Kitagawa Keiko
Grateful to meet this winter's miracle!
Intelligent, cool beauty... A beautiful girl who fits these descriptions!
From the February 2004 issue of Up to Boy in the "Now Catch" section.
By Nishikawa Atsuko
Translated by Wasurenagusa and edited by N.
With the winter cold, sadness and loneliness grow stronger in our hearts this season… The only thing that can fill the emptiness in our hearts is the warm smiles of the chosen pretty girls!*
Q: When did you begin doing this [kind of] work? What prompted you to start?
Keiko: On October 4th, the first episode of Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon aired, and that same day, I had a modeling event—so that was when it all started.** I never really had any interest in the entertainment business, but I did an audition by chance for my present agency. That’s what triggered the whole thing.***
Q: And [you didn’t consider entertainment] because you had a different dream?
Keiko: I wanted to be a doctor. I was always studying. As a child I was very sickly, and I was often in the hospital—but the doctors there were kind and treated me extremely well. I looked up to them. [I decided that] I also wanted to help people the way they did. But now, it seems like a dream that there was a time when I didn’t have an interest in [entertainment]. Now, this job is the most important, the job that suits me the most, in my opinion.
Q: We’re guessing that you really like to study?
Keiko: Yes, that’s right. It was fun studying.
Q: But now you’re so busy, you don’t have time to study, right?
Keiko: I look for time in between things and study by reading novels. Like if it’s a historical novel, I’m able to learn about Japanese history; when it’s an English novel, I’m able to study English. There are many different ways for me to study, even now. But then, I’ve always liked studying. (laughs)
Q: By the way, shooting Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon looks difficult…
Keiko: At first, I had a hard time with the miko dress. It looks like I’m walking normally [on screen], but the dress is so heavy and hot. When we started shooting, it was still a hot season, and I would have to pray in front of the fire. I would do it even though I was dizzy… But I’m used to it now, the kimono. Now, it’s actually the opposite—in this season, being in costume is so cold. (laughs)
Q: What is the atmosphere like on set?
Keiko: During breaks, we all rest on our own, and when it’s time to work, we do it together with great teamwork.
Q: Since there are a lot of cast members who are around your age, we thought it would be a happier and noisier set. What a surprise!
Keiko: It’s a work place. That’s why it’s not that kind of mood. We all think of each other as coworkers.
Q: Lastly, tell us about your goals!
Keiko: I want to try out different things. Like commercials, singing, modeling in various magazines… Right now, I don’t feel that I can really say, "These are my ultimate goals!" From here on, I want to be able to think a lot while encountering various challenges.
*The literal translation of "emptiness in our hearts" is "gaps in our hearts." The "chosen pretty girls" that the article refers to are probably the girls chosen to play in Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon. Back to the line.
**Keiko and five other Miss Seventeen 2003 models were introduced to select Seventeen readers on October 4th in Ebisu, Tokyo. Back to the line.
***Her agency during the time of this interview was Neue Talent Agency. On February 1, she changed agencies to Stardust Promo. Back to the line.