Wakana Sakai, well known as a former weathercaster, has announced her transition to acting with great enthusiasm following her recent performance in the stage play, "The Glass Mask." Sakai’s role as Himeno Shiko, the complex rival of the protagonist Maya, showcased her dedication and passion for theater, earning her widespread admiration.
On February 12, she took to her official blog to share details about her experience portraying Shiko. She described the character as pivotal to the story, stating, "I played the role of Himeno Shiko, like the character from 'The Glass Mask.' The story involved battling Maya, and the character's strength is pivotal to the narrative." Her insights reflect the considerable effort she invested to deliver the character authentically, wrestling with Shiko's traits to embody her fully.
The stage production has received extremely positive reactions from fans, many of whom have praised Sakai's performance. One audience member noted, "The stage was fantastic, exceeding expectations! I recommend it to everyone!" Another fan commented, "Her beauty hasn't changed since her days at NHK," highlighting the enduring admiration for Sakai.
Sakai's career path to acting is particularly unique. After graduating from Waseda University, she embarked on her career at the Bank of Japan before making the leap to becoming one of NHK's most beloved weathercasters. Debuting as the weather presenter for the Kanto region's weather forecast since Spring 2002, she gained national recognition. Her tenure on "News 7" from 2004 until 2011 was marked by her engaging manner, earning her the endearing nickname "7:28's Girlfriend" among her viewers, particularly middle-aged men.
Throughout her career, Sakai has often dazzled audiences with her impeccable sense of style, often appearing in outfits celebrated for their elegance and allure. She faced personal challenges as well; her rumored affair with a professional baseball player in 2011 made headlines, something she always denied. Her popularity remained steadfast, culminating with the 2014 release of her photo book "Beyond the Clouds," which drew around 300 fans at its promotional event. This led to her gradual pivot from television to various entertainment forms, including variety shows and finally settling on acting.
By 2015, she began to shift her professional focus toward acting, landing roles in several plays and showcasing her versatility beyond her past as a presenter. Sakai became free-lance by 2016 and later appeared extensively stage, including frequent performances throughout 2017. Her tireless dedication and influence on stage made waves among audiences.
Reflecting on her new career path, Sakai candidly shared, "I'm often taken by my roles and struggle to return to my everyday self during performances." Such dedication shows her commitment to her craft, as she immerses herself deeply within the characters she plays. She has participated actively not only as an actress but also as one committed to raising public awareness around disaster preparedness, conducting numerous lectures across various locales.
Regardless of her past familiarity behind the news desk or the TV screen, Sakai's performance as Shiko brought her talents to light anew. Her passion for acting is palpable, entwined with her every role, character, and performance. It will be compelling to see how her career will evolve as she fully embraces the world of theater and takes on new challenges.
Indeed, audiences familiar with Sakai's warm demeanor on television now have the chance to be captivated by her depth and complexity as an actress, sparking interest both on and off the stage.