Ina Enohara: Solo Drinks at Local Taverns Are Still My Favorite
With her lovely smile and outstanding style, she is known as "a supernova in the gravure world" and is now sought after in various media, including television, beyond the boundaries of magazines. We take a closer look at the unexpected face of such a star.
Thanks to all of you, almost all my dreams have come true.
――In February of this year, you made your gravure debut and immediately garnered significant attention. When you graced the cover of FRIDAY, sales increased, and some stores even sold out. Your first photobook, set to be released on October 18, was decided for reprint before its release—a testament to your soaring popularity.
“My goal for this year was to give it my all and sprint through 2024. I set goals like appear in various magazines through gravure and grace the covers, and thanks to everyone’s support, I’ve achieved almost all of them. However, the photobook was more of a bonus, something I thought would be nice if it happened, so it’s been a pleasant surprise.”
――The location for your first photobook was Taiwan. It features photos taken at beaches and tourist spots, showcasing your unadorned natural side, likely influenced by the sense of freedom that comes with being overseas. You even took on the challenge of lingerie shots, making it a photobook packed with highlights.
“I got to choose all the outfits based on my preferences. One of my favorites is a cut of me holding a bouquet in a black camisole dress while standing in a meadow. It’s a dressy outfit reminiscent of an overseas celebrity, something I’d never worn before. Since I usually wear oversized, baggy clothes, it felt fresh and became one of my favorites.
The title includes the word ‘ism,’ meaning a principle or belief. I think the photobook embodies my uniqueness, my way of doing things, and my personal expressions—it’s truly a reflection of myself.”
――You made your gravure debut with FRIDAY in February. How do you compare yourself now to back then?
“When I debuted, I had never done any strength training and would fast for five days before shooting. However, that method wasn’t sustainable and took a toll on my body and mind. When the photobook was confirmed in the summer, I started personal training three times a week.
Rather than quick fixes, I focused on changing my body through strength training. Interestingly, I realized I couldn’t maintain muscle without eating, so I also reassessed my diet and sleep. Within a few months, my back and hips transformed completely—I could see how toned my back had become. I’ve cut back a little on fried foods and carbs, but now I can eat and drink without gaining weight, so I’ve learned how crucial training is. I hope people pay attention to my back too!”
――We’ve heard you’re a strong drinker.
“I don’t drink much at home, but I often go out drinking alone. I frequent senbero (pubs where you can drink for 1,000 yen) style spots with 90% older men, where I enjoy edamame, fried tofu, and chanja with oolong tea or green tea cocktails.
I often get comments like, ‘What’s a young woman like you doing here?’ from the older men sitting next to me. Sometimes, we end up chatting, and they’ll treat me to some edamame. Once, I was debating whether to order fried chicken, and someone shared theirs, saying, ‘You looked like you wanted some.’ I often time my visits for happy hour.”
――Is your love for drinking hereditary?
“My grandmother, who I think is almost a mirror of what I might be in 50 years, runs a snack bar in Osaka where she entertains customers with mahjong and karaoke.
It’s become a hangout for local grandpas and older men. When I was in elementary school, I would go there after classes and sing enka with the locals.
Even now, I go back to Osaka about once every month and a half, and I always stop by my grandmother’s bar. The regulars say things like, ‘You’ve grown so much’ or ‘How’ve you been?’ while patting my head.”
