On April 22, 2025, actress Koki, 22, along with her co-stars Yugo Watanabe, 31, and Eito Konishi, 26, graced the stage for the premiere of the movie "Goddess Advent Before High School Debut Edition" held in Osaka City. The event was a celebration of the film's release, which is based on the immensely popular Korean webtoon "Goddess Advent" by Yaongyi, known for its long-running series of 223 episodes.
The film tells the captivating journey of the protagonist, Reina Tanikawa, who transforms from an ordinary girl into a stunning 'goddess' through the magic of makeup. It follows her adventures in love and dreams over a span of nine years, transitioning from high school to adulthood in a two-part narrative. The sequel, "Goddess Advent After Proposal Edition," is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2025.
During the event, Watanabe shared a humorous memory from his childhood about a haircut mishap. He recounted how his bangs were cut with a protractor by his sister when he was in junior high school, resulting in a rather embarrassing look that he had to live with in his school ID photo. "I was so embarrassed and thought, how can I change this? Wax! That's when I debuted with hair wax," he reminisced, drawing laughter from the audience.
The trio also took a trip to the Kawaai Shrine in Kyoto, a sacred site dedicated to the 'Goddess of Beauty.' Dressed in traditional kimono attire, they performed a ritual to pray for the film's success. This shrine is known for its unique practices, including the beauty prayer where visitors draw their ideal selves on a mirror ema (kagami ema), believed to enhance both inner and outer beauty.
Reflecting on their visit, Koki remarked, "This is my first time in Osaka privately. This place is special to me because my grandmother's family home is in Hyogo Prefecture, and I often pass through Shin-Osaka." Konishi added that he was also not very familiar with Osaka, saying, "I don't come here often either," which resonated with fans who were thrilled to see them.
At the shrine, the cast dedicated a giant original mirror ema for the movie. They took turns applying makeup inspired by their characters, with Koki expressing her desire to recreate the coral pink look of Reina from the film. "I wanted to use coral eyeshadow to create a gradient, as Reina's cheeks are also quite striking," she explained. Watanabe, on the other hand, humorously struggled with his character's design, saying, "I tried to incorporate elements of the ice prince but ended up erasing my mouth shape, which didn't turn out as expected."
In a light-hearted exchange, Konishi praised Koki's skills, saying, "You're good at this!" as they all enjoyed the creative process together. Their camaraderie was evident as they shared laughs and playful banter while working on their mirror ema.
As the release of the sequel approaches, the cast reflected on their characters' growth. Koki noted, "The three of us are depicted as pursuing our dreams and overcoming challenges, which I believe will inspire viewers." Watanabe added, "You can witness emotional growth as we transition from high school to university, and the dynamics of the love triangle evolve, offering a different viewing experience than the first part."
Konishi emphasized the importance of watching the sequel, stating, "The audience will see Yuta gaining confidence as he chases his dreams, so I hope they pay attention to that." Each of them expressed excitement about the upcoming film and encouraged fans to look forward to the new developments in their characters' lives.
After the event, the trio shared their impressions of each other's kimonos. Koki complimented her co-stars, saying, "You both look wonderful, and I was quite taken aback by how great you look in these outfits." Watanabe and Konishi agreed, expressing their own admiration for her attire.
Watanabe mentioned that they aimed to complement Koki's kimono with their own outfits, saying, "We wanted to make sure Koki's kimono stood out, so we dressed accordingly." Koki revealed that the kimono was made by someone she considers a grandmother figure and that she was excited to wear it for the first time, as it was originally intended for her coming-of-age ceremony.
The Kawaai Shrine, where they prayed for the film's success, is known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance as a protector of women. Koki expressed her gratitude for being able to pray for the film's success at such a beautiful location, saying, "The moment I stepped in here, my heart calmed down." Watanabe added, "It feels uplifting to work in such a natural setting, which is a rare opportunity for us."
As the event concluded, the cast reiterated their hopes for the sequel, with Konishi stating, "I want everyone to witness how we've grown into adults. Pay attention to the powerful live scenes of Yuta." Watanabe chimed in, "This film reveals new relationships among the three of us, and I hope audiences enjoy discovering how it all ends in theaters." Koki concluded, "There are many heartwarming scenes that showcase the changes in our relationships, and I hope everyone looks forward to it!"
The excitement surrounding the "Goddess Advent" series continues to build as fans eagerly await the sequel's release, promising a blend of romance, growth, and the enchanting allure of transformation.
