Miyazaki Yu: First Photobook Creates a Stir – A Snapshot of Her 'Now', from Swimwear to Private Moments

Over the last few years, one woman has been shining particularly bright in the gravure scene: actress and model Yu Miyazaki. Renowned for her acting skills in TV dramas, she has also captivated fans with her powerful gravure work—whenever she graces a magazine cover, it sells out instantly. Now, in the spring of 2026, her much-anticipated first photobook has finally been released, packed full of her undeniable charm. Let's take a closer look inside.

Where the Okinawa sun meets her 'now'

This photobook was shot last summer on location in Okinawa. From the crystal-clear sea and the endless blue sky to the beaches at dusk—the choice of location alone speaks volumes about the team's dedication to bringing out the very best of her appeal. As you flip through the pages, you're immediately greeted by a shot of her laughing with a carefree expression, splashing through the water. It's packed with images: her in swimwear, of course, but also plenty of relaxed, natural moments you'd never see in one of her dramas. You could almost be forgiven for feeling like you're on a trip to Okinawa with her.

Exploring the photobook's three-part structure

This single volume is a concentrated collection of her different facets. Broadly speaking, it's structured like this:

• The Glamorous Chapter: Centred on her latest swimwear shots, this section boldly captures the figure of a woman coming into her own. The images strike a perfect balance between healthy vitality and an undeniable hint of allure – definitely not to be missed.
• The Private Chapter: A more natural part of the book, capturing her off-duty moments. Think candid shots in a traditional Okinawan house or snapshots at a local market. Her genuine, unguarded smile is simply radiant.
• The Dramatic Chapter: Featuring dramatic shots set against a sunset backdrop and studio portraits where she adopts a cooler, more intense expression. This section truly showcases her side as a serious actress.

Honestly, the shot of her tucking into a bowl of Okinawa soba noodles at a local diner is almost unfairly cute. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, this kind of contrast is sure to win you over.

The story behind the two name spellings: 'Miyazaki Yu'

You might have noticed that her name is sometimes written with a slightly different character for 'zaki'? Officially, the more complex character is often used, but in media and general searches, the simpler, more common character for 'Miyazaki' is also widely used. This subtle difference perhaps symbolises the broad scope of her career. Either way you search for her, you're bound to discover her appeal.

An exclusive interview reveals her commitment as an actress

The book concludes with an in-depth interview. Looking back on her life in entertainment so far, she speaks passionately about her future ambitions. "As an actress, I want to grow so much more. And to do that, I believe that expressing myself through gravure is also something I want to cherish." Her words convey a real sense of dedication, showing a woman who has steadily built her career while honestly confronting herself. This interview alone makes picking up a copy more than worthwhile.

In recent years, the path from gravure model to actress has become well-trodden, but Yu Miyazaki seems to be forging her own unique way, armed with the strength of being able to 'express herself this much even in gravure'. Her photobook isn't just a collection of glamour shots; it's a portfolio capturing the 'now' of a true creative artist.

It's no surprise there are whispers of a reprint just days after its release, given the finished product. Why not discover a new side of her this spring?