“I Show Parts of Myself I Never Did Before” — Ike-chan Opens Up About Her Final Photo Book

Retiring at the height of her popularity

— This is your first-ever FRIDAY cover. How do you feel?

“I’m super happy! I’ve been doing gravure modeling for about three and a half years now, but I actually haven’t been on magazine covers very often — this is only my fifth time.”

— You’re a YouTuber, yet you debuted in gravure in 2022, released your first photo book in 2023, and have made a name for yourself in the field.

“Looking back, it was really like a rocket start. I was put on magazine covers right after debuting, and before I knew it, I already had my first photo book. That’s why I’m so grateful that I’ve been given the chance to publish a second photo book and appear on a magazine cover again after a while.”

— The shoot took place in Vietnam, right?

“We went for six days in June. I’ve been to Vietnam before for a企画 on my YouTube channel ‘いけちゃん / ikechan’. This was my third time, but my first time traveling overseas for gravure work. Since it was going to be my last, I wanted to experience an overseas gravure shoot, so I asked the staff. The cameraman also said my vibe would look great in an Asian setting, so Vietnam was chosen.”

— You announced your retirement from gravure, and the photo book to be released on December 10 will be your last photo book. I think many fans were shocked. Why did you decide to retire?

“The biggest reason is that I felt gravure just isn’t suited for me. I started because a publisher offered the opportunity. Back then, I had just graduated from university and wanted to try lots of things. Thankfully, I got a lot of gravure work right from the start. But as I continued, I realized the expectations, the style of expression, and the fanbase were very different from YouTube. I realized I’m more suited to video content.”

— It’s hard to see from the outside, but balancing both is difficult, isn’t it?

“Yes. More than working hard at gravure, I wanted people to see me as a YouTuber.
I’m already 28, and younger girls are entering the gravure world one after another, so this is an early withdrawal (laughs).”

— But you could still be active in gravure?

“It’s not that I’m quitting because there’s no demand. I want to retire at a timing where people still say, ‘We want to see more!’ After announcing my retirement, I got so many DMs saying, ‘I wish you’d continue.’ I felt sorry, but at the same time, it made me a little happy. I think I’m able to retire at just the right moment.”

Looking for another expression

— Was there anything you’re glad you gained from doing gravure work?

“It’s embarrassing to say this myself, but when I look back at my early photos, I think, ‘Wow I was really cute’ (laughs). At the time, I thought my face looked rounder and that I was a bit heavier than now. But looking back, I realize there were so many great shots that captured moments unique to that time in my life. I’m happy those beautiful photos exist. I’m sure when I look at my last photo book years from now, I’ll feel grateful I captured those moments too.”

— What are the highlights of this final photo book?

“I feel like I put everything of who I am now into it. It has the highest level of exposure I’ve ever done—showing sides of myself I’ve never revealed before (laughs). Because I wanted fans who supported my gravure work to be happy, I was the one who suggested the higher exposure. I hope people will enjoy it.”

— As a travel YouTuber, you’re constantly flying around Japan and abroad. What does your everyday life look like?

“I really struggle with rainy weather and low-pressure systems—rainy or cloudy days make me feel down. So, although I’m normally based in Tokyo, if the forecast shows several rainy days ahead, I travel to wherever it’s sunny. If it’s the rainy season and the whole country is gloomy, then I go abroad. I’m always chasing the sun.”

— After retiring from gravure, will you focus entirely on YouTube? Or take on something new?

“I can’t give details yet, but I want to start some kind of creative activity. Writing, photography, drawing, I’m exploring a form of expression that’s different from YouTube’s video format.”

— It might be early, but do you have a goal for 2026?

“I want to run a marathon. I’m not particularly athletic, but I actually enjoy running. More accurately, I like how the scenery changes as you run. I’ve never participated in a marathon event before, so instead of a full marathon right away, I want to try a half marathon first. I run on the treadmill at the gym sometimes, but I get bored staying in one place. I want to run outside, train properly, and take part in a real race. I’m confident in my mental stamina, so I’d love to finish the race.”

Although Taiwan had been considered as a candidate location, the shoot was realized in Vietnam at her own request — “If we’re doing it, it has to be Vietnam!”

My recent “BEST ACTIVITY”
Painting

In junior high, I was in the art club and often painted abstract works using oil and acrylic. Even as an adult, I drew occasionally, but recently my urge to paint has come back again. I bought canvases and paints, but I still don’t have a clear vision of what I truly want to paint. So I’ve been looking at tons of artists’ work on social media and visiting exhibitions to boost my inspiration. Right now, I’m very drawn to landscape paintings that capture nature—like skies, forests, and other natural scenes.

From the November 28/December 5, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”