TOKYO - Yui Sakurai, a member of the rising idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, is set to release her first photobook titled 'YUi' on February 20th. The announcement comes after the group's recent success, including winning the Best New Artist Award at the "Japan Record Awards" broadcasted on TBS on December 30, 2023, and their upcoming two-day solo concert at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan in May this year.
Photographed by Yuichi Sato, the photobook captures Sakurai's experiences in Thailand's resort islands of Phuket and Phi Phi. In Phuket, she enjoyed elephant trekking on the beach and the trendy "floating breakfast" in a pool. The cover of the regular edition features a shot taken in the bathroom of an oceanfront villa on the shores of Phuket.
During her time on Phi Phi Island, Sakurai visited Maya Bay, known for its appearance in the film "The Beach," and presented her smile to the camera against the backdrop of the emerald green sea. She also took on the challenge of shooting swimsuit photos and her first lingerie shots, showcasing a mature and healthy body.
The title 'YUi' was inspired by her name, which she casually wrote on the white sands of Phi Phi Island's beach. In addition to the regular edition, a special edition box set, including an acrylic stand and a special book, will be available exclusively online at HMV&BOOKS, and in select HMV stores and Tower Records Shibuya store. The special book features conversations between Sakurai and each member of FRUITS ZIPPER, as well as newly taken casual wear snaps.
A special event for purchasers of the special edition is also planned. Commemorative photo handover events will be held at HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA in Tokyo on February 20th and at HMV&BOOKS SHINSAIBASHI and Tower Records Umeda NU Chayamachi store in Osaka on March 3rd. Additionally, from February 20th, HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA and Tower Records Shibuya store will display ten signed panels, including four unreleased cuts from the photobook. Ten lucky customers who purchase the photobook during the panel exhibition will win a panel through a lottery. Moreover, an A3 poster will be distributed to all photobook purchasers at HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA and Tower Records Shibuya store.
In a statement, Yui Sakurai expressed her gratitude and excitement: "I am thrilled to announce the release of my first photobook! It's a dream come true to shoot my first photobook overseas as an idol, especially in my tenth year in the idol industry. And to have the release date on February 20th, the last day of being 23 years old, feels like a series of miracles. I am deeply grateful to the fans and everyone who has supported me in making this dream a reality. This photobook is not just about me on stage, but also about showing a more relaxed and genuine side of myself. I hope it will become a way for many people to get to know me better... I hope you all enjoy it! ♡"
For more information on the release events and to stay updated on FRUITS ZIPPER's activities, please follow the official Twitter account @yui_fz_1st and look for related products such as Yui Sakurai's 'YUi' photobook, available on Amazon.co.jp starting February 20, 2024.
Source: Natalie
