33 most popular Japanese actresses you should know about

Japan’s entertainment industry has produced many talented performers who have gained recognition for their outstanding work in films, television dramas, and international productions. The most popular Japanese actresses like Haruka Ayase, Keiko Kitagawa, and Minami Hamabe have captivated audiences with their versatility, emotional performances, and ability to portray diverse characters. They have also received prestigious awards and built successful careers.

Key takeaways

• Japanese actresses have gained global recognition through their impressive performances in films, television dramas, and international productions.
• Younger stars such as Suzu Hirose, Minami Hamabe, and Kanna Hashimoto represent a new generation of talented performers shaping Japan’s entertainment industry.
• Established actresses like Keiko Kitagawa, Yui Aragaki, and Masami Nagasawa have built successful careers with memorable roles across different genres.
• Many Japanese actresses have showcased their versatility by working as models, singers, voice actors, and entertainers alongside acting.
• From romantic dramas to action films and science-fiction projects, these actresses continue to expand the influence of Japanese cinema worldwide.

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Most popular Japanese actresses

The Japanese entertainment industry has produced many talented female actresses who have gained recognition for their versatility and memorable performances. Actresses under 20 are becoming increasingly popular as more young performers make their debut. Here are some of the beautiful Japanese actresses who have enriched the scene with their talents.

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Suzu Hirose

• Date of birth: 19 June 1998
• Age: 28 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
• Famously known for: Our Little Sister, Chihayafuru, The Third Murder
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); multiple Blue Ribbon and Hochi Film Award wins

Suzu Hirose is among the talented Japanese actresses under 30 who have gained recognition for their impressive performances in films like Our Little Sister and Chihayafuru. She has been featured in films such as The Third Murder, Ambassador and Chihayafuru.

Suzu was born on 19 June 1998. She is a model and actress. She began her career as a model for Japanese fashion magazine Seventeen alongside her sister Alice. The actress rose to fame when she starred in the film Our Little Sister.

Haruna Kawaguchi

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• Date of birth: 10 February 1995
• Age: 31 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Goto, Nagasaki, Japan
• Famously known for: Silent, One Week Friends, The Way of the Househusband
• Awards: Elan d'Or Award (Newcomer of the Year)

Haruna, born on 10 February 1995, is one of the most beautiful Japanese actresses. She debuted as an actress in 2007 on the TV series Faitenshon. The actress is popularly known for appearing in films and TV shows such as One Week Friends, Silent and The Way of the Househusband.

Keiko Kitagawa

• Date of birth: 22 August 1986
• Age: 39 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
• Famously known for: The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Dear Friends, Paradise Kiss.
• Awards: Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Best Actress)

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Keiko was born on 22 August 1986 in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. She started her career as an exclusive model for the Japanese Seventeen magazine from late 2003 to mid-2006. Keiko has been featured in several films and TV series, including The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Dear Friends and Fragments of the Last Will. Keiko Kitagawa is a Japanese actress known for her successful career in both films and television dramas.

Yui Aragaki

• Date of birth: 11 June 1988
• Age: 38 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
• Famously known for: Sky of Love, The Full-Time Wife Escapist, Code Blue
• Awards: Blue Ribbon Award (Best Actress); Elan d'Or Award

Yui Aragaki is among the famous female Japanese actors born on 11 June 1988 in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. She is widely recognised for her roles in films such as Tokyo Serendipity, Waruboro and Sky of Love. She is also a singer known for Memories and Rainbow.

Nanao Arai

• Date of birth: 28 October 1988
• Age: 37 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Omiya Ward, Saitama, Japan
• Famously known for: Tokyo MER, Watakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, Hell Dogs
• Awards: Best Dresser Award

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Nanao was born on 28 October 1988 in Omiya Ward, Saitama, Japan. She began her career at the age of 20 as a professional model. She modelled for Pinky magazine in 2009. Nanao's notable films include Watakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, Grasshopper and Tokyo MER.

Marie litoyo

• Date of birth: 5 January 1998
• Age: 28 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Chiba, Japan
• Famously known for: Remain in Twilight, MARS, Future Diary: Another World

Marie was born on 5 January 1998 in Chiba, Japan. She is one of the hottest Japanese actresses and fashion models. Marie made her acting debut in the TV series Future Diary: Another World. She has also appeared in movies and TV shows like Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger and Remain in Twilight.

Yuna Taira

• Date of birth: 12 November 1998
• Age: 27 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Akashi, Hyogo, Japan
• Famously known for: ReLIFE, Mumon: The Land of Stealth

Yuna is also among the best Japanese actresses. She was born on 12 November 1998 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The actress has appeared in 41 films and TV series, including ReLIFE, Mumon: The Land of Stealth and Hunjuku Famiria.

