Kumiko Takeda Returns to Glamour Modeling After 23 Years: “I’m at My Peak as a Woman”

Her beauty hasn’t changed

— This is your first gravure photoshoot in 23 years. What made you accept the offer?

“A friend of mine, an editor who worked with me on my photo books years ago, came to visit my home in San Diego, California, last September. While we were looking through my old photo albums together, she suddenly said, ‘Why don’t you do another photo book?’

I had honestly thought I’d never do another photoshoot like that, but after hearing her suggestion, I started thinking, ‘Maybe I should.’ Coming from a professional editor, being told, ‘You’ve still got it,’ really gave me the confidence to go for it.”

— How did you prepare for your first shoot in so long?

“I’ve continued practicing classical ballet for many years as a lifelong passion, so my figure really hadn’t changed at all from 20 years ago. Instead of trying to lose weight, I focused on creating a well-defined silhouette and improving my skin tone so I’d look my best on camera.

The shoot took place this March, and once the schedule was set, I completely gave up alcohol for about two months. I was so strict that I even avoided food cooked with cooking sake. As a result, my body became more toned than I had expected.”

— Did you feel rusty after such a long break?

“Once I stood in front of the camera, surprisingly, I didn’t feel intimidated at all. Being photographed has always been one of my strengths.”

— I understand the shoot took place on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa.

“I told the staff, ‘I’ll leave the choice of location up to you,’ and they decided on Ishigaki Island because they said, ‘The ocean suits Kumiko Takeda.’

But although it was Okinawa, and I expected warm weather, it was incredibly cold! (laughs) I’d never done a photoshoot while freezing like that before.”

— Do you have a favorite photo or outfit?

“Besides swimsuits and lingerie, I also wore sexier outfits, including a garter belt, so I’d love people to pay attention to those. As a thank-you to my fans, we also included a shot that pays homage to the cover of my 1987 photo book ‘JUST A GIRL.’ I hope everyone enjoys seeing a version of me that’s even more energetic than I was in my twenties.”

— Does that mean the famous seashell bikini makes an appearance too?

“Well, (laughs). I’ll just leave you with this hint: this time, I may be wearing something a little different instead.” (laughs)

Her beauty secrets

— You were active during the golden age of gravure. It’s said that some photo books had budgets of tens of millions of yen.

“The most lavish one was my first nude photo book with full frontal nudity, ‘Lady Casablanca,’ when I was 25. Before going to Morocco for the shoot, I spent about a week in Paris, relaxing at spas, getting my body in shape, and enjoying the food. Two hair and makeup artists accompanied me as well.

We stayed at La Mamounia, the hotel often described as ‘the most beautiful place in the world.’ Years later, when it was featured in the film ‘Sex and the City 2,’ the room I had stayed in actually appeared in the movie.”

— That’s almost unimaginable today.

“It felt like I was living in the Dragon Palace from a fairy tale—an absolutely extraordinary experience. At the same time, I kept telling myself, ‘This is probably the first and last time I’ll ever experience this kind of luxury.’

I also felt that since I was being given such an incredible opportunity, I had to produce work of equally high quality. I think that sense of pressure comes through in the photographs from that time.

Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve had one personal rule: I never want to create two photo books that feel the same. I approached this latest one with exactly the same mindset.”

— How is life in San Diego?

“I take ballet classes every other day and spend about two hours working up a sweat alongside women in their twenties. As long as I keep doing ballet, I honestly feel I could release photo books no matter how old I become. It’s my number one beauty secret.

I’ve also never stopped taking care of myself. Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve consistently worn sunscreen, exercised, and looked after my body.”

— How did your daughter react to your new photo book?

“When I told her, ‘I’m releasing a new photo book,’ she was really curious. I video-called her from the shoot and introduced the staff as well as the outfits I was wearing.

She loves fashion, so when she saw the wardrobe, she said, ‘That’s so cool!’ She was really excited.”

— What do you love most about San Diego?

“The Mexican food is absolutely amazing. Even compared with other cities in California, San Diego is by far the best. I honestly think it’s even better than what I’ve had in Mexico.

I have a favorite restaurant where I always enjoy margaritas and crispy tacos.”

— Finally, do you have a message for readers looking forward to your first photo book in many years?

“It’s been 23 years since my last gravure shoot, but personally, I believe I’m at the peak of my womanhood right now!

When I saw the finished photographs, I didn’t feel the long gap at all. In fact, I found myself thinking, I should have done this much sooner.

I also think longtime fans will enjoy looking for the shots that pay homage to my older photo books and comparing them with the originals.”

Kumiko Takeda, 57
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1968, Takeda made her acting debut in the 1982 film “High Teen Boogie.” While also pursuing a career as a singer, she released numerous photo books. Today, she is admired by many women as a beauty icon.

My current favorite drink
Boba Tea

“Boba tea is a drink made with tea and chewy tapioca pearls. Right now, I’m completely hooked on taro and coconut milk boba tea. For the past two or three years, I’ve been avoiding dairy products for beauty reasons, but coconut milk is highly nutritious, so I feel good about drinking it. It’s available in San Diego’s Asian district, and I make sure to buy it once or twice a month.”

From the July 10, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”