You might have two questions in mind right now: “What is Terrace House?” and “Who is Mizuki Shida?” Well, Terrace House is a Netflix Original reality TV show based in Japan (and if you’re not in on it RN, you should start watching). It features “six young strangers” who all move in a house together and start living life with no script whatsoever. The pioneer batch for the relaunch included Mizuki, an office worker and barista, and yes, she is also the star of local band Up Dharma Down’s music video for “Sigurado.”

The band kept everything under wraps until the MV’s official launch last Saturday, but they didn’t end there. Another surprise was flying in Mizuki so she can be there in the flesh. UDD admitted to being fans of Terrace House and that’s the reason why they wanted Mizuki to be a part of their video. They found her to be the most authentic person on the show so it was basically a no-brainer. When we asked why they picked Japan as their location, they simply answered, “Why not?”

I, obviously a fan of both, totally lost it. I saw it all unfold on social media and tried to meet Mizuki and the band on the same night (aka I fan girl-ed.) We found ourselves down south in 19 East for UDD’s second gig and got the chance to sit down and chat with the MV star. Scroll and get to know her!

What’s keeping you busy lately?

I’ve been modeling for fashion magazines in Japan, sometimes I go on TV, and I make coffee. I’m still a barista.

How has life been like since Terrace House?

So different. Before the show started, unlike all the other contestants on the show, I was scouted and everyone else auditioned. I was the only one who was discovered and asked to join the show. I didn’t really ask for it, it came. After the show, people ask me for photos when I’m walking down the street. “Mizuki-chan, [let’s] take a picture!” And a lot of the people go to the coffee shop where I work and talk to me.

Any particular favorite moment from TH?

The greatest thing is meeting everyone on the show. The episode when we talked about dreams, was also memorable.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I listen to a variety of genres. RnB, jazz, rap, and hip-hop.

Any particular artists?

There are a lot, but… UDD (Up Dharma Down). ONE OK ROCK. Narubarich.

What made you say yes to participate in the UDD video?

I checked the songs of UDD when they first asked me. I listened to a lot of their songs and was moved by the lyrics—and that’s why I said yes.

So you went to Fuji Rock, do you usually attend music festivals and concerts?

Yes! I like going to those kind of events. (We were interviewing her in the middle of a gig, so yeah, she’s into it.)

How many hours have you been in Manila and what have you done so far?

I stayed here for about three days (Ed’s note: Technically two since she arrived Friday night and left Sunday morning), and so far I ate a lot and went to different shopping malls. I also went to Tagaytay today and bought coffee beans—Barako beans.

Is there a favorite Filipino dish?

Everything is good! I liked the seafood like the salmon sinigang (sour soup) and then I liked calamares (deep fried squid). The sisig that was served last night had a lot of vegetables and I liked that, too. And oh, I love the cheese rolls from Mary Grace. (Same.)

What is something you want to do when you come back?

I want to go to the beach. I saw beautiful beaches. I saw photos of Palawan and UDD’s manager Toti showed me some pictures of Batangas so I want to go there.

What is your skincare routine like?

Simple. I use a lot of hand cream, moisturizer on my face. I use my facial wash when I wake up in the morning and before I sleep at night.

Makeup essentials?

Lipstick is very important. [I also use a] Japanese foundation. Sometimes I also use different eyeshadows and eyeliners depending on the occasion and mood.

Describe your personal style?

I’m very natural (casual) and feminine (soft.)

How long does it take for you to pick your clothes?

In 10 minutes! I like to consider where I’m going, who I’m meeting, and what I’m going to do.

How often do you shop?

Twice or once a month!

What’s your favorite travel destination and why?

I lived in the US, in California, for three months. And I loved it there. I would also like to explore Australia more because of their culture and coffee. I want to learn more about coffee.

What do you recommend for us to do when we visit Tokyo?

Good music? You can go to Blue Note Tokyo (as seen on Terrace House: Boys and Girls in the City episode nine). I like Tokyo Tower for sightseeing. For food, everywhere.

What about shopping?

If you like pre-loved goods, Shimokitazawa is best and also Koenji.

Where can we go for drinks?

It depends on the person. I recommend Shibuya because there’s a lot of bars in the area. And Shinjuku is good too!

Translation by Isa Añiga of Skymarines (yes, she’s an artist too!)

Photos by RG Medestomas

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