Nao Matsushita Perfectly Fits Role in “Sky Castle” as Protagonist with Exposed Desires Elegant Images of Her Real Self
The shocking drama “Sky Castle” (TV Asahi) has become a hot topic, where celebrity wives engage in a bitter competition to get their children into school. Among them, Nao Matsushita (39), who plays the protagonist Sae Asami, is highly praised for her performance.
“Sae, who has a daughter about to take high school entrance exams, is a bundle of desires and ambitions who wants to get everything she wants by any means. She is a person with intense emotional expressions, unafraid to hurl insults at other mothers or to kneel before a tutor. On social media, Matsushita’s unprecedented character is praised with comments like ‘This type of role suits Matsushita better’ and ‘A new domain, but completely fitting for her’” (TV magazine writer).
Matsushita first gained nationwide popularity as a national actress by playing the role of Fumie Murai, the wife of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, in the NHK morning drama “Gegege no Nyobo” in early 2010.
“Her father was an executive officer at a mega-bank and served as president and executive director at related companies, making her a genuine young lady. Leveraging her background as a piano major from Tokyo University of the Arts, she has also excelled as a pianist and has hosted music programs such as the ‘Japan Record Awards’ and ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen.’ She is quick-witted and is valued for her ability to make clever ad-libs on variety shows. She truly embodies the image of a highly likable and versatile actor” (previously mentioned writer).
“FRIDAY” has been paying attention to Matsushita since her debut in the drama “The Puppy Waltz” (NTV) when she was 19 in 2004. The magazine has reported on various aspects of Matsushita, including her young lady aura during CM shoots and her glamorous dress during the “Kohaku Uta Gassen” hosting. Among these, particularly memorable is Matsushita’s elegant demeanor at the wrap party for the drama “The Strange Girlfriend” (TBS). We would like to revisit the article reported in the April 25, 2008 issue.
