Mariya Nagao Shares Her Gravure Journey and Confidence

“These days, gravure is the work I can approach with the most confidence.”

—It’s been about a year since you last graced the cover. How was the shoot in Yugawara, Kanagawa, which seems perfect for you given your love of hot springs and saunas?

“Since I was shooting with the team I had worked with before, including the photographer, the atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable! The location was a villa halfway up the mountain, and the terrace had a beautiful view of the sea. The open-air bath was stylish too, and I kept thinking, ‘It would be amazing if I had this at home,’ while posing. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a sauna (laughs).”

—Do you travel around Japan visiting saunas?

“Yes, though I don’t visit a huge number of places repeatedly. Locally, I’ve probably been to about ten. When I went to Hokkaido or Okinawa for work, I used my free time to drop by. My manager isn’t great with saunas, so I usually research them myself and go alone.”

—Do you have a favorite sauna?

“Recently, I really enjoyed ‘The Sauna’ in Shinano, Nagano. Nearby, there’s a tour where you can forage for mountain vegetables and mushrooms with a guide, and they cook the fresh ingredients you collect. The mountain vegetable tempura was absolutely delicious—it was such an experience! And the sauna afterward was pure bliss. Even now, when I don’t have a busy schedule, I go to saunas in Tokyo about twice a week.”

—Do you credit saunas for maintaining your figure since your teenage years?

“I enjoy the feeling of my body being refreshed in a sauna, but I wouldn’t say I rely on it for dieting or beauty purposes. For body maintenance, I walk five kilometers daily or go to the gym to boost my metabolism. I love eating, so my weight can easily fluctuate about six kilograms. When I was in my 20s, skipping a meal could help me lose weight, but now in my 30s, it’s harder to shed fat, especially from weird areas like my back and waist. Going to the gym regularly is essential for maintaining a body that can lose weight easily—I’ve realized that only now (laughs).”

—You debuted in gravure in 2012, making this your 14th year. Has your mindset changed?

“I joined AKB48 at 15, but my high school had strict rules against wearing swimsuits, so I couldn’t do gravure. After graduating, I finally made my debut, so I might have been a bit late compared to others in AKB. I was really eager to wear swimsuits, but at first, I couldn’t move naturally during shoots and felt discouraged. After 13 years, though, I’ve found my own strengths, and now gravure is the work I can approach with the most confidence.”

—What would you say your strength is?

“In one word: dynamism. Rather than just following the photographer’s instructions, I interpret the theme of the shoot in my own way and try to keep moving during the shots. Instead of striking static poses, I act out a story, and the photographer captures that. Sometimes I get carried away with the mood and end up doing bolder poses than intended (laughs).”

“My time as an idol was the best years of my youth.”

—Regarding AKB48, which you mentioned earlier, they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

“I was with them for about six and a half years, but honestly, I hardly remember much from that time! This is actually pretty common among members too—sometimes you think, ‘Did I really do that work!?’ (laughs). Every day was so hectic, but even though it was tough, there were hundreds of times more moments that moved me deeply. My time as an idol was truly the best years of my youth. It’s really meaningful to see the group that nurtured me reach their 20th anniversary. Since last year, I’ve been producing idols myself, and I hope my experiences can be of help.”

—You’re active as an idol producer too!

“Yes. I’m involved in everything from suggesting directions, handling auditions, to writing lyrics. Back in my AKB days, I didn’t have much confidence in my singing or dancing, so I’d see the girls auditioning and think, ‘Wow, you can sing and dance!’ I want to be a producer who can empathize with members, reflecting on my own clumsy past. Many young girls aspire to be idols, so my goal is to get as many of them on stage as possible.”

—You also write lyrics?

“Yes. On days when nothing comes to mind, I revisit the lyrics written by Yasushi Akimoto for AKB. It reminds me how incredible his expressive skills are. I dream of the day when he might see the lyrics I’ve written.”

—With your busy work in gravure and production, is there any personal life event you’re looking forward to?

“I’d like to get married someday, though I might not be suited for it (laughs). I really value my freedom. If I had a boyfriend or husband, I think I’d be devoted, but I also have lots of friends and travel abroad often, so having a partner might become stressful. Right now, I’m focused on making my idol production work successful and aiming for a reprint of my photo book Mariyagi Tourism, released on July 17!”

Mariya Nagao, 31
From Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating from AKB48 in 2016, she has worked as an actress and model. She currently leverages her experience as the producer of the idol group “Cap♡Churu.”

My current personal favorite camera: Ricoh GR IIIx

Since I wasn’t good at posting on social media, I upgraded from my smartphone camera to boost my motivation! I used to travel light, but ever since I got the Ricoh camera, I always carry it on walks and to work. As the biggest fan of the idols I produce, I want to capture their best moments endlessly (laughs). Also, I’m going to Mexico next month, so I’m excited to take lots of photos of delicious food.

From the August 8-15, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”