Japanese male actors to remember
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What an amazing career! Few can boast a longer one (64 years of activity). Few have been able to have to relate to three generations. And it is pretty sure that no one can compare with him in terms of faithfulness to a director: Chishu Ryu indeed appeared in no fewer than fifty-two out of fifty-four of his master Yasujirô Ozu. He played in 187 films or TV films and could be a very versatile actor: for instance in 1936, when he was thirty, he embodied a student in one film and an old man in another. However he was perfect in Ozu's films, most often, as a simple, unobtrusive man whose humanity is revealed through the hardships of everyday life. How could Japanese cinema have done without Chishu Ryu?(May 13, 1904 - March 16, 1993) Tokyo Story, Late Spring, Dreams, Ososhiki, Akahige, Sanma no aji, Late Autumn, Rickshaw man- Japanese character actor Takashi Shimura was one of the finest film actors of the 20th century and a leading member of the "stock company" of master director Akira Kurosawa. A native of southern Japan, Shimura was a descendant of the samurai warrior class. Following university training, he founded a theatre company, Shichigatsu-za ("July Theatre"). In 1930 he joined a professional company, Kindai-za ("Modern Theatre"). Four years later he signed with the Kinema Shinko film studio. He found a niche playing samurai roles for various studios, then signed a long-term contract with Toho Studios in 1943. He appeared in an average of six films a year for Toho over the next four decades. His greatest critical acclaim came in more than 20 roles for Kurosawa, though he is almost as well recognized outside Japan for his kindly doctor role in the original "Godzilla" (Godzilla (1954)). Shimura's triumph was his unforgettable performance as a dying bureaucrat in Kurosawa's Ikiru (1952). He continued to act steadily, in good films and bad, almost until his death, culminating with Kurosawa's Kagemusha: The Shadow Warrior (1980). He is often described as filling the spot for Kurosawa that Ward Bond filled for John Ford--an ever-present and reliable character player who consistently supplied a solidity and strength to whatever film he appeared in. Shimura was definitely a finer actor than Bond, of the most versatile "chameleons" in the world cinema, a great artist with enormous range in sublime interpretations, from Ikiru (1952)'s diffident clerk to the leader of the Seven Samurai in Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954). He died in 1982, a reluctant icon of Japanese cinema.(March 12, 1905 - February 11, 1982) Seven Samurai, Ikiru, Akahige, Kagemusha, Kaidan, Yojimbo, Rashomon, Scandal
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Toshiro Mifune achieved more worldwide fame than any other Japanese actor of his century. He was born in Tsingtao, China, to Japanese parents and grew up in Dalian. He did not set foot in Japan until he was 21. His father was an importer and a commercial photographer, and young Toshiro worked in his father's studio for a time after graduating from Dalian Middle School. He was automatically drafted into the Japanese army when he turned 20, and enlisted in the Air Force where he was attached to the Aerial Photography Unit for the duration of the World War II. In 1947 he took a test for Kajirô Yamamoto, who recommended him to director Senkichi Taniguchi, thus leading to Mifune's first film role in These Foolish Times II (1947). Mifune then met and bonded with director Akira Kurosawa, and the two joined to become the most prominent actor-director pairing in all Japanese cinema. Beginning with Drunken Angel (1948), Mifune appeared in 16 of Kurosawa's films, most of which have become world-renowned classics. In Kurosawa's pictures, especially Rashomon (1950), Mifune would become the most famous Japanese actor in the world. A dynamic and ferocious actor, he excelled in action roles, but also had the depth to plumb intricate and subtle dramatic parts. A personal rift during the filming of Red Beard (1965) ended the Mifune-Kurosawa collaboration, but Mifune continued to perform leading roles in major films both in Japan and in foreign countries. He was twice named Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival (for Yojimbo (1961) and Red Beard (1965)). In 1963 he formed his own production company, directing one film and producing several others. In his later years he gained new fame in the title role of the American TV miniseries Shogun (1980), and appeared infrequently in cameo roles after that. His last years were plagued with Alzheimer's Syndrome and he died of organ failure in 1997, a few months before the death of the director with whose name he will forever be linked, Akira Kurosawa.(April 1, 1920 - December 24, 1997) Seven samurai, Shogun, Akahige, Scandal, Rashomon, The Rickshaw man, Yojimbo, Throne of Blood, Samurai Rebellion, Life of Oharu- Actor
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Keiji Sada was born on 9 December 1926 in Kyoto City, Japan. He was an actor and producer, known for I Will Buy You (1956), Taifû sôdôki (1956) and Good Morning (1959). He died on 17 August 1964 in Nirazaki, Japan.(December 9, 1926 - August 17, 1964) Good Morning, Late Autumn, Equinox Flower- Actor
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Ken Takakura was a Japanese actor best known for his brooding style and the stoic, honorable presence he brought to his roles.
Known as the "Clint Eastwood" of Japan, Takakura gained his streetwise swagger and tough guy persona watching yakuza turf battles over the lucrative black market and racketeering in postwar Fukuoka. This subject was covered in one of his most famous movies, Brutal Tales of Chivalry (1965) in which he played an honorable old-school yakuza among the violent post-war gurentai.
A graduate of the prestigious Meiji University in Tokyo, Takakura happened by an audition in 1955 at the Toei Film Company, and decided to look in. Toei found a natural in Takakura as he debuted with Denkô karate uchi (1956) (Lightning Karate Blow) in 1956. As luck would have it, Japan experienced a boom in gangster films in the 1960s as the Japanese people struggled with the generational differences between those raised in pre-war and post-war Japan and these were Takakura's stock in trade. His breakout role came in 1965 playing a ex-con antihero in Abashiri Prison (1965). By the time he left Toei in 1976, he had appeared in over 180 films.
Takakura gained international recognition after starring in the 1975 Sydney Pollack sleeper hit The Yakuza (1974) with Robert Mitchum and is probably best known in the West for his role in Ridley Scott's Black Rain (1989) in which he surprises American cops played by Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia by showing he can speak English. He again proved himself bankable to Western audiences in the 1992 Fred Schepisi comedy Mr. Baseball (1992) starring Tom Selleck.
While he slowed down a bit in his older years, he remained active. His later films included Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (2005), by Chinese director Yimou Zhang.(February 16, 1931 - November 10, 2014) Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles- Actor
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Shintarô Katsu was born on 29 November 1931 in Tokyo, Japan. He was an actor and director, known for Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (1970), Kaoyaku (1971) and Zatoichi and the One-Armed Swordsman (1971). He was married to Tamao Nakamura. He died on 21 June 1997 in Kashiwa, Japan.(November 29, 1931 - June 21, 1997) Zatoichi monogatari- Actor
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Japanese leading man, an important star and one of the handful of Japanese actors well known outside Japan. Nakadai was a tall handsome clerk in a Tokyo shop when director Masaki Kobayashi encountered him and cast him in The Thick-Walled Room (1956). Nakadai was subsequently cast in the lead role in Kobayashi's monumental trilogy 'Ningen no joken' and became a star whose international acclaim rivaled that of countryman Toshirô Mifune. Like Mifune, Nakadai worked frequently with director Akira Kurosawa and indeed more or less replaced Mifune as Kurosawa's principal leading man after the well-known falling out between Mifune and Kurosawa. His appearances for Kurosawa in Kagemusha: The Shadow Warrior (1980) and Ran (1985) are among the most indelible in the director's oeuvre.(December 13, 1932) Ran, Harakiri, Ame agaru, Yojimbo, Kagemusha, Zatoichi, Kaidan, Samurai Rebellion- Actor
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A tragic end belies a life led with purpose. The son of a successful filmmaker, Juzo Itami made his name acting in television and films before making a late career shift into screenwriting and directing at age 50. Known to choose the subjects of his films through everyday observations, he often followed up significant events in his life with films depicting idiosyncrasies that he felt were unique to the evolving Japanese culture. He was the definition of an iconoclast who took the great Molière's words to heart, "castigat ridendo mores" (criticise customs through humour).
