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Haruka Ayase 綾瀬 はるか (Actress)
Haruka Ayase , 綾瀬 はるか , born on March 24, 1985, is a multi-talented Japanese individual renowned for her versatility as an actress, model, and singer. Her journey into the entertainment industry began in 2000 when she emerged as a gravure idol, captivating audiences with her charm and grace. However, it was not long before she transcended this initial role to establish herself as a prominent figure in both television and cinema.
One of her notable early appearances was in the serial drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” in 2003, marking the onset of her steady rise in the acting realm. However, it was her role in “Socrates in Love” in 2004 that truly propelled her into the spotlight. Portraying the character of Aki Hirose, a high school student battling leukemia, Haruka Ayase delivered a performance of such depth and emotion that she earned accolades, including the prestigious Best Supporting Actress award at the 42nd Television Drama Academy Awards. Her dedication to the role was evident as she underwent physical transformations, such as shaving her hair and altering her weight, to authentically embody the character envisioned by the creators.
Haruka Ayase talent and commitment have not gone unnoticed in the industry, as evidenced by the numerous awards she has received over the years. From winning Newcomer of the Year at the 31st Elan d’or Awards to clinching Best Actress titles at events like the 21st Nikkan Sports Film Awards and the 52nd Blue Ribbon Awards, her contributions to Japanese entertainment have been consistently lauded.
In addition to her acting prowess, Haruka Ayase has also ventured into the realm of singing and modeling, showcasing her diverse skill set and further solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment landscape. Through her compelling performances and enduring presence, Haruka Ayase continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on Japanese cinema and television.
Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
| Haruka Ayase (綾瀬 はるか) | |
| Name | Haruka Ayase |
| Japanese | 綾瀬 はるか |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1985 |
| Birth Place | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Nationality | Japan |
| University | Teikyo University Junior College |
| Profession | Actress , Model , Singer |
| Career | 2000–present |
| Height | 2000–present |
Early Life
Haruka Ayase, originally born Aya Tademaru on March 24, 1985, hails from Hiroshima Prefecture. Her familial history carries the weight of survival, as both her parents endured the harrowing ordeal of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a somber backdrop to her upbringing.
Haruka Ayase journey into the limelight commenced unexpectedly when a friend extended an invitation for her to partake in the 25th Horipro Talent Scout Caravan. Initially, her interest stemmed more from a desire to evade mundane club activities rather than harboring any aspirations for stardom. With nothing prepared to showcase her talents, she resorted to an impromptu rabbit imitation, a whimsical skill popularized among her peers. Surprisingly, her whimsical performance caught the attention of the judges, earning her the coveted Special Jury Prize. This serendipitous moment marked her official entry into the world of entertainment in the year 2000.
Career
Haruka Ayase’s entry into the entertainment world was as unexpected as it was remarkable. Invited by a friend to participate in the 25th Horipro Talent Scout Caravan, Ayase saw it as an opportunity to escape mundane club activities. With no prepared act, she resorted to a rabbit imitation, a playful skill from her school days. To her surprise, this impromptu performance captured the attention of the judges, earning her the esteemed Special Jury Prize and marking her debut in the entertainment industry in the year 2000.
Her journey continued as she adopted the stage name “Haruka Ayase,” chosen from a pool of 16,000 applicants found on the internet, solidifying her identity in the spotlight on February 28, 2001. Initially gaining traction as a gravure idol through photo collections and local programs like Cosmo Angel, Ayase’s popularity soared. However, as her talent as an actress began to shine, her focus shifted, leading to a decline in her pictorial activities.
Haruka Ayase acting career took flight in 2001 with her debut in part 3 of Kindaichi Shōnen no Jikenbo alongside Jun Matsumoto. This marked the beginning of a prolific journey filled with memorable performances. Notable among these was her regular appearance in the serial drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” in 2003, laying the groundwork for her future success.
In 2004, Haruka Ayase star rose even higher as she secured a role in “Socrates in Love,” earning accolades such as the Best Supporting Actress award at the 42nd Television Drama Academy Awards for her portrayal of Aki Hirose. Her dedication to her craft was evident as she underwent physical transformations to embody her character authentically.
Her versatility as a performer became evident as she ventured into music, making her debut as a singer on March 24, 2006, with the single “Period,” produced by Takeshi Kobayashi. Haruka Ayase talent transcended boundaries as she tackled diverse roles, from starring in NHK taiga dramas like “Yae’s Sakura” to gracing the international stage with films like “Our Little Sister,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.
