INTRODUCTION
Mao Sakurada (桜田茉央) is a Japanese actress, gravure model, and television personality who gained widespread attention after winning the Jury Special Award at the prestigious Miss Magazine 2019 competition. Known for her elegant yet approachable beauty, curvy gravure model figure, and intelligent academic background in architectural design, she quickly became one of the most talked-about newcomers in Japan’s gravure and entertainment scene.
Unlike many gravure models who come from traditional entertainment backgrounds, Sakurada stands out as a rare “architecture girl” with professional qualifications in the field of architecture. Her unique combination of academic talent and natural modeling charisma has attracted significant attention from both media outlets and fans. With her soft smile, expressive eyes, and balanced physique, she represents the modern Japanese gravure aesthetic that blends beauty, intelligence, and authenticity.
Since her debut in the late 2010s, she has appeared in magazines, television programs, web dramas, and advertising campaigns. Her participation in popular Japanese magazines such as Young Magazine helped solidify her presence in the gravure industry, while her television and film appearances have demonstrated her growing versatility as an actress.
Today, Mao Sakurada continues to build her career across multiple fields including acting, modeling, online content creation, and media appearances, making her one of the rising talents to watch in Japan’s entertainment landscape.
PROFILE / BASIC INFORMATION
Full Name : Mao Sakurada (桜田茉央)
Native Name : Mao Sakurada (桜田茉央), Sakurada Mao (さくらだまお)
Also Known As : Mao-chan (まおちゃん), Maomao (まおまお), Maomao
Nationality : Japanese
Ethnicity : Japanese
Profession : Actress, Gravure Model, Television Personality, Model, Content Creator
Industry Category : Entertainment, Film, Television, Gravure Modeling, Digital Media
Years Active : 2019 – Present
Agency / Management : Formerly Production NoTitle (プロダクションノータイトル)
Debut : Entertainment Industry Debut through Miss Magazine 2019
Basic Information
Date of Birth : October 22, 1997
Age : 28 (as of 2025)
Birthplace : Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Current Residence : Japan
Height : 158 cm
Measurements : 85 - 60 - 90 cm
Shoe Size : 22.5 cm
Hair & Eye Color : Dark Brown Hair, Dark Brown Eyes
Zodiac Sign : Libra
Blood Type : O
LATEST NEWS
Mao Sakurada has continued to maintain an active presence in Japanese entertainment through gravure modeling, social media activities, and occasional acting roles. Her fan base remains loyal thanks to her charming personality and consistent interaction through platforms such as Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
One of the most notable developments in recent years was her achievement in the architecture field. After studying architectural design at university, she continued pursuing professional qualifications and successfully passed the First-Class Architect examination, a prestigious certification in Japan. This accomplishment significantly strengthened her reputation as a rare combination of beauty and intellect within the entertainment industry.
Her social media posts frequently showcase daily life moments, behind-the-scenes modeling work, travel experiences, and personal interests such as art and architecture.
CAREER
Career Overview
Mao Sakurada began pursuing a career in entertainment during her high school years when she started auditioning for various talent agencies. Despite facing repeated rejections at the time, she remained determined to achieve her dream of becoming an actress.
In March 2019, she finally joined an entertainment agency and decided to participate in the prestigious Miss Magazine 2019 competition organized by Kodansha. This contest has historically launched the careers of many famous gravure models and actresses in Japan.
Career & Achievements
Sakurada's breakthrough moment came when she won the Jury Special Award at Miss Magazine 2019. The award recognized not only her beauty but also her strong potential as a performer.
Following the competition, she began appearing in numerous gravure magazine features, especially in Weekly Young Magazine, one of Japan’s most influential publications for emerging gravure idols.
Her career expanded into television appearances, radio programs, web dramas, and commercial advertisements. Through these opportunities, she demonstrated versatility as both a model and an entertainer.
