Yōko Maki (actress)

2.1. Childhood and Family

Yōko Maki was born on October 15, 1982, in Inzai, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. She grew up as the only daughter among four siblings, with an elder brother and two younger brothers, a family dynamic that she believes contributed to her self-described "manly" and strong-willed personality.

2.2. Education and Initial Acting Endeavors

Maki's path to acting began at an early age. In elementary school, at the age of five, she was deeply inspired by Yumi Adachi's performance in the film REX 恐竜物語_{REX Kyōryū Monogatari}^Japanese, which solidified her desire to enter the entertainment industry. In her final year of junior high school, Maki expressed her intention to join the renowned acting school 無名塾_Mumeijuku^Japanese, founded by Tatsuya Nakadai. Despite strong opposition from her father, Maki's determination led her to use an unconventional tactic, threatening to engage in "aid dating" (a term for compensated dating in Japan), to gain his reluctant permission.

In 1998, after graduating from junior high, Maki successfully auditioned for Mumeijuku, being one of only five applicants selected out of approximately 1,000 hopefuls. Her classmates included Kenichi Takitō and Junichi Uchiura. She immersed herself in acting from 1999 to 2000. During her second year at the juku, she was cast in the significant role of Natasha in the play どん底_Donzoko^Japanese (The Lower Depths), which involved a six-month touring performance. Tatsuya Nakadai himself highly praised her talent during this period. However, a misunderstanding arose when Maki, eager for more practice, completed her early morning endurance run ahead of schedule to start vocal exercises, leading Nakadai to mistakenly believe she was skipping practice. This led to a heated exchange where Maki, feeling wronged, argued back, resulting in her withdrawal from the school and return home. For a long time after this, she did not greet Nakadai. However, in July 2013, Nakadai conveyed a message of "congratulations" to Maki through a reporter. In December of the same year, at the 38th Hochi Film Award ceremony, Maki expressed her gratitude, stating that Mumeijuku had taught her the essence of acting and that she wished to properly thank Nakadai someday.

Maki made her feature film debut at the age of 19 in the 2001 film Drug. Her film career rapidly progressed with her role as Aya in The Princess Blade, a 2001 reimagining of the manga series Lady Snowblood. Following her early film successes, Maki expanded into stage acting, making her debut in the 2002 play Cross.

3.1. Film

Maki has appeared in a wide array of films, taking on significant roles that have garnered critical attention.

3.2. Television Dramas

Maki has a substantial presence in television dramas, often taking on diverse roles ranging from supporting characters to protagonists.

3.3. Direct-to-Video Films

Yōko Maki has also appeared in several direct-to-video films.

3.4. Stage Performances

Maki has graced the stage in various theatrical productions throughout her career.

4.1. Voice Acting

Maki has lent her voice to animated productions and films. She voiced Michiko Malandro in the television anime series ミチコとハッチン_{Michiko to Hatchin}^Japanese from 2008 to 2009. In film, she provided the voice for Princess in the flash anime ピューと吹く!ジャガー ~いま、吹きにゆきます~_{Pyū to Fuku! Jagā ~Ima, Fuki ni Yukimasu~}^Japanese (2009) and Prince Luri in BUDDHA2 手塚治虫のブッダ -終わりなき旅-_{BUDDHA2 Tezuka Osamu no Budda -Owarinaki Tabi-}^Japanese (2014).

4.2. Music Activities

Yōko Maki has also engaged in musical activities as a singer. In 2011, she collaborated with Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set on their album Subete Hikari, performing the song "星影の小径_{Hoshikage no Komichi}^Japanese". Her official debut as a singer came in June 2013 with the single "幸先坂_Saisakizaka^Japanese", which was produced by renowned musician Ringo Sheena and served as the theme song for her starring film The Ravine of Goodbye. She also appeared in the music video for Schadaraparr's "Lights Camera Action" in 2008 and Keisuke Kuwata's "Yin Yang" in 2013.

4.3. Commercials and Advertisements

Maki has been a prominent figure in numerous advertising campaigns for various brands. Her commercial appearances include:

• Lotte: Ao Toppo (2001), Xylitol Xylic (2009)
• JR East (2005)
• Meiji Seika: Xylish (2005, 2012)
• Green Film Project EVERY DAY (2008)
• Shiseido: Integrate (2008), Anessa (2016), Shiseido Hyo-jo Project (Elixir Superieur Enriched Wrinkle Cream S (2017), Vital Perfection Wrinkle Lift Deep Retino White 4 (2017), Benefique Retino Lift Genius (2018))
• Suntory Beverages & Food Ltd. Lipton The Royal (2008)
• Nissin Food Products: Cup Noodle Curry Light (2010)
• Ito En: Tully's Coffee (2010-)
• Orbis: Shin Aquaforce (2011)
• Suntory Kinmugi Suger 70% Off (2012)
• Bausch & Lomb Japan: Bausch & Lomb Naturelle (2012-)
• Mellsavon (2012-)
• Fujifilm: FUJIFILM XF1 (2012-2013)
• Toyota: SAI (2013)
• Japan Sports Promotion Center: BIG (2013), toto BIG worth 10.00 B JPY (2013-2014)
• Kirin Beer: Hyōketsu (2016-)
• Daiichi Sankyo: Loxonin S Premium (2016)
• McDonald's Japan: Otona no Cream Pie (2020), Sankaku Choco Pie Kuro Shiro (2020), Belgian Chocolat Pie and Canadian Maple Custard Pie (2022)

In November 2013, Maki became the first Japanese individual to be featured as a model in Louis Vuitton's street advertisements, a significant milestone in her commercial career.

