Kumiko Takeda releases first photo book in 23 years

Actress and singer Kumiko Takeda held a press conference in Tokyo on September 12 to celebrate the release of her new photo book, ‘Sango’, published by Kodansha. This marks her first photo book in approximately 23 years since her 2003 release, ‘Me’.

At 58 years old, Takeda chose the theme of coral to evolve beyond her iconic ‘shell bikini’ image, describing the concept as mysterious and colorful, which she feels suits her current self. During the event, she expressed a strong desire to increase her professional activities in Japan, including appearing in dramas, films, and variety shows, noting that she now has more personal time as her daughter has moved to a different state in the United States.

Takeda also shared her interest in working with various actors, mentioning Ryusei Yokohama and Song Kang, and expressed a wish to reunite with Masahiko Kondo, who starred alongside her in her debut film, ‘High Teen Boogie’.