Mao Takano: “Check out these daring, revealing shots!” Behind-the-scenes stories from the desert photoshoot [This Week’s Cover Girl]

The whole family is rooting for me

—I hear you’re releasing your first photo book on July 29. Congratulations!

“Thank you! I’ve always thought, ‘If I’m going to do gravure, I want to release a printed photo book,’ so I’m really happy!”

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

“The difference is that I was able to incorporate my own personal touches.I tried my hand at some daring, revealing shots, and I was also allowed to choose a few of the outfits myself. The red bikini is one of them. My mom, who always keeps an eye on my gravure work, really pushed for it, saying, ‘Red suits Mao, so you absolutely have to include it in the photobook,’ so I asked the staff to include that outfit.”

——It sounds like your family is looking forward to the photo book, too.

“Yes. When the photo book was finalized, my whole family was thrilled. My dad, who had some acting experience when he was younger, seemed especially happy. Before I left for Vietnam, where the shoot took place, he checked in on my health and cheered me on, saying, ‘Go out there and give it your all!’”

——Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your time in Vietnam?

“It was a shoot in the desert where I wore a black dress. To catch the sunrise, I had to wake up at 2:30 a.m. that day.We rode in a buggy to the shoot location, but the Vietnamese driver was really speeding. It was a thrilling ride—we were being jostled around just like on a roller coaster. I love scream-inducing rides, so I laughed from the bottom of my heart. The photographer captured that expression in one of the photos, so please try to find it if you get a chance.”

——I heard you enjoyed the water slides in your free time.

“That’s right. It was attached to the hotel where I was staying, and I went down it more than 10 times with my manager. I ended up starting my own little ‘competition’ to see how fast I could go—I tried sliding headfirst and experimenting with different poses, which was a lot of fun.”

——I hear the title of your photo book hasn’t been decided yet. What kind of message do you hope to convey with it?

“It’s still a bit vague, but I’d like to draw inspiration from the origin of my name. The character ‘真’ in ‘Mao’ means pure white and untainted by anything, while ‘央’ embodies the wish that I would grow up to be a child who stands at the center of everyone’s lives. Since this is my first photo book, I’d like to incorporate something that represents my roots into the title. That’s how I feel right now.”

——What are the highlights of the photo book?

“I’ve structured it to have a narrative feel, as if you’re traveling with me. I hope you’ll enjoy it while imagining, ‘Oh, so this is the expression “Mao-chi” makes in a scene like this.’”

I’m Still Learning About Variety Shows

——Since her debut last March, this is already her fourth appearance on this show. With the second-highest number of appearances after her senior at the agency, Ina Enokihara (28), Takano has become a “regular.”

“It’s an honor. Ms. Enokihara is doing incredibly well in both gravure and variety shows, and I really respect her. I’ll do my best to keep up with her and follow in her footsteps.”

——In addition to gravure work, you’ve acted in vertical short dramas and appeared on variety shows. With a photo book under your belt, things seem to be going smoothly—but how do you feel about it yourself?

“My debut year went very smoothly, so I think this second year is going to be incredibly important. Just as I was last year, fresh-faced girls who debuted this year will be entering the industry. When that happens, what can I do? I want to take on a variety of projects while analyzing my strengths, weaknesses, and what I’m suited for.”

——Have you ever felt like you weren’t quite up to the task at work?

“Yes, I have. Just the other day, I really felt it during the taping of a variety show. We were on an undercover corporate location shoot with the comedy duo ‘Champions,’ and I was completely overwhelmed by how funny and fast-paced their banter was.I racked my brain trying to come up with something funny to say. But I couldn’t think of the right words, and with the scenes changing one after another, I kept missing my cues. I really felt firsthand just how funny and quick-witted comedians are.”

——Ms. Takano, back in your student days, were you the one who kept the conversation going, or were you more of a listener?

“It might come as a surprise, but I think I was more of a conversation starter. If I saw a girl who looked like she wanted to join in, I’d find a way to bring her into the conversation. I’m not particularly bad at talking, but comedians are really in a league of their own (laughs).I really realized that it’s a completely different world from the way high school girls chat. I want to study conversation skills so that someday I can naturally banter with comedians too.”

——Do you have a message for your fans?

“We’ve also decided to hold an event for my photo book. I’ve always wanted to host an event where I can interact with my fans, so I’m really looking forward to meeting you all. You’ve absolutely got to come!”

Mao Takano, 22
From Tochigi Prefecture. She was scouted after her social media activity while studying to be a nurse and made her entertainment debut in March ’25. Her dimples—deep enough to hold a toothpick—and her snow-white, translucent skin are her charms. Her specialties include kendo, ballet, and flexibility training

My Recent Favorite: “JAUNT”
Visiting shaved ice specialty shops

I love shaved ice, and lately I’ve been hooked on visiting specialty shops. The other day, I went to Hayama by myself on my day off. At “Hinata Cafe”—a popular spot that had caught my eye when I visited for work before—I enjoyed two bowls of their signature shaved ice: Strawberry Mascarpone and Mango Milk, both made with Yatsugatake natural ice.I’ve gotten quite used to living on my own in Tokyo since last May, and I’ve started to really enjoy going out on my days off.

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