Mayumi Shiraishi FRIDAY Debut Shot at 120 Percent Beauty

After four and a half years of working as a stage actress, she returns to being an idol!

Mayumi Shiraishi, who appeared in a rare lingerie shoot in the December 12th (Thursday) issue of FRIDAY, is part of the sister group of the super popular idol group “FRUITS ZIPPER,” which won the Best New Artist Award at the 2023 Japan Record Awards. She is in charge of the red color in “SWEET STEADY.” When asked about her feelings on doing gravure shooting for the first time in three years, she responded with a smile.

“I was able to challenge myself with my first gravure after joining ‘SWEET STEADY’! My assigned color is red, and actually, I’m also in charge of the good woman role (laughs). For this FRIDAY gravure shoot, I gotta wear more mature outfits, and I think I was able to capture 120% of that good woman vibe, so please check it out!”

— You’ve gone beyond 100%! Could you tell us about your career so far?

“I first started in 2014 with another idol group, where I was active for about three and a half years. After that, I became a stage actress. I spent about four and a half years doing that, and then in March of this year, I started my activities as an idol again. On stage, I appeared in shows like ‘Cutie Honey’, ‘Assault Lily’, ‘Gothic is Magic Maiden’, and ‘Queen’s Stage’!”

— You returned to the idol industry; was there a specific reason for that?

“Yes, that’s right. The first idol group I was part of ended with all the members graduating, and I had a lingering attachment to idol activities, which was a big reason for my decision. At that time, I thought about continuing as an idol, but luckily, I received an offer for a stage acting job. I felt like it was a sign, so I started working as a stage actress. I became so absorbed in the joy of creating a production with everyone that before I knew it, four years had passed.

Even so, the desire to continue as an idol remained in my heart. One day, I consulted with some of the cast members I met during my stage performances, and they encouraged me, saying, ‘You can only be an idol now.’ And I thought, ‘That’s true!’ So, I went directly to Asobisystem and asked, ‘Aren’t you recruiting idols?’ (laughs). Looking back, it was a bold move. They said, ‘Let’s have an audition,’ and I emphasized, ‘I have great numbers on my social media!’ It was a time when my social media was buzzing while I was doing stage work, so I went for it!”

The digital photo books “Shiraishi Mayumi: Sweet Weekend” vol.1 & vol.2 are now on sale and receiving great reviews!

I want to become more famous and grace the cover of magazines!

— You’re quite ambitious. That’s probably why you’re able to shine again as an idol. Looking back, how do you feel about this photoshoot?

“I’ve always wanted to try a gravure shoot with a sense of translucency, so I’m thrilled that I could achieve that today! This shoot was packed with everything I wanted to do. I got to wear beautiful lingerie and stylish swimsuits, and the entire shoot felt so freeing. It’s been a while since my last gravure shoot, and I think the added years have given it a more mature vibe compared to before. I worked hard to convey expressions and moods that are different from those of an idol, so I hope everyone notices that. My favorite outfit was the light blue one!”

— Thank you. Lastly, could you share your goals for the future?

“I want to become known by even more people, both as an individual and as part of my group. I’d love to see magazines with me or us on the cover lined up in the convenience store shelves. Also, it would be amazing if ‘SWEET STEADY’ could collaborate on seasonal event products, like Christmas cakes sold at convenience stores. Kodansha, I’m counting on you!”

— How about activities outside of being an idol?

“I’m interested in acting for dramas. I was deeply impressed by my senior in the agency, Yui Sakurai, who appeared in the drama of ‘What’s Wrong with Being Too Clever?’. It might be presumptuous, but I’d love to follow in her footsteps! Right now, I’m doing my best at what I can do, but I want to keep challenging myself with new things. Please support me!”

Digital Photo Collection
“Mayumi Shiraishi: Sweet Holiday” vol.1 & vol.2 — Now on Sale!

Born: December 27, 2000 

Height: 164 cm

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan

Blood Type: B 

Mayumi began her idol career in her third year of junior high school. As an actress, she has appeared in numerous stage productions, including “Assault Lily: Odaiba Girls’ Academy Arc” and “Cutie Honey: Climax.” She debuted in March 2024 as a member of SWEET STEADY, where she represents the color red. Recently, she has been going to the gym daily. Her favorite food is simmered eggplant.

Follow her on:
X (formerly Twitter): @mayumi_ss1227
Instagram: @mayumi.1227