Actress Manami Higa has released her first essay collection, titled "Matane," which details her personal history and views on romance [1].
The publication provides a rare glimpse into the private life of the 40-year-old [1] performer, offering a narrative of resilience and honesty that contrasts with her public image.
Higa said the book is a personal record of her life and that the collection is like her resume [3]. She said she intentionally included aspects of her life that were not necessarily "beautiful" to provide an honest account for her readers [3].
In the essays, Higa recalls her move from Okinawa to Tokyo. She said she arrived in the capital with only 200,000 yen [2] in savings. During that period, she worked part-time jobs and credited a couple she met at her workplace for inspiring her determination to pursue acting professionally [2].
Beyond her professional origins, Higa used the platform to discuss her approach to relationships. She said she tends to give too much in romantic situations, which has led to emotional pain in the past [1]. However, she noted that these experiences have become essential to her growth as an artist.
"I end up giving everything! I've been hurt and have gone through various experiences," Higa said [1]. "But because those experiences exist, they have become part of me and help me in my acting."
Released on June 10 [3], the collection consists of more than 20 essays [3] that explore her perspectives on marriage, love, and life. The actress believes that transparency about her struggles allows her to connect more deeply with her audience and refine her craft on screen.
“"The essay collection 'Matane' is like my resume."”
By pivoting from scripted roles to personal essays, Higa is leveraging the 'essayist' identity to humanize her celebrity brand. The focus on financial struggle and emotional vulnerability serves to build a more authentic connection with her fanbase, while framing her past hardships as professional assets for her acting career.
