asuko Matsuyuki Seen Rolling Out Before Showtime — A Pro Actress’s Body-Care Ritual Revealed
Always adjusting from zero
A woman wearing a New York Yankees cap and a mask, carrying a large cylindrical object slung across her body, walked into a theater—she was actress Yasuko Matsuyuki (52).
At the “Theatre Cré” in Hibiya (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo), the musical play Enoken was performed from October 7 to 26.
“The work tells the story of ‘Enoken’—Kenichi Enomoto, known as ‘Japan’s King of Comedy,’ who was active during and after the war. His turbulent life was written as a new play by Naoki Matayoshi (45), and Masachika Ichimura (76) stars. Matsuyuki plays two roles: Enomoto’s two wives, his former wife Kiyoko Hanashima and his later wife Yoshie Enomoto. The show has been well-received as a comprehensive entertainment performance filled with singing, dancing, and humor.” (Theater magazine reporter)
On this mid-October day, Matsuyuki arrived at the theater with staff, dressed casually.
The cylindrical object, upon closer look, appeared to be a massage device called a foam roller. It is primarily used for fascia release, loosening the thin membrane covering the muscles. By placing various parts of the body on the roller and rolling back and forth, it is said to help with recovery from fatigue and improved blood circulation. As it’s also effective for reducing swelling and for dieting, many women have begun using it. While many people use them at gyms or at home, bringing one into a theater dressing room is somewhat unusual.
“Matsuyuki appeared in the July-season drama The Last Appraiser (Fuji TV), and after wrapping filming in mid-September, she immediately began working on the stage production. The Tokyo performances have ended, but in November, the show will be staged in Osaka, Nagoya, and in Saga, Matsuyuki’s hometown. With about a month of regional performances ahead, she is likely being extremely thorough with her physical conditioning.” (Same reporter)
In an interview with BITEKI.com (January 3, 2023), Matsuyuki spoke about her approach to maintaining her physical condition, emphasizing inner beauty and focusing on adjusting her body from the inside.
“Actors are like artists who use their bodies. When there are moments on stage when the part of my body I want to move right now won’t move, I make frequent adjustments, like tuning a musical instrument. But since the movements differ from work to work, I’m always adjusting from zero. Always keeping attention on my body and continuing to move it may be why my body feels at ease.”
During the long run of performances, Matsuyuki’s thorough preparation as a professional—aiming to get through it with the best possible performance—offered a glimpse of her actor’s spirit.
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