Attributed as a key figure in the re-emergence of the latest wave of Japanese films that marked their presence outside of Japan, Itami proved to be a force of energy and originality that revived the country's stake in international cinema during the 1980s. Critics and audiences alike were simpatico when it came to his clever and keenly entrenched satires of his country's societal misgivings and he quickly became the most famous modern director of his generation. Throughout his directorial oeuvre of 10 films (list at the end), which stretched from 1984 to his final film in 1997, they were popular both domestically and maintained a staunch international following.
Every so often, Itami was compared to his then recently deceased French counterpart, Jacques Tati, who utilised similar styles of critiquing their society's cultural transition while crafting films with trenchant distinctions in humour and sadness. They also had almost similar, brief numbers of films that they directed and wrote before their death and they also used similar elements in the majority of their films. Itami cast his wife, Nobuko Miyamoto in every one of his 10 films. She was synonymous with Itami's fans across the world. Her versatility with melodrama and her impeccable comic timing proved invaluable to her husband's unique blend of the two genres as she portrayed characters that have been labeled as an "Everywoman" role. These roles laid the groundwork for a much more diverse representation of genders in Japan's films as Itami's women were usually strong, smart and gifted with moral fortitude when faces with tremendous adversity.
A common misconception outside of Japan would be that Tampopo (1985) was Itami's career-making debut. And although Tampopo (1985) is his most successful and critically acclaimed to date, his first feature was actually a humourous look at the Japanese attitudes towards death in The Funeral (1984), which touched on the generational gap opposing the stringently revered traditional values of the elders and the often-callous modernism of their children. Tampopo (1985) followed it to immense and unexpected success outside of its native land. The gastronomic "noodle western" as Itami himself had coined it, was an episodic venture (which formed the structure of his other films) of a restaurateur determined to create the best possible noodle for the best possible noodle eatery. Consumed with quirky characters and their own respective obsessions, it was a surreal fusion of wink-wink ribald imagery that was obstinately Japanese and a cheeky lampoon on the Leone "spaghetti westerns" that showed early signs of his development to an auteur. The public was now aware of Itami's established comedic style and free-wielding use of the narrative and they wanted more.
After a string of successful hits such as A Taxing Woman (1987) (A Taxing Woman) and its sequel came one of Itami's most intriguing films to date in Minbo also commonly held as Minbo (1992) (The Anti-Extortion Woman). It was scathing attack on the pride of the Japanese Yakuza through the film's story of a spirited female protagonist skewering and training feeble men to fight back against the criminal elements through courage and determination instead of resorting to violence. The film's realistic content apparently hit a sore spot with real gang members who waited outside of Itami's home and slashed him across his face that left him in the hospital. During his recuperation at the hospital, he found material for his next feature in The Last Dance (1993) about a dying film director accepting with his illness amidst an uncaringly cold healthcare system with an ironic look at infidelity and suicide that was a precursor to the rest of Itami's life. Still haunted and suitably outraged by the attack following Minbo, Itami's final film in 1997 was the black comedy Woman in Witness Protection (1997). It was his ode to freedom of expression that revolved around an actress witnessing a cult murder and becomes a target, both in the media and for hired guns.
On December 20, 1997, the 64-year-old Itami was found seriously injured on the street below his office and later died in the hospital. A suicide note was left behind by Itami that expressed innocence to a tabloid's accusation of his infidelity with a younger woman. Itami's energy and aversion to jadedness in his long career in films would have no doubt been still at use to this day if he was alive.(May 15, 1933 - December 20, 1997) Lady Snowblood II- Tsutomu Yamazaki was born on 2 December 1936 in Chiba, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kagemusha: The Shadow Warrior (1980), Departures (2008) and High and Low (1963).(December 2, 1936) Okuribito, Ososhiki; Sekai no shushin de, ai wo sakebu; Marusa no onna, Go, Tampopo, Akahige
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Ken Ogata was born on 20 July 1937 in Tokyo, Japan. He was an actor, known for Edo Porn (1981), Vengeance Is Mine (1979) and The Ballad of Narayama (1983). He died on 5 October 2008 in Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.(July 20, 1937 - October 5, 2008) Zatoichi, Mishima, Gonin 2, Izo- Actor
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Renji Ishibashi was born on 9 August 1941 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Ronin Gai (1990), Audition (1999) and Ware ni utsu yoi ari (1990).(August 9, 1941) Audition, Dead or Alive I, Outrage, Parade, Tokyo!, Closed Note, Sukiyaki Western Django, Hero, For those we love, Shinobi, Izo, One missed call, Gozu, The Bird People of China, Big bang love, Umi wa miteita, Ryomaden- Actor
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Takeshi Kitano originally studied to become an engineer, but was thrown out of school for rebellious behavior. He learned comedy, singing and dancing from famed comedian Senzaburô Fukami. Working as a lift boy on a nightclub with such features as comic sketches and striptease dancing, Kitano saw his chance when a comedian suddenly fell ill, and he went on stage in the man's place. With a friend he formed the comic duo "The Two Beat" (his artist's name, "Beat Takeshi", comes from this period), which became very popular on Japanese television.
Kitano soon embarked on an acting career, and when the director of Violent Cop (1989) (aka "Violent Cop") fell ill, he took over that function as well. Immediately after that film was finished he set out to make a second gangster movie, Boiling Point (1990). Just after finishing Getting Any? (1994), Kitano was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that almost killed him. It changed his way of life, and he became an active painter. This change can be seen in his later films, which are characterized by his giving more importance to the aesthetics of the film, such as in Fireworks (1997) and Kikujiro (1999).(January 18, 1947) Takeshis`, Zatoichi, Brother, Sonatine, Violent Cop, Aquilles to Kame, Outrage, Glory to the Filmmaker!, Izo, Battle Royale I, Battle Royale II, Gohatto, Hana-bi, Kikujiro no natsu, Gonin, Boiling Point, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence- Actor
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Akira Terao is the son of the famous actor Jukichi Uno. After graduating from Bunka Gakuin University, he formed a rock band "The Savage" which experienced brief success thanks to their hit 'Itsumademo, Itsumademo'. In 1967, Kei Kuma hired him to play alongside his father in his film 'Tunnel of Kurobe'. Terao then signed a contract with Ishihara Productions for which he appeared in several films. Akira Kurosawa chose him to play in two of his films, 'Ran' (1985) and mainly, as Kurosawa himself, in 'Dreams' (1990). On the other hand Terao continues to write and sing songs and his song 'Ruby no Yubiwa' was awarded the 'Record Taisho' prize for 1986. He also regularly works for television, notably for Ishihara TV Productions.(May 18, 1947) Ame agaru, Satorare, Madadayo, Dreams, Ran- Music Artist
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Kenji Sawada was born on 25 June 1948 in Tottori, Japan. He is a music artist and actor, known for The Man Who Stole the Sun (1979), The Zen Diary (2022) and Samurai Reincarnation (1981). He has been married to Yûko Tanaka since 1989. He was previously married to Emi Itô.(June 25, 1948) The Happiness of the Katakuris, Yumeji, Mishima- Actor
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Akira Emoto was born on 3 November 1948 in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003), Dr. Akagi (1998) and Lovers Lost (1982).(November 3, 1948) Ryusei no Kizuna, Unagi, Unmei no Hito, Akunin, Ichi, Ikigami, Tokyo Tower, Nihon chinbotsu, Doppelganger, Zatoichi, Waterboys, Kaza-hana, Love Letter, Shall we dance?- Denden was born on 23 January 1950 in Fukuoka, Japan. He is an actor, known for Cold Fish (2010), Sake-Bomb (2013) and Godzilla 2000 (1999).(January 23, 1950) Shinya Shokudo, Cold Fish
