Non-No Interview

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Kanebo Cosmetic’s spring image song has become a huge hit. The song, Yukiko Okada’s Kuchibiru Network, has generated much discussion over its lyrics, which were written by Seiko Matsuda herself.

“I never received any detailed advice from Seiko-san on how to sing it, but she came to the recording, and actually sang it herself. It made me really think how talented she is… She's such a huge star, she feels utterly out of reach.”

Wrapped in a salmon pink knitted suit, Yukko (A.K.A Yukiko Okada) is smiling as we talk. She comes across as a refined young lady. In a world where idols are mass produced one after another, it's difficult for fans to remember the names and face of each of them. Yet two years after her debut, Lady Yukko is doing remarkably well for herself.

“There’s a flow to how things work out, and I think you have to entrust yourself to it. I suppose I stopped struggling so much, and started taking things my own pace. You need to go along with the flow when things are going well. If things aren't going well, you have more freetime, and that's when you can do more lessons. Maybe you run out of money and can't afford lessons anymore, but I have a positive mindset that it would all work out.”

It’s worth mentioning Yukko herself was an utter newcomer two years ago, but the number of girls aspiring to be idols is seemingly infinite.

“I don't think you should be aiming to be an idol with half-hearted feelings, although I know a stranger like me saying that won't change anyone's mind. A lot of people were deeply opposed when I wanted to be an idol, but at the time it was all the only thing I could think about. But I knew it wasn’t just a simple longing.

She says the hardest part of being an idol is people she’s never met talking behind her back. She stepped into an entertainment world that once dazzled her, and found harsh truths waiting for her. For an idol, it's not enough to merely smile. One must be an entertaining conversationalist. But Yukko says talking isn’t her cup of tea.

“I’m fine on radio and in magazine interviews, but if it’s on TV and the other person speaks with a fast tempo, my brain short-cicuits. I end up just saying 'yes, yes' to them.”

A technique she can pull off thanks to her gentle, refined personality. In an industry of attention-seekers, full of people desperate to stand out, this is a rare type. To top it off, she's no good with concerts…?

“I don't like concerts because they make me so nervous. It's not a problem when I'm singing but you can’t help but get bothered, right? I start wondering what people are thinking and I pay a lot of attention to their reaction which makes me nervous to sing. On that note, I like recording because I can immerse myself in the song but… I'm no good at talking at concerts.” She says with a bitter laugh.

Even if she doesn't like talking and is something of a worrywart, she's made great strides in acting. You wouldn't think she's a reserved girl from her performance in 'Kinjirareta Mariko' last year, as a girl with psychic powers.

“I do believe in supernatural powers. I have no psychic abilities or sixth sense myself. I've not even experienced sleep paralysis. If I could have any supernatural power, I’d want to be a time traveller.”

With an enchanted look, Yukko talks of her love of fortune telling. Recently, she was told something especially exciting.

“Hehehe. When I was last on 'The Best Ten,' the had my fortune told by the ‘Shinjuku no Haha.’ She said I would marry a rich man. I bought every word of it.”

One could imagine Yukko as a young business owner or the heir of a long-established store. The 18 year old Yukko was told she'd marry at the age of 23. There’s only five more years to go. Must be nice being young!

“I'm very airheaded, so I want a partner whose got it all together. They need to be someone who’ll take care of me and my hopeless self. I want to look for a partner while properly focusing on my job, and get married around the age of 23. I definitely want to sort it out before I'm 30.”

Sounding determined, she adds “I want a romance that would give me emotional support. That way, I’d be able to do my job better.”

Between her busy schedule, her mind is occupied with love and marriage. Truly, the sad heart of a maiden.

“Maybe someone will read this interview. Maybe when I win an award, someone will see my picture in the newsstand by the train station. Or maybe someone will see me while flipping through the TV channels. Even when I'm working, I think there's still a chance. Having said that, isn't it a miracle how Seiko-san got married despite being so busy? I don't think that would be possible for me.”

Now that she’s turned 18, Yukko has more than a few worries on her mind. She's safely graduated high school, and now wants a life outside work like a normal girl. Her heart filled with hope, Yukko talks about wanting to try sports.

“When you're completely dedicated to work, there's no place to escape. I want to have more aspects to my life. I want more hobbies. I’d like to try tennis or scuba diving. I want to try living alone. I want a room with an audio system set up, where I can watch videos in a large space.”

Lately, her conversations revolve around the magazine 'Pia.' She tours movie theatres with an issue of 'Pia' in her hand. Frances and La Traviata have recently left a great impression on her. Her taste in films is surprisingly mature and akin to a critic’s. Of the domestic films she watched, she says she cried at Koibumi (Love Letter.) She doesn't neglect books either. Yukko says she enjoys the works of Junichiro Watanabe and Françoise Sagan.

“I relate to stories about hard-headed, strong women. I’d like to play a role like that someday. I might be a huge worrier and I might brood over things too much but at the same time, I'm quick to get back on my feet. I start thinking ‘enough is enough’ and put myself together.

There’s a part of her that’s a bit timid, that gets anxious if she fails to greet a senpai. And at the same time, she's a singer and an actress. Both sides exist within Yukko. She’s still growing everyday. Who knows what hidden potentials will soon be unleashed.