Actress Riko Fukumoto

To avoid regrets, it's important to enjoy this moment.

Actress Riko Fukumoto

◆Profile
Born November 25, 2000, in Osaka Prefecture. She entered the entertainment industry after winning both the Grand Prix and the Shueisha Award (Seventeen Award) at the 8th Toho Cinderella Audition held in 2016. She won the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 46th Japan Academy Awards for her role in "Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight" (2022). She has appeared in films such as "Stella Next Door" (2025).

◆What are the values ​​and principles you cherish most in your life?

I make a conscious effort not to be dragged down by negative emotions. Everyone has moments of regret and sadness, but looking back, there are often times when I think, "I'm glad that happened," so I try not to get too down about it.
Also, every night before going to bed, I make it a point to write down three "good things" that happened that day in a notebook. People tend to forget the events of their day, but when I look back at my notebook, I can remember that I have lived each day properly.

◆The movie "The Grim Reaper Who Earns 300 Yen an Hour"Please tell us about the highlights.

"The Grim Reaper Who Earns 300 Yen an Hour" has incredibly beautiful visuals. Scenes like the raindrops freezing have an anime-like delicacy despite being live-action, and you can't help but be captivated. Although it's a story about death, the banter between Sakura and Hanamori is endearing, and the story has warmth amidst its weight. I think it's a work that people of all ages can enjoy. Also, I myself was inspired by the way the two of them live their lives to the fullest, confront various deceased people, and grow as individuals.

◆Please give us a message for the students.

Lately, I've been acutely aware of how difficult it is to "live in the present without regrets." Things you want to do right now, like meeting the people you want to see or eating the food you want to eat, can only be done in this very moment. Don't make excuses like "it's too early" or "it's too late," just take that first step. The act of trying itself will surely support your future self.

Student Newspaper, April 2026 Issue: Ayatsuki Sakakura, 4rd year student, Tokyo Metropolitan University

■After the interview　
They thoughtfully addressed each question, and their deep passion for their work was evident. The phrase "Live in the present moment" particularly resonated with me.
Because this work deals with death, it gave me an opportunity to reconsider the preciousness of life and the importance of focusing on the happiness of everyday life.
(Aoi Morikawa, 2nd year student at Hosei University)

The movie "The Grim Reaper Who Earns 300 Yen an Hour"

Ayatsuki Sakakura (4th year, Tokyo Metropolitan University) / Aoi Morikawa (2nd year, Hosei University) / Yurie Watanabe (3rd year, Josai International University)

Photography: Kosuke Shimoda