Yamaguchi Ayumi, the charming actress known for her role as Saki-chan in the renowned morning drama "Churasan," has been making headlines not just for her television appearances but more so for her fulfilling family life. Now 43 years old, Yamaguchi reflects on the warmth of home and her plans to return to acting after focusing on raising her children.
Originally aired on NHK, "Churasan" was set in Okinawa and gained immense popularity, resulting in four successful installments. Even now, as it enjoys re-runs on NHK, Yamaguchi has shared how her friends keep her updated on their favorite scenes, sending photos of memorable moments back to her. She laughed as she recounted how she's recorded the episodes but often can't find the time to watch them herself. "I feel like I have the most fulfilling time now, where I really feel alive!" she said, capturing the essence of her current life stage.
Life for Yamaguchi changed significantly after her marriage in 2017. She welcomed her first child, now six, followed by another little one, aged two. Reflecting on her chaotic yet gratifying daily routine, she admits, “Raising kids is busy, but I don’t feel it’s tough at all.” Indeed, her husband is nine years younger than her and is also involved in the music scene, echoing the dynamic relationships often portrayed on television.
"The fact is, ever since I met my husband, I am certain I can care for him when he ages," Yamaguchi said, giving insight on how their partnership thrives on mutual support. They live together with their two kids, demonstrating the harmony both at home and within their relationship.
Every day, Yamaguchi’s schedule consists of waking up at the crack of dawn, around 6 AM, and by 9 PM, she is already asleep alongside her children. This routine might seem ordinary, but it speaks volumes about her commitment to family. Venturing out for grocery shopping, she often looks for fresh seasonal produce, passing on her mother's guiding wisdom to her little ones by saying, "This is why these vegetables are so sweet and delicious!"
With motherhood becoming her primary focus, Yamaguchi has made it her goal to nurture her children’s well-being, emphasizing the importance of health and education. "I want to focus on making sure my children grow up healthy," she noted, indicating how motherhood reshapes priorities.
Interestingly, Yamaguchi is also planning to return to the acting world, leaving behind her hiatus taken after guest-starring on the drama "Aibou 19" back in 2020. "I've lost 17kg through rigorous training and am ready to face acting again," she admitted, highlighting her dedication to both her health and career.
Her exercise regimen includes early morning workouts, most recently engaging with workouts like 'darkness cycling fitness,' which she finds exhilarating. "It allows me to concentrate without any distractions, and I recommend it to everyone!" she exclaimed, illustrating her desire to keep both her mind and body fit.
While Yamaguchi cherishes her days of mothering, she also fondly recalls the joy of being involved in successful television series and entertainment. She recalls winning the first Tanipromotion audition as a teenager and taking her first acting steps on set, and how "Churasan" was both exciting and fundamentally rewarding as it introduced her to numerous friends and colleagues, even fostering friendships off-camera.
Having started with small roles and steadily climbing the ladder of success, Yamaguchi's experiences have shaped her both personally and professionally. She reminisced, "During the time I had to perform birthing scenes, I borrowed videos from friends who were midwives to prepare; those experiences were invaluable because they mirrored reality more than acting ever could.”
Yamaguchi’s story continues from the comfort of her home to the bright lights of acting. It’s clear she’s more than ready to tackle what's next, not just as an actress but as a mother balancing the roles she embraces deeply.
Indeed, as she prepares to step back onto the screen, Yamaguchi Ayumi stands as a prime example of how one can blend personal aspirations with family life, all the more becoming the embodiment of joy and fulfillment.
