'Eternal Nat-chan' Rena Tanaka Confirmed as Lead in Movie 'Golden Thief'... A Second Prime Awaits

27 Years Since Debut, 45 Years of Grace... "I Will Maintain My Beauty at My Own Pace"

In the late 1990s, the 'CM Fairy' Rena Tanaka, who shook the Japanese archipelago with her refreshing smile, is showing her unrelenting passion for acting as she marks her 27th year since debut. After marriage and childbirth, she is navigating the screen with a deeper acting prowess and has hinted at another transformation in 2026.

According to sources in the film industry on the 26th, Rena Tanaka has been cast as the lead in the upcoming movie 'Golden Thief (tentative title)', set to be released in April 2026. In this work, she will collaborate with the talented actor and singer Win Morisaki (35), showcasing a unique chemistry.

◆ Proving Acting Thirst Through 'Prolific Work'

Rena Tanaka had a busier year in 2025 than anyone else. She has appeared in numerous hit works across genres, including the currently screening film 'Night Flower', the emotional melodrama 'Strawberry Moon: Half a Year of Love', which deals with terminal love, and the human drama 'Stars and Moon are Holes in the Sky'.

In particular, in 'Strawberry Moon', released last October, she played the role of the protagonist's mother, 'Miyoko Sakurai', expressing the sorrow of losing a child with restrained emotions, earning critical acclaim. This marks a complete departure from her past 'youth star' image, proving her establishment as an irreplaceable middle-aged actress.

◆ From 'Nat-chan' to 'A Trusted Actor'

Born in 1980, Rena Tanaka debuted as the first advertising model for Suntory's 'Nat-chan' in 1998, gaining a syndrome-level popularity. However, she did not remain a fleeting star. After being recognized for her acting in the film 'Ganbatte Ikimasshoi' (1998), she solidified her position as a serious actress by perfectly portraying a lonely visually impaired character in the 2006 film 'Let's Meet in the Dark'.

The second act of her acting life began with 'family'. After marrying a doctor in 2016 and welcoming her first child in 2019, Rena made a successful return in 2020 with the stage 'Okkachan Theater' and the NHK drama 'North Light'. Her matured acting skills were more than enough to instill confidence in the public, making her hiatus seem insignificant.

◆ "At 45, I Want to Age Naturally"

In a recent interview with local media, Rena confessed, "After becoming a mother, my attitude towards each work has become much more serious." She expressed gratitude, saying, "Thanks to my family's understanding and full support, I can balance work and parenting."

She also shared her philosophy about aging. She stated, "Now that I am 45, rather than trying to look young forcefully, I want to maintain my natural beauty in my own way."

Meanwhile, Rena Tanaka, hailing from Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture, is actively promoting her hometown as the 'Kurume Hometown Ambassador'. She continues to participate in works set in her local area, contributing to the revival of 'local cinema', and there is much anticipation for what new face she will show in her new work 'Golden Thief'.