Yumeka Miyata, best known as a member of the popular Japanese idol group HKT48, is making significant strides as she embarks on her post-graduation career. After graduating in December 2023, Miyata, who joined HKT48 at the tender age of 11, spent nearly ten years with the group before taking her first steps onto the broader stage.
Since her departure from HKT48, the now 23-year-old has become known as the 'Gravure Venus of the Reiwa Era.' XYZ magazine highlighted her prolific work, as she has graced the covers of numerous manga publications and magazines, showcasing her stunning looks and blossoming talent. Her shift from idol to actress has seen her expand her horizons, allowing her performances to resonate with audiences.
Her acting career truly began to take off when she starred as the lead actress alongside Hiroki Iijima in the drama 'Cinderella Complex,' which aired from February to April 2024 on MBS. Miyata enthusiastically stepped out of her comfort zone, performing bold love scenes and demonstrating her determination to redefine herself. "I thought initially perhaps it was best to pretend to be someone else since I had just graduated from being an idol, but I reconsidered. It felt very disrespectful to the work," she said, showcasing her commitment to taking genuine risks as her career evolves.
Following her successful debut, she continued to thrive throughout the year, taking roles in various dramas, including 'Until I Break My Husband's Family' on TV Tokyo and 'Class 3-C Is Having An Affair!' on Nippon TV. Her role as the love-stricken student entwined with her teacher, featured within the societal bounds defined by the new '18-year-old adult' laws, was particularly noteworthy. There, she excelled as she portrayed the painful depths of unrequited love, solidifying her status as not just another former idol but as a serious actress.
Moving forward, Miyata's influence will extend even more as she is set to make her debut on the beloved NHK morning drama, 'Omusubi,' slated for the latter half of 2024. Her appearance signifies not only personal growth but also her rising status within the entertainment industry.
Last November, she was featured as 'Shinsei Joshi-z' in the film 'Saint Young Men: The Movie – Holy Men vs. Demon Army,' directed by Yuichi Fukuda. This film added another notch to her growing filmography, showing off her versatility and dynamic presence on screen.
The visibility from her magazine appearances hit new heights last September, coinciding with her 23rd birthday, when she released her second photobook, entitled 'Kimagani.' This work embraced the theme of 'Challenging the Unknown,' which not only boosted her fame but cemented her reputation as one of Japan's rising stars, as it sold out multiple printings.
Near the end of last year, her contributions to the gravure scene were recognized by Shueisha's website 'Grajapa!' which awarded her the Best Photobook Award for 2024. This accolade places her at center stage, reinforcing her title as the 'Gravure Venus of the Reiwa Era' and setting the stage for her continued dominance.
With 2025 already promising, Mihata's upcoming film 'BLUE FIGHT – The Young Warriors’ Breaking Down,' directed by Takashi Miike, is set for release on January 31, keeping her momentum alive. Her regular appearances on popular variety shows like 'The Breakthrough File' continue to entertain fans, with the actress expressing joy on social media about her ever-increasing visibility: "I'm happy about my regular appearances on nationwide programs!"
Miyata’s fans have been supportive through her transition from HKT48, where her growth as both an idol and now as a multitalented performer excites them for what lies ahead. With her relentless determination to take on new challenges, she appears to be steering clear of the common 'second-year jinx' many face after departing from the idol world. Her evolution is not just appealing to the fans but serves as inspiration for many young women aspiring to achieve their dreams.
Yumeka Miyata's pathway—marked by graceful growth and endeavor—shows her viewers and supporters the beauty of change and the reward of taking significant risks to truly express oneself.