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Emi Takei
View on WikipediaEmi Takei (武井 咲, Takei Emi; born December 25, 1993) is a Japanese actress and model.[3][4]
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Takei was born in Nagoya. Aspiring to become a model, she declared to her parents on her entry to junior high school that she would become a model within three years.[5] In 2006, she entered the 11th Japan Bishōjo Contest and won in not only one, but two categories: she received the Model Division Award and the Multi-Media Award.
She subsequently made her model debut in the November 2006 issue of Seventeen, which became her first job in the entertainment industry. In February 2007, she became a model exclusive to the magazine, and earned her first solo cover on the 15 February issue.
Starting in September 2010, she became the image character for "Beamie", an SNS website used by approximately 5,500 celebrities. In November the same year, she was the youngest ever in history to receive the "Best Dresser Award", an award from The Men's Fashion Unity since 1972.
In January 2011, she had her first appearance in the Fuji TV drama serial Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta. She was picked by winning an audition in which eight hundred people attended to play a key person in a quasi-leading role in the drama. Soon after, she had her first starring role in TV Asahi drama serial Asuko March! in April.
She won the "Best Smile of the Year" award in November,[6] and in December became the first Japanese person to be contracted with Italian luxury goods brand Gucci.[7]
On 12 December 2011, she made her debut as a singer under Universal Japan, releasing the single "Koisuru Kimochi". The ballad was written for her by Glay's Takuro who declared himself as a big fan of Takei.[8]
In August 2012, she graduated from being a Seventeen model after 5 years and 9 months.[9]
Appearances
[edit]TV dramas
[edit]- Otomen ~Summer~ (2009), Kuriko Tachibana
- Otomen ~Autumn~ (2009), Kuriko Tachibana
- Liar Game 2 (2010), Hiroka Saeki
- Gold (2010), Akira Saotome
- Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta (2011), Hikari Saeki
- Asukō March! ~Kenritsu Asuka Kōgyō Kōkō Kōshinkyoku~ (2011), Nao Yoshino
- Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi Summer Special 2011 (2011), Kyoka Koyama
- Taira no Kiyomori Episode 14 - 43 (2012), Tokiwa Gozen[10]
- W no Higeki (2012), Mako Watsuji/Satsuki Kurasawa[11]
- Iki mo Dekinai Natsu (2012), Rei Tanizaki
- Flat Out Tokyo Girl (2012), Urara Saeki
- Otenki Oneesan (2013), Haruko Abe
- Kindaichi Kōsuke VS Akechi Kogorō (2013), Hatsue Yoshiike
- The Partner (2013), Akane Oiwa[12]
- Umi no Ue no Shinryōjo (2013), Mako Togami[13]
- Senryokugai Sōsakan (2014), Chinami Umidzuki[14]
- Zero no Shinjitsu ~Kansatsui Matsumoto Mao~ (2014), Mao Matsumoto
- The Perfect Insider (2014), Moe Nishinosono[15]
- Age Harassment (2015), Emiri Yoshii[16]
- Seisei Suruhodo, Aishiteru (2016), Mia Kurihara[17]
- Fragile (2016), Chihiro Miyazaki
- Setouchi Shonen Yakyu dan (2016), Komako Nakai
- Black Leather Notebook (2017), Motoko Haraguchi
- Ima kara Anata wo Kyouhaku Shimasu (2017)
Movies
[edit]- The Cherry Orchard: Blossoming (2008), Maki Mizuta
- For Love's Sake (2012), Ai Saotome
- Rurouni Kenshin (2012), Kamiya Kaoru
- Love for Beginners (2012), Tsubaki Hibino
- Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014), Kamiya Kaoru
- Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014), Kamiya Kaoru
- Clover (2014), Saya Suzuki[18]
- Terra Formars (2016), Nanao Akita
- Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021), Kamiya Kaoru
TV programs
[edit]- Unbelievable (April 2010-February 2011)
- K-Pop & Korean Dramas...Star ga Umareru Bashō ~Takei Emi and Youn-a Hanryū Roots e no Tabi~ (2011)
