INTRODUCTION
Manami Honjou is a highly respected Japanese actress, model, narrator, and essayist known for her elegant presence, intellectual charm, and long-standing influence in Japanese entertainment. Rising to fame in the 1990s as a gravure and fashion model, she quickly transitioned into acting and television, building a versatile career across drama, film, narration, and literary work.
Her refined image, natural beauty, and calm, articulate personality have made her a beloved figure in Japan for decades. Beyond acting, she is also recognized for her literary sensibility and thoughtful essays, which further distinguish her from many of her contemporaries. Honjou’s enduring appeal lies in her balance between sophistication, warmth, and authenticity.
PROFILE / BASIC INFORMATION
Full Name : Manami Sawada (沢田まなみ), Manami Honjou (本上まなみ)
Native Name : 本上まなみ (ほんじょうまなみ)
Stage Name : Manami Honjou (本上まなみ)
Also Known As : Honjo (ほんじょ)
Nationality : Japanese
Profession : Actress, Model, TV Personality, Narrator, Essayist, Voice Actress
Industry Category : Entertainment, Television, Film, Publishing
Years Active : 1993–Present
Agency / Management : Acura Entertainment (株式会社アクラ)
Debut : 1993, TV Drama “Jajaja Uma Narashi”
Date of Birth : May 1, 1975
Age : 50 (as of 2025)
Birthplace : Tokyo, Japan
Current Residence : Kyoto, Japan
Height : 168 cm
Measurements : 82 - 59 - 88 cm
Shoe Size : 25 cm
Zodiac Sign : Taurus
Blood Type : B
Ethnicity : East Asian
Hair & Eye Color : Black Hair, Dark Brown Eyes
LATEST NEWS
Latest News : Returned to TV after temporary hiatus due to health recovery in 2024, Resumed role as Tuesday MC on regional news program, Continues narration and cultural program appearances
CAREER
Career Overview : Started as a model in early 1990s, Gained recognition as gravure idol in mid-1990s, Transitioned into acting and TV hosting, Expanded into narration and essay writing, Maintains multi-genre career across decades
Career & Achievements : Established long-term presence in Japanese television and film, Recognized for both acting and intellectual media roles, Built parallel career as published essayist
Career Highlights : Unicharm Swimwear Campaign Model (1995), Major TV commercials for Coca-Cola “Sokenbicha” and NTT DoCoMo, Lead and supporting roles in numerous TV dramas, Award-winning film performances
Awards & Recognition : Golden Arrow Award (Graph Prize, 1999), Miss Brilliant Award (2000), Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Award (2001), Takasaki Film Festival Best Supporting Actress (2007), Osaka Cinema Festival Supporting Actress Award (2007)
EARLY LIFE / BACKGROUND
Early Life : Born in Tokyo, Raised primarily in Osaka and Hyogo regions, Spent childhood visiting relatives in Yamagata
Education : Takatsuki Kita High School, Ikenobo Junior College
Major : Cultural Studies / Arts (Estimated)
Background : Began modeling during student years, Appeared in Osaka Gas advertisements before debut
FILMOGRAPHY / WORKS / PUBLICATIONS
Filmography : “Abunai Deka Forever” (1998), “tokyo.sora” (2002), “Paperiya Etsuko no Seishun” (2006), “Happiness Switch” (2006), “Mahoro Ekimae Tada Benriken” (2011), “TsunaGu” (2012), “The Vancouver Asahi” (2014), “River, Don’t Flow” (2023)
TV Shows : “Nemureru Mori” (1998), “Onmyoji” (2001), “Akihabara@DEEP” (2006), “Galileo” (2007), “Mare” (2015), “Boogie Woogie” (2023)
TV / Media Appearances : “Waratte Iitomo!”, “Top Runner” (Host), “The Best House 123” (Host), “Sukkiri!!” (Commentator), Travel and documentary programs
Voice Acting : “Oden-kun” series, “Sumikko Gurashi” film series narration
Publications : “Honjo no Mushiboshi”, “Honjo no Enpitsu Biyori”, “Days of Heaven”, “Hajimete no Mugiwara Boshi”, Multiple essays and children’s books
Brand Collaborations : Coca-Cola (Sokenbicha), NTT DoCoMo Kansai, Toyota, Lawson, Kao, Lion, Suzuki, ANA, House Foods
Magazine Features : Gravure magazines in 1990s, Fashion editorials, Cover features including “Delabeppin”
Runway Appearances : Swimwear campaigns, Fashion promotional events
PUBLIC IMAGE / CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Public Image : Elegant, Intelligent, Calm, Mature, Literary, Trusted media personality
Cultural Influence : Represents transition from gravure idol to intellectual entertainer, Influential in lifestyle and cultural programming, Seen as role model for longevity in entertainment
Fashion Style : Natural elegance, Minimalist chic, Mature feminine aesthetic
Visual Signature : Soft smile, Gentle gaze, Refined posture, Natural beauty with understated makeup
PERSONAL LIFE / HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Personal Life : Married to editor Yasuhiko Sawada (2002), Mother of two children, Resides in Kyoto
Hobbies : Reading, Writing essays, Traveling, Cultural exploration
Languages : Japanese
Special Skills : Writing, Narration, Hosting, Acting versatility
Personal Interests : Literature, Traditional Japanese culture, Nature, Travel
TRIVIA / FUN FACTS / BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Fun Facts : Known as a serious reader and intellectual celebrity, Uses pen name “Uguisu Manami” for literary contributions, Balanced career between entertainment and writing
Behind-the-scenes notes : Maintains calm and professional reputation on set, Known for strong preparation and thoughtful interviews
Lesser-known details : Early modeling career included corporate advertisements, Participated in poetry and literary circles
SNS / SOCIAL MEDIA / ONLINE PRESENCE
Official Website : Private
Instagram : Private
X (Twitter) : Private
TikTok : Private
YouTube : Private
Other Platforms : Facebook (official page available), NHK profile listings