Hashimoto Kanna's Profile
- Full Name: Hashimoto Kanna
- Native Name: 橋本環奈
- Nicknames: Kannahashi, 1000-Year Idol
- Birthday: Feb 03, 1999 (26 years old)
- Blood Type: AB
- Height/Weight: 152 cm (5'0") / 45 kg (99 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Debut: 2009 (as part of Rev. from DVL)
- Birthplace: Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
-
Nationality:
Japanese
- Profession: Actress, Singer, Idol
- Languages: Japanese (Native)
- Current Agency: Discovery Next
- Active Years: 2007–present (18 years)
Hashimoto Kanna is a Japanese actress and former idol singer, born in 1999 in Fukuoka. She is currently active primarily in film, television, and advertising in Japan. She was previously a member of the local idol group Rev. from DVL before fully devoting herself to acting. After leaving the group, she signed with the talent agency Discovery Next and built her acting portfolio through popular live-action film adaptations, while also maintaining a steady presence in commercials and major national television programs.
Early life
Hashimoto Kanna grew up in Fukuoka, Japan. At the age of 11, she joined the local talent training school Active Hakata, where she began performing and making her first appearances on regional television. This foundation in Fukuoka led to her participation in the groups DVL and later Rev. from DVL, before branching out into minor acting roles and modeling work—laying the groundwork for her professional career in Tokyo.
Career
Hashimoto Kanna began her career in 2007 when she signed with the Fukuoka-based talent agency Active Hakata. In her early years, she appeared in local commercials for major brands such as Sekisui House and McDonald’s, while also taking part in community events.
In 2009, she became a member of the dance-vocal group DVL, which was later reorganized as Rev. from DVL and shifted its activities toward the idol format. This marked her transition from commercial appearances to professional singing and performing.
In 2011, Hashimoto made her film debut with a supporting role in I Wish (directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda). At the same time, she frequently appeared in children’s theater productions organized by her agency, as well as in local television dramas and entertainment projects in Fukuoka.
In 2013, during a live performance by Rev. from DVL, photos of her were circulated online and went viral. The sudden attention propelled Hashimoto into nationwide recognition, allowing her career to extend beyond local activities.
In 2014, Rev. from DVL released their debut single LOVE-arigatou- and officially entered the mainstream music industry. Concurrently, Hashimoto began receiving offers to appear in films and television programs.
Between 2015 and 2016, she starred in live-action adaptations of popular manga, including Assassination Classroom (2015, 2016). In 2016, she released her solo single Sailor Fuku to Kikanjū (Sailor Suit and Machine Gun), and played the lead role in Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation. Her performance earned her the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize.
In 2017, following the disbandment of Rev. from DVL, Hashimoto officially pursued acting as a solo career. That year, she appeared in live-action films such as Gintama and The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., and starred as the female lead in the Fuji TV drama Keishichō Ikimono Gakari.
From 2017 to 2020, Hashimoto continued to work steadily in major film projects, including Gintama 2, Kingdom, and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War. Her consistent presence in high-profile manga adaptations solidified her status in Japan’s commercial film industry.
In 2022, Hashimoto expanded into theater, taking on the role of Chihiro in the stage musical adaptation of Spirited Away, performed at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo. In 2024, she reprised the role for the international production at the London Coliseum, marking a rare appearance of a young Japanese actress on the London stage.
Also in 2024, Hashimoto was cast as the lead in Omusubi (おむすび), the 111th NHK morning drama series (asadora), which premiered in September. Landing a leading role in an asadora is widely regarded as a significant milestone for an actress’s career in Japan.
Outside of acting, Hashimoto is a frequent presence in variety shows and major televised events. She was selected as a host for NHK’s annual year-end music program Kōhaku Uta Gassen for three consecutive years in 2022, 2023, and 2024—Japan’s most-watched music event.
Fun facts
- Became famous from the photo called “Miracle Shot” at just 14 years old, when a single picture went viral on social media.
- On variety shows, sometimes laughs so loudly that people compare her to a granny from Osaka.
- Her face is nicknamed the “expressive rabbit” because she changes expressions as quickly as in an anime.
- Surprised fans with the “Devilish Kanna” look in a Lip Baby Crayon commercial.
- Once set a Guinness World Record by pulling out 157 tissues in one minute.
- Admitted to drinking alcohol up to 7 days a week, becoming a meme as a “legendary drinking idol.”
- Her taste gradually shifted toward salty foods; she loves salted squid and takowasabi—just like her dad.
- Hates almond jelly (annin tofu) even though she usually loves tofu.
- A hardcore baseball fan, especially of the Yomiuri Giants.
- On TV, often “spams” facial expressions, earning the nickname “walking meme album.”
- Lives extremely neatly—even the TV remote must be stored in its proper drawer.
- Has a “secret drawer” just for tissues and remotes, never allowing them to be left around.
- Her philosophy when facing failure: “the faster you change your mood, the better.”
- On set, can remember the names of hundreds of staff members and chat with each one.
- Co-stars often jokingly call her the “conductor of the atmosphere” because she always livens up the set.
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