Enako Opens Up About Sudden Hair Loss and Stress Behind the Scenes

I want people to enjoy every version of me, no matter the moment.

— This is your first appearance since last August. What was the concept for this shoot?

“We shot at a hotel in Tokyo with the theme of a luxurious date in a suite room. Since I usually shoot in studios, being in such a fancy suite—one I’ve never even visited in private—made me stand a little straighter (laughs). My favorite outfit was the sheer piece and swimsuit that looked especially beautiful when sunlight hit them. I think the result came out really nice, and since it was a combination I wouldn’t usually wear myself, it felt refreshing.”

— What kind of clothes do you usually wear?

“Since I change as soon as I get to work, I tend to go for outfits that are easy to take off. I mostly wear casual stuff like hoodies, knits, and sweatshirts, and I don’t really care about fashion.”

— The contrast between your costumes and private clothes is charming! As someone constantly in demand, what does gravure mean to you?

“This is already my 8th year doing gravure. Like most gravure idols, most of my shoots involve swimsuits, but since I’m a cosplayer, some magazines feature me in collaborative cosplay—especially around events like Halloween or Christmas, where I often appear on covers in themed outfits. Gravure and cosplay are completely different in terms of makeup and clothing, but I feel like they’ve created a great synergy. Eight years ago, there were hardly any cosplayers doing gravure, so I’m glad I took it on—it’s helped expand what’s possible for cosplayers.”

— We hear you’re very particular about body sculpting.

“Last year, I was on the cover of over 50 magazines. I figured some people might get tired of seeing me, so I intentionally changed my body shape now and then to keep things interesting. Like, ‘It’s winter, so let’s go with a curvier look,’ or if that lasted too long, ‘Let’s go on a little diet.’ I hope fans can enjoy every version of me, no matter what moment I’m in.”

— And all that effort paid off—you won the Grand Prize at the 2nd Top Cover Awards, given to the person who appeared on the most magazine covers in 2024!

“Last time, I came in 4th, which was frustrating, so I really went into this year thinking, ‘I’m going to win the Top Cover Award no matter what!’ So honestly, I’m really happy! The number of covers and these kinds of awards really boost my motivation.”

— This shoot had a suite room date theme—what would your ideal date be like?

“I’m the type who finds it a hassle to go out, so ideally, I’d like a date where we both stay home and play games online. Even if we can’t meet in person, as long as we can connect online and have fun, that’s the best kind of relationship for me!”

“I’ve developed a circular bald spot on the back of my head”

— What do you do to refresh on your days off?

“Still the same, I play games.”

— You also do game streaming on your SNS, how do you manage the balance between work and private life?

“I just do whatever I feel like. I’m so free with my time that when I’m not working, I end up doing things like video editing or preparing for cosplay, just going from one thing to the next. Just a few days ago, I developed a circular bald spot on the back of my head. When I have too much free time, I get too absorbed in things, and I realize that’s a problem too.”

— Are you the type to get too absorbed when you get into something?

“I end up neglecting eating and sleeping. When I have a lot of gravure shoots, it’s actually healthier for me.”

— Is there something new you’d like to challenge this year?

“I haven’t done much work geared toward women, so I want to release makeup videos or try producing colored contact lenses.”

— You have many female followers. How do you approach your SNS?

“Recently, even if someone isn’t at fault, things can still blow up. So, I’m always conscious of not saying anything that could hurt someone or be taken the wrong way. I’m strong-willed, so when I need to say something, I say it clearly. Sometimes I get misunderstood, but most people understand me.”

— Do you feel stressed?

“I’ve had my own computer since I was in 4th grade and have been online ever since. I’m used to internet culture, so I have a certain resilience. At this point, I don’t get hurt or worried about things on SNS anymore.”

— On the other hand, do you have things you worry about in your daily life?

“When my pets aren’t feeling well, I get really worried. But, like I said earlier, I don’t get down when I see a 10-yen bald spot on the back of my head. It was my first time experiencing it, and I was surprised, but since I have thick hair, I even thought, ‘I’m lucky to lose some hair!’ I don’t really get attached to things about myself (laughs).”

Enako, 31 years old

Born in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. She started cosplay in her second year of middle school and is now a globally popular cosplayer with fans all over the world. Her Instagram has an astonishing 2.5 million followers. She dominates various industries with her unique combination of cosplay and gravure idol.

Recent hobby: Game
Monster Hunter World

I’ve had a computer since around 4th grade, and living a life where the internet and games are part of my daily routine has always been normal for me. Game streaming has become a daily habit, and my favorite game right now is “Monster Hunter World,” a hunting action game where you face off against giant monsters. I love going hunting with friends and creating cute gear! On long days, I play for up to 12 hours (laughs).

From the April 18, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”