Kyoko Fukada Opens Up About Her Beach-Shoot Tanning Habit

The secret to her body makeover

— Your annual desktop calendar that fans always look forward to is being released again this year. I heard the shoot took place at a studio in Odaiba. How was it?

“Up until now, most of my calendar shoots were indoors using studio lighting, but this year we shot in a studio with lots of natural light. I could feel the sea breeze, it was really refreshing, and the weather was perfect. I think the photos ended up looking very natural.”

— And this year’s theme is that very natural light, right?

“Every year we set a theme for the calendar. For example, 2025’s theme was accessories. We even had a year when the theme was dogs. I was thinking about what to do this time, and then it hit me—maybe I don’t need to be tied down by a theme at all. So we went with a more natural style.”

— Do the outfits also follow the theme?

“I usually pick out the outfits myself, but this year I left everything to the staff. As a result, most of the outfits ended up being pastel-colored. I haven’t worn those shades very much before. Compared to the vivid colors in past calendars, the vibe this time is completely different.”

— The shot where you wear a floral scarf wrapped around your head was very striking.

“Oh, that scarf is actually mine! I found it while shopping in my private time and thought, ‘I’d love to use this for work someday.’ So I asked if I could bring it for the shoot, and the stylist arranged it beautifully.”

— You’ve maintained a perfect figure ever since your debut. What’s your secret to keeping your body in shape?

“I don’t do any special training. If I feel like getting some exercise, I’ll just walk home—maybe a little less than one station’s distance. It’s not even really walking for fitness, it’s just a casual stroll (laughs). And when it comes to food, I basically don’t restrict myself.”

— And your skin is always glowing as well.

“I take my skincare seriously. Moisturizing is the most important step for me. And I never skip sunscreen. My skin is naturally sensitive, but I actually love getting a tan so when we shoot a photobook at the beach, I always end up overdoing it and tanning too much.”

Custom-Made Gifts for Her Beloved Dogs

— You really like the ocean, don’t you?

“I love it! We shot the calendar in Odaiba this time, so during breaks I stepped outside the studio to soak in the scent of the sea breeze.”

— You’re famous for loving surfing. You’ve always had a very active image.

“Well, lately I’ve become totally indoorsy because I got a new toy poodle. This is actually the third poodle I’ve adopted, but this one actually plays with dog toys! The other two never cared about toys at all (laughs).

Earlier I said I don’t work out, but honestly, throwing toys for him every day has probably strengthened my right arm a little (laughs).”

— I heard your new dog appears in the calendar as well.

“Yes! I hadn’t revealed him on social media yet, so I thought, ‘Let’s make his debut in the calendar.’”

— What’s his name?

“It’s a little embarrassing but I named him after a character from an NHK children’s show I’ve always loved. My second dog is named Pokke, so for the third one, I went with Nyan-chu. Pokke appears in the calendar too.”

— I heard at home you even wear T-shirts printed with your dogs’ photos—total devotion!

“I even had custom pajamas made with Pokke’s picture printed on them (laughs).
I haven’t taken the perfect photo of Nyan-chu yet to make custom goods, so that’s something I’m working on. I’m looking forward to it.”

— Aside from time with your dogs, do you have other moments when you can relax?

“When I wake up and do some stretching. I only rotate my shoulders and stretch a bit, but even that is enough to ease fatigue and make me feel refreshed.”

— Lastly, please share a message for the readers who are looking forward to the calendar and this gravure feature.

“This calendar has a completely different feel from the ones before. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing a new side of me.”

Kyoko Fukada — Age 42

Born in Tokyo in 1982.
Made her entertainment debut after winning the Grand Prix at the 21st Horipro Talent Scout Caravan in 1996. Her 2026 desk calendar is scheduled for release on November 27.

From the November 14-21, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”