Yuko Asano Marks 50 Years in Entertainment Still Searching for the Right Acting Answer
Debuted as an idol singer at the age of 13. In 1988, she got her big break with the drama "I Want to Embrace You!
Asano Yuko debuted in 1974. In 1988, she caused a social phenomenon with the drama Dakishimetai! as “W Asano” and became known as the “Queen of Trendy Dramas,” achieving great success. She is scheduled to hold a 50th anniversary live concert in Osaka and Tokyo in January next year.I never considered the possibility of failing by focusing solely on acting.
“It’s already been 50 years, but it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. I realize I’ve spent a rich, intense time. Even now, there’s so much I don’t know, and I’m constantly learning.”
This is how Yuko Asano (64) described her 50-year career in entertainment.
In 1974, at the age of 13, Asano moved to Tokyo and debuted as an idol singer. After winning the Japan Record Award for New Artist of the Year that same year, she released hit songs like “Sexy Bus Stop” in 1976. Over the years, she has worked as a singer, actress, model, and gravure idol, showcasing her versatility.
It’s hard to imagine from her current image as a skilled actress, but due to her versatility, Asano also faced internal conflict.
“Right after my debut, I was constantly receiving offers for dramas, acting, and singing jobs. But for a long time, I was concerned about what my title actually was. I didn’t have a core as a celebrity.”
She didn’t feel particularly confident about her singing ability. The recording schedule in the ’70s was demanding, with singles being released every three months, making it hard to balance with her acting work.
“The recording intervals were short, and I started losing confidence in continuing as a singer. I thought it might be too much for me. Both singing and acting involve performance, but I realized I liked acting more. I told my agency at the age of 25 that I wanted to make a business card that said ‘Actress Yuko Asano.'”
“I never thought I would fail by focusing solely on acting,” she smiles. This positive outlook matched the times.
