Rio Yamashita

Rio Yamashita (山下 リオ) was born on 10 October 1992 in Tokushima, Japan, and has become one of the most recognizable faces in Japanese fashion and television. From an early age she was captivated by the performance of Ko Shibasaki in the drama “Orange Days,” a moment that sparked her lifelong ambition to act. After completing elementary school, she entered the highly competitive audition process for Stardust Promotion in 2006 and was quickly signed, beginning a career that has spanned over a decade and a half. In March 2007 she earned the coveted title of the 12th Rehouse Girl for Mitsui Fudosan Realty, a role that introduced her to a national audience, and the following month she secured an exclusive modeling contract with the teen fashion magazine Hanachu, where her fresh style and energetic presence made her a staple on its pages. Her television debut came in June of that year with a supporting role in the drama Koisuru Nichiyōbi: Dai 3 Series, and she soon progressed to leading parts, notably starring in the Ai no Gekijō 40th anniversary special Love Letter in November 2008. That same year she transitioned to film, headlining Someday's Dreamers in December, establishing her versatility across mediums. Throughout the 2010s Yamashita continued to build a diverse portfolio, appearing in a variety of dramas, films, and stage productions. In July 2013 she delivered a critically praised performance as Arisa Morishige in the intense drama Limit, portraying a teenager subjected to severe bullying and forced to flee her home, a role that highlighted her emotional depth and commitment to challenging characters. The following year she expanded her presence on television variety shows, becoming an assistant on the popular A‑Studio program in April 2014, where her quick wit and personable demeanor endeared her to a broader audience. Her personal life is closely linked to the entertainment industry; she is the younger sister of actress Chihiro Otsuka and sister‑in‑law of actor Kosuke Suzuki, connections that have fostered a supportive artistic environment. In recognition of her early promise, she was awarded the Bessatsu Margaret Be‑Ma Girls Grand Prix, an accolade that celebrated emerging female talent in the Japanese media landscape. After sixteen years with Stardust Promotion, Yamashita announced her departure on 31 August 2022, signaling a new phase in her career as she seeks fresh opportunities and challenges. Today, Rio continues to act, model, and influence fashion trends, embodying the dynamic spirit that first drove her to pursue the craft she loves.