What is the shelf life of a teenage idol? While there is no definitive answer, the unwritten “25-year-old retirement rule” (Note 1) in Japan’s idol industry has long set an unspoken standard. Yet, as with all rules, there are exceptions. Debuting with the million-selling single Love Machine and spending just three years in Morning Musume, Goto Maki propelled the group to unprecedented heights, breaking records that remain unchallenged to this day. Twenty-five years have passed since her debut on Asayan, but astonishingly, age has not limited her.
At 39, Goto Maki has released a new album, embarked on a nationwide tour, and announced the reissue of a photobook even before its release. Her remarkable energy prompts one to wonder: is this the dawn of her “Second Golden Era”?
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Taiker Magazine proudly features this iconic superstar as the cover star for its special issue The New Era. This is also her first time gracing the cover of a Taiwanese magazine. With 25 years of experience and energy behind her, is this the perfect moment to embark on her “New Era”? On an early autumn day, we met Goto Maki in Tokyo to explore her thoughts, plans, and ambitions for The New Era.
Rekindling Youthful Connections with Fans
Unlike many contemporaries who transitioned into “mom entertainers” as their priorities shifted, Goto Maki continues to perform into her late 30s. After a 13-year hiatus, she returned with prAyer, a dance music-centric album that showcases her ambition as an artist. How does Goto Maki perceive prAyer? “
This album is quite different from my earlier works, especially in terms of production techniques and sound design. It incorporates many modern elements to resonate with today’s listeners. At the same time, prAyer retains my character and personal taste. In short, I think it’s a very honest reflection of myself.”
“Pursuing my style” and “staying true to myself” may sound simple, but as someone who started in an idol group, it took Goto nearly a decade to find her footing. “Back in Morning Musume, everything was meticulously directed. How we sang, shot music videos, or posed for photobooks—producer Tsunku gave us clear instructions. Our job was to meet his expectations, which made things straightforward.”
However, going solo brought a new kind of pressure, the first being:
What does it mean to be ‘Goto Maki’?
This once-daunting question no longer troubles her. Now, Goto Maki confidently expresses her desired image, whether as a singer, model, or otherwise. Her fans, who have supported her through highs and lows, played a vital role in helping her find this answer. Even during her time with Hello! Project, Goto’s exceptional stage presence was a constant source of admiration. “I’ve always known that my fans love me most as a singer. Performing and interacting with them at concerts has always been my greatest joy.”
When she began planning prAyer earlier this year, Goto’s priority was clear: “I wanted to create an album that fulfilled my fans’ long-standing expectations and gave them the music they’d been waiting for.” Reflecting on her return to promotional activities—shooting music videos, hosting album signings, and appearing on music programmes—what moment felt most nostalgic? “My heart is always with my fans,” she said with a smile. “The album’s debut stage was at the Tianjin Azure Dragon Music Festival. Seeing the fans’ reactions to the new songs felt so familiar. It was like every moment on stage came flooding back to me.”
prAyer holds another meaning, she explained: Player. “This Player isn’t just me; it’s every fan who has supported me along the way. This album is something we created together.” Having faced challenges and triumphs, Goto Maki is deeply grateful for the stage she has now.
Maturity Meets Sensuality
In recent years, Goto Maki has not only reignited her music career but also become a regular presence on major Japanese television programmes. Her timeless beauty, seemingly untouched by age, often lands her on social media trending topics.
When asked how she maintains her radiant appearance, Goto admits to investing considerable effort in her looks. Former Morning Musume members have even shared how she would arrive early for concerts or TV recordings to perfect her makeup. “I’m genuinely passionate about beauty. I think staying beautiful not only brings joy to yourself but also to those around you. We’re fortunate to live in an era of advanced aesthetic treatments, and I love exploring new beauty trends and sharing tips with friends. It’s a topic women can never tire of discussing.”
Building on her enduring charm, Goto Maki is set to release a new photobook, flos, later this year. The title cleverly complements her previous work, ramus. “It’s been three years since ramus, which means ‘branch’ in Latin, while flos means ‘flower’. I wanted to express how my charm has evolved over time, from budding branches to full bloom. Readers can see more sides of me in this photobook.”
How does she define sensuality at this stage of her life? “I think it’s about control. I can now express sensuality more naturally and boldly than ever before.”
Embracing Growth and Evolution
Time indeed shapes us. The Goto Maki who once fretted over rumours has now become someone eager for honest feedback. “After performances or concerts, fans leave messages like, ‘You’re so cute,’ ‘We’ll always support you,’ or ‘We love you so much.’ These compliments still make me incredibly happy, but now I value hearing their genuine thoughts even more. My fans know me best, and their suggestions are invaluable for my growth.”
As the lyrics of her single CLAP CLAP go: “Do you really notice? My true feelings. The deeper you understand me, the more it moves me.” For Goto Maki, this emotional response is no longer tied to the uncertainty of youth but has become a catalyst for self-reflection and continuous evolution.
Returning to this issue’s theme of The New Era, does Goto Maki feel that this is her moment? “Restarting various activities this year definitely feels like a new chapter. What kind of artist will I become? Will there be more unexpected collaborations or projects? I don’t have the answers yet, but I’m genuinely excited about the future. I also firmly believe that I can make it happen.”
Goto Maki neither dwells on the past nor fears the future. She draws strength from the profound connection she shares with her fans, confident that her current self is the best version of her yet. Who says the charm of a teenage idol fades with time? With her enduring allure, Goto Maki declares to the world: Her New Era begins now.
Note1. The “25-year-old retirement rule” refers to an unwritten guideline in Japan’s idol industry suggesting female idols graduate from their groups by the age of 25. However, recent years have seen many idols continuing their careers beyond this age, challenging the notion and broadening its scope.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ Dylan Tang
CREATIVE PRODUCER/ Shawn Chang
PHOTOGRAPHER/ Kizen Zhao
STYLIST/ A.L
DRESSER / Mika Yamashina
MUA/ Takayuki Hazama
COORDINATOR/ Mayu Gen
VIDEOGRAPHER/ Hei Man Peng
PROP STYLIST / Hanyi Cheng
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT/ Murata Kazuki、Masato Otsubo
FASHION/ Ferragamo、Gucci、Versace
LOCATION/ Ogasawara Hakushakutei