"The Secrets of Shining Women" is an interview series showcasing women who excel in a variety of fields, including work and home. Our 10th guest is singer Mai Kuraki, who will celebrate her 15th anniversary since her debut on December 8, 2014. She just released her best-of album, "Mai Kuraki BEST 151A -LOVE & HOPE-," on November 12. She's also currently traveling around Japan on her nationwide BEST tour. The final day of the tour, December 6, will be a special concert at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, marking the culmination of her 15th anniversary and her 300th live performance. We spoke to Kuraki about her thoughts on her 15th anniversary and her musical career. --How do you feel about celebrating your 15th anniversary? It's been a blink of an eye. When I debuted, I made a demo tape in junior high school, which led to recording in Boston, my debut in the US, and my debut in Japan. My environment changed rapidly, and I felt like I was just running along without really realizing it. After graduating from university, I was able to focus on my music career, which allowed me to delve deeper into my sound and perform live shows. Since my debut, I really feel like my fans have helped me grow. --Has your way of thinking, attitude, or approach toward work changed since your debut? When I debuted, I was a teenager surrounded by adults, so I was very conscious of not wanting to cause trouble, and I often tried to act tough and overreach myself. Now, I can be more natural, and I feel like I'm able to work with my staff in a good, trusting relationship. --How do you think your music has changed over the past 15 years? When I debuted, I mostly had R&B-style songs, but I started experimenting with rock and other genres. I recently performed with an orchestra in a symphonic live show. I hope to continue challenging myself with new things. --You just released your best-of album, "Mai Kuraki BEST 151A -LOVE & HOPE-," on November 12th. What thoughts are embedded in this album? I've released best-of albums before, but this one is especially about expressing my connection with you all and my gratitude to you all. The title "151A" represents "ichigo ichie," meaning "a once-in-a-lifetime encounter"—cherishing the connections I've made with everyone I've met—as well as "thank you (A) for 15 years (15) and each and every person (1)." I chose the two-disc set, "LOVE" and "HOPE," because I wanted to convey two of the keywords I've always held dear.

--Please tell us what you've been focusing on recently.

I've been doing this for a while, but recently I've been focusing especially on participating in social activities. I've been thinking about what I can do through music and as an individual, and I've been working on various initiatives. Since the earthquake, I've visited Onagawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture several times to hold concerts and continue to interact with local people. I also volunteered in the "Great Forest Wall Project," which builds natural seawalls.

Also, in March of this year, I had the opportunity to go to Cambodia as part of the "Something Has to Be Done! Project," where I helped to inform people in Japan about the work of the Japanese staff working there and the current situation in Cambodia. Seeing firsthand the reality that there are many children in Cambodia who want to learn but cannot receive an adequate education, I now want to create a temple school for Cambodian children. I'd like to make that happen someday soon.

--What do you want to do in the future?

Musically, I would like to continue to take on various challenges and broaden my horizons, and I also want to continue taking action that contributes to society.

In the second half, "The Secret to Her Overflowing Presence, She's a Crystal-Clear Aura [Mai Kuraki/Beauty]," we explore the secret to her continued success over the past 15 years, from the perspectives of beauty and fashion, to show how she maintains her natural, translucent smile, unchanged since her debut.

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