Akari Nibu (Japanese: 丹生 明里, Hepburn: Nibu Akari; born February 15, 2001) is a Japanese YouTuber, radio personality, and actress, represented by Seed & Flower. Focusing on video games and anime, she often appears in gaming-related events and television shows and was a voice actress for Deemo: Memorial Keys (2021).
Nibu began her career as a member of the girl group Hinatazaka46 (formerly Hiragana Keyakizaka46) from 2017 to 2024, and was the lead performer of the group's single "One Choice" (2023). She also hosts Akari Nibu Happy Caravan on TBS Radio.
Early life
Nibu was born in Tochigi Prefecture and has two older brothers. She lived in Gunma Prefecture as a child before moving to Saitama Prefecture. She holds a third dan rank in kendo and took part in prefectural tournaments when she was in middle school.
Career
2017–2019: Early career
Nibu considered becoming an idol after listening to the Keyakizaka46 song "Silent Majority" and joined the audition for Hiragana Keyakizaka46, the subgroup of Keyakizaka46. On August 15, 2017, she was publicly introduced as a second generation member of Hiragana Keyakizaka46, which was spun off and rebranded into Hinatazaka46 in March 2019.
Nibu and fellow Hinatazaka46 members Miku Kanemura and Miho Watanabe were voice actresses for the animated miniseries adaptation of the character Pickles the Frog, aired in October 2020. In November 2020, the three of them were inducted into the Saitama Support Group (also known as Kobaton Club), a community of entertainers from Saitama Prefecture tasked with promoting the region in the media. She played a supporting role in the Hinatazaka46 drama series Dasada (2020) and co-starred in Koeharu! (2021).
Nibu made her feature film voice acting debut in 2021's Deemo: Memorial Keys. Despite her inexperience, executive director Junichi Fujisaku remarked that he treated her "equally" to the other voice actors, while co-star Ayana Taketatsu commented that her performance did not "feel like that of a first-timer". Nibu herself cited Koeharu!, in which she portrayed an aspiring voice actress, as an influence; Koichi Yamadera, who portrayed the school principal in that drama, was also part of the Deemo cast.
In April 2022, Nibu became the voice of main character Mami in the animated shorts miniseries (four minutes per episode) Minna no Mameo (みんなのまめお; lit.'Everyone's Mameo'), aired as a segment of the TV Asahi variety show Onegai! Ranking (お願い!ランキング) and also released on YouTube. It was based on a one-shot manga titled Mameo, with original concept by her and written and illustrated by mangaka Kengo Kurando[ja] in May 2021 on the variety show Manga Michi (まんが未知) on the same network.
Nibu's first photobook was released on July 26, 2022, published by Gentosha. Titled Yasashī Kankei (やさしい関係; lit.'Gentle Relationship'), the photos were taken throughout 2021, with summer pictures taken in the Setouchi region and winter pictures in the Aomori Prefecture. The book sold 46,000 copies in its release week and placed first on the weekly Oricon photobook chart and second on the general book chart.
Nibu is an avid gamer and has guested in events such as the "Sony Creative Cup featuring Fortnite" and participated in "The Gaming Days Valorant Series", a competitive gaming event between entertainers and professional gamers, in 2022. She co-hosted the esports show Choten on TV Tokyo and is a recurring guest on Hiroiki Ariyoshi's gaming show Ariyoshieeeee!
2023–2024: Live-action feature film debut, Hinatazaka46 center and departure
Nibu served as the title song center (lead performer) for Hinatazaka46's ninth single "One Choice", released on April 19, 2023.
Nibu's first two live-action feature films are the 2024 Shinji Muroi duology, continuations of the long-running Bayside Shakedown detective series. Producer Chihiro Kameyama and screenwriter Ryoichi Kimizuka considered casting her after watching her appearances on a video gaming television show, while director Katsuyuki Motohiro remarked that her experience as an idol contributed to her "nuanced" performance and ability to respond well to his "interesting" direction.
