Japanese Actress Shizuka Ishibashi to Star in New Morning Drama
Listen to the story
Japanese actress Shizuka Ishibashi, 32, has been selected as the lead for a new morning drama called "Blossom." Morning dramas, known as asadora in Japan, are highly popular daily TV series.
Ishibashi comes from a well-known entertainment family. Her mother previously released a nude photo book, and Ishibashi later did the same. Her father is also a famous actor.
Because of her family's fame, some online users have mocked her, joking that she benefits from her "parents' glow," meaning attention because of who her parents are.
Despite this criticism, Ishibashi has been chosen for the lead role in "Blossom," a major achievement in her acting career.
Fellow actress Matsu Takako offered support, saying she hopes to "meet her within a drama" one day, expressing warm wishes for Ishibashi's success.
The casting has also brought attention to comments about Ishibashi's father, who has been described online in negative terms. TV presenter Suzuki Naoko reacted to some of these comments by saying she found them "scary," while presenter Daikichi called them "outrageous."
The story highlights how family background continues to shape public discussion around celebrities in Japan, even as Ishibashi's own talent has earned her a leading role.
Ishibashi's rise to becoming the star of a national morning drama marks a significant moment in her professional life, even as commentary about her family continues online.
Vocabulary5 words
- morning drama
- a daily TV show shown each morning in Japan
- nude photo book
- a book of photos showing someone with no clothes
- mocked
- laughed at unkindly
- career
- someone's long-term work or profession
- talent
- natural skill at doing something
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Lead actress in "Blossom" 2. Because she has famous parents 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Japanese actress Shizuka Ishibashi, 32, has been selected as the lead for a new _____ called "Blossom."
Morning dramas, known as asadora in Japan, are highly _____ daily TV series.
Ishibashi comes from a well-known _____ family.
Her mother previously released a nude _____, and Ishibashi later did the same.
Some online users have _____ her, joking about her parents' fame.
Despite this criticism, Ishibashi has been chosen for the lead role, a major achievement in her acting _____.
Actress Matsu Takako offered _____, saying she hopes to meet her within a drama.
TV presenter Suzuki Naoko said she found some comments _____.
Ishibashi's rise marks a significant moment thanks to her own _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think family background attracts so much attention in the entertainment industry?
- Do you think it is fair to judge someone based on their parents' actions?
- How might online criticism affect a public figure's career?
- What qualities do you think are important for choosing a lead actor in a major TV drama?
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