Yuka: The appeal of this job is that I get to play various Yukas, different from my usual self. It's so much fun to be able to express slightly different sides of myself.

<Profile>
Yuka
Born in 1980. In 1997, she entered public and online submissions for her stage name, and decided on her current name, "Yuka."
With her bright smile and gentle demeanor, she has become synonymous with the original "healing" type.
He is currently active in a wide range of fields, including variety show hosting, comedy sketches, dramas and movies.
He currently has a number of regular programs, including "King's Brunch" (TBS) and "Quiz Presentation Variety Q-sama!!" (TV Asahi).

Celebrating her 10th anniversary since her debut! As she reaches a turning point as a celebrity and as a woman, we asked her about the changes she has undergone over the past 10 years and her approach to working in the entertainment industry.
When I first debuted, it felt more like a part-time job than a job.

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of your debut. How have the past 10 years been?
"I started in the entertainment industry when I was 17, and it's been 10 years in the blink of an eye! I was still in high school when I started, so it felt more like a part-time job than a job."

Eh, a part-time job?
"Yeah (laughs). Because everyone around me was also doing part-time jobs, so I didn't really think of it as 'work'. And when I first started, I even thought, 'Maybe I'll quit (the entertainment industry) after about 10 years'."

Is that so? If you think about it from the time of your debut, 10 years later would be right now.
"When I was in high school, my studies were my priority, and my goal was to graduate rather than to succeed in the entertainment industry. So when I graduated from high school and wondered what to do next, I thought, 'The entertainment industry is the only option for me!' and so I set out on this path."

In the past 10 years, I have not met a single "unpleasant person" in the entertainment industry.

How was it when you entered the entertainment industry full-time after graduating from high school?
"Well, it's actually more normal than I thought it would be! Before I joined, I thought it would be a more glamorous and glamorous place. I was also worried about being bullied, but I was surprised at how everyone around me accepted me so normally. Everyone is really kind, and so far I haven't met anyone I don't like."

I see! I had the impression that the entertainment industry was much tougher.
"It's definitely tough. If you stop being visible or in the spotlight even a little, I think people will forget about you right away. Also, you can't be liked by everyone, and there will inevitably be people who say they don't like you."

I guess the more famous you are, the more likely you are to be criticized by people you don't even know.
"I used to be very concerned about such things, and would become depressed by accepting everything that had happened to me and feeling remorseful, but now I try to be more open-minded. Even so, sometimes I still worry about it, but I think it's better than being thought of as 'I don't care either way.'"

But in reality, Yuka is always smiling, so what is the secret to her cheerfulness?
"Hmm. When I'm feeling down or depressed, I try to meet up with people. I also have a lot of friends and staff around me who tell me they love me, so when I'm feeling down I can always get comfort from them and they cheer me up. And also, laugh a lot!"

What I find funniest right now is...comedy comedy, I guess?

Over the past 10 years you have been very active in a variety of fields, including variety shows and dramas, but which field do you like the most?
"Maybe I get bored easily, but I'm the type of person who's never satisfied with anything I do. So no matter what field I'm in, I immediately become interested in something else. But if I had to choose... I guess it would be comedy sketches."

That's surprising!
"I like it because, unlike other work sites, I can see other people's reactions right away. Also, it's nice to have people laugh at what I do on the spot."

So, this means we can expect to see Yuka do great things in comedy sketches this year...
"Hmm... But I do get bored easily, so if I only do comedy sketches, I think I'll want to do something different. But I'm currently thinking about what I want to do next. Maybe I'm not very ambitious, but when it comes to work, I don't have any particular goals that I want to do. I guess I'm just taking it easy."

For me, the workplace is a place where I can meet the people I love.

Has your attitude towards work changed in the last 10 years?
"Of course, nowadays I no longer feel like I'm doing a part-time job like I did when I debuted (laughs). But to be honest, I still don't really feel like it's 'work'. I feel more like I'm 'going to meet people I'm close to and like' when I'm on set... Also, and this isn't just about work, but I used to have trouble accepting other people's opinions, but recently when they say something I can just accept it and think, 'Oh, that's how it is.'"

So, what is the most attractive thing about working in the entertainment industry for you right now?
"I think it's being able to play 'various Yukas' that are different from my normal self. Of course, each Yuka is me, but it's really fun to be able to express slightly different versions of myself!"

On the other hand, what are the difficult parts?
"Well, maybe it's not so bad, but it's that I can no longer relax while watching TV (laughs). Especially variety shows! Variety shows are actually very difficult for the performers. Things like the timing of comments. The topics of conversation. When I see comedians who always come back with great comebacks, I'm amazed and think, 'How can they think so quickly?!' So when I'm watching variety shows, even though it's not like I'm practicing for when I appear on the show, I'm always thinking things like, 'What would I do if someone asked me to comment here?' or 'How would I respond?'"

That's not very relaxing (laughs). As a celebrity, you stand out when you go out, so I have the impression that you spend a lot of your time at home even on your days off. What do you do on your days off?
"Oh! Surprisingly, I don't worry too much about it and just go wherever I want! I love going to beauty salons and getting massages. I've also started doing hot yoga recently, so I try to go about once a week. I also watch DVDs at home and play with my dog..."

That's a lot of surprises... Finally, please say a few words to the students!
"I've never been a university student, so I really wanted to experience campus life and clubs. I hope that students will have as much fun as they can and try new things while they have a lot of free time! But when it's time to start job hunting, make sure you put your leisure time aside and do your best (laughs)!"

From forGirls January 2008 issue