Written by Sky
Sasara Sekine is an actor for stage and screen, emcee, model, and idol. She graduated from the idol group Houkago Princess and is currently based out of Tokyo. She traveled all the way to Los Angeles to host Idol Summer Escape. Disney is one of her favorite hobbies, as she has visited every Disney park in the world. We met with Sasara Sekine after Idol Summer Escape to ask some questions about her experience as a Japanese idol and actress.
1) How did you discover idol culture?
I didn’t know about idol culture except for AKB48. When I started my idol job, I learned a lot from the performances and audiences. My fans and the senpai in my group told me about idol culture as well.
2) How long have you been performing?
I’ve been performing as an idol for 7 years, but I left my group 4 years ago. So in total, 11 years.
3) Is there a specific reason why you use your name instead of a stage name?
Originally I didn’t think about it. I thought about creating a stage name, but I’m sticking with Sasara because the name has identity.
4) What does “idol” mean to you?
Someone or you can get happiness and courage from as well as smiles.
5) What advice would you give to anyone looking to either become an idol or improve if they already are one?
I think “idol” doesn’t have any definition. You can be an idol if you believe you are an idol. So if you want to be an idol, just be yourself, then you can be an idol for someone.
6) What are the biggest differences in Japan between being an idol, a stage actor, and a film actor for you?
You should be you on the stage as an idol. I don’t want to be fake with my fans and members. We should feel familiar, friendly and develop a kinship with our fans. But as an actor you need to be someone else. You can’t be yourself as an actor in the film or on the stage.
7) What are your favorite parts of all the roles that you fill?
As an actor, I do enjoy being someone. But when I became an idol, I remember my first time when I received chants from my fans. They called my name and I felt really energetic and excited. I’m so happy when I see my fans from onstage smiling and enjoying our performance. Sometimes they tell me “you encourage me a lot” or “life is worth it to see you”.
8) How has performing in Japan and performing in America been different?
Of course language. I hosted Idol Summer Escape and it was so hard because sometimes I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know how to say it in English. The audience’s reactions were totally different, too. Even when the audience was trying to understand my English, they encouraged me and cheered me on. Also Japanese fans are really loyal and they really look after the idols. Of course, they are enjoying the performance, but they are watching closely to support you to do your best.
The call culture is a bit different. For example during the part of the song before the chorus, people in America say something. But in Japan, people don’t say anything, they just listen during the quiet part.
If you have a chance to come to Japan, Sasara Sekine has events at least once a month. She is starring in the comedy play “An Infinite Room” at Ebisu Echo Theatre in August and would love for everyone to come see it. She would also love to come back to Los Angeles and Anime Expo next year, so keep supporting Sasara Sekine.
Please welcome Sasara Sekine to #AX2026 as the Host and opening act for Idol Summer Escape! ✨
🎤 Returning to Anime Expo, Sasara Sekine is a Tokyo-based actor, model, influencer, MC, and a former member of the idol group “Houkago Princess.” Check out her performance!
— Anime Expo (@AnimeExpo) April 10, 2026
Sasara Sekine
Sasara Sekine is a Tokyo-based Japanese actor, model, influencer, and MC, and a former member of the idol group “Houkago Princess.” She now works as an MC for Tokyo and Osaka Comic Con and hosts a program for Japan’s professional basketball league, the B.LEAGUE.
Blog: https://ameblo.jp/sasaluvlog/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasarasekine/
X: https://x.com/sasaluv_0114
0 Comments