- Kaoru Kobayashi was born on 4 September 1951 in Kyoto, Japan. He is an actor, known for Sorekara (1985), Tales from Earthsea (2006) and Love Letter (1985).(September 4, 1951) Carnation, Dr. Kotô Shinryôjo, Osôshiki
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Ren Ôsugi was born on 27 September 1951 in Komatsushima, Japan. He was an actor and producer, known for Fireworks (1997), Shin Godzilla (2016) and Audition (1999). He died on 21 February 2018 in Japan.(September 27, 1951 - February 21, 2018) MPD Psycho, Peter no soretsu, Oyaji no senaka, Aquilles and the tortoise, Glory to the filmmaker!, Takeshis', About love, Dolls, The twilight samurai, Persona, Dead or alive II, Brother, Monday, Dead or Alive I, Himitsu, Audition, Uzumaki, Nihon Kuroshakai, Love Letter, Cure, Kids Return, Hana-bi, Maboroshi no hikari, Shall we dance?, Shinjuku Kuro Shakai, Sonatine- Actor
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Tomokazu Miura was born on 28 January 1952 in Enzan, Yamanashi, Japan. He is an actor and writer, known for Shiosai (1975), M/Other (1999) and Adrift in Tokyo (2007). He has been married to Momoe Yamaguchi since 19 November 1980. They have two children.(January 28, 1952) Outrage, N no tameni, Ryusei no Kizuna, Adrift in Tokyo, Tokyo Dogs; Sekai no chuchin de, ai wo sakebu; Cha no aji, Rampo- Fumiyo Kohinata was born on 23 January 1954 in Mikasa, Hokkaido, Japan. He is an actor, known for Beyond Outrage (2012), Fullmetal Alchemist (2017) and Audition (1999).(January 23, 1954) Oyaji no senaka, Big Money, Akumu-chan, Outrage:Beyond, JIN, Outrage, Ototo, Goemon, K-20, The Magic Hour, Hero, Niji no megami, Udon, Always san chome no yuhi, 69, Kaza-hana, Ringu 2, Dark Water, Hospitality Department, Orange Days
- Jun Kunimura was born on 16 November 1955 in Yatsushiro, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Kate (2021) and The Wailing (2016).(November 16, 1955) Oyaji no senaka, Alice no toge; Soshite, chichi ni naru to; My darling is a foreigner, K-20: Kaijin nijû mensô den, Ando natsu, Team Batista no eiko, Nihon Chinbotsu, Vital, 69, Ichi the Killer, Audition, Hard Boiled, Dr. Koto Shinryojo
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Koji Yakusho is an acclaimed and famed Japanese actor who has appeared in many notable films, including Tampopo, Unagi and Babel, but may be best known internationally for his role in Shall We Dance, which at the time of its release was Asia's biggest film export. He was born in the southern city of Nagasaki as Koji Hashimoto, but moved to Tokyo and began working in the city's municipality from which he borrowed his alias. Yakusho means 'government office.' While at acting school he met actress Saeko Kawatsu whom he soon married in 1982. He picked up stage roles, moved to a TV serial on Japan's national broadcaster NHK in 1983 and had his first major break playing a mostly silent role in the avant-garde food drama Tampopo. Koji has collaborated with director Kurosawa Kiyoshi several times, won the Best Actor Award at the Japanese Academy Awards more than once and been nominated for it and other awards even more often. He directed Gaman No Abura in 2009. In 2023, he received the Best Actor award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival for his lead role in Wim Wenders' Perfect Days.(January 1, 1956) Doppelganger, Unagi, The Cure, Onaji no senaka, 13 Assassins, Shall we dance?, Tokyo Sonata, Memoirs of a Geisha, Kairo, Eureka, Bounce Kogals, Tampopo,- Actor
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Naoto Takenaka was born on 20 March 1956 in Yokohama, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for Nowhere Man (1991), 119 (1994) and Shall We Dance? (1996).(March 20, 1956) Shall we dance?, Rampo, By player, Nodame Cantabile, Judge!, XXXHOLiC, Tokyo!, Swing girls, Waterboys, Azumi, Ping Pong, The Happiness of the Katakuris, Agitator, Akakage, Nihon Kuroshakai- Ishibashi Ryo (Ryo Ishibashi) was born on July 20, 1956, in Fukuoka City, Kyushu, Japan. Being a multi-talented star, and an international celebrity, Ryo Ishibashi has starred in many TV programs, and movies both within his native Japan, and abroad. He began his celebrity career when he started his own rock band the ARB (Alexiander's Ragtime Band) in 1977, which made their recording debut on October 29, 1978. He released over a dozen records with the band until their breakup in 1990. Ryo Ishibashi started his acting career in 1986 when he became acquainted with the late actor Yûsaku Matsuda (who was also internationally known for his co-starring role with Michael Douglas in the movie Black Rain (1989)). He made his movie debut in Matsuda's movie "Ahomance" in which ARB's 13th single "After 45" was used as its theme song. Ryo Ishibashi has been concentrating on his acting career since his split with ARB in 1990, and has appeared in several movies outside his native country Japan, and became an internationally recognized celebrity.(July 20, 1956) Audition, Moon Child, Ryomaden
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Ken Watanabe was born on October 21, 1959 in Uonuma, Japan. Both of his parents were teachers: his mother taught general education and his dad taught calligraphy. He became interested in acting at the age of 24, when a director of England's National Theater Company, where he was studying, told him that acting was his special gift. In 1978, he moved to Tokyo to pursue acting. He drew the attention of the critics when Yukio Ninagawa, a famous Japanese director, chose him for the lead role in one of his plays, even though Ken was still an acting student. He made his first TV appearance in 1982. His big career breakthrough came when he was chosen to play the lead in the Japanese national TV drama series called "Dokugan ryu Masamune". He played a samurai leader hero, making him a household name in Japan. In 1989, he collapsed while filming a movie in Canada due to leukemia. He made a miraculous comeback & co-starred with Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai (2003), which pushed him to the center stage of Hollywood.
Ken has a daughter, model, actress, & singer Anne Watanabe, & a son. He's an avid fan of Hanshin Tigers (Japanese professional baseball team) & Kobe Steel rugby team. He loves noodles.(October 21, 1959) Oyaji no senaka, Tampopo, Welcome back Mr. McDonalds, Memoirs of a Geisha, Ikebukuro West Gate Park- Actor
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Shin'ya Tsukamoto was born on 1 January 1960 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989), Vital (2004) and Tokyo Fist (1995).(January 1, 1960) A snake of june, Ichi the killer, Vital, Nightmare detective, Carnation, Marebito, okyo Fist, Dead or Alive 2- Toshirô Yanagiba was born on 3 January 1961 in Daisen, Japan. He is an actor, known for Space Battleship Yamato (2010), Bayside Shakedown (1998) and Odoru daisosasen the movie 2: Rainbow Bridge wo fuusa seyo! (2003).(January 3, 1961) Odoru Daisousasen, Unmei no Hito; Sore wa, totsuzen, arashi no you ni; Hachiko monogatari
- Katsumi Takahashi was born on 1 April 1961 in Sanjô, Niigata, Japan. He is an actor, known for Êsu o nerae! (2004), Suika (2003) and Shomuni (1998).(April 1, 1961) Hula Girls, Ryomaden (Satsuma, Saigo), Oyaji no senaka, Nobuta wo produce
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Shô Aikawa was born on 24 May 1961 in Kagoshima, Japan. He is an actor and composer, known for Zebraman (2004), Gozu (2003) and Eyes of the Spider (1998).(May 24, 1961) Rainy Dog, Dead or Alive I, Dead or Alive II, Kairo, Gozu, Unagi, Ley Lines- Actor
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Ken'ichi Endô was born on 28 June 1961 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor and writer, known for Nobody Knows (2004), The Raid 2 (2014) and Bijitâ Q (2001).(June 28, 1961) Visitor Q, Crows Zero- Kiichi Nakai was born on 18 September 1961 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for When the Last Sword Is Drawn (2002), 47 Ronin (1994) and Tian di ying xiong (2003). He has been married to Mayu Yoshitani since September 2000.(September 18, 1961) Priceless, Saigo kara nibanme no koi
- Yutaka Matsushige was born on 19 January 1963 in Fukuoka, Japan. He is an actor, known for Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005), The Princess Blade (2001) and Ringu (1998).(January 19, 1963) Shinya Shokudo, Unmei no hito, Mr. Brain, Instant Numa, Crows II, K-20: Kaijin nijû mensô den...
