Takane Mayo, the renowned actress, has recently been the center of attention for her joyful wedding announcement and her involvement as the lead character Jenna in the upcoming musical, "Waitress." On December 15, 2023, during the production announcement for the musical held in Tokyo, Takane brightly shared her experience of becoming newlywed to fellow actor Okada Masaki.
Having revealed their marriage on November 19, 2023, the press conference marked Takane's first public appearance since the announcement. Dressed charmingly as her character, she was met with warm congratulations from the audience, including Ryusei Ikuta, who expressed, "ご結婚おめでとうございます" (Congratulations on your marriage). Takane responded with her characteristic sweetness, saying, "ありがとうございます" (Thank you), indicating her slightly overwhelmed yet elated state.
Takane described her current feelings as somewhat detached, stating, "自分事じゃない感じがして、フワフワしています" (I feel as if it’s not my own affair; I feel floaty). She humorously reflected on how her role as Jenna intertwines with her new life, remarking on the irony of starting her fresh chapter with her character greatly challenged, as her first project post-wedding involves performing alongside her character's affair with her doctor. "新婚で最初の仕事が、お医者さんとのダブル不倫というのもすごい流れですね" (It's interesting to start my first job as newlywed with the storyline involving double infidelity with her doctor), she joked, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
The musical "Waitress" is based on the beloved American film of the same name from 2007, telling the story of women facing life’s dramatic twists through the lens of Jenna, who works at a diner. The production delves deep, exploring themes of unwanted pregnancy, relationships, independence, and the trials of motherhood. Takane noted how the sensational narrative elevates these societal issues, and she looks forward to bringing this to life again. "コロナ禍の中で一生懸命作り上げた前回、皆さんに喜んでいただけて、再演という形でお届けできるのが楽しみです" (I’m excited to bring this back after we worked so hard during the pandemic and received such joy from our audiences), she shared.
Joining her for the conference were her talented co-stars, such as Mori Saki, Sonin, and LiLiCo, who collectively praised the opportunity to perform together again. Their enthusiasm hinted at the strong camaraderie blossing around this project. They also expressed nostalgia for the previous performances which were greatly impacted by pandemic restrictions—highlighting the excitement surrounding bringing the performance back with audiences able to fully engage this time around.
Takane’s 2024 will also see the celebration of her 20th anniversary as opposed to the challenges she faced during the pandemic, creating excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. The audience can expect to witness her evolution not only as an actress but also personally, reflecting on how her marriage will influence her portrayal of Jenna.
Finally, she commented on the upcoming shows stating her eagerness to savor local cuisines during their performances beyond Tokyo, which had previously been restricted. "今回、地方の方々の前でパフォーマンスできるのが楽しみは大前提なのですが、おいしいものを食べて..." (Of course, performing for people outside of Tokyo is exciting, but I look forward to enjoying delicious food...), added with laughter as she reminisced about the past experiences filled with challenges. Takane's light-hearted take on what should have been negligible moments showcases the charm and relatability she brings to her roles.
With her wedding just behind her and her highly-anticipated role lined up, Takane Mayo stands at the crossroads of personal joy and professional challenges, bringing enthusiasm to both realms. "Waitress" will run from April 9 to April 30, 2025, promising audiences not just entertainment but powerful storytelling embedded with strong themes shaped around modern women's lives.
