“Shizuka Ishibashi, the New Heroine of Reiwa, Taking a Break at a Cafe
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“In commercials, she seems to be a legitimate beauty, but in dramas, when she plays the role of a ‘demonic woman’ or ‘uninhibited woman,’ there is no one better among the younger generation. She is sure to make a big breakthrough in 2010, even bigger than this year’s.” (Drama production staff)
It was late September when I saw Shizuka Ishibashi (27), an actress who is rapidly gaining popularity for her high level of acting ability, in Motomachi, Yokohama. On that day, the stage “Chikamatsu Shinju Monogatari” was having its final performance at the Kanagawa Arts Theatre, and after the show, Ishibashi left the venue with two female friends who had come to watch the play. Wearing a cap, white t-shirt and jeans, Ishibashi stopped by a cafe with his friends and took out a cold drink. As soon as they stepped out of the store, he brought the cup to his mouth and quenched his thirst.
Ishibashi, a second-generation celebrity whose parents are actors Ryo Ishibashi (65) and Mieko Harada (62), won the role of Rika Akana, the heroine in the Japanese version of “Tokyo Love Story” (Fuji TV), which started airing on October 12.
She said, “I’m not a product of my parents’ influence at all. Her acting ability is outstanding for someone her age. Her acting ability is outstanding among her age group, and she has the power of expression and presence to eclipse the leading roles even in supporting roles. However, her good performance in this year’s much talked about drama “Ozuida to wako to sannin no ex-husband” (Fuji TV) blew away her reputation. I heard that her schedule is already booked until next summer” (entertainment industry executive).
I’m sure that Ishibashi’s version of Rika will bring out a new charm in her.
From the November 5, 2021 issue of FRIDAY
Photography： Yuri Adachi