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Lily Franky was born on 4 November 1963 in Fukuoka, Japan. He is an actor and writer, known for Shoplifters (2018), Like Father, Like Son (2013) and The Devil's Path (2013).(November 4, 1963) Soshite, chichi ni naru; Lucky Seven, Ryomaden, All around us- Susumu Terajima is a Japanese actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Yakuza figures, most notably in the films of Takeshi Kitano. He is normally cast in supporting roles.
Terajima was born in Tokyo, Japan, where he still resides. He made his acting debut in 1986's A-Homance, and has been steadily furthering his career ever since. Terajima is part of Office Kitano, the former production / management company of Takeshi Kitano.(November 12, 1963) Hana-bi, Ryusei no Kizuna, Ichi the Killer, After Life, Brother, Zatoichi, Moonchild, Air doll, Goemon, Aquilles and the Tortoise, The magic hour, Still Walking, Glory to the Filmmaker!, Tokyo Tower, Hula Girls, Funky Forest, Takeshis', The taste of tea, Izo, Nobody Knows, Gohatto, Distance, Monday, Dead or Alive I, Gonin 2, Kids Return, Sonatine, A scene at the sea, Ran, Violent Cop - Actor
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Riki Takeuchi was born on 4 January 1964 in Oita, Japan. He is an actor and producer, known for Dead or Alive (1999), Blood (1998) and Battle Royale II (2003).(January 4, 1964) Dead or Alive I, Dead or Alive II, Last life in the universe, Gokusen: the movie, Sukeban Deka, Battle Royale II, Ichi- Hiroshi Abe was born on 22 June 1964 in Kanagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Still Walking (2008), Godzilla 2000 (1999) and After the Storm (2016).(June 22, 1964) At home dad, Team Batista no eiko (movie), Still walking
- Tsutsumi Shinichi is known primarily as a stage actor. It appears after Yamato nadeshiko (2000) he has gained much attention in Japan, though his performance in _"Pure" (1996)_, in 1996, garnered good attention for his sensitive portrayal of the orphaned journalist Sawatari Toru. Tsutsumi trained for the stage with the theatre project Tokyo in the early '90s after leaving the JAC where he had met his mentors, 'Hiroyuki Ada' and Tamasaburô Bandô, through whom he drew much inspiration. At the JAC, he had started out with the intent of learning how to play action roles, of which we still see much of in his wonderful film roles for the actor/director Sabu, but his destiny has since unfolded to deliver more of this talented, unassuming and sincere actor through his sensitive and detailed acting style. Tsutsumi struggled to find his path in his teens, skipping school before returning to complete his high school out of a sense duty and filial piety to his mother. At 18 he left to join the JAC Kyoto, and at 20, he finally arrived in Tokyo to join the JAC branch there. Life was difficult and he worked at other jobs but by 1990 he had joined the theatre project Tokyo, and there met David Leveaux, with whom he trained and honed his skills as an actor. The 1990s was a prolific decade in the theatre for him and aside from the TPT, he worked also with Hideki Noda - their latest collaboration was in June 2001 for the play sakura no mori. At present he is starring in Koi no chikara (2002). Tsutsumi works alongside his close and long time associate and friend Eri Fukatsu. In May, Tsutsumi will move on to his next work, a stage performance in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, which will be directed by the acclaimed Yukio Ninagawa . Later this year, his next film with Sabu, Doraibu (2002), will be released. in it, he plays a salaryman who is kidnapped by a bunch of bank robbers. Tsutsumi Shinichi is a classically trained actor who has brought his considerable talent to bear in his stage, drama and film roles, but more than all this is his sense of professionalism - his will to create, through being a part of the ensemble, the beauty of the work as a whole. Mldesu.(July 7, 1964) Risk no kamisama, Always san-chôme no yûhi, One missed call, Maiko haaan, Monday, Our little sister
- An actor's actor whose versatility allows him to deftly assume a wide range of characters, Shiina's first true breakthrough performance was in the 1993 film Nûdo no yoru (1993) opposite 'Jinpachi Netzu'. His portrayal of a young yakuza enamored with his boss led to a Best New Actor Award at the 9th Takasaki Film Festival. Since then Shiina has kept busy with regular roles in television dramas, further filling out his burgeoning filmography with lead film roles and the infrequent return to his roots in live theater.
Shiina has largely managed to keep his private life private, which is quite a feat in a country with particularly overzealous paparazzi. The actor declines to talk much about himself in interviews, citing that his personal life is largely irrelevant for audiences that should be occupied with his characters instead. According to an interview with Yomiuri Shinbun, however, we do know that he was once quite the soccer player, with presumably enough talent to match his aspirations to play in Japan's professional league. When he attended Aoyama Gakuin University, though, he fell in love with acting and that was that. Also, according to the folks at his artist management firm, Humanite, he's talented in the boxing ring.
For those who do want little smidgens of insight from the usually private actor, he does have his own personal homepage (www.kippei.net). It is pretty bare bones and unpolished, with only occasional notes from the man himself, but these days it's fun to see a website that's not overproduced or pretentious.(July 14, 1964) Outrage, Shinjuku Triad Society, Rinne, Shinobi, Akakage, Gonin, Kaza-hana - Masahiro Kômoto was born on 26 June 1965 in Okayama City, Okayama, Japan. He is an actor, known for Perfect Days (2023), Space Travelers (2000) and Love's Stoppage Time (2019).(June 26, 1965) Memories of Matsuko, The Magic Hour, Carnation, Smile, 'Linda, linda, linda', JIN
- Tetta Sugimoto was born on 21 July 1965 in Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Departures (2008), White Snake Enchantment (1983) and Samurai Resurrection (2003).(July 21, 1965) Ichi, Ryomaden, Okuribito, Unmei no hito, Outrage, Tokyo Dogs, Mr. Brain, Osen, Dororo, Rinne, Sekai no chushin de ai wo sakebu, Waterboys, Sukeban Deka, All about Lily chou-chou, I give my first love to you
- Tôru Nakamura was born on 5 September 1965 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Bi bappu haisukuru (1985), Be-Bop highschool: Koko yotaro elegy (1986) and 2009: Lost Memories (2002). He has been married to Isako Washio since 1995.(September 5, 1965) Team Batista, Tokyo Dogs
- Arata Furuta was born on 3 December 1965 in Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for 13 Assassins (2010), Harlock: Space Pirate (2013) and Shin Godzilla (2016). He is married to Yayoi Nishihaa. They have one child.(December 3, 1965) Seaside Motel, Hero, Tiger & Dragon
- Teruyuki Kagawa was born on 7 December 1965 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Out (2002), Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012) and Sway (2006).(December 7, 1965) Tokyo Sonata, Rurouni Kenshin, Priceless, Dear Doctor, Mr. Brain, The magic hour, Tokyo!, Sukiyaki Western Django, Hero, Rampo, Hanzawa Naoki, Ryomaden
- Masahiro Motoki was born on 21 December 1965 in Okegawa, Saitama, Japan. He is an actor, known for Departures (2008), Chûgoku no chôjin (1998) and Sumo Do, Sumo Don't (1992). He has been married to Yayako Uchida since July 1995. They have three children.(December 21, 1965) Okuribito, The bird people of China, Style!, The last night in Shanghai, Unmei no hito, Gonin
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Oda Yuji's career in Japanese entertainment began in the late 80s when he released two record singles that went largely unnoticed. He also played supporting roles in a few films and tv shows. Yuji began to garner attention when he appeared in a 1989 tv romantic comedy called "Mama Haha Boogie", opposite Atsuko Asano (101st Marriage Proposal, Abunai Keiji). But it was not until his appearance in the television mini series Tokyo Love Story (1991) in 1991, however, that he became a celebrated star. Since then Yuji has continued to produce the occasional album but has become most known for his impressive acting. Probably his best known role is as the married-to-the-job cop in Odoru daisosasen (1997) and its various incarnations on tv and film.
