[Promise Me the Spotlight] Taking Center Stage – A Special Feature with AKB48’s Mizuki Yamauchi x Mizuki Natsuno!

Interviews #AKB48 #Mizuki Natsuno #Mizuki Yamauchi #Promise Me the Spotlight August 7, 2026

Double Zukki! A collab for the ages!

Mizuki Natsuno’s desire to become the center of her idol group burned even stronger following the TIG Fes arc. In this special feature, she’s going to learn about the true heart of being an idol from the veteran center* of the legendary AKB48 – Mizuki Yamauchi!

*The center of an idol group is the member who, as the name implies, stands front and center during performances! They are often the “face” of the group.

Wanting to make people smile = Idol

Mizuki Natsuno (very nervous):
(Oh my gosh, she’s so cute…) Um, thank you so much for giving me this incredible opportunity today. I’m just going to jump right into it – Yamauchi-san, what made you want to become an idol?

Mizuki Yamauchi:
The pleasure is all mine! There are a lot of reasons I chose to pursue a career as an idol, but the first time I remember was in kindergarten, when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, and my answer was “an idol!!” Back then, more than just wanting to be an idol, what I wanted was to make people smile, and to me, that equaled becoming an idol.

Natsuno:
So your starting point was wanting to bring smiles to people’s faces! When did you first audition to become an idol?

Yamauchi:
Actually, when I was in elementary school, I was really into musicals, so I started out acting. Somewhere deep in my heart, though, I still wanted to be an idol, and I decided to audition in middle school.

Natsuno:
After you decided to pursue a career as an idol, were you able to find work quickly?

Yamauchi:
I wasn’t, and I actually overthought it a lot at first. I couldn’t imagine myself being an idol, and I felt a bit self-conscious… But when my parents suggested I audition for AKB48, something just clicked. If I was going to be an idol, AKB48 was the only group for me. I was in my third year of middle school, and I thought if I was going to decide what I would do in the future, it’s now or never, so I applied. I was very lucky to be selected as a member, and now here I am!

Natsuno:
I see! I also feel the same way. If I am going to continue being an idol, Melty Strawberry is the only group for me! When you’re working as an idol, being part of a group is a very important aspect, isn’t it?

Yamauchi:
It really is! There are some things you just can’t do without them.

I will become the center!

Natsuno:
Actually, I’m aiming to become the center of Melty Strawberry, and I’d love to hear about your experiences as the center of AKB48! Did you have your mind set on becoming the center when you joined?

Yamauchi:
I’ve wanted to be the center ever since I joined AKB48. I’ve worked hard to make sure the fans think I’m an irreplaceable part of the group and someone worthy of standing there. I think any idol who is part of a group has the center role constantly on their mind!

Natsuno:
You’ve had that drive since the very beginning, I see! Is there any center who particularly had a lasting impact on you?

Yamauchi:
If I have to choose only one person, it would be Haruka Shimazaki. She was the center of the first song, “High Tension”, at my first-ever show with AKB48 (The AKB48 Theater* 11th Anniversary Special Commemorative Performance). Watching her glittering performance from behind, I thought she was in a place I could never reach. It wasn’t about wanting to compete with her; it was pure admiration.

*The AKB48 Theatre is AKB48’s very own live venue located in Akihabara, Tokyo!

Natsuno:
So even you started out just admiring from afar! This might be a little hard to answer, but when did you start feeling like becoming the center would be a real possibility for you?

Yamauchi:
…The time I thought I got a little closer to that was a theatre performance I took part in when I was still a trainee*. I was selected to do a solo performance, and I gave it absolutely everything I had to make the most of that chance. That performance got people talking, and thanks to that, my fanbase increased! The desire to stand at the front really took root that day, and my drive to be the center someday became stronger.

*Before becoming a fully-fledged idol, members go through a training period where they learn and perfect their skills on the stage!

Natsuno:
That one chance changed your future in a big way, didn’t it?

My mind blanked out…

Natsuno:
Could you tell me about the time you were first picked to be the center?

