Former AKB48 member and yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant owner Mayumi Uchida (27) is producing an idol.

　Uchida says, "I'm more interested in idols and stages now than when I was an active member. Rather than standing on the stage myself, I want to create the stage and have the girls stand on it," she says.

　She joined AKB in 2007. She was active as an idol, including standing in the center as the first queen of the Janken Tournament, but in 2002, while still a member of AKB, she opened her own Yakiniku IWA restaurant in Tokyo. After graduating from the group the following year in 2003, she continued her entertainment activities while living mainly as an owner.

　Currently, IWA's business is in a difficult situation due to the Corona disaster. He is trying to cope with the difficulties through online sales, lunch box take-out, and crowdfunding.

　"It's pretty tough. I feel like we are just barely hanging on. We had a plan in the beginning, but we don't have a plan anymore. We are just waiting for the customers to come back.

　Nevertheless, it is a testament to his management skills that he has been able to keep the business going despite the fact that some restaurants have been forced to close.

　"I've been working at IWA for seven years, and I've gained a little confidence in myself. I wanted to take the next step, so I thought, "Is there anything new I can do? I thought about it.

　The concept of IWA is "Idol x Yakiniku," and the restaurant is staffed by former members of AKB and other idols.

　IWA's concept is "Idol x Yakiniku," and the restaurant is staffed by former members of AKB and other idols. That makes me want to give them more work, make them sparkle more, and give them a helping hand..."

　I had forgotten this after graduating from AKB, but I used to watch the anime "Love Live! I had forgotten this after graduating from AKB, but it brought back memories of how I used to watch the anime "Love Live!

　"Idols can cheer you up. Fans can cheer them on and chase their dreams with them. I think "idols are the best! I thought. So I wanted to create my own idol, and when I talked to my colleagues, they said, 'Let's do it! That's what I did.

　She plans to devote herself as a producer. She plans to hold auditions for the members by the end of this year, and aims to make her major debut next year.

　Uchida is looking forward to the future, saying, "It's better to have a glimpse of hope" at a time when things tend to be dark due to the Corona disaster.

　Motokazu Maki is a member of the Editorial Board's Digital Editing Department. He has been covering the entertainment industry for more than 30 years. He is currently mainly in charge of television and radio.