“I Keep Going Because People Smile When They See Me” — Shiori Sato Speaks Out

Finally able to acknowledge herself, even just a little

“Last year, I was able to hold a live recording event for my podcast, and I got to meet my favorite band, 10-FEET, on a radio program. At the 20th-anniversary event for Chocolate Planet, I also performed in a musical alongside people who usually support me. I’m the type who finds it hard to praise myself, but I feel like I was able to recognize my own efforts just a little,”

said talent Shiori Sato (35), showing her familiar warm smile as she reflected on 2025.

She currently appears in five regular programs, including 1 Oku-nin no Daishitsumon!? Waratte Koraete! (NTV), where she has been a sub-MC for 10 years, Ariyoshi no Kabe (NTV) as an assistant, and Ousama no Brunch (TBS) as overall host. Returning to her roots as a model, she also features in numerous fashion magazines such as BAILA (Shueisha) and SPUR (Shueisha).

The most memorable highlight of 2025, when she first felt able to praise herself, was the public recording of her podcast, Satoshi Oacheto Pepe—Gyoza on the Rice—.

“We held two events, in June and November. For the first, with the support of Seibu Railway, we hosted it aboard the ‘Limited Express Laview’ connecting Tokyo and Saitama. I did free talk in Car 1, staff were in Car 2, and passengers in Cars 3 and beyond listened via the in-train broadcast. The second event was held in a hall in Tokyo, where we also sold the program’s first original merchandise.

For both events, we didn’t announce them on social media. I wanted to gather people who already enjoy the podcast. I was nervous about whether anyone would come, but hundreds of listeners showed up. Being able to meet them in person and hear comments like, ‘That was fun’ or ‘It gave me energy’ was truly rewarding.”

The audience also reflected Sato’s personality.

“Guest Natsuko Yokosawa (35) said, ‘It’s rare for all the audience members to be seated 15 minutes before the start of an event.’ I realized that the people who came shared the same sense as me—I’m the type to arrive 15 minutes early for work or meeting friends—so it felt really special.”

There’s a rhythm with Ariyoshi that only I can sense

Sato has firmly established herself as an outstanding assistant. On Waratte Koraete!, she supports Shoji Tokoro (70), and on Ariyoshi no Kabe, she works alongside Hiroiki Ariyoshi (51), one of Japan’s top MCs. She shared what she keeps in mind to handle such a crucial role.

“Both Tokoro-san and Ariyoshi-san are kind, but guests and co-stars don’t always feel comfortable speaking naturally on the show. At first, I would get nervous and couldn’t speak well. So I make sure to research the guests’ careers and hobbies to create conversation starters, and I communicate with them before the recording begins.”

“I have a rhythm with Ariyoshi-san that only I can feel,” Sato adds.

“Before recordings, we’ll have casual chats like, ‘Nice weather today,’ or ‘You went to ○○’s concert yesterday, right?’ and then the recording starts naturally. He never tells me ‘Do this or that,’ it’s completely effortless. So during recording, I’ve learned to sense when to step back because he’s leading, or when to say things like ‘Kabe Clear’—all instinctively, not through words. I try to be someone who can pick up on the comedians’ jokes as well, participating with that awareness.”

Since debuting as a model at age 11 in 2001, Sato has built a 25-year-long career. Though now a veteran, she admits with a shy smile, “I still get nervous on the shows I appear on regularly.”

“I start getting nervous not the day before, but the moment I check my schedule (laughs). For first-time appearances on TV, my anxiety is even greater, so I review which comments are used in what situations and prepare accordingly—it feels like a charm of sorts.”

On the table in front of her was a notebook filled with meticulous notes.

“Actually, I’m still nervous (laughs). Sometimes I go blank and can’t find the right words, so for interviews, I always prepare a notebook with anticipated questions and answers.”

When being asked a question, she makes eye contact with the reporter and nods. When speaking, she uses gestures and ensures she doesn’t focus on just one person, spreading her attention to everyone around. When asked why she always stays bright and positive during interviews, she paused briefly before answering:

“Because I want to see the smiles of the people who support me—my family, the staff, and my fans. When someone tells me they smiled because of me, I feel like ‘I’m glad I’m here,’ and it gives me the energy to keep going.”

Refreshing by standing and eating

One of the ways Sato relaxes during her busy days is her hobby of standing-eating restaurants, which she openly enjoys.

“I still love standing-eating places. Even if I only have 30 minutes for lunch during a hectic day, I want to eat something that fully satisfies me before heading to my next job. Standing-eating spots let me do just that.

Recently, I went to a place in Jimbocho (Chiyoda, Tokyo) called Toyoharu, a standing soba restaurant, and it was really delicious! Their specialty is ‘Paika Soba,’ topped with pork belly cartilage. I’ve been visiting standing-eating spots regularly, but lately, I tend to go to my usual spots. So discovering a new place again was really exciting—I loved it so much I want to go back even now (laughs).”

Sato approaches both work and meals with 100% passion. When asked about her goals for this milestone year marking 25 years in the entertainment industry, she answered with a warm expression:

“I want to give back to the fans who have supported me all these years! I’d like to hold an event where I can meet them in person and directly express my gratitude. I’m currently looking for a venue, but it’s been impossible to book one (laughs). I hope we can make it happen safely!”

Even from the taxi on her way to the next job after the interview, Sato opened the window and said with a smile, “Thank you so much!”

Always giving her all, never forgetting consideration or gratitude toward those around her—Sato’s personality will surely continue to attract many people in 2026 as well.

From the January 23, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”