TOKYO (TR) – Model, actress, and influencer Ena Nakano, 26, recently sat down with media in Tokyo to promote her highly anticipated debut photobook, “Lavender,” reports Sankei Sports (Oct. 11).
Affectionately known to her followers as “Chan Ena,” Nakano expressed immense pride in the project, which was shot in Chiba Prefecture this past July. The final publication, released on October 2 by publisher Shufu to Seikatsu Sha, features the best shots meticulously selected from a staggering 60,000 photographs.
“It is a masterpiece that I couldn’t be more satisfied with,” Nakano boasted while clutching the book. “If I had to give it a score? I can’t even put a number on it.”
Lifelong ambition
Nakano’s profile skyrocketed in 2025 after apparel modeling photos she posted on X went viral, earning her the sensational moniker of “Reiwa’s ultimate beauty.” For the influencer, the photobook represents the culmination of a lifelong ambition.
“Releasing a photobook was always one of my dreams,” she recalled of the moment she received the offer. “I asked them, ‘Are you sure you want me?’ Even now, I still can’t believe it.”
To prepare for the shoot, Nakano hit the gym five days a week. “I needed to get fired up. I wanted to build a physique that other women could admire,” she said.
“Translucent” appeal
That intense preparation led to a highly emotional wrap for the 26-year-old. “The photo on the very last page is actually the final cut we took. When I realized it was all over, the tears just started flowing,” she said with a fulfilled smile.
This year marks Nakano’s 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry. Looking ahead, the rising star cited actress Mio Imada as a role model for her “translucent” appeal and laid out her upcoming ambitions.
“My ultimate goals are to act in a Taiga historical drama and to appear in horror works, which I absolutely love,” her eyes sparkled as she spoke. “And, of course, I want to star in a commercial for my favorite drink — beer.”
