The Walking Dead season 11: Yumiko at the Commonwealth

Eleanor Matsuura has portrayed Yumiko in The Walking Dead series since season 9. She and her group were saved by Judith Grimes (Cailey Fleming) and brought into the communities. In the final season of the series, Yumiko has integrated nicely into the new community known as the Commonwealth.

After the six-year time jump in season nine, an older Judith comes upon a group that consists of Yumiko, Magna (Nadia Hilker), Kelly (Angel Theory), Connie (Lauren Ridloff) and Luke (Dan Fogler). They required assistance with some walkers, and Judith was prepared to help.

Over time the group has gotten into the mix and defended the communities alongside the core members. They have seen struggles as everyone else has but have endured.

The Walking Dead Yumiko

In season 10, we saw Yumiko head out on a mission with Eugene and King Ezekiel to meet up with Stephanie, who Eugene corresponded with via radio. She is part of a community, and it was thought that it would be best to seek out the aid of this community for the struggling Alexandria, as Hilltop and the Kingdom are no more.

This group meets a newcomer Princess (Paola Lázaro) who comes along with them. They are all captured by a group of military personnel from the Commonwealth, an advanced community that Stephanie is part of.

Their initial reception was rather hostile, and they wanted to escape, but when Yumkio found a note from her brother Tomi (Ian Anthony Dale) on the Wall of the Lost. In this place, residents leave messages and photos of missing loved ones; she knew she had to stay and find him.

After an extreme round of vetting, the foursome gained entrance into the community. Yumiko was a lawyer before the outbreak, and as per Commonwealth standards, was assigned to this profession in this community.

She also found her brother, a thoracic surgeon by trade, working in a bakery. He didn’t divulge his former occupation as he didn’t want to continue with his old profession in the new community.

In a recent press interview, Matsuura shared that she lied to showrunner Angela Kang to secure the role of Yumiko. She told Kang she was a big fan of the series when she had never watched an episode. This required a binge-watch of eight seasons.

Kang told Radiotimes.com that Yumiko is very, very smart and will need that sharp mind in dealing with issues at the Commonwealth. She stated that Yumiko’s role has taken on some elements of Michonne’s comic story, but the characters are very different.

"“But, you know, I’ll just say, Eleanor does some exceptional work in the season so I’m excited for people to watch it.” Angela Kang"

The Walking Dead returns to AMC on February 20 and is now available on AMC+.

Be sure to sign up for the once-daily Undead Walking newsletter to avoid missing out on all things in The Walking Dead universe.