Saito Asuka collaborates with Banana Man! Asahi Style Free’s new commercial “Summer Saito Asuka Meal” has started airing.

Asuka Saito (born August 10, 1998) is a Japanese idol, actress, and model. She was a former member of the idol group Nogizaka46, where she was loved by many fans for her cute and mysterious charm. As a central figure in Nogizaka46, she played a significant role within the group and has since expanded her solo career, actively working as a model and actress in various fields. She is affiliated with Nogizaka46 LLC.
Biography:
Place of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
Date of Birth: August 10, 1998
Agency: Nogizaka46 LLC
Career Beginnings:
Asuka Saito joined Nogizaka46 after passing the 1st Generation audition in 2011, debuting as an idol at the age of 14. Over time, she took on increasingly important roles within the group, often serving as the center for several singles. Notably, she gained widespread recognition as the center for the 2016 single “Hadashi de Summer,” where her commanding presence made her a recognizable face of the group. Alongside her idol activities, she became an exclusive model for the fashion magazine “sweet,” attracting a large following of female fans with her unique style and charm.
Major Works:
Television Dramas:
Shoujo no Miru Yume (2016, TV Asahi)Role: Asuka Saito (Herself)
Overview: Played a role modeled after herself in a drama themed around an idol’s daily life and dreams.
Zambi (2019, NTV)Role: Kaede Yamamuro
Overview: Starred in a horror suspense drama about high school students facing the fear of an infectious disease.
Eizouken ni wa Te o Dasu na! (2020, MBS/TBS)Role: Midori Asakusa
Overview: Portrayed a high school student with a unique worldview in this live-action adaptation of a popular manga, gaining significant attention.
Films:
Ano Koro, Kimi o Oikaketa (2018)Role: Mai Hayase
Overview: Played the lead role in this Japanese remake of a hit Taiwanese youth romance film.
Eizouken ni wa Te o Dasu na! (2020)Role: Midori Asakusa
Overview: Reprised her role from the TV drama in the film adaptation, continuing her portrayal of a creative high school student.
Zambi (2019)Role: Kaede Yamamuro
Overview: Starred in the movie version of the drama, which further explored the horror elements of the story.
Awards:
32nd Japan Best Glasses Dresser Award, Special Award (2019)Recognized for her fashion sense and her stylish appearance in glasses.
Best Jeanist, Public Selection Category (2021)Honored for her casual fashion and recognized as a style icon.
Hobbies and Skills:
Hobbies:
Reading: Enjoys reading various genres, particularly mysteries and philosophical works.
Photography: Has a passion for taking photos of everyday scenes and friends, often sharing her work on her Instagram.
Skills:
Piano: Has studied piano since childhood, showcasing a deep understanding of music.
English: Possesses strong English language skills, which she has demonstrated in films and interviews.
For more detailed information, please visit: Asuka Saito – Wikipedia

Banana Man is a Japanese comedy duo composed of Osamu Shitara and Yūki Himura. The duo was formed in 1993 and has gained popularity for their surreal and unique style of skits, as well as their strong conversational skills on variety shows. They are managed by Horipro Com.
Members:
Osamu Shitara (Shitara Osamu)
Date of Birth: April 23, 1973
Place of Birth: Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
Role: Tsukkomi (the straight man)
Yūki Himura (Himura Yūki)
Date of Birth: May 14, 1972
Place of Birth: Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Role: Boke (the funny man)
Career:
Banana Man was formed in 1993 when Shitara and Himura met while pursuing separate careers in entertainment. They first gained attention in 1999 after appearing on Fuji TV’s “Atarashii Nami” (New Wave), where their surreal style of comedy caught the eye of audiences. Their unique sense of humor became a topic of conversation among comedy fans, leading to success across various fields such as television, radio, film, and commercials.
One of their most significant breakthroughs was in 2003 with the popular Fuji TV talk variety show “Banana Man’s Banana Moon GOLD,” which showcased their impressive conversational skills. They also serve as MCs for the popular idol group Nogizaka46’s show “Nogizaka Under Construction,” where their engaging banter with the idols has won them a wider fan base.
Major Appearances:
TV Shows:
“Banana Man’s Sekaiku Gurume!!” (TBS)Overview: A travel variety show where Shitara hosts and Himura serves as a reporter, introducing delicious local foods from different regions.
“Nogizaka Under Construction” (TV Tokyo)Overview: Hosts of the Nogizaka46 variety show, where their interactions with the idols are a major draw.
“Banana Sand” (TBS)Overview: A talk variety show co-hosted with the comedy duo Sandwich Man, featuring humorous interactions with guests.
Radio:
“Banana Man’s Banana Moon GOLD” (TBS Radio)Overview: A late-night radio show where the duo engages in free-form talk and interacts with listeners, making it a popular program.
Movies:
“Icarus” (2004)Overview: A film that showcases the duo’s surreal comedic style, packed with their unique brand of humor.
“Banana Man Radio the Movie” (2013)Overview: A documentary-style film capturing the live recording of their radio show, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at their work.
Awards:
44th Japan Academy Prize, Outstanding Variety Show Award (2021)Awarded for their work on “Banana Man’s Sekaiku Gurume!!”
Japan Entertainment Award (2019)Recognized for their long-standing contributions to the comedy industry.
Hobbies and Skills:
Osamu Shitara:
Hobbies: Fishing, Motorcycling
Skills: Human observation, Conversational skills
Yūki Himura:
Hobbies: Watching movies, Cooking
Skills: Singing, Impersonations
Banana Man continues to be loved by a wide range of audiences through their television and radio work, entertaining fans with their unique chemistry and conversational talents. Their ongoing success is sure to bring joy to many more people in the future.
For more detailed information, please visit: Banana Man – Wikipedia