Yamauchi:
It was a surprise announcement during a show… I looked up at the announcement on the screen and saw my own name. I honestly hadn’t heard anything about it, so my mind kind of blanked out for a moment, and before I realized it, I was crying on the ground as the other members were crowding around, congratulating me. I didn’t make the cut on the single we released just before this, so I was right in the middle of trying my hardest to make sure that didn’t happen the next time. I was totally surprised.

Natsuno:
Did the way you approach your work change once you became the center?

Yamauchi:
I used to be a total crybaby. Since I was chosen as the center, I feel a stronger sense of responsibility than ever, and my mind has become stronger, so I feel like my thinking has gradually become more positive as a result!

Natsuno:
That’s amazing… Does the pressure ever get to you?

Yamauchi:
I definitely felt some… but when I’m performing, the feeling of “I don’t have time to think about that” is a lot stronger. So I dance while telling myself not to be nervous, and give that performance my all in that moment.

Natsuno:
The more I listen to you, the more I feel like you’re exactly the type of person meant to be a center!

Bringing the energy to AKB48

Natsuno:
I get nervous and have a hard time performing when it comes to music programs on TV. Do you have any experiences like that, Yamauchi-san?

Yamauchi:
Of course I do. There’s a special kind of nervousness you get for music programs. You want to smile while performing, but your face kind of freezes up. It took a long time to get over that.

Natsuno:
A special kind of nervousness… I totally understand. But nowadays, your bright, sparkling smile during performances is so memorable! What was the turning point for you?

Yamauchi:
During the promotional period for AKB48’s 58th single, “Ne mo Ha mo Rumor”. Up until this point, AKB48 had never really done any high-energy rock-style dancing in our performances, so we built it up together. Our bonds as a team deepened, and I really felt that the current members were bringing the energy to AKB48 through this song. I think that helped me genuinely show how much fun I was having, even on TV.

Natsuno:
Just how much fun you were having… It’s important that you as the performer enjoy yourself; otherwise, the audience won’t enjoy themselves either, right? This is such a valuable lesson!

I want to know more about my fans

Natsuno:
Could you tell me about how you approach your relationship with your fans? I… have a lot of trouble with the meet and greets, and I never know what to do.

Yamauchi:
I feel like my fans love me for who I am, always tell me so many wonderful things, and really put their trust in me. So in return, I put my trust in them. I go to the meet-and-greet events wanting to get to know them better.

Natsuno:
I think the trust you and your fans have is wonderful. Were you able to talk easily with fans from your very first meet and greet?

Yamauchi:
Not at all! At first, definitely just feeling my way through it. But as I got more comfortable, I wanted to give that love right back. So I’d tell fans when I spotted them in the crowd at concerts, or if I noticed a different hairstyle or new nails at a handshake event, I’d make a point to bring it up. It’s not just one-way communication; I think it’s important to remember that these are conversations with your fans.

Natsuno:
You can tell which fans are cheering for you, even at big concerts, can’t you?

Yamauchi:
Also, seeing someone who usually attends meet-and-greets in one area at a concert in a different area really makes me happy! I can really feel just how much they’re supporting me.

Any advice for Mizuki Natsuno?

Natsuno:
This is a little cheeky of me to ask, but could I get your advice? I’m aiming to become the center myself, but I’m not sure where to start…

Yamauchi:
First things first, I think it’s very important that you keep chasing that goal of becoming the center. On top of that, I want you to believe in yourself, Mizuki-chan. With your potential, you can absolutely become the center!

Natsuno:
W-wow… Thank you for your kind words, that makes me so happy…!

Yamauchi:
The way you shone during your audition was amazing! I think you’re gradually becoming able to show that same sparkle on stage, so if there’s something you’ve got that helps you do that… Becoming the center will no longer be just a dream; it’ll be your reality!

Natsuno:
Thank you…! I’ll do my best to trust in myself for all the people who are cheering for me!

Yamauchi:
I think you’ll become a pretty strong rival for AKB48 at this rate. When you do, let’s do another collab!

Natsuno:
I’d love to!! Is it okay if we take a photo together?

Yamauchi:
Of course!

Natsuno:
Yay! Thank you! Alright, can we do the “ribbon pose”?!