Are there any specific things that have made you feel “It’s great to be in the entertainment industry!” (Gunma prefecture, 29 years old female)

F: “The thing that made me glad to have this job, is the kindness that other people have shown me! When I go to some shops, they’d do all sorts of extra things for me! In the past, I would say, ‘No thanks, it’s alright’, but now I feel such a response is much too rude.”

You actually did say that …..

F: “Yes. I had turned down the only way that they can do something more for me. In a tea ceremony, that would not be possible. Accepting other people’s services (with grace) is a very important etiquette (in chadō). From a professional wrestler’s point of view, that’s something like seeing how much you can take. That’s why I would accept other people’s extra arrangements nicely now.”

And on top of that, if you are able to show your delight, it would be even better for the other party.

F: “That’s right. If we can gladly accept (someone’s good intentions), they would feel happy too.”

You must have come across those peculiar extras like “We can recommend good shops where you can find the girls.”

F: “As for those, I’d still say the same ‘Thank you very much’ and accept it all.” (laugh)

20 years being such a long time, you must have had moments when you didn’t want to work. Whenever you’re not in the mood, what keeps you motivated? (Aichi prefecture, 16 years old female)

F: "Well……I guess it would have to be my fans. It's because of their happy faces that I would want to keep working hard till the end."

Beijing Olympics women's softball game in 2008. The person who took them wrote in her blog that when he found out she was taking his pictures he stopped talking to his companion and looked a bit annoyed. She said he kept looking at her (seems to me he was checking if she'll ever stop) but she just went on

There was another guy/girl who wrote in his blog that he bumped into him in a shop in Beijing and he asked the managers if he could take a photo with him, but the managers refused. He said thinking backwards he should have phoned people to come so they could keep him there longer.

If we should bump into Fukuyama-san in the street, is it better if we keep quiet and not do anything? (Osaka prefecture, 18 years old female)

F: “Yes, I’ve been saying this in my radio programme all along. (I’m a bit) like wild animals…you should never go and feed them, because you would disrupt the natural eco-cycle.” (i.e. Do not approach him if you should see him in the street, you would start a huge disruption there.)

So it’s alright if they stand and look from afar?

F: “Yes, I don’t mind if I’m surrounded at a distance. Apparently the animals in the Galapagos have a tendency of approaching people because they have never had the experience of being hurt by humans. So, if you keep your distance, who knows, maybe I might come over.” (laugh)