This feature was published in the March 2017 Graph. 

Due to length it is posted in two parts; Part 1 features Sagiri’s likes and dislikes. Part 2, a Q&A feature, is in a separate post here.

Sagiri Seina: Anything

Likes:

When I’m out on a drive and suddenly notice the natural scenery appearing in front of me.
For example, when I’m driving towards Awaji Island and I suddenly see the ocean. At those kind of times I get a feeling of freedom coming over me.

When it’s not a holiday to the rest of the world but I have the day off and it’s raining.
I’m a bit twisted I guess (laughs). If I’m at home all day I’ll think ‘I don’t have to go outside at all~’ and it’s just the best feeling. Summer is too humid, so I like this best in Autumn and Winter.

The smell of asphalt right after the rain stops.
My nose gets used to it right away so I can’t recognize it for more than a few moments, but it makes this indescribable scent. I think I might like it in combination with the atmosphere right after it stops raining.

When it’s the end of the day before a day off, and everyone in the green room is in a cheerful mode.
Everyone has more energy than usual and is asking each other ‘so what are you doing tomorrow?’ I really like that feeling (laughs).

When I encounter fresh fish!
My love for fish has gone up year by year (laughs). The most fun is sitting at the counter of a sushi shop and watching the chef presh the nigiri as I request whatever I like best. Whitefish or shellfish, or recently fish with the silver skin on…I don’t ever get tired of it.

When I figure out ‘it might work better to try this!’ during performance or rehearsals.
When I actually put what I thought up into practice and my rehearsal partner or the audience notices I think that makes it even better.

Staying up late the night before a holiday.
I’ll just laze around, eating ice cream and drinking soda (laughs) while watching things I’ve recorded. I love that feeling, like, ‘I’m really slacking off now!’

Dislikes:

Going somewhere with a really severe difference in temperature.
My temperature change allergy makes me start sneezing and my nose start running…

When I’m suddenly all by myself in a place where there’s nobody else I know.
I’ll suddenly refert back to my old shy self and be like ‘what am I supposed to do!’

When I’m about to go to bed and I realize I forgot to put the laundry in the dryer.

Packing for national tours and other travel.
I hate it when I don’t have everyting I need, but I also want to avoid ‘oh…I didn’t use that’ situations, so I keep running mental simulations but it’s such a pain… I’m also really bad at packing itself. Even though I’ve been doing this for so many years (laughs).

I’m not that sensitive to cold, but I hate it when it’s cold and the chilly feeling goes all the way to my toes.
I’m like, ‘enough!’ (laughs)

Drawing on sideburns for stage makeup.
I draw them on with pencil while shading with powder, but frankly it hurts a bit, and since I’m right handed the left side is hard to draw. I can’t draw too dark and thick or it won’t look good, but if I draw them too thinly I won’t make any progress, so it’s difficult. If I get too frustrated, it really shows.

When it’s so crowded I have to change my natural walking pace.
When it seems like I won’t be able to reach my destination in the time I estimated…especially since I’m the type to be right up to the wire (laughs).