Actor Yui Narumi is also in the spotlight for the decision to reprint his first photo book "Sugarless" (Genkosha). Regarding the book, which will be released in August 2023, she says, "It's like a book that takes you back to your roots." She is currently 26 years old. Last year, she made his first regular appearance in a commercial TV drama series during the golden prime time slot. We asked Narumi, who is taking one step at a time as an actor, about his current thoughts.
◇ Looking back at the photo book? "It's become a place I can come back to."
The photobook "Sugarless" was shot by photographer Kawashima Kotori. The locations included a private bookstore, a food stall, an island, and an elementary school, and the book captured Narumi's bright and energetic "natural expression" as well as a never-before-seen "adult expression."
About a year and a half has passed since the book was released, and as mentioned above, Narumi sees it as "a book that takes you back to your roots."
"It's a bit embarrassing to look back at it, but it's filled with all the things I like, so it's definitely one of my favorite books. I'm sure there will be a lot of people who will get to know me from now on, so no matter when you get to know Narumi Yui, if you get this book, I think you'll be able to convey my true, personal side. So it's become a place I can return to."
In addition, Narumi feels that there are many photos in the photo book that "I'm sure I wouldn't be able to do the same thing now."
"(At the time of the shoot) I was more innocent, and my 'tastes', including clothes and hair and makeup, change all the time. If I trace it back to my origins, the things I really like are probably the same, but tastes change depending on my mood at the time, so I sometimes think, 'Oh, so this is what I liked at that time.'"
The book also includes shots with a fleeting atmosphere, as if capturing the gradation between a girl and an adult woman.
"Because I have a baby face, people around me often say that I'm quite childish, including my personality. I still admire mature women who have a sense of composure, so maybe that's why I want to become like them."
◇ I feel like transparency isn’t just about appearance…
In addition to her "baby face" that makes her look younger than her real age, the word that is often used to describe Narumi is "transparency." When I asked her if she had any secrets...
"I've heard from many sources that friction is not good, so I try not to rub my skin. But I also feel like transparency isn't just about appearance. My mother once told me something interesting - she thinks I have a very tomboyish personality, and she said that maybe this unpretentious mindset has "come full circle to my transparency." People often tell me that I'm "manly," "not putting on an act," "you've got a strong core," and "you have a lot of power," but when my mother says it makes sense..."
Once again, Narumi's mother, who knows her well, thinks that "I have absolutely no fluffy qualities in me." It's not far from the truth.
In any case, Narumi's charm lies in her dignified beauty and the "eye power" that resides in her large, strong-willed eyes. In the currently airing drama series "Secret ~THE TOP SECRET~" (Kantele/Fuji TV, Monday 10pm), Narumi, who plays the anatomist's assistant "Suga-chan" (also known as Ritsuko Sugai), talked about her "current thoughts" for the future.
"On the surface I'm a pretty pop person, so I'm often asked to play cheerful characters, and of course I think that's one of my strengths, but I'd like to be able to play more roles where the characters are conflicted and tormented in their lives, but keep moving forward. Those kinds of roles are difficult, and while I can't help but worry when acting, I think I should spend more time worrying. Worrying can be painful, as there is no right answer, but I believe that pain definitely leads to growth, so I want to cherish that kind of time."