Yuji's hobbies include shooting pool, diving and racing cars in Japan's Class C circuit.(December 13, 1967) Odoru Daisousasen, Jodan ja nai!- Yôsuke Eguchi was born on 31 December 1967 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012), Goemon (2009) and Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014). He has been married to Chisato Moritaka since June 1999. They have two children.(December 31, 1967) Goemon, Hitotsu yane no shita, Rurouni Kenshin
- Actor
- Producer
Takao Osawa was born on 11 March 1968 in Musashino, Japan. He is an actor and producer, known for Wolf Children (2012), Ichi (2008) and Metro ni notte (2006). He was previously married to Kohmi Hirose.(March 11, 1968) JIN, JIN 2, Goemon, Ichi- Actor
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- Music Department
Fukuyama Masaharu is a musician, singer-songwriter, music producer, actor, radio personality and photographer from Japan. In 1987 at the age of 18, he left his hometown Nagasaki for Tokyo. The next year, artist management and entertainment company Amuse Inc. celebrated their 10th anniversary with the "Amuse 10 Movie Auditions" project. Fukuyama auditioned and won a co-lead part in the 1988 movie "Hon no 5g". Signed up with Amuse Inc., he formally made his debut as a singer-songwriter with the single "Tsuioku no Ame no Naka" in 1990.
Initial years were hard and his first few CDs did not fare well. But he was slowly creating a following for himself through regular live house performances and a few drama parts. His first break came in 1992 with the 5th single "Good Night" and its namesake - a song he wrote for the TV drama "Ai wa douda" which he also co-starred in, and which gave him his first footing into the Oricon Top 10. From then on, he was able to tie-in song-writing with various TV drama and commercials, and by 1994 achieved his first Oricon chart-topper and million-seller with his 9th single "It's Only Love/Sorry Baby".
Since 2011, Fukuyama holds the record as the all-time best-selling male solo singer in Japan. In 2015, after 25 years in the business, his 31st single "I am a Hero" earned him his 17th Oricon Singles chart-topper and the coveted title of Male Solo Artiste with the Most Oricon No.1 Single Hits. He had already been first in the Singer-songwriter category since 2011. His single "Sakurazaka" (released in 2000) still stands as the highest selling single by a Japanese male solo artiste in Oricon history.
As an actor, Fukuyama's involvement in select movies and TV drama have also proven a great success. The TV series "Hitotsu Yane no Shita" in 1993 provided his big breakthrough in popularity not only within Japan but also in Asian countries where this drama was subsequently shown.
In 1996, at the height of his career at that time, Fukuyama took a 2 year hiatus, withdrawing from almost all entertainment activities except his 2 weekly radio shows. It was during this time that he came under the guidance of acclaimed photographer Ueda Shoji with whom he had worked previously for his CD covers. In later interviews, Fukuyama would disclose that it was more than photography that he learnt from Ueda, but a mentality and passion for work. To this day, years after his mentor's passing, all of Fukuyama's music work are still credited with thanks to Ueda Shoji.
Returning to the entertainment scene in 1998, Fukuyama has since scaled new heights in both music and acting. His lead roles in the highly popular Galileo tv series (2007, 2013) and the year-long Taiga drama Ryomaden (2010) further cemented his status within Japan and around the region.
In 2008, Fukuyama appeared in his first major leading movie, "Yougisha X no Kenshin"(Suspect X) from the Galileo franchise. The film went on to top domestic box office for 4 consecutive weeks and grossed US$54,826,455 worldwide. It was the 2nd-highest grossing non-animation local film that year. Fukuyama partnered with Kanno Yugo on the movie soundtrack, each contributing a part of it. After a 5 year break from the movie scene, he reprised his role in the second Galileo movie "Manatsu no Hoteshiki" (Midsummer's Equation) in 2013, both as lead character Yukawa Manabu and co-composer for the film's music. The movie has since opened in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and around the region.
2013 also brought him numerous Best Actor nominations in major film festivals around the world, through his performance in the Cannes-winning movie Soshite Chichi ni Naru (Like Father Like Son). He won the accolade in the Yokohama Film Festival and Takasaki Film Festival. As a singer-songwriter by primary profession, Like Father Like Son was only Fukuyama's 3rd major movie (his 2nd in terms of shooting schedule, as Midsummer's Equation was filmed after Like Father Like Son). Premiered in the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, the film won the Jury Prize and has gone on to take numerous Best Feature, Audience Choice and Special Awards in film festivals around the world. To-date, it has been released in over 40 countries or territories globally.
Fukuyama is also involved as narrator in the ongoing NHK documentary project on endangered species called "Hot Spots, The Last Paradise". The first season was co-produced with NHNZ, France Televisions, Science Channel and Animal Planet. Fukuyama did not appear in the internationally released version which was renamed "Life Force". Season 2 was released domestically between Oct 2014 to Mar 2015 and is scheduled to be aired around the region at time of writing.
Known for his deep voice and live performances, Fukuyama concerts are constant sellouts in Japan. In addition to regular nation-wide tours, he holds a series of count-down concerts almost every year, called the Daikanshasai or "thanksgiving fest". This tradition stems from 1998 whereupon resuming his music activities, he was moved by the response of his many supporters who had waited through the years without any news of a return. The Daikanshasai was his way of thanking his fans and continues to this day, having passed its 14th time running at year-end 2014. Fukuyama has mentioned on more than one occasion that concerts are invariably his "favourite part of the job".
His "We're Bros Tour 2009: Michishirube" tour set a personal record in concert audience participation, with upto 500,000 attending 36 performances in 12 major concert arenas around the country. In May the same year, to kick-start his 20th anniversary activities, Fukuyama had brought forward the traditional year-end Daikanshasai to prelude his nation-wide Michishirube tour, performing in the Budokan solo for the first time. As a token of gratitude to his fans for the past 20 years, ticket prices were set at an unprecedented low of JPY3,939, playing on the Japanese pronunciation of 3939 for "thank you thank you". All 4 shows totaling 60,000 seats were sold out in a matter of minutes. That same summer, he returned to his hometown Nagasaki for two outdoor concerts at the Mount Inasa Park. At the same time, 50,000 local residents were invited to a simultaneous free live broadcast viewing at the Big N baseball stadium nearby. It was reported that an estimated 80,000 people were brought in by the concerts for those 2 days alone (both from local surrounding regions and overseas), contributing to an estimated economic impact of JPY1.5 billion (equiv to USD16.5 million) for the city's tourism income.
In 2011, Fukuyama furthered his audience record with the "We're Bros Tour 2011: The Live Bang!" tour. 52 performances in 18 major concert arenas resulted in a total attendance in excess of 600,000. Not included in this number was a special outdoor concert which was added in the Okinawa Nishihara Marine Park as an extension of the Tour.
2014 marked a number of concert firsts for Fukuyama - his first nation-wide Dome tour, his first overseas concert tour, and his first Men's Night and Ladies' Night gender specific concerts. Between April and May, the "We're Bros Tour 2014" was held in 5 of the country's biggest concert domes (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo) and the Saitama Super Arena, with 14 sell-out performances bringing in total audience numbers in excess of 500,000.
In June, he extended the tour to Taiwan and Hong Kong, holding one show in the Taipei Arena and 2 in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, allowing many overseas fans to see him live in concert for the first time. An estimated 12,000 attended the show in Taiwan and 11,000 in Hong Kong. The overseas concerts were met with critical acclaim from public and industry reviewers alike. Taiwan satellite TV network TVBS Senior Reporter Michael Chang applauded it as one of the few which can set the standards of excellence for concerts in the Taipei Arena. Hong Kong Skypost Assistant Chief Editor Elaine Tang wrote that she had never experienced such level of electricity in Hong Kong concerts before, and that this was the way a concert should be. Movie producer/director Peter Tsi described it as a performance which resonated with him and moved him deeply.
