Higuchi Hina, who appeared in four drama series last year, including "Honmei Janakyana Yonatanoni" (MBS), in which she played the lead role in January, "Kao No Nai Patient - Should We Save or Judge? -" (Kantele/Fuji TV), and " Hina Higuchi " (NTV), has made a name for herself in numerous productions since graduating from the idol group " Nogizaka46 ." She also stars in "Where Are You Now? - I Tried Putting a GPS on My Favorite Idol," currently airing on TV Asahi's late-night drama slot "Dora Dora Daisakusen" (Saturdays at 12:30 AM), in which she plays an extremely passionate idol fan. We spoke to her about her role-playing and her feelings as she steadily builds her career as an actor.
The drama is a reverse stalker mystery in which Seyama Asuka (played by Higuchi), a fan of the boy band "Golpas," secretly tracks her favorite member with a GPS to protect him from annoying fans. However, after noticing some strange behavior from the members, she finds herself being chased by her favorite member. The series consists of four episodes.
Regarding Asuka, who wears a GPS out of a desire to protect her favorite idol, Higuchi said with a wry smile, "It's a dangerous move in everyday life, so it was very shocking for me." However, he said he was careful not to make her a "dark" character.
"When I read the script, I thought I should play the role with a scary image, but the director, Osamu Minorikawa, told me, 'Asuka is the character that carries the offbeat element of this work. I want you to play her in a pop, funny way without being too dark,' so my approach changed. Asuka is driven by a sense of justice that makes her think, 'I have to protect her from annoying fans,' so I tried to play her with that straightforwardness in mind."
She also made some visual changes, adding permed hair and freckle makeup to completely change her look. The freckles were apparently a suggestion from Higuchi.
"Because the subject matter is so strong, I wanted to have a charming point that could be recognized just by looking at it. I consulted the director and he accepted the role. It was a completely different role from anything I had ever experienced before, but I was able to play it freely and it was fun."
Higuchi herself joined Nogizaka46 as a member of the first generation at the age of 13, and was active for around 11 years until 2022. When asked what she had been striving for since her idol days, she immediately replied, "I want to be someone that people will be glad to support." She continued, "I want to keep showing new sides of myself so that people can be proud of being a fan of Hina Higuchi. My desire to keep growing has not changed."
In January, in addition to starring in the drama "Honmei Janakyana Yokinoni" (MBS), he appeared in three productions: "Kao No Nai Patient - Should I Save or Judge?" (Kantele/Fuji TV) and "Otona Ni Nattemo" (NTV). Last year, he also appeared in a stage production by Gekidan Shinkansen, and is expanding his horizons to include film and stage, with the film "Honoo Kagayoe" and the stage production "Shinigami" due for release in April.
Although he is extremely busy, saying, "For the past year or two, I have been thinking about a different role every month," he is positive, saying, "I am truly grateful to be given work, so I would like to take on as many challenges as my time and capacity allow." However, he also reveals how he approaches his work, saying, "Rather than simply saying, 'This role has come to me' or 'I'll do it,' I read the script, think about the role, and accept it with a sense of responsibility and resolve."
This year marks his 15th year in the entertainment industry. "Every year I update my statement that 'now is the most fulfilling time'," he says with a smile. His goal is to be a "long-lasting actor." "Looking at older actors, I think there are expressions that can only be achieved as you get older. I want to continue enjoying the roles that can only be played at each age," he says, looking ahead. (MANTAN/Kanamaki Kenichiro)
