Always by Your Side: Celebrities Like Noriko Sakai Share Deep Emotions in Handwritten Messages
“I used to be a race queen, so I often get work in the automotive industry. (Former racing driver) Keiichi Tsuchiya even gave me the nickname Hachiko as a way to update Nanako. So I want to give back to the automotive industry. I got my motorcycle license and plan to promote motorsports overall!”
This is what popular gravure idol and actress Nanako Aizawa (28) passionately expressed. Her handwritten message of gratitude to the automotive industry is featured in the shikishi photo shown at the start. In addition, Aizawa wrote five other messages on different shikishi, including ones about her 2025 leap, her determination as an actress, health first, and a pledge to the camera.
What’s particularly intriguing is why she chose the camera as her goal. Aizawa explains:
“Previously, when I used a ‘Uchida’ camera, the photos turned out completely black because I took them poorly. I was so frustrated by that. As I practiced to get better, I started getting more into it, and now I own four cameras. Until now, I’ve been shooting based on feeling, but I want to study how to take better photos systematically and improve my skills.”
Our magazine always asks celebrities and athletes we interview to write a handwritten message whenever possible. The shikishi contains the deep thoughts of these famous individuals.
A deep connection with my second hometown.
“My heart is always by your side.”
The words “My heart is always by your side” were written by singer and actress Noriko Sakai (53).
The place she holds dear is the Noto Peninsula, which was struck by a massive earthquake in early 2024. Hailing from Fukuoka Prefecture, Sakai refers to it as her “second hometown,” showing her deep connection to Kanazawa, Ishikawa, which was affected by the disaster. In the April 5-12, 2024 issue of our magazine, she shared:
“My connection to Kanazawa started with the 2002 NHK historical drama Toshiie to Matsu, where I played the role of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife. This was the beginning of my ties to the area. I really started becoming involved about six or seven years ago, when I participated in an event in Kanazawa and the company’s executives really took a liking to me.”
Sakai, who has a strong affection for Kanazawa, where she has always been warmly welcomed, holds a dinner show there every year. Since April 2022, she has also hosted a regular radio show on local Hokuriku Broadcasting, where she is responsible for the planning and interviews.
When asked about her thoughts on those affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Sakai wrote the previously mentioned message along with her signature.
In the paid edition of FRIDAY GOLD, we also feature handwritten messages from other famous individuals, such as Shugo Maki of DeNA, who won for the first time in 26 years, ski jump legend Noriaki Kasai, and former TBS announcer Yuko Aoki. Additionally, there is a special reader giveaway of Aizawa’s shikishi, with details on how to apply. We encourage readers to feel the heartfelt thoughts conveyed by these celebrities and athletes through their handwritten messages.
The paid edition of FRIDAY GOLD, which includes how to apply for the giveaway, is available here!