In the summer of 2015, after 25 years in the business, Fukuyama embarked on his first ever stadium concerts. All shows at the Osaka Yanmar Stadium (50,000 capacity) and Yokohama Nissan Stadium (70,000 capacity, the nation's largest) were fully sold out, reaching a total audience count of 240,000 in just 4 days. The summer tour would end with a return trip to his hometown Nagasaki for 2 outdoor shows at Mount Inasa Park. Again, sold out within minutes, the homecoming concert was broadcast live not only to cinemas across Japan, Hong Kong and in Taiwan, but also free for public viewing at the Nagasaki Seaside Park. To celebrate his 25th anniversary, JR Kyushu converted one of their fully operational limited express trains into a travelling tribute to Fukuyama. The Fuku! Kamome express runs daily on the Hakata-Nagasaki route and others, between August 23 and October 16, 2015.(February 6, 1969) Like Father, Like Son; Hitotsu Yane no Shita 1, Midsummer Equation, Galileo 1 and 2, Ryomaden, Rurouni Kenshin 3- Kazuki Kitamura was born on 17 July 1969 in Osaka, Japan. He is an actor, known for Signal: The Movie (2021), Folklore (2018) and Kera (2016).(July 17, 1969) Hirugao, Sky High, Galileo I, Galileo II, Midsummer Equation, Azumi, Ley Lines
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- Music Department
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Mitsuhiro Oikawa was born on 24 October 1969 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Erased (2016), Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3 (2015) and Battle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan (2009). He has been married to Rei Dan since 27 July 2011.(October 24, 1969) Hanzawa Naoki, Izo, Nodame Cantabile, Nihon chinbotsu- Taizô Harada was born on 24 March 1970 in Hiroshima, Japan. He is an actor, known for Jump (2003), Neptune in Dotsuki-Dotsukare (1998) and Atsuhime (2008).(March 24, 1970) Big Money, Ryomaden (Shinsengumi)
- Sadao Abe was born on 23 April 1970 in Chiba, Japan. He is an actor, known for Maiko haaaan!!! (2007), Shylock's Children (2023) and Lesson in Murder (2022).(April 13, 1970) Tiger & Dragon, Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Odoru Daisousasen, Uzumaki, Kamikaze Girls, Maiko Haaaan!!!, After Life, The Apology King
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Hidetaka Yoshioka was born on 12 August 1970 in Saitama, Japan. He is an actor and writer, known for Godzilla Minus One (2023), Always: Sunset on Third Street (2005) and Otoko wa tsurai yo: Boku no ojisan (1989). He was previously married to Yuki Uchida.(August 12, 1970) Wakamonotachi, The little house, Always san-chome no yuuhi, Dr. Koto Shinryojo, Umi wa miteita, Ame agaru, Madadayo, Rapsody in August- Yutaka Takenouchi was born on 2 January 1971 in Chofu, Japan. He is an actor, known for Shin Godzilla (2016), Between Calmness and Passion (2001) and Shin Kamen Rider (2023).(January 2, 1971) Rondo, Long Vacation, Nishino Yukihiko no Koi to Boken, The Apology King
- Kôtarô Yoshida was born on 26 January 1971 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. He is an actor, known for Reborn from Hell: Samurai Armageddon (1999), Kyuukyuu Sentai GoGoFive (1999) and MOZU (2014).(January 26, 1971) Ouroboros, Karamazov no kyodai, Hanzawa Naoki
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Yûsuke Santamaria was born on 12 March 1971 in Oita, Oita, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for Kôshônin: Mashita Masayoshi (2005), Bayside Shakedown (1998) and R246 Story (2008).(March 12, 1971) Udon, Binbo Danshi, Odoru Daisousasen"- Actor
- Soundtrack
Hidetoshi Nishijima was born on 29 March 1971 in Hachioji, Japan. He is an actor, known for Drive My Car (2021), The Wind Rises (2013) and License to Live (1998).(March 29, 1971) Dolls, 2/Duo, tokyo.sora, License to live, Creepy, Drive my car- Actor
- Soundtrack
Masayuki Sakamoto was born on 24 July 1971 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Hâdo rakku hîrô (2003), Hôrudo appu daun (2005) and Gokusen (2002).(July 24, 1971) Gokusen- Masato Hagiwara was born on 21 August 1971 in Kanagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Cure (1997), Kyôso tanjô (1993) and A Class to Remember (1993). He was previously married to Emi Wakui.(August 21, 1971) Cure
- Nao Ômori was born on 19 February 1972 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Ichi the Killer (2001), The Outsider (2018) and From Up on Poppy Hill (2011). He has been married to Yuriko Ono since 14 March 2012.(February 19, 1972) Ichi the Killer, Ryomaden, Unmei no Hito, Fish Story, Aquilles and the tortoise, Tokyo!; Sekai no chushin de, ai wo sakebu; Dolls, Monday, Boku to kanojo to kanojo no ikiru michi, Dr. Shinryojo, Always san chome no yuuhi, Tokyo Playboy Club
- Shôsuke Tanihara was born on 8 July 1972 in Yokohama, Japan. He is an actor, known for Sky High (2002), Boys Over Flowers (1995) and Fudoh: The New Generation (1996). He has been married to Emi Miyake since 14 March 2007. They have five children.(July 8, 1972) Ryomaden, Lucky Seven (TV Detective), Nodame Cantabile, The magic hour, Sky High, Love Shuffle, Pride
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- Music Department
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Naohito Fujiki was born on 19 July 1972 in Kurashiki, Japan. He is an actor, known for G@me (2003), Boys Over Flowers (1995) and GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (1998).(July 19, 1972) Slow Dance, Priceless, Proposal Daisakusen- Actor
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- Executive
Shidô Nakamura was born on 14 September 1972 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for Fearless (2006), Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) and Red Cliff (2008). He has been married to Saori Adachi since 1 February 2015. He was previously married to Yûko Takeuchi.(September 14, 1972) Ichi, Ima ai ni yukimasu- Actor
- Soundtrack
Takuya Kimura was born on 13 November 1972 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for 2046 (2004), Blade of the Immortal (2017) and Love and Honor (2006). He has been married to Shizuka Kudô since 2000. They have two children.(November 13, 1972) Hero, 2046, Beautiful Life, Mr. Brain, Priceless, Pride- Actor
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Yô Ôizumi was born on 3 April 1973 in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. He is an actor and writer, known for When Marnie Was There (2014), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl's Moving Castle (2004). He has been married to Kumiko Nakajima since 2 May 2009.(April 3, 1973) Lucky Seven, Oyaji no senaka- Actor
- Composer
- Producer
Gackt was born Gakuto Oshiro in Okinawa, Japan. His father was a music teacher, and his mother also a teacher. He is the second of three children, with an older sister and younger brother.
His musical education began early, and he started learning classical music theory and piano from the age of three. After exposure to rock music during his teenage years, he practiced electric guitar and drums intensely. In the early 1990s he was working as a sound technician and studio drummer, but by the mid-'90s he had begun his career as a singer. He spent a short time in the independent band Cains:Feel before moving on to the visual kei rock band Malice Mizer. With Gackt as vocalist, lyricist, and composer, they rose to fame within the visual kei genre. In 1999 he parted ways with the band and launched his solo career, debuting with the EP Mizérable. He has since released nine studio albums, eight compilation albums, and forty-four singles. He has toured extensively within Japan and also throughout Asia and Europe.
With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, and forty-three consecutive singles ranked in the top ten of the Oricon music charts, he holds the title of the most successful male soloist in Japanese music history. A hallmark of his productions has been the use of all-encompassing, conceptual, and sometimes abstract themes, "Moon" and "Requiem et Reminiscence", to develop a series of related songs, concerts, movies, books or theatre play. To describe this idea he combined the words visual, live (concert), and alive to form the term "Visualive". It references the evocative and immersive experience he strives to create for his audiences.
In addition to his music career, Gackt has undertaken various film and television acting roles. He wrote and starred in his first cinematic production Moon Child (2003), which screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003, and the Philadelphia Film Festival in 2004. In 2007 he received a TV Navi award for best supporting actor in a drama, for his portrayal of the powerful feudal leader Kenshin Uesugi in NHK's The Trusted Confidant (2007).
