Rei Uenishi Opens Up About Being a Lingerie Otaku in Cover Interview

“I think it turned out quite mature-looking.”

— This was your first photoshoot since graduating from NMB48. How was the shoot?

“Since I had done gravure shoots before graduating, there wasn’t any major change in how I felt. But since it was my first cover for FRIDAY in three years, I took extra care with my health and condition leading up to it. To be honest, I’ve never really gotten nervous doing gravure shoots (laughs). This time too, the set was lively and I had a lot of fun.”

— You said you don’t get nervous during shoots. Has that been true since your debut?

“I debuted in gravure at 16. I was a bit nervous during my very first shoot, but even back then, the feeling of ‘this is fun!’ usually outweighed the nerves. Many of my NMB48 seniors and also my sister, Kei Jonishi (30), were doing gravure, and I looked up to them, so I never had any resistance to it. On the other hand, I’m not good at talking—more than gravure or singing, I struggled with speaking parts. During live MCs or TV appearances, when I had to take the mic, I’d get so nervous my hands would be soaked with sweat (laughs).”

— Was there anything memorable about the shoot location in Nishi-Izu, or a favorite shot?

“This time, the main setting was the beach, and I remember walking back and forth on the shoreline many times as I changed outfits. The water was freezing cold, but I got to feel summer a little early, so I felt lucky! My favorite shot is the one where I’m lying on a bed in beige lingerie—it shows off my figure well, and I think it turned out quite mature-looking.”

— Your nine-year idol career came to an end with your graduation performance on April 10. Have there been any changes in your life or mindset since then?

“It’s been about two months since graduating, and having more free time has been the biggest change. Of course, even when I was an idol, I had days off, but back then, I only got my schedule a week in advance. Now I can manage all of my time myself. Before graduating, I was worried, like, ‘Will I feel lonely without my idol work?’ But now I get to go out for meals regularly with my fellow members and juniors.”

— You were a central member of the group. How would you describe those nine years?

“It all comes down to one word—fun. There were definitely tough times, but I got to chase dreams together with our fans, and I truly believe that all of those experiences shaped who I am now. It was such a fulfilling idol life.”

— What kind of dreams did you get to realize?

“Ranking in the AKB general elections, getting into the senbatsu lineup, standing center stage, becoming a model, releasing a photobook and a style book—I achieved all of my dreams. And that was only possible thanks to the support from the members of NMB48, who are like family, the staff, and the fans. I truly feel there’s no other place where I could have worked with so much love.”

— Why did you decide to graduate from such a beloved group?

“Because I had achieved all the dreams I had as an idol and felt like I’d truly done everything I could. And seeing the juniors take center stage made me want to move on to the next stage of my life, just like the seniors who graduated before me.”

— What does that next stage look like?

“I’d like to shift my focus to modeling and gravure work. The idol title does offer a sense of security, but I want to challenge myself as an individual, without relying on that. Both idol work and modeling involve wearing cute outfits and becoming different versions of myself, which I’ve admired since I was little. So I want to discover new sides of myself that even I don’t know yet.”

— Do you have any concrete goals?

“In gravure, I really admire Enako (31), so I want to become good enough to dominate magazine covers like she does. I’ve seen so many types of lingerie through shoots, so I’d love to try product development too. Actually, I love cute lingerie so much that I have way too many to fit in my closet—I’m a total lingerie otaku (laughs).”

In love mode

— That’s amazing! Now that you’ve graduated from being an idol, the “no dating” rule no longer applies, right?

“Maybe because I was always surrounded by girls, I haven’t quite shifted into a ‘Alright, time to date!’ kind of mode yet. But I do hope to get married someday, so if I meet someone good—why not? (laughs)”

— What’s your type, and what’s your ideal date?

“I like kind people who are considerate. When I watch TV and see those cool, mature ‘ikemen uncles’ (ikeoji) behaving smoothly, I can’t help but swoon. My ideal date would be going to an amusement park or shopping together. I couldn’t really do that back when I was a student, so if I get the chance, I’d love to try it.”

— A love for ikeoji—that’s unexpected! Lastly, a message for your fans?

“I’m really happy to be on the cover again after three years. Since graduating, I’ve cut my hair and have been told more often that I look more mature, so I think you’ll be able to see a more grown-up side of me in these gravure pages. Please let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your thoughts!”

Rei Jonishi, 24 years old

Originally from Shiga Prefecture. She passed the 5th generation NMB48 audition in 2016 and made her debut. In 2018, she earned her first ranking in the AKB48 General Election. After graduating from the group this April, she plans to focus her career on modeling and gravure work. 

My recent favorite Animation:
86—Eighty-Six—

It’s a sci-fi action anime that tackles themes of war and discrimination. The content is pretty violent, but I’m hooked on the thought-provoking story development. There are even days when I end up watching it non-stop from the moment I wake up until I go to bed (laughs). Sometimes I even wrap my phone in a towel and take it into the bath, soaking for an hour or two while watching. I’m basically an indoor type, so on my days off, nothing makes me happier than spending time reading manga or watching anime. 

From “FRIDAY”, June 27–July 4, 2025 combined issue.

From the June 27/July 4, 2025 issue of FRIDAY