Mao Takano Opens Up About Her Striking Desert Photo Shoot

The whole family is supporting her

— Congratulations on the release of your first photo book on July 29!

“Thank you very much! Ever since I started doing gravure work, I’ve wanted to publish a physical photo book, so I’m really happy.”

— Is shooting a photo book different from your usual work?

“The biggest difference is that I can incorporate more of my own ideas into it. I challenged myself with some bolder, more revealing shots, and I was also allowed to choose some of the outfits. One example is the red bikini. My mother regularly checks all of my gravure work, and she strongly insisted, saying, ‘Red suits you perfectly, Mao, so it absolutely has to be included in the photo book.’ So I asked the staff for it.”

— It sounds as though your family is looking forward to the book as well.

“Yes. Everyone in my family was delighted when the photo book was announced. My father, who had some experience as an actor when he was younger, seemed especially happy. Before I left for Vietnam, where the shoot took place, he was concerned about my health and encouraged me by saying, ‘Do your best out there!'”

— Could you tell us about a memorable experience from Vietnam?

“It was the photo shoot in the desert while I was wearing a black dress. To capture the sunrise, I had to wake up at 2:30 in the morning. We rode buggies to the shooting location, and the Vietnamese driver was going incredibly fast. It was so thrilling that it felt like a roller coaster. I absolutely love exciting rides, so I couldn’t stop laughing. Some of those expressions were captured in the photos, so I’d love for people to look for them.”

— We heard that you also enjoyed the hotel’s water slide during your free time.

“That’s right. The hotel where we stayed had one, and my manager and I went down it more than ten times. I became completely absorbed in figuring out how to go faster, turning it into a sort of competition. I tried going down facing forward and experimented with different positions. It was a lot of fun.”

— The title of the photo book hasn’t been decided yet. What kind of meaning would you like it to convey?

“I still only have a vague idea, but I’d like to draw inspiration from the meaning behind my name. The character ma (真) in ‘Mao’ represents purity and being untouched by anything, while o (央) reflects my parents’ wish that I would grow up to become someone who would be at the center of everyone around her. Since this is my first photo book, I’d like the title to express something close to my roots. That’s how I feel at the moment.”

— What would you say is the highlight of the photo book?

“I wanted it to have a sense of narrative, as though the reader were traveling alongside me. I hope people will enjoy imagining what kind of expressions ‘Maochi’ would show in different situations.”

“I’m still learning the ropes when it comes to variety shows”

— Since making your debut in March of last year, this is already your fourth appearance in this feature. Among the talents at your agency, only Ena Enohara (28) has appeared more often, so you’ve practically become a regular.

“It’s an honor. Ms. Enohira has been incredibly successful in both gravure and variety shows, and I really admire her. I want to work just as hard and follow in her footsteps.”

— In addition to gravure work, you’ve appeared in vertical short dramas, variety programs, and now you’re releasing a photo book. Things seem to be going very well for you. How do you feel about it?

“My debut year went by incredibly smoothly, so I think this second year is going to be especially important. Just as I did last year, a lot of fresh new talents are making their debuts this year. When that happens, I have to think carefully about what I can offer. I want to take on a variety of jobs while analyzing my strengths, weaknesses, and what suits me best.”

— Have there been times when you felt that you weren’t good enough?

“Absolutely. I was reminded of that just the other day while recording a variety show. I worked alongside the comedy duo Champions on a segment where we visited a company, and I was completely overwhelmed by how funny and quick they were. I was desperately trying to come up with something entertaining to say, but I couldn’t think of anything good, and with the conversation moving so quickly, I kept missing my opportunities. It really made me appreciate just how talented and quick-witted comedians are.”

— During your school days, were you the one leading conversations, or were you more of a listener?

“This may surprise people, but I was usually the one leading the conversation. If someone seemed hesitant to join in, I’d help bring them into the discussion. It’s not that I’m particularly bad at talking, but comedians really are on another level (laughs). It made me realize that it’s a completely different world from chatting with high school friends. I want to study the art of conversation so that one day I’ll be able to exchange jokes naturally with comedians.”

— Do you have a message for your fans?

“We’ve also decided to hold events related to the photo book. I’ve always wanted to have opportunities to interact with my fans, so I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone. Please be sure to come!”

Mao Takano, 22
Born in Tochigi Prefecture, she was discovered through her social media activity while studying to become a nurse and made her entertainment industry debut in March 2025. She is known for the deep dimples in her cheeks—large enough to hold toothpicks—and for her snow-white, translucent complexion. Her special talents include kendo, ballet, and flexibility training.

My recent favorite: “JAUNT”
Visiting specialty shaved-ice shops

“I absolutely love shaved ice, and lately I’ve become obsessed with visiting specialty shops. Not long ago, I took a solo trip to Hayama on one of my days off. I visited the popular ‘Hinata Cafe,’ which had caught my attention when I was there for work previously, and enjoyed two of their signature desserts: a strawberry mascarpone shaved ice and a mango milk shaved ice, both made with natural ice from Yatsugatake. I’ve also become much more accustomed to living alone in Tokyo since moving here in May of last year, and I’ve started enjoying going out on my days off.”

From the June 26 & July 3, 2026, combined issue of “FRIDAY”