Tomomi Morisaki Reflects on Marriage Childbirth and Life After Retiring from Gravure Modeling

This year on New Year’s Day, Tomomi Morisaki (32) announced her marriage to Seibu Lions infielder Shota Hiranuma. Now a mother of one, she is slowly resuming her entertainment career while raising her child. She looked back on the several years she spent as a gravure idol and, for the first time, shared her thoughts on marriage and childbirth.

 

Retiring from being a gravure idol, her ‘true calling’.

――― First of all, congratulations on your marriage and childbirth!

“Thank you very much. I announced my marriage on January 1st this year, and afterward, I was able to give birth to a healthy baby! I’ve completely retired from gravure, but now, while raising my child, I’m gradually restarting my entertainment career. I’m grateful to be invited to work on TV programs and events, and I’m feeling really motivated!”

――― You were known for being passionate and devoted to gravure, with the image of someone who prioritized work. Did you have any hesitation about retiring from gravure?

“Strangely enough, I didn’t. I won ‘Gravure Idol of the Year’ three times in a row and entered the Hall of Fame, and I also got to release many photobooks. I felt like, ‘Ah, I’ve done everything I could as a gravure idol.’

I was satisfied with myself, and I didn’t have any regrets or thoughts like, ‘I should have done this differently.’ Naturally, my focus shifted from work to marriage and raising a child.”

 

“Actually Optimistic”—A Hidden Enjoyment During Pregnancy?

――― Did you experience what’s commonly referred to as maternity blues?

“Since I had a physically demanding job, I did worry about whether I could really give birth to a healthy child. But more than that, I felt a stronger sense of excitement. I didn’t feel overwhelmed with anxiety. Even when I did have concerns, I would ask experienced moms for advice on what I should prepare and what needed to be done. People often say it’s surprising, but I’ve always had an optimistic personality.”

――― I’ve never seen you express regret about anything.

“There were times when I’d go home and think, ‘I should have done this better’ or ‘I should have prepared more,’ but there’s no use dwelling on things. I always think, ‘If I can learn from it, I’ll grow even more!’ Then I just go to sleep and wake up feeling better. It might sound vague, but I try to live with the mindset of ‘always keep smiling.’ I was lucky that my husband was attentive to my physical and mental health during the pregnancy, so I was able to keep smiling. I also believed that if I stayed happy and cheerful, the baby inside me would grow up laughing and happy too.”

――― What was the source of your happiness during that time?

“First and foremost, eating! Ever since I started idol activities at 17, I’ve always restricted my diet to maintain my figure, so I thought, ‘This is my only chance to eat!’ I’d eat a full meal, then indulge in cake afterward and savor the guilty pleasure. I ate as much as I could while I had the chance! (laughs)”

I’ve always been focused on work, so when I spend time at home doing nothing, I start to feel anxious, like ‘I need to be doing something.’ Knowing that I had something to work towards became a kind of mental stabilizer for me.

During my pregnancy, I decided to make use of the time I had and studied various things, earning a sports nutrition planner certification. Right now, I’m studying to become a certified food lifestyle advisor.

――― Was your husband’s career as an athlete the reason you decided to pursue these certifications?

“Yes, that’s right. Since he travels frequently for work, I don’t cook for him every day, but when I do, I make sure the meals are well-balanced. Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to add fish dishes to our meals. He’s had a lot of injuries this season, so I hope I can help him even just a little.”

The Relationship with Family Changed After Starting Parenthood

――― We heard that you received support from your family in Nagoya during your pregnancy and while raising your child.

“Yes, that’s true. When I became an idol at 17, I didn’t even ask my parents for permission. Up until now, I’ve lived my life doing whatever I wanted, however I wanted. Because I was such a selfish daughter, there were times when I didn’t really talk with my parents. But when I got married and had a child, I finally faced my family properly.

It’s something I couldn’t have imagined in the past, but during my delivery, I had my mother come to my home in Tokyo. For the first time, I spent a solid month with her.

We didn’t have any fights, and she cooked for me. There was a time when I suffered from mastitis, enduring high fever and chest pain for about two weeks, and she supported me through it. That’s when I realized—this is what family is. I came to understand how great parents really are. Despite all the ungrateful things I’ve done, they were still on my side, and I felt so grateful for that.” 

――― The relationship with family often doesn’t change unless there are major life events.

“Yes, I think I was quite stubborn for a long time. Back then, I was sharp-edged and driven, focused entirely on myself. I was running ahead all alone.

But after meeting my husband, getting married, and having a child, I felt that my life was no longer just my own. I began to realize how important family is. My perspective on life changed, and it became a turning point that significantly altered how I live.”

――― While it’s clear you value your family, are there any new challenges or work styles you’re interested in pursuing?

“I believe my strength lies in my ability to communicate, so I’d like to try my hand at producing. I’ve always wanted to produce women’s lingerie, but recently I’ve also become interested in producing children’s clothing. Additionally, although I’m still studying, I’m interested in working in the field of nutrition and food.

Also, while I used to be the one being photographed, these days I find myself taking lots of photos of my child. I think it would be fun to take on some photography work as well. I enjoy experimenting with skills I developed during my gravure days, like creating photo shoot decorations, and I tend to get quite involved when taking photos of my child.

In the future, I plan to continue actively pursuing work as a talent, including variety shows and location programs, as well as continuing to challenge myself in acting!”

――― You have such positive goals!

“I thought that being a gravure idol meant it was over once you got married and that fans would disappear. But there are actually many fans who have continued to support me, who ask about my child and say they like me for who I am. That’s incredibly hopeful, and it makes me feel like I need to keep working hard for those people. It naturally makes me feel, ‘I can still do a lot more! I have more things I want to achieve!’ and it keeps me positive.”

Tomomi Morisaki, 32

Originally from Aichi Prefecture, she started her entertainment career as a first-generation member of the Nagoya idol group OS☆U. She later transitioned to gravure and was selected as the Grand Prix winner three years in a row at the Kinema Junpo’s Gravure of the Year awards, achieving hall of fame status. On January 1, 2024, she announced her marriage.