Lounge
April 27, 2015
Akira Shimada | Life is Edit. #025 Inspired by a Candid Conversation with Actress Kimiko Ikegami and Model Angela
Akira Shimada | Life is Edit.
#025 Women of Culture
A Night Inspired by the Candid Talk of Actress Kimiko Ikegami and Model Angela
Something new is spun and born through encounters with people.
Something new is attracted and born through things.
An editor's job is precisely to create such "encounters."
And life itself is editing.
──Editor Akira Shimada introduces the moving people, things, and events he has encountered.
By Akira Shimada
This is the first time in my 25-part series that I'm featuring women.
We have the esteemed actress Kimiko Ikegami (whom I affectionately call "Kimi-nee-san," with a slight sweat), who won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Actress for her role in "Kagerō" and has graced numerous films, dramas, and stage productions. And Angela, who is not only a model but has also recently appeared in films. Both of them, absolute beauties, grace these pages.
– The Spark Came from Kiyosaku of Mongol 800 and His Friends
I met Kimi-nee-san about three years ago when I was hanging out with my friend Tsuchihashi and his friends, including Kiyosaku from Mongol 800. Of course, she had an extraordinary aura from the moment we met, but she herself is incredibly frank and generous. She also went out of her way to be considerate towards me, a humble servant.
Even at gatherings where I couldn't drink or sing karaoke, she was paying close attention. Towards the end of the evening, she'd say, "Oh, I haven't heard Shimada-kun sing yet today~" (laughs) and order a single sip of alcohol and one song (laughs). She truly observes those around her. Is this perhaps a skill honed through her acting career? What impressed me most, however, was the first time I gave Kimi-nee-san a ride in my car. Her immediate reaction was a soft murmur:
"The leather seats and the scent of cigars blend together in this car, what a wonderful aroma."
The reason she's called "nee-san" (older sister) is her excellent listening skills and her broad-mindedness. That's why everyone feels at ease around her (myself included).
I was surprised and delighted by her keen insight, which precisely pinpointed the aspects I cared about most. It was simply wonderful to know that someone truly understood.
Ever since that moment, Kimi-nee-san, a "sophisticated adult woman of discerning taste," has held that place in my heart.
– As the Sister of My Brother Ewan
When I thought of Angela, she was positioned as the sister of my good junior, Ewan. When I visited Ewan's office, she was diligently helping him out – that was my impression. Of course, I knew of her success as a model, but she was perhaps too close for me to see her fully (laughs).
Angela, who has established herself, can respectfully acknowledge her seniors as performers while clearly stating her own opinions. This is possible precisely because she has a strong sense of self.
I had my first professional collaboration with Angela. It was a fashion shoot for "VULCANIZE MAGAZINE," a small publication I direct for the store Vulcanize. While considering models who would fit the image of Vulcanize, a store specializing in British goods, I realized, "Why not Angela, who has British roots!" So, I directly approached her (laughs), and she graciously agreed to participate. You can see the behind-the-scenes on Virtual Vulcanize, so please check it out.
http://shop.vulcanize-lon.com/pc/magazine/index.cgi
Despite her youth, Angela is incredibly clever and cool. She is also kind and passionate. In a word, she's a "really good person." She's one of my most valuable friends, someone I can consult with about anything, from work to personal matters.
She approached me for advice regarding acting and her aspirations to become an actress. Since I'm not very knowledgeable about acting (sweat), I thought, "Ah, this is exactly the kind of conversation to have with Kimi-nee-san," and thus, a dream collaboration between the two of them came to fruition.
– The Significance of Doing Things Diligently with Passion
Knowing both of them, I felt from the beginning that they would surely get along. This was because their sincere approach to work and their consideration for others were remarkably similar.
My prediction was spot on. They delved deep into conversations, from work to personal lives, and time flew by.
One of the many topics we discussed, with me included, was the current crisis facing creators.
Whether as an editor, a model, or an actress, creating something or expressing oneself requires a strong, passionate desire to bring something into existence. But is this passion lacking in everyone? The three of us shared a common concern that this kind of fervor has diminished on set compared to the past.
But we must not give up. If we consistently put ourselves out there, even in small ways, it's like the proverb "Dripping water hollows out stone" – we can surely break through.
We confirmed these thoughts among ourselves as the night deepened...
Kimi-nee-san and Angela. Just having fellow creators and kindred spirits like them gives me courage, both as an editor and as a person. I felt I must move forward even more, and so I vowed on that truly meaningful night.