Nako Yabuki

2.1. Joining HKT48

In August 2013, Yabuki Nako successfully passed the 3rd generation auditions for HKT48. She was first introduced to the public on November 2, 2013, as a back dancer during the opening performance of the HKT48 Himawari-gumi "Pajama Drive" stage. Her official theater debut occurred on December 7, 2013, with the Kenkyūsei "Nounai Paradise" performance.

In a notable early achievement, Yabuki was selected as the center for the song "Wink wa 3-kai" (ウインクは3回_{Winku wa San-kai}^Japanese), which was included on AKB48's 34th single, "Suzukake no Ki no Michi de 'Kimi no Hohoemi o Yume ni Miru' to Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dō Kawatte Shimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nannichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no Yō na Mono" (鈴懸の木の道で「君の微笑みを夢に見る」と言ってしまったら僕たちの関係はどう変わってしまうのか、僕なりに何日か考えた上でのやや気恥ずかしい結論のようなもの^Japanese), released on December 11, 2013. The music video for this song was filmed even before her official public unveiling.

On February 24, 2014, during the "AKB48 Group Daisokaku Matsuri" held at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo, it was announced that Yabuki would be promoted to Team H. She officially began her activities as a Team H member on April 23. On March 12, 2014, she achieved her first selection for an HKT48 single, "Sakura, Minna de Tabeta" (桜、みんなで食べた^Japanese), alongside her同期 (same-generation member) Miku Tanaka. This marked the beginning of their popular "NakoMiku" duo.

2.2. AKB48 Concurrent Activities and General Elections

Yabuki Nako's career expanded further with concurrent activities in AKB48 and participation in the group's annual General Elections. On March 25, 2015, during the "AKB48 Young Member National Tour ~Mirai wa Ima Kara Tsukurareu~" at Saitama Super Arena, it was announced that she would form the AKB48 Group sub-unit "Dendenmu Chu!" (でんでんむChu!^Japanese) with Tanaka Miku and five AKB48 members: Nana Owada, Saya Kawamoto, Megumi Taniguchi, Mion Mukaichi, and Yuiri Murayama. The following day, during the "Spring Personnel Reshuffle" at the "AKB48 Spring Solo Concert ~Jikiso Mada Shugyo-chu!~" at the same venue, her concurrent position with AKB48 Team B was announced. She began her concurrent activities under the new system on September 1, 2015.

On November 25, 2015, her solo song "Ijiwaru Chu" (いじわるチュー^Japanese) was included on Type-C of HKT48's 6th single, "Shekarashika!" (しぇからしか!^Japanese), marking the first time a solo song by an HKT48 member was featured on one of their singles. She made her first appearance on the Team B "Tadaima Renaichu" (ただいま 恋愛中^Japanese) stage on December 26, 2015.

Yabuki participated in five of AKB48's annual General Elections, with her rankings steadily climbing:

In the "AKB48 45th Single Senbatsu General Election" held from May to June 2016, she ranked 28th, earning a spot in the Undergirls and her first-ever rank-in. The announcement on June 18, her 15th birthday, made it "the best day of my life," she commented. On December 8, 2017, during the AKB48 Theater's 12th-anniversary performance, it was announced that her concurrent membership with AKB48 Team B would be revoked, and her activities as an AKB48 member concluded on May 28, 2018.

On May 2, 2018, Yabuki and Tanaka Miku were selected as the double centers for HKT48's 11th single, "Hayaokuri Calendar" (早送りカレンダー^Japanese), a significant moment for the "NakoMiku" duo. She also made her first appearance as a senbatsu member for an AKB48 single's title track with the 52nd single, "Teacher Teacher," released on May 30, 2018. In the "AKB48 53rd Single Sekai Senbatsu General Election" in June 2018, she ranked 9th, achieving her first selection for a title track, with Tanaka Miku also ranking 10th, marking a simultaneous senbatsu entry for the "NakoMiku" pair.

2.3. Produce 48 and IZ*ONE Activities

From April to August 2018, Yabuki Nako participated in the South Korean reality girl group survival show Produce 48. She, along with fellow HKT48 senior member Sakura Miyawaki, made it to the top 20 finalists. In the final episode on August 31, she was announced as the 6th-place finisher, securing a spot in the Korean-Japanese idol group Iz*One.