4.4. Game Appearances

Maki has also appeared in video games. She voiced Kiyomi Kasahara in the 2016 Sega game Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

4.5. Publications

Yōko Maki has published several photobooks, including:

• LIP (2003) - an omnibus photobook
• 月刊真木よう子_{Gekkan Maki Yōko}^Japanese (SHINCHO MOOK 87) (February 13, 2007) - photographed by Meisa Fujishiro
• Gekkan Maki Yōko Special (SHINCHO MOOK 99) (February 2008) - photographed by Lily Franky
• お龍_Oryō^Japanese (September 22, 2010) - photographed by Seishi Shirakawa
• MUSCOVITE (December 14, 2013) - photographed by Seiji Kasai

4.6. Hosting and Digital Content

Maki has taken on hosting roles and participated in digital content. She served as the MC and program navigator for the NHK BS Premium documentary series アナザーストーリーズ 運命の分岐点_{Anazā Sutōrīzu Unmei no Bunkiten}^Japanese (Another Stories: Turning Point of Fate) from March 2015 to September 2016, with special appearances in February and March 2016. In 2020, she was a traveler in Italy for the BS-TBS documentary 幸せのホテルが誘う旅~ルレ・エ・シャトーへようこそ~_{Shiawase no Hoteru ga Sasou Tabi ~Rure e Shatō e Yōkoso~}^Japanese (A Trip Invited by Happy Hotels ~Welcome to Relais & Châteaux~).

She hosted the 38th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony in February 2015. In terms of digital content, she starred in I LOVE YOU "Sidewalk Talk" (2013) for UULA. She also provided narration for the audiobook ホテルローヤル_{Hoteru Rōyaru}^Japanese (Hotel Royal) released by Audible Studios in October 2018. In October 2023, she appeared in Jigen Daisuke for Amazon Prime Video, and in October 2024, she featured in the short drama インスタントループ_{Instant Loop}^Japanese for BUMP.

5.1. Marriage and Family

In November 2008, Yōko Maki announced her marriage to a 26-year-old man who was not involved in the Japanese entertainment industry. Her husband was later identified as former actor Reo Katayama. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 10, 2009. However, their marriage concluded with a divorce in September 2015, after approximately six years and ten months. Maki has stated that her decision to divorce was driven by her desire to ensure her daughter would not experience the same hardships she had faced. She currently lives with her daughter, and has publicly shared images of her daughter, noting her resemblance. On August 26, 2023, Maki publicly announced that she is in a partnership, effectively a de facto marriage.

5.2. Health and Public Statements

In November 2017, it was announced that Maki had withdrawn from the planned film Sunny: Our Hearts Beat Together due to health reasons. Her role was subsequently taken over by actress Yuika Itaya. In March 2024, Maki disclosed her hospitalization due to illness via her Instagram account. On March 8, a person claiming to be her partner posted an update from Maki's Instagram account, stating that she had "not regained consciousness." This post caused a stir on social media, leading to a torrent of criticism and concern regarding the appropriateness and veracity of such a public statement about her private health. The post was subsequently deleted. In June 2024, Maki herself confirmed on Instagram that she had been discharged from the hospital and had recovered, expressing her sincere apologies for the worry she had caused her fans and the public.

6.1. Personal Traits

Maki describes herself as "manly" and "strong-willed," traits she attributes to growing up as the only daughter surrounded by three brothers. An amusing anecdote illustrating this involves her audition for the film Sway. While waiting in the audition room, she saw a young, "very cute" person enter and thought, "Here comes the rival, damn it!" only to realize it was director Miwa Nishikawa. Despite her seemingly unapproachable aura, close friend and comedian Kayoko Okubo has described Maki as "actually very charming." Maki is 63 in ^{(160 cm)} tall. While her bust size was previously undisclosed, she publicly confirmed in July 2017 via her official Twitter account that she is an F-cup, humorously remarking that a 34-year-old F-cup after childbirth and breastfeeding naturally succumbs to gravity.

6.2. Hobbies and Skills

Maki's hobbies include watching films, and she is adept at physical activities. She studied karate for three months during elementary school and was a member of her junior high school's track and field club. Her special skills include track and field and wire action, which she demonstrated in the short film Do Androids Dream of Electric Santa?.