- Takei Emi 19sai no Kyūjitsu - Kankoku Hitori Tabi ~Micchaku! Sugao ni Modotta Mikakan~ (2013)
Radio
[edit]- Emi Takei and Rikao Yanagida's Radio Kūsō Kagaku Kenkyūsho (2010–present)
- Daiichi Seimei Takei Emi "Kyō no Ikku" (2012–present)
Voice acting
[edit]- Fast Five (2011), Elena Neves (Japanese dubbing)[19]
- Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights (2011), Sophie Coubertin (Japanese release)
- Binary Domain (2012) - Yuki (Japanese release)[20]
- Crayon Shin-chan: Serious Battle! Robot Dad Strikes Back (2014)
- Dragon Quest Heroes II (2016), Teresia[21]
- Nioh (2017), Okatsu[22]
Commercials
[edit]- Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Petting Lagoon (2007)
- Takara Tomy Hi-kara (2008)
- Shiseido
- Tsubaki Water (2010)
- Maquillage (2011–present)
- Lotte
- Ghana Milk Chocolate (2011–present)[23]
- Ghana Chocolate & Cookie Sandwich (2011-2012)
- Fruitio (2012–present)
- Fit's Link & Fruitio x Movie Rurouni Kenshin Tie-up Campaign (2012)[24]
- SoftBank Mobile (2011)
- Coca-Cola Japan Sokenbicha (2011)[25]
- ÆON (2011–present)[26]
- MaxValu (2012–present)
- Nintendo "Rhythm Heaven Fever" (2011)
- Nissin Spa King (2011–present)
- Fast Five Movie (2011)
- NEC Personal Computer (2011–present)[27]
- Sekisui Chemical Company Sekisui Heim (2011–present)
- Aoyama Trading Yōfuku no Aoyama (2011–present)
- Daiichi Seimei (2011–present)[28]
- J Sports (2011–present)
- Tokyo Metro (2012–present)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Mauritshuis Museum Exhibition (2012)
- JTB (2012–present)
- GREE Tsuri Star (2012–present)
- House Foods Toast Seasoning (2012–present)
- Seiko Lukia (2012–present)[29]
- Mobcast Mobile Pro/Mobile Soccer (2013–present)[30]
- Japanese Red Cross Society Hatachi no Kenketsu (2014–present)[31]
- SSP Alesion 10 (2014–present)
Magazines
[edit]- Seventeen (February 2007-October 2012)- Exclusive model
Photobooks
[edit]- Kaze no Naka no Shōjo (Wani Books, 28 October 2010) ISBN 9784847043208[32]
- Plumeria (Spirits Special Edition) (Shogakukan, 20 June 2011) ISBN 9784093637305
- Emi Takei Photobook Bloom (Kadokawa Shoten, 6 June 2015) ISBN 9784047319431[33]
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]| Release date | Title | Oricon Weekly peak position |
|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2011 | 恋スルキモチ (Koisuru Kimochi) | 6 |
Awards and recognitions
[edit]- 2006
-
- 11th Japan Bishōjo Contest Model Division Award and Multi-Media Award
- 2011
-
- 68th Television Academy Awards - Best Supporting Actress for "Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta"[34]
- Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2011 Award
- 2012
-
- 2012 E-Line Beautiful Grand Prix (Japan Association of Adult Orthodontics)
- 24th Yamaji Fumiko Film Awards - Best New Actress Award
- 25th Nikkan Sports Film Award - Best Newcomer Award[35]
- 54th FECJ Awards - Celebrity of the Year Award
- 2013
-
- 37th Elan d'or Awards - Best Newcomer Award[36]
- 36th Japan Academy Film Prize - Best New Actor Award for "Rurouni Kenshin", "Ai to Makoto", "Kyō, Koi o Hajimemasu"
- 22nd Japanese Film Critics Awards - Best New Actress Award for "Kyō, Koi o Hajimemasu"[37]
- 18th Vietnam Film Festival - Best Actress for "The Partner"
- 2015
-
- Japan Action Award 2015 - Best Action Actress for Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno[38]
References
[edit]- ^ TAKAHIRO&武井咲が結婚発表!武井は妊娠3カ月 交際2年半「お互いの人柄に惹かれ」. Archived from the original on 2017-09-01. Retrieved 2017-09-01.
- ^ "Boy group Exile vocalist Takahiro, actress Emi Takei announce marriage". Mainichi Daily News. 2 September 2017.
- ^ 武井咲 (in Japanese). Yahoo Japan Corporation. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ 武井咲、名古屋市長選のイメキャラ! (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports News. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ Shabekuri 007. 2010-11-29. Nippon Television.
