Photo Courtesy of Himawari Nakano
We’re thrilled to introduce Himawari Nakano, a J-POP idol who spent ten years captivating audiences in Japan. Now, she’s currently in Australia, on a mission to spread the joy of J-POP and Japanese culture. From unforgettable performances to cross-cultural connections, Himawari-san’s story is one of passion, dedication, and bridging worlds. Welcome, Himawari-san! We’re eager to hear your story.
You’ve been active as a J-POP idol for 10 years. What inspired you to pursue this career, and what keeps your passion alive even now, a decade later?
I originally worked as a model, and through that job, I had opportunities to interact with idols. This sparked my interest in them, and since I also loved singing, it motivated me to take on the challenge of becoming an idol myself. What I find appealing about idol work is the chance to connect directly with people. It’s exciting to creatively express my ideas and share the things I want to try out.
How has the idol industry changed over the past decade, and what challenges have you overcome to stay active and relevant in this evolving landscape?
Compared to a decade ago, the evolution of SNS has dramatically transformed the landscape. The idol industry has expanded, work styles have diversified, and it’s now a field where anyone can easily give it a try.
During the pandemic, we faced challenges with online-focused event planning and digital content sales. While I actively create music that resonates with current trends, I prioritize staying true to my core vision in other fundamental aspects—choosing authenticity over chasing fleeting trends or the pressures of the times.
Can you share an unforgettable moment or achievement that solidified the love you receive as an idol?
Where do I even begin? Well… One defining moment was in 2018, when I won first place through a fan-judged tournament with my idol group BANZAI JAPAN, securing a performance at France’s JAPAN EXPO. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming—finally, I felt we could share Japan’s magic with the world through our own efforts. In France, audiences embraced our performances wholeheartedly, and even after I graduated from the group, BANZAI JAPAN continues to thrive there, loved by fans across Europe.
Years later, moving to Australia and now recreating that experience solo feels surreal—like living a dream.
My mission in Australia?
→ To ignite love for J-POP idol culture in a city where it’s yet to take root, using it as a gateway to spark curiosity about Japanese traditions, art, and values. 🎌🌸
What inspired your decision to promote Japanese culture and J-POP idol culture in Australia specifically?
My connection to Sydney began in high school through my hometown’s sister city program. Later, while living in Japan, I spent years hosting Australian exchange students. Even during college, I’d visit Sydney solo to meet friends, so this city holds a special place in my heart.
One memory stands out vividly: When I asked students at a local high school, ‘Do you know what idols are?’ their response was, ‘What’s that? Never heard of it.’ That moment became a catalyst—it’s part of why I felt driven to pursue idol work here. I wanted to bridge that cultural gap and share something I love with a community untouched by it.
How do you approach introducing the charm of idol culture to Australian audiences unfamiliar with it?
“Music transcends language. Even if audiences can’t understand the Japanese lyrics, I believe my passion reaches them through my performance. To bridge that gap, I intentionally highlight my Japanese roots—incorporating visually iconic elements like yukata robes and folding fans, or covering TikTok-viral J-pop hits. My goal is to weave something magnetic into every act, blending tradition and trend to create moments that resonate universally.”
Are there specific aspects of Japanese culture—like traditional arts, festivals, or customs—that you’re especially eager to introduce to Australian audiences?
Come experience my hometown, Tokyo—where tradition and innovation collide in the best way! You’ll find timeless traditions—historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, centuries-old culture—standing strong alongside groundbreaking tech and global trends. And the food? Tokyo’s culinary scene alone is worth the trip, drawing food lovers and innovators from every corner of the globe. Ready to experience the ultimate cultural mashup?
As someone bridging Japan and Australia, what do you see as the key similarities and differences between the entertainment and fan cultures of both countries?
I’ve come to realize that Japan’s ‘oshi culture’—this uniquely Japanese way of wholeheartedly supporting someone—is deeply tied to our cultural DNA. It’s born from that instinct to prioritize others’ happiness, to uplift them through dedicated fandom. After two years of idol work here in Australia, I’ve noticed this mindset doesn’t quite take root the same way. Aussie fans? They’re all about living fully in the moment, savoring the ‘here and now.’ Honestly, that aligns perfectly with my own motto—if I were a fan myself, I might actually thrive more in Australia’s scene! (laughs)
What surprised you most about Australian culture or places you experienced in Sydney, and how do you want to convey those discoveries to your Japanese fans?
One time, after a live show during a meet-and-greet, I asked a fan, ‘How was today?’ and they bluntly replied, ‘It was hot! I’m exhausted!’ It hit me like a culture shock—I thought, ‘Did my performance bore them that much?!’ 💔
In Japan, asking fans post-show is routine, but you’ll typically hear heartfelt praise like ‘You were adorable!’ or ‘Thank you for tonight!’—responses centered on the performer. Here in Australia, though, fans focus on their own experience—the heat, their fatigue, even random stuff like ‘I got soaked in the rain earlier!’ (laughs). At first, I found it jarring, but now I’ve come to appreciate their refreshingly unfiltered honesty.
These days, if I want feedback on the performance itself, I ask explicitly: ‘What did you think of tonight’s show?’ Gotta love the cultural whiplash!
How do you balance preserving your Japanese roots while adapting to Australian culture?
Returning to Japan occasionally for live shows and reconnecting with fans there has been incredibly grounding. Those moments also gave me deeper insight into the contrasts between Japanese and Australian idol cultures. Above all, I’m eternally grateful to my Japanese supporters—without their unwavering cheers over the past decade, I never could’ve taken the leap to pursue idol work in Australia.
And it’s only because of the fans here who’ve embraced my journey that I’ve kept going. Their continued support is my rocket fuel; it’s why I keep pushing boundaries, even oceans away from where it all began.
If you had to name one place in Sydney that Japanese fans should definitely visit, what would it be?
Town Hall. I want them to see this city where cultures from all over the world are fused together!! I think that’s where Sydney’s charm lies. People from all over the world gather here. There are people from various cultural backgrounds, and there are various cuisines and cultures. For me, who grew up in a small island nation like Japan, that was incredibly refreshing. It might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s a city where you can feel like you’ve gotten to know the world. Just by being in Sydney, you can make friends all over the world.
What foods did you immediately become obsessed with after arriving in Australia, and what local slang did you pick up right away?
“Fishbowl! (Bet you won’t find this in Japan!!) My go-to phrases? ‘Cheers!’ and ‘TA’—short, punchy, and they just stick.
What advice would you give to young aspiring idols who want to follow in your footsteps?
Stop overthinking—just dive in! Remember: Seeing is believing. Don’t get tangled in others’ opinions or hearsay—base your choices on what you’ve lived, you’ve felt, and you’ve witnessed. And never lose sight of your core: Why am I on this stage? Why did I choose to be an idol? Once you’re crystal clear on that, go full throttle. Smash through limits, flash that unshakable smile, and charge forward like there’s no finish line!”
This talented idol from Japan is here to share Japanese culture! Follow her journey AND shop her merch to show your support! Don’t miss out! 👇
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/himawaridaa?igsh=MWdpdHJnbmMzNm9zdA==
X (Formerly Twitter)
@himawaridaa
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