On March 16, 2025, professional mahjong player and model Okada Nana, 31, captivated fans as she celebrated her latest photobook, "Rinshanhaiho," by serving as a one-day store manager at Books Kinokuniya located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This unique event coincided with the launch of her photobook, which showcases her charm and beauty through various photographs taken during her recent trip to Taiwan.
Filmed back in December 2024, "Rinshanhaiho" features shots from the trip and is particularly notable for its intimate, close-up images, giving readers the feeling of traveling alongside Okada. The collection includes stunning visuals of her dressed in swimsuits, lingerie, and traditional cheongsams, each capturing different facets of her vibrant personality.
Okada explained the significance of the title of her photobook: "Rinshanhaiho" refers to one of the winning hands or 'yaku' in mahjong. This choice was intentional as she wanted to reflect her experiences during the Taiwan shoot, incorporating a meaningful element from her passion for mahjong. She expressed, "At first, the title ideas were things like 'Unbalance' or using Roman letters. But since it was shot in Taiwan, I wanted to use kanji for the title." Okada added, "The title 'Rinshanhaiho' signifies getting lucky when you have a pair of vegetable leaves as winning hands, and the photobook is just as vibrant, fitting perfectly with it."
Echoing her feelings about the cover image, she describes it as possessing a "babyish quality," commenting enthusiastically, "It's got this 'babu' feeling, right?" She went on to clarify what she meant by 'babu,' using it to describe the youthful innocence she sees reflected in the photographs, and this characterization drew smiles from the gathered press.
The event not only showcased her photobook but also illustrated Okada's engaging personality. Despite her affiliation with mahjong, her career as a model shines through, as she donned both traditional and playful outfits during the launch. Okada revealed, "My favorite cut is definitely the cover; it really captures the essence I was aiming for," showcasing her comfort in sharing personal preferences.
Speaking about her experience leading up to the photobook's publication, Okada reflected on her preparation for the photoshoot. She admitted to altering her diet leading up to the event: "For my last photobook, it was all about the curves. This time, I wanted to switch things up, so I was careful with what I ate for about a month prior to the shoot."
During the festivities, when prompted to share what she would like to graduate from during this season of new beginnings, she humorously mentioned her habit of playing games on her phone right before bed. On the flip side, Okada expressed her desire to engage more with exercise, especially as she feels change is necessary: "I feel like my body is aging, so I want to start exercising. I’ve been interested in Pilates; I think I can handle it!"
At the conclusion of the event, Okada dazzled attendees not only with her charm and humor but also with her apparent dedication to pursuing new interests and maintaining her health. Fans and patrons were eager to celebrate both her photobook and her infectious spirit.