To fully dedicate herself to IZ*ONE's activities, Yabuki took a temporary hiatus from her domestic group activities with HKT48 for two years and six months, until April 2021. IZ*ONE officially debuted on October 29, 2018, with their mini-album Color*Iz, marking the beginning of her exclusive activities with the group. On April 29, 2021, her contract with IZ*ONE officially expired, and she, along with the other two Japanese members, returned to Japan.

2.4. HKT48 Graduation and Solo Career Transition

Following the conclusion of IZ*ONE's activities, Yabuki Nako officially resumed her HKT48 activities on May 15, 2021, with a surprise appearance on the live broadcast "HKT48 Members All Live Appearance 'Kimi to Dokoka e Ikitai' Release Commemoration Nico Nico Live Special." On the same day, she reactivated her Twitter and Instagram accounts after approximately two years and eight months.

On June 26, 2021, she made her return to theater performances after two years and nine months, celebrating her 20th birthday at the Nishinippon City Bank HKT48 Theater. On October 8, 2021, she launched her official TikTok account. On November 3, 2021, it was announced that she would serve as the solo center for "Totsuzen Do love me!" (突然 Do love me!^Japanese), the lead track of HKT48's 2nd album, Outstanding, released on December 1. The music video for the song was unveiled on November 30.

On October 16, 2022, during HKT48's 11th-anniversary concert "Message to the Future" held at Makuhari Messe, Yabuki announced her graduation from the group. Her graduation concert took place on April 1, 2023, at Pacifico Yokohama, marking the end of her activities as an HKT48 member.

On January 28, 2023, Yabuki announced via her Twitter account that her contract with her agency, Vernalossom, would expire on January 31, and she would become a freelance artist. On June 18, 2023, it was officially announced that she had signed with Twin Planet Entertainment, marking her transition to a solo career focused primarily on acting and other entertainment endeavors.

3.1. Early Acting Roles

Yabuki began acting as a child at a very young age, appearing in various productions. Her notable early film appearance was in the 2005 coming-of-age film Touch, where she played the role of young Minami Asakura. Two years later, she appeared in commercials for JCB and Dainichi. In 2009, she featured in the made-for-television films Detective Samonji Susumu and My Father's Longest Day. She also appeared in a Koala's March commercial in 2011. In 2012, she acted in the short film On the Shinhori River. The following year, she appeared in the tokusatsu superhero film Gatchaman, portraying Dr. Nambu's daughter.

3.2. Television Dramas

Yabuki Nako has built an extensive filmography in Japanese television dramas, taking on diverse roles that showcase her acting range.

3.3. Films

Yabuki Nako's film career spans from her early childhood acting days to more recent roles post-idol activities.

3.4. Stage Performances

Yabuki Nako has also ventured into stage acting, showcasing her versatility beyond screen roles.

4.1. Modeling and Commercials

Since 2016, Yabuki Nako has been an exclusive model for the Japanese beauty and fashion magazine Love Berry, catering to middle and high school students. She has also appeared in numerous commercial advertisements and endorsements:

• JCB Card "Smile Campaign at Tokyo Disney Resort" (August 2007)
• Dainichi Blue Heater "Hayaku Attaka Kōshin" (October 2007)
• Koala's March (2011)
• Umakacchan (2014-2015, House Foods)
• KIRSH (July 2021)
• Earth music&ecology (April 2022)
• BOAT RACE Promotion Association (January 2024 - present)
• SHEIN (2024)

She has also participated in major fashion shows:

• GirlsAward**: Rakuten GirlsAward 2023 AUTUMN/WINTER (September 30, 2023, Makuhari Messe), Rakuten GirlsAward 2024 SPRING/SUMMER (May 3, 2024, Yoyogi National Gymnasium).
• Tokyo Girls Collection**: CREATEs presents TGC KITAKYUSHU 2023 (October 7, 2023, West Japan General Exhibition Center), oomiya presents TGC WAKAYAMA 2024 (February 3, 2024, Wakayama Big Whale), 38th Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2024 SPRING/SUMMER (March 2, 2024, Yoyogi National Gymnasium), 39th Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2024 AUTUMN/WINTER (September 7, 2024, Saitama Super Arena).
• Chojudai**: Chojudai - ULTRA TEENS FES - 2017@TOKYO (March 28, 2017, Makuhari Messe).

4.2. Television and Radio Appearances

Yabuki Nako has taken on various roles in television and radio, including hosting and regular appearances.

