Imagine waking up at 5 a.m., catching a flight, and spending four hours commuting—just to attend college. Sounds exhausting, right? For Yuzuki Nakashima, a 22-year-old Japanese pop idol and member of Sakurazaka46, this was her daily reality for four years. Spending Rs 18,000 daily on flights from Tokyo to Fukuoka, Nakashima’s story is a jaw-dropping testament to balancing ambition, education, and sheer grit. How did she pull it off, and what can we learn from her? Let’s dive into her incredible journey.
A Day in the Life of a Supercommuter
Nakashima’s day begins before dawn. At 5 a.m., she’s up, applying makeup and preparing for her whirlwind routine. By 6 a.m., she’s at Haneda Airport, boarding a flight to Kitakyushu Airport in Fukuoka, 1,000 km away. Landing around 9:30 a.m., she hops on a bus or taxi to her university campus, arriving just in time for classes. This one-way trip takes over two hours and costs more than Rs 9,000, doubling to Rs 18,000 for the round trip.
What’s remarkable is how she uses her time. Instead of napping or scrolling on her phone, Nakashima studies and completes assignments during flights. “It was my dream to attend this university since secondary school,” she shared in a YouTube vlog, revealing her lifelong goal of pursuing higher education alongside her music career. After classes, she flies back to Tokyo for evening dance and vocal training, proving her commitment to both her studies and her role in Sakurazaka46, a popular girl group with nearly 100,000 social media followers.
Balancing Fame and Normalcy
Being a celebrity on campus could be daunting, but Nakashima kept it low-key. She often studied alone in a quiet room with a campus view, and her friends treated her like any other student despite her fame. This humility allowed her to focus on her coursework without the spotlight. For four years, she kept this grueling routine private, only sharing it after graduating. Why? She wanted her education to be a personal milestone, not a publicity stunt.
Her story resonates deeply. One fellow student remarked, “I had no idea someone at our school worked so hard. It’s tough job-hunting now, but Nakashima has inspired me not to give up.” Social media buzzed with praise, with fans calling her a “superwoman” for juggling school, performances, and variety shows. Nakashima’s journey shows that even idols face real-world challenges—and conquer them with discipline.
The Cost of Chasing Dreams: Yuzuki Nakashima
Let’s talk numbers. Each one-way flight costs over 15,000 yen (Rs 9,000), making her daily commute a staggering Rs 18,000. That’s Rs 90,000 a week, assuming a five-day schedule! To fund her dreams, Nakashima worked part-time before her music career took off, showcasing her relentless drive. Her story parallels others who make extreme sacrifices, like a Canadian student who flew weekly from Calgary to Vancouver to save on rent.
What’s the takeaway? Nakashima’s journey isn’t just about money or miles—it’s about prioritizing what matters. “If you have a dream, no matter how difficult it seems, be brave and go for it,” she said. Her diploma is proof that perseverance pays off.
Why Her Story Inspires Us
Nakashima’s tale is a wake-up call. How many of us would commit to a four-hour, Rs 18,000 daily commute? Her inner strength, as one fan noted, is the “true charm of idols.” In a world obsessed with instant success, her story reminds us that big dreams demand big effort. Will her example inspire others to chase their goals, no matter the cost? Only time will tell.
Also Read: Friday Motivation: Vishal Singh, One of India’s Unsung Heroes, Feeds Thousands for Free
FAQs
1. How did Yuzuki Nakashima manage her time during her commute?
She used her four-hour daily flights to study, complete homework, and prepare for classes, turning travel time into productive study sessions.
2. Why did Nakashima keep her commuting routine private until graduation?
She wanted to focus on her education privately, sharing her journey only after earning her diploma to mark it as a personal milestone.
