A Stalker's Guide to Nakama Yukie

Welcome to my 2nd Stalker's Guide ~ My first was about Matsumoto Jun. Make sure to check it out if you haven't read it yet. This time I'm stalking my most favorite actress, the most versatile Japanese actress I know, the most beautiful actress I know, also known as...

I'm sure every J-Drama watcher knows her, or has at least heard of her. If I were to describe her with just three words, those three words would be: legendary, gorgeous and talented. Her MDL page states 40 drama roles (32 as a lead actress) and 12 movie roles (10 being main roles), but Wikipedia lists even more roles. When counting there are 50+ roles. Those are some big numbers. Besides all that, she's also a singer, a former idol, and starred in many CMs (commercials). It's a big mystery why no one has made A Stalker's Guide about Nakama Yukie yet...

Her earliest acting role (according to Wikipedia) was in 1996 when she was 17 years old. However, she's been active since 1994, which would be from the time she was 15 years old. That means she's been around in Japanese media for 17-19 years so far, and she's not even 35 yet! A quick mention to her fan boys: she's not married yet.

Since this is A Stalker's Guide, I guess I should start introducing her best roles (according to me). I'm sure I could write a book about her: That's how much I admire her. I'm trying my best to put them in some sort of order from old to most recent. Let's start the list now ~ Go! Go!



This movie is a continuation of legendary Japanese horror movies Ringu and Ringu 2, where Yamamura Sadako is the antagonist. This movie, however, is different. It takes place 30 years before the original movies, and we get to see the sad past of young Sadako, played by Nakama Yukie.

In all honesty, it's been such a long time since I last saw this movie, so I can hardly remember anything. This was the role that marked a breakthrough in her career, since  she had only played some minor roles before this movie came out. 


Gokusen is a drama that needs no introductions; a drama that every drama addict has watched/will watch someday. If you have never even heard about this legend... shame on you! Nah, just kidding. Of course there are newbies who don't know this one~ and it is okay.

In Gokusen, Nakama Yukie plays a young, idealistic teacher named Yamaguchi Kumiko, nicknamed Yankumi. She is the 4th generation heir to a yakuza (Japanese mafia) clan: Ooedo Group. Can she become a teacher? Will the school find out about her heritage and kick her out? Watch the drama to find out! This was my very first drama with Nakama Yukie in it, and also one of the first dramas I ever watched.



When talking about Yankumi, the first thing that usually comes to people's mind is that famous red sweatsuit, glasses, and those pigtails. For me, those pretty good kicking skills of Nakama Yukie usually comes to mind first. In this drama, she uses her fists very much, and kicks quite a lot too. Some might find Yankumi  annoying, but I think she is very cute and adorable. On the other hand, she can go hardcore if needed.

Needless to say, Gokusen was the drama that established Nakama Yukie as one of the most popular and profitable actresses in Japan. It became such a huge hit that they made a 2nd and 3rd season, special episodes, and a movie.




Joshi Deka is a drama that (according to me) isn't very well known. According to MDL only 100 users have added this drama to their drama lists, but in my opinion this is a drama that no one should miss.

Joshi Deka has great comedy right from the first episode. It tells a story about two totally amazing female detectives with very different personalities. One of them is a rookie with sharpshooting skills : Hatakeyama Kurumi, played by Nakama Yukie, and the other one is her senpai (senior) played by Izumi Pinko. Their personality differences make them clash, hate each other, but ultimately allows them to develop a friendship while working together to catch a serial killer.


In Tempest, Nakama Yukie plays Mazuru, a young woman who wishes to complete her studies despite being a woman. When her step-brother disappears she takes advantage of the situation, and dresses up as a man. She takes the exam to become a royal government official and begins her journey as a Eunuch named : Son Neion.

In my opinion, this drama has the best acting of Nakama Yukie so far. This drama taught me a lot of the history of Okinawa, and it was the very first jidaigeki (Japanese historical) drama I've ever seen.

The drama was adapted into a movie last year : Tempest 3D. The cast in both the drama and movie is the same as well for the story. Some of the main supporting characters in the drama and movie are played by Tanihara Shosuke, GACKT and Tsukamoto Takashi. In other words : this is a drama you should not miss! Here's a trailer of the movie for those who are interested ~ 

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When it comes to stalking Nakama Yukie, here are some great dramas that you should check out too ~

Mr. Brain - She has a guest role in episodes 5-6, but I think that this role is one of her best characters despite being just in 2 episodes.
Utsukushii Rinjin - In this drama Nakama Yukie plays a mysterious, beautiful, and somewhat dark woman named Saki, who has quite the past. Definitely a drama to watch ~
Untouchable - What happens when a reporter from a first rate magazine gets fired and becomes a reporter at a trashy unsuccessful magazine? It's some darn good comedy, that's for sure! Mixed in with great mystery, the writers created a great drama that will keep you entertained the whole time you watch it.

If there is an actor or an actress that is worthy of a Stalker's Guide in your opinion, and you have watched enough dramas of his/hers to prove it, please contact Elisabetta about it.