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Mirei Kiritani

• Date of birth: 16 December 1989
• Age: 36 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Chiba, Japan
• Famously known for: Heroine Shikkaku, Revenge Girl, Vampire in Love
• Awards: Best Smile of the Year Award

Mirei was born Sayasa Matsuoka on 16 December 1989 in Chiba, Japan. She is also a singer, model, writer and news anchor. Mirei appeared in films and TV shows such as Revenge Girl, Detective Conan and Vampire in Love.

Airi Matsui

• Date of birth: 26 December 1996
• Age: 29 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
• Famously known for: Good Doctor, Flying Colours

Airi Matsui was born on 26 December 1996 in Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan. She is an actress, model, and former singer signed to the agency Amuse Inc. Airi has been featured in various films and TV series, including Good Doctor, Flying Colours and Toririon Gemu.

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Emi Takei

• Date of birth: 25 December 1993
• Age: 32 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
• Famously known for: Rurouni Kenshin, Terra Formars, For Love's Sake
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); multiple newcomer awards

Emi was born on 25 December 1993. She rose to fame after featuring in the live-action film Rurouni Kenshin as Kamiya Kaoru. Besides the role above, she has appeared in Nioh, Setouchi Shonen Yakyudan and Terra Formars.

Kasumi Arimura

• Date of birth: 13 February 1993
• Age: 33 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Itami, Hyogo, Japan
• Famously known for: Call Me Chihiro, We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, Flying Colors.
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Best Actress, Outstanding Performance)

Kasumi was born on 13 February 1993. She made her debut in acting in 2010. Kasumi has been featured in over 65 movies and TV series like Call Me Chihiro, Prior Convictions and Meet Me After School.

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Haruka Fukuhara

• Date of birth: 28 August 1998
• Age: 28 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Saitama, Japan
• Famously known for: Cooking Idol! I! My! Mine!, Mai Agare!, My Boyfriend in Orange
• Awards: Elan d'Or Award (Newcomer)

Haruka was born on 28 August 1998 in Saitama, Japan. She is also a singer and model. Haruka rose to fame after featuring in Cooking Idol! I! My! as Main Hiiragi. Other roles Haruka has played include Girls, Be Lucky, and My Boyfriend Is a Serial Killer.

Kyoko Fukada

• Date of birth: 2 November 1982
• Age: 43 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Kita, Tokyo, Japan
• Famously known for: Kamikaze Girls, Roommate, Second Love
• Awards: Yokohama Film Festival (Best Actress); Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer)

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Kyoko Fukada is one of the Japanese actresses over 40 who continues to impress audiences with her experience and successful career in film and television. She is known for appearing in films like Kamikaze Girls and Recall. She was awarded the Best Actress award at the Yokohama Film Festival for Kamikaze. She is also a singer represented by the Horpio agency.

Reina Triendl

• Date of birth: 23 January 1992
• Age: 34 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Vienna, Austria
• Famously known for: Tag, Sugarless, Tsukiyomi-kun no Kindan Oyashoku

Reina Triendl was born on 23 January 1992 in Vienna, Australia. Her father is German, and her mother is Japanese. Reina started her acting career in 2012. Since then, she has played numerous prominent roles in TV series and films such as Tag, Sugarless and Tsukiyomi-Kun no kindan no oyashoku.

Atsuko Maeda

• Date of birth: 10 July 1991
• Age: 35 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
• Famously known for: Shin Godzilla, A Town Without Seasons, The Mohican Comes Home.
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Yokohama Film Festival (Best Supporting Actress)

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Atsuko, born on 10 July 1991 in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan, is a Japanese actress. The actress began her career as a singer before venturing into acting. She shot to fame at the age of 14 as a member of the J-Pop girl band AKB48. Her notable works as an actor include Shin Godzilla, Mokoku and A Town Without Seasons.

Erika Toda

• Date of birth: 17 August 1988
• Age: 38 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
• Famously known for: Death Note, Code Blue, SPEC
• Awards: Elan d'Or Award (Newcomer of the Year); Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Best Actress)

Erica Toda was born in Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, on 17 August 1988. She began acting professionally in 2000 with her debut TV series, Audrey. Erica is famous for playing Misa Amane in Death Note and Sakura Shida in Story of My House.

