Ina Enohara: Solo Drinks at Local Taverns Are Still My Favorite

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.”

 

Alone at off-track betting facilities.

――You are known for your love of horse racing, often appearing on related programs. Who influenced you in this regard?

“My father. He’s a cheerful guy who’s basically completed the public gambling grand slam (laughs). When I was little, he’d invite me by saying, ‘Let’s go see some horses,’ but instead of the zoo, it was the racetrack.
Even now, I sometimes go alone to off-track betting facilities and blend in with the older men there. Growing up in such an environment, there’s no way I could turn into a cool or cute girl (laughs).”

――Your cheerful and lively storytelling style suggests you could thrive on variety shows.

“I think I’d be suited for it. After all, I’ve been performing on the counter of my grandmother’s snack bar since I was three, so I’ve got plenty of stories about drinking (laughs). I’d love to appear on shows like ‘Sake no Tsuma ni Naru Hanashi’ (Fuji TV) or do izakaya location shoots—anything alcohol-related.”

――Is there a comedian you’d like to work with?

“I’m a fan of Tetsuya Morita (43) from Saraba Seishun no Hikari. I’ve watched almost all their YouTube videos. Morita even wrote a comment for the reprint of my photobook, so I’d love the chance to thank him in person if we ever work together.”

――What kind of entertainer do you want to be in the future?

“I tend to set my goals one year at a time, so I’m not sure yet.
But I’d like to appear on various programs, and with the money I earn, I’d love to buy my mom a house. I also dream of creating a small theme park in my hometown with karaoke, mahjong, and bowling—a place where locals can relax and enjoy themselves!”

◆Enohara Ina
 A talent from Osaka. She made her gravure debut in February this year with FRIDAY.

Since then, she has graced the covers of various major magazines with remarkable momentum.

Her first photo book “Inaism” was released by Kodansha on October 23.
On November 2, she will hold events at Hoshino Shoten (Nagoya) andUmeda Tsutaya (Osaka)!
For the latest information, check his official X,Instagram, and Tiktok (both @ina_enohara)!

My best “COMIC” recently
The Oya-san and I” (2017)

This is about the daily life of comedian Taro Yabe, 47, and his grandmother, the landlord of the apartment where he lives. It is a fiction based on a true story, so nothing spectacular happens, but the relationship between the landlord and Mr. Yabe is very nice. It’s like they wrap up their days with elegant humor. I wish I could grow old like this landlady. It is one of my heart’s books that I cannot read through without tears from the latter half of the book!

From the November 1 and 8, 2024 issue of FRIDAY