[This Week’s Cover Girl’s Inner Thoughts] Runa Ichinose: “I Hope You Enjoy Your ‘Summer Vacation’ with Me”

Runa, just as she is

—I hear this shoot took place at a traditional Japanese house in Saitama Prefecture with the theme of “Summer Vacation.” How was the shoot?

“To really capture the summer vibe, we did watermelon-smashing! I’ve done it a few times on shoots, so I’m pretty good at it (laughs).I love watermelon itself and eat it all the time. I’m originally from Saitama Prefecture, but this was my first time visiting the Hanno area. We played in the river, had fun with water guns, and just let loose. There’s so much nature you don’t find in the city—it was truly the best!”

——What did you think of the unique, charming atmosphere of the traditional farmhouse?

“I really love the countryside vibe, so I had an absolute blast! The place where I grew up was also surrounded by nature—with fields stretching as far as the eye could see—so it felt nostalgic and really calming.”

——Ms. Ichinose, you’re gaining attention in the gravure world—could you tell us if you’ve noticed any changes in your gravure work lately?

“Hmm, personally, I don’t feel like much has changed compared to before… But I might be getting more and more used to photo shoots than when I first appeared in a swimsuit gravure shoot back in ’23.”

——What kind of mindset do you bring to the actual shoot?

“I make a point of having fun together with the photographers. It feels like I’m just being myself while they take my picture.”

——Out of the outfits you shot this time, which one is your favorite?

“I wore a light blue floral-print yukata paired with a yellow obi—it felt so summery, and it was definitely my favorite! I don’t get the chance to wear a yukata in my personal life; I only wear one for shoots, so I really liked that ‘sense of something out of the ordinary.’I even ate watermelon on the engawa while wearing the yukata. Actually… there are some slightly sexy shots where the yukata is a bit open, so I hope you’ll look forward to those! I also really liked the yellow floral bikini. I thought I looked so cute in that swimsuit that I couldn’t help but take a selfie with my phone for myself (laughs).”

——You’re active not only as a gravure model but also as an actress—how are things going with your current projects?

“Right now, I’m really focused on my acting work and pouring all my energy into memorizing the script thoroughly! I’m the type who tends to memorize my lines during ‘rehearsals’ on set. Beforehand, I just get a rough idea of the content in my head and let my imagination run wild with the character.Also, when it comes to character development, everyone on set tells me, ‘Runa-chan, you’re perfect just the way you are,’ so I often end up playing the part as my authentic self. But this year, I’m aiming to win the ‘Top Cover Award’ (formerly the ‘Cover Girl Grand Prix’), so of course I’ll be giving it my all in my gravure work as well!”

——You’ve been appearing in a steady stream of TV and film projects, like your guest appearance in the Fuji TV drama *Last Note* and your starring role in the movie *Scary Stories from Saitama: ZONE* (and its spin-off drama *Midnight Kindergarten*).

“Yes! I’m working really hard! Also, recently I’ve been appearing in immersive school romance short dramas like *Bokutachi no Azasu.* I think you’ll get a realistic feel, as if you’re having a conversation with me right through your smartphone, so if you’re interested, please check it out on social media.”

“Summer Vacation” Together

—I hear you’re active as a singer and also write your own lyrics and compose your own music. How do you go about creating songs?

“My genuine feelings at the moment often find their way into my work. But basically, I’m the type where the melody and lyrics just come together before I even realize it. When an idea strikes, I jot down the lyrics in a notebook and record the melody on my smartphone to save it.”

——In February, your long-awaited fan club launched. What kind of content can fans enjoy?

“We launched it under the name ‘Lunarium.’ Just like an aquarium, I want fans to come and see what’s on display. I hope it becomes a place where everyone feels comfortable popping in anytime.For members, we’ve prepared behind-the-scenes footage from photo shoots and other exclusive content you can only see here.”

——I imagine you’re very busy with work, but what do you usually do on your days off?

“Hmm… I guess I just sleep the whole time (laughs). I’m happiest when I’m sleeping. Seriously, on my days off, I don’t get up until the middle of the night. I might wake up in the middle of the night, but I immediately fall back asleep—twice, three times. It’s not like I have anything special to do just because it’s my day off. Besides work, I don’t have any hobbies, so maybe I really just don’t have anything to do (laughs).”

——Please tell us about your goals for the future!

“Goals, huh…? I’m still figuring things out as I go along. While I’m taking the work I’m given seriously, the only thing I can say right now is ‘to live happily’ (laughs).”

——Finally, please share a message for our readers.

“Since the theme this time is a ‘summer vacation’ spent with me, I hope you’ll feel like you’re enjoying the summer together with me in nature. Just like last time, I’d be happy if you enjoyed it again!”

Luna Ichinose, 19 years old
From Saitama Prefecture. She won the Readers’ Special Award at “Miss Magazine 2023.” Currently, in addition to her gravure work, she is active in a wide range of fields, including acting and TV appearances. She launched her official fan club, “Lunarium,” this past February.

My current favorite: “ICE CREAM”
“Cookie & Cream”

Out of the blue, I suddenly get a craving for it. Since then, I’ve become a huge fan of all kinds of “Cookie & Cream” ice cream flavors. It’s great that I can grab some right away at a convenience store or supermarket whenever I feel like it. I don’t stock up on it or anything, but lately, eating it about once every three days has become my little moment of bliss (laughs).

From the October 2 & 9, 2026, combined issue of 『FRIDAY』