Yuko Asano Marks 50 Years in Entertainment Still Searching for the Right Acting Answer

 

W Asano was born.

In 1988, she appeared in “Dakishimetai!” (Fuji TV), which had a peak viewership of over 20%, and became a big hit as the beginning of trendy dramas. She co-starred with Atsuko Asano (63) in the series, which became a social phenomenon as “W Asano.”

“It seems like Fuji TV intentionally cast the two Asanos. Since we are the same age, it was a strange connection. We were often mistaken for relatives (laughs). This coincidence led to many future opportunities, and I am grateful for that. I think Atsuko feels the same way.”

After that, Asano’s role as a trendy drama actor became synonymous with her name. Looking back, one can certainly feel Asano’s ability to read the times.

“Since it’s called trendy, most of the works are based on ‘real everyday life’ for young people. On the other hand, there are also scenes, like one where a single woman has a karaoke set in her apartment and sings while drinking beer (laughs). So, when do we show realism? It’s in the emotional aspect. The change and flow of emotions in the dialogue. In every role, I always consciously acted with the feeling that ‘I’m the same generation of women as the viewers,’ and I made an effort toward that. I’m proud of it, but I think it suited the times well.”

At the beginning of her career, most of her fans were male. However, as she took on more roles as a career woman, the ratio of female fans reversed. For Asano, this was a positive change.

As she got older, she became involved in many works, including stage, film, and drama. In “Ōoku” (2003, Fuji TV), where she was asked to play the villain, she made the decision immediately. Asano, who steadily expanded her acting range, reveals that acting is still a world where I don’t know the right answer.

“As the years go by, I find it increasingly difficult to act. I sometimes rewatch dramas I’ve appeared in, and when I was younger, I acted with momentum, which often worked well. Now that I’ve accumulated more experience, I no longer just rely on momentum; I now carefully think through each performance. In other words, I can say, ‘I’ve learned to do it with thought.’ Depending on the role, this can be good or not so good. Even after 50 years in this world, there are still many things I don’t know.”

 

Changes in the television industry.

When asked about the recent changes in the television industry, Asano, who has had a long career, paused for a moment before responding:

“The way time is used has changed. In the past, there were no restrictions, and it was normal to do as much as you could. Now, actors are expected to meet the required standards within a limited time. Even inviting staff out for dinner after filming can be seen as harassment if it’s done by an actor in a stronger position. Even in terms of expression, I feel like the term free and unrestricted has become outdated. It’s not about which is better or worse, but I want to be someone who can adapt to both. I’m very conscious of this.”

There have also been significant changes in her private life. Although she initially had no desire to marry, she wed a regular man at 57.

“I lived in an era where it was believed that women’s expiration date was after 25, like a Christmas cake (laughs). Since my debut, I’ve been told repeatedly that entertainers can’t have both work and marriage happiness. Naturally, I lost the desire for marriage. Given that environment, even now, I get startled when I hear about idols declaring their relationships.”

She lived her life without being bound by the concept of marriage. However, upon reaching her mid-50s, her views on living happily and her approach to life have changed.

“Now, I really feel like getting married was a good thing. Having a partner means moving from a life that revolves around myself to one where even simple things like meals require compromise. It’s been great. Since we’re both adults, we don’t restrict each other, and we still value our own time. When we’re together at night, we watch news programs, starting with NHK and going all the way through to news23 (on TBS). We don’t watch dramas at all.”

Asano also values her time spent on hobbies.

“I spend a lot of time reading in my alone time. I like Ryotaro Shiba and Shogo Yamamoto, but recently, Saya Nagai’s ‘Kobiki-cho no Adauchi’ was interesting. I tend to prefer works that win the Naoki Prize over the Akutagawa Prize. Having time for myself allows me to cool down and enjoy my work. That said, I’m naturally a homebody, so I’ve been discussing with my close friend, Iyo Matsumoto (59), about needing more exercise (laughs).”

Asano’s choice of words is always soft and understated. Because of that, there is no bitterness, and it likely resonates with many people.

“I believe that after turning 60, the time given to me by God is a gift. My top priority is to spend it happily, and within that, I want to continue working.”

The top actress, who has gained both work and love, will enjoy her 60s just as she is.

■Yuko Asano 50th Anniversary Solo Show “KANSYA”
January 18, 2025 (Saturday) Osaka Performance at Shinsaibashi Parco SPACE14
January 26, 2025 (Sunday) Tokyo Performance at I’M A SHOW

General ticket sales start at 10:00 on Friday, November 22.

For more information, please visit the theater’s website.

Smiling while holding the December 9, 1994 issue, which features herself on the cover. “How nostalgic!” she says, a little surprised, while her beauty remains as radiant as ever.

Unpublished cut: Yuko Asano, 50th anniversary of her entertainment career – “The right answer for acting is still not clear.”