One of Gackt's most notable performances was as the samurai protagonist Yoshi in the Guy Moshe film Bunraku (2010), where he costarred alongside Josh Hartnett, Woody Harrelson, Ron Perlman and Demi Moore. His depiction of the unnerving eunuch Jo Teigai in NHK's TV drama Tempest (2011) was brought to movie screens the following year in Gekijouban Tenpesuto 3D (2012). Recently he reprised his role as both Takashi Shiki and Yumeoji (dream prince) from the television drama Akumu chan (2012) in the cinematic release, Akumu Chan the Movie (2014).
Gackt's numerous voice acting credits include animated films, such as Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker (2012), and video games, with two from the popular Final Fantasy VII series; Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (2006)and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007) among others.
In his stage play debut Nemuri Kyoshiro Burahikae (2010), Gackt was cast as the leading character. He later expanded his theater credentials by resuming his "Moon" concept and writing, producing, composing and starring in Moon Saga - Yoshitsune Hiden (2012). He has since announced a sequel scheduled to begin in August 2014 entitled Moon Saga - Yoshitsune Hiden - Chapter 2 (2014).(July 4, 1973) Moon Child, Akumu-chan, Mr. Brain- Actor
- Music Department
- Additional Crew
The 1/2 Taiwanese and 1/2 Japanese Takeshi Kaneshiro may have started out as a puerile teen idol in the Chinese entertainment scene, but he's since become a proper film star in his own right. Whether by his own design or not, the boyishness that marked his first steps into showbiz has evolved into a cool, somewhat reticent demeanor that has now become his trademark. Despite being effortlessly good-looking, he chooses to strike a sometimes uneasy balance between the commercially pleasing and the quirky in his choice of film roles -- a move that's unusual for Asian leading men. But whether he's the faithful lover in the Japanese AIDS drama Kamisama mousukoshi dake (1998), the canned-pineapple-eating cop in Chungking Express (1994) or awkward in his role in Misty (1996), a remake of Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950), Asian audiences love his style. Other memorable roles include his turn as a lovelorn student in Tempting Heart (1999), an angel in Lavender (2000) and the leader of a trio of robbers in Space Travelers (2000). There hasn't been an Asian actor quite as versatile as Kaneshiro, who is able to straddle the Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japanese film industries because of his proficiency in various languages. Still, one wonders if the reason why he's so sought after is because he is so elusive. No one really knows what he does outside of film commitments, and his reluctance towards being in the spotlight is legendary.(October 11, 1973) Red Cliff, K-20, Returner, House of Flying Daggers, Kamisama mou sukoshi dake, Fallen Angels, Chungking Express, Lavender- Actor
- Soundtrack
Masato Sakai was born on 14 October 1973 in Kobe, Japan. He is an actor, known for Climbers High (2008), Afutâ sukûru (2008) and Hanzawa Naoki (2013). He has been married to Miho Kanno since 2 April 2013. They have two children.(October 14, 1973) Hanzawa Naoki, Sukiyaki Western Django, Sky High- Actor
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Tadanobu Asano's a Japanese film actor. His father suggested he take on what became his first role in the TV show Kimpachi Sensei at 16. His film debut was Swimming Upstream (1990) though his first major critical success was in Shunji Iwai's Fried Dragon Fish (1993). His first critical success in the West was in Kore-eda Hirokazu's Maborosi (1995), in which he played a man who inexplicably throws himself in front of a train, widowing his wife & orphaning his infant son. His best known works internationally are the samurai films Taboo (1999) & The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003). It was on the set of Iwai's Picnic (1996) that he met & fell in love with J-Pop idol Chara. They married soon after learning she was pregnant with their first child, Sumire. While best known for characters who are psychologically offbeat, if not downright psychotic (e.g. Kakihara in Ichi the Killer (2001)), he has been described by those who know him as a down-to-earth family man. He has directed commercial TV spots for Chara. Hesistant to identify himself as an actor, he most readily describes himself as a vocalist, referring to Mach 1.67, the band he has w/ director Gakuryû Ishii. He's also an artist & sometimes works as a model, most notably for the Japanese designers Takeo Kikuchi & Jun Takahashi.(November 27, 1973) Ichi the Killer, Zatoichi, Lupin III, Kiki's delivery service, Tokyo Zombie, Funky Forest, The taste of tea, Takeshis', Café Lumière, Kaza-hana, Distance, Gohatto, Swallowtail Butterfly, Picnic, Maboroshi- Arata Iura was born on 15 September 1974 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Like Father, Like Son (2013), Air Doll (2009) and After Life (1998).(September 15, 1974) After Life, Ping pong, Rich Man Poor Woman
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- Soundtrack
Ryo Kase was born on November 9, 1974, in Kanagawa, Japan.
Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Washington, United States, where he spent most of his childhood.
Kase began his acting career in 2000 and gained his first starring role in Kazuyoshi Kumakiri's Antena (2003). He then went on to work with several internationally-renowned Japanese film directors, including Takeshi Kitano, Kore-eda Hirokazu, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa. His first appearance in an international film was Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwo Jima (2006). He continued to appear in several high-profile international films including Gus Van Sant's Restless (2011), Abbas Kiarostami's Like Someone in Love (2012), Hong Sang-soo's Hill of Freedom (2014), and Martin Scorsese's Silence (2016).
He is a recipient of multiple awards, including a nomination for Japan Academy Award, Blue Ribbon Award, and Hochi Film Award.(November 9, 1974) Funky Forest, 69, Judge!, Tokyo!, Like someone in love, Instanto Numa, Restless, Outrage, Arifureta kiseki, All around us- Masanobu Andô was born on 19 May 1975 in Kanagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Battle Royale (2000), Kids Return (1996) and Sukiyaki Western Django (2007). He has been married to unknown since 2014. They have one child.(May 19, 1975) 69, Sukiyaki Western Django, Strawberry Shortcakes, Kids Return, Big Bang Love, Petal Dance
- Hideaki Ito was born in 1975 in Gifu, Japan. His father was an official in the Japan Self Defense Force and his mother is a housewife. As a child, he became very sick and was hospitalized for about three years. During this time he said that he wanted to become a pilot because he felt isolated in his hospital bed and wanted to see the world. He originally had no intention of becoming an actor, but when he turned eighteen his friend's sister helped him submit an application to a talent competition for young male actors. He came in second place and was signed on to his first talent agency, marking the beginning of his successful career in acting. Hideaki Ito is most famous for his leading role in "Umizaru", a TV and movie series adapted from a popular manga comic about the lives of rescue diver trainees in Kure, Japan. The series began in 2004 and continued for ten years, finishing in 2014. Each of the Umizaru films ranked in the top 100 highest-grossing films in Japan, including both Japanese and Western films. During this time and since then, Hideaki Ito has been involved in over 50 films and drama series. Notably, he starred in the 2007 film "Sukiyaki Western Django" in which he acted alongside Quentin Tarantino. The film was entered in the 64th Venice Film Festival. In 2015, he won the award for the Best Supporting Actor in the Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in "Wood Job!". Today, Hideaki Ito is an international household name in many Asian countries including Japan, China, Thailand, and beyond.(August 3, 1975) Buzzer beat (Kawasaki coach), First kiss, Onmyouji, Sukiyaki Western Django, Odoru Daisousasen
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Joe Odagiri was born on 16 February 1976 in Tsuyama City, Okayama, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for They Say Nothing Stays the Same (2019), Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005) and Adrift in Tokyo (2007). He has been married to Yû Kashii since 16 February 2008.(February 16, 1976) Shinobi, Adrift in Tokyo, Air doll, Dream (Korean Movie), Tokyo Tower, Azumi, Satorare, Shinya Shokudo, Alice no toge- Actor
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Yûsuke Iseya was born on 29 May 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor and director, known for Blindness (2008), 13 Assassins (2010) and Kakuto (2002).(May 29, 1976) Rurouni Kenshin, Ryomaden, 13 assassins, Closed Note, Sukiyaki Western Django, Distance, After Life, Densen Uta- Actor
- Additional Crew
Kôji Yamamoto was born on 31 October 1976 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Shin Ultraman (2022), Higanjima: Escape from Vampire Island (2009) and Kamen Rider Zero-One (2019). He has been married to Maki Horikita since 22 August 2015. They have two children.(October 31, 1976) Boss, Jin, Asa ga kita, The magic hour, Hitotsu yane no shita- Ken'ichi Takitô was born on 2 November 1976 in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. He is an actor, known for Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), Golden Slumber (2010) and Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014).(November 2, 1976) Rurouni Kenshin II and III (Hoji, Juppon Gatana), Hanzawa Naoki, Ouroboros, Karamazov no kyodai
- Kôtarô Koizumi was born on 10 July 1978 in Yokosuka, Japan. He is an actor, known for Mato mo janai no wa kimi mo issho (2021), Atenshon purîzu (2006) and Heart of a Samurai (2009).(July 10, 1978) Peter no soretsu, Carnation
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Gô Morita was born on 20 February 1979 in Saitama, Japan. He is an actor, known for Gokusen (2002), Taira no Kiyomori (2012) and Hâdo rakku hîrô (2003). He has been married to Rie Miyazawa since 16 March 2018.(February 20, 1979) Lunch Queen, Risk no Kamisama"- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Debut as an actor in Japanese TV series "The Kindaichi Case Files" (1995). Gained success with the performance in "Ikebukuro West Gate Park" (2000). Awarded Japan Academy Prize for both Best Newcomer and Best Actor in 2001, youngest ever at the time. First Hollywood film appearance in Martin Scorsese's "Silence" and played a role as "Kichijiro" which was one of the key character of the story. In 2019 co-starred in BBC/Netflix series "Giri/Haji" which was filmed in in both Japan and UK. In 2023, made appearance in Japan-Korea produced film "Knuckle Girl" and "Tokyo Vice - Season 2" airing on MAX from February 2024.