Continuing to captivate audiences with her prowess, Haruka Ayase starred in the NHK taiga drama “Guardian of the Spirit” in 2016, showcasing her skills in stage combat across three seasons. Her enduring relevance in the industry was reaffirmed in 2022 with her starring role in “My Ex-Boyfriend’s Last Will,” marking her triumphant return to Fuji TV serial dramas after a hiatus of around 14 years. Through her talent, dedication, and versatility, Haruka Ayase continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of Japanese entertainment.
Other Work
Often likened to the Japanese counterpart of Anne Hathaway by The Japan Times, Haruka Ayase has become a recognizable face not only in the realm of entertainment but also in the advertising industry. Renowned for her captivating presence and versatile talent, Haruka Ayase has emerged as a sought-after product spokesperson in Japan. Her endorsement portfolio includes major consumer brands such as Coca-Cola, SK-II, and KFC, where she seamlessly integrates her charm and credibility to connect with audiences. Serving as the main spokeswoman for Uniqlo and SK-II in Japan further solidifies her status as a trusted figure in the world of marketing and branding, bridging the gap between iconic brands and the discerning Japanese consumers.
Personal Life
Haruka Ayase’s life has been marked by both remarkable achievements and unexpected challenges. In a bizarre incident, she found herself detained in New Zealand after being mistaken for a spy, a surreal experience that underscores the complexities of fame. Despite such surreal moments, Ayase’s talent and beauty have earned her accolades, including being named the most beautiful face in Japan in 2018, a testament to her enduring charm and appeal.
However, Haruka Ayase’s journey has also seen its share of trials. In a financial venture gone awry, her office, managed by her mother, invested a substantial sum in a scheme co-managed by a long-time acquaintance. The scheme’s failure to repay investments led to legal repercussions, with the accountant and others facing charges for investment law violations. Allegations surfaced that the accountant exploited his connection with Ayase to solicit investments, shedding light on the complexities of celebrity influence in financial matters.
Beyond the glitz of showbiz, Haruka Ayase has also demonstrated a commitment to social causes. In the wake of the Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, she spearheaded awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts, rallying both Japanese and international celebrities to support the victims of the triple disaster. Despite facing personal challenges, Ayase’s dedication to helping others remains unwavering.
However, amidst her altruistic endeavors and professional pursuits, Haruka Ayase has also encountered setbacks. While filming “Cyborg She,” she suffered a broken nose, a testament to the physical demands of her craft. More recently, Haruka Ayase faced a personal health crisis when she announced on social media her contraction of the COVID-19 Delta variant in August 2021. Initially recovering at home, her condition worsened, requiring hospitalization due to pneumonia, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the ongoing global pandemic.
Haruka Ayase’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the unwavering spirit of a woman who navigates the highs and lows of life with grace and determination.
Summary
Haruka Ayase, a prominent Japanese actress, began her career as a gravure idol in 2000. She quickly transitioned into television and film, showcasing her talent and versatility. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including awards for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Notably, she won the Newcomer of the Year at the 31st Elan d’or Awards and has been recognized for her roles in acclaimed productions such as “Socrates in Love” and “Journey Under the Midnight Sun.”
