Umi Shinonome Shares Her Daily Full-Nude Body Check in This Week’s Cover Girl Feature

Adult Shinonome Umi

— This shoot took place at the former residence of film master Yasujirō Ozu, correct?

“Yes. You enter the grounds by walking through a tunnel that feels like a cave. It reminded me of a scene from the movie Spirited Away. Surrounded by greenery, the traditional Japanese residence felt like a mystical, otherworldly place—it was overwhelming.”

— Any particularly memorable scenes?

“The open-air bath scene. There’s a separate building for the bath on a hill. The view was amazing, and the warmth of the bath really reached me. I think my real, relaxed expressions were captured.”

— Do you have a favorite outfit?

“My black one-piece swimsuit. It’s a sexy, body-fitting design, very sophisticated. Most of my shoots are bright and pop, like cosplay, but this time I was able to show the adult Shinonome Umi.”

— In private life, have you felt yourself becoming more adult?

“I’ve become more mindful about what I eat. I used to eat whatever I wanted without thinking, but now I cook almost every day. I especially focus on beans—they’re good for gut health, and I’m really into them. Sometimes I even eat steamed mixed beans instead of rice.”

— You’re also active as an actress. Last year you appeared in the taiga drama Berabou. How was that experience?

“The scale of filming was incredible. There were huge LED panels projecting landscapes, making it feel like we were shooting outdoors! I had imagined taiga dramas as somewhat traditional, but in reality they used high-tech effects freely—it was amazing. Acting there felt like being on a ride while performing.”

— How did people around you react?

“My parents said, ‘You’ve become famous enough to appear in a taiga drama.’ It was the first time they contacted me about work. We’re close, but we’d never talked about my career before, so it felt really nice that my parents recognized my work.”

— Are there any projects you hope to appear in the future?

“I’ve always dreamed of appearing in a morning drama someday. But right now, I’m most interested in challenging myself with a variety of roles.”

Female Body Researcher

— Your YouTube channel, Umichan Channel [Shinonome Umi], has surpassed 1.17 million subscribers. Your original goal of 1 million has been achieved—what’s your current target?

“I’m aiming for 1.5 million. I’m currently busy with gravure and acting work, so my video posting frequency has slowed a bit, but I still want to keep working hard.”

— Some might say, perhaps bluntly, that focusing on YouTube could be more lucrative. Doesn’t that affect your motivation for gravure work?

“Not at all. I’ve never lost motivation for gravure because it’s not about making money for me. I enjoy showing my finished body to fans. Even now, I train two to three times a week at my personal gym, and I hope fans can enjoy seeing my progress.”

— What do you find appealing about gravure?

“I think gravure, with swimsuits or lingerie, allows me to showcase the beauty and curves of the female body to the fullest. I’ve loved gravure magazines since middle school and consider myself a female body researcher. Being able to visually appreciate and be healed by the female form through gravure is amazing, in my opinion.”

— About your private life: I heard you make a habit of looking at your entire body in a full-length mirror completely nude can you elaborate?

“After finishing my workouts and returning home, I take off my clothes and check myself in the mirror. I focus on areas like the lift of my glutes. Spotting small changes has been fun since middle school—it’s a long-standing routine.”

— So, as a female body researcher, you’re observing the female body that is Shinonome Umi?

“Exactly (laughs).”

— You’re also known as a glasses enthusiast. How many do you own?

“About 130 pairs. If I see a glasses shop while shopping, I can’t help but go in. I often buy three or four at a time, especially limited designs in collaboration with Gundam or other anime. Lately, I really like Re:See’s low-reflection lens series. During gravure shoots, I remove the lenses because reflections can obscure the eyes or catch the lighting. Re:See glasses are revolutionary for that—they’re perfect for me.”

— Finally, a message for your readers?

“My goal is to win the Grand Prize at the ‘Top Cover Award,’ which honors the person who has appeared on the most magazine covers. My previous best was fourth place, so I’m seriously aiming for the top this year. I’ll continue to approach gravure seriously, focus on body training, and work hard in acting. I’d be thrilled to have everyone’s support to push me forward!”

Shinonome Umi
From Saitama Prefecture. Since debuting in gravure in 2020, she has worked as a cosplayer, talent, and actress. Her YouTube channel “Umichan Channel” has surpassed 1.17 million subscribers.

Recent favorite MODEL KIT
Godzilla

Evolving from her hobby of building Gundam plastic models, she has become obsessed with assembling Godzilla model kits. Recently, she built the spiky large dorsal fins of the 1999 Godzilla. The fins alone have over 30 parts and are highly detailed, giving a realistic, premium figure quality. Being a biological creature, Godzilla’s skin is rough, and the subtle color variations from hand-painting add charm. She enjoys comparing the differences with Gundam kits.

From the March 13-20, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”