 |
| Ueto Aya Returns After 15 Years with Stunning Photobook ‘Midday Reverie’ at Age 39 (Tower Records) |
After more than a decade away from the world of photobooks, acclaimed Japanese actress Ueto Aya is making a highly anticipated return to the spotlight — and she's doing so with elegance, grace, and a deep sense of self-reflection.
Marking her first such project in 15 years, Ueto’s new photobook, Midday Reverie, will be officially released on 10 July 2025 by Takarajimasha, retailing at approximately ¥3,850. Shot entirely on location in Taiwan, the collection offers a visually stunning yet deeply personal exploration of Ueto's present self — as a woman, artist, mother, and individual.
A Visual and Emotional Journey
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Ueto described the experience not merely as a photoshoot, but as a personal journey — one that allowed her to step away from her everyday roles and reconnect with a quieter, more introspective part of herself.
 |
| Ueto Aya in Her Latest Photobook |
“This wasn't just about capturing images,” she shared. “It felt like a solo trip where I could pause, reflect, and simply be.”
From vibrant night markets to serene coastal views, the Taiwanese backdrop adds a layer of dreamlike beauty to the images. In one frame, she wanders through the softly lit stalls of a night market, draped in a simple off-shoulder dress. In another, she reclines at the beach, fresh-faced and makeup-free — radiant in her natural glow.
The photos exude warmth and serenity, capturing moments of solitude and quiet delight rarely seen in public depictions of the actress.
Behind the Lens: Kawashima Kotori
 |
The project is also notable for its creative collaboration with celebrated photographer Kawashima Kotori, whose intimate and poetic style has long resonated with Aya Ueto. The synergy between the two is evident — every photograph feels like a quiet conversation, capturing not just an image but an emotion.
“I’ve always admired Kotori’s work,” Ueto noted. “His lens sees people not as subjects, but as stories waiting to be told. That’s what made this experience so special.”
This rare chemistry results in photographs that are not only technically exquisite but also emotionally resonant. Spontaneity meets seasoned professionalism, giving Midday Reverie a soul that’s hard to replicate.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Alongside the photography, the photobook includes an extended interview in which Ueto Aya reflects on her 25-year journey in the entertainment industry. She speaks candidly about growth, change, and rediscovery — and how this particular project helped her reconnect with a part of herself that had been long tucked away.
 |
“It had been 15 years since my last photobook,” she admitted. “At first, I wondered if anyone still wanted to see me like this. But being with this team reminded me how freeing it is to work with people who allow you to simply be yourself.”
Public Reaction: A Stir Across Social Media
Since the announcement, fans in Japan and abroad have flooded social media with reactions — many stunned by Ueto’s ageless beauty and effortless charm. Comments such as “She hasn’t aged a day since Attack No.1” and “Her aura is still that of a teenager” have been trending, with fans eagerly awaiting the physical release.
 |
The buzz is not just about nostalgia — it’s a genuine appreciation for an artist who, after years of graceful quietude, is stepping back into view on her own terms. Ueto Aya Midday Reverie is more than a photobook — it’s a celebration of presence, passage, and poetic return. For fans old and new, this comeback offers not just visuals, but a heartfelt narrative of rediscovery.