Haruka Ayase impact extends beyond acting; she’s also a celebrated figure in Japanese media and culture. Known for her endorsement deals with major brands like Coca-Cola and Uniqlo, she has established herself as a popular product spokesperson. Additionally, her involvement in charity work, particularly in raising awareness for natural disasters like the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, showcases her commitment to social causes. Ayase’s multifaceted career and philanthropic endeavors solidify her status as an influential and respected figure in Japan.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Justice | Hoshi | Isao Yukisada |
| 2004 | Amemasu no Kawa | Sayuri Takakura | Itsumichi Isomura |
| 2004 | New Horizon | Sayako | Ryō Teshima |
| 2004 | Samurai Commando: Mission 1549 | Nōhime | Masaaki Tezuka |
| 2006 | Taberuki shinai | Nao | Yumiko Itō |
| 2007 | Hero | Ririko Izumitani | Masayuki Suzuki |
| 2008 | Cyborg She (also “My Girlfriend is A Cyborg”) | The Girlfriend | Kwak Jae-yong |
| 2008 | Ichi | Ichi | Fumihiko Sori |
| 2008 | The Magic Hour | Natsuko Shikama | Kōki Mitani |
| 2008 | Happy Flight | Etsuko Saitō | Shinobu Yaguchi |
| 2009 | Oppai Volleyball | Mikako Terashima | Eiichirō Hasumi |
| 2009 | Rookies | Kyoko Mikoshiba | Yūichirō Hirakawa |
| 2009 | Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror | Haruka (voice) | Shinsuke Sato |
| 2010 | The Incite Mill | Shoko Suwana | Hideo Nakata |
| 2011 | Princess Toyotomi | Tadako Torii | Masayuki Suzuki |
| 2012 | Hotaru The Movie: It’s Only A Little Light In My Life | Hotaru Amemiya | Hiroshi Yoshino |
| 2012 | Akko-chan: The Movie | Akko | Taisuke Kawamura |
| 2012 | Dearest | Naoko | Yasuo Furuhata |
| 2013 | Real | Atsumi | Kiyoshi Kurosawa |
| 2014 | All-Round Appraiser Q: The Eyes of Mona Lisa | Riko Rinda | Shinsuke Sato |
| 2015 | Our Little Sister | Sachi Kōda | Hirokazu Kore-eda |
| 2015 | Galaxy Turnpike | Noe | Kōki Mitani |
| 2016 | The Kodai Family | Kie Hirano | Masato Hijikata |
| 2016 | Fueled: The Man They Called Pirate | Yuki | Takashi Yamazaki |
| 2017 | Honnō-ji Hotel | Mayuko | Masayuki Suzuki |
| 2018 | Color Me True | Miyuki | Hideki Takeuchi |
| 2021 | Caution, Hazardous Wife: The Movie | Nami Isayama | Tōya Satō |
| 2022 | Yes, I Can’t Swim | Shizuka Usuhara | Kensaku Watanabe |
| 2023 | The Legend and Butterfly | Nōhime | Keishi Ōtomo |
| 2023 | Revolver Lily | Yuri Ozone | Isao Yukisada |
| 2024 | Route 29 | Tombo | Yūsuke Morii |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kindaichi Shonen no Jikembo II SP (The Kindaichi Case Files) | Tomoko Ninomiya | TBS |
| 2001 | Cosmo Angel (コスモ・エンジェル) | Haruka | Tokai TV |
| 2002 | Kaze no Bon kara | Aki Sugimura | NHK |
| 2003 | Hontō ni Atta Kowai Hanashi | Misaki Onose | Fuji TV |
| 2003 | The Way I Live | Megumi Sugita | Fuji TV |
| 2003 | Blackjack ni Yoroshiku | Risako Tsubaki | TBS |
| 2003 | Otoko Yu (男湯) | Mina Matsuura | Fuji TV |
| 2003 | Taikoki (太閤記) | Shino | Fuji TV |
| 2004 | Kōfuku no Ōji | Mayu Mitsuishi | NTV |
| 2004 | Hontō ni Atta Kowai Hanashi | Chisato Nakamura | Fuji TV |
| 2004 | Kyokugensuiri Colosseum | Ami Shinozaki | NTV |
| 2004 | Fuyuzora ni Tsuki wa Kagayaku | Hanako Imamiya | Fuji TV |
| 2004 | It was sudden, like a storm… | Saho Makino | TBS |
| 2004 | Socrates in Love | Aki Hirose | TBS |
| 2004 | Ai kurushii | Michiru Majiba | TBS |
| 2005 | Red Fate | Naoko Shimazaki | TBS |
| 2006 | Satomi Hakkenden | Hamaji | TBS |
| 2006 | Journey Under the Midnight Sun | Yukiho Karasawa | TBS |
| 2006 | Hero SP | Ririko Izumitani | Fuji TV |
| 2006 | Love of my Life | Nao Tsukioka | NTV |
| 2007 | Hotaru no Hikari: It’s Only A Little Light In My Life | Hotaru Amemiya | NTV |
| 2008 | The Fantastic Deer-Man | Michiko Fujiwara | Fuji TV |
| 2008 | Rookies | Kyoko Mikoshiba | TBS |
| 2009 | Kurobe no Taiyō | Sachie Takiyama | TBS |
| 2009 | Mr. Brain | Kazune Yuri | TBS |
| 2009 | JIN | Saki Tachibana | TBS |
| 2010 | Hotaru no Hikari: It’s Only Little Light In My Life Season 2 | Hotaru Amemiya | NTV |
| 2011 | Jin 2 | Saki Tachibana | TBS |
