INTRODUCTION
Rin Okabe (岡部麟) is a Japanese singer, actress, television personality, and illustrator who rose to national prominence as a member of the iconic Japanese idol group AKB48. Known for her warm personality, creative talent, and strong leadership within the group, she gained recognition not only for her performances on stage but also for her artistic abilities and appearances in television programs and stage musicals.
Born in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, Okabe became widely known after joining AKB48’s Team 8 in 2014 as the representative for Ibaraki. Over the years she evolved from a promising newcomer into a respected leader within the group, eventually becoming the captain of AKB48’s Team A. Her popularity expanded through television shows, stage productions, modeling features, and music releases with AKB48.
Her career reflects the diverse nature of Japanese idol culture. While primarily known as a singer and idol performer, she has also demonstrated talents as an actress, illustrator, stage performer, and media personality. Fans appreciate her sincerity, approachable image, and creative skills—especially her illustration work, which was used to design characters and promotional art related to Team 8.
Okabe’s graduation from AKB48 in 2024 marked the end of a decade-long idol career and the beginning of a new chapter as a solo entertainer under Horipro. Since then she has expanded into stage acting, television appearances, and creative exhibitions showcasing her art. With a strong fanbase and broad experience across entertainment media, Rin Okabe continues to build a multifaceted career in Japan’s entertainment industry.
PROFILE / BASIC INFORMATION
Full Name : Rin Okabe (岡部麟)
Also Known As : Berin (べりん), Rinrin (りんりん)
Nationality : Japanese
Profession : Singer, Actress, Television Personality, Idol, Illustrator
Industry Category : Music, Television Entertainment, Idol Industry, Stage Musical
Years Active : 2014 – Present
Agency / Management : Horipro (ホリプロ)
Debut : 2014, AKB48 Team 8 National Audition
Date of Birth : November 7, 1996
Age : 29 (as of 2026)
Birthplace : Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Current Residence : Tokyo, Japan
Height : 159 cm
Hair & Eye Color : Dark Brown Hair, Dark Brown Eyes
Zodiac Sign : Scorpio
Blood Type : Unknown
Ethnicity : Japanese
Career Overview : Former AKB48 idol, Team 8 Ibaraki representative, Team A captain, television host, stage musical actress, illustrator
Career Highlights : AKB48 Team A Captain, AKB48 Senbatsu member, solo concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall, MC for major TV programs, successful photo book release
Awards & Recognition : Ranked 58th in AKB48 World Senbatsu Election (Future Girls), appointed Ibaraki Ambassador
EARLY LIFE / BACKGROUND
Rin Okabe was born on November 7, 1996 in Hitachi City in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Growing up in the Kanto region, she developed a deep sense of pride for her hometown and often promoted Ibaraki’s culture and identity throughout her career. Her strong attachment to the region later led to her appointment as an official Ibaraki Ambassador.
During her childhood and school years, Okabe showed creative talent, particularly in drawing and illustration. This artistic ability later became one of her most distinctive traits within AKB48. She frequently produced illustrations for group events and promotional materials, demonstrating an artistic side uncommon among idol performers.
Before entering the entertainment industry, Okabe enjoyed cooking, drawing, and participating in school cultural activities. Her passion for entertainment grew as she admired established Japanese celebrities and performers. Among the figures she looked up to were actress Yuki Amami and idol Kojima Haruna, both of whom influenced her aspirations in the entertainment world.
Her breakthrough opportunity arrived in 2014 when she auditioned for AKB48’s newly formed Team 8, which selected representatives from each prefecture in Japan. Okabe successfully passed the nationwide audition and became the official representative of Ibaraki Prefecture.
CAREER
Rin Okabe officially began her professional entertainment career in 2014 after being selected as the Ibaraki representative for AKB48 Team 8. The team was a special project within AKB48 designed to represent all 47 prefectures of Japan, making the members ambassadors for their local regions.
Her early activities included live performances, concerts, television appearances, and participation in AKB48’s extensive music releases. As Team 8 gained popularity, Okabe became known for her cheerful personality and artistic talents. She contributed to the design of the Team 8 mascot character “Eito-kun,” further solidifying her reputation as a creative idol.
In 2017, her career reached a major milestone when she was selected as a senbatsu member for AKB48’s 50th single “11月のアンクレット”. This marked her first appearance in a main single lineup and helped raise her profile within the group. She continued to appear in subsequent singles, building recognition among fans.
Later that year she was appointed captain of AKB48’s Team A, one of the group’s most prestigious teams. The position placed her in a leadership role responsible for guiding younger members and maintaining team morale. Her dedication and hardworking attitude earned respect from both fans and fellow members.