Merchandise display at Nibu's "graduation" ceremony.
On August 6, 2024, Nibu, along with Shiho Katō, Mei Higashimura, and Hiyori Hamagishi, announced that she would leave Hinatazaka46 after the promotional cycle for the 12th single, which would be released on September 18. She cited persistent low back pain, which she had endured since 2021, as the reason. Her "graduation" ceremony took place over two days at the Pia Arena MM, with a competitive gaming event, or "Game Day", on November 30, featuring professional esports teams Zeta Division and Crazy Raccoon, and a concert on December 1, the "Live Day". While the first day was not live-streamed, the group performed two songs relayed live from the venue as part of Nippon TV's Best Artist 2024 music program, which also became Nibu's final music performance with the group on terrestrial television. Her final concert with the group was on December 26 at the Tokyo Dome, the final leg of that year's national "Happy Magical Tour".
2025–present: Solo career
Nibu continues to be represented by Hinatazaka46's management agency, Seed & Flower, after her departure. In April 2025, she launched her official website and YouTube channel, primarily focused on gaming. She also started her solo radio program, Akari Nibu Happy Caravan, on TBS Radio the same month.
Nibu starred in the stage play Hula Girls: Dance for Smile from May 22 to June 2, 2025. She played the lead role in Steal the Voice! (声を盗れ!), an intermission drama miniseries for the live sketch comedy show "Conton vol.8", performed on February 12–15, 2026 at the Tokyo Sōgetsu Hall and featuring fellow former Hinatazaka46 member Miho Watanabe.
Personal life
Nibu is a fan of Aimyon. She has attended Aimyon's concert and received a signed album from her.
Nibu's costumes for the "Do Re Mi Sol La Si Do" (2019) music video, "One Choice" (2023) music video, and a "One Choice" year-end live performance.
Nibu has participated in all Hinatazaka46 title songs and was the center (lead performer) for their ninth single, "One Choice" (2023). Other notable appearances include:
↑ベルク presents 日向坂46の余計な事までやりましょう; transl.Let's Do Extra Things
References
12Nibu, Akari. ~爽快~[~Refreshing~]. Hinatazaka46 Official Site. Archived from the original on January 2, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
↑"Profile". Akari Nibu Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved May 13, 2026.
12日向坂46・丹生明里、グループ内の"マンガ事情"語る[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu talks about manga within the group]. Narinari.com (in Japanese). May 16, 2021. Archived from the original on October 4, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
↑Nibu, Akari. ~初めまして~ 丹生明里[~Nice to meet you~ Akari Nibu]. Hinatazaka46 Official Site. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
↑フォートナイトが人生変えた 日向坂46・丹生明里さん[Fortnite changed my life: Akari Nibu of Hinatazaka46]. The Asahi Shimbun Digital (in Japanese). September 17, 2020. Archived from the original on June 10, 2025. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
123日向坂46 丹生明里、人気急上昇の理由は"純粋さ"？ オードリーも絶賛の愛されキャラに注目[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu: Is her "innocence" the reason for her rising popularity? A look at the beloved personality praised by Audrey]. Real Sound (in Japanese). July 25, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
↑けやき坂46、新メンバー9名決定＜プロフィール＞ - モデルプレス[Hiragana Keyakizaka46 announces nine new members: Profiles]. Modelpress (in Japanese). July 24, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
↑アニメ「かえるのピクルス」10月から放送、林原めぐみ・木村昴や日向坂46も出演[The Pickles the Frog anime to begin airing in October, featuring Megumi Hayashibara, Subaru Kimura, and Hinatazaka46]. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). August 20, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
↑＜県民の日＞日向坂46“埼玉3人組”地元凱旋、埼玉応援団に加入 渡邉「埼玉の暮らしやすさ発信し、地元に恩返ししたい」[Prefectural Citizens' Day: Hinatazaka46's "Saitama trio" return home and join the Saitama Support Group; Watanabe: "I want to promote the ease of living in Saitama and give back to my hometown"]. Saitama Shimbun (in Japanese). November 15, 2020.
