Japanese actress Wakana Matsumoto compared herself to a white leek during a product launch event on Thursday [1].

The analogy highlights Matsumoto's desire to be a versatile performer capable of adapting to various roles and styles. By linking her professional identity to a common ingredient, she illustrated how different "preparations" of her talent can produce different results for an audience.

The comments occurred during a live interview at a new-product launch event for the brand Shabu-shabu Onyasai [1]. When the master of ceremonies asked her to liken herself to a vegetable, Matsumoto said she chose the white leek, or "shironegi," because of its adaptability in the kitchen [1].

Matsumoto said that the vegetable can be prepared in numerous ways to achieve different flavors and textures. She noted that there are various cutting methods, such as slicing diagonally or creating thin white strips, and that the taste changes based on the cooking method [1].

According to Matsumoto, heat makes the leek soft and sweet, while rinsing it in water keeps it sharp and spicy [1]. She used these culinary traits to describe the range of emotions and personas she hopes to embody in her work.

"I want to be an actor who has many different sides like that," Matsumoto said [1]. After making the comparison, she said that she had said something "cool" [1].

The event focused on the introduction of new menu items for the shabu-shabu chain, providing a thematic backdrop for the interview's focus on vegetables [1].

“I want to be an actor who has many different sides like that”

This public appearance reflects a common Japanese promotional strategy where celebrities use relatable, domestic metaphors to humanize their professional ambitions. By aligning her brand with versatility and adaptability, Matsumoto is signaling her openness to a wide variety of genres and character types in future casting.