Feature Article "We Became Kinder After Breaking Up" / AERA on Sale June 15

Jun Asami, top star of the Snow Troupe of the Takarazuka Revue, will grace the cover of AERA's June 22nd issue, on sale June 15th. In an interview, she discusses her path to becoming a top star and her upcoming leading role in the play "The Eccentric Family" starting in July. The photoshoot, of course, was by AERA's cover photographer, Mika Ninagawa. The cover feature is titled "We Became Kinder After Breaking Up." Through interviews with involved parties and experts, we explore how couples can rebuild better relationships by creating emotional and physical "distance." The issue also features a discussion among Tao Okamoto, Virginie Efira, who recently won Best Actress awards at the Cannes Film Festival, and director Ryusuke Hamaguchi. The serialized column "Koji Mukai's Passionate Camera Lesson," now in its seventh year, will present a special "On-Paper Photo Exhibition" by Mukai. Other highlights include "Portraits of Our Time," a feature on actor Shiori Doi, who gained attention for her role in the morning drama "Tsubasa Arashi," and the popular serialized column "The Miraculous Path" by THE ALFEE. It's an issue packed with must-read content! Please take a look!

Cover + Gravure Long Interview: Jun Asami (Top Star, Snow Troupe, Takarazuka Revue)

Jun Asami, top star of the Snow Troupe of the Takarazuka Revue, appears on the cover! In the interview, she reflects on her journey and beliefs. What has Asami cherished...? This interview, which conveys her personality and sincere attitude towards her performances, is a must-read! Also, pay attention to the interview "kobo-reba" (spilled stories) available on AERA DIGITAL via the QR code in the magazine. Furthermore, a limited number of 3 lucky readers will receive a signed shikishi board from Asami by lottery! Details are in the magazine.

Cover Feature: We Became Kinder After Breaking Up / Learning "Distance" from Adult Couples

In an era where "one in three couples divorce," this feature explores a "third way" that is neither endurance nor separation. We introduce various forms of marriage, such as a woman who, after her husband's infidelity, moved out and regained time for herself, enabling her to accept him again, and a woman who chose "divorce for now" to create distance from her proud husband who was harsh towards his family, leading to reconciliation eight years later. The issue also includes special interviews titled "Our 'Breakup,' and What Came After," where actresses Yoko Maki and model/talent Maki Nishiyama speak for the first time since their divorces. They were asked about their feelings for their partners that they realized after being apart. This feature offers hints for building new relationships for those struggling with marital issues.

Tripartite Discussion: Cannes Best Actress Tao Okamoto x Virginie Efira x Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi

Tao Okamoto and Virginie Efira, who jointly won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for the film "Evil Does Not Sleep," and director Ryusuke Hamaguchi discuss the behind-the-scenes story of its creation. Okamoto initially felt bewildered by a piece of advice from Director Hamaguchi but said she was able to "see a different landscape." She further confessed that seeing Efira shine as both an actress and a mother gave her the courage to believe she "might be able to become like her." Director Hamaguchi revealed that the starting point for this film was his own exhaustion after producing "Drive My Car," and that he intended to depict structural societal problems. Through the dialogue of these international creators, we unravel the message of hope embedded in the work.

Koji Mukai's Passionate Camera Lesson: "On-Paper Photo Exhibition"

The serialized column "Koji Mukai's Passionate Camera Lesson" by Koji Mukai of Snow Man, which began shortly after his debut, has entered its seventh year. As the annual special edition "Photo Boy On-Paper Photo Exhibition" 2026, we present "KOJI MUKAI in London." Using his beloved Leica rangefinder camera and the highly acclaimed Noctilux lens, he focuses manually to capture images. From self-portraits in his favorite spots to the city's scenes alive with light and shadow, please enjoy 16 precious photos of London as seen through Mukai's viewfinder in the magazine.

"I Want to Be Kinder" Serial: New Series "Portraits of Uniqueness by HERALLENY"

The new series of AERA's "I Want to Be Kinder" column introduces HERALLENY artists one by one in "Portraits of Uniqueness." The first installment features marina, who is currently 18 years old. She creates "marina-moji," fictional characters that are difficult to read yet intriguing. Her mysterious typography, produced as if possessed, captivates many and has been applied to various products. Her parents say that since contracting with HERALLENY at the age of 14 and gaining a platform as an artist, she has gained confidence and undergone changes. We delve into the appeal of her work, which shakes societal values.

Portraits of Our Time: Actor Shiori Doi

"Portraits of Our Time" is a biographical report that depicts a person from multiple perspectives, including their own and testimonies from others. This issue focuses on actor Shiori Doi, who gained sudden attention for her role as Yone Yamada in the NHK morning drama "Tsubasa Arashi." She pursued ballet exclusively from the age of 3 but decided to become an actress at 18. Although her talent was highly praised during university, she struggled to find work after graduation and continued to work part-time at an izakaya. However, she channeled all her struggles and frustrations into her craft and finally landed a major role. We trace the trajectory of her acting career, with co-stars and directors praising her as "overwhelmingly talented" and able to "touch the core of a role without hesitation."

THE ALFEE Serial: "The Miraculous Path"

This ongoing series tracing the history of THE ALFEE covers the latter half of 1984. The three members were extremely busy, performing over 100 concerts in a year. This year also saw their concert at Yokohama Stadium and the legendary "Inuyama Incident." Enjoy the lively talk of THE ALFEE along with photos from that time!

Also featured:

- Lawyers for Death Row Inmates: "Unbearable Conflict" in the 1999 Kōchi Mother-Child Murder Case

- Request to Revoke勲章 (Decoration) of Former Commander Who Directed Bombing of Japan

- "Excessive Pruning" is Abuse to Trees

- Kitchen Knife Manufacturer's Performance at All-Time High: Can Tourists Take Them Home?

- June 20th is World Refugee Day: Film "I Was a Stranger" Depicts the Reality of Syrian Refugees

- [Source of the Top] Nippon Access Chairman Junichi Sasaki, Part 1

- [Women x Work] Women of the Equal Employment Opportunity Law Generation: Earning and Belonging in Old Age as a Single Person

- Cover Column [eyes]: Itsuki Uchida, Mikako Brady

- Tadahira Suzuki [Okinawan Heroes: Koshien of the Islanders]

- Asami Akiya: "Living with Clothes I Can Love"

- Masaru Sato's Practical News Seminar

- Sabatsu Takeda: [This Week's Grievance]

- Manabu Tauchi's Economic Viewpoint

- Jane Sue: "The Other Day, I Had the Pleasure of Meeting You"

- Masayuki Oki: [This Week's Cats]

- Kayleen Matsuzaki: [Good Things, Cute Things in Japan]

- Sazae-san

And more!

Don't miss out!

* From 5:00 PM on the release date, June 15th (Monday), for approximately 30 minutes, we will host "#Aeralive" on our official Instagram (@aera_net) to introduce the features and content of the latest issue. Please check it out!

AERA June 22, 2026 Issue

Price: 650 yen (591 yen + 10% tax)

Release Date: June 15, 2026 (Monday)