Former Morning Musume Icon Maki Goto on How She Stayed Grounded Through a Whirlwind Career: Billboard Japan Women in Music Interview

Billboard Japan’s Women in Music initiative launched in 2022 to celebrate artists, producers, and executives who have made significant contributions to music and entertainment, and who inspire other women through their work — following in the footsteps of Billboard’s annual Women in Music honors. This interview series spotlighting female players across the Japanese entertainment industry is one of the key pillars of Japan’s WIM project.

This installment features Maki Goto, who marks the 25th anniversary of her debut this year. The singer joined Morning Musume at just 13 and has continued to chart her own course as a solo artist after graduating from the wildly popular J-pop girl group. Now, looking back on the past 25 years of her career — guided by the belief that she didn’t need to play the “good girl” — the 40-year-old performer shares the unexpected message she would offer her younger self today. She also reflects on the mindset that has sustained her throughout her life in the spotlight.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary. How are you feeling as you reach this milestone?

It really feels like the time flew by. Through performing live and all the different kinds of work I’ve done, I’ve gained so many tools and experiences to draw from. When I look back on my younger self now, I think I’d be able to give her some pretty good advice, like, “There might be a better way to approach this.”

Your new album COLLECTION includes solo versions of songs from your Morning Musume days. When you compare who you were then to who you are now, what do you feel has changed?

I think a lot has changed. I mean, I was only 13 — a second-year middle schooler. I might have looked the part with the bleached hair, but inside I was still very much a kid. I’m more conscious now of the shift from being a child to being an adult, and my approach to work has really evolved over these 25 years. Back in the Morning Musume days, Tsunku-san was producing us, and I was just doing my best to take on the tasks I was given and figure out how to carry them out. Now, I’m more in a place where I think for myself and shape who I am as an artist from within.

And what about the things that haven’t changed?

I think my personality is pretty much the same as it’s always been. I’ve lived in my hometown, where I was born and raised, for most of my life. While people might assume that celebrities all live in the city, I’ve deliberately chosen not to move, and maybe because of that, my values, my temperament, and the things that bring me peace have stayed pretty much unchanged. Being in the town where I grew up also makes it easier to switch clearly between my “on” and “off” modes when it comes to work.

Your work shifted from being part of a group to performing solo. How did you motivate yourself through that transition?

When I first went solo, I was really anxious. I realized just how much I had relied on my fellow members and the people around me. But once I became a solo artist, thinking about the people who support me and how I want to show up for them became something that encouraged me. It’s an awareness of wanting to show everyone the best version of myself.

Looking back at past interviews, there’s a strong sense of pride in your identity as an “idol” performer. When and how did that take shape for you?

When we were in Morning Musume, being an idol had a very spirited, almost athletic culture to it. It wasn’t about conforming to something, but rather about showing who you were and letting your individuality shine. We communicated directly with fans, balanced what we personally wanted to do with what was being asked of us, and were given the chance to try new approaches that still felt true to who we were. I think that environment is what shaped my own sense of what it means to be an idol.

Were your individuality and uniqueness recognized and supported mainly by fans and the staff around you?

It wasn’t quite that simple. Back then, social media didn’t exist like it does now, and the only place people could see us was on TV. It was actually pretty hard to get people to understand our individualities. We could show a bit of who we were through talk segments on music shows, but it wasn’t just about TV. I think the fact that we had so many opportunities to meet people directly through concerts and events, where they could really get to know us, is what allowed each of our strong personalities to become a strength.

As the one and only new member added at the time, you made a striking debut when you joined Morning Musume at 13. Looking back, is there anything you’d like to say to your younger self?

One thing I think now, after everything I’ve experienced, is: “You don’t have to be the good girl.” Being the model student or the “good kid” can feel like a safe position within a group or an organization. But if you get too used to that, taking on something new makes you stand out more — sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a not-so-good way. By not settling into that “good girl” role, you’re able to speak clearly about what you want to do, and actually pursue it. I think I’d tell my younger self to keep going with that kind of attitude.

I’m sure many young women feel afraid to stand out or think it’s safer to be obedient. That’s why your message of “you’re fine the way you are” is so empowering. What kind of woman do you admire?

Someone who can genuinely shine with a bright, sparkling smile — the kind that makes your heart feel light and happy. Our expressions show our feelings right away, and that can make the people around us worry or think too much. I really admire people who can take a moment to reset their feelings on their own and still show a warm, bright expression.

What helps you maintain your smile in daily life, and how do you encourage yourself when you feel worn down emotionally?

I’ve always had this habit of stepping back and looking at things from a distance. When something unpleasant or sad happens, seeing it from that wider perspective usually makes me realize it’s actually not as overwhelming as it felt in the moment. And when I’m feeling down, if I just take a moment to breathe and think things through, I end up telling myself that this isn’t worth dwelling over. I think giving yourself that small pause to let your emotions settle is really important.

When did you develop that mindset?

Honestly, I’ve had that habit since I was very young.

You were able to get through that whirlwind era with that wider perspective. Joining the group at 13 — without that viewpoint, it would’ve been easy to be overwhelmed.

Exactly. If I’d tried to take everything head-on all the time, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up, and my feelings wouldn’t have lasted. After my debut, that habit of stepping back, taking a breath, and looking at things calmly became even stronger.

What do you think is important for women to really shine?

I think people are the most alive when they’re doing something they genuinely want to do. When you want to try something new, instead of thinking, “I probably can’t,” it’s better to just go for it first. If it doesn’t work out, you can rethink it then. By continuing to pick up the things you want to do like that, I think your own potential naturally expands. That kind of attitude matters.

So you’re someone who actively dives into things you’re curious about.

I am. When something interests me, I look into it right away and really throw myself into it.

What are some things you’d like to take on moving forward?

I’ve always been interested in beauty, and it’s something I really enjoy, so I’d love to do something in that area that could be helpful to people. I also held a live show and events this September to mark my 25th anniversary, and the response from everyone meant so much to me. It became something I can lean on as I look toward my next steps. I want to think about new stages and try things people wouldn’t expect.

To be honest, I’m still surprised that after 25 years in this industry, I’m able to keep performing like this. Continuing something for that long is really not easy. But once you have a dream, the important thing is to keep going. If it’s something you truly love, then no matter what happens, you’ll find a way to continue. I want to hold onto that feeling and keep doing my best every day.

—This interview by Rio Hirai (SOW SWEET PUBLISHING) first appeared on Billboard Japan