Reiko Kato Reflects on Life’s Next Chapter — Exclusive Cover Girl Interview

From here begins the second chapter of my life

—This was your first photo book shoot in 27 years. Readers might be wondering, “Why now?” What were your thoughts?

“When I was first asked, I thought, ‘No way!’ I wasn’t positive at all (laughs). But a female editor in her 30s approached me and said sincerely, ‘Let’s make a book that even women our age would find beautiful.’ Her words gave me a push, and gradually my heart started to move. I was genuinely happy that women who didn’t know me from my active years said, ‘We want to see this.’”

—Can you tell us the meaning behind the title AROUND?

“It represents going full circle through major life events like marriage and raising children, and finally reclaiming my own time. This is the start of ‘Chapter Two’ of my life. That’s the feeling I wanted to convey.”

—We heard the shoot took place in Australia. How was it?

“Actually, it was my first time visiting! The combination of blue seas and urban cityscapes created a unique atmosphere blending nature and the city, which I found very calming. But there was no time for sightseeing (laughs). As soon as I arrived, I had makeup done and went straight to the shoreline. I was almost sleepless while standing in front of the camera — it was an intense schedule.

Still, it really made me realize, ‘So this is what making a photo book is all about.’ After four days of shooting, sharing a toast with the team at a winery was a wonderful memory.”

—Was there a moment that you’ll never forget?

“Due to sunsets and locations, we often had to finish shots by a specific time, so there was constant pressure (laughs). The shot that stands out most is the one in the blue swimsuit. It was a fleeting moment of natural light, and if we missed it, everything would have been ruined. Somehow, we managed to capture it, and it’s one of my favorite photos.”

—How did it feel to show your swimsuit after so long?

“It was definitely a bit embarrassing. It’s completely different from wearing a swimsuit in private. In the past, designs were more glamorous, but now simplicity is the trend, so you can’t hide your figure or expressions. I really felt the importance of expressing my current self. Thanks to my habit of regular exercise, I didn’t need any special body prep and felt surprisingly natural in the shoot.”

“I didn’t have confidence in myself.”

――Speaking of you, Ms. Katō, you were a sensation during the golden age of gravure in the ’90s. How would you describe the atmosphere back then?

“At that time, the word I’d use is intensity. TV and magazines were booming, with new projects and shoots almost every week—there was hardly any time to rest. I often saw drama staff sleeping in the hallways of TV stations. Gravure had a huge presence as the face of the magazine, and I was sent on overseas shoots about once a month. It was such a glamorous, bubble-era period.

But honestly, I didn’t have as much confidence in myself as people might think, and I didn’t have the luxury to worry about rivals. I kept telling myself I still had a long way to go and just threw myself into the work in front of me.”

――At the height of your popularity, you chose to take a ‘hiatus’ upon getting married in 2001, surprising the public. What prompted that decision?

“My professional golfer husband decided to take on the U.S. tour, so our base shifted primarily to America. At first, I considered traveling back and forth to manage both, but it quickly became clear it would be impossible. Adjusting schedules for shoots and recordings would have caused trouble for others, and continuing halfway wasn’t in my nature.

I felt sorry since there were so many offers for variety shows and gravure work, but I knew that if I wanted to prioritize family, I needed to draw a line—otherwise, I’d just be miserable. So I made the decision.”

――Your daily life must have changed dramatically.

“I had to manage everything about myself and my family on my own, and it really made me realize how much I was supported by staff when I was a talent. Raising children didn’t always go as planned, and there were many moments of doubt, wondering if I was doing the right thing. That’s why support from my parents and mom friends was invaluable—it taught me that I can’t do it alone, which was a precious lesson.”

――In 2012, you returned to the entertainment industry after about 11 years.

“That was when my children had grown a bit and I had the mental space to think about myself again. I was nervous for my first program back, but the MC was Shinichi Hatori (54). He actually had been the MC at my wedding, so seeing him on set made it easy to settle in naturally.”

――You’ve begun your second chapter. What do you want to challenge yourself with going forward?

“I haven’t decided anything concrete yet. Right now, I want to take things lightly and try things that I feel like I might want to do. When I was younger, I went full speed with the flow, but now I can make choices while checking in with my own feelings. That’s the biggest change, I think.”

――Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?

“There are probably many people my age who have lived for someone more important than themselves. I think it’s okay to start doing the things you love while watching the growth of those who matter to you. I believe that smiles not only make yourself happy but also those around you. I hope this photo book can be a small push for everyone to take that first step.”

My current favorite breakfast: acai

Even while in Australia for the photo book shoot, I loved having acai for breakfast. During hair and makeup prep, I’d drink coffee to wake up, but the moment acai appeared, I couldn’t help but get excited and say, “Yay!” (laughs). I follow eat well, sleep well approach and hardly restrict my diet. Staying active with golf and Pilates, along with daily stretching, is my secret to staying healthy!

From the October 17, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”