Minami Hamabe

• Date of birth: 29 August 2000
• Age: 26 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
• Famously known for: Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, Godzilla Minus One, The Promised Neverland.
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Blue Ribbon Award (Best Newcomer)

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Minami, born on 29 August 2000, rose to stardom following her role in the popular live-action film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas. Minami Hamabe is among the young Japanese actresses audiences admire for her outstanding performances in popular films such as Godzilla Minus One and Let Me Eat Your

Meisa Kuroki

• Date of birth: 28 May 1988
• Age: 38 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Nago, Okinawa, Japan
• Famously known for: Crows Zero, Space Battleship Yamato, Lupin the 3rd
• Awards: Japan Gold Disc Award (New Artist of the Year)

The Japanese actress, model and singer's real name is Satsuki Shimabukuro. She was born on 28 May 1988. Meisa debuted in her acting career in 2004 when she got a role in True Horror Stories. She has over 50 acting credits under her name.

Mizuki Yamamoto

• Date of birth: 18 July 1991
• Age: 35 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Fukuoka, Japan
• Famously known for: Black Butler, Perfect Crime, Blue Flame
• Awards: Miss Tokyo Super Model Contest (Winner)

Mizuki was born on 18 July 1991 in Fukuoka, Japan. She is an actress and model popularly known for appearing in films and TV shows such as Black Butler, Jossy's and Blue Flame.

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Nako Yabuki

• Date of birth: 18 June 2001
• Age: 25 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
• Famously known for: HKT48, IZONE*, Touch
• Awards: Mnet Asian Music Award (with IZ*ONE)

Nako is a Japanese actress and former singer, born on 18 July 2001 in Tokyo, Japan. She was a Japanese idol girl team HKT48 member between 2013 and 2018. Nako is widely known for appearing in films and TV series such as Space Battleship Yamato, Assault Girls and 1 pondo no fukuin.

Satomi Ishihara

• Date of birth: 24 December 1986
• Age: 39 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
• Famously known for: Unsung Cinderella, From Five to Nine, Shin Godzilla
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Blue Ribbon Award (Best Supporting Actress)

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Satomi Ishihara was born Kuniko Ishigami on 24 December 1986 in Tokyo, Japan. She made her debut in 2003 at the age of 17 when she starred in the drama Kimi wa petto. Since then, Satomi has been featured in various movies and TV shows, including Bungo2, Unsung Cinderella and Born to Be a Flower.

Naomi Watanabe

• Date of birth: 23 October 1987
• Age: 39 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: New Taipei City, Taiwan
• Famously known for: The Promised Neverland, Tug of War!, comedy performances
• Awards: Forbes Asia 100 Digital Stars (2020)

Naomi is a Japanese comedian, actress and fashion designer. She was born on 23 October 1987 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. She rose to stardom in 2008 for her imitation of Beyoncé, after which she was given the title the Japanese Beyoncé. Naomi is best known for starring in films like The Promised Neverland, Tug of War! and Spotlight.

Aya Ueto

• Date of birth: 14 September 1985
• Age: 41 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Nerima, Tokyo, Japan
• Famously known for: Azumi, Attention Please, Shylock's Children
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Golden Arrow Award

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Aya Ueto was born on 14 September 1985 in Hikarigaoka, Tokyo, Japan. According to her IMDb profile, she has appeared in nearly 60 movies and TV shows, including Azumi, Shylock's Children and Hirugao: Love Affairs in the Afternoon.

Juri Ueno

• Date of birth: 25 May 1986
• Age: 40 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Kakogawa, Hyogo, Japan
• Famously known for: Swing Girls, Nodame Cantabile, The Beauty Inside
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Blue Ribbon Award (Best Actress)

The famous actress was born on 25 May 1986 in Kakogawa, Hyogo, Japan. She is widely recognised for her roles in movies and TV shows, including Swing Girls, The Stars Converge and The Beauty Inside.

Rio Yamashita

• Date of birth: 10 October 1992
• Age: 34 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Tokushima, Japan
• Famously known for: Gannibal, Downfall, The Naked Director
• Awards: None of note

Rio is an actress and fashion model born on 10 October 1992 in Tokushima, Japan. She is popularly known for starring in TV series and films such as Gannibal and Downfall. Rio currently has 75 acting credits to her name.

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Mitsushima Hikari

• Date of birth: 30 November 1985
• Age: 41 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan
• Famously known for: Love Exposure, First Love, I Am Makimoto
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Outstanding Performance by an Actress); Blue Ribbon Award (Best Actress)

Mitsushima is an actress, famous singer and model born on 30 November 1985. She is best known for appearing in movies such as Love Exposure, Puraido, and I am Makimoto. She won the Best Actress award at the Fantasia Film Festival in 2010.

Masami Nagasawa

• Date of birth: 3 June 1987
• Age: 39 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan
• Famously known for: Kingdom, Mother, The Confidence Man JP
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Best Actress); Blue Ribbon Award (Best Actress)

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Masami was born on 3 June 1987 in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan. She made her debut in acting in 2000 and has almost 100 acting credits. Masami has been featured in films and TV series, including Kingdom 3, A Hundred Flowers and Robokon.

