Actor Masanobu Takashima's First Essay Collection "Otsumu no Yoi Ko wa Nagai Shinai" Set for Release on June 24, 2026

Beneath his calm smile lies a hidden danger. Masanobu Takashima, an actor with a complex presence, has written an essay collection, "Otsumu no Yoi Ko wa Nagai Shinai," detailing his unadorned daily life along with memorable quotes. It will be published by Shinchosha on Wednesday, June 24. Even during its serialization, it was highly praised by storyteller Hakuzan Kanda on his radio show "Towazugatari no Kanda Hakuzan." Furthermore, the chapter on "Intimacy Coordinator," which documents his filming experience on the NHK drama "Ooku," caused a huge stir online and was selected for "Best Essay 2025," making it a highly acclaimed book even before its release. Title from its serialization in the magazine "Nami" (in the author's own handwriting). From the troubled hotelier he played in the famous "HOTEL" with the catchphrase "Neesan, jiken desu" (Sister, there's been an incident), to the profound Takeda Shingen in "Toyotomi Kyodai!". The first essay collection by Japan's most unique actor, Masanobu Takashima, who has been active in a wide range of works and sometimes leaves a strong impact on viewers with his intense "eccentric performances," is being released. Born into the Takashima entertainment family, Mr. Takashima's essays are filled with big names from the entertainment world. His father, Tadao Takashima, who was actually a super eccentric, and his death. His mother, Hanayo Sumi, who casually mentions memories of the great director Yasujiro Ozu. Swimming with John Lennon in the pool during summer vacation, being so impressed by the great actor Kanbi Fujiyama that he wanted to become his apprentice, and spending dream-like time with his idols Shiro Ito and Hitoshi Ueki... In addition, he shares his unconventional acting methods that disregard bloodshed, his grueling audition experiences for overseas productions, the essence of being an actor he passes down to his son, and even his paranormal experiences of encountering "zashiki-warashi" (a type of spirit) twice, as well as his strong interest in cosmetic medicine. He delivers a hot, straightforward, and slightly off-kilter daily life along with the famous quotes he encountered. ■ Selected for Best Essay 2025! The essay "Intimacy Coordinator," included in this book, details the careful filming process for his role as Tokugawa Ieyoshi, who sexually abuses his daughter in the NHK drama "Ooku." An intimacy coordinator (a specialist who supports the filming of sexual or nude scenes in movies and dramas while ensuring the mental and physical safety of all involved), a role still rare in Japan, was brought in. When published online, it received a huge response, with a post introducing the essay getting 8,000 retweets and 16,000 likes. It raised important questions about the nature of filming sets, which are often said to be closed environments prone to power harassment and sexual harassment, and was selected for the "Best Essay 2025" compiled by the Japan Writers' Association (published by Mitsumura Tosho Publishing). Read a sample here. ■ Comment from Masanobu Takashima: In the script called "life," I have been playing the role of "Masanobu Takashima." I can play it however I want, and if I want to quit, I can quit anytime. But if I'm going to keep playing it, I want to enjoy it. I know from experience that, regardless of age, you can't beat someone who is having fun. I have been saved by the words of many great predecessors. Actors, comedians, rockers, jazzmen, chefs, cosmetic dermatologists, designers, hoteliers, martial artists, horror masters, and my parents. The words of these legends will surely be helpful to you when you are stuck in life. I, who have played "Masanobu Takashima" for 59 years, will teach you all about my role preparation in this book. ■ Book Content Introduction: From the acting techniques that create his "eccentric performances," the dream-like time with Kanbi Fujiyama, whom he seriously wanted to apprentice under, and his idols Shiro Ito and Hitoshi Ueki, to his super-eccentric father and his death, his mother who casually mentions memories of director Ozu, his paranormal experiences, and his interest in beauty. He presents his hot, straightforward, and slightly off-kilter daily life as it is. Includes 20 pieces, including the much-talked-about "Intimacy Coordinator." ■ Author Introduction: Masanobu Takashima. Born in Tokyo in 1966. He grew up in an entertainment family; his father is actor Tadao Takashima and his mother is former Takarazuka top star Hanayo Sumi, and his older brother Masahiro Takashima is also an actor. He made his acting debut in the 1985 stage play "Tokoton Yasashiku Soba ni Ite." In 1988, he appeared in the morning drama series "Jun-chan no Ouenka." The role of hotelier Ippei Akagawa in the drama "HOTEL," which began broadcasting in 1990, became hugely popular with the line "Neesan, jiken desu," and the show became a long-running series. In 1991, he won the Japan Academy Prize for Newcomer of the Year for his role as Sho Kuroki in the movie "Godzilla vs. Biollante." Other major works include the roles of Keisuke Shiina in the drama "Kochira Hon-Ikegami-sho," Taku Moriyama in "DOCTORS: The Ultimate Surgeon," and Ujimasa Hojo in "Sanada Maru." He is also active in many other areas, such as presiding over the "Reading Session" since 1995. ■ Book Data: 【Title】Otsumu no Yoi Ko wa Nagai Shinai 【Author】Masanobu Takashima 【Release Date】June 24, 2026 【Format】Trade paperback 【Price】¥1,925 (tax included) 【ISBN】978-4-10-357041-7 【URL】https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/357041/