Ryoko Shinohara Nanako Matsushima and Mao Inoue Display Exceptional Presence in January Season Dramas

“As works, they’re completely different, so the way I get into them is totally different. Still, I’m deeply grateful, just the same, that they chose me again.”
(from a January 18 article distributed by REAL SOUND)

Ryoko Shinohara (52), who is starring in a Nippon TV drama series for the first time in six years since Haken no Hinkaku, said this in an interview published on an entertainment news site.

The drama Punch-Drunk Woman: XX Days Until Escape (Nippon TV), starring Shinohara and which began airing on January 11, depicts an unprecedented prison-break story involving a female prison officer and a murderer.

Shinohara plays Kozue Fuyuki, a serious and diligent correctional officer. When Reiji Kusaka (played by Jesse, 29, of SixTONES), who is arrested and indicted on murder and other charges, is transferred to the detention center where she works, Kozue transforms into a “villainous woman,” and the two embark on an escape together in this suspenseful love story.

“Shinohara was reported in 2020 to be living separately from actor Masachika Ichimura (76), her husband of 15 years, and divorced the following year. Shortly after that, reports surfaced of an affair with a Korean idol. While the truth remains unclear, given her previously high favorability—especially among housewives—an image downturn was unavoidable.

However, she has made a brilliant comeback in this drama. After the broadcast, X was filled with praise such as ‘Shinohara’s mature sex appeal is incredible’ and ‘She doesn’t look like she’s in her 50s—she’s way too cool,’ with particularly high evaluations coming from women,” said a TV magazine writer.

Nanako Matsushima (52), who is starring in a TV drama series for the first time in ten years, is also drawing attention.

Her starring drama The Rice Woman: National Tax Agency Document Investigation Division – Zakkoku Office (TV Asahi) is set in a newly established, drama-original department within the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau’s Document Investigation Division—formally the Complex Tax Case Processing Office, nicknamed “Zakkoku.” Matsushima plays Masako Yoneda, the department’s founder and an ace investigator of the tax bureau. The show is a satisfying entertainment drama in which she brings down cunning and unscrupulous tax evaders. On social media, comments include:

“Above all, Matsushima’s presence is overwhelming.”
“Her mannerisms and voice are beautiful—watching her alone makes it worth it.”

Finally, another actress who must not be forgotten is Mao Inoue (39), who appears in Reunion: Silent Truth (TBS).

“Reunion is based on the novel of the same name by Dai Yokozeki, winner of the 56th Edogawa Rampo Prize. Inoue plays Makiko Iwamoto, a single mother suspected of murder. For Inoue, this marks her first terrestrial TV drama appearance in three years, and her youthful charm that defies her age, along with her weighty acting skills, have been well received. It’s already being said to be a sure hit,” said a commercial TV drama production insider.

All three actresses have careers spanning more than 30 years and continue to remain at the forefront, leading the commercial TV drama world into 2026. We would like to look back on their journeys through rare archival images. Among them, one especially memorable moment is Shinohara’s reverse ambush interview of a reporter from this magazine.

It was a summer night in 2018 (September 7, 2018 issue).

Shortly before this, reports had just surfaced about Ryoko Shinohara facing a possible divorce crisis with her husband, Masachika Ichimura. That day was Shinohara’s birthday, and she was spotted at a high-end steak restaurant in Roppongi (Minato Ward).

Three hours after entering the restaurant, Shinohara came out—and suddenly approached a reporter from this magazine.

“Sorry to keep you waiting so late. I’m sorry to have made you wait. Please have this.”

Smiling, Shinohara handed over a wrapped steak sandwich. Though feeling apologetic, the reporter directly asked her about the rumored divorce crisis, to which she burst out laughing and replied,

“No, no! Not at all! Even Papa and I were wondering why such a story came up (laughs).”

She brushed it off with hearty laughter. However, two years later, the couple did end up divorcing.

In September 2025, Ichimura appeared on Tetsuko’s Room (TV Asahi) and spoke about his current relationship with his ex-wife Shinohara, saying,

“She’s nearby, so we go back and forth. She even cooks meals for the kids. Just the other day, the four of us went together to the Azabu-Juban Festival.”

On social media, comments such as model ex-couple and “Shinohara is so kind and warm-hearted” followed. In the end, fans continue to want Ryoko Shinohara to always be cool.

Stylish, possessing an incredible aura, and overwhelming acting ability—there is nothing but anticipation for these women.