Maki Horikita (堀北真希 Horikita Maki?, born October 6, 1988, in Kiyose, Tokyo) is a Japanese actress, an occasional radio show host and photobook model.

Maki Horikita started her acting career in 2003 as a U-15 idol and has since starred in a number of Japanese television dramas, TV and magazine ads, and films. Her breakthrough portrayals were her role as Nobuko Kotani, a shy and emotionally turmoiled character from the 2005 Japanese television drama, Nobuta wo Produce and her role as Mizuki Ashiya, a girl who pretended to be a boy from the 2007 Japanese television drama, Hanazakari no Kimitachi E.


Profile
Stage Name: Horikita Maki
Birth Name: Hara Marina
Nickname(s): Makimaki, Homaki, Horikitty (Given by Toma Ikuta and Shun Oguri), Pori chan
Occupation:
Model
Debut: 2003
Genre: Photobook/Advertising
Modeling Material: Gravure (2003)/General (2004-present)
Actress
Debut: 2003
Movie: COSMIC RESCUE
Drama: Densha
Date of Birth: October 6, 1988 (age 19)
Place of Birth: Tokyo Prefecture
Blood Type: B
Height: 160cm (5'2")
Vital Statistics:
Bust: 78 cm (31 in)
Waist: 58 cm (23 in)
Hips: 83 cm (33 in)
Family: Parents and two younger sisters
Interests: Piano, reading (books/manga) and photography
Favorite Authors: Ekuni Kaori, Onda Riku and Alex Shearer
Favorite Manga: Seito Shokun!
Favorite Anime Show: One Piece
Favorite Subjects: English, Japanese and History
Favorite Overalls: Kimono and Yukata
Favorite Artists: EXILE, SPEED and Hirai Ken
Favorite Food: Onigiri and Soba
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Special/Personal Skill: Piano and mental math
Talent Agency: Sweet Power



Childhood

Horikita Maki was born the eldest of three girls on 6 October 1988 in Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan. She tended to be boyish during her childhood days, like in middle school, she enjoyed playing basketball and baseball with her friends on holidays. While she was in junior high, she preferred to play Dragon Ball Z with the boys more than playing with the girls. This was because with the girls, she couldn’t play the princess the way she wanted in the princess make-believe games.

While a guest on KAT-TUN's variety show, Cartoon KAT-TUN, she stated that she loved imitating her mother during her childhood.

Education

In her junior high years, she served as student council vice-president and basketball club vice-captain. She was also described as the “Boss of 3-C” in a number of various writings, in recognition of her status as class leader. As she became more active in the entertainment industry, she put her club and council activities on hold. Being unable to meet her many commitments and after much deliberation, she finally withdrew from her school activities, plainly concentrating on her studies and career.[1]

After completing her senior high education, she passed the entrance examination for Chuo University, known for its Law school, but it is uncertain whether she will study Law.



Personality

Horikita Maki has been said to possess an independent character, one that refuses to lose under any circumstance. “Even in trifle playing around, she can become dead serious," according to acquaintances (from FLASH EX 2006 January 30 Edition).

Maki also has neutral views regarding romance. One time, in a Gout Temps Nouveau episode, Esumi Makiko asked if seeing Yamashita Tomohisa caused her heart to start racing. Maki answered, “My co-star is someone I work with and I cannot see him in any other light.” With regards to marriage, this is her opinion, "If one is going to marry, financial freedom is also important.” (from CIRCUS)

“I feel that the question of when someone connects with their loved one is insignificant," Maki says. “If my parents were to choose for me, I would greatly appreciate it.” Like her views in marriage, her views of having a long-distance relationship are rather well-opinionated as well. “I don’t think I am the type that can sustain something like a long distance relationship. Even if it’s only the neighbouring high school, I would get the feeling that it’s become a great distance.” (from JUNON May Issue “Horikita Maki’s Love and Friendship Counseling Room”)[1]

(NOTE: All the "Personality" and "Trivia" information is translated from the Japanese Wikipedia page of Horikita Maki by a forum member in D-Addicts. The link of the site is cited below, in the "External Links" and "References" section. Some information are paraphrased.)