buki Nako, a Japanese actress and singer with a significant following in South Korea, has always been known for her cute and bubbly image. Her career began with the 2005 film Touch, followed by commercials and TV movies like Detective Samonji Susumu and My Father’s Longest Day. She joined the Fukuoka-based idol group HKT48 in 2013 and later held a concurrent position in AKB48. Her journey in the Mnet survival show Produce 48 led to her debut in IZ*ONE, where she remained until April 2021.
After returning to Japan and resuming activities with HKT48, Nako centered two singles before announcing her graduation from HKT48 in October 2022. Reflecting on her idol career, she said she has no regrets. “I had always decided that I would graduate HKT48 at the age of twenty. I wanted to find the right time, for me, the fans, and the other members. Whether it was performing in the center, or making the Senbatsu Election, or being selected for AKB48, I believe I achieved all my goals as an idol. I was diligent in my career.”
Nako‘s next move was to resume her acting career, and she did so with a bang. She’s currently starring in the J-drama 18-sai, Niizuma, Furin Shimasu, alongside Ryusei Fujii. The drama, based on the popular comic series by Shiho Watanabe, features Nako in a bold and mature role that deviates significantly from her previous image.
Yabuki Nako New Drama
Yabuki Nako is a brave and versatile actress
In the drama, Nako plays Meika Sanjo, who enters a contract marriage with Kou Fujimiya, portrayed by Fujii. The plot thickens as they navigate the complexities of love, marriage, and affairs. One particularly bold scene in the drama has garnered significant attention. Here, Meika tries to give in to Kou, bravely offering to sleep with him. Kou, seemingly accepting her offer, moves to kiss her. As they fall to the bed, Meika tells herself she can go through with it for Kou’s sake, yet her fear is palpable. In a twist, Kou chides her for trying to do something she isn’t ready for, and the scene concludes with Meika expressing gratitude to Kou for his understanding.
This scene, although devoid of explicit content, marked a dramatic shift from Nako‘s previously established cute image, shocking many fans. The lines delivered by Nako were notably risqué, discussing how “kissing and hugging could make Kou horny.” The stark contrast from her earlier roles and the mature theme of the scene highlighted Nako‘s versatility as an actress. This departure from her original image, while unexpected, showcased her ability to embrace more complex and mature themes in her acting career.
The reaction from fans has been mixed. While some expressed shock at the scene, others defended her choices as those of an adult. Regardless of the varied reactions, Nako‘s performance speaks volumes about her bravery and versatility as an actress. Her ability to take on roles that might intimidate others bodes well for her career. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Apparently Nako filmed multiple kissing scenes for her new drama! Source: X/@NanteJapan.