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Arts & Culture
25 March 2025

Manami Higa Joins New Agency After Leaving Rising Production

Actress looks forward to new challenges after nearly two decades with her former agency.

In a significant career move, actress Manami Higa announced on March 25, 2025, that she has joined the entertainment agency Contents League Co., Ltd., after nearly two decades with her previous agency, Rising Production Co., Ltd. Higa made her announcement through an Instagram post, stating, "This time, I, Manami Higa, have decided to be affiliated with the entertainment agency Contents League Co., Ltd." The news brings a wave of excitement among fans and industry supporters alike.

Born in Kitanakagusuku Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Higa has been a staple in the Japanese entertainment scene since she began her career after being scouted by a model agency during her high school years. After moving to Tokyo, she quickly made a name for herself by playing the heroine in the NHK morning drama Dondo Hare in 2007. Following her success with memorable roles in shows such as Code Blue and appearances in historical dramas like Tenchijin, Higa has solidified her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.

Although she found success, Higa's journey was not without complications. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her former management to implement cost-cutting measures, which resulted in a challenging work environment. Higa expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, "I want to take on new work positively and actively." Her frustration with her lack of opportunities became increasingly apparent as she reflected on her career, telling insiders that she felt the need for change and growth.

After waiting for the right moment, Higa decided to shift gears entirely. By January 31, 2025, Higa had officially departed from Rising Production after an 18-year tenure, a move she announced at the end of 2024. Fans were not surprised; many had sensed her desire for a fresh start. In her newest social media reflection, she remarked, "As I walk as an actress for 20 years, I have accumulated invaluable experiences and encounters that I treasure immensely. As I move forward, I have genuinely begun to consider how I want to walk my path going forward, with a mindset ready for new challenges."

The announcement about her new agency came just a couple of months later and seemed perfectly timed for both Higa and her supporters. Higa's supporters have noted changes in the industry landscape, expressing their belief that the star would thrive in her new environment. Included in her announcement was a heartfelt commitment to remain dedicated to her craft: "I will continue to engage seriously in creating, so I ask for your unwavering support moving forward."

As Higa embarks on this exciting new chapter, fans across social media are voicing their encouragement, filling her posts with messages of support. Comments range from celebratory congratulations to expressions of continued loyalty, reflecting the cherished relationship between Higa and her fanbase. Messages like "Congratulations on your new agency!" and "No matter where you go, I will always support you," resonate deeply in the actress's community.

Moving to Contents League, Co., Ltd. positions Higa amongst a roster of talented actresses, including Minami Hamabe and Rio Yamashita, hinting at promising collaborations and projects in the future. This new affiliation signals not only a new beginning for Higa but an opportunity to reinvigorate her career, highlighting her hopes for more creative work ahead.

As the dust settles on her recent transitions, the future seems bright for Manami Higa. With a committed fan base behind her and the support of her new agency, the actress appears poised for a noteworthy comeback. The excitement surrounding her new roles and endeavors promises to keep fans engaged, eager to witness her evolution in the industry.