Forever35 – Episode 378: Don’t Leave Home Without Your Sunbrella with Mari Yamamoto

Date: November 17, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Mari Yamamoto (actor, writer, former journalist)

Main Theme

This episode features a lively, heartfelt conversation with actor/writer Mari Yamamoto, who stars in the new film "Rental Family" alongside Brendan Fraser. The discussion explores Mari's self-care routines, sun protection wisdom, her journey from journalism to acting, and deeper themes of loneliness, connection, and cultural expectations in Japan (and beyond), as reflected in her new film.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Catch-Up and Setting the Scene

• Doree and Elise chat about family, tennis, and childhood memories (03:26–08:30).
• Mari’s connection to the show: She and Elise became close while working in Japan, where Mari acted as Elise's guide and interpreter (17:05–18:20).
• Introduction of Mari and her background: born in Japan, raised in Tokyo and London, BA in International Relations, trained actor, roles in "Pachinko," co-writer for "Tokyo Vice" (10:39–11:35).

2. Self-Care and Cultural Habits

• Mari on Self-Care:

  • Recently focused on being “less apologetic about everything”—a shift from ingrained Japanese cultural habits (15:44–16:18).

    “That nothing comes to mind. No. Wow. Being less apologetic about everything. Which is sort of very Japanese of me.” — Mari (15:49)

  • Discusses the Japanese custom of “leading with apology” in everyday life (16:23–17:05).

• Cultural Reflection:

  • Mari reminisces about her early days with Elise in Tokyo: acting, journalism, and coping with the city's heat using her “sunbrella” (18:27–19:19).
  • Elise jokes about how Mari converted her to sun protection:

    “Man, I’m all about, like, fry crispiness. Just kidding. I mean, I’m much better about it now. I actually did change. I think in Asia.” — Elise (19:38) “Good job, Doree. Thank you.” — Mari (19:47)

3. Sun Protection & Skincare Wisdom

Mari’s Essentials: (19:59–21:32)

• Never leaves home without her “sunbrella” (sun umbrella):

  “Rule number one: Don’t go anywhere without your sunbrella. Right. Truly. Even if people look at you strange… It’s actually cooler in the dead of summer under a little shade you bring along.” — Mari (20:08)

• Uses Japanese sunscreen religiously; loyal to her preferred products because of sensitive skin.
• Goes to a skin therapist in Japan (private, organic line).
• Sheet masks on planes; overall emphasis on gentle, consistent care.

4. About ‘Rental Family’ – Plot & Character Insight

Film Overview & Themes: (22:03–23:52)

• "Rental Family" follows an American actor in Japan who finds unexpected connection and meaning by working in a business where people can “rent” actors to play family members or acquaintances.

  “He finally finds belonging in Japan, of all places, through this job… I hope that it makes people feel like they’ve been on a trip in Japan…” — Mari (23:28)

Mari’s Character – Aiko: (24:08–28:46)

• Aiko: employee and top performer at the rental family agency.
• Coordinates actors for clients and personally participates—especially in the “apology service” where someone takes the fall for others’ mistakes (a real Japanese service) (24:30–25:30).
• Discusses Aiko’s “heart of the operation” role, her personal backstory, and why Aiko takes on degrading apology roles:

  “She really believes in this business…in order to keep the business going, they need to take these apology cases… She can help the people who really need it… Maybe it’s a little bit of self punishment.” — Mari (25:35, 28:47)

• Explains that screenwriters created extensive backstories for all main characters, deepening the film’s emotional resonance (26:37–27:02).

5. Performance, Loneliness & Societal Commentary

Meta-Performance: Mari describes the experience of playing an actor who is, in turn, performing for clients (33:23–35:19).

Rental Services & Loneliness: (36:30–43:27)

• Elise’s real-life stint as a “fake wedding guest” in Korea parallels film’s ideas:

  “The reason why she needed to hire a bunch of guests is because she had told her fiancé she had a big family... so she hired all these actors.” — Elise (35:28)

• Discussion grows deeper: Are rental agencies a symptom of loneliness? Are they a sign of societies where appearances and “saving face” matter more than connection?
• Mari’s nuanced take: Though the service might seem superficial, it provides a lifeline for those slipping through loneliness’s cracks:

  “Isn’t it better to have something people can turn to instead of them falling through the cracks of loneliness?” — Mari (37:46)

• She opens up about losing her father and connecting with the film’s themes of finding care and humanity in unexpected places (38:41–42:07).
• Reflects on Japan’s unique social dynamics: politeness and consideration lead to isolation because individuals are so attuned to others’ needs that they suppress their own (41:33–42:07).
• Elise notes parallels: global rise of loneliness, pressures to perform on social media, and growing self-consciousness extend these issues beyond Japan (42:07–42:39).
• Mari on hope and connection:

  “If you reach out, other people also want that… Don’t stop reaching out is…what we're trying to say.” — Mari (43:15)

6. Career Pathways & Advice

Journalism to Acting: (43:27–44:17)

• Elise observes the rarity of journalists moving into acting. Mari credits supportive parents and the importance of being a “multi-hyphenate.”
• Sees clear through-line from journalism (“the pursuit of truth”) to acting:

  “For me, acting is the same in that you’re pursuing the truth of a character.” — Mari (44:15)

• Advice for creatives: Keep generating material, be a self-starter; hard work eventually gets noticed (“if you’re grinding, someone’s going to notice”) (45:48).

7. Closing Highlights

• Mari’s recent projects:
  • “Rental Family” in theaters Nov 21
  • “Legacy of Monsters” on Apple TV (with co-star from Rental Family) (46:17–46:53)
• Hosts reflect on Mari’s warmth, humor, and adaptability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You lead with an apology. I think people find it really strange… It’s so interesting that I’m still doing this.” — Mari Yamamoto on Japanese culture (16:34)
• “Rule number one: Don’t go anywhere without your sunbrella. Even if people look at you strange…I know you wish you had one.” (20:08)
• “She’s the heart of the operation…she really goes the extra mile for everybody.” — Mari on her character Aiko (24:08)
• “Isn’t it better to have something to turn to, instead of them falling through the cracks of loneliness?” (37:46)
• “Even if the beginning of an interaction is transactional, it doesn’t mean that real things, real connection, can’t happen.” (38:59)
• “If you reach out, other people also want that… Don’t stop reaching out is…what we're trying to say.” (43:15)
• “Always being a self-generator is the key. I think that’s how I’m surviving.” (45:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 15:44 — Mari’s self-care shift: less apologizing
• 19:10 — Sunbrella, skincare rituals
• 22:03 — “Rental Family” synopsis
• 24:08 — Exploring Aiko’s role and backstory
• 36:30 — Rental families, loneliness, and society
• 43:27 — On journalism, acting, and being multi-hyphenate
• 46:17 — Where to find Mari and her work

Podcast Tone

Warm, witty, and thoughtful. The episode blends humor (stories of sunbrellas, fake weddings, tennis), cultural insight, and genuine exploration of emotional and societal topics.

For New Listeners

This episode is an inviting, insightful conversation perfect for those fascinated by self-care, cross-cultural lives, navigating change, and the ways we find (and manufacture) connection in a fast-changing world. Mari Yamamoto’s story and wisdom shine through, making it a memorable listen.