Anna Sawai

Anna Sawai (澤井杏奈, Sawai Anna, born June 11, 1992) is a New Zealand-born Japanese actress 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. She will co-star in Justin Lin's upcoming Fast & Furious sequel, F9.

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.

Sawai made her professional film debut in the 2009 Warner Bros. film Ninja Assassin, 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.

In 2019, Sawai co-starred in the BBC crime drama Giri/Haji and joined the cast of the upcoming 2020 action film F9, directed by Justin Lin.

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

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

With FAKY

• see FAKY discography