Introduction
Honoka Sasaki is a Japanese singer, idol, actress, and gravure model who has emerged as one of the notable young figures in the modern Japanese idol scene. Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, she began performing at a very young age and steadily developed her career through live performances, idol group activities, and magazine appearances.
Sasaki first stepped into the entertainment world as a child performer in the Fukuoka-based idol unit Seishun Gakuen, where she trained in singing and stage performance. Her early exposure to stage activities helped her build strong performance skills and confidence in front of live audiences.
Her national recognition grew significantly after she joined the idol group Up Up Girls (2) in 2018. As part of the group, Sasaki became known for her energetic stage presence, cheerful personality, and strong connection with fans. Over time she also expanded her work into gravure modeling, appearing in well-known Japanese magazines and digital photobooks.
In addition to music activities, Sasaki has appeared in television programs, radio shows, and stage productions. Her versatility as a performer has allowed her to move between idol music, modeling, and acting projects while continuing to build a growing fanbase both in Japan and internationally.
Today, she represents a new generation of Japanese Gen-Z entertainers who combine traditional idol culture with digital media visibility and magazine modeling.
Profile
Full Name : Honoka Sasaki
Native Name : 佐々木ほのか
Also Known As (AKA) : Hō-chan
Nationality : Japanese
Profession : Singer, Idol, Actress, Gravure Model
Industry Category : Music (J-Pop Idol), Television, Digital Media, Magazine & Fashion Modeling
Years Active : 2010–2016, 2018–Present
Basic Information : Japanese idol singer and gravure talent from Fukuoka, former member of Up Up Girls (2), currently active in solo music, magazine modeling, and media appearances under YU-M Entertainment
Date of Birth : January 30, 2006
Age : 20 (as of 2026)
Birthplace : Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Current Residence : Tokyo, Japan
Height : 156 cm
Measurements : Unknown
Zodiac Sign : Aquarius
Blood Type : A
Latest News
Latest News : In June 2025, Honoka Sasaki graduated from the idol group Up Up Girls (2) during the final performance of the “Niki-chan Spring Tour 2025 ~my own color, my own dream~” at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM. Following her graduation, she continued solo activities including the digital single “rainbow☆road,” gravure magazine features, and her first independent birthday event in February 2026.
Career
Career Overview : Honoka Sasaki began performing as a child idol in Fukuoka and later gained nationwide recognition after joining the Japanese idol group Up Up Girls (2), where she developed a strong reputation as an energetic performer and emerging gravure personality.
Career & Achievements : Joined Seishun Gakuen in 2010, added as member of Up Up Girls (2) in 2018, released solo song “Ballad Nante Iranai” (2022), solo single “Yumemiru 18-sai!” (2024), released “rainbow☆road” (2025), multiple digital photobooks through Kodansha and Shueisha.
Agency / Management : YU-M Entertainment
Debut : 2010 (Seishun Gakuen idol activities), 2018 official debut as Up Up Girls (2) member
Notable Works : “Yumemiru 18-sai!”, “rainbow☆road”, “Ballad Nante Iranai”, VOICE Act “17-sai no Biotope”
Brand Collaborations : NTT Docomo × Cho Judai Project, Kodansha, Shueisha, Wani Books, Futabasha
Magazine Features : Weekly Young Magazine, Young King BULL, FRIDAY, Weekly Playboy Digital, BOMB Digital, Manga Action Digital
Runway Appearances : Cho Judai Festival (youth culture events)
TV / Media Appearances : Wide na Show (Fuji TV), VOICE Act “17-sai no Biotope” (BS Fuji), Music Break (TV Tokyo), MBS Radio “Appare Yattemasu!”
Career Highlights : Became a gravure magazine cover model while still active as an idol, performed solo songs and lyrics writing, and concluded her idol group career with a major graduation concert in 2025.
During her years with Up Up Girls (2), Sasaki balanced live idol performances with increasing gravure modeling work. Her first major gravure appearance in Weekly Young Magazine attracted attention for her youthful and cheerful image, helping her expand her recognition beyond the idol music scene.
Following her graduation from the group in 2025, Sasaki began focusing more on solo creative projects including music releases, magazine appearances, and media work.
Personal & Cultural Profile
Fashion Style : Youthful idol fashion, sporty-cute styling, red accent stage outfits reflecting her signature color
Visual Signature : Bright smile, expressive eyes, petite silhouette, energetic stage charisma
Public Image : Cheerful “next-door idol” personality known for strong fan interaction and positive stage energy
Cultural Influence : Represents the Gen-Z generation of Japanese idols blending traditional idol culture with social media engagement and magazine modeling
Education : Studied in Fukuoka before relocating to Tokyo for entertainment career
Languages : Japanese
Hobbies : Dancing, performing, fan interaction events
Special Skills : Dance, Karate (All Japan Karate Federation Junior 1st Dan Black Belt), Soba-making
Personal Interests : Idol music, fashion styling, entertainment production
Fun facts : As a child performer she appeared on stage using sign-language dance performances.
Behind-the-scenes notes : She personally contributed lyrics to the solo song “rainbow☆road.”
Lesser-known details : Sasaki once auditioned for a Morning Musume audition program but did not pass the final selection.
SNS
Official Website : https://yum-e.jp
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/honoka130sasaki
X (Twitter) : https://x.com/HONOKA130SASAKI
TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@honoka130sasaki
YouTube : Up Up Girls Official Channel
Other Platforms : SHOWROOM (Up Up Girls channel), Ameba Blog (group archive)
Image Source : SNS