Yui Aragaki Going into Hiatus After Commercial Contract Ended and Fans are Already Missing Her!

The Internet has been rocked by reports that Yui Aragaki (34), a.k.a. “Gakki,” is taking a leave of absence.

It all started when “Josei Seven” reported that the commercial for “Asahi Draft Beer (a.k.a. Maruf),” in which Aragaki had appeared, was to be renewed and that she had decided to step down from the role.

Marufu” was reintroduced as a canned product in September 2021 for the first time in 28 years.

“Good evening, everyone in Japan!”

The “Maruef” cans, which were reissued in September 2021 for the first time in 28 cans, were sold out quickly. Maruef” was ranked 4th in the 2010 ranking of commercial favorability by brand. It was the top commercial in the food and beverage category, and was a representative commercial for Aragaki, who had become firmly established as the face of the product. Naturally, it was assumed that her contract would be renewed, but her sudden departure has been the subject of numerous reports and speculation.

One of these reports was that she might take a leave of absence. Josei Seven” introduced the following testimony from a source in the entertainment industry regarding Aragaki’s costume when she appeared at an event for the historical drama “Kamakuradono no 13-nin” held at NHK Hall on December 7, 2011.

[It was a fluffy one-piece dress with a fluffy silhouette designed to hide her stomach. Some people involved felt uncomfortable with the costume, which did not make the most of Niigaki’s tall and slender figure.

It is reported that she may be taking a leave of absence due to the fact that she had no media exposure at all during the year-end and New Year’s holidays.

Since her big break in 2006, when she was 16 years old and appeared in a commercial for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky, Niigaki has continued to show us viewers her soothing smile in many commercials and dramas. Let’s take a look back at her “heart throbbing” smile with some of her treasured photos.

Gakki’s smiling face as she goes to karaoke with the staff after the movie location shoot, Jan. 8, 2008 issue

Niigaki’s smile as she and the staff headed for karaoke after completing the grueling location shooting of the movie “Furefure Shojo,” which took place outdoors in the intense heat wearing school uniforms from early in the morning. It grabbed the hearts of many people.

A big smile at the opening event of the Tokyo International Film Festival, January 8, 2008

On October 20, 2007, Niigaki took the stage at the opening event of “Tokyo International Film Festival 2007” with the movie “Koizora” in which she starred. When asked about her first love, Niigaki replied

The first time I gave Valentine’s Day chocolate was when I was in kindergarten. There was only one girl who was taller than me.

(laugh). Does this mean that her taste in men has changed over the past decade or so?

Smile on the release day of her debut album “Sora” (January 8, 2008)

On December 5, 2007, the day of the release of Aragaki’s first debut album “Sora,” Aragaki came out of the FM radio station after his appearance. Her full smile was truly impressive.

Niigaki’s “heart throbbing” smile during the filming of a commercial (November 27, 2009)

This is a shot during the filming of a Sony Walkman commercial. During the filming, she sang with the 300-member chorus group “Boys and Girls Gakkie Troupe,” which was formed for the commercial.

I was so moved that I almost cried.

It was a very moving commercial shoot.

Will Gakki go on hiatus at this point? Either way, fans would be happy to see her smile.