She is an avid fan of manga, so much so that she had a regular interview series titled Let's Meet My Favorite Manga Artists, Chat, and Get Autographs in the magazine +act._{Purasu Akuto}^Japanese until March 2014. Her interest in manga began in fifth grade when she read her brother's copies of series like Rokudenashi Blues. Other favorite manga titles include Yotsubato! and Taiyo Matsumoto's sunny (松本大洋の漫画)_Sunny^Japanese. She has interviewed Kiyohiko Azuma (creator of Yotsubato!) and Taiyo Matsumoto (creator of Sunny). Maki is also a fan of manga artist Kyosuke Usuta, with whom she had a special interview for hon-nin magazine (vol. 07). Due to her role in the flash anime ピューと吹く!ジャガー_{Pyū to Fuku! Jagā ~Ima, Fuki ni Yukimasu~}^Japanese, she contributed the title calligraphy and illustrations for chapter 359 of the manga version of Jaguar. She expressed a strong desire to meet manga artist Ryohei Saigan, and their interview was published in +act. in March 2014. She is also known for mimicking the character Midori Makibaoh.

Her musical preferences include Japanese rock artists Yutaka Ozaki and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi. Maki is also a declared fan of actor Mackenyu Arata, expressing strong, candid admiration for him during a television appearance on the program Dareka to Nakai.

6.3. Relationships and Friendships

Maki maintains close relationships within the entertainment industry. Her closest friend in show business is actress Noriko Eguchi, with whom she co-starred in the film Pacchigi!. Maki has stated that she feels most comfortable when with Eguchi. She is also good friends with singer Ai Otsuka, who is the same age as her; their friendship began after co-starring in the film Tokyo Friends. Maki also counts singer Kaela Kimura among her friends, having appeared as a guest on Nippon Television's Music Lovers_{Myūjikku Ravāzu}^Japanese for both Otsuka and Kimura. A significant professional relationship is with musician Ringo Sheena. As a fan of Sheena, when Maki was offered to sing the theme song for her starring film The Ravine of Goodbye, she personally requested Sheena to provide the music, having previously exchanged emails with her.

7.1. Critical Evaluations and Industry Perspectives

Yōko Maki's performances have consistently drawn praise from directors and fellow actors. Director Hitoshi One recalled being deeply impressed upon seeing her on stage in 2002, feeling that "an amazing actress had appeared." Actor Bokuzo Masana has characterized her as a "sharp-nerved actress," highlighting her intense focus and sensitivity in her craft. Tomohiro Wada described her as having a "frank personality" and noted that she possesses "the scent of old actresses," implying a timeless quality and depth in her acting. Actress Hiromi Nagasaku lauded Maki's ability to "change acting instantly" and her "adaptability" to various directorial demands. Comedian and actor Tetsuhiro Ikeda commented that Maki's acting is so natural that "the word 'reality' feels cheap," indicating an exceptional level of authenticity in her portrayals.

7.2. Awards and Honors

Maki has received numerous awards for her film and television work:

;2006

• 30th Yamaji Fumiko Film Award: New Actress Award for Sway

;2012

• 72nd The Television Drama Academy Award: Best Supporting Actress for Unmei no Hito
• 37th Elan d'or Award: Newcomer Award

;2013

• 5th TAMA Film Award: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 38th Hochi Film Award: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 37th Yamaji Fumiko Film Award: Actress Award for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 35th Yokohama Film Festival: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 26th Nikkan Sports Film Award Ishihara Yujiro Award: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 87th Kinema Junpo Best Ten: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye, Like Father, Like Son, and Sue, Mai & Sawa: Righting the Girl Ship
• 23rd Tokyo Sports Film Award: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 18th Japan Internet Film Award: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye
• 28th Takasaki Film Festival: Best Supporting Actress for Like Father, Like Son
• 2013 National Film Federation Award: Actress Award for The Ravine of Goodbye and Like Father, Like Son

;2014

• 37th Japan Academy Film Prize: Best Actress for The Ravine of Goodbye and Best Supporting Actress for Like Father, Like Son
• 54th ACC CM FESTIVAL: Acting Award for Toyota's "TOYOTOWN" and Japan Sports Council's "BIG" commercials

;2018

• 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize: Excellent Supporting Actress for The Blood of Wolves

8.1. Photomagazine Crowdfunding Controversy

In 2017, Yōko Maki announced her intention to crowdfund the production of her own photo magazine, with the aim of selling the finished product at Comiket, a major Japanese comic market event. This announcement met with significant backlash from the Comiket community and the public. Critics argued that her project did not align with the spirit of Comiket, which traditionally supports independent and doujin creators, and that her celebrity status made her crowdfunding unnecessary. Public sentiment suggested she did not fully understand the nature of the event. Following the widespread criticism, Maki issued an apology and withdrew her participation from Comiket.

8.2. Social Media Incident Regarding Hospitalization

In March 2024, Maki revealed on her personal Instagram account that she had been hospitalized due to illness. A controversial incident occurred on March 8, when a person claiming to be her partner posted an update from Maki's Instagram account, stating that she had "not regained consciousness." This post caused a stir on social media, leading to a torrent of criticism and concern regarding the appropriateness and veracity of such a public statement about her private health. The post was subsequently deleted. In June 2024, Maki herself confirmed on Instagram that she had been discharged from the hospital and had recovered, expressing her sincere apologies for the worry she had caused her fans and the public.