After Kouhaku Uta Gassen, you brought a complete box full of bentos back home saying it was “a shame to let it go to waste.” And then what? You ate it by yourself?
A: I put it in the fridge at home. Later, it was all eaten.

Q: Among the group, which members do you have the best relationship with? If you could become someone else, who would you wish to be?
A: Miyazawa Sae, Kobayashi Kana. I would really like to become Oshima Yuko.

Q: Has there been a time recently that you’ve wanted to cry your eyes out?
A: On the plane watching Toy Story 3, I was moved to tears.

Q: Which do you like more? Singing or acting?
A: I like both very much. Preferably acting. To me, its just like “Oh, I’m here. I’m still alive,” this sense of life purpose.


Established in December of 2005, AKB48 is a Japanese idol group.

AKB48, comprising of 48 members, is divided into 3 groups: Team A, Team K, Team B, each group with 16 members. AKB48 is associated with Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan and where regular performances are held at the theater (AKB48 Theater).


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Sayaka is the cutest thing on earth.

And she mentions Sae as one of the girls she has the best relationship... *____*

One thing called my attention: she wants to be like Yuko. Dear Sayaka, I prefer you being like yourself, Akimoto Sayaka :)