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Anna is a 24-year-old front woman hailing from Tokyo (via New Zealand, the Philippines and Hong Kong). Since forming the band back in 2013, the Japanese girl group of four released two albums; “The One” and most recently “CANDY” this year. Here she talks to StellaSport about making it as a young woman in the music industry and how sport helps her prepare for going on stage.

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Q: Your style combines active wear and fashion, what do you like about mixing those styles?

A: I love moving my body so comfort is a priority when I pick my outfits. That’s why I naturally end up wearing something sporty. But I also don’t want to look like I just came from a run, so I try mixing up my looks with more fashionable pieces.

Q: Have you always liked fashion?

A: I’ve always been into fashion but I like to maintain my athletic style. When it comes to fashion, what’s most important is that I feel like myself.

Words by Anna, images by Monika Mogi, questions and edited by Iona Goulder.

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Q: What are you favourite sports or classes to do before a show?

A: I usually jump rope for 10-20 minutes before hopping on stage since it can be done in a small room. I also just jog in place if there’s even less room. It doesn’t have to be anything intense. The important thing is that I get some sort of exercise.

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Be strong. Be authentic. Be true to your heart. There may come a time when you meet people who try to shape you into something you’re not, so just know that you don’t need to change.

Anna, FAKY (via adidasstellasport)

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Q: Do you think it’s important to make time for fitness and exercise in your routine?

A: Definitely! Not only does it keep my body healthy, but it also helps set a positive state of mind. Exercise is where I can sweat off any negative energy. So I usually do some easy workouts at home or go for a jog around my neighborhood. And then of course, there’s dancing. Indoors, outdoors, wherever really!

Q: Do you find that exercise can help you prepare for performing and getting you into a good state of mind?

A: Oh yes, I know it does. I need to wake my body up prior to singing so I always jump rope before shows. That way, I also won’t get tired all of a sudden after one song.

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Q: Is Tokyo a good city for young creatives?

A: I think Tokyo is such a unique city and there is always something new to discover. You meet all kinds of people and it’s a lot of fun! But that could also cause confusion at times. So as long as you hold on to yourself, it’s an amazing place to be.

Q: What advice could you give to anyone thinking of embarking on a similar career path to you?

A: Be strong. Be authentic. Be true to your heart. There may come a time when you meet people who try to shape you into something you’re not, so just know that you don’t need to change. You know what’s best for you. Hold onto your dreams, and work for them. Chances come to those who are ready.

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I like chill music so I also listen to a lot of R&B. But mainly, I love listening to music that touches my soul.

Anna, FAKY

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Q: What have you learnt from living in Tokyo and starting out as a young woman in the music industry?

A: I’ve learned that you really need to know what you’re doing, because it’s so easy to get lost in such a crowded and busy city. I think you need to take a step back once in a while and ask yourself if you’re doing “you”. It’s really important to surround yourself with the right people too. Make sure you have people around you who want the best for you and who’ll keep you grounded.

Q: Who are your biggest music icons?

A: It may come as a surprise since my group sings more pop and dance tunes, but I’m a huge fan of Sam Smith. His voice is so beautiful and there’s so much heart in his songs. I went to his concert last year and literally sobbed my way through his performance. I like chill music so I also listen to a lot of R&B. But mainly, I love listening to music that touches my soul.

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Q: You were born in New Zealand but now live in Tokyo. Does the city feel like home?

A: I grew up in four different countries, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan – but I’ve been in Japan the longest so it definitely feels like home. I moved to Japan 14 years ago, and though I do miss exploring the world and living in different places, Tokyo helps me learn more about myself. And most importantly, I have family here!

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Game Centres and Purikuras

Various locations

If you come to Japan, you definitely need to stop by our arcades. I’m not much of a game player but it’s always fun watching people playing games. Purikuras are huge in Japan and every year, the machines keep upgrading. You can choose how white you want your skin to look, how big you want your eyes to look, or how long you want your legs to look. Many arcades even have mirrors in a corner of the arcade so you can fix your make up before going into the booth. After shooting, head over to the drawing booth to customize your stickers. Try it once. Only in Japan!!

Words by Anna, images by Monika Mogi, edited by Iona Goulder.

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Nakano Broadway

5-52-15 Nakano, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan

www.nbw.jp

I hadn’t been here in almost 10 years, but WOW what a fun place to walk around! Surprisingly, it hadn’t changed since the last time I visited. It’s an old school mall with all kinds of stores, from markets, to anime figure stores. The people we met were so friendly and warm. That itself makes me want to go back. Anime/manga lovers will obviously have a time of their lives, but even if there’s no particular store you want to go to, you’ll have a special experience here.

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RUN THE NAKAMEGURO RIVER

Meguro Dori, 2 Chome Kamiōsaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021, Japan

Nakameguro is a very fashionable area with many fancy cafes and stores. I feel like all my artsy friends are always in Nakameguro! It’s a great place to go jogging because it’s not crowded and there aren’t many cars either.

It’s most crowded in springtime as the Sakura trees bloom and everyone in Tokyo, and I mean everyone, gather here to have a glance at the beautiful cherry blossoms. I mean, who can say no to a glass of hot wine and a stroll down the pink river?

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Happiest birthday to this silly little angel💗 You never fail to put a smile on my face, act like a grown up when it’s called for, and you just understand. You’re the little sister I never had. Keep smiling and showing off your big feet😂💛 xx by Anna_FAKY

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Walked all around Tokyo in my cute #adidasStellaSport gear🏃🏻💛 Check out my interview on the #adidasStellaSport Tumblr! Link in bio👆🏻 pc: @monimogi😘 by Anna_FAKY