Nako Yabuki

Nako Yabuki is a Japanese actress and former singer who first rose to prominence as a member of the idol group HKT48 and later as part of the South Korean-Japanese project group Iz*One. Born in Tokyo, she has been in the public eye since childhood, and her career now spans acting, voice work, and modeling, with a dedicated fanbase that has followed her across both countries.

Today, Yabuki is focused on her acting career, having stepped away from idol life in 2023. She has taken on roles in Japanese dramas and has expanded into voice acting, lending her voice to the protagonist of an animated film. She remains active on social media and through fan communication platforms, keeping a close connection with her supporters. [edit]

Yabuki was born on June 18, 2001, in Tokyo. Her entry into entertainment came early: at just four years old, she appeared as young Minami Asakura in the 2005 film Touch, an adaptation of the popular baseball manga. That early experience planted the seed for a career in front of the camera.

In November 2013, at age twelve, she joined HKT48 as a third-generation member. Based in Fukuoka, the group is a sister group of AKB48, and Yabuki quickly became one of its standout performers, earning the nickname "Ace" among fans. From 2015 to 2017, she also held a concurrent position in AKB48, a common arrangement for top members of sister groups. In 2016, she became an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Love Berry, adding another dimension to her public profile.

The big turning point came in 2018 when she was selected to represent HKT48 on the survival show Produce 48, a collaboration between Japanese and Korean entertainment companies. Her cheerful personality and sharp dance skills won over voters, and she finished in sixth place, securing a spot in the resulting project group. [edit]

Yabuki's career took a major leap when she debuted with Iz*One in October 2018. The group was an immediate success in both Japan and South Korea, and Yabuki became known for her energetic stage presence and her ability to switch between Japanese and Korean promotions. Over the next two and a half years, Iz*One released several hit singles and albums, building a large international fanbase.

After Iz*One disbanded in April 2021, Yabuki returned to HKT48, where she continued to perform and also took on solo activities. In October 2022, she announced her graduation from the group, with a farewell concert held on April 1, 2023. Following her departure, she signed with Twin Planet Entertainment and shifted her focus to acting. In 2023, she appeared in the drama 18 years old, new wife, affair alongside Ryusei Fujii. More recently, she voiced the protagonist Sori in the Japanese dub of the animated film The Seal of Eternity, and in December 2025 she joined the global fan communication app bubble to connect with her audience directly. [edit]

Yabuki's public image is that of a bright, hardworking performer who transitioned smoothly from idol to actress. Fans often describe her as having a warm and approachable personality, which comes through in her social media posts and fan interactions. Her style has evolved from the youthful, colorful looks of her idol days to a more mature and refined aesthetic suited to her acting roles. She maintains a strong connection with her fanbase, known as "Nako-nyan," and frequently engages with them through live streams and Q&A sessions. [edit]

Nako Yabuki's fanbase, while not formally named, is a devoted and highly engaged community that has followed her from her early days in HKT48 through her time in Iz*One and into her current acting career. Her supporters, often referred to simply as fans of Nako, are known for their loyalty and active participation in fan events, such as the birthday party events organized for her. They have also shown remarkable resilience, continuing to support her through her transition from idol to actress, and they engage with her through social media platforms like Instagram, where she boasts approximately 2 million followers.

The bond between Yabuki and her fans is strengthened by her candidness about personal struggles, such as her feelings of inadequacy during her early days in Iz*One and her battles with body image and height insecurity. These moments of vulnerability have endeared her to fans, who appreciate her authenticity. Additionally, her well-documented status as an ultimate TWICE fangirl has become a beloved aspect of her public persona, further endearing her to fans who admire her genuine enthusiasm.

In terms of global fame, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Nako Yabuki, but as of August 2026, she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. This means she is not listed among the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. While she maintains a significant and dedicated following, her current fame metrics do not place her within these elite rankings.[edit]

Yabuki's nickname "Nako-chan" is widely used by fans and colleagues alike. She has a known fondness for spicy food, often mentioning it in interviews and on social media. During her time in Iz*One, she picked up Korean quickly and often served as a bridge between the Japanese and Korean members. She is also an avid user of social media, frequently posting updates and behind-the-scenes moments. One of her quirks is her habit of collecting cute stationery, which she has shared with fans on several occasions.

One of the most retold stories from her career is her confession about crying in the shower shortly after joining Iz*One, overwhelmed by the pressure and her perceived inadequacies. This moment has become a cornerstone of her narrative, symbolizing her resilience and relatability. Another defining aspect is her open discussion of her struggles with body image and height insecurity, which she shared in interviews in 2021, humanizing her beyond the idol facade. Additionally, her reputation as the "ultimate TWICE fangirl" has become a beloved piece of lore, with fans citing her genuine, enthusiastic reactions to the group as a signature trait.[edit]

Yabuki tends to keep her family life private, and little is publicly known about her parents or any siblings. She has mentioned in interviews that her family has been supportive of her career from a young age, allowing her to pursue acting and idol activities. As of 2026, she is not publicly known to be married or have children, and she lives in Japan, close to her work base in Tokyo. [edit]

Yabuki is closely associated with the groups HKT48 and Iz*One, as well as fellow members like Sakura Miyawaki and Hitomi Honda, with whom she shared the Iz*One stage. She has also worked with actor Ryusei Fujii in the drama 18 years old, new wife, affair. [edit]

There is no public record of Yabuki having any serious romantic relationships. She has kept her personal life private, and as of 2026, she is reportedly single. During her idol years, she was known for her dedication to her career, and she has not been linked to any public figures. Her focus remains on her acting and voice work. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Nako Yabuki's net worth at $2 million. Her income primarily derives from her acting roles, voice acting work, and modeling contracts. During her tenure with Iz*One and HKT48, she earned a steady income from album sales, concerts, and merchandise. Since graduating from idol life, she has diversified her revenue streams through brand endorsements and paid fan content on platforms like bubble. Her financial trajectory has been steady, with her acting career providing a solid foundation for future growth.[edit]