Jessie (SixTONES) makes his first solo appearance on the cover and gravure of "Weekly Asahi"!
Jessie from SixTONES, who is taking on his first solo starring role in the stage play "Standing Ovation," based on a work by Yasuji Akimoto, is challenging a difficult role portraying King George II of 18th-century Britain in his final years. When asked about his feelings upon being cast, he said, "I was terrified," and "I'm nervous every day. Just thinking about the opening day of the stage makes me want to vomit," revealing a tense state of mind. As we discussed how he overcomes his nerves, he also shared a calm perspective, saying, "I want to face it without overthinking or being afraid. After all, everyone will die someday," giving a glimpse of his worldview. During the interview, he is cheerful, joking and making jokes, but behind that, he apparently thinks, "I hope that by joking around, I can make those around me a little brighter." The interview is filled with charm the more you hear, so please see the full article in this magazine.
Other notable content includes:
● A report by 69-year-old former "Weekly Asahi" reporter on his real-life experience: "I recovered from being classified as a 'MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) at risk of dementia'"
Seven years ago, the term mild cognitive impairment (MCI), considered a precursor to dementia, was widely covered by the media. Among those involved, Tomofumi Yamamoto, a former "Weekly Asahi" reporter who serialized "I won't be dementia! An early treatment report from someone with early-stage dementia," continued treatment while working as a freelance journalist after retirement, and three years ago was diagnosed as a "reverter" (someone who returned to a normal healthy state). This issue will feature a two-part report on what kind of rehabilitation was effective, including his "report of being forgetful" after five years.
● Comprehensive coverage of the Tokyo Olympics, which began amid contradictions: "The 'Organizing Committee in Ruins' and 'Athletes Struggling to Succeed'"
On July 23, the Tokyo Olympics opened amid over a thousand new COVID-19 cases daily and the declaration of a fourth state of emergency in Tokyo. However, just before the opening ceremony, scandals erupted, and criticism was directed at the quality of meals at the press center, leading to the perception that the organizing committee was "in a state of collapse." We covered the unusual aspects of the Olympics, such as the Emperor not using words of celebration during the opening declaration. Meanwhile, we also gathered stories of athletes who continue to struggle, including Rikako Ikee, Masahiro Ohtani, Kohei Uchimura, and Rui Hachimura.
● The ranking of 100 municipalities where next-generation growth and healthy longevity are possible [with a list]
As Japan enters a super-aging society, it is now a time to consider whether one can continue to live safely in their community. Therefore, we independently compiled a ranking of 100 municipalities where young households and children, the future bearers of society, are born and can "survive." We also summarized municipalities where fewer people die from cancer or heart disease, making "long life" more likely.
● 90th anniversary of the birth of Sakyo Komatsu: Tsuruki Yasutaka, a close friend, talks about "an inexhaustible fountain of romance in a mind with vast knowledge"
Sakyo Komatsu, one of the "Big Three" of science fiction along with Shinichi Hoshi and Yasutaka Tsuruki, celebrated his 90th birthday this year and the 10th anniversary of his passing. He said, "There is much to learn from him as a writer," and asked his close friend Tsuruki to talk about the魅力 of Sakyo Komatsu. The article also introduces five of Komatsu's works, including the famous "Japan Sinks," recommended by Tsuruki.