hsjhoshi | Nakajima Yuto - Men's Non-no 30th Birthday Special

This is the annual special birthday interview with Men's No-So regular model Nakajima Yuto! But this year is a little different... because it's a celebration of his milestone 30th birthday! So, instead of the usual cool and stylish studio and on-location shoots, we rented out a room at an izakaya and held a banquet with the Men's No-No staff. While ordering his favourites of beer, bitter melon stir-fry, and bonito tataki, he spoke in a relaxed manner about how he feels now that he is turning 30 and about his memories of his 20s.

I hope to become an adult whose compassionate heart never makes anyone feel inadequate.

Yuto: Well then, a word before I make a toast. Thank you all for coming here today! I'm happy to have my milestone year of reaching 30 years old celebrated in this way with my favourite Men's Non-No magazine staff. I hope you'll continue to support me! I'll do my best in my 30s too!

(All together) Cheers!

Yuto: 30, huh? I went out for dinner with my younger brother yesterday and he said, "I can't believe you're 30." My family can't believe it either (laughs).

Men's No-No (MN): We interviewed you last year on your birthday. Back then, as you were in your last 20s, I think you told us how you wanted to enter your 30s without being too enthusiastic about it, but now that you're actually approaching your 30th birthday (editor's note: at the time of the interview), have your feelings changed in any way?

Yuto: My idea of wanting to stay relaxed hasn't changed, but turning 30 is more of a major milestone in the world than I initially thought. There are people who set clear goals around that age, and I often hear people around me talking about how they want to be like this or do this when they turn 30. People from older generations say things like " Your 30s are great!" (laughs). So, as I see and hear things like that, it's still true that I don't want to be too enthusiastic, I've sort of started to think that I want my 30s to be a time where I can build something that gives me a solid sense of self-confidence! Also, no matter how old I get, I have always wanted to be an adult who doesn't make the people around me feel inadequate.

MN: Last year, you spoke about the significance of prioritising this aspect in every setting to create something valuable, didn't you?

Yuto: Yes, that's right. I especially believe so in settings where there are a lot more people who are younger than me. Among the many adults I have observed since I was a child, the ones who leave the greatest impression on me and the ones I admire the most are the ones who simply watch over me. They often have much higher career experience and life wisdom, so there were a lot of things they probably noticed about us young folks. Like, "This would definitely be better this way" or "That's not the way it should be..." But you can't have that kind of perspective until you reach that point, no matter how much you are told those things. It is often said that children don't understand what their parents were saying until they become adults. So I want to be an adult with a compassionate heart who can accept that and keep a watch over everyone else.

MN: Indeed, there are many things you don't understand until you reach a certain stage, even if you are told, "Well, you'll understand when you reach this age".

Yuto: Yes! You don't understand! That's why I want to become an adult who doesn't keep harping on about things like that! Although naturally, there are things you have to communicate properly in situations where you need to guide someone.

The coolest adult I’ve met

MN: Have you actually met someone like that who could be a role model for you?

Yuto: Tsutsumi Shinichi-san! When we worked together on the 2021 play 'Wendy & Peter Pan,' he was exactly like that! He allowed the young people to work freely and watched over them kindly. But when everyone was really struggling and at an impasse, he would give them a helping hand. I thought, "That's so cool!" I saw how he led by example, and it made everyone else strive harder. That's why I also wanted to become an adult who can be a guiding presence, like Tsutsumi-san. It's truly impressive to see people who can bring laughter to everyone without showing favouritism and without becoming standoffish. Also, I believe it's important to remember that my own experiences aren't everything, and there's a lot to learn from younger kids. I want to hold onto that flexibility and continue being an adult who can always learn."

Things I want to place importance on now that I'm 30

MN: Having gone through your teens and 20s, has your perspective changed in any way?

Yuto: For me, I have both, the group activities of 'Hey! Say! JUMP' and my individual activities, and both of them are really important, but until now, I was always very conscious of 'giving back to the group', no matter which aspect I was involved in. But now, I've started to think it's important to also delve into what I want to do. I'm in quite a privileged position, so for better or worse, there are parts of my work that are done for me by brilliant people (laughs). That's why I want to develop the ability to firmly mould and lead myself, and I have started to identify what I truly want to pursue and express. I've been active in this industry since I was a child, and I've already adapted myself to my surroundings and the needs of those around me. So I feel that my mindset has changed the most in that area.

MN: Do you want to place importance on other parts besides what is being sought from you?

