This Week’s Cover Girl Nene Shida Discusses Maturity and Her Ideal Type of Man

Both locally and abroad

——This is your first cover of 2026. How was it this time?

“Unlike my usual fresh image, I was conscious of presenting a ‘mature woman’ vibe. I chose outfits I don’t normally wear, like a dress with a boldly open back and black tights. Also, I cut about 15 centimeters off my hair last October, so this is my first gravure shoot since changing my look!”

——It seems the shoot took place on a very cold day. Was it tough?

“I was freezing while we were shooting (laughs). But since even a single facial expression can change the impression of a photo, I was careful not to let the cold show on my face. Before the shoot, I paid close attention to my diet and tried to avoid foods high in additives and fats. I really love eating, but my stomach tends to stick out easily, so from the night before the shoot until it ended, I didn’t consume anything except fluids. I made up for it by eating sushi in the car on the way home (laughs).”

——Recently, you’ve been holding calendar release events overseas as well.

“Last January, I had an event in Hong Kong. Japanese tokusatsu shows are popular there, and some people actually told me they knew me from Kamen Rider Geats (TV Asahi). I’d never really had the chance to meet overseas fans face-to-face before, so it felt very fresh. It really made me realize how many different people are supporting me.”

——Last November, you were appointed as the ‘Soka PR Ambassador’ for your hometown, Soka City in Saitama Prefecture. What local spots do you recommend?

“Soka Kenko Center, which has been around for over 30 years! It’s like a wellness complex with hot springs, saunas, karaoke, restaurants, and even a relaxation area where you can read manga. When I was little, I used to go there with my family about once a week.”

——You’re well-known as a ramen lover. Can you tell us about a famous local shop?

“Ramen Aokitei! It’s tonkotsu-based, but the flavor is somewhere between rich and light. Even people who don’t like very heavy ramen can enjoy it. But the portions are fairly large, so women should be careful.”

——Can you finish it all?

“I can finish it easily (laughs). And whenever I eat ramen, I always order rice too. The rice is the main dish, and the ramen is the side (laughs).”

——What’s your secret to maintaining your figure despite eating that much?

“I’ve continued doing stretches taught to me by my mother, who used to do artistic gymnastics, which I mentioned in my previous interview. I’ve also been focusing on Pilates. I used to attend classes, but now I’ve bought a mat and a yoga ball and practice at home. As for my diet, just like before shoots, I try to avoid foods high in additives, fats, and sugars as much as possible.”

To various places

——You’ve been taking on more acting work recently.

“Since 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to star for three consecutive years in the stage production Kageki Shojo!!. I’m also currently appearing in the drama Konkatsu Battlefield 37 (TV Tokyo), where I play Beppu Sayaka, a junior colleague of the protagonists, Akagi and Aoshima. It’s a series that lets viewers enjoy the realistic struggles women face in seeking a happy marriage.”

——How did you prepare for your role?

“Because of my work in the entertainment industry, I don’t often get chances to talk in depth about views on marriage with people around me. So after I was cast in Konkatsu Battlefield 37, I spoke with friends who are married and asked them about their real-life experiences for reference. Some of their stories were very similar to what’s in the script, and I learned that conversations like those between married couples really do happen.”

——What is your ideal type of man?

“Someone like my father! He’s dedicated to his work, but he also treasures his family. I’m attracted to someone who considers his family’s happiness as his own. Because of my job, it’s difficult to take long breaks, but I’d love to go on hot spring trips or overseas vacations together.”

——So you like traveling?

“Traveling is a great way for me to refresh myself. Since I love eating, I usually plan trips around enjoying delicious local gourmet food. But if the person I’m traveling with loves fashion, we’ll shop at apparel stores, and if they like sightseeing, we’ll visit famous spots. My travel style is about getting the best of everything (laughs).”

——Lastly, please reflect on last year and tell us your goals for this year.

“Last year was a ‘year of change.’ I had more acting opportunities in short dramas and stage productions, and I also connected with overseas fans. In my private life, I broke out of being indoors all the time and started visiting various places. Recently, I even went to a ski resort in Gifu Prefecture and tried snowboarding for the first time in my life!

This year, I want to make it a year where I pursue what I truly want to do more than ever. In particular, I’d like to challenge myself more in on-screen acting. I’d be happy if my activities can bring even a little joy to the staff, my family and friends, and my fans!”

“This year, more than ever, I want to do the things I’ve always wanted to try.” This favorite photo features a dress that boldly reveals her neckline and legs. As a gravure idol, she is taking on projects that are different from anything she has done before.

 

Shida Nene, 27

Born in 1998 in Saitama Prefecture, height 167 cm. She had her breakthrough in 2022 with Kamen Rider Geats (TV Asahi) and is active as an actress and talent. She is currently appearing in the drama Konkatsu Battlefield 37 (TV Tokyo), which is now on air.

My best recent trip
Korea and Hong Kong

Last year, I traveled to South Korea with my family and to Hong Kong with friends. In Korea, I enjoyed eating my way around, savoring my favorite samgyeopsal and raw liver. I still can’t forget the bouncy texture of the raw liver. I also found a bag I really liked, so I was very satisfied!

In Hong Kong, I overslept on the second morning, and my stay in Macau—which I had been looking forward to—was over in an instant (laughs). It was a spontaneous, go-with-the-flow kind of trip, but it became a wonderful memory!

From the January 30/February 6, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”