Yuriko Yoshitaka, the busiest actress in Japan right now, bought “something unexpected” at a high-end supermarket after work.

His first major role was a tough start.

NHK’s historical drama “Hikaru Kimi e” started on January 7. The drama has attracted attention as an ambitious work starring Yuriko Yoshitaka (35) as Murasaki Shikibu, but the average household rating for the first episode was 12.7%, the lowest ever.

Two days later, Yoshitaka was seen at an upscale supermarket in Tokyo after finishing work. He thought he had come to buy luxury foodstuffs to reward himself (……), but instead he picked up spinach, natto (fermented soybeans), and other surprisingly commonplace items. Finally, he stopped by the liquor section and carefully examined the products. Yoshitaka has a strong image of highballs, but on this day he put a bottle of wine in his basket and went to the cash register. 20 minutes later, he finished his shopping, got into his car, and drove off in the direction of his home.

Although the ratings alone are not good, the show has a good reputation on the Internet and within the industry. There is also a possibility of a future success in the lower ranks. Entertainment reporter Takayuki Joshita offers his analysis.

The manga “Asaki Yumemishi,” which is based on “The Tale of Genji” and became a big hit, is attracting women in their 40s to 60s. There are few related books on Murasaki Shikibu, played by Ms. Yoshitaka, and her image has not been established. If Yoshitaka’s unique character can be adapted to the role, it will be possible for the actress to make a comeback.

Late at night on June 9, Yoshitaka posted on her SNS, “It was written that I was ranked as the best, but I think it is difficult to be ranked as the best, even if you aim for the best. Although Yoshitaka seems to be very positive about her career, she may be hiding the fact that she has a boyfriend, Mr. A, who looks like Matsuya Onoe and works for a major foreign financial institution, as reported in the June 16 and 23, 2011 issue of this magazine.

Yoshitaka is currently traveling around the country on location for a TV drama series. Yoshitaka is currently traveling around the country on location for the Taiga TV series, so his time in Tokyo is limited, but with the support of Ms. A, the relationship seems to be going well. It is expected that the filming for the Taiga will be finished in November at the latest. Yoshitaka has even said for some time that he thought he would get married when he was 30, so they may even make it to the finish line after the broadcast is over.

The year of competition has only just begun. Will they be able to bring their private and public lives to a “grand circle”?

From the February 2 and 9, 2024 issues of FRIDAY