Japanese actress Kuroki Meisa has captured the attention of auto enthusiasts and fans alike with her heartfelt reflections on her love of cars, particularly on the latest episode of the BS Nippon program, 'Ogi and Ohhashi's Car History - No Car, No Life'. Airing on January 11, 2025, Kuroki's nostalgic tales provide insight not only about her passion for vehicles but also her rich experiences throughout her artistic career.
During the show, Kuroki reminisced about her fondness for cars, particularly spotlighting her admiration for classic German automobiles. "I was so excited to see the car I had always admired from Germany, it looks so cute!" she exclaimed, showcasing her genuine enthusiasm as she encountered her dream car, believed to be from 1976. This vehicle, representative of “world-class popular cars,” brought back waves of fond memories for the beloved actress.
Kuroki's love for acting kicked off during her young age when she initially aspired to become a singer. "I always wanted to be a singer, but after seeing acting performances during school events, I shifted my interest," she shared. This shift of focus led her to audition for the Takarazuka Music School after being inspired by the performances she saw, particularly during its Fukuoka shows. Despite not believing she would gain admission, she tackled the audition process with optimism, reflecting, "Self-doubt was prevalent, but I pushed through my apprehensions and forged my own path."
Her time at Takarazuka wasn't without challenges. Kuroki faced cultural shocks adhering to the seniority system but found her footing eventually. "It was hauntingly beautiful at Takarazuka, but there were times when I would be overwhelmed by the pressures of hierarchy. Yet, it was also exhilarating to participate," she noted. One poignant memory she recalled was the supportive influence of fellow actress Daichi Mao, who starred as the leading male role and played a significant part during Kuroki's early career days. "There were moments when my senior Daichi drove me around, and I cried; it was such an emotional experience," she revealed, allowing viewers to glimpse the warmth of friendship embedded within the competitive theatrical world.
The episode of 'No Car, No Life' not only highlights Kuroki's automotive passion but also sheds light on the intertwining of her career and her love of cars. The nostalgia wafting through her stories invites audiences to reflect on how our experiences shape our identities. Kuroki’s vivid excitement over seeing the car she idolized is infectious, making viewers understand the emotional connections individuals often have with such symbols of freedom and adventure.
Many viewers can relate to Kuroki's feelings; cars often hold more than practicality, eliciting memories of road trips, relationships, or milestones achieved. Reminiscing over cars allows celebrities—and by extension, their fans—to explore layers of personal stories wrapped around the notion of freedom, aspiration, and reminiscence.
The final moments of the show highlighted Kuroki’s fulfillment as she embarked on her first drive of the year, buoyed by sheer delight and nostalgia. Her smiles were radiant as she traversed the route, illustrating the connection between cherished memories and the thrill of travel. The car not only represented its mechanical beauty but also rekindled stories of dreams both fulfilled and still lofty, echoing the sentiment: cars are not just vehicles; they are embodiments of dreams and shared experiences.
With Kuroki Meisa's stories echoing the timeless relationship between individuals and cars, this episode becomes more than just entertainment; it serves as a reminder of how our passions and memories intertwine. Perhaps more than any other item, cars symbolize our growth, journeys, and nostalgic reflections of the past, capturing their essence and significance through the lens of one's life and experiences.