| 2011 | Antarctica | Miyuki | TBS |
| 2013 | Yae’s Sakura | Niijima Yae | NHK |
| 2014 | I’m Taking the Day Off | Hanae Aonishi | NTV |
| 2016–18 | Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit | Balsa | NHK |
| 2016 | Never Let Me Go | Kyoko Hoshina | TBS |
| 2017 | Caution, Hazardous Wife | Nami Isayama | NTV |
| 2018 | Stepmom and Daughter Blues | Akiko Iwaki | TBS |
| 2019 | Idaten | Suya Haruno | NHK |
| 2020 | Stepmom and Daughter Blues 2020 Happy New Year Special | Akiko Miyamoto | TBS |
| 2021 | Anata no Soba de Ashita ga Warau | Ao Mashiro | NHK |
| 2021 | Heaven and Hell: Soul Exchange | Ayako Mochizuki | TBS |
| 2022 | Stepmom and Daughter Blues 2022 Happy New Year Special | Akiko Miyamoto | TBS |
| 2022 | My Ex-Boyfriend’s Last Will | Reiko Kenmochi | Fuji TV |
| 2024 | Stepmom and Daughter Blues Final (2024 Happy New Year Special) | Akiko Miyamoto | TBS |
Voiceovers
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Incredibles | Violet Parr | |
| 2018 | Incredibles 2 | Violet Parr |
Documentary
| Year | Title | Network | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–present | Haruka Ayase Listen to War Experience | TBS |
Others
| Year | Event | Network | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 47th Japan Record Awards | TBS | Host |
| 2005 | Kōhaku Uta Gassen | NHK | Host |
| 2012 | 63rd | NHK | Judge |
| 2013 | 64th | NHK | Red team captain |
| 2015 | 66th | NHK | Red team captain |
| 2019 | 70th | NHK | Red team captain |
Discography
| Year | Single | Chart position | Album | Total sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | “Period” (ピリオド, Piriodo) | 8 | 28,224 | |
| 2006 | “Kōsaten Days” (交差点days) | 8 | 18,688 | |
| 2007 | “Hikōkigumo” (飛行機雲) | 23 | 10,352 | |
| 2010 | “Māgaretto” (マーガレット) |
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | The 31st Elan d’or Awards | Newcomer of the Year | Herself | Won |
| 2008 | The 21st Nikkan Sports Film Awards | Best Actress | Cyborg She, Ichi, Happy Flight | Won |
| 2009 | The 18th Hashida Awards | Best Newcomer | Jin | Won |
| 2009 | The 52nd Blue Ribbon Awards | Best Actress | Oppai Volleyball | Won |
| 2009 | The 33rd Japan Academy Film Prize | Best Actress | Nominated | Nominated |
| 2015 | The 18th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix | Best Actress | I’m Taking the Day Off | Won |
| 2015 | The 37th Yokohama Film Festival | Best Actress | Our Little Sister | Won |
| 2015 | The 40th Hochi Film Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | Won |
| 2015 | The 28th Nikkan Sports Film Awards | Best Actress | Won | Won |
| 2016 | The 58th Blue Ribbon Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | Won |
| 2016 | The 70th Mainichi Film Awards | Best Actress | Won | Won |
| 2016 | The 39th Japan Academy Film Prize | Best Actress | Nominated | Won |
| 2016 | The 10th Asian Film Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | Won |
| 2016 | The 41st Hochi Film Awards | Best Actress | The Kodai Family | Nominated |
| 2019 | The 22nd Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix | Best Actress | Stepmom and Daughter Blues | Won |
| 2021 | The 24th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix | Best Actress | Heaven and Hell: Soul Exchange | Won |
| 2021 | The 14th Tokyo Drama Awards | Best Actress | Won | Won |
| 2023 | The 48th Hochi Film Awards | Best Actress | The Legend and Butterfly and Revolver Lily | Won |
| 2024 | The 66th Blue Ribbon Awards | Best Actress | Revolver Lily | Nominated |
| 2024 | The 47th Japan Academy Film Prize | Best Actress | Nominated | Nominated |
| 2004 | Summer | Best Supporting Actress | Socrates in Love | Won |
| 2006 | Winter | Best Supporting Actress | Journey Under the Midnight Sun | Won |
| 2009 | Fall | Best Supporting Actress | Jin | Won |
| 2010 | Summer | Best Actress | Hotaru no Hikari: It’s Only a Little Light In My Life | Won |
| 2011 | Spring | Best Supporting Actress | Jin 2 | Won |
| 2014 | Fall | Best Actress | I’m Taking the Day Off | Won |
| 2017 | Fall | Best Actress | Caution, Hazardous Wife | Won |