Yuto: Yes, I do. When I think about 'What do I want to do?' and 'What do I want to express?' I've started to wonder how I can be creative in a way that's true to myself. When I was in my teens, I was really intense. In other words, even if I didn't understand what was going on, if I just followed what the adults told me to do and worked hard, everything fell into place. But in my 20s, I started to see my surroundings a bit more clearly. And now, while I still believe there's much room for growth, in contrast to the past, the more I delve into my thoughts, the more I can see various things, and I've noticed the more I can draw from the world.

What I don't want to forget is the feeling of enjoying each moment in a fresh and new way.

MN: On the contrary, is there anything you don't want to change? Like a principle you've always held on to?

Yuto: I've never liked the idea of trying to act overly grown-up. When I think about it, I hope I can always keep a youthful mindset. I want to be able to talk with people who are younger than me without a sense of division, just like I always have.

MN: That also ties in with what you said about wanting to be someone who doesn't make those around you feel inadequate.

Yuto: Yes, it is connected to that. Especially in the entertainment world, I think that's really important.

MN: You have to enjoy yourself too, right?

Yuto: Yes! That's why I don't want to be one of those boring adults who just go, "Yeah yeah, I understand," to everything. I'd rather be an adult who can fully embrace each moment and always enjoy it in a fresh and new way.

MN: Yuto-kun, you still maintain that spirit, huh? After Men's Non-no photoshoots, you're always like, "Ah, today was fun again!" Even after all these years of being a model (laughs).

Yuto: How embarrassing!

MN: (Staff laughing) No, no, it makes us happy.

Yuto: No, I'm super embarrassed! (laughs) But, when I think about it, working with Men's Non-No staff is a very creative time to me. Even within the fashion domain, there are people from different fields, and those people's different opinions merge together, sometimes leading to differences like "No, it should be this way" or "I'd like it this way". While we engage in thorough discussions, there might be moments of disagreement like "No, this isn't right" or "I'd like to do it this way," but all these opinions aren't negative; they gradually steer us in a positive direction. And that moment when we all arrive at a consensus and say, "This is it," I really enjoy that. I guess this is the kind of positive discussion I'm looking for. Experiencing the moment when everyone agrees and is happy with the final result gives me a sense of fulfilment, which is why it's always so enjoyable! But it's embarrassing hahaha.

MN: We also consider it a privilege as the behind-the-scenes staff. We hope you'll continue to have a good time and leave with a smile (laughs).

Yuto: It's the best feeling when the atmosphere on set is enjoyable!

A change in perspective is a great strategy in your 20s!

MN: Is there something from your 20s that you look back on and think, "I'm glad I did that, it really boosted my confidence"?

Yuto: Hmm, I wonder. Looking back now, these past 10 years have felt like they flew by. Something I'm glad I did... I don't know if this applies to all of my 20s, but when I reflect on it now, I think what I'm most positive about is not trying to fix my insecurities, but rather figuring out ways to use them. I've talked before about how earlier on when I kept getting taller, I found myself positioned more and more towards the sidelines of the group.

MN: You mean when you all stand in a row, in order to look like there's balance in the formation...

Yuto: Yes, yes. At that time, you know, I had this feeling like, "Hmm, I don't really like this," but then I thought that if I can only be useful in that way, then I should explore that angle. So, coming up with the idea that maybe I should try being a model early on, I think that was really good, even when I look back on it. In other words, what I want to convey through this is that, "Instead of trying to forcibly fix your insecurities, it's more enjoyable to find ways to harness them." It's a waste to pour all your energy into things you can't change. I mean, you can't change them, right? (laughs). So, there must be other areas where you can utilise your strengths and there may be a demand for something that you considered a negative. So, focusing on those kinds of things is more constructive! There's a lot more diversity in the way people work nowadays, so it's better not to impose limits on yourself. So, figuring out how to turn what I thought were weaknesses into something I could make use of was one of the best things I did in my 20s.

MN: When one path opens up, new possibilities are born.

Yuto: That's right. Speaking about my experience in the group, at a time when not many of us were playing roles that involved wearing suits, I was blessed to be in the wonderful drama 'Hanzawa Naoki', which I feel was a turning point for me, and it was also rewarding to see my fanbase grow. That's why I want my 30s to be a time when I identify my strengths and dedicate time to refining them.

Yuto and suits

MN: Speaking of suits, Yusho has an incredible commitment when it comes to the way he wears them. You appeared in the very drama titled 'Suits' for two seasons.

