Mao Takano: “I’m the most whipped I’ve ever been (laughs)” Mao Takano [This week’s cover girl] Makes her long-awaited solo cover!

A different atmosphere from the past

–This was my third cover and my first solo photo shoot. How was it?

I have often done shoots with my seniors at the office, so it was refreshing to be able to go at my own pace. I didn’t feel any particular pressure, but I felt like I had to be even more disciplined than usual.

–I heard that you also paid a lot of attention to your body make-up.

I tried to eat a lot of protein to keep my stomach from showing, and I also did some exercise. But right before the shoot, I got sick and couldn’t exercise. …… As a result, I ended up shooting in the whippiest state I’ve ever been in.
But I think it gave me a different vibe than I had before. I hope that the change in my body shape will be taken positively as a new aspect of me.

–What are some of the highlights?

There are many great photos, but I especially like the one where she is wearing a red bathing suit. The design of the swimsuit is really cute, and the whole photo has a bright atmosphere. In the past, I have often worn childish expressions and outfits, but this time I am wearing a more mature swimsuit in black or beige, so I would like you to pay attention to that as well. I also want you to see my charm point, my dimples (laughs).

–The shooting took place on Christmas Eve last year.

Did you feel lonely at all? “The shooting was a lot of fun, so I didn’t feel lonely at all. I was rather happy that I had work on Christmas Eve. They prepared strawberries, which I love, on the set, and I remember eating a lot of them.

–You have been taking on new challenges in addition to gravure recently, haven’t you?

I appeared in a short vertical drama “The Price of Lies,” which was released in January of this year. I play the role of the protagonist’s best friend who is accused of false molestation. I have always been interested in acting, so filming was a lot of fun. The interesting thing about acting is that you get to live a life different from your own as a character.

–How was the response?

I received more than I expected. I was especially happy to find comments about the film that said, “This woman is the worst! I was especially happy to find a comment about my work that said, “This woman is disgusting! (Laughs.) That means I was able to play the role of a “nasty woman” properly. It was very encouraging.

–On the other hand, isn’t it difficult to play someone who is different from yourself?

I started acting last summer, so I am still learning. However, I was told by the director, who was a bit strict, that I was learning quickly on a particular set. That made me very happy and made me more positive about acting. In the past, I have often played roles with strong or bad personalities, so I would like to play more honest and energetic women.

Both gravure and acting.

–What was it that made you want to work in the entertainment industry in the first place?

I don’t have a clear trigger, but I have always loved TV since I was a child. I remember peering into the back of the TV when I was little and thinking, ‘How can I get inside the screen? My father was in the entertainment business for a while, so I naturally became interested in the entertainment industry.

–Is there an actor you admire?

There is an actor whom I admire? I loved the drama “Takamine no Hana” (’18, NTV) in which she played the daughter of a famous family. I admire her beautiful appearance and her acting ability. I hope to be able to co-star with her someday.”

–You have a busy schedule, but how do you spend your private time?

Recently, I went to an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) alone. I had an appointment for an esthetic treatment that day, but when I arrived at the restaurant, I realized that I had made a mistake on the date. Moreover, when I was going to take the train home, it went in the opposite direction (laughs). To relieve stress, I said, ‘Let’s have a drink,’ and went out after I got home.
On my days off, I go to the gym. I like to listen to hip-hop while I exercise. I like quieter hip-hop music, and I often listen to music by rappers like 3House and Daichi Yamamoto.

–I hear that you also like knitting.

I also like knitting. “It’s a great hobby for me because I can kill time away from my phone. Recently, I tried knitting with someone I worked with, and we talked about how we would have a knitting party when I get better at it. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.

–In March, she will celebrate the first anniversary of her debut. Please give us a look back and tell us about your aspirations for the second year.

In the second year, I will work harder than ever in both gravure and acting!　In the second year, I will work harder than ever in gravure and acting!

Mao Takano, age 22
Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 2003, she is 153 cm tall. A large rookie, she has graced the covers of numerous magazines since her debut last March. In January of this year, she played the role of Aoi Omi in the short vertical drama “The Price of Lies.

My Best Recent “Buy
Bus ball

Recently, I have been addicted to playing bus ball. Among them, I like the ones that are a bit childish (laughs). When I put them in the bath, they make a shwish-shwish sound and figures come out from inside. Recently, I try to take a 20-minute bath every day to lose weight, and thanks to the bath balls, my bath time has become even more enjoyable!　I feel like I’m killing two birds with one stone, as I can feel the stress flowing away along with the sweat.

From the March 6, 2026 issue of FRIDAY