<figure id="attachment_424326" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 2178px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-424326"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="11720179"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/05/90b3e70c2c425f320858f15479605581.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-424326" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wakana Matsumoto crossing her arms and consulting with staff during a break in filming for Dr. Ashura.</span></figcaption></figure>
<h2><b>Even during breaks, she keeps the Ashura vibe</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wakana Matsumoto, arms crossed and wearing a serious expression, is seen discussing with staff.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Matsumoto currently stars in the ongoing drama &#8220;Dr. Ashura&#8221; (Fuji TV), playing Anno Shura, a super emergency doctor who is determined to save patients’ lives by any means necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In late April, filming took place at a large commercial complex plaza in Ebisu (Shibuya Ward). Amid the bustling preparations, Matsumoto, wearing a paramedic uniform with a hoodie on top, was seen closely consulting with staff. Her presence perfectly embodied the character Shura, radiating a cool and commanding aura.</span></p>
<p><b>“Alongside Matsumoto was co-star Ryo Ryusei Arakawa (51). The two seemed to be practicing emergency procedures repeatedly. Matsumoto maintained a stern expression throughout but occasionally smiled while talking with female staff. The filming set was tense, yet the entire crew moved efficiently, creating a sense of unity,”</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> said an onlooker.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Matsumoto gained notable attention for her fierce performance as a sister-in-law tormenting the protagonist in the April 2022 drama &#8220;Yangotonaki Ichizoku&#8221; (Fuji TV), so much so that the term &#8220;Matsumoto Theater&#8221; was coined.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In July last year, after 18 years in the industry, she landed her first leading role in a golden prime-time drama with &#8220;Saionji-san wa Kaji wo Shinai&#8221; (TBS). She followed that with another lead role in the October drama &#8220;Watashi no Takaramono&#8221; (Fuji TV), marking an impressive achievement of starring in three dramas within a single year.</span></p>
<div data-friday-nextpage-lead="Wakana Matsumoto's momentum never stops!"></div>
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<h2><b>Chameleon actor shows true colors</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A certain commercial TV drama production staff member said,</span></p>
<p><b>“As a veteran actor with 19 years of experience, her acting is consistently solid, and she fits perfectly into any role, so viewers can watch her with peace of mind. At the same time, she has had relatively few lead roles until now, so her image hasn’t been firmly established yet. In Mystery to Iu Nakare (Fuji TV), she played a cool detective.</b></p>
<p><b>In Yangotonaki Ichizoku, she was a mean sister-in-law, and in Saionji-san wa Kaji wo Shinai, her twin-tail hairstyle exploded with cuteness — she’s called a ‘chameleon actor’ because her character changes completely depending on the role. Even with consecutive drama appearances, she never loses her freshness.”</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In an interview article in FRIDAY (combined May 9, 16, 23, 2025 issue; distributed April 30), Matsumoto talked about preparing for her role as Shura Anno:</span></p>
<p><b>“There are scenes showing my hands during surgery, and even a little bit of nail length bothers me. Although the surgical scenes have me wearing sterile gloves so my nails aren’t visible, I try to keep my nails short to bring out the doctor-like feel.”</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This meticulous effort is surely one reason why she captivates viewers. Matsumoto’s momentum doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.</span></p>
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<div data-friday-nextpage-lead="Wakana Matsumoto looking &quot;cool&quot; between takes"></div>
<figure id="attachment_424325" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 2178px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-424325"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="2e3a060c"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/05/022889077ee1adca1186e649d5fde463.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-424325" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wakana Matsumoto occasionally smiles and chats with female staff members.</span></figcaption></figure>
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<figure id="attachment_424327" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 2178px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-424327"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="b886241d"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/05/5cff45c4adeebac47162f33043287f80.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-424327" class="wp-caption-text">Wakana Matsumoto&#8217;s crisp and cool expression</figcaption></figure>
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<figure id="attachment_424328" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 2178px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-424328"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="aaf306a0"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2025/05/3c20fb99d6b3b681b8cdf8368ec3b9c9.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-424328" class="wp-caption-text">Wakana Matsumoto smiling.</figcaption></figure>


 Kumataro Arai

 In late April, "Dr. Ashera" was being filmed in Ebisu. Wakana Matsumoto, the lead actress of the drama, is holding a meeting with a serious expression on her face while the crew prepares for the shoot. Her appearance remained that of the drama's main character, Shura.

Wakana Matsumoto Stuns On Set of Dr. Ashura with Graceful and Powerful Presence

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