Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Ayaka Komatsu is a talented Japanese actress and model who made her debut as an actress in 2003, playing the role of Aino Minako/Sailor Venus in ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’ (a Tokusatsu television series based on Sailor Moon), which brought her into the limelight. She has also appeared in numerous other video productions.

“When I went to the audition for Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon and got the role of Aino Minako/Sailor Venus in the project, it was my initial point and motivation to become an actress,” the actress told Arab News Japan.

“This role in ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’ was my first major role as an actress, as I didn’t have any acting experience before, but thanks to all the other colleagues who were chosen at that audition, they were all fresh faces and didn’t have much acting experience and that’s what motivated and excited me to work on the project for one year,” she added.

Komatsu mentioned that Naoko Takeuchi, the author of ‘Sailor Moon,’ was one of the judges for the audition for the show. She said,  “I met with Takeuchi during the production of the show and she complimented my performance and acting for Aino Minako/Sailor Venus, as it was really entertaining for the audience.”

Takeuchi was heavily involved in producing the series as she had an interest in learning more about the anime industry. The series displayed a plot that is heavily reliant on the manga and also explores many themes that the manga did not cover.

Following the show, the Japanese actress became involved in many TV shows, dramas, movies, stage projects, and more. She was recently appointed the first tourism ambassador for Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, and is also the producer of the apparel brand 502EASY.

Komatsu was one of the Japanese guests who was invited to Dubai’s PopCon Middle East event in February. She was very pleased to meet her Middle Eastern fans.

“This was my visit to the UAE, especially Dubai, and I had the chance to go around and visit many places in the city. I was really amazed by the beauty of the city and look forward to coming back to it again,” she told Arab News Japan.

About her recommendations for those who want to pursue a career in acting, Komatsu said: “One thing that I can say is to enjoy what you are doing, because I wouldn’t know myself if I didn’t really enjoy it and continue with my career to this day with big passion.”