INDEX
Realizing You Don’t Have to Be the Best
The scene where you completely forgot your lines and couldn’t sing during the full rehearsal of the musical ‘Janis’ was filled with such intense tension. Considering it overlapped with filming for the movie ‘Kyrie,’ that schedule must have been incredibly harsh. Portraying Janis Joplin, who died at 27, the same age you were then, must have been an immense challenge. I imagine that by fully immersing yourself in that role, you might have faced a kind of fear of confronting death yourself.
AiNA: The rock stars of that era lived by the aesthetics of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but honestly, the only part I could really relate to was sex. That made me realize that I still don’t understand death.
When I was about 25, a friend who admired the 27 Club — artists like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, who all died at 27 — took their own life. I understood that feeling of admiration, but I also felt I was different, and I’m genuinely relieved that I never got involved with drugs or the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
At the end of your essay, you revisit that café. What were your feelings then?
AiNA: I spent the evening there without any romantic or dramatic feelings, just quietly passing time. That felt like the whole point. No matter how big my future achievements might be, I believe peace will always come back to my heart. Like the book’s title says, I came to feel, “It’s okay not to be perfect.” Whether my songs become hits or not, having peace of mind is what matters most.
For 30 years, I lived day by day, but only after turning 30 did I understand my own rhythm. When I struggle, I write songs, which is what saves me, and then I move forward again. I realized I can live within that cycle.
After gaining true resolve at Budokan, I now want to stand on stage as a unique artist. I want to express everything I’ve done since I was four—dance, singing, contemporary arts. That’s how I want to live as Aina THE END.
But ultimately, what awaits is an ordinary everyday life. Realizing that peace in daily life is the most important thing was a profound discovery. “It’s okay not to be perfect.” Embracing that mindset, I believe I can continue singing for a long time.
Tassha Janakutemo
AiNA THE END
Released: Monday, June 9, 2025
Price: ¥2,970 (Base price ¥2,700 + tax)
Format: A5 (modified size)
Pages: 272
Publisher: Gentosha Inc.