12日向坂46、1月期連ドラに総出演 学園青春群像劇に挑戦&連動ライブも【配役&コメント】[Hinatazaka46 members to star in January drama, taking on a school youth ensemble story, with a tie-in live event (cast and comments)]. Oricon News (in Japanese). December 17, 2019. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
12日向坂46の青春ドラマ「声春っ！」4月スタート、山寺宏一や平野綾も参加（コメントあり）[Hinatazaka46's youth drama Koeharu! starts in April, with Koichi Yamadera and Aya Hirano joining the cast (comments included)]. Eiga Natalie (in Japanese). March 27, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
12映画「Deemo」に日向坂46の丹生明里が出演、正式タイトルも発表（動画あり）[Akari Nibu of Hinatazaka46 joins the film Deemo, official title announced (video included)]. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). March 28, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
↑日向坂46・丹生明里、劇場アニメ『Deemo the Movie』キャストに抜擢[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu cast in the theatrical anime Deemo the Movie]. BARKS (in Japanese). March 28, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
↑日向坂46丹生明里、憧れの長編アニメ声優初挑戦で「感極まっちゃいました」竹達彩奈も絶賛＜Deemo サクラノオト＞ - モデルプレス[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu on her first role in a feature-length anime, a longtime dream: "I got emotional"; Ayana Taketatsu also praises her performance in Deemo: Memorial Keys]. Modelpress (in Japanese). January 22, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
↑日向坂46丹生明里：声優挑戦にプレッシャーも「これはチャンス」 声優ドラマ出演も生きた 劇場版アニメ「Deemo サクラノオト」[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu feels pressure over voice acting but says "this is an opportunity"; her role in a voice-acting drama also helped with the animated film Deemo: Memorial Keys]. MANTANWEB (in Japanese). February 20, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
↑日向坂46・丹生明里「夢がかなって嬉しい」 原案まんが『みんなのまめお』ミニアニメ化に感激[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu: "I'm happy my dream came true", delighted that her original manga Minna no Mameo is being adapted into a mini anime]. TV Asahi Post (in Japanese). April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
↑丹生明里、原案の『まめお』アニメ化で声優に挑戦「夢叶い感謝」[Akari Nibu takes on voice acting for the anime adaptation of her original work Mameo: "I'm grateful my dream came true"]. MyNavi News (in Japanese). April 4, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
12丹生明里、原作担当『まめお』完成に涙…少年漫画家・蔵人幸明氏とタッグ[Akari Nibu cries as her original work Mameo is completed, teaming up with shōnen manga artist Kengo Kurando]. MyNavi News (in Japanese). June 2, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
12日向坂46丹生明里、1st写真集でヘルシー水着＆初々しい下着カット挑戦「私らしさがいっぱい詰まった」[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu tries healthy-looking swimwear and fresh lingerie shots for her first photobook: "It's filled with my own personality"]. Oricon News (in Japanese). May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
↑日向坂46・丹生明里「写真集」1位 ランジェリーカットに初挑戦し、ヘルシーボディ披露【オリコンランキング】[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu's places first in Photobooks ranking; she makes her first attempt at lingerie shots and shows off a healthy physique (Oricon rankings)]. Oricon News. August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
↑岩本蓮加、吉田綾乃クリスティー、丹生明里：「アイドルだからと甘く見られたくない！」The Gaming Days #2[Renka Iwamoto, Ayano Christie Yoshida, and Akari Nibu: "We don't want to be underestimated just because we're idols!" The Gaming Days #2]. Cocotame (in Japanese). November 25, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
