Yurina Yanagi (柳ゆり菜, 1994) - Japanese Actress & Gravure Idol Profile



Introduction

Yurina Yanagi is a Japanese actress and former gravure model who rose to national prominence in the mid-2010s through magazine appearances and television roles. Born in Osaka, Japan, she initially gained attention in the entertainment industry through modeling and gravure photography before expanding her career into acting across film, television dramas, and streaming platforms.

Yanagi became widely recognized in 2014 after appearing in the Japanese morning drama Massan, where her portrayal of a poster model inspired by the historic Akadama Port Wine advertisement attracted widespread media attention. The appearance helped introduce her to a mainstream television audience and significantly boosted her popularity.

In addition to her television work, Yanagi quickly became a major figure in the Japanese gravure industry. Her frequent appearances on magazine covers led her to rank first in the 2015 gravure cover appearance rankings compiled by Weekly Playboy’s online platform. The recognition earned her the informal title of one of the leading gravure queens of that period.

As her career evolved, Yanagi transitioned more heavily into acting, appearing in films such as Jumpei, Think Again, which was officially screened at the Montreal World Film Festival. She also appeared in a wide range of Japanese movies, television dramas, and streaming productions, demonstrating versatility across genres including romance, horror, comedy, and drama.

Beyond acting, Yanagi is known for her dance background and strong stage presence. Before entering the entertainment industry professionally, she trained in dance and even performed as a backup dancer for the popular Japanese music group EXILE, an experience that helped shape her performance skills.

Today, Yurina Yanagi continues to build a long-term career in Japanese entertainment while maintaining a loyal fan base both in Japan and internationally.


Profile

Full Name : Yurina Yanagi

Native Name : 柳ゆり菜, やなぎゆりな

Also Known As (AKA) : Yuri-chan

Nationality : Japanese

Profession : Actress, Gravure Model

Industry Category : Japanese Film, Television Drama, Gravure Modeling

Years Active : 2013 – Present

Basic Information : Japanese actress and former gravure idol known for her breakout appearance in NHK’s morning drama and extensive film and television work.

Date of Birth : April 19, 1994

Age : 31

Birthplace : Suminoe-ku, Osaka, Japan

Current Residence : Tokyo, Japan

Height : 167 cm

Measurements : 86 - 59 - 85 cm

Shoe Size : 24.5 cm

Zodiac Sign : Aries

Blood Type : Not Publicly Disclosed


Latest News

Latest News : Yurina Yanagi continues to appear in Japanese television dramas and films while expanding her acting portfolio across streaming platforms and cinema projects. She remains active in Japanese entertainment with roles in drama series and upcoming film productions scheduled for release in the mid-2020s.


Career

Career Overview : Yurina Yanagi began her career after winning a special award at the “smart Boys & Girlfriend Audition” in 2013 organized by Evergreen Entertainment, which led to modeling opportunities and gravure magazine appearances.

Career & Achievements : She became widely recognized in 2014 after her appearance in the NHK morning drama Massan, which sparked widespread media attention and significantly increased her popularity.

Agency / Management : Animo Produce

Debut : 2013 – smart Boys & Girlfriend Audition Special Award

Notable Works : Uwakoi, Ju-on: The Final, Jumpei Think Again, Tokyo Adios, Honey Lemon Soda, Yuru Camp△ (TV drama)

Brand Collaborations : Snickers Japan, Calpis Soda, KEIRIN campaign promotions, Yamamoto Kampo Pharmaceutical

Magazine Features : Weekly Playboy, Young Magazine, Young Champion, Weekly SPA!, various Japanese gravure magazines

Runway Appearances : Japanese gravure and promotional fashion events

TV / Media Appearances : Massan, Yuru Camp△, Aibou Season 19, Detective Yuri Rintaro, Jinsei ga Tanoshiku Naru Shiawase no Housoku

Awards & Recognition : Osaka Cinema Festival 2021 – Best Supporting Actress (Burai)

Career Highlights : Recognized as one of the most prominent gravure models of the mid-2010s before successfully transitioning into a full-time acting career.


Fashion Style

Fashion Style : Elegant casual fashion, gravure modeling aesthetics, modern Japanese street fashion

Visual Signature : Tall, balanced proportions and expressive on-screen presence

Public Image : Friendly, approachable actress with strong gravure modeling background

Cultural Influence : Part of the generation of gravure idols who transitioned into mainstream Japanese acting careers.


Personal Background

Education : Not Publicly Disclosed

Languages : Japanese

Hobbies : Cooking, dancing, traveling

Special Skills : Dance performance

Personal Interests : Film, lifestyle content, travel, fitness


Fun Facts & Behind-the-Scenes

Fun facts : Yurina Yanagi previously worked as a backup dancer for the Japanese music group EXILE before starting her acting career.

Behind-the-scenes notes : She moved to Tokyo at the age of 19 to pursue a full-time career in entertainment.

Lesser-known details : Her older sister, Iroha Yanagi, is also a well-known gravure model in Japan.


SNS

Official Website : Not Publicly Available

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yurinayanagi

X (Twitter) : https://x.com/Yngyrn0419

TikTok : Not Publicly Available

YouTube : Not Publicly Available

Other Platforms : https://ameblo.jp/yurinayanagi


Image Source : SNS