Kanna Hashimoto
Kanna Hashimoto, born on February 3, 1999, is a Japanese actress and former singer who rose to national prominence in 2013 when a fan-taken photograph of her performing with her idol group went viral on Twitter and 2channel, earning her the nickname "the girl who is too cute" and catapulting her into the spotlight. From 2011 to 2017, she was a member of the Fukuoka-based idol girl group Rev. from DVL, where she began her entertainment career at a young age. The viral photo, which captured her energetic dance performance, turned her into an internet sensation and opened the door to a successful acting career, making her one of the most sought-after young talents in Japan.
Hashimoto made her film debut at the age of 12 with a minor role in I Wish (2011), directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, but her breakthrough came after the viral fame. In 2016, she landed her first leading role in Sailor Suit and Machine Gun: Graduation, a film that also saw her release her debut single as a solo artist. Her performance was widely praised, and the film solidified her transition from idol to actress. The following year, she starred in Haruta & Chika (2017), a romantic comedy drama that showcased her versatility, and took on major roles in two highly anticipated live-action adaptations: Gintama (2017) and The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2017). Her work in these films demonstrated her ability to handle both comedic and action-oriented roles, earning her critical acclaim and a growing fan base.
Hashimoto continued to build an impressive filmography in the late 2010s and early 2020s. She starred in Kaguya-sama: Love is War (2019), a romantic comedy based on the popular manga, where she played the lead role of Kaguya Shinomiya, and appeared in the epic historical adaptation Kingdom (2019), which became a box office hit in Japan. She also took on the lead in Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight (2019), a romantic fantasy film, and later starred in the action-comedy Violence Action (2022). Her performances have consistently drawn attention for her charisma and range, and she has become a regular fixture in Japanese cinema, often collaborating with top directors and co-stars. Beyond film, she has also appeared in television dramas and variety shows, further expanding her reach.
Off-screen, Hashimoto is known for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her craft, and she has become a prominent figure in Japanese pop culture. She has been nominated for and won several awards, including the Japan Academy Film Prize for Newcomer of the Year for her role in Kingdom. As of 2025, she remains active in the entertainment industry, continuing to take on diverse roles in film and television, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and beloved actresses of her generation in Japan.