2025’s Breakout Actresses Including the One Who Surpassed Sairi Ito

The next generation of talented actresses. Key figures to watch in 2025

When talking about breakout acting talents of 2024, the name of Yumi Kawai (24) quickly comes to mind. Her role as a Showa-era yankee high school girl in the popular TV drama Futekisetsu ni Hodo ga Aru! (TBS) was praised for her impeccable fit for the part, which rapidly boosted her popularity. Following her rise, the next big star is on the horizon. Let’s introduce the key figures to watch in 2025.

First, we have Aoi Ito (19), who made waves in the July 2024 TV drama Shinjuku Yosen Byouin (Fuji TV). Aoi has already starred in two films, proving her impressive acting chops. Columnist Wakako Takou, who is well-versed in TV dramas, shares her thoughts:

“In Shinjuku Yosen Byouin, Aoi made her regular appearance in a golden prime-time drama for the first time, gaining recognition from the general public. But what truly impressed me was her performance in the subsequent drama Sora Wataru Kyoushitsu (NHK). In it, she beautifully portrayed the lack of confidence and intense determination of a girl with orthostatic dysregulation. Among many young actors of her generation, she supported them with an overwhelming presence. The production team praised Aoi, saying that she’s ‘usually a cheerful girl eating snacks but transforms completely when the camera starts rolling.’ If she gets cast in a hit show, she is sure to break out.”

Another promising talent is Rin Kataoka (21), who performed brilliantly as the mysterious student Misae in the NHK morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa:

“Kataoka made her acting debut in 2022, but in her scenes opposite the heroine, Sairi Ito (30), she delivered an intense performance, even overshadowing Ito at times. The unsettling atmosphere created by her occasional defiant smile drew in viewers. Beyond her acting skills, Kataoka has a unique personality. She was scouted as an influencer with 300,000 followers on social media, and when facing anti-comments, she boldly responded by calling such people boneless chicken. Her acting and personality are truly exceptional, and I’m very excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Another gem in Tora ni Tsubasa was Wan Marui (27), who played Ayako Otowa, an investigator at the family court where the heroine, Torako, works:

“Marui’s sullen eyes have an enigmatic charm. In 2022, she starred in the film MONDAYS/ Kono Time Loop, Joushi ni Kizukanai to Owaranai, a comedy about a week-long time loop. Initially screened in only three theaters, the movie expanded to 42 theaters after Marui’s performance became a word-of-mouth hit. The movie achieved an unusual success with full house screenings on weekends. 

In Futekisetsu ni Hodo ga Aru!, Marui played the role of a troublesome, malicious junior to Reiko Nakama’s character, with many viewers voicing their frustration online at her portrayal. This is just the beginning of Marui’s rise as an actress.” (Takasaki)