Yuriko Ishida, Looking Nothing Like a Woman in Her 60s, Turns Heads After Drama Filming

Effortlessly stylish as she walks through Tokyo’s old downtown neighborhood

Nezu, Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, is an area where the atmosphere of old downtown Tokyo remains strongly preserved. Nezu Shrine, which stands as a symbol of the neighborhood, is famous for its azaleas, and seven of its shrine buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Emerging from a narrow alley beside the shrine was actress Yuriko Ishida (56).

On this day, filming for a drama starring Ishida was taking place at a nearby location.

“It’s ‘Renai Drama W My Sweet Home,’ which begins airing and streaming on WOWOW on October 31. The series is an original work by screenwriter Yoshikazu Okada, who has worked on the ‘The Second Love from the End’ series (Fuji TV) and ‘In This Corner of the World’ (TBS). Ishida plays the lead character, Haruka Uehara, a full-time housewife. After a certain incident, she and the other characters embark on an adventure in which they swap partners and try living each other’s lives. It is an ensemble drama about adults in their late 50s who reassess their lives,” said a writer for a television magazine.

The teaser visual released alongside the production announcement shows Ishida as Haruka, wearing a red knit sweater and beige apron as she gazes at sunlight streaming into a kitchen filled with beautifully arranged flowers.

The scene being filmed that day showed her character shopping at a fishmonger. Ishida, dressed in a white shirt and beige skirt, leaned against a guardrail and calmly watched as the staff prepared for filming.

The shoot ended quickly. When she changed back into her own clothes and emerged from the waiting area, she wore a blue shirt tied around her waist over a white T-shirt, paired with wide-leg blue jeans, as seen at the beginning. Between her stylish casual outfit, complete with round glasses, and the teaser visual, she radiated such a youthful and glamorous aura that it was almost difficult to describe her as being in her late 50s.

Speaking about her current self in connection with the drama, Ishida revealed:

“Recently, I’ve often thought that no matter what I say, my life inevitably shows through behind those words. That can feel burdensome, but at the same time, I’m grateful for it.” (TV Guide Web, published July 30)

Regarding the character Haruka, she said:

“I deeply empathize with Haruka’s feelings as she comes to truly cherish her own life, a life that belongs to no one else.” (same source)

In her private life, Ishida shares glimpses of her daily life on her Instagram, which has more than three million followers. Although her beloved dog, who had lived with her for many years, passed away recently, Ishida has gained strong support not only from people of her own generation but also from younger people through her natural, down-to-earth lifestyle, including her life with her dog, fashion, and food.

There is much to look forward to in the story created by the relatable protagonist she portrays and her fellow cast members of the same generation.

“FRIDAY Digital” welcomes information and tips from readers. Please send us information through the tip submission form below or via the official X account.

Tip Submission Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://x.com/FRIDAY_twit