- ^ 武井咲、2011年『ベストスマイル』受賞に満面の笑み (in Japanese). Oricon. 2011-11-08. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 武井咲、グッチと日本人初契約 (in Japanese). Oricon. 2011-12-13. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ "武井咲歌手デビュー!TAKURO書き下ろし". Sankei Sports (in Japanese). 2011-10-26. Archived from the original on 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 武井咲、Seventeen卒業式で号泣「本音はもうちょっといたかった」 (in Japanese). oricon ME inc. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ "平清盛の出演者・キャスト一覧". The Television. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ 福田沙紀&剛力彩芽が武井咲をいびり倒す!? ドラマ『Wの悲劇』キャスト発表 (in Japanese). oricon ME inc. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ ベトナム国営放送とドラマを共同制作 両国間で初 東山紀之、武井咲らが出演 (in Japanese). Mantan Web. 2013-05-14. Archived from the original on 2013-09-10. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 松田翔太、月9初主演はフラれドクター役 (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 2013-09-04. Retrieved 2013-09-20.
- ^ 武井咲、初の刑事役で新境地 ハタチ最初は連ドラ主演 (in Japanese). Oricon. 2013-11-18. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
- ^ 武井咲&綾野剛、「すべてがFになる」W主演で難事件解決! (in Japanese). Sankei Sports. 2014-08-25. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
- ^ 武井咲主演『エイジハラスメント』初回9.7% (in Japanese). oricon ME inc. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ 武井咲×滝沢秀明「せいせいするほど、愛してる」<第1話あらすじ> (in Japanese). ModelPress. 10 July 2016. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
- ^ Mainichi Digital (2014-03-13). 武井咲:人気マンガ「クローバー」実写化で主演 ツンデレ上司に大倉忠義 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ "武井咲が映画『ワイルド・スピード MEGA MAX』の声優に挑戦" (in Japanese). レスポンス. 3 August 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
- ^ 武井咲、「龍が如く」クリエーター集団によるゲームに声優参加!スラム街の少女演じる (in Japanese). Cinematoday Inc. 2011-09-01. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ "Emi Takei (visual voices guide) - Behind The Voice Actors". behindthevoiceactors.com (Check mark indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources). Retrieved 2021-05-06.
- ^ Reynolds, Shawn (13 September 2016). "New Characters Revealed for Nioh". Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ 長澤まさみ、「ガーナ」7年で自身の成長ぶり実感 (in Japanese). oricon ME inc. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ "『るろうに剣心』とあのガムがコラボ。佐藤健、武井咲のNGシーンがCMに!" (in Japanese). PIA Corporation. 2012-08-20. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 武井咲が出演するコカ・コーラ新CMが27日からオンエア開始 (in Japanese). IID, Inc. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ 武井咲のお姉さん&妹キャラクターをオーディション! 全国9地区のイオンで地域代表を決定 (in Japanese). oricon ME inc. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ "NEC、個人向けデスクトップパソコン「VALUESTAR」シリーズ3タイプ16モデルを発売、武井咲出演TVCMとメイキングを公開" (in Japanese). Navicon. 2012-02-07. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 武井咲が"戦隊ヒーロー"に!? コスチュームに大興奮 (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. 2013-03-29. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ "<セイコー ルキア> 新TV-CM 放映開始「息をのむほど、キレイが咲く」篇" (Press release) (in Japanese). Seiko. 2012-11-21. Archived from the original on 2015-03-22. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 武井咲、クロマティ氏&アルシンド氏と共演! (in Japanese). Sankei Sports. 2013-03-27. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 日本赤十字社、はたちの献血キャンペーンが始動、新成人の武井咲さんが引き続きキャンペーンキャラクターに (in Japanese). Excite News. 2014-01-07. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
- ^ 風の中の少女 : 武井咲写真集 (ワニブックス) (in Japanese). National Diet Library. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ bloom : 武井咲フォトブック (KADOKAWA) (in Japanese). National Diet Library. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
- ^ ザテレビジョン ドラマアカデミー賞: 【第68回 助演女優賞】武井咲 (in Japanese). Kadokawa Magazines Inc. 2011-05-11. Archived from the original on 2013-06-25. Retrieved 2013-08-27.
