She started her concurrency with AKB48 in Spring. At the same time, she became a regular on Fuji TVâs âVikingâ. NMB48âs Yamamoto Sayaka (21), whoâs grown more than anyone, was decided on for the MVP-like âMIP Awardâ. Her swimsuit gravure was the most popular, and she also announced her solo debut at the Summer Group Concert. Although sheâs been doing so many activities, she was so flustered when we gave her the award - hereâs her first reaction.Â
Eh? Whatâs this? Wait! What? Eh? Eh?
We started the reporting for this announcement started without telling the members what it was for or about. Yamamoto Sayaka, who has had no scandal and Iâm sure no guilty conscience, spoke to us with a face that was almost too serious and a strong sense of responsibility. When we told her that it was about the MIP prize, she looked relieved, and replied, âThank you very much!â
You really have done some stunning things in the group as a whole.
For sure, since my concurrency with AKB48 began, Iâve been really trying to be more idol-like. In NMB48, I feel like Iâm a different person. I can really focus on expressing myself more and more.
Youâve been a captain in NMB48 since it was established. You also said, âIn the end, I have to hold NMB48 together. Iâm worried about that.â In AKB48, you can enjoy your freedom. Youâre no longer the shy girl you once were. At the end of November, you gave us a lively performance for âStage Fightersâ, the special anniversary concert.
Certainly, Iâve been pushed forwards by Oshima Yukoâs graduation. But, more than that, Takamina⊠thatâll have a huge influence, I think. So for the sake of the group, I also want to become an experienced member.
This year youâve made great progress.
Thatâs right. Even when I walk down the street, people call out to me, âSayanee!â âSayanee!âIâm grateful to those people, but I still think that people without a great knowledge of the AKB48 Group still think of me as âYamamoto Sayakaâ. Iâve become increasingly aware that that kind of calling out has increased.
As Yamamoto Sayaka, youâve become more independent. Youâve been able to take advantage of your position, and probably your fans also know the group. Youâve had a great response from everyone.
For myself, Iâve taken advantage of passing the audition, but I want to do what Itano and Shinoda did, and walk my own path while also being an idol. Recently, Iâm really pleased to have been granted such great changes as a solo concert.
Your dream is to be a solo singer. Next year, youâll achieve your objective and do a solo concert in a live house.
I think that being able to do a two-hour solo concert would be a great stimulus for me. Iâm not obsessed with the idea of a solo debut - if I can release a single, an album, do a national tour⊠I want to strengthen my position like that first.
With your current strength, it sounds like the solo performance at âNatsu Fesâ wonât be a dream come true, but it will be a solid move.
No, thatâs not⊠Iâm someone who says what I want with my ability in mind. Whether itâs voice training or guitar skill, itâs never enough for me. Singing with a backing track is completely different to singing with a live band. So Iâm training my vocal chords and internal muscles for that. Oh, and lastly, I want to try singing at Osaka Castle Hall, but Iâll try singing at a live house first.