Kurumi Takase, a member of the idol group BEYOOOOONDS, held a commemorative event in Tokyo on May 29 to launch her first photo essay [1], [2].
The release serves as a personal milestone for the 27-year-old performer [1] as she prepares for her graduation from the group. This transition marks the end of her tenure with the ensemble before her final appearance at a scheduled performance at Yokohama Arena on June 16 [1], [2].
Published by Odyssey Publishing, the work is titled "beyond myself" [1]. Takase said the project evolved from initial discussions about a standard photo book or collection of photographs. She said that she wanted to do something different from others and felt that an essay would allow her to share more personal aspects of her life through her own words [3].
During the event, Takase reflected on her development from her time as a Hello! Project trainee. She said she received guidance from teachers who helped her reframe her perspective on negative emotions [3]. Takase said that those mentors taught her that being negative might not be such a bad thing if one changes their point of view [3].
The event in Tokyo allowed Takase to communicate personal messages and thoughts to her fans directly [2]. By combining photography with written reflections, the project aims to provide a deeper look into her identity beyond her stage persona [1], [3].
“I wanted to do something a little different from others.”
The publication of 'beyond myself' functions as a curated legacy project for Takase. By transitioning from a visual-only photo book to a written essay, she is asserting agency over her narrative and emotional history before officially exiting the group at the Yokohama Arena performance.