- ^ 日刊スポーツ映画大賞 歴代受賞者・作品. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ エランドール賞歴代受賞者一覧 [List of Élan d'Or awardee] (in Japanese). All Nippon Producers Association. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ 第22回受賞作品 日本映画批評家大賞 公式サイト (in Japanese). Japan Movie Critics Award. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
- ^ 武井咲、アクション賞受賞も恐縮「自分のどんくささに引きました」 (in Japanese). oricon ME inc. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
External links
[edit]Emi Takei
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and childhood
Emi Takei was born on December 25, 1993, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.[7] She spent her early years in the city, growing up in a typical middle-class family environment, though details about her parents remain largely private with no significant public disclosures regarding their professions or backgrounds.[8] Information on siblings is similarly limited, highlighting Takei's preference for maintaining family privacy during her public career.[9] From a young age, Takei developed a strong interest in fashion and modeling, which became evident during her junior high school years. Around the age of 12, upon entering junior high school, she confidently declared to her parents her aspiration to become a model within three years, marking an early commitment to a career in entertainment.[10] Her family provided general support for these ambitions without notable direct influences from relatives in the industry, allowing her personal drive to shape her path forward.[9]Entry into modeling
Takei entered the entertainment industry at a young age through her participation in the 11th Japan Bishōjo Contest in 2006, when she was 12 years old. Competing in the event organized by Oscar Promotion, she won both the Model Division Award and the Multi-Media Award, marking her first major recognition in the modeling world.[11][10] Following her contest success, Takei made her modeling debut in the November 2006 issue of the popular teen fashion magazine Seventeen, appearing in a feature on eyebrow styling that served as her initial professional job. In 2007, she signed an exclusive modeling contract with Seventeen, becoming a regular contributor and appearing on the cover for the February issue, which solidified her presence in the publication.[11][10] Throughout her early years with Seventeen, Takei participated in numerous photoshoots showcasing teen fashion trends, such as casual school outfits and seasonal accessories, which helped establish her as a prominent teen idol model in Japan. These features highlighted her fresh appeal and versatility, contributing to her rapid rise within the modeling industry during her mid-teens.[11][10]Professional career
Acting breakthrough
Takei's acting career began with supporting roles in 2009, including Tachibana Kuriko in the Fuji TV drama series Otomen. Her transition from modeling to acting gained momentum in 2011, when she secured a notable supporting role as Hikari Saeki in the Fuji TV drama series Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta (You Taught Me All the Precious Things), a role she won through a competitive audition attended by 800 participants.[12] This appearance built on her established modeling career that had gained her visibility since age 13.[13] Her breakthrough came later that year with her first lead role as Nao Yoshino in the TV Asahi comedy-drama Asuko March!, where she portrayed a determined high school girl navigating life in an all-boys technical school.[14] The series highlighted her ability to handle comedic scenarios with charm and relatability, earning praise for her engaging performance as the sole female student in a male-dominated environment.[15] This role propelled her into the spotlight, establishing her as a rising talent in Japanese television. Takei's profile rose further in film with her casting as Kamiya Kaoru, the resilient kendo instructor and love interest, in the live-action adaptation of the Rurouni Kenshin manga trilogy directed by Keishi Ōtomo, spanning releases from 2012 to 2014.[16][17] In these action-packed installments—Rurouni Kenshin (2012), Kyoto Inferno (2014), and The Legend Ends (2014)—she performed alongside Takeru Satōh, undergoing training for sword-fighting scenes that showcased her versatility beyond comedy.[16] Her portrayal earned her the Best Action Actress award at the 2015 Japan Action Awards, solidifying her reputation as an emerging action star in Japanese cinema.[18] Among her other notable early works, Takei starred as Ai Saotome in the 2012 musical romance film For Love's Sake (Ai to Makoto), directed by Takashi Miike, where she played a privileged schoolgirl in a star-crossed romance adapted from a classic manga.[19] This role further demonstrated her range, blending dramatic and musical elements in a high-profile project that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.[3]Music endeavors
