Prior to the opening of the David Bowie retrospective "DAVID BOWIE is," which opens on the 8th, a talk event was held after the media preview on the 5th with actress Nikaido Fumi, an official supporter of the Japan exhibition. Now 23, she first discovered Bowie at the age of 16. She was immediately captivated and was greatly influenced by his music, fashion, and filmography. Dressed in a Megumiura outfit, Nikaido spoke about her feelings for David Bowie and the highlights of "DAVID BOWIE is." (Q stands for official.) --How did you first discover David Bowie? Nikaido: The first thing that attracted me was his visuals. I saw photos of Bowie taken by Masayoshi Sukita and thought they were cool. From there, I started listening to his music, and I loved it even more. The song I'm most attached to is "Changes." When I was 16, there was a time when I was afraid of change, so listening to this song every day gave me the courage to move forward. Even now, when I listen to this song, I feel like I have to look forward and be cool, so I think it's an amazing song. It's a song I want to listen to for the rest of my life. David Bowie's appeal is that he has so many different talents, and the more I get to know him, the more his charm overflows, so I want to explore that even more.

--What was your impression of the "DAVID BOWIE is" exhibition?

Nikaido: I was so inspired that the afterglow of the exhibition lingered in my mind for the rest of the day. The very entrance gives a glimpse into Bowie's influences as a young man, so I was able to understand how he learned and how he became a star. There were also many valuable items, such as David Bowie's paintings, poems, and television footage from that time. I think that seeing these things will resonate with younger generations, so I thought it was wonderful. 」。

--This time, there was a rich selection of costumes on display. Were there any costumes that caught your eye, Nikaido-san?

Nikaido: It was the costume worn by Klaus Nomi, who was Bowie's backup singer. It had wide shoulders and was apparently inspired by Bowie's costumes. I was also able to see the costumes designed by Kansai Yamamoto in person, so it gave me chills to imagine Bowie standing on stage wearing these costumes. I think the costumes reflect what Bowie wanted to express. David Bowie loved Japan and probably respected its deep culture and tried to learn about it, so as a Japanese person, I was very happy.

--Please tell us about the highlights of this exhibition.

It will be enjoyable for those who have been following Bowie for a long time, and I think it will also be an exhibition that will connect the works and expressions that Bowie has made to future generations, so I hope that many people will come and see it. Also, there are the photographs of Sukita Masayoshi. Sukita's photographs show Bowie's inner thoughts and the real Bowie, and there are many more of his works on display than I've seen before, so looking at them again I was amazed.

--If you could add another word after the "is" in "DAVID BOWIE is," what would it be?

Nikaido: Someone who you want to continue pursuing forever. As an artist, I want to continue to challenge myself with new things, like Bowie, without fearing change. In 2017, I want to enjoy pursuing what I want to do and who I want to become.