“Dresses that offer an escape from the everyday, filled with women’s dreams”

Actress Miki Nakatani. She has been active in numerous dramas, films, and stage productions, and recently received the Award of the Japanese Academy for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role at the 35th Japan Academy Film Prize for her role in the film 'Renai Shashin'.

While Nakatani focuses on 'acting' in her roles, when she steps into the spotlight as 'Miki Nakatani' in person,──especially on special occasions like the red carpet,──what does she think about, and what are her feelings regarding what she wears?

――You recently won the Award of the Japanese Academy for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role at the 35th Japan Academy Film Prize for the film 'Renai Shashin'. In the film, the scene where you wear a wedding dress was very impressive. Beyond wedding dresses, what do you think dresses represent for women?

Miki Nakatani (hereinafter, Nakatani)Living our daily lives is a series of small happinesses, but on the other hand, I believe everyone faces some difficulties. By wearing something extraordinary like a dress, we can completely forget the troubles of everyday life. It's like going on a trip, isn't it? I think dresses are something that allow us to escape from our daily routines.

――When you stand on a special stage like the red carpet, not as a character in a film or drama, but as the actress Miki Nakatani, how do you present yourself?




――Are there any dresses you've worn that left a lasting impression?

NakataniIndeed, when I received the Award of the Japanese Academy for Best Actress for the film 'Memories of Matsuko', I borrowed an Armani dress. It was a beautiful dress, a pearlescent color with a mix of silver and a pale pink! I've come to think of Armani dresses as items that bring good luck, though that's just my personal belief (laughs).

――How did it feel when you wore it?

NakataniIt's not unrelated to what I said earlier about 'supporting others,' but even though the dress was exquisite, it truly made the wearer the star. I believe there are many clothes in the world that can be so overwhelming that the wearer gets lost, but Armani dresses truly highlight the wearer's individuality. Isn't that quite difficult to achieve? They are gorgeously finished with meticulous handwork, yet the lines themselves are very simple, allowing the wearer's personality and style to shine through. I struggle to find the right words, but they enhance the beauty of an independent woman.

――When you choose dresses for everyday wear, do you focus on those aspects?

NakataniYes... there was a time when I felt hesitant about wearing pieces from major fashion houses. I felt like I was being worn by the brand, or that I was masking my own lack of confidence with the brand's name. I had those reservations for a while, but recently, I've come to truly appreciate that good is simply good. Perhaps I've become less afraid of wearing designer pieces.

――Was there a specific trigger for this change?





――Of the dresses you wore today, which is your favorite?

NakataniIt's hard to choose...!The white maxi dress with sequins...was beautiful! It's a dress that seems to contain all of a woman's dreams. It's as if all the fantasies of Cinderella, Snow White, or the Little Mermaid are embodied within it. I've always felt that Armani dresses, while beautiful on the body or on a hanger, truly reveal their beauty and value when worn. Also, the knee-length dressknee-length dresswas also lovely. It sparkled. The striped dressstriped dresswas also very beautiful. I might not usually pick something like it for myself, but it looked stunning when I wore it. It was an eye-opener.





――As an actress, what do you hope to do in the future, and what are your goals?

NakataniOur profession is truly a test of physical endurance. I've recently come to realize how important it is to maintain a strong core when wearing beautiful dresses like these. Above all, I want to cultivate a supple body and a flexible yet resilient spirit (laughs). With each new project, the process of preparing myself to fit the role is something I truly enjoy right now. This also influences the books I choose to read; lately, I've been reading books about the human body and anatomy.

Following this path, I've been practicing Gyrotonic for the past few years. It's an exercise that uses equipment to move the spine and pelvis, and it feels incredibly good. I can feel the unnecessary tension releasing and my whole body aligning, which naturally brings a sense of ease.

――During today's photoshoot, whenever you entered the studio from the makeup room, the staff exclaimed, 'Beautiful!' Your inner radiance was captivating to everyone.

NakataniWhen I'm surrounded by beautiful clothes and a wonderful staff, I can truly let my guard down. Today was truly a blessing... a happy day.

Miki Nakatani
Actress. Born January 12, 1976, in Tokyo. Debuted in a TV drama in 1993. Since then, she has expanded her activities across dramas, films, TV commercials, magazines, and stage productions. Her representative works include the films 'Memories of Matsuko,' 'Tennen Shojo NEXT: Yuna,' 'Renai Shashin,' and 'The Tale of Genji: A Thousand Year Promise.' She appears in the Fuji TV drama 'Beautiful Rain,' which began in July.