↑金村美玖・丹生明里ら、日向坂46で"飛躍"が期待される2022年の注目メンバー【前編】[Miku Kanemura, Akari Nibu, and other Hinatazaka46 members expected to make great strides in 2022: Part 1]. e-talentbank.co.jp (in Japanese). January 13, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
↑日向坂46・丹生明里、ゲームスタイルは「ゲーミングチェアに体育座りがベスト」上達の達成感が幸せ！[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu says the best gaming style is sitting cross-legged in a gaming chair, and that the sense of achievement from improving makes her happy]. The Television (in Japanese). February 20, 2022. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
↑日向坂46、2期生の丹生明里が初センター 卒業控える影山優佳はセンター隣【全メンバー新ビジュアル公開】[Hinatazaka46's second-generation member Akari Nibu becomes center for the first time; Yuka Kageyama, who is set to graduate, stands beside her (all members' new visuals revealed)]. Oricon News. March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
123『室井慎次』日向坂46・丹生明里、起用のきっかけは「有吉ぃぃeeeee！」 「踊る大捜査線」本広監督が“逸材”と絶賛｜シネマトゥデイ[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu cast in Shinji Muroi after her appearances on Ariyoshieeeee!; director Katsuyuki Motohiro praises her as a "rare talent"]. Cinema Today (in Japanese). October 5, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
↑Yokoyama, Kei (August 7, 2024). 日向坂46加藤史帆ら異例の４人同時卒業「みんなで一緒に伝えた方が良いんじゃないかと」[Hinatazaka46’s Shiho Katō and Others Make Unprecedented Simultaneous Graduation of Four Members: “We Thought It Would Be Better to Announce It Together”]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved October 14, 2026.
↑日向坂46丹生明里が卒業発表「リハーサルで何度泣いただろう」腰の痛みを赤裸々に伝える[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu announces graduation, saying "I wonder how many times I've cried during rehearsals," and candidly discusses her back pain]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). October 6, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
↑“異例の丹生構成”日向坂46丹生明里、卒業セレモニー2日間を笑顔と涙で完走「最後の夢をかなえる」【セットリストあり】[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu completes her two-day graduation ceremony with smiles and tears in an "unprecedented Nibu-centered production": "Making my final dream come true" (set list included)]. Oricon News. December 2, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
↑丹生 明里[Akari Nibu]. Talent Roster of Nogizaka46 LLC and Seed & Flower LLC. Retrieved October 14, 2026.
↑元日向坂46丹生明里、公式サイト＆YouTubeチャンネル『にぶちゃんねる』開設 きょう4・1生配信も決定[Former Hinatazaka46 member Akari Nibu launches official website and YouTube channel Nibu Channel, with a livestream scheduled for April 1]. Oricon News. April 1, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
12丹生明里、初の単独レギュラーラジオ番組！『丹生明里 HAPPY CARAVAN』4/5放送開始[Akari Nibu launches her first solo regular radio program, Akari Nibu Happy Caravan, starting April 5]. PR Times (in Japanese). April 1, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
12元日向坂46丹生明里「フラガール」で舞台単独初主演「私だからこそお見せできるフラガールを」 - モデルプレス[Former Hinatazaka46 member Akari Nibu to make her stage lead debut in Hula Girls: "A Hula Girl that only I can portray"]. Modelpress (in Japanese). December 6, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
↑元日向坂46丹生明里、コントドラマ『声を盗れ！』主演に決定 自身初のコメディに挑戦[Former Hinatazaka46 member Akari Nibu to star in the sketch comedy drama Steal the Voice!, taking on comedy for the first time]. Oricon News. January 30, 2026. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
↑小森隼(GENERATIONS)、渡邉美穂、牧島輝、イワクラ(蛙亭)出演。AOI Pro.コント公演『混頓vol.8』上演決定！[Hayato Komori (GENERATIONS), Miho Watanabe, Hikaru Makishima, and Iwakura (Kaerutei) to appear in AOI Pro.'s Conton vol.8 comedy production]. Theater Girl (in Japanese). November 7, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
