Name: 蒼井優 (あおい ゆう) Yuu Aoi | Name(romaji): Aoi Yu | Profession: Actress and model | Birthdate: 1985-Aug-17 | Birthplace: Kasuga, Fukuoka, Japan | Height: 160cm | Star sign: Leo | Blood type: A | Talent agency: Itoh Company Group
Yu Aoi, born in Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka on August 17th, 1985, is a popular Japanese actress & model. Since elementary school Yu Aoi has been a member of Itoh Company Group (talent agency). In 1999, at the age of 14, Yui made her stage debut as Polly in the musical production "Annie." During the audition process for "Annie," Yu Aoi was chosen over 10,000 other contestants for the role of Polly.
Yui Aoi's career blossomed further with her appearance in Shunji Iwai's highly acclaimed film "All About Lily Chou-Chou." In 2002, Yui Aoi's popularity increased further as she was chosen as the 10th "Rehouse Girl" for Japanese real estate company Mitsui Rehouse. Other actresses who gained popularity through Mitsui Rehouse commercials include Rie Miyazawa, Chizuru Ikewaki, and Kaho.
Yu Aoi's major breathrough in acting came with her first starring role in 2004's "Hana and Alice." This would also be her second time working with director Shunji Iwai. In the film, Yu Aoi was able to demonstrate not only her talents in acting, but also her skills in ballet. A five minute ballet performance by Yu Aoi was included during the climatic moments in "Hana and Alice".
Yui Aoi would go on to win the 2005 best actress award at the Japanese Professional Movie Award for that performance. Since that time Yu Aoi has kept a busy schedule appearing in a wide variety of different roles. She would also go on to win the best supporting actress award at the Japanese Academy Awards for her role in Sang-il Lee's "Hula Girls" and the Blue Ribbon Award and the Best Actress prize at the Yokohama Film Festival for her work in "Hula Girls" and "Honey and Clover".
Yuu Aoi Pictures