In 2019, she held her first solo concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall titled “AKB48 Rin Okabe Solo Concert – Moshi Moshi! Rinrin Oshi Desho!?”. The concert represented an important step in her personal career and demonstrated her ability to perform independently.
In 2020, Okabe announced her transfer to the major Japanese talent agency Horipro, opening opportunities for broader activities outside the idol group. Over the next few years she expanded her career through television hosting, variety show appearances, and stage musicals.
In November 2023, she publicly announced her graduation from AKB48 after nearly a decade with the group. Her graduation ceremony took place during a major AKB48 concert in March 2024, followed by her final theater performance in April 2024.
Following her departure from the group, Okabe began focusing on solo activities including acting, stage productions, television programs, and art exhibitions. In 2025 she held her first personal art exhibition titled “S×G GARDEN,” showcasing her illustrations and creative works.
FILMOGRAPHY / WORKS / PUBLICATIONS
Television Drama : Majimuri Gakuen (2018), Soko ni Aru BU.KI.MI Season 2 (2020), Mamono Final Episode (2025)
Stage Musicals : Majimuri Gakuen Stage Series, Neon Kids, Peter Pan Musical (Wendy), Fullmetal Alchemist Stage Series, Zero Hour Stage Adaptation
Concerts : AKB48 Rin Okabe Solo Concert (2019), Ginza Cassette Song Live (2024)
Photo Books : ESCARGOT (2024), Eien no Toridoku Digital Photobook (2024)
Magazine Features : Weekly Playboy, FLASH Special, OVERTURE, EX Taishu, BOMB, BUBKA, B.L.T., BIG ONE GIRLS, UTB+, bis, Gravure Press
Music Releases : Numerous AKB48 singles including “11月のアンクレット”, “Teacher Teacher”, “NO WAY MAN”, “サステナブル”, “元カレです”, “どうしても君が好きだ”
TV / MEDIA APPEARANCES
TV Shows : AKBINGO!, AKB48 Team 8 KANTO Hakusho Batchikoi!, Lion no Mirai Monster, Secret Kenmin Show, Hirunandesu!, London Hearts, Zenryoku Datsuryoku Times
Hosting Roles : Lion no Mirai Monster (MC), GINZA CASSETTE SONG (MC)
Web Programs : ABEMA “Kurokuru Palette”, “Tokimeki Fanfare”
Radio : AKB48 Team 8 Tonight We Won’t Go Home, Listen 2-3 Radio Program
MAGAZINE FEATURES / RUNWAY APPEARANCES
Magazine Features : Weekly Playboy Cover Feature, FLASH Gravure Special, BOMB Magazine, BUBKA, BIG ONE GIRLS Cover, Gravure Press Cover
Runway Appearances : Rakuten GirlsAward Fashion Event
BRAND COLLABORATIONS / ENDORSEMENTS
Brand Collaborations : Toyota Prius PHV Campaign, Asahi Beverage Wonda Coffee, Toyota Rent a Car Campaign
Endorsements : SMALL WORLDS TOKYO Ambassador, Ibaraki Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign Image Character
PUBLIC IMAGE / CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Public Image : Friendly Idol Personality, Regional Ambassador, Creative Idol Artist
Cultural Influence : Promoted Ibaraki culture nationally, contributed illustrations for idol projects, recognized as a creative figure among idol performers
Fashion Style : Elegant casual fashion, idol-stage performance outfits, modern Japanese pop style
Visual Signature : Soft facial features, warm smile, expressive eyes, natural idol image
PERSONAL LIFE / HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Hobbies : Cooking, Illustration, Painting, Watching Anime, Traveling
Special Skills : Illustration, Character Design, Drawing, Creative Artwork
Languages : Japanese
Personal Interests : Art, theater performance, music, Japanese pop culture
TRIVIA / FUN FACTS / BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Fun Facts : Designed Team 8 mascot character “Eito-kun”, known for strong pride in Ibaraki Prefecture pronunciation, once competed in a Japanese comedy competition show
Behind-the-scenes notes : Often created promotional illustrations for AKB48 events and merchandise
Lesser-known details : Her voice was once noted for sounding similar to former AKB48 center Atsuko Maeda during an early appearance
SNS / SOCIAL MEDIA / ONLINE PRESENCE
Official Website : https://okaberin.jp
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/berin_official
X (Twitter) : https://twitter.com/Berin_official
YouTube : Not Public
TikTok : Not Public
Other Platforms : Fan community pages, Japanese entertainment event platforms