ChannelCDJapan
*Akari Takaishi (The character " is officially written as ") Her second photo book, capturing her authentic present" and shot entirely in New Zealand! Actress Akari Takaishi, who played the heroine Toki Matsuno in the NHK morning drama series *Bakebake*, captivated all of Japan with her overwhelming expressive power. Immediately after wrapping up filming for the morning drama, she headed to New Zealand a country she had long yearned to visit. Amid the breathtaking natural scenery, beautiful cityscapes, and the leisurely pace of life in Christchurch the largest city on the South Island her… mind and body gradually began to unwind. Up-and-coming photographer Toki Uemura captured these irreplaceable moments. The title, *melt*, was chosen by Akari Takaishi herself, inspired by the feeling that during the photo shoot, something I had kept hidden inside me began to melt away." This book captures her unvarnished, authentic present" as she enters a new phase in her career as an actress following her major role as the heroine of a morning drama series. It includes a special bonus leaflet, New Zealand Itinerary," featuring the travel schedule and behind-the-scenes stories from her trip to New Zealand. (Message from Akari Takaishi) Every landscape in New Zealand possessed a beauty and sense of openness that surpassed my imagination, and in front of Mr. Uemura s camera there, I was able to naturally step out of my role and simply be myself. I would be delighted if you could feel, through each and every photograph, that sensation I experienced during the shoot as if my inner self were melting away. (Message from Tosei Uemura) It had been raining right up until the shoot, but the moment we started, the sky cleared. Ms. Takaishi s demeanor as if clear skies were the most natural thing in the world and the expression on her face at that moment were incredibly striking and left me in awe. However, as we continued shooting, watching Ms. Takaishi enjoy every moment exactly as she felt it whether it was sunny or rainy I realized her expression would likely have been the same regardless. Whether she s innocent or reserved, that s all Ms. Takaishi. I think that s precisely why this photo book turned out to be so spontaneous.
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