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Zoey Zhang

A pop singer in Japan who wakes up at 5am and makes a four-hour round trip to attend university has earned praise for her commitment to both her education and her career.
Yuzuki Nakashima, 22, is a member of the popular Japanese girl group Sakurazaka46.
She has gained nearly 100,000 followers on social media thanks to her sweet looks, charming voice and energetic personality.
Recently, Nakashima shared a vlog documenting her daily school commute, which quickly attracted attention online.
While she lives in Tokyo for her entertainment career, her university is in Fukuoka, about 1,000km away in southwestern Japan.

In the video, Nakashima reveals that attending this university had been her dream since secondary school. Due to the distance, she flies every day to get to class.
Her routine starts at 5am when she applies her make-up, she then heads to Haneda Airport at 6am to catch the first flight.
Nakashima arrives in Kitakyushu Airport at around 9.30am, then take a taxi or bus to the campus in Fukuoka.
The one-way journey takes more than two hours and costs more than 15,000 yen (US$105) each day.
To make use of her time, Nakashima studies and completes her homework during the commute.
She often studies alone in a quiet room overlooking the campus, and her friends do not treat her differently despite her idol status.
After class, she flies back to her studio in Tokyo for dance and vocal training that lasts into the evening.
Nakashima has maintained this demanding routine for four years.
Before joining Sakurazaka46, she worked part-time jobs to save money and chase her dream of becoming a singer.
Now, Nakashima has completed her studies and received a diploma.
She said she kept her student life private to keep the focus on her group’s performances, but felt that graduation was the right moment to share this “important part of life”.
She hopes to focus more on stage performances now and encouraged others by saying: “If you have a dream, no matter how difficult it seems, be brave and go for it.

“Every second you spend chasing your dream will become one of the most valuable memories of your life.”
Nakashima’s story has sparked a discussion on social media, with many praising her dedication and resilience.
One online observer wrote that the true charm of idols lies not just in their looks or talent, but in their inner strength.
Another called her a “superwoman” for juggling school, variety shows and live performances.
One of her fellow students added: “I had no idea someone at our school worked so hard. It is tough job-hunting now, but Nakashima has inspired me not to give up.”


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People & Culture

Pop idol’s gruelling daily schedule begins with putting on make-up at 5am before arriving at university around 10am for classes


Pop idol’s gruelling daily schedule begins with putting on make-up at 5am before arriving at university around 10am for classes.


Japan