Second Year: Never Forget Your Roots

Ueki“Our policy for B・G is to be enjoyed by a wide range of people,” and in that sense, I feel our activities have become quite well-known. Recently, I’ve been hearing things like, ‘The brand you have with Toda-san is really cool,’ even from friends of friends. It’s happening more and more.

Toda“That’s wonderful to hear. The other day, even a shop assistant at a store I visited for the first time said, ‘Toda-san, you have your own brand, don’t you?’ It’s incredibly encouraging when professionals in the field take notice.”

Ueki“When you think about it, we’ve released quite a few items, haven’t we? Eco bags, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, blankets, two types of towels, a triple T-shirt set, caps, Sukajan jackets…”

Toda“That’s right, it means we’ve gained another method and path for creation. To be honest, there are still many failures and reflections behind every product, but I suppose moving forward step by step is also part of the B・G identity.”

Ueki“Indeed. When we hear feedback from the sales floor, we discover new things.”

Toda“We’re still newcomers in this field. When we started, we decided to just keep at it earnestly for the first three years. Then, if we made even a small profit, we thought we could give something back to the activities supporting children with Down syndrome, which I’ve been involved with for a long time, and which Go is also helping with.”
“I believe there’s great meaning in using what we’ve earned from pursuing our passions and having it enjoyed by many, for activities that are important to us.”

“We want to cherish these initial intentions in our future endeavors as well.”

Individual Goals for 2009?

Toda“Since we’re at it, let’s talk about our resolutions for the new year. Go, do you have any goals for 2009?”

Ueki“Last year marked my 10th anniversary since entering the entertainment industry, so this year is my 11th. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about various things. For instance, looking back, I realize I haven’t truly completed anything in the past 10 years, whether it’s work or other aspects of my life.”

Toda“That can’t be true, you became a world champion in dance.”

Ueki“No, for me, that was just the starting line. It was exactly 10 years ago. At the beginning of each year, I create a ‘Goal Notebook.’ I list my big goals and small goals, and what I want to achieve in the year. Any goals not met are carried over to the next year’s notebook.”

Toda“There are revivals, working with directors for the first time, and guest performances with my old theater troupe, so I’m truly grateful to be able to perform in so many different settings. Also, starting January 8th, the Fuji TV drama series ‘Arafureta Kiseki,’ written by the acclaimed Taichi Yamada and my first participation in his work, is airing. Of course, I’m continuing my singing work as well. Despite having very little time with live performances and other activities, my mind is working at full capacity. I want to approach my singing work, which I’ve returned to, not as a hobby, but with 120% seriousness. However, my general stance remains the same: ‘Do it when I can.’ This applies to B・G and my unit activities with Go as well.”

“At this point, when I receive offers for work in 2011 or 2012, I sometimes think, ‘Am I really going to be an actress that long? Or even alive?’ (laughs) But when new jobs and encounters with people arise, I still get excited. It really lifts my spirits.”

Ueki“As expected, Nee-san, you’re full of energy again this year.”

Toda“If I don’t push myself and strongly believe in things, they won’t come true. You’re young, Go, so you might not understand this yet, but sometimes I genuinely think, like in the lyrics of ‘Tsuyogari’ (Pretending to be Strong), ‘If I fall this time, I might not be able to get back up.’ That’s why I feel so strongly about cherishing each moment.”

Ueki“That’s not true, I get discouraged quite often too! Especially when working with you, Nee-san, whether it’s B・G or our live shows, I get the most discouraged and the most exhilarated – both. I feel I’ve learned so much from you about what it means to approach professional work.”

Toda“That’s very kind of you to say. But I hope we can do many fun things again this year.”

Ueki“Let’s not forget a certain kind of ‘mischief’ in a good way. Like childhood pranks, that playful ‘mischief’ that catches people’s attention is essential in both fashion and entertainment.”

Toda“I’ll try not to forget my desire to remain a bit edgier, too.”

Ueki“You still want to be edgier, Nee-san… From my perspective, it’s more like, ‘Can you even get any edgier?’ (laughs).”