↑日向坂46・丹生明里、あいみょんライブ初参戦で「どうにかなりそう」サイン入りアルバムに大興奮[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu says she "might lose it" at her first Aimyon concert, thrilled by a signed album]. Abema Times. September 15, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
↑"Formation". Hinatazaka46 Official Site. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
↑日向坂46 東村芽依、河田陽菜、丹生明里……写真集が立て続く"やんちゃるファミリー" パフォーマンスや演技面の進化に注目[Hinatazaka46's Mei Higashimura, Hina Kawata, and Akari Nibu: The Yancharu Family members releasing photobooks in succession, with attention on their growth in performance and acting]. Real Sound (in Japanese). July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
↑日向坂46 丹生明里、"ガチゲーマー"な一面も？ 知れば知るほど魅力深まるキャラクター性に注目[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu: Does she have a "serious gamer" side? A look at the personality that becomes more fascinating the more you learn about her]. Real Sound (in Japanese). February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
↑日向坂46、佐々木美玲＆丹生明里Wセンターのカップリング「声の足跡」MV解禁 - モデルプレス[Hinatazaka46 unveils music video for B-side "Koe no Ashiato", with Mirei Sasaki and Akari Nibu as double centers]. Modelpress (in Japanese). May 2, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
↑日向坂46・渡邉美穂、埼玉3人組のユニット名「カラーチャート」決定の舞台裏！幻のユニット名も明かす[Hinatazaka46's Miho Watanabe reveals how the Saitama trio's unit was named "Color Chart", along with a discarded name]. RBB Today (in Japanese). October 30, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
↑室井慎次 敗れざる者[Shinji Muroi: Not Defeated]. Eiga.com. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
↑室井慎次 生き続ける者[Shinji Muroi: Stay Alive]. Eiga.com. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
↑日向坂46の佐々木美玲、丹生明里W主演ドラマ「声春っ！」スペシャルコンテンツ「声春っ！ドラマラボ！」独占配信決定[Hinatazaka46's Mirei Sasaki and Akari Nibu star in the drama Koeharu!; exclusive streaming announced for the special content Koeharu! Drama Lab!]. Modelpress (in Japanese). Net Native. April 27, 2021. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
↑日向坂46丹生明里、原案漫画「みんなのまめお」ミニアニメ化に歓喜 声優にも挑戦[Hinatazaka46's Akari Nibu delighted by mini-anime adaptation of her original manga Minna no Mameo, also taking on voice acting]. Modelpress (in Japanese). April 4, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
↑ゲームチェンジ｜BS-TBS[Game Change]. BS-TBS (in Japanese). Retrieved April 18, 2026.
↑元日向坂46・丹生明里、柏原収史が登場！season２で丹生はある事件の鍵を握る重要人物を演じる！柏原は今後の物語を大きく揺るがすキーマンを熱演！[Former Hinatazaka46 member Akari Nibu and Shūji Kashiwabara join the cast; in season 2, Nibu plays a key figure in a case, while Kashiwabara portrays a character who will greatly affect the story]. Fuji TV (in Japanese). Retrieved April 18, 2026.
↑映画「ドラゴンボール超 ブロリー」公開記念 オラたちのドラゴンボール講座[In celebration of the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly: Ora-tachi's Dragon Ball Lecture]. Animax (in Japanese). Retrieved November 19, 2021.
↑けやき坂46舞台『あゆみ』初日会見＆ゲネプロ 加藤史帆「稽古期間を20人で過ごせて仲も深まった」[Hiragana Keyakizaka46's Ayumi stage play: Opening-day press conference and dress rehearsal; Shiho Kato says the 20 members grew closer during rehearsals]. Real Sound (in Japanese). April 20, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
↑ベルク presents 日向坂46の余計なことまでやりましょう![Belc presents Hinatazaka46's Let's Do Extra Things!]. Belc presents Hinatazaka46's Let's Do Extra Things! Official Website (in Japanese). Tokyo FM. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
