Yu Aoi, a talented Japanese actress and model, entered the film industry with a captivating debut as Shiori Tsuda in Shunji Iwai's 2001 cinematic masterpiece, All About Lily Chou-Chou. Her subsequent performances left an indelible mark on the industry, as she brought to life the complex and intriguing characters of Tetsuko Arisugawa in Hana and Alice (2004),directed by the renowned Shunji Iwai, and Kimiko Tanigawa in the visually stunning hula dancing film Hula Girls. Her portrayal of Hagumi Hanamoto in the 2006 live-action adaptation of the beloved Honey and Clover manga series further solidified her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Throughout her illustrious career, Yu Aoi has received widespread recognition and accolades for her exceptional performances on screen. Her outstanding supporting role in Hula Girls earned her the prestigious Japan Academy Prize and Kinema Junpo Awards for best supporting actress in 2007, a testament to her remarkable talent. Additionally, she was honored with the Rookie of the Year award by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan in 2009, in recognition of her continued excellence in the field of films in media and fine arts.