Yuto: Yeah! But you know, I actually had a bit of an inferiority complex about my physique! I had never been involved in any club activities and I didn't have well-developed muscles from sports. I always thought, "I'm a bit thin, aren't I?" So I wanted to be someone with a muscular body, and that's what I aspired to be. I felt that would give me a more convincing presence in acting, especially as I gradually shifted towards adulthood, I felt it was necessary to refine my appearance in that respect. And most of all, I had this constant desire in me to look cool in a suit. When I started getting more and more roles where I had to wear a suit, I started thinking that I wanted to have a figure that would look good in a suit. So even though I haven't really been into things like body transformation, now that I'm getting older and becoming more mature, I thought, "Why not give it a try?" So, when I had a bit of time to spare, I decided to start serious muscle training (laughs).

MN: So you're trying to improve your physical appearance as a way to wear the clothes you like more stylishly and to add an extra boost of self-confidence?

Yuto: Yes, yes! I originally disliked muscle training. Once I did it, my muscles were sore and I hated that feeling of fatigue so much that I used to think it was hopeless, but now I'm really enjoying it. I'm like, "Wow, I bet I can lift 55 kg next time!" (laughs).

MN: You're in the phase of being completely obsessed with it..! What if the sleeves on your outfits don't fit you for the next shoot? (laughs)

Yuto: If the clothes are getting a bit tight, that makes me secretly happy, even though I feel a bit sorry for the stylists. (laughs). But it does boost my confidence a little. I think it might change how I look when I wear suits compared to before.

MN: You've always looked great in suits, but your style as a model has always had a high-fashion vibe, right?

Yuto: Yes. With the slim-fitting silhouette and all. While that style looks nice, I'm in my 30s now, and I want to be a mature man who can wear suits in confidence with strong chest and back muscles!

The scenery of Berlin where the world has broadened.

MN: What were some of the happiest moments for you during your 20s?

Yuto: It's a bit challenging to narrow it down to just one, but...going to Berlin was definitely a significant one for me.

MN: Your movie '#Manhole,' in which you played the lead role, was officially invited to the Berlin International Film Festival, and you attended the red carpet and press conferences, right? (Editor's note: Invited to the "Berlinale Special" section of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival)

Yuto: Yes, that's right. Of course I have many other good memories, but I chose this as one of the ones that made me happy because I felt like I got to explore a new world. I was nervous and had a lot of anxiety, but I realised that there are a lot of things you won't understand until you go and take the plunge, so I'm glad I got to experience it. I think the press conference after the screening, where I answered journalists' questions and answers, was also a good experience.

MN: You were answering questions from reporters from all over the world and you were responding quite well in English. Your determination to speak without relying on an interpreter was remarkable. I had heard that you were studying English, but it seems you are putting in considerable effort behind the scenes.

Yuto: No, no, I still have a long way to go, but it makes me genuinely happy to hear that. Those types of press conferences, I had certainly seen them on TV and such, but experiencing it firsthand, I could feel that sensation of, "Ah, so this is how it is," in a very real way on a personal level. Experiencing a world I had never witnessed before was definitely eye-opening, and sensing the differences in atmosphere and what's expected compared to Japan was also fascinating. At the same time, I feel like I've realized what is necessary for my current self.

MN: What is that, exactly?

Yuto: You see, I came to the realisation that I have to become someone who is widely known by more and more people! When I got a brief glimpse of the world in Berlin, I felt that if I want to venture abroad more, I need to change my mindset. It's like my spine straightened with that thought. So, what should I do to achieve that? It involves English, acting, and even my way of thinking. I felt that when going abroad, it's necessary to consider various things from their standards That's why, in order to do that, I believe it's important for me to value my activities in Japan and diligently polish my skills.

MN: It's great to have a new goal to work towards, even as an adult.

Yuto: I think it's a really positive thing! I think it's a really good thing! It's not about feeling defeated or anything, but rather, it fills me with excitement. Also, you know, I have a dream of witnessing overseas fashion collections up close. I've always had a fascination with fashion shows that have a story. I believe there's a lot we can learn from them that we could apply to our concerts! I'd like to study innovative staging ideas, interesting lighting, and how to showcase costumes and modelling through fashion.

MN: We're excited to see you sitting in the front row next time!

Turning frustration into achievement

MN: On the other hand, what were some moments in your 20s that were frustrating for you?