Emi Takei ventured into music with her debut single "Koisuru Kimochi," released on December 14, 2011, by Universal Music Japan.[20] The winter ballad, specially written for her by GLAY guitarist TAKURO, debuted at number 6 on the Oricon weekly singles chart, selling 22,226 copies in its first week.[21] The release aligned with her growing acting prominence, serving as a promotional extension of her on-screen work.[22] Takei performed "Koisuru Kimochi" live on the television program Music Station on December 9, 2011, marking one of her early musical appearances.[23] Her singing efforts were confined to this single, which included a B-side track titled "Ashita e," and did not extend to any full albums or further releases.[24] This limited discography reflected a brief exploration into music, primarily tied to enhancing her visibility as an actress rather than establishing a standalone recording career.Recent projects (2018–2025)
Following the birth of her first daughter in March 2018, Takei Emi took a maternity hiatus from acting and modeling to focus on family, resuming limited activities in July 2018 primarily through advertisements.[25][5] She welcomed a second daughter in March 2022 and a third in February 2025, each prompting extended pauses that prioritized her role as a mother while selectively balancing professional commitments.[5][26] Takei made a notable return to acting in 2021, reprising her iconic role as Kamiya Kaoru in the live-action film Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, which concluded the rebooted trilogy and highlighted her enduring appeal in major productions.[13] This appearance marked a selective re-entry after her initial maternity leave, followed by a special edition release of the film later that year.[10] Her subsequent projects emphasized work-life balance, with no major films beyond this installment; instead, she focused on television specials and digital engagements. In January 2024, Takei starred as the lead Ino Seira in the suspense thriller special Kao, portraying a masked singer entangled in a web of deception and identity crisis, adapted from Seicho Matsumoto's novel.[27] The project aired on TV Asahi and showcased her versatility in a compact format suitable for her family schedule.[28] Parallel to her acting, Takei experienced a resurgence in modeling, gracing the cover of VERY magazine multiple times from 2024 onward, including the January, April, October, and December issues, which featured her in mature fashion editorials emphasizing everyday elegance.[29][30] These appearances, alongside promotions via her official Instagram account launched in 2019, allowed her to maintain visibility through lifestyle content and brand collaborations without demanding intensive schedules.[31] In February 2025, following the birth of her third daughter, Takei was appointed an official ambassador for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promoting the event in her home prefecture.[32] As of November 2025, she continues selective engagements in modeling and endorsements.Personal life
Marriage
Emi Takei began a romantic relationship with Japanese singer, dancer, and actor Takahiro Tasaki, best known as a vocalist for the group EXILE, around 2015 after meeting on the set of the 2014 NTV drama Senryokugai Sosakan. Dating rumors first emerged in April 2015 via tabloid reports, but both Takei and Tasaki publicly denied them at the time, maintaining privacy about their partnership for over two years.[33][34] On September 1, 2017, Takei and Tasaki jointly announced their marriage through a statement to the media, confirming they had legally registered it on August 25 and that Takei was three months pregnant with their first child. The couple described their relationship as having lasted approximately two and a half years, emphasizing their commitment to supporting each other in their careers and family life.[35][34] Since their marriage, Takei and Tasaki have made occasional joint public appearances, including at sports events and family-related announcements, while largely keeping their personal life out of the spotlight. As of 2025, the couple remains married, with no indications of separation or divorce.[26]Family
Takei Emi and her husband, EXILE member Takahiro, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2018.[36] Following the birth, Takei's agency announced that she would take a maternity break starting in December 2017 to focus on childrearing, resuming her professional activities in July 2018.[25] The couple's second child, another daughter, was born in March 2022.[37] In their announcement, Takahiro expressed joy at the lively family days and hopes for a brighter future, with both mother and child reported healthy.[37] In February 2025, Takei gave birth to their third child, a daughter, expanding the family further.[5] The couple shared in a statement that both mother and baby are healthy, describing their happiness with the new life and peaceful family days, while pledging to protect their precious lives moving forward.[5] Takei has spoken about the joys of motherhood in these announcements, reflecting her commitment to family alongside her career.[5]Film and television
Television series
