Actress Erika Sawajiri released her first photo book in approximately 20 years on Saturday in Tokyo [1], [2], [3].
The launch of "DAY OFF" marks a significant return to the public eye for Sawajiri, who is using the project to document her authentic self before entering her 40s.
Sawajiri held a commemorative event in Tokyo to celebrate the publication [1], [5]. The book is a complete self-produced effort that includes makeup-free photographs [1], [2], [3]. Sawajiri said she has no resistance to showing her natural face [1].
The collection consists of 160 pages [4] and features more than 150 photographs [1]. These images were selected from a pool of approximately 10,000 shots [1]. The book is priced at 3,600 yen excluding tax [4].
This release follows her previous photo book, "ERICA," which was published in 2007 [8]. Sawajiri said she wanted to express her current state and true nature at the end of her 30s [8], [6]. While sources differ on her exact age, reports place her at 39 [4] or 40 [1].
During the event, Sawajiri discussed the realities of aging and skin care. She said that while she did not worry about it when she was younger, she has come to feel the necessity of care as she gets older [1]. She also mentioned her fear of sun exposure, saying that although she wants to dive into the water, ultraviolet rays are truly scary [1].
“I have no resistance at all to showing my makeup-free face.”
The release of 'DAY OFF' represents a strategic pivot for Sawajiri, moving away from the highly curated image of her early career toward a 'natural' brand. By emphasizing self-production and makeup-free imagery, she is aligning herself with contemporary Japanese trends that value authenticity and aging gracefully, potentially facilitating a smoother professional comeback.
