Kasumi Arimura × Masahide Yoshida: Part 2 "What is the 'Tangible Experience' Today's Youth Seek?"

Continuing from last time, actress Kasumi Arimura, who portrays relatable young people in the currently-released film "Biri Gyaru," and Masahide Yoshida, head of Dentsu Inc.'s Youth Research Department, discussed the image of young people today.

 

Valuing tangible connections with those close to us

Yoshida: I think young people sometimes disagree with common generalizations like "young people these days are like this," but other times they might feel it's true.

For example, older generations often see young people as "quiet" or "lacking grit." But when I look at you, Arimura-san, as one young person, I hear you took numerous auditions aiming to become an actress and researched how to write resumes. That feels like a gap from the image of young people being "quiet" or "lacking grit."

Arumura: I tend to act on my thoughts fairly quickly, so that might be why I come across that way.
But looking around, it's true that many people seem afraid of failure or think things through very carefully before acting.

Yoshida: I think the influence of social media and smartphones plays a big role in that.
In an information environment where others' evaluations of you and what your peers are doing are too visible, people might be acting while constantly worrying about others' opinions, perhaps out of fear of friction with others.

Arimura: I get the sense everyone is focused on how to live smoothly, avoiding hitting walls. Maybe many people just don't know how to overcome obstacles.
But I think people grow more when there are walls to overcome.

Yoshida: How did you come to feel that way, Arimura? Is it your natural personality?

Arimura: I used to be the type who cared about others' opinions too.
But as I pursued this career, I gradually shifted my focus. I realized that giving my all toward a goal became more important, and that's how I changed.

Yoshida: It's not just young people—there's this atmosphere in society as a whole where everyone worries about others' opinions and reputations. To avoid getting swept up in that, maybe finding a goal to pursue wholeheartedly, like you did, is key.

Arimura: I want to give my all to what I want to do and be grateful to those who support me. When I can move the hearts of directors and staff through my work, I truly feel it was worth doing.
Public acclaim isn't everything. I believe that if my feelings reach those close to me, they will surely reach the audience beyond the screen or monitor too.

Yoshida: While young people tend to care about public opinion, they also have a mindset of valuing tangible things and people within their reach, gradually expanding that reach. To older generations, they might just seem "quiet," but I feel there are many young people who are grounded and firmly focused on their goals.

 

 

The "Real-Life Stories" Young People Seek

Yoshida: This is something I still struggle with myself—it's hard to fully believe in what you want to do or achieve, isn't it? You're unsure if you can actually make it happen, or if you're truly certain it's what you want.
Or, I think some people struggle because they can't find what they want to do. How do you think we can find something we want to do and tackle it with confidence?

Arimura: I think it's important to keep your antennae up for all sorts of things every day. For me, it started casually—I happened to watch a drama and thought, "Acting looks fun." If something sparks even a little interest, even if it's just out of curiosity, look into it or talk to people about it. That could lead to new possibilities.

Yoshida: You can't output without input, after all.
When I co-authored a book withthe Wakamon Research Cluband interviewed Yamada Zooni, she said, "You can't understand society unless you engage with it. Just observing from afar won't do. By actively engaging with it, you'll come to understand the kind of society you want to be part of." I felt that resonated with your perspective too, Arimura-san.

Arimura: I agree.

Yoshida: Regarding having confidence in what you want to do and your goals, the protagonist Sayaka in the movie "Biri Gyaru" wasn't special at all. She realized her dream by holding onto her belief strongly and continuing to work hard. Recently, there are more stories featuring ordinary protagonists striving realistically, rather than those with special talents. I think that means more people are relating to these kinds of stories.
Do you also find yourself relating to relatable protagonists and stories, Arimura-san?

Arimura: Yes, I definitely can. I'm not a special person either; I'm just an ordinary, modern young person.
I've always held onto my own beliefs and kept working hard, so I can definitely relate.

Yoshida: I want to think about how we adults and society can engage with and collaborate alongside the passion and energy of such young people. Finally, could you share a message for the SNS and smartphone generation about living authentically?

Arimura: Getting caught up in what others think is exhausting, right? If you lose your sense of self, you'll eventually burn out. I just hope they can believe in themselves, no matter what.

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【Wakamon Profile】
Dentsu Inc. Youth Research Department (nicknamed Wakamon) is a planning team that engages with the real lives and mindsets of young people, primarily high school and university students. We explore hints to brighten and invigorate the near future, starting from their "now." By anticipating the future through their insights, we realize new businesses that foster better relationships between young people and society. Currently, 14 project members are based across our Tokyo headquarters, Kansai branch, and Chubu branch. We also share updates on the Wakamon Facebook page.