Yuko Oshima

Yuko Oshima was born on October 17, 1988, in Mibu, Japan. Her career in entertainment began early, signing as a child actor with Central Kodomo Gekidan in 1996. By 2005, she transitioned into a junior idol role within the short-lived project Doll’s Vox, produced by Toshihiko Takamizawa of The Alfee. A significant turning point in her career occurred in 2006 when she was selected from 12,000 applicants to join AKB48’s Team K through its second audition. She quickly became a central figure in the group, debuting with the single “Aitakatta” in October 2006 and contributing to all of AKB48’s singles since then, excluding those determined by rock-paper-scissors tournaments.

Throughout her tenure with AKB48, Oshima consistently ranked among the top two in the annual general elections from 2009 to 2013, notably securing the first position in 2010 and 2012, which led to her becoming the center performer for hit singles like “Heavy Rotation” and “Gingham Check.” Beyond music, she demonstrated her acting capabilities in various films and dramas. Her notable film roles include playing Keiko Aikawa in “Pale Moon” (2014) and a leading role as Kana Ōhashi in “Teketeke” (2009). On television, she has appeared in numerous series such as “Majisuka Gakuen” (2010), “Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu” (2011), and more recently, “Go Home” (2024) and “Antihero” (2024). In 2017, she took a hiatus to study English in New York.

After a distinguished career with AKB48, Oshima announced her graduation from the group on December 31, 2013, during “Kohaku Uta Gassen,” with her final single as a member, “Mae shika Mukanee,” released in February 2014. Her official graduation performance was on June 9, 2014, at the AKB48 theatre. Post-graduation, she focused on her acting career, earning critical acclaim and awards, including the Hochi Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Pale Moon” in 2014 and the 85th The Television Drama Academy Award for Best Actress for “Yamegoku: Yakuza Yamete Itadakimasu” in 2015. She married actor Kento Hayashi on July 29, 2021, and they welcomed their first child on January 5, 2023.