Wakako Shimazaki” shopping at a convenience store at night after work… “Talent power” that keeps her at the forefront in the entertainment industry.

As expected! Buying Sake at a Convenience Store After Work

One evening in late September, during an unseasonably hot summer day, Wakako Shimazaki, 52, was seen at a convenience store in Minato Ward, Tokyo. She was standing in front of the drink corner, dressed in a polka-dot one-piece dress and sandals. She seemed to be one of the biggest drinkers in the entertainment industry, and after purchasing a few bottles of sake and other drinks, she quickly left the store.

On this day, Shimazaki was attending a talk event after a revival screening of her starring role in the 1990 movie “Suki! was shown at a talk event after a revival screening of the movie “Suki! She probably bought a bottle of sake for the evening as a reward after work,” said an entertainment reporter for a sports newspaper.

Shimazaki made her debut as a singer in 1989 with the song “Weak,” and two years later, at the age of 18, she was chosen to be the MC of “All Star Thanksgiving” (TBS). She has been the MC for 35 years since then, and performed a brilliant performance on the live broadcast on October 4 this year.

Why has Shimazaki, who is sometimes said to have “no masterpieces to her credit,” been able to stay at the forefront of the entertainment industry, which is characterized by ups and downs? Mihoko Yamada, a broadcaster who has worked with Shimazaki on variety shows, offers the following analysis.

When she talked about an episode she had with a famous celebrity on a TV program, she went to the celebrity’s dressing room later and reported, ‘I mentioned your name the other day. His attitude of respect for courtesy is loved by his co-stars and staff.

He is also good at reading the atmosphere of the studio. In “All-Star Thanksgiving,” he takes a step back when the comedians are having a good time with each other, and when an actor who is not used to talking speaks, he speaks up and makes the scene more lively. He is an indispensable part of the variety show.

There is a reason why she continues to sell well in the entertainment industry.

From the October 24/31, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY