ASAHINA AYA

​Aya Asahina is a multifaceted Japanese model, actress, and digital content creator who has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. Born on October 6, 1993, in Sumoto City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, she has garnered acclaim for her work in fashion modeling, television dramas, and online media.​

Early Life and Background

Aya Asahina was born and raised in Sumoto City, located on Awaji Island in Hyōgo Prefecture. She is the eldest of two siblings, with a younger brother. During her school years, she was actively involved in athletics, particularly track and field, which contributed to her disciplined approach to her later career. After graduating from Hyōgo Prefectural Sumoto Technical High School, she worked as a midwife's assistant at a local obstetrics and gynecology clinic for approximately a year and a half. Her transition into modeling began when an acquaintance suggested she try event modeling, leading to her discovery by the talent agency E-Smile in 2013. She initially worked as a race queen under the stage name "Aya Kitagawa" before adopting her real name in her professional career. ​

Modeling Career

Aya's modeling career took off after winning the Grand Prize at the 3rd DHC Cinderella Awards in October 2014. This accolade led to her becoming an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Ray starting with its January 2015 issue. In November 2015, she was appointed as the 14th Sanai Swimsuit Image Girl, further solidifying her presence in the modeling industry. In 2019, she transitioned to become an exclusive model for Oggi magazine, showcasing her versatility and appeal across different fashion audiences. ​

Acting Career

Aya Asahina made her acting debut in the Amazon Prime Video original drama Tokyo Alice in August 2017, portraying the character Sayuri Enjoji. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Hikari Kuina in the Netflix series Alice in Borderland (2020–2022), where her performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity. Her filmography includes roles in Grand Blue (2020) as Nanaka Kotegawa, And Then the Baton Was Passed (2021), Red Shoes (2022) as Manami Ohta, and From the End of the World (2023) as Reiko Saeki. On television, she has appeared in series such as Runway 24 (2019) and Girl Gun Lady (2021). ​

Digital Presence

Embracing the digital age, Aya launched her YouTube channel, "AYA ASAHINA official channel," on October 6, 2020. The channel features vlogs that provide insights into her daily life, beauty routines, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work. As of August 2024, the channel boasts over 211,000 subscribers and 17 million views. ​

Personal Life

Aya Asahina married Kenjiro Yamashita, a member of the music group Sandaime J Soul Brothers, on July 26, 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, on March 25, 2024. In April 2025, Aya announced that she was expecting their second child. ​

Community Engagement

Beyond her entertainment career, Aya is actively involved in community initiatives. In November 2015, she was appointed as the "Support Ambassador" for her hometown of Sumoto City, Hyōgo Prefecture. Furthering her commitment to her roots, she became a director for the Awaji Island UNESCO Association in December 2022, aiming to promote cultural and educational activities in the region. ​

Aya Asahina's journey from a small-town girl to a prominent figure in Japan's entertainment industry exemplifies her versatility, dedication, and connection to her heritage.