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"I want to be a person who can warm the hearts of people I meet, like my seniors at Waseda."

Waseda University 2nd year Haruka Kuromi

A photo from a live performance ©乃木坂46LLC

Haruka Kuromi, who is active as a 4th generation member of the idol group Nogizaka46, is currently a Waseda University student. She balances idol activities and studies. Haruka says that her fans support her activities. We interviewed her and she talks about the reason she decided to participate in the audition that led to her joining Nogizaka46, her group activities, her studies at university, her future goals, and her passion for Waseda.

--Please tell us why you participated in the audition.

"Even things that you're not good at can become weapons"...I heard the words of Nogizaka46's captain at the time, Manatsu Akimoto, when I was in the third year of junior high school, and I was surprised. This is because I have been very clumsy since I was a child, and when I try to do something, it often takes me a few times as long as other people. For example, I was in high school when I learned to ride a bicycle. If there was something I wasn't good at or couldn't do, I would often hide it because I was embarrassed.

Meanwhile, I became a fan after dancing to Nogizaka46's song "Uniform Mannequin(制服のマネキン)" at a training camp at the junior high school. While doing Oshikatsu(推し活), I felt that I could gain courage from listening to the captain's words and watching the members grow despite their weaknesses. Although there are many things I'm not good at, I've come to feel strongly that I want to work in the Sakamichi series(坂道シリーズ), where I can "use the challenge as a weapon.'' Then, in the summer when I was 14 years old, I tried an audition.

After going through an audition, I was initially decided to work as a Sakamichi trainee (*). I often felt anxious because I couldn't see the future, but I worked hard at lessons every day. When it was decided that I would be assigned to Nogizaka46 in February 2020, I was both happy and anxious. However, the biggest thing for me was my desire to give back to the fans who supported me from the audition to my trainee period.

(*) Those who passed the 2018 audition were divided into members who were immediately assigned to each group (Nogizaka46, Keyakizaka46, Keyakizaka46) and members who started lessons as Sakamichi trainees.

Left: A photo from when Haruka went to Nogizaka46's concert held at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium before becoming a trainee.
Right: Tomeihan(東名阪) Zepp tour, which she participated in as a Sakamichi trainee ©乃木坂46LLC

--Three years have passed since you joined Nogizaka46. How are your daily activities?

I enjoy the time I get to interact with fans of a wide range of generations, from children to adults. Actually, the time I joined Nogizaka46 coincided with the pandemic, and our activities were restricted for many months. Still, the fans supported us in various ways, which was really encouraging. At online events, people talked to me about their worries like family members, and people from overseas sent me fan letters in English and Chinese. People who were unable to attend the concert gave me flowers or messages. It's rewarding to see people happy when they say things like "Thanks to Nogizaka46, I was saved!'' or "Thank you for being active!'' I'm so happy to be able to laugh and cry every day and grow with everyone who surrounds Nogizaka46, and I'm excited every day.

National tour final held at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium in August 2023 ©乃木坂46LLC
Left: The entire venue was dyed in Nogizaka's color purple.
Right: A photo of the Nogizaka Baseball Club performance that took place during the performance. Haruka is in the front row on the far right

――You are currently a second year student at Waseda University. Is it difficult to balance being a Waseda University student and Nogizaka46 activities?

It is a daily routine to complete assignments in the dressing room, and during national tours, I sometimes take online classes on the train or at telework booths at stations. There are members who are university students, so we encourage each other during test periods and somehow get through it. When a report is due to be submitted, we often get together and work together. We may look like college students who gather in the campus lounge and work on their assignments (lol). Every day I work hard to make effective use of my free time and spare time.

--Please tell us about your studies at university.

Currently, I am mainly learning English and Chinese. Furthermore, from now on, I would like to learn more about movies and theater. I became interested in these things when I was in junior high school, when I gave a research presentation on the theme of "Can artificial intelligence (AI) create moving entertainment?'' During my research, I had the opportunity to interview Professor Hirokazu Kore-eda (Faculty of Science and Engineering), a film director, and Oriza Hirata, who was a lecturer at the Waseda Theater School, and listened to the voices of the people who are involved in making the works. Later, when I was a high school student, I joined Nogizaka46 and experienced performing live on stage as a performer. I would like to look back on my past, learn more about movies and theater from various perspectives, and contribute broadly to my activities at Nogizaka46.

--What points do you like about Waseda?

Okuma Memorial Auditorium in the background at Entrance Ceremony

There are many international students at Waseda, and I think the most appealing thing is that you can learn and interact with diverse cultures while staying in Japan. Because each student has a variety of backgrounds, I feel like my horizons are broadening just by exchanging opinions during group work in class.

In fact, both of my parents graduated from Waseda University. I was born in Hong Kong in 2004 during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, and at that time, members of the Hong Kong Tomonkai gave away precious Japanese food and masks. Thanks to them, I am who I am today. I think one of the great things about Waseda is that "when someone is in trouble, reach out and help each other'' is a common practice among Alumnus all over the world, and I would like to thank them for their kindness. I am still deeply grateful.

From this experience, I always hope to be able to give back and help connect Waseda and the world someday. That's why, as a Waseda University student, I want to take advantage of the greatest advantage of being able to learn about diverse cultures at Waseda University and work even harder on my studies.

--Please tell us your future goals.

First of all, I have a strong desire to improve my current job. For example, I love baseball and am currently appearing on a baseball-related program. This is an opportunity for more people, including not only those who love baseball, but also those who have become interested in the WBC and those from overseas, to experience the fun and fun of baseball and the appeal of Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball. I would like to work to provide the following.

I am also interested in promoting Waseda University, which I love. I originally fell in love with baseball because I used to go to Waseda-Keio games and high school baseball games when I was in elementary school. When "Azure Sora(紺碧の空)'' played, my heart started to burn with heat (lol). I would also like to participate in activities that can bring excitement to sports, such as Waseda-Keio matches, where Waseda Alumnus (graduates) and current students come together to cheer.

A photo taken when Haruka appeared as a guest on the Angels game broadcast on Major League Baseball (ABEMA TV)

No. 852

Interview and text: Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff)
Risaki Sato 4th year student School of Human Sciences

【Profile】

Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Waseda Jitsugyo High School. Participated in the Sakamichi Joint Audition in 2018 and passed. After working as a Sakamichi trainee, he was assigned to Nogizaka46 in 2020. Her hobby is watching baseball games. Haruka also likes baseball games, and is currently addicted to MLB baseball games. Currently, in addition to serving as ABEMA BASEBALL SPECIAL SUPPORTER and eBASEBALL Prospi A League 2023 Season Special Supporter, she is also working on special fraud eradication activities as a National Police Agency SOS47 Special Crime Prevention Support Officer.

• WEB The Television Nogizaka46 Akika Kuromi's MLB series "9-6-3's Fine Play!"
• Nogizaka46 official blog

Participated as a guest MC in the “eBASEBALL Prospi A Championship 2022 Season Kanto Tournament” in February 2023