In a delightful twist for fans of NHK’s morning serial “Omusubi,” actress Yori Nakari portrays Ayumi Yoneda, the sister of the heroine, played by Kanna Hashimoto. The role, described as a "legendary gal," was initially met with skepticism by Nakari, who wondered if it was part of a prank. However, her excitement quickly transformed into earnest enthusiasm as she embraced the vibrant portrayal.
"When I was told about the role, I thought, 'Is this real or just a joke?'" Nakari said, reflecting on her first reaction. Her image of a gal was rooted in the nightlife culture, contrasting sharply with the wholesome vibes of a morning drama. Nevertheless, the character demanded a full transformation, featuring bold blond hair, a plaid mini skirt, loose socks, and even a leopard print ensemble paired with platform boots.
Nakari's journey reflects her personal aspirations. Born in 1990, she grew up during the peak of gal culture in the late 1990s, fueled by dreams of visiting the iconic SHIBUYA109 fashion hub. "During that time, I lived in a rural part of Nagasaki and aspired to what I saw in magazines, as the internet wasn’t as widespread, and I couldn’t see any gals around," Nakari shared.
Her aspirations led her to enter the entertainment world at age 15. "I really wanted to become a gal," she exclaimed, highlighting that her initial goal was not to act, but to embody the gal lifestyle she admired so much. Upon succeeding in auditions, she moved to Tokyo, driven by a simple equation: becoming an entertainer meant living in Tokyo, which equaled being closer to the gal culture.
"I had a transactional thought process: being a part of the entertainment industry would make it possible for me to enter the world of gal fashion," Nakari recalled, laughing at her youthful logic. But her reality quickly shifted when acting lessons filled her schedule, pushing her towards a path she never anticipated. "I found myself deeply engrossed in acting itself. It turned out to be a thrilling profession, allowing me to explore different characters and lives, meeting people I never would have otherwise," she said.
Nakari's character in “Omusubi” encapsulates not just the appearance of a gal, but also the essence of their vivacious spirit. She appreciates how the drama draws attention to the positive outlook that often accompanies the gal identity. “Gals are incredibly positive, eager to pursue their passions without worrying about the opinions of others. They live fully in the moment. I see these traits as very much like myself,” Nakari added with a smile.
The storyline of “Omusubi” stretches over the thirty-year span of the Heisei era, and it interweaves significant historical contexts such as the Great Hanshin Earthquake. As Nakari reflects on conveying these poignant moments, she expresses the complexity and emotional labor involved. "It’s challenging to represent such traumatic historical events. There are many people who may not wish to revisit those memories, but I strive to embody a positive gal power in response to such themes," she noted.
Nakari acknowledges the stereotype around the gal identity suggesting they are carefree or superficial. However, she strongly disagrees. "Even in tough times, we use humor to shift our perspective. I’ve heard people say things like 'This is really funny!' even when circumstances appear grim. Adopting this outlook allows us to push forward and embrace life’s challenges," she explained, imparting the wisdom that she hopes to inspire through her role.
Excitingly, Nakari has also embraced new platforms to share her authentic self with her audience, such as her YouTube channel "Yori Nakari," launched in 2020. Here, she connects with her followers and provides a glimpse of her true self, free from the constraints often tied to her public persona. "I want to show my audience who I am without hiding behind the actor's image. The pressure to conform to an image is alleviated in this space," she stated.
A proud mother of an 11-year-old son, Nakari shares insights into her family life as well. Married at 23 to her husband, actor Akira Nakao, she emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and acceptance in their relationship. "We’ve built a comfortable life together by not placing excessive demands on each other, which I believe has been the key to our happiness," she explains.
Reflecting on her journey through the entertainment industry and motherhood, Nakari noted, "I often think about the pressure to embody the perfect image of an actress. I want my son to grow up free from those limitations that I experienced. He should feel free to pursue his individuality, without conforming to gender roles or family expectations."
As “Omusubi” progresses with its unpredictable narrative twists, Nakari touches on her hopes for viewers to root for her legendary gal character throughout the series. "I hope that people see the essence of the gal not only in my character’s fashion but also in her attitude towards life. The journey is just as significant as the destination. I have poured my heart into this role, bringing forth the positivity and authenticity that I believe embodies a true gal,” Nakari concluded.
