Anna Sawai is a rising star in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in blockbuster movies such as F9, the ninth film in the Fast & Furious franchise, and the Apple TV+ drama series Pachinko. She is also a talented singer and dancer who was part of the girl group Faky in Japan. But who are the people behind her success?
Her Parents Are Both Japanese
Anna Sawai was born on June 11, 1992, in Wellington, New Zealand, to parents of Japanese descent. Her mother trained in opera performance and later worked as a piano teacher, while her father worked for an electronics company. From age 3, her mother taught her how to play the piano and how to sing.
Her family moved frequently while growing up due to her father’s job, living in Hong Kong and the Philippines, before settling in Yokohama, Japan, at age 10. She has an elder sister, Reina, who is a ballet dancer and coryphée at the Hong Kong Ballet company.
Sawai’s parents have lived their lives away from the limelight. While rarely seen publicly, they have supported their daughter’s goals and dreams. Both their children have carved their paths in the entertainment industry.
Quick Info, Siblings Name
| NAME | ANNA SAWAI |
|---|---|
| Birth date | June 11, 1992 |
| Birth place | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Ethnicity | Japanese |
| Nationality | Japanese-New Zealander |
| Religion | Christian |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, dancer |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Gay Or Not | No |
| Sister | Reina Sawai, |
Her Mother Encouraged Her to Pursue Acting and Singing
Anna Sawai’s mother was instrumental in her acting and singing career. She encouraged the multi-faceted artist to pursue acting at a young age, with Anna making her film debut in the 2009 action crime film, Ninja Assassin, in which she played Kiriko, a rebellious young ninja.
She also supported her daughter’s musical aspirations. At 11, she secured the lead role in a Nippon-TV production of Annie, surpassing 9,000 other children in the audition. Three years later, she took a significant step in her career by enrolling in a J-pop boot camp organized by Avex, a prominent entertainment group known for producing some of Japan’s most renowned dance acts.
In 2013, she became one of the lead vocalists of the girl group Faky, which debuted under the Avex sub-label Rhythm Zone. Faky gained popularity for their catchy songs and edgy style, blending pop, R&B, and dance music. She stayed with the group until 2018, when she decided to focus on her acting career.
Anna shared a rare photo of her mother on Instagram while celebrating her birthday, accompanied by a heartfelt tribute. She wrote: “Happy birthday to my beautiful mama. Thank you for always being there for me and supporting me in everything I do. You are my inspiration and my best friend. I love you so much.”
Instagram, Wikipedia, and Other Sources
Anna Sawai’s Sister Is a Professional Ballet Dancer
Anna Sawai’s sister, Reina Sawai, is also a successful performer in her own right. She is a ballet dancer and a world traveler. She has trained and danced professionally with ballet companies in Europe and other parts of the world.
Reina Sawai was born in Wellington, New Zealand, but moved to Japan with her family when she was four. She began ballet classes at the same age and developed a passion for the art form. She continued to dance while living in different countries, including Portugal, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.
When she was 18, she moved to London to join the English National Ballet School, where she graduated with distinction. She then joined the Royal Ballet of Flanders in Belgium, where she danced for four years. She also performed with the Dutch National Ballet and the Norwegian National Ballet as a guest artist.
In 2019, Reina Sawai joined the Hong Kong Ballet as a coryphée, a rank above the corps de ballet. She has danced in various classical and contemporary ballets, such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Alice in Wonderland, and The Great Gatsby. She has also participated in international ballet competitions and won several awards.
Reina Sawai often shares photos and videos of her ballet performances and travels on her Instagram account. She also posts about her sister Anna and their close bond. She wrote: “Happy birthday to my amazing sister. You are such a talented and beautiful person inside and out. I’m so proud of you and everything you have achieved. You are my role model and my best friend. I love you more than words can say.”
Family Details
| Name | Relation | Occupation | Birthplace | Current Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Sawai | Self | Actress, singer, dancer | Wellington, New Zealand | Tokyo, Japan |
| Reina Sawai | Sister | Ballet dancer | Wellington, New Zealand | Hong Kong |
| Mother | Mother | Piano teacher, former opera student | Japan | Tokyo, Japan |
| Father | Father | Electronics company employee | Japan | Tokyo, Japan |
Anna Sawai is a versatile and talented entertainer who has made a name for herself in both Japan and Hollywood. She comes from a family of artistic and supportive parents and siblings who have helped her achieve her dreams. Sawai’s parents, sister, and family details reveal a lot about her background, influences, and personality.
