Nene Shida: I Focused on Staying Healthy Not Too Skinny
Training is ongoing! On February 14, she released two photo books at the same time, one in the Goto Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture) and the other in Taiwan! From cute swimsuits to sexy lingerie, ......″ Nemaru's charm is exclusively revealed!

“I made sure to maintain just the right amount of meat (laughs).”
— Nenemaru (Shida Nene), 26, visited Taiwan for the photoshoot of her photobook, which will be released on February 14. How was the atmosphere there?
“This was actually my first time visiting Taiwan! My favorite outfit was the cheongsam. I don’t usually get the chance to wear something like that, so I was excited during the fitting, and when I actually wore it, I had even more fun. Wearing a local outfit made me feel like I was directly experiencing the culture of the place, and it felt special. It matched the atmosphere of Taiwan, and I think that joy really comes across in the photos.”
— What did you focus on during the shoot?
“For the January broadcast of Charider ★ Kaisen! Cycle Clinic (NHK), I did road bike training, which helped tighten my body, so this time, I was focused on not losing too much weight. I tend to naturally get a sharp look, but I thought it was important to keep a soft, feminine shape for the photobook, so I made sure to keep just the right amount of meat (laughs). I always paid attention to my body condition and made sure to be careful with my posing and movements during the shoot.”
— It sounds like the content will be full of your charm!
“It really captures the lively energy of Taiwan and its beautiful scenery. I hope the readers will feel like they’re traveling to Taiwan with me!”
— Recently, you’ve been actively taking on work outside of gravure. How has that been?
“Kamen Rider Geats (2022) on TV Asahi was a big turning point for me! It was my first acting role, and it was in a special effects production, so everything was new and exciting. There was wire action, green screen filming especially the scene where I fell into a hole, which was scary (laughs). In reality, I was just being suspended, so it felt more like an amusement ride.”
— Your lead role in the stage play Kageki Shoujo!! Chapter 2 in December was also well-received. How do you feel about the differences between drama and stage work?
“In dramas, I perform in real-life settings, so I can draw out more realistic emotions, which I find appealing. Every time the camera starts rolling, I feel the joy of becoming someone else. On the other hand, stage plays involve performing live in front of an audience, so it’s fun to act while seeing their immediate reactions. There’s a rush from being fully immersed in the same world, and sometimes I can’t help but add in some ad-libs (laughs). The sense of unity with the audience is something that’s unique to stage performances!”
— What do you focus on when preparing for a role?
“I try to actively watch films and shows. Additionally, I observe people with personalities similar to my character or talk to them directly to absorb their values and ways of thinking. Doing that broadens my perspective, and I always make interesting discoveries. I’m always thinking about how to blend my own personality with the character I’m playing.”
“Busy every day, things I want to try in the future”
— I see. In the cycling program you mentioned earlier, what kind of challenges will you be taking on?
“Road biking isn’t just a means of transportation, it’s a sport where you face yourself. Last year, I challenged myself to a long ride of over 200 km in 13 and a half hours, and the sense of accomplishment was huge. Since you’re riding for a long time, there are moments where you feel like giving up, but the joy at the moment of reaching the goal is incomparable!”
— What specific training methods do you use?
“I train outdoors in the scorching heat and also use an indoor roller trainer. At first, my back often hurt, but as I started strengthening my abs and inner muscles, it became much easier. Even during the photoshoot in Taiwan, I continued training during short breaks while getting advice from my friends through group chats. No matter how busy I am, if I make time to move my body, it helps me not get as tired, so I always keep that in mind.”
— You lead a busy life with road biking, acting, and shooting a photo book. If you had one week off, how would you spend it?
“I’d love to eat garlic dishes, which I usually avoid, and go on a relaxing hot spring trip. I haven’t been able to travel for a while, so I’d be happy to go with my family! My family is really important to me, and my mom says I’m like a golden retriever because I’m calm and love to cuddle, but I think I’m more like an ‘monkey’ because of my distinctive monkey ears. Hot springs are places that heal both the body and mind, so I’d love to go with my family and relax. Monkeys love hot springs too, you know (laughs).”
— Lastly, what would you like to challenge in the future?
“I’m very curious, so there are a lot of things I want to try! I’m interested in detailed activities like knitting, and I’d like to try winter sports like snowboarding or skiing. As an actor, I’d like to challenge roles that are different from my usual bright image, like calm and intellectual characters. It would be great to have an experience in a work with a fantastical world where I can discover a new side of myself.”

Shida Nene, 26 years old. She made her entertainment debut in 2013 after winning the semi-grand prize at the “Miss Teen Japan” competition. In 2019, she became the weather caster for “ZIP! Shizuoka Weather” (NTV) and has since expanded her career, taking on roles in tokusatsu dramas and stage performances.
Recent trend: Foods
Garlic dishes
I’m fortunate that I’ve been busy with work lately, making it hard to take long vacations, but if I had a week off, I’d love to eat garlic dishes to my heart’s content. I usually avoid eating them, even on a day off, I only have a small amount. Garlic ramen, garlic-filled ajillo, garlic shrimp, garlic toast. I want to eat them without worrying about work or the unique smell of garlic, and recharge my energy!
From the January 24-31, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY.”
From the January 24/31, 2025 issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO: Yasuhisa Kikuchi Interview and text by: Dai Matsumoto