Nozomi Miyabe Shakes Up Kamen Rider as the Franchise’s Boldest Gyaru Heroine

My proud butt

——How was your first cover shoot?

“Last summer’s FRIDAY gravure was in clothes, so this was my first time in a swimsuit. And since it was a cover shoot, I was really nervous! Last time, I made a huge fuss just stepping out in front of the staff during fittings, so compared to that, this time might have been better (laughs). Maybe because I had prepared myself before going on set, I was able to imagine the readers watching from behind the camera and approach the shoot that way.”

——What are the highlights?

“My favorite is the shot in the brown swimsuit that boldly shows off my butt. I work out at the gym to keep my butt from sagging, so I think it’s the outfit where I can best show the results of my training. Also, the house studio we used had a pool and a classic car, so you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of different shots. During the shoot, there was a mishap where a spider landed on my forehead (laughs), but I’d be happy if you could imagine that kind of unusual moment while enjoying my natural expressions, like we’re spending time together at home.”

——Is your favorite body part still your butt?

“My butt I guess so (laughs). My waist is around 60 cm, but my hips are close to 90 cm. I used to feel self-conscious about how sturdy my hips were compared to my slim upper body, but since starting gravure work, I’ve come to see that contrast in a more positive light. I’ve been going to the gym since high school—before, I focused on cardio for dieting, but lately I’ve been doing strength training so I don’t get too thin. The gradient from my butt to my legs is a highlight!”

——What originally led you into the entertainment industry?

“It started when I won the Grand Prix at the ‘2019 Miss Teen Japan’ when I was 15. I’d been saying since I was five that I wanted to become a model, so I think I always admired the entertainment world. I remember looking at fashion magazines my mom loved and, even at five years old, talking about how cute Ebihara Yuri—‘Ebi-chan’—was. I’ve always loved fashion; in elementary school I would put together my own outfits, and my homeroom teacher even gave me the nickname fashion leader (laughs).”

——You debuted the following year, and now you’re very active as a model and actress!

“A big turning point was playing Amane Sachika, the most gal-like heroine in history, in Kamen Rider Gav (TV Asahi), which I appeared in until last year. I did have acting experience, but until then I mostly got roles that matched my image. In Kamen Rider, though, the role was completely different from my own character. In real life, I’m not as cheerful and carefree as that heroine, so I struggled to break through my own limits.”

——How did you overcome that?

“The director told me, ‘You have to live within the work,’ so I made a conscious effort to raise my energy level to match the gal vibe. I also studied gal videos on social media to really absorb the character, and even in my private life I tried heavier makeup and changed the way I spoke. The filming period lasted about a year and two months, and afterward there were also a movie and stage adaptations, so in total I played a gal for a full two years (laughs). Through that experience, I developed a kind of gal mindset—like ‘I am me’—and I feel like I’ve become freer and less concerned about what others think.”

Full of enthusiasm for fun things

——Are there any roles you’d like to try next?

“I’ve realized how fun it is to play characters who say or live in ways I never would in real life, so someday I’d like to try playing a ‘villain’! When I first debuted, I worried that with so many talented and attractive people in the industry, my individuality might get lost. But after my experiences with Kamen Rider and gravure, I’ve started to feel that there’s a kind of atmosphere only I can bring. I want to become an actor who can change the mood of a scene.”

——You’re also a current university student—how’s student life?

“I started working in entertainment when I was in my first year of high school, so I hardly participated in school events because of work. I felt like I didn’t really experience that youthful time I also moved to Tokyo from my hometown in Aichi at 15 and started living alone, so I was just focused on getting through daily life. That’s why in university I wanted to enjoy student life, so I joined a hula dance club. We had BBQs during training camps, and during long breaks I went to Disneyland with friends. We even turned a rarely used part of a school building into a kind of secret base where we’d eat together (laughs). I’m really enjoying my youth now!”

——It sounds like both your work and personal life are fulfilling. Lastly, what are your goals for this year?

“First, I want to release a photo book. I’ve only recently started doing gravure, but I love how it allows me to express myself—it’s become a job I really enjoy. Second, I want to try talk-based work, like radio or variety shows. I want to increase the number of jobs that I truly find fun.”

Miyabe Nozomi, 22
Born in Aichi Prefecture. She won the Grand Prix at the “2019 Miss Teen Japan” and debuted in the entertainment industry. While expanding her activities as a model and actress, she is also currently a university student balancing her studies.My best “MOVIE” recently

Recent My Best “MOVIE”
“Cinema Paradiso”

“I started watching movies because of my grandfather, who lived with us at home. Recently, I’ve been really into Italian films, and my favorite is ‘Cinema Paradiso.’ The music and locations are beautiful, and every single moment is more stunning than you can imagine. I love films set in Italy, so I’d like to visit there someday! I also like the American film series ‘The Godfather.’”

From the February 20/27, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”