It must have been a difficult decision for the self-proclaimed “super perfectionist” who refuses to compromise in her work. 63-year-old IKKO, a beauty expert and TV personality, was hospitalized in late November after complaining of poor health. She had been looking forward to appearing in a TV drama series, but had to drop out. The drama in which IKKO, who has been active as an actor in recent years, was scheduled to appear was “KOCHIKO RYOSHIDEN HERO SUPPLEMENTARY! (tentative title)” (Nippon Television Network Corporation), which is scheduled to air in January next year. It was also the first TV drama to be directed by Koji Kato, 56, of Gokuraku Tombo fame. It is a so-called “sentai” drama based on the motif of the Self-Defense Forces, and the cast is so splendid that it is hard to believe that it is for a late-night slot. It has already been reported that timelesz Kazuma Kikuchi (30) and Non (32) will appear in the drama, and surprisingly, Kato’s partner Keiichi Yamamoto (57) is scheduled to return to the drama for the first time in 20 years. Among the diverse cast, IKKO stands out as a unique talent. IKKO was to play a role that will have a strong impact on the drama, although details are being withheld because it touches on the core of the story. Ms. Kato and her co-stars were looking forward to seeing IKKO’s appearance in the drama. ……” (source from a TV station) The staff of the drama notified the other cast members of the schedule change in late November, when the filming was in its final stages. At that time, IKKO was reportedly hospitalized and informed that she would be leaving the drama. I heard that there was no detailed explanation of her condition, and that tension ran high on the set. The shooting of the drama had already reached its climax, and it would have been a great thing for IKKO to drop out just before the crank-up date. Her co-stars could not hide their confusion, and everyone was concerned for IKKO’s safety. IKKO, who also has the face of a businesswoman and is reported to have an estimated annual income of 300 million yen, has faced a series of hardships on her way to success. IKKO was born the eldest of four siblings, and she has been aware of her gender as female ever since she can remember. At that time, the words “genderless” and “diversity” did not exist. She once said that she never wanted to go back to those days. She found joy in making women beautiful and radiant, and after graduation she lived and worked in a hair salon. After eight years of hard work, she became a freelance hair and makeup artist, but at first she had very little work. Gradually, she began to receive requests from many actresses for her kimono makeup work, and became an independent hair and makeup artist. IKKO’s “Actress Makeup” was highly acclaimed, and she became a popular TV personality with the phrase, “Donde!
