Aoi Mizobata & Mao Takano: Behind the scenes of a fresh photo shoot! This week’s cover girl’s hearts are in the right place.

They are in perfect sync with each other! They love each other so much!

–Mizobata: “Last time we were shooting as a pair was in August of ’25.

Mizobata: “Last time, the four of us, including Yuzu Tomoe Hongo (22) and Yona Enohara (28), who are my seniors at the office, were shooting together. At that time, I got along well with Mao, and we talked about how it would be nice if we could be on the cover together this time. So I was surprised that it came true so soon. I was so surprised.

Takano: “Since then, Aoi and I have become good friends, and I think the poses we take together are more powerful than the last time.

–Mizobata: “We heard that the shooting took place in Kamakura.

Mizobata: “We went to two studios on a one-day trip. It was an overcrowded schedule, but we were in perfect sync, so the shooting went smoothly.

Takano: “The second studio was the one where we shot Aoi when she made her debut. I was very deeply moved.

Mizobata “Why are you more deeply moved than I am, Mao-chan?

Takano “This is the place where Aoi started her career. I feel like I am making a “pilgrimage to the holy land” (laugh).

–Mizobata: “Not at all!

Mizobata “Not at all!　Mao-chan is just as cute as ever. I have an impression that Mao is often used in photos with a calm and mature expression. I think she is very beautiful and lovely, but personally, I really like the natural smile she suddenly shows. She smiled a lot this time, but I am sure it was because I was there. I am proud that I was able to bring out Mao-chan’s smile!

Takano: “I have a lot of fun with Aoi. I thought Aoi’s smile was as wonderful as ever. A smile that I don’t have. I think my smile is “healing type,” but Aoi’s smile has an impact that gives power to those who see it. I would call it a “power-type” smile (laugh).

Mizobata: “Power smile!　You should put it in a more cute way (laugh).

With the support of my family behind me

— Looking back on the year ’25. You both debuted in March. Did you have some difficulties in the unfamiliar environment?

Mizobata: “Not really. I was very anxious before my debut, but once we started, the atmosphere on the set was fun the whole time. If I had to say something, I was a bit nervous when we were shooting in the forest. I’m not good with insects, but there were horseflies and other things buzzing around us. …… I was wearing a bathing suit and had no defense. I kept a smile on my face, but inside I was shouting, ‘Don’t come over here! I was yelling at them.

Takano: “I’ve been having a lot of fun. The only thing that bothers me is the heat and cold. I am dressed in a way that makes it impossible to adjust my body temperature, so I am sure I will experience hardship in the field in the future. However, I would like to try shooting in snowy mountains wearing only a bikini and a scarf, for example. I think this is an unusual situation that is unique to the world of gravure, so my curiosity is getting the better of me.

–Mizobata: “You have been very successful since your debut year.

Mizobata: “They have been supporting me since my debut. He bought all my books and asked me to sign them. I said, ‘I bet you won’t sell them,’ but I signed all of them (laughs).”

Takano: “My father wanted to be an actor when he was young, so he would talk to me in a flirtatious way. When he saw my videos, he would praise me and say, ‘It was good,’ and he would give me advice on acting. I think it makes my father very happy that his daughter is doing the work he wanted to do, so I want to do my best while carrying that feeling with me.

–I want to do my best with that feeling in mind. How do you see each other?

Mizobata: “We joined the same agency at the same time, and we are really working hard under the same circumstances, so I feel very encouraged.

Takano: “Aoi is two years older than me, so I think of her as a reliable big sister. Aoi thought of my signature together with me.

Mizobata: “Mao-chan had written her signature in the alphabet until around summer, but it didn’t feel right. So we made various candidates together and made a hiragana signature. On the contrary, I often rely on Mao-chan more than her. We rely on each other at the right place at the right time.”

The two continue to power up

–What are your ambitions for the year ’26?

Mizobata: “I have yet to meet my fans, so I would like to do a face-to-face event. Also, since I am going to do gravure, I would like to publish a paper photo book. My goal is to release the photo book and use it as an opportunity to hold face-to-face events.

Takano: “I have no experience with in-person events either, so I am very interested in them. Also, right now my main work is for magazines and SNS, but I would like to appear on terrestrial TV as well.

–Takano: “Do you have a message for your fans? Takano: “Last time we both wore the same kind of costumes, but this time we are wearing different colors, which I think emphasizes our individuality.

Mizobata: “They are colorful and match the Christmas season and New Year’s. The “Ao Mao” duo’s poses have also been enhanced, so I hope you will enjoy watching them.

Mizobata Aoi, age 24
Born in Osaka in 2001. She made her gravure debut in March of ’25. Her hobbies include bedrock baths and saunas.

Mao Takano, age 22.
Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 2003. She made her gravure debut in the same year as Mizobata, in 2013. Hobbies include listening to music.

My best recent work “RELAXING TIME
My dog/Knitting

Mizobata: I just got a miniature dachshund puppy, and I’ve been rearranging the flooring, buying clothes and toys, and preparing the dog’s environment. Spending time with my dog is a great source of relaxation.

Takano: I started knitting at the invitation of a co-star. I enjoy knitting and the time I spend concentrating on my work. I am now able to knit scarves for beginners, so in 2026 I would like to try knitting sweaters for intermediate knitters!

From the January 2, 9, and 16, 2026 issue of FRIDAY