Emi Takei made her acting debut in television dramas prior to 2011, but her breakthrough came with lead roles starting that year. Her television work primarily consists of Japanese dramas (dorama) aired on major networks like TBS, Fuji TV, NTV, and TV Asahi, often featuring her in central roles as young women navigating romance, mystery, or personal growth. In 2011, Takei starred as the lead Nao Yoshino, a girl who enters an all-boys technical high school, in the TV Asahi drama Asuko March! (10 episodes). Later that year, she played lead Saeki Hikari, a high school student in a forbidden relationship with her teacher, in Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta (TBS, 10 episodes).[10] Takei's prominence grew in 2012 with the lead role of Rei Tanizaki, an 18-year-old discovering her unregistered family status, in Iki mo Dekinai Natsu (TBS, 11 episodes). She also starred in dual lead roles as identical twins Mako Watsuji and Satsuki Kurasawa with contrasting lives—one a wealthy heiress, the other a poor orphan—in the mystery series W no Higeki (TBS, 10 episodes).[13] The 2013 drama The Weather Girl Knows... (NTV, 10 episodes) featured Takei in the lead as Haruko Abe, a genius meteorologist facing workplace challenges. She also led as Mako Togami, a doctor on a floating clinic, in Umi no Ue no Shinryoujo (Fuji TV, 10 episodes). In 2014, she took on multiple leads: Chinami Umizuki, an unconventional police officer, in Senryokugai Sosakan (NTV, 10 episodes); Moe Nishinosono, a university student unraveling a murder mystery, in Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider (Fuji TV, 10 episodes); and Mao Matsumoto, a forensic doctor investigating deaths, in Zero no ShinjitsuFilms
Emi Takei's entry into cinema began with a supporting role as Maki Mizuta in the 2008 drama The Cherry Orchard: Blossoming, marking her debut on the big screen at age 14.[10] This early appearance showcased her potential in ensemble casts focused on youthful themes of growth and relationships. Her transition to leading roles came in 2012, a pivotal year that established her as a rising star in Japanese film. In For Love's Sake (2012), directed by Takashi Miike, Takei took on the lead role of Ai Saotome, a privileged schoolgirl entangled in a dramatic romance with a delinquent, blending musical elements with intense emotional stakes.[19] The film highlighted her versatility in portraying innocence amid turmoil, contributing to its cult following for Miike's unconventional adaptation of a classic manga. That same year, she starred as Tsubaki Hibino in Love for Beginners, a romantic comedy where her character navigates high school crushes and personal insecurities, further solidifying her appeal in youth-oriented narratives.[10] Also in 2012, Takei debuted as Kamiya Kaoru, the resilient dojo instructor, in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, opposite Takeru Satoh's titular swordsman; this role became one of her most iconic, emphasizing her ability to convey quiet strength and loyalty in action-packed historical drama.[16] The Rurouni Kenshin trilogy continued to elevate Takei's profile, with her reprising Kaoru in Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014) and Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014). These sequels expanded on the Meiji-era adventures, where Kaoru's supportive yet pivotal presence drove emotional depth amid high-stakes swordfights and redemption arcs.[10] The series achieved significant commercial success, with Origins grossing approximately 3.7 billion yen (about $37.3 million USD) in Japan alone, setting records for live-action manga adaptations at the time.[39] Kyoto Inferno earned over 820 million yen in its first three days, becoming 2014's top-grossing Japanese live-action film.[40] The trilogy as a whole amassed over $150 million worldwide, underscoring Takei's contribution to one of Japan's most successful film franchises.[41] Takei explored lead roles outside the franchise in Clover (2014), playing Saya Suzuki, a woman confronting family secrets and loss in a poignant family drama that highlighted her nuanced dramatic range.[10] In 2016, she took a supporting turn as Nanao Akita in the sci-fi action film Terra Formars, portraying a mission specialist in a high-concept battle against mutated creatures on Mars, adapting the popular manga with intense visual effects.[10] She also voiced a character in the animated Yo-kai Watch the Movie: The Flying Whale and the Double World of Explorers da Nyan! (2016), adding to her diverse cinematic portfolio.[10] Takei returned to the Rurouni Kenshin universe in 2021 with Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, again as Kaoru, concluding the saga's arcs of atonement and protection; the film grossed over 3 billion yen domestically, reaffirming the series' enduring popularity.[10][41]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | The Cherry Orchard: Blossoming | Maki Mizuta | Supporting; debut film |
| 2012 | For Love's Sake | Ai Saotome | Lead; musical romance |
| 2012 | Love for Beginners | Tsubaki Hibino | Lead; romantic comedy |
| 2012 | Rurouni Kenshin: Origins | Kamiya Kaoru | Lead; action historical drama |
| 2014 | Clover | Saya Suzuki | Lead; family drama |
| 2014 | Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno | Kamiya Kaoru | Lead; sequel |
| 2014 | Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends | Kamiya Kaoru | Lead; trilogy finale |
| 2016 | Terra Formars | Nanao Akita | Supporting; sci-fi action |
| 2016 | Yo-kai Watch the Movie: The Flying Whale and the Double World of Explorers da Nyan! | Voice role | Supporting; animated adventure |
| 2021 | Rurouni Kenshin: The Final | Kamiya Kaoru | Lead; franchise continuation |