Daily routine as a professional! Umi Shinonome: “I check my body by looking in the mirror completely naked” [This Week’s Cover Girl].

Adult Umi Shinonome

–I heard that the film was shot at the former residence of Yasujiro Ozu, one of the great directors of the movie industry.

Yes, it was. We entered the property through a cave-like tunnel, and it looked like a scene from the movie “Spirited Away. The Japanese-style mansion surrounded by plants and trees was so mysterious and overwhelming that it was like a different world.

–What was the most memorable scene?

The scene in the open-air bath. There is a building on a hill for the baths, separate from the main house. The view was great and the warmth of the bath soaked into me. I think the photos capture the realistic expression of relaxation.

–Do you have a favorite outfit?

The black one-piece swimsuit. It’s a sexy outfit that fits my body well, and I love the sophisticated design. I often shoot cosplay and other bright, pop images, but this time I think I was able to present an adult Umi Shinonome.

–Please tell us if there is anything in your private life that makes you feel like an “adult.

I guess I have become more careful about what I eat. I used to eat what I wanted without worrying about anything, but now I cook for myself almost every day. In particular, I am conscious of eating beans. I am addicted to them because they are good for intestinal health. I sometimes eat steamed mixed beans instead of rice.

–She is also active as an actress. Last year, you appeared in the historical drama “Bélabou. Was “Taiga” different?

I felt that the scale of the filming was very different. There was a huge set of LED panels on which the scenery was projected, and it was filmed as if they were filming on location outside!　Personally, I had an image of Taiga dramas as somewhat old-fashioned, but I was surprised to see the lavish use of high-tech technology. I felt like I was riding on an attraction while performing.

–How was the reaction from the audience?

My parents contacted me for the first time to tell me about my work, saying, ‘You’re so famous that you’re going to be in a big TV drama. My parents and I are good friends, but we had never talked about my work before. So I felt like my work was recognized by my parents, and I was very happy.　I felt like my work was recognized by my parents, so I was very happy.

–Is there a film you would like to be in in the future?

I have a longing to act in a morning drama someday. But for now, I would like to try my hand at a variety of roles.

Female Body Researcher

–The number of subscribers to your YouTube channel “Umichan-neru [Umi Shinonome]” is 1,170,000. What is your current goal?

I am aiming for 1.5 million subscribers. I’m busy with gravure and acting, so I’m posting videos a little less frequently now, but I still want to do my best.

-It may sound rude, but I think you could make more money if you concentrated on your YouTube activities. Do you ever lose motivation for your gravure activities?

I have never been motivated to do gravure. For me, gravure is not about making money. I am more happy when my fans see my finished body. I still do muscle training at a personal gym two to three times a week, and I hope that my fans will enjoy the process of my growth.

–What do you think is the appeal of photogravure?

I think gravure, such as swimsuits and lingerie, is the best way to show the beauty of the female body and its curves. I love the female body so much that I have been reading gravure magazines since I was in junior high school. I call myself a “female body researcher,” and I always think that it is amazing that gravure can heal us by looking at the female body with our eyes.

–About her private life. I heard that your daily routine is to look in a full-length mirror in the nude. …… Please tell us more about your private life!

When I come home after muscle training, I take off my clothes and look in the full-length mirror completely naked. The purpose is to check my body, such as how my hips are rising. I enjoy finding small changes, and it has been a daily routine since I was in junior high school.”

–As a “female body researcher,” do you observe the “female body” of “Umi Shinonome”?

That’s what I mean (laughs).

–You are also known as a lover of eyeglasses. How many pairs of glasses do you have?

I think I have 130 pairs. Whenever I find an eyeglass shop while shopping, I stop by. I always buy three or four pairs at once, especially if they are limited edition designs collaborated with Gundam or other anime. My latest favorite is the “Re:See” series with low reflection lenses. When I do photogravure shoots, I take out the lenses of my glasses. Reflective lenses make it difficult to get a good look at the eyes and reflect the lighting. For me, LICY glasses are a breakthrough. I have found a good pair of glasses.

–Lastly, do you have a message for our readers?

My goal is to win the overall grand prize of the Top Cover Award, which is given to the person who has appeared on the cover of the most magazines. My previous best was 4th place, so I am seriously aiming for the grand prize in fiscal year ’26. I am taking gravure more seriously than ever, working hard on my body and acting. I would be very happy if you could give me a boost with your support!

Umi Shinonome
Born in Saitama Prefecture. Since making her gravure debut in 2008, she has been active in multiple fields, including cosplayer, TV personality, and actress. Her YouTube channel “Umi-chan Channel” has more than 1.17 million registered users.

My best recent “MODEL KIT
Godzilla

Derived from my hobby of “Gundam plastic modeling,” I have become addicted to making plastic models of Godzilla. Recently, I built Godzilla (’99), which features a large, piercing dorsal fin. The dorsal fin alone has more than 30 parts and is very detailed. The realistic modeling makes it look like a high-end figure. Since Godzilla is a living creature, its skin is rugged, and the unevenness of the color when painting with a brush is also a tasteful feature. I enjoy the difference from Gundam.

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