Actress Tomoko Yamaguchi, now 60, has made headlines by featuring in her "first gravure" in the March 27, 2025 issue of the fashion magazine reShine. This marks a significant moment in her career, as it comes nearly three decades after her breakout role in the hit drama Long Vacation, which aired in 1996. In a candid interview, Yamaguchi expressed her aspirations for the future, stating, "I hope to dedicate myself to work that showcases my individuality and that I can be proud of 100 or even 1,000 years from now."
Yamaguchi has not only continued her acting career but has also immersed herself in cultural and artistic endeavors from around the globe. In 2023, she was honored with the "Kikuta Kazuo Award" from the Japan Travel Writers Association for her contributions to travel and international engagement. The year she received this accolade, she launched her official YouTube channel, Tomoko Yamaguchi's Wind Hole!?, where a video featuring her and her husband, Toshiaki Karasawa, participating in a classic car rally in Miyagi garnered around 4.5 million views.
In her gravure photoshoot for reShine, Yamaguchi showcased a striking transformation, dyeing her hair from brown to a bright semi-long blonde, which she referred to as an "aogami" hairstyle. Reflecting on this new phase in her life, she shared, "I felt as if I received permission from God to shed the heavy armor I had been wearing for 60 years. I wanted today’s shoot to be a step in that restart."
Yamaguchi's journey began in Tochigi Prefecture. Her childhood was marked by her parents' divorce when she was just six years old. Raised by her father and later by her grandmother—who operated a historic inn for over 120 years—Yamaguchi's path to stardom was not straightforward. Despite her grandmother’s hopes for her to take over the family business, Yamaguchi pursued her dream of acting in Tokyo.
She first gained recognition as a campaign girl for Asahi Beer and Toray during her time at Aoyama Gakuin Junior College. Yamaguchi made her acting debut in the 1988 NHK morning drama Jun-chan's Cheer Song. In a previous interview, she recounted her surprise at being cast, saying, "I went to the audition with no experience, and somehow I was selected to be the lead in a series. NHK really took a gamble on me!"
In 1995, Yamaguchi married fellow actor Toshiaki Karasawa, who co-starred with her in the morning drama. Shortly after their marriage, the couple built a luxurious mansion of approximately 60 tsubo in a prime area of Tokyo. According to local real estate agents, the property is now valued at around 500 million yen.
This mansion also serves as the registered location for Yamaguchi's personal office, established in 2008, where she serves as president. Interestingly, her estranged mother and Karasawa are listed as officers in the company, reflecting a complex family dynamic.
Yamaguchi's career continued to soar after her marriage, especially with her role alongside Takuya Kimura in the drama Long Vacation. The series achieved remarkable success, boasting an average viewership rating of around 30%, and was so popular that it was said, "Monday nights saw office ladies disappear from the streets."
Despite their professional ties, Yamaguchi and Kimura have maintained a personal friendship over the years. Neighbors have noted that Kimura occasionally visits Yamaguchi's home, and he and his wife often walk their dog nearby. One memorable incident involved Kimura visiting for dinner, during which Karasawa started playing a video game, prompting Yamaguchi to throw the game in frustration, exclaiming, "What are you doing when Kimura is here?"
As she reflects on her life at 60, Yamaguchi has expressed a shift in her perspective. In her interview with reShine, she stated, "In my youth, I rushed to find answers, but now I appreciate life and enjoy going with the flow." This sentiment echoes her enduring spirit as she continues to navigate her career and personal life with grace.
Yamaguchi's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a celebrated actress is a testament to her resilience and dedication. As she embarks on this new chapter, her commitment to individuality and self-expression remains at the forefront of her endeavors. With her recent gravure shoot and ongoing projects, Yamaguchi demonstrates that she is not only a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment but also an evolving artist eager to embrace the future.
As she forges ahead, Yamaguchi remains an inspiring figure, showing that age is merely a number and that one can always find new ways to shine.
