Introduction
Haruka Kodama (兒玉遥) is a Japanese actress, gravure model, and former idol singer widely recognized for her early success as a core member of the popular Japanese idol group HKT48. Born on September 19, 1996, in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, and raised in Fukuoka, Japan, she became one of the most recognizable members of the AKB48 idol group ecosystem during the 2010s.
Kodama first gained public attention when she passed the first-generation audition for HKT48 in 2011. Debuting at just 15 years old, she quickly became one of the central figures of the group. Her bright personality, energetic stage presence, and distinctive speaking style helped her build a strong fanbase both in Japan and internationally. Within the AKB48 group structure, she also served as a concurrent member of AKB48 Team A and later Team K, further expanding her exposure to nationwide audiences.
During her idol career, Kodama appeared in numerous singles, television shows, and large-scale concerts across Japan. She gained particular recognition in the AKB48 Senbatsu General Election, where she steadily improved her ranking and reached 9th place in 2016, placing her among the top members of the entire AKB48 franchise.
After graduating from HKT48 in 2019, Kodama transitioned into a broader entertainment career focusing on acting, gravure modeling, and digital media content. She began appearing in television dramas, stage productions, and films, gradually establishing herself as a versatile performer beyond idol culture.
In addition to acting work, Kodama has also become active in publishing photobooks and gravure content, showcasing a more mature visual style that appeals to a wide audience. Her second photobook “Stay 25,” released in 2022, marked a major return to gravure modeling and was well received by fans.
Today, Haruka Kodama continues to expand her presence across entertainment media, including television, film, stage performances, and YouTube. Her journey from idol to actress represents a common yet challenging path within Japan’s entertainment industry, and she remains a notable figure among former AKB48 generation performers.
Profile
Full Name : Haruka Kodama
Native Name : 兒玉遥 (こだまはるか)
Also Known As (AKA) : Haruppi (はるっぴ)
Nationality : Japanese
Profession : Actress, Gravure Model, YouTuber, Former Idol Singer
Industry Category : Japanese Entertainment, Television, Film, Idol Culture
Years Active : 2011 – Present
Basic Information : Former HKT48 and AKB48 member who transitioned into acting, gravure modeling, and digital media content creation
Date of Birth : September 19, 1996
Age : 29 (as of 2025)
Birthplace : Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, Japan
Current Residence : Tokyo, Japan
Height : 158 cm
Measurements : Unknown
Zodiac Sign : Virgo
Blood Type : O
Latest News
Latest News : Haruka Kodama continues her acting career with appearances in Japanese television dramas and films, including a role in the NHK morning drama series “Omusubi,” while also expanding her gravure modeling work and YouTube content in 2024–2025.
Career
Career Overview : Haruka Kodama debuted in 2011 as a first-generation member of HKT48 and quickly rose to prominence within the AKB48 group system, later transitioning into acting, gravure modeling, and media work after graduating from the group in 2019.
Career & Achievements : AKB48 Senbatsu General Election Rank #9 (2016), HKT48 central member, successful transition to actress and gravure model
Agency / Management : Avex Asunarou Company
Debut : 2011 (HKT48 1st Generation Member)
Notable Works : “Oblique”, “Sweet Revenge”, “Chaser Game W”, “Omusubi”, “Osaka Yamikin”, “Sora no Nai Sekai Kara”
Brand Collaborations : Lotte, NHK Radio Promotion Campaign
Magazine Features : Weekly Playboy, FLASH, Weekly Post, Weekly Gendai
Runway Appearances : Sapporo Collection 2022 Autumn/Winter
TV / Media Appearances : AKB48 variety programs, Japanese TV dramas, stage productions, YouTube content
Awards & Recognition : AKB48 Senbatsu General Election Top 10 (2016)
Career Highlights : Longtime core member of HKT48 and successful transition to actress and gravure personality after idol graduation.
Pageant Titles
Pageant Titles : Not Applicable
Competition Results : AKB48 Senbatsu General Election Rank #9 (2016)
International Representation : Japan
Crown Year : Not Applicable
Advocacy / Platform : Mental health awareness and personal recovery stories through media and writing.
Fashion Style
Fashion Style : Idol stage costumes, elegant gravure styling, contemporary Japanese casual fashion
Visual Signature : Soft facial features, expressive smile, classic Japanese idol visual style
Public Image : Friendly and sincere personality known for perseverance and openness about personal struggles
Cultural Influence : Represents the transition of AKB48 generation idols into multi-field entertainers including acting and digital media.
Personal Background
Education : High School Graduate
Languages : Japanese
Hobbies : Watching movies, reading, YouTube content creation
Special Skills : Facial impressions, comedic expressions, stage performance
Personal Interests : Music, film acting, photography, idol culture.
Trivia
Fun facts : Haruka Kodama was nicknamed “Haruppi,” a nickname that became widely recognized among HKT48 fans.
Behind-the-scenes notes : She once kept dozens of personal reflection notebooks during her idol career to improve her performance and self-discipline.
Lesser-known details : Kodama has openly spoken about overcoming mental health challenges and has shared her experiences through interviews and writing.
SNS
Official Website : https://haruka-kodama.com
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/haruka_kdm919
X (Twitter) : https://twitter.com/haruka_kdm919
TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@haruka_kdm919
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@haruppichannel
Other Platforms : note.com/haruka_kdm919, fanclub.haruka-kodama.com
Image Source : SNS