"If it's not something I want to become, it won't even catch my eye." What is the true self that constantly-challenging voice actress Ayasa Ito expressed in her third photo book?

—I also looked at your second photo book, "HONEY," and found an older-sister-like, mature charm within the cuteness. In this third book, "Ayasage," which follows it, I felt that maturity has stepped up even further.

Ito: I'm so glad! It's true that for the second photo book, "older-sister-like" might be closer. (Flipping through "HONEY") This brings back memories! It has elements of my true, everyday self, and also an older-sister vibe. Looking back at it like this, even though it was just a few years ago, I still feel a sense of youth (lol). Compared to the current me, there's a feeling of struggling, which gives it a fresh vibe.

—The third book, "Ayasage," also unfolds the multifaceted charm of cuteness and maturity as an evolution from "HONEY." The shoots on Bintan Island in Indonesia and in Singapore are also elements, but did you have a specific concept, like cuteness or strength, decided beforehand for each location?

Ito: We had decided in advance what kind of expression we wanted for each situation, and from there we thought about the outfits and posing.

But I didn't want to be too bound by the themes; I wanted it to have a relaxed feel, or rather, I hoped to show a gap at the same time. Not just "only mature" or "only cute," but blending the elements... like that. I was very conscious of the uniqueness that comes out when you combine two different elements.

—That gap really made me realize once again what makes you so charming, Ms. Ito. In the comments at the end of your second photo book, you mentioned wanting to step up toward the late twenties, and in the interview included in "Ayasage," just as you said, it was impressive to read that you are challenging yourself with various things. Is that your intention—to step up and expand the range of your expression by challenging yourself with new things and incorporating them?

Ito: The biggest reason is simply that I have a very curious personality, but while there are still so many things I don't know, I don't want to stay ignorant of them. Realizing in my twenties that learning about things—whether it's for my expression or for my life—turns those experiences into my own flesh and blood might be why I'm more conscious of it now.

—Is there a driving force behind those challenges?

Ito: The blurb comment for my second photo book was written by Kanata Nakamura, who handles the lyrics for the songs in "Revue Starlight." There was a line in the lyrics written by Nakamura-san that went, "You can't envision things that won't come true" (*), and it deeply resonated with me. Basically, if it's not something I want to become, it won't even catch my eye.

*Editor's note: From the song "Jounetsu no Mezameru Toki" by Starlight Kukugumi, a unit in which Ayasa Ito participates as her character Kaoruko Hanayagi.

Since everything I become interested in has the potential to expand, I want to touch upon things that catch my interest even a little bit, and make them my own.

—That's wonderful. True, if it's something you like, such as anime or games, your radar is up, so you can spot it even in the city, but you would completely overlook things you have no interest in. It's quite difficult to broaden your horizon in the first place, isn't it?

Ito: When it comes to encountering new values, I think that broadening one's social circle without hesitation is one way to enrich oneself.

As I get older, there are parts of me that become afraid of expecting too much from people, or feel it's a hassle to start new communication. But I realized that won't do. That's why I want to actively enjoy it myself and build friendships that teach me new values and things I don't know.

—Thank you very much!

It was an interview that offered a glimpse into an aspect of Ito, who energetically challenges herself with various things and pursues her own unique expression. Please pick up a copy of "Ayasage" and see for yourself what kind of challenges she is taking on.

Ayasa Ito Photo Book: Ayasage
[Release Date] Wednesday, June 24, 2026
[Price] 3,960 yen (including tax)
[Specifications] A4 Variant, 112 pages
[Photography] Kazutaka Nakamura
[Publisher/Issuer] KADOKAWA
https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/322603000459/

Photography: Takuma Hirose / Hair & Makeup: Aoi Ota / Styling: Hitomi Imamura
Interview & Text: kato
(C) KADOKAWA / 中村和孝

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