Shiori Tamai, a member of the idol group Momoiro Clover Z and affectionately known as "Shiorin," was known for her catchphrase at the time of her debut, "Everyone's little sister, a crybaby and spoiled child." This year, she turned 30. To commemorate her 20th anniversary in the entertainment industry, her first solo photobook was released on Wednesday, August 27th.
Tamai has produced two photo books, "Tamayura" and "Shiodoki," with titles related to her own name. "Tamayura" is a work that contains natural images taken in Vietnam, a place Tamai has long been fascinated by.
"Shiodoki" is a story photo book shot by photographer Hamada Hideaki, based on an original story by screenwriter Ikukata Miku, who has worked on the TV drama "Silent" and the film "At the Bench." Unlike her idol image, this work brings out the charm of the actress who plays the three main characters.
From the photo book "Tamayura" / ©SDP 
From the photo book "Tamayura" / ©SDP
From the photo book "Shiodoki" / ©SDP 
From the photo book "Shiodoki" / ©SDP
"I was really happy to be able to release two photobooks at the same time, and it was a huge gift for me. I've only been able to be active for 20 years thanks to the support of so many people, so I feel really happy to be able to express my gratitude in this way."
"In Tamayura, I tried out some revealing costumes that I haven't worn much before, and I was happy to see a lot of positive feedback from women. If I was a little younger, it might have been received differently, but I think the reason I was able to convey my current healthy charm is because of the accumulation of 30 years.
However, her expression when she has food in front of her remains the same. Even in Vietnam, she was so engrossed in eating that the staff laughed at her, saying, "It's rare to see someone eating this much for a photobook shoot" (laughs)."
Changing scenery in 20 years, unchanging memories
She entered the entertainment industry at the age of 10 and formed Momoiro Clover Z at the age of 12. From then on, she continued to run single-mindedly. How much of her future self could she have predicted at the time?
"I'm still amazed that we've been able to continue for 20 years (laughs). Momoclo had said that we wanted to be a group that could continue even after one of us got married, but if you ask me if I could have realistically imagined it, I don't think I could. I also wondered if we could really continue."
However, the only reason we have been able to continue is because of our fans and members.
"I was able to feel the presence of the fans cheering me on at live shows up close. That really gave me a sense of purpose in my existence, and it became my reason to continue. And also, I just enjoyed being a part of the group.
Even though there must have been a lot of hardships, when people ask me, "What was hard?" I think, "Huh? What was it?" I only have fond memories. And I think that's thanks to the other members."
During the 17 years they've spent together as Momoclo, there have been many changes, such as members graduating and getting married, and it seems their relationships have also changed little by little.
"I think there are both things that have changed and things that have remained the same. I'm still laughing with the members about silly things in the dressing room and things like that, and nothing has changed at all (laughs).
What has changed is that we have become more respectful of each other's private lives. In the past, there was no distinction between work and private life, and we were together 24/7. Now, our relationship is like that of comrades in arms, or good partners. The members who spent the same youthful years together are irreplaceable and truly irreplaceable."
Even if one day I become an adult and change
Tamai says, "I haven't had very clear goals or plans in my life up until now," but she says her feelings changed as she turned 30.
"I've been talking about this a lot with my band members and friends lately, and I think the 10 years in your 30s are the period when the most change occurs. You have more freedom, but your responsibilities also increase accordingly. So I thought it would be a waste to limit my own possibilities before I even try, and I've become even more determined to try all kinds of different things."
Last year he released a solo album, and this year he held a solo concert at Budokan.
"Solo activities were something I had avoided until now, but after actually doing it, I realized that maybe this is something I'm suited to, and that I can do this, and it helped me broaden my own possibilities."
When I asked her how she sees herself as a person, Shiori Tamai, she answered like this:
"I feel like I've hatched from an egg. I feel like I've finally reached the starting point. There may have been times when I could have started the solo concert and photo book earlier, but I just didn't feel ready.
But now, I finally started to think, "Maybe I should give it a try?" I may be a little slower than most people, but I feel like I've finally started walking on my own two feet."
Tamai's first solo song, "Is it love?", contains the following lyrics:
"Even if one day I become an adult and change"
Shiori Tamai is in the process of gradually changing at her own pace, drawing on the experience she has gained over the past 20 years. However, as she speaks, her smile remains unchanged.
