Yui Aragaki, a renowned Japanese actress, model, singer, product spokeswoman, presenter, and radio show host, was born on June 11th, 1988, in Naha, Okinawa, to a family of three sisters. As the youngest sibling, she was destined for a bright future. Her journey began when she auditioned for a fashion model spot for Nikora Magazine and won the Grand Prix award at the tender age of 13.
This remarkable feat led to her becoming a regular model for the magazine, alongside her co-model and actress Enomoto Ayako, who affectionately gave her the nickname 'Gakky,' a playful take on her surname. At 15, Yui moved to Tokyo and enrolled at Horikoshi High School, an esteemed institution famous for nurturing the talents of many budding celebrities, including the renowned Seiko Matsuda.
As she expanded her horizons, Yui ventured into gravure adult modeling and acting at the age of 16. Her breakthrough role came in 2005 with the film Sh15uya, a take on the Tokyo Downtown district of Shibuya. Her captivating presence also made her a popular face for Pocky commercials, solidifying her status as a sought-after endorser. She went on to promote a dozen other corporate products, including Asahi, NTT, and more, earning numerous awards for her outstanding performances.
In addition to her acting career, Yui also explored voice acting in 2006 and film in 2007. Her debut single and album for Warner Music Japan, however, were met with a breakdown due to exhaustion in 2007, reportedly caused by the disappointing reactions to her vocals. Despite this setback, Yui continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, releasing more music and acting in both small and big screens.
Her impressive repertoire of roles includes hosting the radio program Girls Locks from 2010 to 2012 and participating in a 24-hour charity program in The Philippines in 2012. Her versatility as an actress was showcased in the TV serial Legal High, where she adopted a boyish look, and in the 2016 serial Nigeru Wa Haji Daga, Yaku Ni Tatsu, which gained immense popularity in Japan. Her outstanding performance earned her the Tokyo Drama Awards in 2017.
When not working, Yui enjoys reading manga and karaoke, hobbies that bring her joy and relaxation. She is currently signed with Lespros agency, a testament to her dedication and commitment to her craft. Throughout her illustrious career, Yui Aragaki has proven herself to be a talented and multifaceted artist, captivating audiences with her versatility and charm.
