Yoko Minamino Wows Fans with Timeless Beauty at Closing Historic Theater

“Thank you for your letter.”

OOn the evening of February 1st, a long line of male fans holding autograph boards formed outside the stage entrance of Haiyuza Theater in Roppongi, Tokyo. At the front of the line, enthusiastically signing autographs, was 57-year-old Yoko Minamino.

That day, Minamino appeared alongside Naoto Takenaka (68) in the reading play Aozora, where the cast changed daily.

“Since rising to the top as an idol in the 1985 drama Sukeban Deka II: Shojo Tekkamen Densetsu (Fuji TV), she has continued to captivate fans. On February 6th, it was announced that her 40th-anniversary concert will be held in July at NHK Hall. The setlist will likely focus on her hit singles, such as Rakuen no Door (1987) and Toiki de Net (1988), which both topped the charts, while also recreating the original costumes and choreography from that time.” (Music magazine reporter)

Appearing on with MUSIC 2-Hour SP (Nippon TV) on January 11th, Minamino reflected on her debut days, saying:

“I was so happy to receive fan letters. Some included advice on what I could improve, so I once called a fan and said, ‘Thank you for your letter. It made me happy. What should I fix?'”

She revealed how she had built a close, barrier-free relationship with her fans.

This performance took place at a theater that will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year but is set to close at the end of April. Despite the cold weather, Minamino stayed by the stage entrance, taking time to personally interact with each of her longtime male fans. The sight of fans bowing deeply as they received her autograph was truly moving.

Although the theater is closing, the warm connection between Minamino and her fans will undoubtedly continue.

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