Career Highlights
Miss Magazine 2019 Jury Special Award Winner
Featured gravure model in Weekly Young Magazine
Television appearances on variety programs
Commercial advertising campaigns for Japanese brands
Successful transition into acting and media personality roles
EARLY LIFE / BACKGROUND
Early Life
Mao Sakurada was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and spent most of her childhood and teenage years there. From a young age, she was known to be curious and creative, with interests ranging from art and design to movies and entertainment.
Her passion for acting began during her teenage years, when she started auditioning for entertainment opportunities while still attending school.
Education
Sakurada attended Kyoritsu Women’s University where she majored in Architectural Design within the Faculty of Home Economics. During her university years, she developed a strong reputation for her architectural model-building skills.
Some of her design models were considered high-quality enough to be used as reference works for other students in the department.
She later pursued professional certification in architecture and successfully passed the First-Class Architect examination in Japan, an impressive accomplishment rarely seen among entertainment industry figures.
FILMOGRAPHY / WORKS / PUBLICATIONS
Filmography
TURNING POINT (2022) – Role: Mikura Yazawa
Afro Tanaka – Episode 3 (2019, WOWOW Original Web Drama)
Television Shows
Toriniku tte Nani no Niku!? (2019, TV Asahi)
Yojigoji Days (2019 – , TV Tokyo, irregular appearances)
Zenryoku Saka (2019, TV Asahi)
Radio
The BAY☆LINE (2019, bayfm)
Commercials / Advertisements
Biore Web Commercial (Kao Corporation, 2020)
Nikken Gakuin Commercial Campaign (2021)
Magazine Features
Weekly Young Magazine (Kodansha)
B.L.T Magazine
Photo Technique Digital
Cyzo Magazine
PAGEANT TITLES / COMPETITIONS
Pageant Titles : Miss Magazine 2019 Jury Special Award
Competition Results : Miss Magazine 2019 Finalist and Jury Special Award Winner
Crown Year : 2019
International Representation : Japan
BRAND COLLABORATIONS / ENDORSEMENTS
Brand Collaborations : Kao Biore, Nikken Gakuin
Endorsements : Beauty products, educational campaigns, lifestyle advertising
TV / MEDIA APPEARANCES
TV / Media Appearances : Toriniku tte Nani no Niku!? (TV Asahi), Yojigoji Days (TV Tokyo), Zenryoku Saka (TV Asahi), Various gravure promotional interviews and entertainment programs
Music Videos : Not Public
PUBLIC IMAGE / CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Public Image : Intelligent gravure idol, academically accomplished celebrity, approachable and cheerful personality
Fashion Style : Casual feminine style, gravure fashion, modern Japanese casual fashion
Visual Signature : Soft smile, youthful appearance, expressive eyes, balanced gravure physique
Cultural Influence : Represents a modern generation of Japanese entertainers who combine academic expertise with media careers
PERSONAL LIFE / HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Languages : Japanese
Education : Kyoritsu Women's University
Major : Architectural Design
Hobbies : Watching movies, drawing, DIY projects, model building
Special Skills : Architectural model building, DIY crafts, creative design
Personal Interests : Architecture, visual design, travel, volunteer work
TRIVIA / FUN FACTS / BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Fun Facts : She once spent two weeks volunteering in Sri Lanka, She is known for her strong curiosity and adventurous personality
Lesser-Known Details : During university she created architectural models that were used as reference examples for other students
Behind-the-Scenes Notes : Despite her gravure modeling success, she initially worked at a regular company after graduation before fully focusing on entertainment activities
Additional Fun Fact : She reportedly struggles with the “side-to-side jump” physical test despite being otherwise physically active
SNS / SOCIAL MEDIA / ONLINE PRESENCE
Official Website : Private
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sakurada_mao_02
X (Twitter) : https://twitter.com/sakurada_mao_02
TikTok : Not Public
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@user-zd8vz7bv1l
Other Platforms : Japanese fan communities, gravure media platforms, entertainment magazine features