[Full Interview] Ichika Osaki on Finding Joy in Acting and Simple Pleasures
Interview with the "Next Breakthrough Actress"!
She stars in the July-season drama Cinderella Closet
Ichika Osaki — Born in Kochi Prefecture. She made her entertainment debut after winning the Special Jury Prize at the All-Japan National Beauty Contest in 2012 and shot to fame with last year’s NHK morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa. Her starring drama Cinderella Closet is currently on air!“Aya Ueto (39) was my inspiration—I admired her and entered the All-Japan National Beauty Contest. I joined the same agency and set my sights on becoming an actress. With last year’s NHK morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa, I think a lot more people came to know me, but actually, I’ve already hit my 13th year in the business before I even realized it (laughs).”
Actress Ichika Osaki (24) began with a playful smile.
She entered the entertainment industry at the age of 11, moving from Kochi to Tokyo right after graduating from junior high school. She gained popularity after appearing in the 2019 Super Sentai series Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger (TV Asahi), and finally broke through with her role in the morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa.
It’s often said that once you appear in a morning drama, people start recognizing you on the street—so when asked if that had been the case, she smiled.
“I’ve never been approached in Tokyo. Actually, I was recognized more often when I went to the countryside or back when I was in the Sentai series—mothers and kids would often come up to me. I think Tokyo is a place where people are, in a good way, indifferent to others, so it’s easier to blend in (laughs). Personally, I’m the type who likes to keep my own space separate from others’, so Tokyo’s indifference really suits me. I feel comfortable here.”
A major turning point: Tora ni Tsubasa
It’s been nearly 10 years since she moved to Tokyo, and with her career now in its 13th year, she looks back once again on Tora ni Tsubasa as a major turning point.
“An Asadora carries a weight on a completely different level, so when I was cast, I definitely felt the pressure. But watching how the lead, Sairi Ito (31), carried herself as the head of the team and created the atmosphere on set taught me a lot.
When someone was nervous, she would naturally notice and say something to ease them. When I was struggling with my role, both she and Masaki Okada (35) came over and asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ Despite being so busy with her many lines as the lead, she still made time to look out for everyone. The fact that she could create that kind of atmosphere—it’s truly amazing.”
Ozaki is now appearing in the ongoing Monday 9 p.m. drama Ashita wa Motto, Ii Hi ni Naru (Fuji TV) and co-starring in the late-night drama Cinderella Closet (TBS). This marks her fifth time taking on a lead role, but she still reflects humbly that she lacks human strength, adding with determination:
“I try to always be mindful of my position so that the staff can work comfortably. I remind myself, ‘If I stay cheerful, the set will feel cheerful too.’ The influence of a lead actor is huge, but the chance to shape it with my own color—that’s what makes it exciting.”
A cycle of setbacks and eccentricities
While continuing to grow as a leading actress, there were countless times when her heart nearly broke in silence.
“I think I’ve said ‘I want to quit’ more than 50 times. But whenever I was about to quit, something always happened. When I thought of quitting after graduating from middle school, my manager said, ‘If it’s a Tokyo high school, there are performing arts programs. Why don’t you try coming?’ and I moved to Tokyo out of curiosity. When I thought of quitting because I had no work, I got offers for the Super Sentai series or the morning drama. I’ve been unbelievably lucky, and I think I’ve managed to survive this long thanks to that good fortune.”
She also shyly admitted that two years ago, when she thought again about quitting, she resorted to a certain eccentric act.
“I think I was around 22. I bleached my eyebrows and practically shaved them all off (laughs). I don’t even know why I did that, but it was during a time when a lot of worries had piled up. My current short hair is the same. I joined my agency in 2012, and after 12 years, I decided to cut it all off for a fresh start.
For me, having long hair often made me look younger, so at auditions I was often told, ‘Your personality doesn’t match your appearance.’ I hated that, so by cutting my hair short and going for a boyish look, I thought I could close that gap.”
She is currently filming a Monday night drama. Even with her busy schedule, she explained why she still feels happy every day.
“I think of this job as a hobby, so I always want to be in an environment where I’m involved with productions. When I get tired of work, I just reset myself by chugging my favorite beer! I especially love bottled beer, and lately I’ve been using a big 500ml glass my sister bought me as a souvenir from Germany. Whenever my beer stock drops below 10 bottles, I order more right away (laughs).
When I drink, I basically don’t turn on the TV. I prefer to put on music and sing passionately. I love bands, and recently I’ve been drinking while singing along to Sunny Day Service—it’s bliss to just indulge in that alone time.”
Having overcome doubts and setbacks, Osaki has built a solid foundation in life. So what is her next goal?
“Of course I’d be happy to have opportunities like appearing in commercials or working overseas, but for now I just want to keep being involved in projects consistently. After all, I really love acting. So, my biggest wish is simply to keep performing from here on out.”
Having joined the ranks of popular actresses, Osaki continues to push forward, fueled by her passion for acting.
From the August 1, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”
PHOTO： Takayuki Ogawauchi