Kaho Indō

• Date of birth: 30 June 1991
• Age: 35 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
• Famously known for: First Love, Little Sister, Mother, Our Little Sister
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); multiple nominations at the Blue Ribbon Awards, Hochi Film Awards, and Japan Academy Film Prize

Kaho was born on 30 June 1991 in Tokyo, Japan. She is famously known for starring in movies and TV shows such as First Love, Little Sister and Mother.

Nozomi Sasaki

• Date of birth: 8 February 1988
• Age: 38 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Akita, Japan
• Famously known for: Tokyo Ghoul, My Rainy Days, Ring 0: Birthday
• Awards: Tokyo Super Model Contest Winner; Japan Jewellery Best Dresser Award

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Nozomi is an actress and model born on 8 February in Akita, Japan. She began acting in 2000 when she appeared in the film Ring 0: Birthday. Nozomi is known for her notable roles in Tokyo Ghoul, My Rainy Days and Red Shoes.

Kanna Hashimoto

• Date of birth: 3 February 1999
• Age: 27 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Fukuoka, Japan
• Famously known for: Gintama, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation, Kingdom.
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Elan d'Or Award (Newcomer)

Kanna is an actress and former musician, born on 3 February 1999. She made her debut in 2011 in the film I Wish. Since then, she has been featured in movies and TV series such as Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation and Haru ni Chiru.

Kaya Kiyohara

• Date of birth: 30 January 2002
• Age: 24 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Osaka, Japan
• Famously known for: Chihayafuru Part III, Our Little Sister, Invert: Jozuka Hisui Toujoshuu.
• Awards: Japan Academy Film Prize (Newcomer of the Year); Blue Ribbon Award (Best Newcomer)

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Kaya was born on 30 January 2002 in Osaka, Japan. She has played outstanding roles in movies and TV series such as Chihayafura Part III and Invert Jozuka Hisui Toujoshu.

Fumi Nikaidō

• Date of birth: 21 September 1994
• Age: 31 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
• Famously known for: Himizu, My Man, VIVANT, Woman
• Awards: Venice Film Festival Marcello Mastroianni Award; Japan Academy Film Prize (Outstanding Performance)

Fumi was born on 21 September 1994. She started acting at the age of 14 when she appeared in the 2008 film Sorasoi. Her other movies and TV shows include Woman, My Man and VIVANT.

Tsubasa Honda

• Date of birth: 27 June 1992
• Age: 34 years (as of 2026)
• Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
• Famously known for: Weathering with You, Fullmetal Alchemist, I Will Be Your Bloom.
• Awards: Tokyo Super Model Audition Award; multiple model industry recognitions

Tsubasa is best known for her role in the film Weathering with You. She is also known for her roles in Fullmetal Alchemist, Neighbours, and I Will Be Your Bloom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the highest-paid Japanese actress?

While exact earnings are not publicly disclosed, actresses with long-standing careers such as Masami Nagasawa, Satomi Ishihara, and Keiko Kitagawa are considered among Japan’s top-earning performers.

Which Japanese actress has appeared in the most movies?

Actresses like Masami Nagasawa, Kyoko Fukada, and Hikari Mitsushima have built extensive filmographies with numerous movie and television appearances throughout their careers.

Who is the youngest actress on this list?

Kaya Kiyohara, born in 2002, is the youngest actress among those featured, having gained recognition through roles in films and television dramas.

Which Japanese actress started as a model?

Several actresses, including Keiko Kitagawa, Nanao Arai, and Mizuki Yamamoto, began their careers as fashion models before moving into acting.

Who is the most awarded actress in Japanese cinema?

Actresses such as Hikari Mitsushima, Kasumi Arimura, and Masami Nagasawa have received major industry recognition for their outstanding performances.

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Which Japanese actress is also a singer?

Yui Aragaki, Kyoko Fukada, Atsuko Maeda, and Meisa Kuroki have explored music careers alongside their acting work.

Most of these popular Japanese actresses have captivated audiences with their skill, dedication, and ability to bring unforgettable characters to life. Whether they are starring in blockbuster films, hit TV dramas, or international productions, their influence continues to grow.

Legit.ng recently published an article about famous iconic French actresses in Hollywood and beyond. French actresses are talented, and many have been featured in Hollywood films. Their influence in the film and TV industry goes beyond acting.

French actresses are the epitome of beauty and charm, which comes out in the motion pictures they appear in. Some of these actresses include Marion Cotillard, Audrey Tautou and Juliette Binoche.

Source: Legit.ng