TOKYO (TR) – Nogizaka46 member Iroha Okuda appeared at a press conference in Tokyo on August 31 to promote her upcoming appearance in the musical production of “The Secret Garden,” reports Jiji Press (Aug. 31).
Based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the original Korean musical adaptation follows a group of young orphans who find emotional rebirth and connection by acting out the roles of the story’s characters.
During the event, Okuda, alongside co-stars Taisei Shima and Michiru Irodori, belted out five songs from the production.
“It was our first time blending our voices together, but we were able to sing beautifully,” a smiling Okuda told reporters. “I am really looking forward to singing the other tracks as well.”
“Strong curiosity”
The cast will be tasked with pulling double duty for the production, portraying both the orphans and the fictional characters within the play-within-a-play. Okuda noted that she plans to channel her own “strong curiosity” into the performance to bring her character to life.
When asked by the press to share a personal anecdote related to flowers, the idol revealed a touching exchange with former Nogizaka46 captain Minami Umezawa.
Okuda recalled receiving a surprise gift of a Calla lily during Umezawa’s graduation ceremony. In the language of flowers, the Calla lily represents both “grace” and “hot-bloodedness.”
“She gave it to me with the message, ‘Iroha, you possess both of these qualities,'” Okuda explained. “That was how I first learned about the flower, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
“The Secret Garden” is scheduled to run at Tokyo’s Yomiuri Otemachi Hall from October 17 through November 1.
