Interview with Aso Natsuko

Pop singer Aso Natsuko performed at an 'Art’n Pop' event at the Maroquinerie in Paris in December. 'Art’n Pop' is a project organized by the French company Soundlicious where musicians and artists come together to share their talents on stage. Aso Natsuko performed alongside the French artist Kness, who drew pieces of artwork to the catchy sound of Aso Natsuko's music. JaME sat down for a short interview with the young actress and singer before her performance.


Could you please introduce yourself?

Aso Natsuko: Bonjour! (In French) My name is Aso Natsuko! Call me Nat-chan! I am 20 years old and a second year student in the faculty of Law. I also study politics. It’s been five years since I became an actress. I made my debut singing the ending theme for a TV show in May 2009. I've also been a presenter of 'Japan in Motion' (a French TV program) since April 2010.

The project 'Art’n Pop' is very original in France. Is this type of concert popular in Japan?

Aso Natsuko: Not at all! I was very astonished when I was told about it. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like at all!

How did you prepare this show with the artist Kness?

Aso Natsuko: I only met Kness a little while ago! We just said hello to each other. I prepared from my side, but did nothing in particular.

We saw that there is a new single planned for February 2011. Could you tell us more about it?

Aso Natsuko: Diamond star will come out in February in collaboration with JAM Project! It will be used for a children’s cartoon. And that’s not all! I will also release a new single in March called Renai koujou committee!

Your mascot is a chicken, could you tell us why?

Aso Natsuko: It’s a baby duck! His name is Nachuty. I chose the duck because people around me were saying that I have a duck mouth (laughs and mimics the mouth of a duck). So I asked a designer to create a duck design, something cute, based around me. This is how Nachuty was born!

Did you enjoy your time in France when you performed at Japan Expo last year?

Aso Natsuko: I’ve always loved France and I didn’t think that I’d be able to go there so quickly. I really loved coming to France, I enjoyed it a lot! The concert was also a lot of fun.

We know that Caroline, who takes care of the program 'OTO' on Nolife (a French TV channel), gave you a little French lesson. How did you meet? What did she teach you?

Aso Natsuko: When Caroline arrived in Japan, I was shooting 'Japan in Motion'. That was the first time we met! We exchanged numbers and mail addresses. Caroline said, “Since you have a concert in France, I will teach you French!”. So we went to eat ramen and, after that, worked on my French. She taught me what to talk about with the public during the concert.

Could you leave a message for the French readers?

Aso Natsuko: I am very happy to be able to see you again! I count on you continuing to support me for a long time!