In a remarkable journey that defies the typical trajectory of pop idols, Ayami Muto, a 30-year-old former member of AKB48, has carved out a unique path for herself after leaving the spotlight of the idol world. She has not only graduated from graduate school—a first for her group—but also made history by becoming the first female idol to pass the notoriously difficult weather forecaster examination.
Muto’s multifaceted career now includes roles as a weather caster and appearances on various intellectual programs, including economic news shows. Her success can be attributed to her diligent nature, which she credits for her ability to tackle any job. Reflecting on her past, she recalls the six times she participated in the AKB48 general elections, stating, "Those experiences have helped me work hard at anything I do."
The turning point in Muto’s career came in 2019 when she passed the weather forecaster exam after eight attempts over five years, with a passing rate of only about 5%. She recalls the intense preparations leading up to her success, saying, "I was incredibly serious about it." On December 30 of that year, she performed at the Japan Record Awards, and on December 31, she attended the Kouhaku singing contest, though she did not perform herself.
In 2020, Muto fulfilled one of her dreams by working as a weather caster for Abema Morning. The following year, she achieved another milestone by passing the Financial Planner Level 2 examination. Now, she co-hosts "Money no Manabi" on BS TV Tokyo, where she works alongside Patrick Harlan to simplify complex topics related to economics and asset management for viewers. "My qualifications have really helped me in my career," she noted with satisfaction.
While Muto holds multiple qualifications, including those as a disaster prevention specialist and career consultant, she insists that she is not a certification fanatic. Instead, she pursues qualifications that genuinely interest her. She expressed a desire to tackle the challenging Financial Planner Level 1 exam in the future, saying, "It’s incredibly difficult, but I’m eager to try."
Interestingly, Muto's academic journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. During her third year of junior high school, she struggled with her studies, receiving failing grades and almost facing a three-way meeting with her parents and teacher. At a recent alumni reunion, she was surprised when classmates remarked on her impressive intellectual achievements. "How did you end up in such a smart position?" they asked, highlighting her unexpected transformation.
Despite her challenges, Muto’s determination has always shone through. From a young age, she set goals for herself and worked diligently to achieve them. "I remember wanting to master the high bar and ride a unicycle at a certain speed," she reminisced. Her commitment to education was evident as she attended a well-known cram school from the age of three, ultimately passing the entrance exam for a university-affiliated school.
Muto's entry into the entertainment industry was sparked by her admiration for AKB48 during her high school years. She learned about the auditions while watching television and decided to give it a try, despite her initial reservations about her height. "I wanted to be a model but thought I was too short," she admitted. However, seeing other shorter members succeed inspired her to pursue her dreams.
Upon joining AKB48, Muto was taken aback by the immense talent and beauty of her fellow members. "Everyone was so cute and skilled," she recalled, feeling overwhelmed by the talent surrounding her. During her time as an understudy for Natsumi Sasahara, she dedicated herself to studying her movements in order to improve her own performance.
One of Muto's most vivid memories is the AKB48 general elections, held annually from 2009 to 2018. These elections, driven by fan votes, determined the center position for new songs and the participating members. Muto participated in the elections six times starting in 2012, and she describes the experience as both rewarding and mentally exhausting. "It was a chance to confirm my bond with fans, but the stress was intense," she emphasized.
As the elections were often held in regional areas, Muto would stay in hotels when performances followed. She recalls the tension in the air when two candidates shared a room—one rising in rank while the other fell. "It created a hellish atmosphere," she said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the competition.
Over the years, Muto gradually improved her rankings, ultimately reaching 7th place and earning a spot among the coveted 'God Seven' of AKB48. "I never imagined I would achieve that, but it turned out to be my last election, so it felt significant," she reflected. Looking back, she acknowledges that the experience taught her resilience and self-awareness. "Being compared to others was a unique experience that made me stronger, even though it was tough at the time," she added.
With her newfound perspective, Muto has embraced her journey as an opportunity to grow. She is now focused on clearing her goals one by one, expressing interest in children's financial education and career support initiatives. "I just turned 30, and I have so many things I want to do," she said, her enthusiasm palpable.
As Muto navigates her personal life, she notes that many of her peers from AKB48 are now married and starting families. While she has a desire for marriage, she humorously admits, "I want to get married, but I don’t have a partner right now." Nevertheless, she remains committed to building a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.
Ayami Muto’s journey from pop idol to accomplished professional exemplifies her determination and adaptability. As she continues to pursue her dreams, she serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work and perseverance, it’s possible to redefine one’s path.
