Yui Imaizumi
A versatile Japanese talent who evolved from a founding idol in Keyakizaka46 to a compelling actress on stage and screen.
Born 1998 (age 28)·Japanese actress, singer, model, and television personality·Birthday: September 30·Generation Z
Biography
Yui Imaizumi's career embodies the modern multi-hyphenate path in Japanese entertainment, moving fluidly between music, fashion, and acting. She first captured attention as a founding member of the influential idol group Keyakizaka46, known for its synchronized, militaristic choreography and introspective lyrics. Within the group, Imaizumi stood out for her poised presence and sharp dancing. Sensing a different calling, she made the bold decision to graduate from the group in 2018 to pursue acting full-time. This pivot was decisive; she quickly landed lead roles, proving her mettle in the action series 'Million Joe' and, more strikingly, in demanding stage adaptations like 'Azumi' and 'Lady Snowblood,' where her physical discipline from idol days translated into powerful theatrical performances. After a brief, thoughtful hiatus for personal well-being, her return to the industry signals an artist in control of her narrative, continuously redefining her craft beyond the idol sphere.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Yui was born in 1998, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yui Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Yui's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2011Became a teenager
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Could drive
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as a founding member of the major idol group Keyakizaka46, contributing to their early success.
- Earned a lead role in the television drama 'Million Joe' shortly after leaving the idol group.
- Starred in the title role of the stage play 'Lady Snowblood,' showcasing her theatrical range.
- Served as a regular model for the Japanese fashion magazine 'Ar.'
Did You Know?
She shares a birthday (October 30) with fellow former Keyakizaka46 member Yurina Hirate.
Her hobby is visiting art museums.
She temporarily stepped away from all entertainment activities in 2022, citing health and personal growth as reasons.
She made her official return to acting with a stage play in early 2025.
“I want to express the complex feelings that don't have simple words.”
