Otaku2 Interview: Tokito Ami

26.10.2009 by Patrick W. Galbraith

Tokito Ami (時東ぁみ), 22, is among Japan’s most famous meganekko idols. Whether appearing in gravure photos or singing on stage, this girl knows how to rock a pair of specs. We caught up with her after a concert at Charapa, or the Character Party in Roppongi on October 25. While most of the audience ignored the signage and did not come in costume, Tokito cosplayed as Hatsune Miku and belted out hits such as “Sentimental Generation” (2006).

PG: How was the concert?
TA: The people in the audience were so kind! They got even crazier than I had imagined, and I thank them for it.

PG: What was special about this concert?
TA: There was almost no distance between me and the fans. Of course, doing live events in large venues is also great, but when the distance is close like this I can see the faces in the audience and they can see me. That is happiness!

PG: How was this concert compared to other places like Akihabara?
TA: Up until now I have done many live concerts in places like Akihabara, but this is a club, right? This was the first time I’ve performed in a club, so it was very exciting. I thought, “Ah, performing in a club is fun, too!”

PG: And we are in Roppongi.
TA: That’s right. Roppongi has a reputation as a fashionable town. It really has a mature image. I come to Roppongi, but this was my first time in club alife. It felt really fresh and the concert had a good vibe.

PG: Do you often go to Akihabara?
TA: Privately, no.

PG: I see. So, Roppongi and?
TA: Shibuya. I am often in Shibuya.

PG: So you aren’t really so-called Akiba-kei?
TA: Not really.

PG: What do you think of Akihabara?
TA: I do a lot of events in Akihabara so I get to meet the people there. I get the feeling that there are many kind people among those who go to Akihabara. I got lost, but people really guided me and helped me find my way.

PG: How is cosplaying?
TA: In truth I didn’t actually know a lot about Hatsune Miku at first. But she’s really cute, and when I wore the costume the response was really good, so I’m happy.

PG: How did you choose the costume?
TA: I saw it and tried it on. After the fitting, this one was the cutest.

PG: How did you get your start as an idol?
TA: There was a contest called Miss Magazine being held by Young Magazine and Shonen Magazine. A friend suggested I might be idol material, so I tried out. I actually didn’t know about the magazine contest at all. I was fortunate enough to be chosen out of the 16,000 contestants.

PG: You didn’t read manga magazines at the time?
TA: I would look at the pages with sports manga.

PG: How is it being an idol?
TA: It is fun to be able to do try out many different things. Tonight I was wearing a costume and singing, but I also model for pictures and act. These are all things I like to do, so I am very happy with my life now.

PG: What is your favorite job?
TA: Right now it would have to be acting. I think it is really interesting to be able to perform roles that are outside of me. We don’t often get the chance, right? We have a self that is already there.

PG: Is cosplay different from acting?
TA: I think they are similar. When you wear a costume you become that character, right? It is something outside you.

PG: So, did you enjoy it?
TA: When I first stepped on stage to act, I was really embarrassed! It was the same with cosplay tonight. But everyone supported me and it turned into a very rewarding experience.

PG: What do you think of otaku?
TA: A long time ago otaku were isolated. They weren’t an established presence in society. But now otaku is kind of a genre. I think it is a great thing that I have entered into that genre.















Photos by Androniki Christodoulou