There's less than a day to go before the weekend and with it the final run of his first-ever starring stage role. Come Sunday, in the dressing room of the Umeda Geijutsu Theatre in Osaka, Sugeta Rinne of the JPOP group 7 MEN Samuraiwill finally get to hang up the wild, ponytailed wig of Hidamari no Ki's drunken and lovesick Tezuka Roan.

When he does, though, it will likely be a mixture of bittersweet relief. Speaking to Japanese lifestyle publication SODA, he notes "I was really looking forward to taking on a role in a play outside of what [my agency] Johnny & Associates puts on. Last year, seeing [fellow bandmember Motodaka Katsuki] on stage in Nonai Poison Berry, I remember being shocked at how different he was as an actor compared to what I've seen of him in our annual showcase productions, and thinking about how much I too wanted to learn and grow outside my comfort zone. On the other hand, unlike Katsuki and [additional member Nakamura Reia] I've had no real-world acting experience before this, so the thought of going from zero to marquee was in all honesty more terrifying than exciting."

But preparing for such a monumental first time wasn't the only thing hanging over his head of late. Reporting to fans from his private vlogging booth (better known as the white tiled bathroom of his parent's house) he updated about his recent graduation from Meiji University's Department of Sociology. Showing off his new suit perfectly fitted to his petite yet well-cultivated gymnast's frame and his necktie playfully loose around his unbuttoned collar (as seen above), he reported "I just want to let my fans know that I finally graduated. I know there were people who've been worried about me and I want to thank everyone for their love and support. I really look forward to focusing full time on my work as an entertainer, and applying everything I've learned these past few years to new opportunities for myself and 7 MEN Samurai." 

His graduation was followed by yet another milestone. Musing on simultaneously reaching his 10th anniversary as a talent of Johnny & Associates the next day, he said: "It's not been the easiest road. I got to be on TV a lot right after I joined, but it didn't necessarily have an immediate impact on getting well-known. Yet there were always little things; little motivations that kept me going, kept me hungry to stick with the path to which I had set myself. And then in 2018 when we were created as an official Johnnys' Junior group and I got to experience a little more of the real world while balancing a full college schedule, I started to see the goal toward which I was headed a little more clearly. None of it was smooth sailing, sure, but there is definitely a momentum that helps each step land on a little more solid ground. In just the last year alone, and in spite of everything, I've not only been able to challenge myself with this role in Hidamari no Ki, but I've also been a regular on amazing variety shows, including getting a big break clearing the first round of SASUKE Ultimate Ninja Warrior. I also got to perform original songs in live concerts with my group, and so much more thanks to all the people who've supported us."

And as for immediate plans? "My goal more than anything for 2021 is to improve my skills as a commentator when it comes to food (a staple of the Japanese variety show scene). The other guys always tease me about how unoriginal and undescriptive I am...it's definitely something I want to improve on;" he smiled sheepishly.

Sugeta Rinne and 7 MEN Samurai appear every Friday at 8pm JST on the Johnnys' Jr. Channel. Watch their latest videos HERE.