Debuted in 2014 as a member of AKB48 team 8. Yokoyama Yui gained popularity due to her sharp dance, singing ability, and the Tsugaru dialect. She graduated from AKB48 in November 2021 and is currently expanding her field of activity as an actress and talent. Yokoyama says, “I know I have to send something from myself, but I'm really bad at SNS,” but she says that only Fanicon's “Yokoyui Club” can continue without difficulty. I asked you why.
── Why did you choose Fanicon from among the many fan club services?
The decisive factor was that it had plenty of functionality, such as timelines, group chat, and 1-on-1 talk. There was also a sense of security that the seniors in the group who graduated from AKB48 had already established Fanicon.
── How was it when you actually used it?
Originally, I wasn't very good at social media. When it comes to leaving words for the world, I'm a little prepared. Are there any typographical errors? Are the photos okay too? I reread it about 10 times, and I'm still really nervous... However, Fanicon is a closed community, and since there are only people who like me, I feel very comfortable posting. It's so nice to be able to write the way I felt at that time.
── When do you update it?
Maybe you're on the move or have a lot of time between jobs. I wonder if they're doing this kind of thing now, or is this kind of fashion today. Until now, there hasn't been a medium for me to easily upload such unfriendly stories.
── Are you a little nervous about posting to open SNS such as Instagram and Twitter?
Yes, that's right. Even when I was at AKB48, I had a feeling that I had to work hard so that I could frequently upload various photos to Instagram, but I really wasn't good at it. It makes me think a lot... I have more than a small feeling that nobody is that interested in my words. In that respect, if it's Fanicon, fans will be happy no matter what you upload. Everyone wants my posts. It was really the first time I thought so.
── Is there anything you keep in mind when posting?
The most important thing is, after all, whether it's content that I myself think is fun to do. That's all I'm thinking about. No matter how closed the community is, don't post negative feelings that make viewers feel uneasy or worried. I want it to be a place where everyone can make friendly comments, have fun, and be energetic.
── You're also watching the fans' comments carefully, aren't you?
Yes, I'm watching it so much! If you post a photo using the timeline function, fans will comment a lot. Even if you just say “good morning,” everyone returns “good morning.” The management side is very happy that this little thing happened! While saying that I want to make it a place where everyone can cheer up, I actually feel energized.
── Is there anything you keep in mind when dealing with fans within the community?
For example, when reading comments aloud via live stream, if you think they have sense and pick them up, you may end up being the same person over and over again. Actually, it's something I want to avoid, but to be honest, it's difficult to reduce bias to zero... Nevertheless, I try to respond as properly as possible to the comments I receive. Thankfully, my fans are well aware that I'm not good at SNS, and they say, “You can go at your own pace,” so I would like to continue creating an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves at their own pace.
── You mentioned earlier that you try not to post negative feelings, but how do you usually spend your time when you're tired or depressed?
I don't post negative feelings, but when I say I'm a little tired from work, etc... I try to distribute videos without leaving text messages. This happened today, and they asked the fans that they were tired, and they said, “That was tough, wasn't it?” or “So why don't we do this here?” Or, by exchanging opinions in real time, I think I'll do my best starting tomorrow.
── I feel warm because it's a real-time exchange.
Yes, that's right. Fanicon also knows how many people are online, so during times when there are a lot of people, “What are you doing now?” or “What did you eat for dinner?” I think one of the reasons I feel it's easy to speak up is that I can quickly ask a light question.
── Have you ever had trouble getting closer to your fans?
The distance with the fans has certainly become closer. Through Fanicon, I was able to understand what everyone was thinking and thinking. But that doesn't mean they're getting too close either. Instead of becoming close like friends, I feel like we became even better friends while maintaining the relationship between my fans and me. I think it's a really wonderful relationship.
── The 1-on-1 talk function is also often used!
Yes! At AKB, I didn't have a chance to talk directly with the fans, so the 1-on-1 talk was really refreshing. The fans were delighted, and I was able to learn more about what kind of people you are. I think it's a very nice feature that allows each person to watch properly.
── Two years have passed since “Yokoyui Club” was established, but are there any tips for continuing to send messages?
That's why there are times when I'm tired, and there are times when I think about keeping my distance from SNS. But I'm spoiled by the fans, and I think they are supporting me, including that... When I'm not showing up at Fanicon, no one says, “You didn't say good morning today, did you?” They're probably busy right now, maybe they're tired, and they're waiting for me. There are only fans like that, so I can post without worry even when I'm tired, and everyone comments a lot when I post. After all, I'm happy that there is a place where you can feel “thank you for your hard work” and warmly welcome you at any time.
── It's a place where you can feel safe, so you can continue naturally.
Yes! I think it's an open SNS, but Fanicon has never felt “awkward because I haven't been able to post for a long time.” Rather, when you're tired, there are times when you feel energized.
── At “Yokoyui Club,” there are also events where you can interact with fans in real life.
Until now, we have held many events, such as birthday events and commemorative events, and I am grateful that Fanicon staff are kind enough to consult with me at any time. Everything from planning to venue preparation can now be done in the studio at Fanicon's office.
── In addition to broadcasts and live shows, we are also preparing event spaces so that we can support various projects.
Even when there was an event called Yokoyui Club Pottery Class, the Fanicon staff proposed a plan. You've been watching stories about me going to pottery classes and posting pictures of the plates I bought. It was an idea I couldn't think of alone.
── Please tell me your impressions of actually doing a pottery class.
While saying, “You have such an idea too,” or “Surprisingly, it's Bukiccho,” I went around everyone's place, and it was really fun being able to interact with them like this! Moreover, not only will our memories remain in our memory, but I think it was a really good project from the perspective that the works we created will also remain on hand. The joy of being able to realistically share what I love with everyone was also great.
── It looks like the karaoke event was exciting too.
Since I graduated from AKB48, I have fewer opportunities to sing in front of fans. Meanwhile, we received requests from fans to listen to songs, and the karaoke event was realized. Of course, the fans were happy, and I love singing, so I think I enjoyed it more than anyone else. The response was also huge, and I was happy. This is also thanks to Fanicon.
── I'm happy that you like Fanicon!
At first, I was really worried about setting up a fan club, but I'm really glad I chose Fanicon. Two years have passed since it was established, and all the staff are cooperative, and there is no stress whatsoever, including the functions. There are people waiting for me, and I think it's a very happy environment where various people cooperate to create that environment. Of course, it's fun for people who like SNS, and even people like me who don't like SNS can interact with fans without difficulty, so if you're worried, it might be a good idea to just talk to the person in charge of Fanicon once. From now on, I would like to use Fanicon to create places where everyone can enjoy themselves even more.
── Thank you so much for today!
.svg)
If you want to deepen interaction with fans and want to make running a fan club easier than it is now, then Fanicon is useful.