My desire to place Go's song at the top of the album

──What was it like when Ms. Toda asked you to write a song?

UekiThe bar is set high for songs, so at first, I felt the pressure. Actually, during stage rehearsals, when Ms. Toda sang, everyone started crying. I thought, 'What is this power and worldview?!' So, I thought, 'Maybe I can bring out the usual 'sis' in her,' and since I've talked with her a lot and know her tastes and preferences better than other writers, I thought it would be fresh to introduce the 'spicy sis' I know within the song. I decided to write it freely. To my surprise, it came out so smoothly, and I gained great confidence.

──Ms. Toda, how did you feel when you received the song?

TodaAmong the writers for "Actress" this time, Go is the youngest, and I was looking for his sharp sensibility and a vibe that matches today's era, so it was exactly as I'd hoped. However, the singing itself was surprisingly difficult, and I struggled! It's a wonderful song, but it's meticulously crafted and very memorable... It perfectly matched my desire to place Go's song at the top of the album.

Ms. Toda gets incredibly happy

──What about the Keiko Toda x Go Ueki original brand?

UekiFor the T-shirts, I wanted to get closer to the casual style I see Ms. Toda wear in her private life. And also, something I'd want to wear myself.

TodaI don't usually appear in media wearing my private clothes, so when I do, people are often surprised by how casual they are (laughs).

UekiI also do design work, and Ms. Toda gets incredibly happy about it.

TodaDon't others get happy?

UekiWith Ms. Toda, it's more like, 'She's THAT happy?! Okay, I'll work harder on revisions!' (laughs). She was happy with the songs too, but for dancing, for example, I couldn't do it every day just because I felt happy. Knowing someone is watching makes me push myself harder. I always think that if there were no women in the world, I probably wouldn't be dancing (laughs). When something is finished and I hear, 'That was great,' I feel, 'Ah, that's great.' Without that kind of encouragement, I don't think art can improve.

──Is discussing the creation of products difficult?

UekiShe has a clear image in her mind. Because she has an image, her instructions are quick.

UekiWhen the media mentions that I'm collaborating with Ms. Toda, it really keeps me on my toes. I like Ms. Toda's stance on creating merchandise: 'doing it as a hobby.' It's truly difficult for something you like to make someone else happy. So, I'm also enjoying myself. I learn about new possibilities, like 'This is what happens when I provide a song to someone' or 'I might be able to do this too.' Different doors open. Creating something with someone is very important.

──Mr. Ueki, what do you see as Ms. Toda's source of power?

UekiI think Ms. Toda's driving force comes from her accumulated experience. The people I find amazing are those who put in tremendous effort. The audience can see that effort and skill.

──So, what are your plans for future collaborations?

TodaThe designs will be irregular, but we'd like to take on other challenges if there are possibilities for us to work together. With Go, I want to enjoy the gap in age and gender. He makes me feel an aggressive spirit that I don't experience when working with people my own age. I'm grateful for meeting him on stage and for our mutual recognition.

UekiI hope we can create things that transcend generations and break down genre boundaries.

──We look forward to your new work. Thank you.

Live performance decided for May!