Wakana Aoi

is a Japanese actress and former singer. In March 2017, she landed the lead role in NHK's 97th Asadora, Laugh It Up!, which aired from October 2017 to March 2018.

Career 2009–2012: Early career Aoi was scouted in Harajuku, Tokyo, in her fifth year of elementary school. She had been taking photos to send with her audition documents at the time. She made her television debut in 2009 through a FamilyMart commercial and made her acting debut in the TV series Samurai High School. Her next appearance came in January 2010, where she played young Mamako Ino in an episode of the TV series Angel Bank. The group made their CD debut two months later with the single "Mousou☆Koukan Nikki". Aoi left the group in July 2014 to focus on acting.

In 2013, she played small roles in Aibō Season 11 and Taberu Dake. Later that year, she played young Mao Waratai in Takahiro Miki's fantasy romance film Girl in the Sunny Place. The following year, she played a supporting role in the adventure film Samurai Pirates, portraying the main character's classmate. Next, she played small roles in the TV series Divine Retribution: Punisher of Darkness, Aoi Honō, Binta!, and Woman won't allow it. Aoi gained attention for her appearances in commercials for Tokio Marine Nichido and Yamazaki Biscuits.

In 2015, she played supporting roles in films Have a Song on Your Lips and Tsumi no Yohaku, and in the TV series Omotesando Koukou Gasshoubu!. In March 2016, she starred alongside Yoko Moriguchi in the TV series Joyu Ochi.

In March 2017, she landed the lead role in NHK's 97th Asadora Laugh It Up!, portraying Ten Fujioka. Laugh It Up! is set during the late Meiji era to post-World War II period. Her character was modelled after Sei Yoshimoto, the founder of entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo.

Aoi made her stage debut in February 2019 at the Tokyo International Forum, as Juliet in the musical version of Romeo and Juliet, sharing the role together with Erika Ikuta and Haruka Kinoshita. She along with Haruka Kinoshita then played Anya in the musical Anastasia in 2020 and 2023. She has also played Emma Nolan in the musical The Prom.

Personal life Aoi was born in Kanagawa, Japan.

Filmography

Film

Television drama Year Title RoleNotes

Other television

Dubbing Cats, Victoria the White Cat (Francesca Hayward)

Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResult201943rd Elan d'or AwardsNewcomer of the YearHerself