Spa! Interview with japanese porn actress Nanami Matsumoto

Nanami Matsumoto first entered the entertainment industry as a gravure model in 2015. Known for her striking I-cup, 100 cm bust, she later made the move into the adult video industry in March 2017.

On January 5, 2026, Matsumoto revealed on social media that she had parted ways with her agency and would continue her career independently. Just a week later, she also announced that she was retiring from the mainstream adult film industry.

In a recent interview with Spa!, the 31-year-old reflected on her career journey, balancing an accounting job alongside her entertainment work, her personal relationships, and what she hopes to pursue next.

Below are translated and lightly edited excerpts from the conversation.

Q. You began your career as a gravure model in 2015 before entering the adult film industry in 2017. What led you to make that transition?

After about a year in gravure, I started feeling like I wanted to challenge myself with something different. Filming image videos where I was mostly speaking to the camera alone didn’t really suit me. I figured that if I was going to work on productions involving other performers, then the adult industry seemed like the natural next step.

Q. That’s a pretty unexpected way of thinking about it.

To me, there wasn’t a huge gap between gravure and nude work. I never felt uncomfortable about it. In fact, I was excited by the opportunity to try something new.

Q. You’ve now been active in the adult industry for nearly nine years, with your tenth anniversary approaching next year. How does that feel?

Honestly, it doesn’t feel that long at all. The years have passed incredibly quickly.

Q. Earlier this year, you announced that you were leaving your agency to become independent, and shortly afterward revealed your retirement from mainstream JAV. Many fans were surprised by the news. What was behind that decision?

I had reached a point where I felt stuck creatively and professionally. At the same time, I didn’t want to walk away from everything I’d built over almost ten years. Going independent allows me to manage my own business and make decisions on my own terms. I’ve also developed an interest in doujinshi and want to provide consulting and support to other women in the industry. Eventually I realized that if I was ever going to make the leap, now was the right time. I shared my thoughts honestly with my agency, and we were able to part on good terms.

Q. How has your work been going lately?

For my independent projects, I collaborate with a small team where we split responsibilities such as planning, social media management, editing, and production. However, I still take care of fan events and photo sessions by myself.

Q. Is independent production actually profitable?

One thing I’d like to point out is that there’s a common misunderstanding about independent work. It doesn’t automatically mean you’ll make money. Your earnings depend entirely on the effort you put in. You have to keep filming and publishing content consistently. If you stop updating without a strategy, your income can disappear quickly. Simply waiting for success isn’t enough—you have to keep working for it.

Q. How frequently do you film new content?

I usually spend three or four days each month filming. In terms of releases, I publish one collaboration with another performer every month, along with a solo release every week. Compared to before, I probably have a little more personal time now. That said, producing content independently is far from easy. Anyone considering this path should be prepared with three qualities: courage, determination, and the persistence to keep going.

Q. What do you usually do when you’re not working?

Outside of my activities as Nanami Matsumoto, I also work in accounting. I’ve been doing that alongside my entertainment career for around seven or eight years. Since it’s remote work, I only handle it a few times each month. The opportunity came through a friend’s introduction after someone they knew was starting a new company and needed extra help.

Q. Did you have any accounting experience beforehand?

None whatsoever. I started with zero knowledge and learned everything from the ground up. Over time, I gained experience through practice and eventually passed the Level 2 Bookkeeping Certification through self-study.

I’d also like to earn a tax accountant qualification someday, although I’m not there yet. In the beginning, I actually worked from the company’s office, but because people from neighboring businesses recognized me, it quickly attracted attention and created quite a commotion.

Q. How do you see your career developing in the future?

I’m no longer at the very beginning of my career, so eventually I’d like to transition away from being the person in front of the camera. My goal is to work behind the scenes and support the next generation of performers instead.

Q. What advice would you give to a younger girl entering the industry?

No matter what field you’re in, having good common sense goes a long way. Simple things like greeting people and showing respect may seem obvious, but they make a real difference.

Social media is also a huge part of today’s world. Even when you’re feeling tired or unmotivated, consistency matters. That’s why taking care of your mental health and making time to recharge is just as important as staying active online.

Q. What’s your outlook on relationships?

Whenever I fall in love, I tend to stay in relationships for a long time. Because of that, I’ve only dated around three or four people throughout my life. On the other hand, when I’m single, I enjoy meeting people and having fun. At one point, I was even talking to 15 or 20 guys at the same time.

Q. Have you ever cheated on a partner?

Never. Once I’m committed to someone, everyone else disappears from my mind. Even if an incredibly attractive or muscular guy catches my eye, I don’t feel tempted.

Back in college, I was especially passionate about love. Around the age of 20, I fell so deeply for someone that I left school so we could move in together.

I’ve always been someone who expresses love through actions instead of words. That’s just the way I am.

Q. Have you thought about getting married?

Watching my friends has shown me both the rewards and the challenges of marriage. Right now, I don’t think the timing is right—probably not for another year or two. And even if I did get married, I don’t see myself becoming a full-time homemaker.

Q. Is financial independence important to you in a relationship?

Absolutely. I’ve seen many women remain in unhappy relationships simply because they couldn’t afford to leave. Without financial independence, escaping situations like domestic violence or emotional abuse can become much harder. Even if I’m with someone, I always want to be able to stand on my own.

Q. What goals do you have for the future?

My priorities haven’t changed since my debut. I want to keep working alongside people I’m close to and create projects we genuinely enjoy together. Fame and personal recognition have never been my main motivation. More than anything, I want to continue working hard so the people I care about can live happy lives.