Yuto: You know, there are plenty of things that have been frustrating (laughs).I think everyone feels that way when they're doing their best every day, I'm no different! But I've also become able to switch my mindset to something like, "There's no use in dwelling on it," in situations like these. For example, there are roles I'd like to try, but when the timing isn't right or various conditions prevent me from doing them due to factors beyond my control, it's frustrating, but there's nothing to be done, you know. Well, of course, it's still frustrating! (laughs) But the upside is that I can redirect my focus elsewhere, and I've come to believe it's better for me to explore other things I can do.

MN: It's a mindset of focusing on what you can do rather than what you can't, which also came up in the discussion about things you're glad you did in your 20s.

Yuto: Well, originally I wasn't very good at it, you know, switching my mindset. I’m actually more of a negative thinker, so there were times when I let frustration get the better of me for a while. Plus, before doing anything, I used to worry like, "Will it go well?” and “What if people criticise me?" But what I've realized lately is that most of the time, things aren't as bad as we imagine. The things I imagine inside my head, they hardly ever happen that way. So, I've started feeling like I don't need to be so anxious about it. And even if something does happen, I now have the confidence that I possess the ability to handle it to some extent, more than I did before. Also, there's that "have to do it" mentality I developed from my days as a Johnny's Jr., and I believe that attitude can get me through anything (laughs).

MN: So do you find yourself less disheartened now compared to before?

Yuto: When it's something I feel I need to reflect on, I might carry it with me for about a day... I'm the type of person who talks a lot when I switch into that mode. It's as if my filter becomes thinner, or my brakes weaken, so to speak. The line between what's okay to say and what's not becomes a bit blurry. There are moments when I think, "Ah, what I just said was a bit unnecessary," afterwards. So, I end up carrying that feeling throughout the day and thinking about it when I'm in the bath. It's like during bath time or when I'm blow-drying my hair, I think, "I really said something like that today..."

MN: That happens quite often during bath time, doesn’t it?

Yuto: Right, what's up with that, I wonder? (laughs) Those "ah" moments while blow-drying my hair, they happen quite often (laughs). But still, there are times when you need to express your thoughts, right? Just because you’re an adult doesn't mean you have to be passive to other’s opinions. However, I think it's important to consider how you say things. The direction your words take, your choice of words, how you convey your thoughts – it's worthwhile to think about those aspects. I want to become mature in those areas, especially in how I communicate. It's something I need to keep in mind and work on as I move forward.

During spontaneous moments, thinking, 'Ah, I've grown into an adult.'

MN: Do you feel like you're growing into an adult through the accumulation of these experiences and thoughts?

Yuto: Yes, I do. In various situations, big or small, there are moments when I feel like I'm becoming an adult. It could be in terms of my way of thinking or my position. Lately, the time when I truly sense that I'm an adult is when I see that there are more and more younger kids around (laughs). Especially when I'm on a major music program with other groups from the agency, I think, "Wait, when did we become the ones who are counted as older...?" (laughs). And you know, I'm also starting to lose touch with the sensibilities of younger kids a bit (laughs).

MN: Wait, you don't understand either, Yuto-kun?

Yuto: I don't understand at all! (laughs) When I see teenagers or those in their early twenties, I usually think, "They're so much of the modern generation." Even the etiquette on set is completely different from my time, and I find myself surprised and thinking, "Huh? Am I already getting old...?" (laughs). And that's a bit hurtful too (laughs).

MN: You got a bit hurt (laughs).

Yuto: Hahaha, yeah, exactly (laughs). But considering how things have changed since we started out, it's only natural, right? Oh, speaking of our early days! I've had more opportunities to work again with the people who took care of me when I was really young. There have been happpy reunions like, "Ah! It's you from back then!!" For example, when I had just entered the agency, I appeared in a Monday night drama called 'Engine,' starring Kimura Takuya-san. Years later, I had the chance to meet one of the sound engineers I worked with on that show again on a different set! One of our other members, Arioka (Daiki), was also part of that show, so it was very nostalgic. In those moments, I feel like I've truly grown up.

MN: That's a great story! Both you and that sound engineer wouldn't have been able to meet again if you hadn't continued in the industry.

Yuto: Exactly! Both of us, continuing to work on set without change, just makes me incredibly happy. Looking back on that time while also being able to work together on new projects feels like being comrades. It's something that you can only experience after becoming an adult, I guess.

Now, I want to enjoy the 'middle' stage

MN: Your career as an actor started around that time, but now that you've turned 30, what do you consider your strengths?

