Photo courtesy of Miss Sake Association

Profile

Talent: Sayuri Tanaka

She began working as a model and talent while still in college, and made her debut as a reporter on Nagasaki Cultural Broadcasting's morning information program "Hanakin." In addition to her work as a model and talent, she is also active in multiple fields, including as a back dancer.

She also appeared in Kitajima Saburo's final stage performance. In 2013, she was selected as the "Goddess of Fortune" for the 34th lottery out of approximately 2000 applicants nationwide, and traveled to all 47 prefectures in Japan in one year. In March 2016, she represented Nagasaki at the "2016 Miss SAKE Final Selection" held at the Kyoto Hotel Okura, winning the grand prize out of a total of 850 applicants. As of December 2017, she has toured 23 cities in 14 countries around the world as Miss Sake. She has been practicing kendo for 19 years and is currently a fourth-degree kendo champion. 

The path of the sword led to the path of art

—When did you start kendo?

 Mr. Tanaka"I've been practicing kendo since I was three years old. My two older brothers and cousin also practiced kendo, so I was swinging a bamboo sword as soon as I was old enough to understand things (laughs)."

—That's pretty quick!

  Mr. Tanaka"I grew up in Omura, Nagasaki, where kendo was very popular."

—How long did you continue with kendo?

 Mr. Tanaka"I continued practicing kendo until I was in university. Before I knew it, I had been practicing kendo longer than my two older brothers."

-When did you start your entertainment career?

 Mr. Tanaka"Since my second year of college."

-Did you have any aspirations for the entertainment industry?

 Mr. Tanaka"No, I didn't. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a cabin attendant. Or rather, I thought I would become one (laughs). I thought English was essential, so I went to English classes from a young age."

—How did you get into the entertainment industry?

 Mr. Tanaka"It all started with kendo. When I was a freshman at university, a local TV station came to cover the university's kendo club. However, I had classes until the very last class that day, so I arrived late and couldn't take part in the filming, so I just watched. My classmates and seniors all looked like they were having fun (laughs). After filming was over, I went up to the TV station with my classmates who had been watching with us and asked them to film us too (laughs)."

-Did you go and talk to them yourself? Mr. Tanaka"That's right (laughs). It was with someone who was my classmate (laughs). At that time, by chance, there was a commercial slot available, so surprisingly, he readily agreed. At that time, he invited me, saying, 'There's a job called reporting, why don't you give it a try?' So I started working as a reporter at a TV station in Nagasaki."

—It's amazing that kendo opened up a path to a career in entertainment!

 Mr. Tanaka"As a reporter, I gained a variety of experiences and met many different people, which made me realize that it was a fun job. I gradually became more determined to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I auditioned and was even able to appear as a backup dancer in one of Kitajima Saburo's shows!"

—You also dance!

 Mr. Tanaka"I started doing it in the sixth grade of elementary school. Morning Musume was popular at the time, so I started learning. My hometown, Omura City, selects 10 members to compete in the All Japan Boys and Girls Kendo Training Tournament, regardless of their dojo. My parents told me that if I was selected for the team, I could take up dance, so I worked hard at kendo. As a result, I was selected and was able to compete in the national tournament, and I ended up learning dance, which are fond memories."

As Miss Sake

Photo courtesy of Miss Sake Association

- Speaking of Tanaka, you are famous as Miss Sake. How did you come to apply?

 Mr. Tanaka"Have you heard of the lottery's 'Goddess of Fortune'? She appears at various events and raffles as a 'bridge between luck and dreams' for lottery fans. When I interviewed someone who had become a Goddess of Fortune at a Nagasaki TV station, I thought, 'I want to try that too!' and applied. My wish came true, and I became the 2013 Goddess of Fortune."

—So the "Goddess of Fortune" is connected to Miss Sake.

 Mr. Tanaka"The job of a goddess of fortune involves traveling all over Japan. At the time, I was mainly working at a Nagasaki TV station, so I thought that if I studied tourist spots, gourmet food, and local sake all over the country, I might be able to draw out more stories from my guests. That's when I decided to start studying local sake."

How did you deepen your knowledge specifically?

 Mr. Tanaka"After an event in a local area, I would go to a local izakaya by myself to study." —You didn't think it would lead to you becoming Miss Sake.

 Mr. Tanaka"I didn't think about it at all. I didn't even know about Miss Sake at the time. I had been able to travel all over Japan as the Goddess of Fortune, but next I wanted to travel the world. That's when a friend suggested to me, 'Why don't you try for Miss Sake next?' I'm now very grateful to my friend."

—Were you confident that you could become Miss Sake?

