You surely have some favorite Japanese actresses if you’re into the Japanese entertainment industry. Therefore, we invite you to join an impressive collection of Japanese actresses who never fail to win our hearts!
We’ve already introduced you to a large number of famous Japanese actors. This time, there will be an enormous list of amazing Japanese actresses, including established stars and talents whose careers are sure to skyrocket.
Who Is The Most Popular Japanese Actress In Japan?
Can you name the Japanese actress who has the most fans? As far as we can tell, it depends on the audience’s demographics.
It’s not just the diverse genres available in a Japanese movie or TV drama; there is also a wide range of aesthetic choices. As a result, Japanese actresses can adapt to a wide range of roles. In addition, there is a wide range of variations in what defines beauty.
The point is that all famous Japanese actresses are beautiful, talented, and popular. So, let’s look at this compilation of excellent Japanese actresses.
Japanese Actresses In Their 40s
We’re thrilled to present you with the top legends of Japanese women who remain active in the industry, appearing in films, television shows, and advertisements.
Moreover, because of their maturity, they continue to blossom into increasingly stunning beautiful.
1. Nakama Yukie (由紀恵 仲間)
She started as a Japanese glamour model and later became a Japanese gravure idol who eventually landed a role in a comedic Japanese TV series.
However, her breakout role in the live-action adaptation of the bestselling manga “Gokusen” established her rank as one of Japan’s most popular and commercially successful actresses.
2. Kitagawa Keiko (北川 景子)
She’s a former professional fashion model turned Japanese actress. Her first acting role was in the live-action adaptation of “Sailor Moon;” she eventually left her modeling job to focus on acting after receiving mainstream popularity for her acting debut.
She has also made her acting debut in Hollywood movies, one of the most popular is “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006).
3. Kato Koyuki (加藤 小雪)
She is a former model before becoming a Japanese actress. “Kimi wa Petto,” in which she co-starred with Jun Matsumoto and quickly became a fan favorite, catapulted her to popularity.
She later made her Hollywood debut in the smash blockbuster “The Last Samurai.” Further, the Japanese public has voted her one of the most beautiful Japanese actresses several times.
4. Kikuchi Rinko (菊地 凛子)
When she was 15 years old, she was spotted by a Japanese talent agency. For her role in “Babel,” she became the first Japanese actress to receive an Academy Award in 50 years.
“Norwegian Wood” (2010), shown in competition at the 67th Venice Film Festival, is another of her notable films.
In addition, she starred in the most famous science fiction action film, “Pacific Rim.”
Japanese Actresses in Their 30s
These are more successful Japanese actresses who began their careers early. As a result, they have appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and advertisements.
1. Ueto Aya (上戸 彩)
She’s a multitalented person: actress, singer, TV personality, and the five-time holder of the yearly title of CM Queen (television advertisement).
The TV shows “3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi-sensei,” and the movie “Azumi” both gave her several nominations and wins.
2. Ayase Haruka (綾瀬 はるか)
She began her professional life in the entertainment industry in Japan in 2000 as a gravure idol and has since moved on to become an actress, model, and singer.
Since then, she’s established herself as a major star in film and television. “Our Little Sister,” “Cyborg She,” “Ichi,” “Happy Flight,” and “Jin” are just a handful of the television series and movie shows that have garnered her awards and nominations.
3. Ishihara Satomi (石原 さとみ)
Satomi made her acting debut alongside Jun Matsumoto and Koyuki in the 2003 drama “Kimi wa Petto,” when she was just 17 years old. She is one of the torch relay ambassadors for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has been nominated for many awards.
4. Mitsushima Hikari (満島 ひかり)
At 15, she joined the J-pop groups Folder and Folder 5 as an idol pop singer, where she gained early recognition as a promising young talent.
After that, she appeared in various shows, including a thriller adaptation of a manga called “Death Note,” a comedy-drama, and an art film.
In history, she has been honored for her work in films including “Love Exposure,” “Pride,” “The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio,” “Love Vibes,” and “Sawako Decides” at festivals like the Yokohama Film Festival.
5. Tabe Mikako (多部 未華子)
In her teens, she began acting, landing a part in the Sailor Moon musicals; since 2005, when she was awarded Newcomer of the Year, she has progressed to become a lead actress in movies and television.
6. Kiritani Mirei (桐谷 美玲)
She is a Japanese model who has been working professionally in a fashion modeling career since she was a teenager.
She has worked as a model throughout her career as an actress, which began with supporting roles in various TV dramas.
7. Arimura Kasumi (有村 架純)
While she was in high school, she auditioned for “FLaMme” and passed. After that, she continues to receive leading roles. Many of her movies, like “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet” and “Flying Colors,” have earned her nominations and awards for best actress.
8. Sawajiri Erika (沢尻 エリカ)
Her parents are of two different ethnic backgrounds: a Japanese dad and an Algerian mom.
Her debut role as the protagonist in the nonfiction Japanese Television drama “1 Litre of Tears” landed her multiple best newcomer acting awards and catapulted her to stardom.
9. Nagasawa Masami (長澤 まさみ)
Masami began her acting career when she was just twelve years old. Since she was a teenager, she’s had a successful movie career, appearing in several box office hits and earning many awards for her efforts, including four Blue Ribbon Awards and five Japan Academy Film Prizes.
10. Indo Kaho (夏帆)
Kaho started her career as a model after being scouted in elementary school.
She is a talented actress who has been recognized for her talent with the Japan Academy Prize, the Nikkan Sports Film Award, and the Hochi Film Award.
How To Say Actress In Japanese?
This is a list of essential vocabulary in Japanese for actresses to know.
| English | Japanese (Kanji) | Japanese (Hiragana) | Pronunciation | Sound |
| Actress/female actor | 女優 | じょゆう | Joyuu | |
| Actress/actor | 俳優 | はいゆう | Haiyuu | |
| Leading actress/actor | 主役 | しゅやく | Yuyaku | |
| Child actress/actor | 子役 | こやく | Koyaku | |
| Movie actress/actor | 映画俳優 | えいがはいゆう | Eiga haiyuu | |
| Voice actress/actor | 声優 | せいゆう | Seiyuu | |
| Acting career | 役者生命 | やくしゃせいめい | Yakushaseimei |
So, Who Is Your Favorite Japanese Actress?
You may be among the many people inspired to study Japanese because of their admiration for Japanese actresses.
Whether you’re interested in a Japanese television drama, a professional fashion model, or an idol singer, you might see them juggling more than one industry, and it’s good for you to enjoy watching them on any show.
With that in mind, if you’re interested in learning Japanese and want to travel to Japan to meet your favorite Japanese actress, we have the best app for you!
Learn Japanese With The Ling App
The Ling app is your best choice to become proficient in Japanese. Our app provides you with an extensive vocabulary list to assist with memory.
Furthermore, many games, such as puzzles, matching words, and filling in the blank, are included to make learning the language enjoyable. In addition, you will be able to listen to an audio recording that will help you acquire a natural accent.
Most Japanese learners chose Ling to help them succeed, so why not join them? Download the Ling app from Google Play Store or App Store now, and prepare to be fluent in Japanese soon!
