Anna Sawai

Anna Sawai (澤井杏奈, Sawai Anna, born June 11, 1992) is a Japanese–New Zealand actress, dancer and singer. She began her film career in 2009 in a supporting role in the martial arts film Ninja Assassin, and debuted as a professional singer in 2013 as one of the lead vocalists in the J-Pop group FAKY, singing in both Japanese and English.[1] She will co-star in Justin Lin's upcoming Fast & Furious sequel, F9.

Anna Sawai
Born (1992-06-11) June 11, 1992
New Zealand
Occupation
  • Actress
  • dancer
  • singer
Years active2004–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Associated actsFaky

Career

In 2004, shortly after moving to Japan, Sawai was chosen out of 10,000 applicants to play the title role in the stage musical Annie.[2]

Sawai made her professional film debut in the 2009 Warner Bros. film Ninja Assassin,[3] directed by James McTigue, playing the rebellious teenage female ninja Kiriko who is executed for attempting to escape the Ozunu ninja clan.

In 2013, Sawai's work as a professional singer began with the dance/R&B group FAKY. She performed as one of the group's lead vocalists until her final show with the group on December 20, 2018. Her departure from the group was announced via FAKY's social media, citing her dream of pursuing her acting career.[4][5]

In 2019, Sawai co-starred in the BBC crime drama Giri/Haji[6][7] and joined the cast of the upcoming 2021 action film F9, directed by Justin Lin.[8][9]

In November 2019, it was announced that Sawai was signed by major U.S. talent agency WME.[10]

Personal life

Sawai grew up in Hong Kong and the Philippines, and moved to Japan at the age of 10.[11] During her childhood, she was influenced by her father to listen to The Beatles and The Carpenters.[12]

Filmography

Film
Release Title Role Country Notes
2009.11.25Ninja AssassinTeenage KirikoUnited States / GermanySupporting role
2021.04.02F9ElleUnited StatesSupporting role

Television
Airdate Title Type Role Country Notes
2007.11.07Our Love Song! [13]TV series - 1 episode
[Ep. 8]		NatsuJapan
2019.10.31 -
2019.12.05
Giri/HajiTV series - 6 episodes
[Ep. 3-8]		EikoUnited KingdomSupporting role

Theater
Dates Title Role Country Theater Notes
2004.04.24 -
2004.05.09		AnnieAnnieJapanAoyama TheatreLead role

Discography

With FAKY

References
  1. "Check Out Member Profiles of Avex's Brand New Girls Group "FAKY"". Japanese kawaii idol music culture news | Tokyo Girls Update. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  2. "FAKY's Leader Anna had History as Hollywood Actress". SYNC NETWORK JAPAN. December 18, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  3. Ninja Assassin (IMDB), retrieved November 23, 2019
  4. "FAKY". www.facebook.com. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  5. "FAKY's Anna Announces Departure From Group". MACG Magazine. November 19, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  6. "BBC Two - Giri/Haji, Series 1, Episode 3". BBC. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  7. Giri/Haji (IMDB), retrieved November 23, 2019
  8. Fast & Furious 9 (IMDB), retrieved November 23, 2019
  9. "Vin Diesel on Instagram: "Day 14! Grateful, Blessed and Inspired... All love. @nathalieemmanuel @annasawai #Fast92020"". Instagram. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  10. Hipes, Patrick (November 11, 2019). "'Fast 9' Newcomer Anna Sawai Inks With WME". Deadline. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  11. "FAKY - Interview (2013)". J-Generation. September 13, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  12. "Exclusive: Interview with J-pop girl group FAKY". CelebMix. January 14, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  13. https://www.tbscontents.com/en/program/ourlovesong
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