Minami Hamabe

Minami Hamabe (浜辺 美波, _Hamabe Minami_) was born on 29 August 2000 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. She is a talented Japanese actress who has made her mark in both film and television since she started her career as a teenager. Hamabe has received critical acclaim for her performances and is recognized as one of the leading figures in the contemporary Japanese entertainment industry.

Hamabe began her journey in acting by winning the New Generation Award at the Toho Cinderella Audition in 2011. She officially entered the film industry in 2012 and quickly gained fame for her role as Meiko Honma in the live-action adaptation of the popular TV series _Anohana_ (2015). However, her breakthrough came with the romantic film _Let Me Eat Your Pancreas_ (2017), where she played the lead role of Sakura Yamauchi. This film became one of the highest-grossing films in Japan that year and earned her the Newcomer of the Year award at the 41st Japan Academy Prize.

Following her success, Hamabe starred in several significant films, including _The Great War of Archimedes_ (2019), _Cursed in Love_ (2020), and _The Promised Neverland_ (2020). Each of these projects further established her as a notable actress in the industry. In 2023, she co-starred in the highly anticipated film _Godzilla Minus One_ and the television drama _Ranman_, cementing her status as a versatile actress capable of tackling diverse roles.

Hamabe's performance in _Godzilla Minus One_ alongside her role in _Shin Kamen Rider_ (2023) has received international attention, leading to her winning the Best Supporting Actress award at the 66th Blue Ribbon Awards. These accolades highlight her rising stardom and the impactful contributions she has made to Japanese cinema.

Outside of her professional life, Hamabe is known for her love of animals, particularly her Pomeranian dog, Popu-chan. She maintains close friendships with fellow actors Takumi Kitamura and Kanna Hashimoto. Her passion for acting continues to inspire many, as she remains dedicated to her craft and eagerly pursues new opportunities in the entertainment industry.

In September 2023, she was announced as the heroine of NHK’s upcoming morning drama titled _Ranman_, further showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through her roles. With multiple projects lined up, including the film _Silent Love_ (2024) and the Taiga drama _Toyotomi Brothers!_, Hamabe's career is set for continued growth and success.