Aragaki Yui Profile – Biography, Age, Fun Facts

Table of Contents

Aragaki Yui’s Profile

Full Name: Aragaki Yui
Native Name: 新垣結衣
Nicknames: Gakki (ガッキー)
Birthday: June 11, 1988 (36 years old)
Blood type: A
Height/Weight: 169 cm / 50 kg (110 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Debut: 2005 (Acting)
Birthplace: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Education: Horikoshi High School
Nationality: Japanese
Profession: Actress, Model, Singer
Languages: Japanese (Native)
Notable films: Koizora (2007), Code Blue (2008–2018), Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (2016)
Current Agency: LesPros Entertainment
Active Years: 2001 – present

📝 Profile Summary

Aragaki Yui embodies a sense of “cinematic purity” – rustic yet modern, approachable yet captivating. With her radiant aura and unmistakable beauty, she has become the quintessential “national sweetheart” of Japanese cinema. Starting with a solid foundation in modeling, Gakki – as affectionately called by fans – quickly expanded her reach into acting, music, and voice work. What sets Yui apart isn’t glitz or drama, but the way she has steadily built a scandal-free, enduring career that consistently brings comfort and healing to her audience.

🎤 Artistic Identity & Acting Style

Aragaki Yui doesn’t rely on over-the-top dramatics to impress – she wins hearts with subtle expressions and sincere performances. In Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (We Married as a Job), she captured every awkward gesture and conflicted gaze of a woman navigating love and work. Her natural chemistry with co-stars makes her stand out in every frame. Whether playing a lighthearted protagonist or a deeply introspective character like in Koizora (2007), Yui masters the rhythm of her roles – a kind of “emotional whisper” that keeps viewers holding their breath. She doesn’t act a character – she becomes one.

🎞️ Script Selection Style

Aragaki Yui gravitates toward relatable roles that reflect the nuances of everyday life. Her works like Legal High (2012), Zenkai Girl (2011), and Code Blue often portray strong yet gentle modern women. She tends to choose psychologically layered characters rather than idealized heroes, reflecting a long-term vision focused on emotional authenticity and performance quality over mere popularity.

👗 Fashion Sense & Public Image

Yui represents a “natural chic” aesthetic – simple yet elegant, accessible yet stylish. She served as the face of Kosé cosmetics, and her glowing, minimalistic campaign look drew over 300,000 shares in its first week (according to Oricon News, 2022). Frequently featured on the covers of magazines like non-no and MORE, Gakki has become a quiet but powerful fashion muse. Though she doesn’t seek the spotlight, her image consistently resonates as a “symbol of serenity amid a noisy world.”

🌟 Signature Strengths

Though not a powerhouse vocalist, Gakki conveys emotion through a soft, heartfelt singing style – as heard in “Piece” (2015), where her gentle voice melds seamlessly with piano, creating a soothing love ballad. On screen, her greatest weapon is her expressive eyes – from the sorrowful glances in Koizora to the determined gaze of a doctor in Code Blue. Her emotional control allows her to deliver both intense scenes and silent moments with equal impact. She doesn’t shock – she connects. And that’s why millions follow her artistic journey as if it were part of their own lives.

🐾 Fun Facts

Once dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher due to her love for children and experience teaching kids’ art classes.
The nickname “Gakki” comes from her real name, but many mistake her for a musician!
One of the few Japanese artists fluent in native Okinawan dialect – her gentle voice was used for the anime A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi, 2016).
Favorite food? “Taco rice” – a beloved Okinawan dish with rice and taco-seasoned meat.
Loves posting about nature, succulents, and plush toys on her blog – she’s a proud “cat mom” to Yuzu and Maro.
Known as the team’s mood booster on Code Blue sets, organizing quizzes and Rubik’s Cube challenges!
Longtime close friends with Toda Erika and Ueno Juri, forming a beloved “visual trio” in Japanese showbiz.
A huge fan of singer YUI (same name), even once covered “CHE.R.RY” at a fan event.
Quiet in public but thoughtful behind the scenes – she has a tradition of giving handmade cards to staff at the end of each project.
Obsessed with Doraemon – her personal room has a shelf full of 90s manga.

🚀 Career Milestones

2001: Won Grand Prix at Nicola Model Audition, entering showbiz.
2005: Acting debut in Sh15uya.
2007: Starred in Koizora, gaining acclaim and winning Best Newcomer at the Japan Academy Prize.
2012: Breakthrough as a bold lawyer in Legal High.
2016: Played lead in Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu – record ratings and viral “Koi Dance.”
2021: Married Hoshino Gen, her co-star in Nigeru wa Haji.
2022–2025: Took a hiatus after marriage (Yahoo News), but still appeared in major campaigns for Uniqlo and Kosé.

“The Koi Dance didn’t just get people dancing – it became a cultural phenomenon in Japan’s digital era.” – Oricon Japan

🎥 Notable Filmography

Koizora (2007) – Box Office: ¥3.9 billion
Code Blue series (2008–2018) – Avg. Rating: 15%
Hanamizuki (2010) – Box Office: ¥2.8 billion
Legal High (2012)
Zenkai Girl (2011)
Karaage☆USA (2014)
Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (2016) – Finale Rating: 20.8%
Koe no Katachi (2016, voice of Shouko Nishimiya)
Papa wa Warumono Champion (2018)
Gekijouban Code Blue (2018) – Box Office: ¥9.3 billion

📜 Awards & Achievements

Japan Academy Prize – Best Newcomer (2008) for Koizora
Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix – Best Actress (Zenkai Girl, 2011)
Television Drama Academy Awards – Best Actress (Nigeru wa Haji, 2016)
Oricon Top 10 Most Liked Japanese Celebrities (2017–2020, consecutive years)
CM Queen 2017 – No.1 in female endorsements in Japan (Video Research Ltd.)

“Yui doesn’t race – she walks steadily. And the finish line is always right where she deserves it.”

🏢 Agency & Brand Partnerships

Aragaki Yui has been with LesPros Entertainment since 2001. She has represented major brands including Kosé, Uniqlo, Tokyo Metro, and Suntory. Campaigns featuring her consistently achieve high engagement, helping shape the image of the refined, independent modern Japanese woman.