Ai Shinozaki Shares: “I Sometimes Visit a Ramen Shop Alone Late at Night on a Whim”
Ai Shinozaki made her return to gravure in the fall of 2009 after a four-year absence, and released a photo book titled "IDEA," which she says was "the best thing I could have done" in the past. We interviewed the legend, who is going strong, about everything from behind the scenes of her return to gravure to her personal life.
“I thought about many things while I was absent.”
――Shinozaki-san, you made your comeback to gravure in the fall of 2021 after a four-year break, and in February 2022, you released your photo book IDEA. Can you share your feelings at that time?
“It had been such a long time since I last did a shoot, so I remember being really nervous as I headed to the studio. But once the shoot started, I quickly regained the feeling and was able to shoot fairly smoothly.”
――Do you feel that gravure is your calling?
“Yes. After I released the photo book Kesshō in 2017, I had this sense of accomplishment and felt like I had done everything I could, so I went through a sort of burnout. I didn’t know what I wanted to do next, so I took a break. During that time, I thought about a lot of things, including retiring. But at the same time, I wondered if I could just end things like that. Then, when I checked my social media, I saw so many comments asking, ‘Aren’t you doing gravure anymore?’ and ‘I want to see you again.’ I was even getting offers for photo books, so I decided to give it another try. My comeback work, IDEA, has received a lot of praise, and I’m really grateful. I think it turned out to be the best photo book.”
――What made you think it was the best?
“Of course, the photos turned out great, but it was also the whole process of the production—everything from the structure and selections to choosing the cameraman and makeup artists. I was involved in every part of it, and I worked with the staff with the same passion. I think that’s what made it such a good finished product.”
――Which shot from the photo book is your favorite?
“There’s a T-back shot, and I don’t think I could have worn it if I hadn’t done body shaping. I’ve always been self-conscious about my butt, so I hadn’t shown it off much before. But at that time, I had worked hard to tone my body, so I was able to challenge myself. Some fans even said I looked too thin (laughs).”
――What exactly did body shaping involve?
“I was introduced to a diet program by an editor who’s knowledgeable about beauty, and I lost almost 10 kg.”
――What was the program like?
“It was a two-month program that included dietary changes, esthetic treatments, and two rounds of five-day fasting. The meals focused on fish, and for me, someone who loves meat, it was a menu I never thought I would follow (laughs). I also had small portions of rice and drank a lot of protein shakes. Plus, I had esthetic treatments to relax my body and help expel waste. Through the program, I aimed for a healthy body with softness, and I think I was able to express the new version of myself as an adult just before turning 30.”
――Are there any particular things you focus on to maintain your figure?
“Recently, I’ve been going to the gym. But during the photo book shoot, I really thought, ‘This is my last diet!’ and worked incredibly hard mentally, so I might never return to that exact figure again (laughs).”
“Isn’t ramen too good at midnight?”
――In your private life, I hear you love eating?
“Eating is almost 100% of my enjoyment (laughs). I’m not particular about dining at popular or high-end restaurants, I’m fine with junk food or snacks. I just love the act of eating. If there’s no shooting, I’ll eat even late at night.”
――Do you have any favorite foods?
“I really like noodles, like pasta or ramen. There are many ramen shops open late at night, so I end up going there on a whim. I mean, isn’t late-night ramen just too delicious?”
――You go alone for ramen!?
“Yes, I go a lot! Not just ramen, I often eat alone. Just the other day, I was craving shabu-shabu, so I went to an all-you-can-eat place by myself.”
――Speaking of changes, your agency’s president, who is also your manager, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and it seems like that has brought changes to your life.
“It was my first time getting a breast cancer screening. Since someone close to me was diagnosed, it really heightened my awareness. The fact that I got a screening was even covered in an article, and the response was beyond what I expected. People in the industry told me, ‘This has contributed to raising awareness about breast cancer screenings!’ Personally, I don’t want to regret not living the way I wanted if I were to face something like possibly dying. That’s why now, I try to do the things I want without holding back.”
――Having experienced such changes, what are your goals for 2025?
“People often say that Japanese people work too much, right? Since I debuted at 14, I’ve been working almost every day. But recently, I’ve been making sure to take proper breaks and focus on enjoying my private life as well. As a result, I feel like I’m approaching each job more seriously. There are people who believe working is happiness, but for me, being able to balance work and private life and enjoy both is the best state. In 2025, I want to continue prioritizing that balance.”
◆Ai Shinozaki, 32 years old
Debuted in gravure in 2006 at the age of 14. She has since remained at the top of the scene, receiving overwhelming support both domestically and internationally, making her a legend in the gravure industry. She has served as an image character for “Satellite Office” and “Hiratsuka Keirin,” among others.
Recent My Best “Foods”:
“Matsuya”
I love eating so much that I feel like I could always be eating something. Recently, I’ve been really into “Matsuya”‘s tonjiru (pork miso soup) and gyu-yakiniku teishoku (beef grilled set meal). It’s so delicious that I find myself searching for “Matsuya” wherever I go (laughs). I’m not particular about high-end restaurants or popular spots with long lines. Aside from “Matsuya”, I also enjoy pasta from “Yōmenya Goemon” and hotpot at “Haidilao”. Each place has its own favorite menu item for me.
From the February 7, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”
PHOTO： Masaki Sone Interview and text by： Koichiro Umeki
