Another popular Produce 101 finalist joins the GirlsAward runway (first was Sakuraba Haruka, a member of Cutie Street)
A few weeks ago, Produce 101 Japan The Girls Finalist Tanaka Koto deleted all her Instagram posts.
She has chose to stay in the industry and become a model and will make her first appearance at the Rakuten GirlsAward 2024 A/W on October 19th
Tanaka Koto is also interviewed about her decision
[Interview with Koto Tanaka]
Tanaka Koto (19), who participated in the survival audition program "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS" and was unfortunately eliminated in the finals, has been the focus of many fans since the final episode in December 2023. She will appear as a model at the fashion and music event "Rakuten Girls Award 2024 AUTUMN/WINTER" to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on October 19th. Tanaka, who is making her first public appearance in a long time, talks about what led up to her audition and why she decided to take a leave of absence from University and withdrawing from study abroad to pursue her dream.
Tanaka advances to the finals
Tanaka, who appeared in the same audition that produced the girl group ME:I, became popular even before the first episode aired for her bright character and visuals that had both a mature and innocent look. After the broadcast, she continued to attract attention not only for her performance but also for her hard-working and competitive side, and in the final episode, she placed 17th.
Tanaka Koto on the "Girls Award" runway after a long absence on stage
- How did you feel when you heard you were going to perform at "Girls Award?"
Tanaka: This was my first opportunity to appear in front of everyone in the form of a job after the audition, so I am really excited. I also like fashion and makeup, so I was very happy when I heard about the opportunity.
How did Koto Tanaka join "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS"? Giving up a career as a flight attendant to pursue a career in the performing arts.
- I believe that many people became fans of Tanaka-san from the show, and were waiting for you. It has been about a year, but what made you decide to join the audition?
Tanaka: As I mentioned in the PR video, I originally wanted to be a flight attendant. I had studied a lot of English and other subjects, but being given this opportunity by chance made me realize that life is limitless and that there is a path open to me if I try anything.
I have really liked the "PRODUCE 101" series since it was broadcast in Korea, but I didn't really pay attention to it when the application process started. But a friend asked me if I wanted to give it a try. I had always been a supporter of the program, so I had never thought of it that way, but that one comment made me think, "Sure, I'll give it a try,” and I submitted the paperwork with a pop. I had been learning dance since I was in the upper grades of elementary school, but there were so many good dancers around me that I had no desire to make it more than a hobby.
Tanaka, Deciding to Take a Leave of Absence from College and Study Abroad
- Did you have any doubts between your studies and your career path?
Tanaka: When I was preparing for the audition, I was just about to start University. I had chosen a school with an eye toward becoming a flight attendant, so I was selected for the study abroad program at the university I was going to attend, and it was decided that I would study abroad in Korea and China during my second or third year.
During the "Nippu" phase of the program, the program director would ask me, "Are you sure you'll be okay?" but as for me, I was like, "No, I'll probably be back soon..." I didn't think I would be accepted. After the finals were over, my professors at the university were very supportive, and as I thought about my future, I told them that I would take a leave of absence from the university and withdraw from the program to work hard in the entertainment industry.
- At what point did your desire to enter the entertainment industry become stronger?
Tanaka: As the audition progressed, I became more and more aware of the fact that I was allowed to enter the audition and that I might have a chance in the future to become the career I had always dreamed of, so I really had no choice but to do it. It was also a great opportunity for me to rethink what I really want to be and what I am suited for.
- What was one of the most impressive songs from your audition?
Tanaka: It was "&ME." It was my first song recorded, and after the audition, I saw many videos of people dancing to "&ME" and using it as a soundtrack on SNS, so I was very happy to see how many people knew about it.
Koto Tanaka's episode of overcoming grief
- Among the readers of Model Press, there are readers who are currently facing various anxieties. For those readers, please tell us about "episodes in your life so far in which you overcame anger and sadness."
Tanaka: I am very happy to receive advice on my problems through DMs, such as "I had a dream to become an idol after seeing Koto-chan..." I am very happy to receive such advice. In my case, I worked on it while building up my baseless confidence and picturing myself as a successful person. When I was a student, I had a hard time studying for exams, etc., but even if I worried about whether I would pass or fail, I had no choice but to do it, so I studied while thinking, "I'm going to succeed anyway. I ended up failing my first choice (laughs), but I believe that if you work with that in mind, you will eventually gain confidence.
In high school, I was in an international studies department, not a regular department, where more than half of the students were returnees from abroad, and I was not one of them who could speak English, so I think my experience at Nippu Girls was connected to the fact that I worked hard while being surrounded by such great people.
https://mdpr.jp/interview/4398113Koto Tanaka Announces Top 3 "Hot Items for Autumn and Winter" [Girls Award Performer Ranking Special].
https://mdpr.jp/interview/detail/4399865~~~~~
Former Produce 101 Japan The Girls Trainees appearing at Rakuten GirlsAward 2024 A/W on October 19th.
IS:SUE, Tanaka Koto, MADEIN Serina and Nagomi, UN1CON Aramaki Joa
https://x.com/modelpress/status/1846133857025695948