Misato Ugaki Channels a Funky Vibe in Beret and Round Glasses During Drama Shoot at Kanda Myojin

“I want to be a funky lady.”

In early April, a drama shoot took place at Kanda Myojin (officially known as Kanda Shrine), one of Tokyo’s most famous power spots, located in Chiyoda Ward. The woman wearing a beret and round glasses was 34-year-old freelance announcer Misato Ugaki.

“After leaving TBS at the end of March 2019, she has thrived not only as a freelance announcer but also as a model and essayist. She has published four books so far. Leveraging her vast knowledge, literary talent, and communication skills, she launched her YouTube channel ‘Misato Ugaki: Yokai — I’m Going to Write It All in Essays’ in January this year.

Her acting career has also been going well. After making her official debut as an actress in the 2021 drama She Was Pretty (Kantele & Fuji TV), she has appeared in two to three shows each year. In the January 2023 drama Zaibatsu Revenge To My Ex-Wife Who Became My Brother’s Wife (TV Tokyo), she played an important character who is part of a wealthy family and is caught in a power struggle, influencing the plot’s development. Many viewers praised her acting on social media, saying things like, ‘Her acting is surprisingly natural and skillful,’ and ‘Her line delivery and expressions are great. I’m looking forward to her future work.’ Some in the industry have speculated that she might fully transition into acting.” (TV magazine writer)

The shoot began with Ugaki, wearing a beret, and actress Azusa Ohara (25), dressed as a shrine maiden, facing each other. Ugaki seemed to be interrogating Ohara, asking her something. Later, the two changed into casual outfits, and their conversation was filmed. In between takes, they were seen chatting and laughing together, looking at ease.

A former TBS announcer who successfully transitioned to acting after leaving the network is Minami Tanaka (38), and there is speculation about whether Ugaki will follow in her footsteps and pursue acting more seriously. In an interview with the information site Eiga Natalie, published on April 7, when asked about the person she hopes to become in 10 years, she responded:

“I don’t have anything specific in mind, but I hope it’s something fun. (After a pause) In 10 years, I want to be the kind of funky lady who says, ‘I love myself right now, and life is so much fun,’ while laughing out loud.”

This casualness might be one of the reasons she can excel in so many fields.

 

 

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