 Mr. Tanaka"That was not the case at all. I was lucky enough to be selected as the Nagasaki representative and made it into the final 16 candidates. From there it was really tough. There was a program called the 'Nadeshiko Program' for the final candidates. I received rigorous instruction for about three months from top instructors in Japanese hairstyles, kimono dressing, flower arranging, tea ceremony, pottery and more."

Was that part of the selection process?

 Mr. Tanaka"The Nadeshiko Program is a comprehensive program designed to train students to become ambassadors of Japanese culture, and the students' attitudes in class and their written impressions are also taken into consideration when selecting students.

Since I was selected as the Grand Prix winner, I have been flying overseas immediately, but there are not always hair and makeup artists or kimono dressers available at my destinations. I was saved by the Nadeshiko Program, which helped me to be able to do everything myself and not feel embarrassed.

Nowadays, there are many girls all over the country who not only want to become Miss Sake, but also want to take part in the Nadeshiko Program!" 

—What do you feel when you actually go abroad?

 Mr. Tanaka"I am invited to Japan Festivals in various countries, and wherever I go there is a kendo demonstration (kirigaeshi, uchikomi, and ground training).

I'm amazed by this. It makes me think that kendo is gradually becoming accepted globally. It really makes me realise how amazing kendo is."

Current job description

-What kind of work do you do most often now?

 Mr. Tanaka"I will continue to work as Miss Sake, and have also started working as a host, actor and reporter. My goal with Miss Sake is to spread the word about traditional Japanese culture both domestically and overseas through sake.

I often work with the embassy on matters related to national sake. The Ise-Shima Summit was held during my term, which was a valuable experience."

 -What do you keep in mind when fulfilling your role as Miss Sake?

 Mr. Tanaka"I'm going to tell you about the history of sake. There are various theories about the origin of sake, but the most likely one is that it dates back to the Yayoi period, when rice cultivation was established, about 2000 years ago. It's said that it began as an offering to the gods around that time. It's amazing that we can still drink such a sacred drink on a daily basis.

Furthermore, no matter where you look in the world, there is no other alcoholic beverage (brewed alcohol) that has a country's name attached to it and is made from the staple food (rice) as an ingredient, other than our country's sake. Wine, whiskey, vodka, etc. don't have country names attached to them. I think it is my mission to spread the wonderful culture of sake." 

—So sake was originally something offered to the gods!

 Mr. Tanaka"When you think about it like that, it's a blessing just to be able to drink sake."

-When did you start practicing kendo again?

 Mr. Tanaka"I was encouraged to do so by the representative of the Miss Sake Office. They said, 'Why don't you take up kendo, a part of Japanese culture, again?' I was a bit worried about taking up the challenge of becoming a fourth-dan, but after an eight-year hiatus, I decided to take up the sport again."

Do you think it was a good idea to restart it?

 Mr. Tanaka"Of course I do. When I first started, my body just couldn't keep up the way I wanted it to, and I ended up crying in a Starbucks in Shibuya (laughs). I think it was frustrating. That lit a fire in me, and I got more and more absorbed in kendo."

Attention, care, and consideration

Mr. Tanaka"I think kendo is really useful in my current job. It's a basic thing, but politeness is important. I think kendo has helped me develop the skills to be considerate, considerate, and considerate."

—The words "attention to detail," "careful consideration," and "thoughtfulness" are great.

 Mr. Tanaka"That's right. My mentor in Nagasaki has always told me, 'Become a person who is attentive, considerate, and considerate. And aim to be a beautiful person with a smile.' I think this applies to any job."

—I imagine that Tanaka's life is like a series of dots coming together.

 Mr. Tanaka"I've been able to put to good use not only the English and kendo I've been doing since I was little, but also the local sake I started studying when I was a child. It wasn't something I did intentionally, but it turned out that way. I'm grateful to my parents and the people around me."

—The keyword "gratitude" naturally comes to mind.

 Mr. Tanaka"I don't believe I am where I am today because of my own efforts alone, but because of the help of everyone."

 —That's a great idea. Can you tell us about your future plans?

 Mr. Tanaka"I believe that my mission is to spread Japanese culture, including kendo. I would like to continue to keep this in mind as I work as a talent. In terms of lifestyle, one thing that I value is 'treating my own feelings.' I want to be honest with my feelings, enjoy my work, and live each day to the fullest so that I can think, 'I love the way I'm living now!'"

-If people like you who are active in the mass media spread the word about kendo, I think it will encourage more people to start kendo for the first time or to resume it through Riva Kendo. I wish you continued success in the future!

Hair and makeup: Nishi Miyuki Interview: BUSHIZO