Yamashita Mei, the popular former member of Nogizaka46, has captured the limelight again with her recent fashion and acting activities. On March 1, 2025, she graced the runway at the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) held at the National Yoyogi Gymnasium, marking another significant event in her blossoming career.
This year's TGC theme, "HERE WE GO!" celebrated 20 years of the fashion festival, where Yamashita stood out as she walked for the renowned brand MILKFED. Dressed elegantly, she donned a cute top with flared sleeves and stylish jeans, balancing casual and charming looks. The red shoes and the detailed crochet at her waist added just the right touch of sophistication without being overly sweet. Captivated by her vibrant smile and charming demeanor, the audience couldn't help but react enthusiastically.
Yamashita's second look was equally spectacular. Sporting a fluffy top adorned with large ruffles paired with pink flared trousers, she presented a more playful, girly style. The modern vibe was enhanced by her long jacket, which featured casual logos alongside strong silhouettes. Throughout her runway moment, she maintained a cool expression, underlining the powerful essence of her outfit.
Beyond runway appearances, Yamashita also served as the brand image model for the women's clothing line RESEXXY. They unveiled stunning visuals for the 2025 Spring season on February 6, to much fanfare. RESEXXY emphasizes 'More fascinate.' as part of its brand ethos, aligning perfectly with Yamashita's hard-working spirit and commitment to beauty. She revealed, “I hope everyone is surprised by my new short hair!” during promotional events, reflecting her enthusiasm and connectivity with fans.
The new visuals showcased four elegant styling configurations encapsulating the season's concept, "soft glossy." With designs including lavish tulle dresses and stylish sheer tops, each outfit portrays Yamashita's growth as both model and role model. Her sophisticated yet approachable image resonates with her audience and highlights her fashion sense, making her the ideal figure for RESEXXY.
Post her graduation from Nogizaka46, Yamashita has expanded her professional horizons significantly. She now serves as the exclusive model for the magazine CanCam and stars as the lead character, Hanakura Madoka, in the drama "It's Too Complex to Love Heirs," currently airing. This is not her only major role; she is set to appear as Kinoshita Akane, the heroine of the movie "Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru," which is scheduled for release on March 28, 2025.
Her versatility shines as she embodies dynamic characters on-screen, and the buzz around her performances grows stronger. Recently, she was also announced as part of the guest voice cast for the highly anticipated Detective Conan film, marking her contribution to the franchise, which has been beloved by fans for nearly three decades. Fellow actor Yamada Takayuki expressed excitement about contributing to such a storied series, saying, "It was exciting to participate in such a long-standing franchise like Detective Conan."
With every project, Yamashita Mei continues to defy expectations, blending her modeling prowess with her growing acting career. Known for her perseverance and dedication, she is on track to become one of Japan's most influential figures, both as a model and actress. Her dual engagement with the fashion world at events like TGC and her roles in television and film exude her potential to be more than just another idol.
Yamashita Mei is undoubtedly carving out her identity beyond her illustrious idol past, embracing challenges head-on and redefining what success looks like by gracefully stepping from one exciting venture to another. Fans are left intrigued and excited about what lies next for this rising star.