• Television Shows**:
  • Kono Yubi Tomare! (May 6 - September 16, 2017, Fuji TV) - Sub-MC. She reprised this role for Season 2 (April 29 - August 26, 2018) and Season 3 (May 27 - August 26, 2019).
  • Produce 48 (April 11 - August 31, 2018, Mnet) - Contestant, finishing 6th.
  • Love It! (August 26, 2021 - present, TBS) - Thursday semi-regular.
  • The Idol Band: Boy's Battle (Autumn 2022 - 2023, TBS, SBS M, SBS FiL) - Host, alongside Rowoon.
  • Produce 101 Japan The Girls (2023) - Official Ambassador.
• Hosting**:
  • Gala Show 2022 Asia Artist Awards (December 14, 2022, Nippon Gaishi Hall) - Co-MC with Hwang Min-hyun.
  • KCON 2022 Premire in Tokyo (May 14, 2022, Makuhari Messe) - MC.
  • KCON 2023 JAPAN (May 12-14, 2023, Makuhari Messe) - MC.
  • 2023 DREAM CONCERT in JAPAN: Hello, My Friends! (June 18, 2023, Saitama Super Arena) - MC.
• Radio Programs**:
  • Appare Yattemasu! Monday (April 25, 2022 - present, MBS Radio).
  • Recomen! (April 2023 - present, Bunka Hoso) - Wednesday 22-23 o'clock personality.
  • Furuya Masayuki no POP☆A (NHK Radio 1) - Semi-regular.

  She also participated in the "CROSSFM KoreKan ~Kore de Anata mo Kankoku Tsū~" public recording event on December 3, 2021, at Nishitetsu Hall. On December 31, 2023, she participated in "Run for Money: Odaiba Revengers" for the fifth time, making it to the final person but being eliminated with 22 seconds left. On January 15, 2024, she was appointed as the official supporter for "Ichigo Sando 2024." She released her first calendar in April 2024, with a commemorative event held on April 20.

5.1. Songwriting Credits

Yabuki Nako has received songwriting credits for several songs, particularly during her time with IZ*ONE.

5.2. Participated Singles and Albums

Yabuki Nako has participated in a wide range of singles and albums throughout her idol career.

HKT48 Singles

• "Sakura, Minna de Tabeta" (March 12, 2014)
  • "Kimi wa Dōshite?"
  • "Oboete Kudasai" (as Kenkyūsei)
  • "Kimi no Koto ga Sukiyaken"
• "Hikaeme I love you!" (September 24, 2014)
  • "Ima Kimi o Omou"
  • "Idol no Ōja" (as Team H)
  • "Namaiki Lips" (as NakoMiku)
• "12 Byō" (April 22, 2015)
  • "Rock da yo, Jinsei wa..."
  • "Hohoemi Popcorn" (as Popcorn Children)
  • "Chameleon Joshikōsei" (as Team H)
• "Shekarashika!" (November 25, 2015) (as HKT48 feat. Kishidan)
  • "Tasogare no Tandem"
  • "Buddy" (as Team H)
  • "Ijiwaru Chu" (Solo song)
• "74 Okubun no 1 no Kimi e" (April 13, 2016)
  • "Chain of love"
  • "Einstein Yori Diana Agron" (as NakoMiku & MeruMio)
• "Saikō Kayo" (September 7, 2016)
  • "Yozora no Tsuki o Nomikomō" (as HKT48 Team H)
• "Bagutte Iijan" (February 15, 2017)
  • "Hitsuzen-teki Koibito"
  • "HKT48 Family"
• "Kiss wa Matsushikanai no Deshōka?" (August 2, 2017)
  • "Romantic Byō"
• "Hayaokuri Calendar" (May 2, 2018)
  • "Kisetsu no Sei ni Shitaku wa Nai"
• "Bee San wa Naze Nakunaru no ka?" (June 22, 2022)

