drawer

"Can you give us a brief introduction?"

E: My name is Ena Shinonome. I'm 20 years old this year, and I drive for Team Bluebird.

M: I'm PinPoint Racing's Mafuyu Asahina. I'm also 20 years old, and I graduated from Miyamasuzaka Girls' Academy.

"How did you get into racing?"

E: I was... three, I think. My mom showed me one of my dad's races, it was sooo cool! I fell in love right then and there.

M: There was an ad I saw while I was walking through Shibuya. I was curious, so I went to find out more and... here I am.

"Is there anyone you would like to fight on track?"

M: ... (looks at Ena)

E: ... (glares at Mafuyu) I could never beat her in junior series. I think all the winning is getting to her head, so I hope I have the chance to knock her down a peg.

"Have you settled into your teams yet?"

E: More or less. It's a new environment for sure, but everyone is really friendly. They even put up with me when I threw a tantrum over something stupid the other day (laughs).

M: Getting used to it. I'm not a people person...

"How do you spend your free time?"

M: I play the piano and recently starting to write my own lyrics. I haven't tried composing a full song yet, but I want to when I have the time.

E: I hang out with my friends. Some of them are as busy as I am, honestly, but we make it work.

"Who or what is your biggest inspiration?"

M: Ena.

E: ? What.

M: Ena is my biggest inspiration. She's determined and never gives up, even if she's slower than me.

E: Ugh, you...

E: I don't really have any one inspiration, I guess. It's a lot of things, and how this is what I've been surrounded by since I was young. I just really like racing.

"What about your dad, Shinei? He was quite an accomplished driver in his time."

E: Ah, yeah. He was definitely my idol when I was young, but he's just a normal guy now that he's retired. I caught him doing some really embarrassing things that I don't think I can say on camera.

E: Anyways, this isn't about him. I want to be Ena, not just another Shinonome.

"Who or what would you consider your biggest support?"

M: My mom. She sacrificed a lot for me, and her support is why I'm here today. My dad as well.

E: My younger brother, Akito. He's a street musician, you know? Yet he comes to all my races. As well as Airi, from More More Jump. I met her in middle school, and I think she tried to start a fanclub for me with Akito back then.

"And finally, have you thought about what you would be if you weren't a racer?"

E: Ehh... I dunno, actually. I don't see myself doing anything else. Maybe if my dad chose a different career path.

M: My mom wanted me to be a doctor.