Model and actor Kōki, has been awarded the AFA Rising Star Award at the '18th Asia Film Awards' (AFA) in Hong Kong.

This prestigious award recognizes exceptional new talents in the film industry who have demonstrated extraordinary potential, not only in Asia but also on an international level. It is presented with hopes that they will continue to be successful globally. Japanese actors have only won this award once before, with Chiaki Kuriyama receiving it in 2014 (the award was then named the Moët-AFA Rising Star of Asia Award). Past recipients include Lin Yun, Park Seo Jun, and Win (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn).

Born on February 5, 2003, in Tokyo, Kōki, has showcased her musical talents from a young age, even providing songs for artists. She made her model debut at the age of 15, gracing the cover of 'ELLE Japon.' Since 2022, she has expanded her career into acting, with roles in films such as 'Ushikubimura,' 'TOUCH,' and 'Tornado' (original title). Her upcoming lead roles in 'True Beauty Descends Before: High School Debut' (March 20) and 'True Beauty Descends After: Proposal' (May 1) are also highly anticipated.

Kōki, commented, "Receiving such an honor at an overseas prestigious event is incredibly meaningful to me. I am truly grateful to the Asia Film Awards." The awards ceremony will be held on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong and will be live-streamed on the official AFAA YouTube channel.