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!
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 Even in terms of expression, I feel like the term free and unrestricted has become outdated.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.