AKB48 Singles

• "Wink wa 3-kai" (December 11, 2013) (as HKT48) - B-side to "Suzukake no Ki no Michi de..."
• "Himitsu no Diary" (February 26, 2014) (as Baby Elephants) - B-side to "Mae Shika Mukanee"
• "Ima, Happy" (November 26, 2014) (as Bara-gumi) - B-side to "Kibōteki Refrain"
• "Otona Ressha" (March 4, 2015) (as HKT48) - B-side to "Green Flash"
• "Kafka to Dendenmu Chu!" (May 20, 2015) (as Dendenmu Chu!) - B-side to "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai"
• "Kin no Hane o Motsu Hito yo" (December 9, 2015) (as Team B) - B-side to "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby"
• "Make noise" (March 9, 2016) (as HKT48) - B-side to "Kimi wa Melody"
• "Koi o Suru to Baka o Miru" (June 1, 2016) (as Team B) - B-side to "Tsubasa wa Iranai"
• "Densetsu no Sakana" (August 31, 2016) (as Undergirls) - B-side to "LOVE TRIP / Shiawase o Wakenasai"
• "Tomaranai Kanransha" (March 15, 2017) (as HKT48) - B-side to "Shoot Sign"
• "Imapara" (May 31, 2017) - B-side to "Negaigoto no Mochigusare"
• "Tomadotte Tameratte" (August 30, 2017) (as Next Girls) - B-side to "#Sukinanda"
• "Hohoemi no Shunkan" (November 22, 2017) (as 7byō-go, Kimi ga Suki ni Naru.) - B-side to "11gatsu no Anklet"
• "Hōtei Sokudo to Yūetsukan" (November 22, 2017) (as U-17 Senbatsu) - B-side to "11gatsu no Anklet"
• "Buttaoreru Made" (March 14, 2018) (as HKT48) - B-side to "Jabaja"
• "Teacher Teacher" (May 30, 2018)
• "Sentimental Train" (September 19, 2018)
• "NO WAY MAN" (November 28, 2018)
• "Hitsuzensei" (March 13, 2019) (as IZ4648) - B-side to "Jiwaru DAYS"

PRODUCE 48 Singles

• "NEKKOYA (PICK ME)" (May 10, 2018)

HKT48 Albums

• 092 (December 27, 2017)
  • "Hitosashiyubi no Jūdan"
  • "Fanmeeting" (as F24)
• Outstanding (December 1, 2021)
  • "Totsuzen Do love me!"
  • "Akkenai Koyuki"

  AKB48 Albums

  • Tsugi no Ashiato (January 22, 2014)
    • "Stoic na Bigaku"
  • Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe! (January 21, 2015)
    • "Birth"
  • 0 to 1 no Aida (November 18, 2015)
    • "Music Junkie" (as Team B)
    • "Are Kara Boku wa Benkyō ga Te ni Tsukanai" (as Dendenmu Chu!)
  • Thumbnail (January 25, 2017)
    • "Aokusai Rock"

    PRODUCE 48 Albums

    • PRODUCE 48 - 30 Girls 6 Concepts (August 18, 2018)
      • "To Reach You" (as Memory Fabricators)
    • PRODUCE 48 - FINAL (September 1, 2018)
      • "We Together"
      • "Yume o Miteiru Aida"

      Theater Performance Unit Songs

      • HKT48 Kenkyūsei "Nounai Paradise"**
        • "Nakinagara Hohoende"
        • "MARIA"
      • HKT48 Himawari-gumi "Pajama Drive"**
        • "Pajama Drive"
      • Team H 2nd Stage "Seishun Girls"**
        • "Ame no Dōbutsuen"
      • Team H 3rd Stage "Saishū Bell ga Naru"**
        • "Hatsukoi Dorobō"
        • "20-nin Shimai no Uta"
      • HKT48 Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage "Tadaima Renaichu"**
        • "7-ji 12-fun no Hatsukoi"
      • Team H 4th Stage "Theater no Megami"**
        • "Candy"
        • "Hatsukoi yo Konnichiwa"
        • "Arashi no Yoru ni wa"
        • "Yokaze no Shiwaza"
      • Team H 5th Stage "RESET"**
        • "Seifuku Resistance"
        • "Gyaku-ten Ōjisama"
      • AKB48 Kizaki Team B "Tadaima Renaichu" Performance**
        • "7-ji 12-fun no Hatsukoi"

7.1. Public and Critical Reception

Yabuki Nako is widely praised for her strong vocal abilities. During the team-based battles on Produce 48, her powerful high notes garnered significant acclaim, especially from Korean fans. This vocal prowess contributed significantly to her popularity and success in the highly competitive survival show.

7.2. Impact and Influence

Yabuki Nako's career trajectory, from a child actress to a prominent idol in both Japanese and international groups, and now to a solo actress and entertainer, demonstrates her adaptability and enduring appeal. Her journey has inspired many fans, showcasing a successful transition within the demanding entertainment industry. Her contributions to HKT48 and IZ*ONE, including her songwriting credits, have left a lasting mark on the discographies of both groups. Her continued presence in television, film, and modeling further solidifies her influence as a versatile and respected figure in Japanese entertainment.