Rina Yamamoto is trading the news desk for a bikini.
The 32-year-old former TBS announcer, now working freelance, has a photo book coming out October 28 from Kodansha. It’s her first time shooting swimsuit gravure. The location was Miyakojima, all beaches, clear water, and that postcard-perfect island scenery.
The book isn’t just beach shots. There are pool scenes, bedroom shots, bathroom shots — the usual mix that shows a more private, grown-up side than anything she ever did on TV or social media.
Yamamoto admitted she was nervous going in. “It was my first swimsuit shoot, so I was really anxious,” she said. Looking out at the ocean in Miyakojima helped. The nerves faded and it started feeling fun. The photographer even told her her expression was softening as the shoot went on, which she said made her happy.
Her favorite photo in the whole book wasn’t even planned. On the last night the staff had a barbecue and the photographer suggested a night shoot. She ended up in the water still fully clothed, lit by the pool lights. That spontaneous shot is the one she likes most.
On top of the photos, the book includes her beauty routine — makeup tips, favorite products, skincare, all with her own comments. She put herself through a pretty strict fitness program beforehand specifically for the swimsuit work and wants people to notice that part.
Yamamoto’s pitch is simple: this is a side of her that doesn’t show up in her regular announcing gigs or on SNS. Natural her, plus the extra makeup and outfits, shot in places she actually likes.
October 28. First swimsuit book from an ex-TBS face who used to host Sunday Japon. That’s the kind of career pivot that gets attention.