TOKYO (TR) – Former gravure idol Kumiko Takeda announced on Monday via Instagram that she will release her first photo book in 23 years, sharing behind-the-scenes photos that showcase a jaw-dropping figure defying her 57 years of age.
“For many years, I have constantly heard voices from my fans saying, ‘Please put out another photo book,'” Takeda wrote. “I am truly happy to finally be able to answer those requests.”
The upcoming book is scheduled to be published by Kodansha in September. In her post, Takeda revealed off-shot images from a seaside shoot, donning a daring, high-cut swimsuit that exposed her thighs and highlighted a tightly toned waist.
The announcement of a photo book by a woman approaching 60 — or kanreki — has sparked massive attention online. Instagram users flooded her comments section with praise, leaving remarks such as “Nice body,” “Amazing that your style hasn’t changed,” and “Still a great physique.”
“Shell bikini”
Takeda first captured the public eye at age 13 after winning an idol contest judged by University of Tokyo students. However, her legendary status in Japanese showbiz was cemented by her 1989 photo book “My Dear Stephanie.” In it, she famously posed wearing nothing but scallop shells over her breasts — a striking look forever immortalized in Japanese pop culture as the “shell bikini.”
While Takeda has published 12 photo books throughout her career, her return to gravure modeling after more than two decades has left fans and media alike stunned by her physical upkeep.
An entertainment reporter reveals to Smart Flash (June 23) that hersecret lies in a grueling dance regimen.
“In past magazine interviews, Takeda revealed that she resumed ballet lessons at age 40, attending five times a week,” the reporter said. “Although she had started ballet at age 3 and continued until her showbiz debut, there was a long blank period. But since her 40s, she has kept up this ballet routine without fail for nearly 20 years to maintain her beautiful figure.”
While an increasing number of female talents are releasing photo books in their 40s, Takeda’s bold return as she nears 60 is poised to set a new benchmark in the industry.
