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.

Amidst Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Rena Tanaka being exceptionally lively, Matsushita performed a piano recital.

In early April 2008, the wrap party for the drama “The Strange Girlfriend” was held at the newly opened “Akasaka Sacas” in Akasaka, Tokyo. Matsushita appeared in a white dress alongside the lead actor Tsuyoshi Kusanagi in a black suit and heroine Rena Tanaka. Her outstanding 174 cm figure stood out remarkably.

“At the wrap party, Tanaka was extremely lively throughout, hugging people and even breaking into tears from being overwhelmed. Kusanagi also went on stage and made everyone laugh. Matsushita, on the other hand, seemed more reserved, greeting people around her with a fresh demeanor. She also entertained the participants with a piano performance” (staff who attended).

While Matsushita has been known for her elegant aura both on and off screen, in “Sky Castle,” she has shown a cunning side, using every means to outmaneuver rivals and performing with a daring smile. Previously, in an interview with Sports Nippon (published May 23, 2022), when asked about her actress role model, she mentioned Keiko Matsuzaka, describing her as graceful, beautiful, and healthy, and humbly stated that it was presumptuous to consider herself a goal.

It seems clear that with this role, she has taken another step closer to becoming a great actress like Matsuzaka.