Tomona Yabiku, born on June 6, 1994, in Okinawa City, Japan, has emerged as a notable figure in the musical theatre and singing scenes. She began her career as a ballet dancer at a young age under the influence of her mother, a ballet teacher. Her passion for performing was evident as she starred in an English musical production of "Footloose" during her second year, which significantly shaped her career path. Her talents caught the eye of theatre professionals during her participation in the national musical workshop, "Gather! Musical's Best Voice," where she won the top prize among 2,000 contestants. This win led to her immediate recruitment by Victor Music Arts. Yabiku's breakthrough came when she auditioned for and landed the role of Moana in the Japanese dub of Disney's Moana marking her major debut in 2017. This role not only highlighted her singing abilities but also established her as a voice actress. Following her successful debut, Yabiku continued to pursue theatre vigorously, moving to Tokyo after graduating from university. She took on lead roles in various productions including the 40th-anniversary performance of "Niku no Umi" and "Titanic," showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft. Her role as Eponine in "Les Misérables" at the Imperial Theatre in 2019 further cemented her status as a rising star in the musical theatre world. A song from Moana, "Dokomademo -How Far I'll Go-"(2017) adds to her growing discography, continuing her narrative of challenging roles and expanding her influence in the arts.
