INDEX
Riko’s Mental Wellness Strategy: “Hugging Myself”
-The artwork of ’12 hugs (like butterflies)’ is themed around butterfly hugs, emphasizing the importance of hugging oneself when feeling down for various reasons. Riko, when do you find yourself feeling down the most?
Riko: Basically, I lack self-confidence. My manager even says to me, “It’s not good to have too much self-confidence, but you are a little too self-confident. I’m not sure if it’s okay for me to do video work since I was originally a model, but I’m always worried about that.
Every time I go to an audition, I always feel like “I’ll never make it,” and every time I look back at my films, all I can think of are the things I regret. When I look back on my performances, all I can think about is “I could have spoken a little more like this,” or “I could have made this expression more like that,” and so on. I have been invited to do various productions, and the directors have told me that my work was very good, which somehow keeps me alive, but basically I lack confidence, and I am the type of person who easily feels insecure, so it is a challenge for me to do my work without being pulled into negative emotions. I am also the type of person who easily feels insecure.
-How do you give yourself a hug when you are pulled by negative emotions?
Riko: I am truly saved by music. It’s a time for me to relax without thinking about anything and also a time to release stress.
That was exactly the case during the filming of ‘DISTORTION GIRL.’ It was about four years ago, at the beginning of my acting career, when I was still figuring everything out. Meeting Hitsujibungaku during that time was significant. It was my first time participating in a work themed around music, so it was a learning experience for me to see what music-themed works were like. It really helped me.
Apart from that, I enjoy taking photos with a film camera. Recently, I went to the park with friends and took photos while having a picnic together. Nature and music give me moments without negative emotions, so I try to actively engage in these activities as much as possible.”
-In a conversation between Hitsujibungaku members and Haru., playing at the venue, Yurika (Kawanishi) responded to the question ‘How do you hug yourself when you feel down?’ with the meaning, ‘To become someone without labels, just being myself.’ Perhaps for Riko, spending time with friends is also a time to “just be herself.”
Riko: Indeed, maybe that’s what I’m looking for too. I originally went to a non-performing arts high school, so the people I still see in private are either friends from that high school or childhood friends from before I started kindergarten, and now they are all attending regular universities and many of them are just job hunting. When I hear from these friends that job hunting is tough, it inspires me a lot because it’s a world I don’t know about now. I feel like I have to do my best because my friends are working hard in a difficult environment, and I feel like I have a relationship with them that inspires me.
-Social media can sometimes pull you into negative emotions.
Riko: Yeah, that’s right. It’s important to switch gears—when you’re doing something, do it properly, and when you’re resting, really take a break. I think I’ve learned that over the past few years.
A few years ago, I often exceeded my limits, which led to frequent panic attacks and lots of crying. But recently, I’ve come to understand my own limits better and have been able to organize things while moving forward. When I feel like I really need a break, even if I’m busy, I make plans to meet friends, which helps me balance myself and improve my mood. So, I can acknowledge that I’ve grown a bit in that respect and give myself credit for it.
-Earlier, Moeka’s response to the question ‘How do you hug yourself when you feel down?’—’Running away’ is also really important—was quite striking.
Riko: I think this industry is unique, and I think that’s why it’s even more important to give yourself compliments and hugs in this world.
-Lastly, could you give a message to those who are thinking of visiting or are interested in ‘Secret Garden’?”
As a fan of Hitsujibungaku, I’ve been listening to their music, but whether you recently discovered them or just have a vague interest, I think you can thoroughly enjoy the space.
There’s just so much packed into that environment, so I really want everyone to visit at least once. You can experience Hitsujibungaku’s world not just through your eyes and ears, but also through scent and all your senses. Just being there, you receive information from all directions. Whether you want to see the exhibition because you love a particular song, or listen to a song because you enjoyed an exhibition, you can enjoy it in your own way. So, I really urge you to go and experience it!
‘Secret Garden’ inspired by Hitsujibungaku – 12 hugs (like butterflies)
Thursday, May 30, 2024 – Sunday, July 7, 2024, 12:00 – 20:00 *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Venue: New Gallery
Address: mirio Jimbocho 1F, 1-28-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
https://newgallery-tokyo.com/secretgarden/
Ticket details
Admission ticket: 1,000 yen *advance booking required
https://eplus.jp/himitsunoniwa/
