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Muto Tomu’s Interview with Asahi Shimbun [January 25, 2020]

AKB48 Muto Tomu: My Confidence was Completely Lost, It is Important to Struggle

(The World of AKB48 Group)

Muto Tomu (AKB48)

Last year I stole attention after passing the weather forecaster (re: meteorologist) examination. Subsequently, I become a weather caster for AbemaTV’s show and the scope of my work has broadened. It will be soon 9 years since I joined AKB48, my chance finally comes, and I want to enjoy new views that I could see from now on.

Although my rank in Senbatsu Sousenkyo kept rising, I was continuously not being included as senbatsu members for the general CD single, which are not from sousenkyo. I’m not really impressive at dancing, singing, and talking. Furthermore, my character is not that strong. I clearly realise that there are so many things that I lack as compared to other members around me. I believe I should work harder. I did not have anything that stood out, thus I wanted to have my own weapons/strength. I think that being able to study continuously has become my strength.

I started studying for the weather forecaster examination since 2014 through AKB48 Nemousu TV broadcast. I was the last member who appeared on that show and there was a segment where we can try to do a project. At that time, I had no strong interest in weather, but I would like to try to challenge it in order to have more jobs. I had no idea that it would take me 5 years and 8 exams to pass it. No matter how many times I failed, there were always be people who did not give up supporting me. I actually do not like studying, but I must do it.

To tell you the truth, the hardship of taking the examination

To tell you the truth, the examination on January 2019, which I passed, was the last examination that I would like to challenge because it had been decided that I would appear on stage play and movie after the exam. In the last one year, I went to cram school 4 times a week. I always studied on year-end and new year holidays. After passing it, it makes me more confident and think that I can actually do something. Moreover, there are more opportunities whereby people around me think that I am a hardworking person. Actually, my personality shows that I’m not really a reliable person. Lol.

I had no character, it bothered me.

The next generations members were appointed as captains and vice captains, but I was let to do whatever I want. I was the youngest when I was promoted to Team K, but I will be the oldest in Team K when Minegishi Minami-san graduates in April. I would like to ask the senpai members who were at my position like now, what they think about this situation.

Anyhow, it bothered me that I did not have my own character. Therefore, I did various things, such as taking weather forecaster exams and going to graduate school, to get out from that situation. I have walked on a unique path, so I am not sure what I should teach to my juniors. Lol. However, most members had false confidence before they joined in. They might completely lose their confidence and think that they are useless. I think it is important for them to struggle and take their time to find their own way.

My little sister joined, at first, I disagreed.

Now, my little sister Orin is also struggling like my past self. I initially disagreed when Orin wanted to join AKB48, but she had a strong determination so I had no choice but to tell her, “If you said so, you should try taking (the audition).” As a result, we are now working together in an appropriate distance. We will do our best as sisters.

Brushed up and changed my dance

There was something big to my career as an idol, in 2018, I joined a project which was a collaboration between an audition tv show and AKB48 Group. My dance has fundamentally changed as I brushed it up from the basic. The way I see it has changed, for instance, when I pour my strength to move my arms and legs, I could stop them sharply. I’m glad when my fans, who have been watching me since the old days, notice it.

I have accomplished various things, and recently I was chosen as a senbatsu member for our latest single “Sustainable”. It has been such a long time to be a senbatsu member for a non-senbatsu sousenkyo single. I realize that I do not know what will happen since I have reached this point. I will continue walking on my own path and open up more possibilities. As usual, there are so many things that I cannot do. I hope people will think that, “After all, that is Tomu” and give me a chance to achieve it. I would be happy if you continue to support me.