Inamori Izumi on 25 consecutive years of appearing in a drama series

In an interview with actress Inamori Izumi (46), who is currently starring in the Fuji TV drama “Monte Cristo Haku – Kare inaru fukushu” (The Count of Monte Cristo – Splendor of Revenge), marks the 25th year that Inamori has appeared in a drama series.

Inamori first debuted as a model in 1989 and appeared in a variety show in 1990 before traveling abroad to study English at the University of Texas Arlington in 1991 for a year and half.  When she returned, Inamori contracted with Elite Folio and worked as a model for several years.

Inamori made her acting debut in 1994 in the Fuji TV drama “Ue wo muite arukou!” but her career skyrocketed when she appeared in the popular Fuji TV 1996 drama “Long Vacation” and the 1997 Fuji TV drama “Beach Boys”.  While playing primarily supporting actress roles, in 2010, Inamori was chosen as “The #1 Television Supporting Actress”.

When asked about appearing a drama for 25 consecutive years, Inamori said, “When I celebrated my 20th anniversary, I felt it was a milestone, but I didn’t do anything to celebrate.  But for the 25th years, I am touched by people who congratulated me and I felt like “Really?”.  Because there are times when acting is fun and there are times when it was difficult, where I felt I didn’t do my best performance or I felt disgusted towards myself to the point where I wanted to quit”.

Inamori continued, “I have words that I remember each time.  I was told by a producer for a drama at the time of my debut to ‘please do your best while feeling the weight of your role’.  I have been trying my best to keep these words in my heart”.

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