Yuto: Hmm, well, something I honestly feel now is the ability to express the concept of "middle" or "half way." At 30, I'm certainly an adult, but at the same time, I think it's an age of where there is “still a lot to go." That's why I believe I can do both. For example, in terms of acting, I can portray someone who's in the process of searching for something or a person who's still in the midst of becoming someone. On the other hand, I can also play roles of individuals with a solid core or those who have mastered something. Lately, I've noticed that the range of roles I'm offered has widened. I can now portray characters associated with words like "marriage" or "divorce," and that's been interesting to me.

MN: Last year, things were pretty dramatic, weren't they? (laughs)

Yuto: It was really dramatic! (laughs)

MN: In the drama 'Junai Dissonance,' you were portraying a role exactly like that, right?

Yuto: Exactly! So, even while thinking, "Ah, there's some kind of shift happening," in the drama 'Ooku,' I was still playing the role of a young person, around 18 or 19 years old.

MN: The innocence of Mizuno Yunoshin in 'Ooku' and the range displayed as Nitta-sensei in 'Junai Dissonance' were impressive!

Yuto: That's really kind of you to say! (laughs) When you're younger, you sometimes want to appear more mature or do things that seem more grown-up than you actually are. However, I now think it would be great if I could turn the ability to do both into a strength of mine.

Three dreams I want to fulfil in the future.

MN: Are there any dreams you'd like to achieve in your life going forward?

Yuto: I have a lot of them!

MN: Wow, that's wonderful!

Yuto: It’s not about being greedy, but I see my life from three perspectives: group activities, individual activities and personal life. So, with these three aspects in mind, I naturally have dreams for each of them.

MN: Go ahead and tell us about all three with excitement!

Yuto: Hahaha! Alright, I'll share them all (laughs). So, for the group aspect, one dream I have is performing at the National Stadium! Lately, we've been fortunate to hold concerts at the Four Major Domes, including Tokyo Dome. It's been an incredible experience, and we're truly grateful for it. But then, I started thinking, what's the next step? How can we show our fans a new side of ourselves or share a different kind of experience with them? And that's when it hit me about performing at the National Stadium.

MN: That sounds really exciting. There must be many ideas coming to mind!

Yuto: And for my personal activities, as I mentioned a little earlier, I'd love to get involved in overseas projects and learn more about the world!

MN: Right now, that feeling seems really strong.

Yuto: Yeah, that feeling is definitely there. After doing work overseas, I realised how vast the world is and genuinely felt, "Oh, this is interesting." Hearing stories from hair and makeup artists or stylists I meet during work, and staff members who are active internationally, is fascinating too. I'm also putting effort into learning English for that reason, so I want to make the most of it.

MN: You have clear goals for both group activities and personal activities.

Yuto: That's right! And on a more personal note... this is really about my private life, but lately, I've started thinking about having a family someday. It's like that dream has come to me recently.

MN: Is this something you've started to think about recently?

Yuto: Yeah, it wasn't really on my mind before (laughs). Actually, I still sometimes think being single might be the way to go (laughs).

MN: Which is it? (laughs)

Yuto: Hahaha! Well, there was a certain trigger that got me thinking about it. It's my friends and their families – their situations are so heartwarming. They're a bit older than me, and whenever they talk about their kids, they have these incredibly happy expressions. I'm like, "What's this happiness all about?" (laughs) Of course, they must face challenges that only they understand, but it's really heartwarming. Right now, my thoughts about it are still quite vague, but I felt like a time has come for me to start considering it a little bit. However, this isn't necessarily due to my age; I think it's more about my inner perspective naturally changing bit by bit. I'm really interested in what it's like to have a family, to become a father – these feelings I haven't experienced yet.

A message from the Birthday Boy!

MN: Finally, could you give a message to our Men's Non-No readers before we finish up?

Yuto: Sure! I think I’ve stepped into my 30s a bit ahead of the readers who are in their teens and twenties! And there are also readers older than me, so I hope to become someone who can express the sense of style that all Men's Non-No readers have together! I think there's still a lot for me to learn, but I'm also having fun (laughs). The atmosphere on the Men's Non-No set is genuinely enjoyable, so I want to do it more and more. Since I've been given this opportunity, I want to become someone who can show my creativity and think about what I could do better. I'm always happy to see that our male fans are growing through Men's Non-No and I genuinely feel like, "They're seriously strong!" (laughs). We also have some kouhais appearing now, so everyone, please continue to support us.

MN: Thank you for that wonderful message. Men's Non-No loves you too! Our editorial team is celebrating for you!

Yuto: What, really? So much love (laughs). I'm so happy. I want to continue enjoying and livening up Men's Non-No in the future, so everyone, let's meet again within the magazine's pages!