Many appearances in both domestic and International films as well as many more to be released. Critically acclaimed stage performance for theater director Yukio Ninagawa and Toshiaki Toyoda. Well-known for his multiple talent as a Fashion Model and Writer. Also known to produces his own YouTube Channel and Golf Apparel brand.(May 7, 1979) Ichi, Go, Ikebukuro West Gate Park, For those we love, Ping-pong, Himizu- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
Hiroshi Tamaki was born on 14 January 1980 in Nagoya, Japan. He is an actor, known for Rokkazu (2003), Taira no Kiyomori (2012) and Here Comes the Morning (2015). He has been married to Haruka Kinami since 26 June 2018.(January 14, 1980) Nodame Cantabile, Tada kimi wo aishi teru, Love shuffle, Guilty: Akuma to keiyakushi ta onna- Actor
- Soundtrack
Munetaka Aoki was born on 14 March 1980 in Yao, Osaka, Japan. He is an actor, known for The Roundup: No Way Out (2023), Godzilla Minus One (2023) and Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part I - The Final (2021). He has been married to Yûka since 27 June 2016.(March 14, 1980) Ryomaden, Rurouni Kenshin (Sanosuke), Ichimei, Battle Royale II- Actor
- Stunts
- Soundtrack
He's a singer of the Jpop group V6 (6 members) since 1995 at the age of 14 years (the year of creation). This group are two subgroups: 20th Century (the seniors of them) and Coming Century (the juniors, and Okada's subgroup). He's the most younger of them. He's too a three martial arts instructor, with license. He play's piano and guitar.(November 18, 1980) Tokyo Tower, Tiger & Dragon- Satoshi Tsumabuki was born on 13 December 1980 in Yanagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), Rage (2016) and Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2003). He has been married to Maiko since 2016.(December 13, 1980) Akunin, Wakamonotachi 2014, 69, Tokyo Family, Judge!, Dororo, Ikebukuro West Gate Park, The Little House, Orange Days, Slow Dance
- Music Artist
- Actor
- Music Department
Gen Hoshino was born on 22 January 1981 in Saitama, Japan. He is a music artist and actor, known for Spy x Family (2022), Why Don't You Play in Hell? (2013) and Blindly in Love (2013). He has been married to Yui Aragaki since 19 May 2021.(January 28, 1981) Akihabara@deep, Tiger & Dragon, Water Boys, 69- Jun Kaname was born on 21 February 1981 in Kagawa, Japan. He is an actor, known for Casshern (2004), Kamen Rider Agito (2001) and Kamen Rider Agito: Project G4 (2001).(February 21, 1981) Unubore Deka, Ryusei no kizuna, Goemon, K-20, Untouchable, Boku to kanojo to kanojo no ikiru michi, Udon, Ryomaden
- Shûgo Oshinari was born on 5 March 1981 in Chiba, Japan. He is an actor, known for Battle Royale II (2003), Returner (2002) and Kamen Rider Wizard in Magic Land (2013).(March 5, 1981) All about Lily Chou-chou, Battle Royale 2: Requiem, Returner, Smile, Aoi haru, Sayonara kabukichou, hana yori dango
- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Nobuaki Kaneko was born on 5 June 1981 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor and composer, known for Alice in Borderland (2020), No More Heroes III (2021) and Bandeiji (2010). He has been married to Saori Nakamura since 2013.(June 5, 1981) Crows II, Buzzer Beat, Shinjuku swan, Risou no musuko- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Takumi Saitoh (actor, filmmaker, mobile cinema sponsor and monochrome photographer) Beginning as a model in his teens, Takumi Saitoh's name has made inroads into such lands as Europe and Asia and has walked for shows during Paris Fashion Week. After working in advertising with Wing Shya, photographer for Director War Wong Kai , an opportunity arose for Saitoh to make his acting debut in the Korean film reboot of "Toki no Kaori - Remember Me." Having appeared in many television and films, including "13 Assassins" on which he met director Takashi Miike, he appeared in Miike's next 3 works, "Ace Attorney", "For Love's Sake" and the drama, "QP"consecutively. For his starring role in "For Love's Sake", Miike lauded, "Takumi Saitoh was born to play Hiroshi Iwashimizu." In 2017, Saitoh won the 31st annual Takasaki Film Festival, Best Supporting Actor Award for "The Projects" directed by Junji Sakamoto. He also starred in "Respect" directed by Naomi Kawase who previously won a Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, which accompanied the Culture City East Asia 2016 Nara opening. Saitoh has performed in films directed by Sion Sono, Shinji Aoyama, Lee Sang-il, Derek Yee, etc, and his work now made its way into the international arena. "Manhunt" directed by John Woo is slated for release in 2018, and a starring role in Eric Khoo's upcoming "Ramen The" is also in the works. He is a fixture in the TV drama series "Hirugao : Love Affairs in the Afternoon", which aired in 2014 and is known as one of his most notable works. In 2015 he received the Elan d'or Award for Newcomer of the Year. Saitoh is not only an acknowledged actor but a well-known director, making his directorial debut with the short, "Sakurairo" in 2012. In 2014 "Hannbun no Sekai" won the Identity Award at the Japanese-Serbian film festival and was nominated for the Digital Award at the International Emmy Awards. Other directorial works include "Balancer" (2014), "Ohashi Trio Album Music Video" (2015), and 2016 documentary releases, depicting the scene backstage at a fashion show "Embellir", and a behind-the-scenes look at horse racing. His first ever feature film debut, "blank13" was screened at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival and received the "Fanta Land Prize" (Best Picture). He won best director in the "Asian new talent" category at the Shanghai International Film Festival 2017, a first for a Japanese actor. Takumi Saitoh, Issey Takahashi and Lily Franky won best actors in the "Vladivostok film festival 2017". Also, won Sydney indie Film Festival 2017 Best Screenplay and Tronto Japan Film festival 2018 "Audience Choice Award". "blank13"is won 8 prizes now. He won best actor in the" Hirugao" at the Tokyo film festival 2017. Tokyo International Film Festival won China film week Gold Grane best actor 2017. In 2018,HBO Asia will make the new show are "Folklore" a 6 Asian directors (Eric Khoo:Singapore Ho Yuhang:Malaysia Joko Anwar:Indonesia Lee Sang-woo: South Korea Pen-ek Ratanaruang) and 6 part horror anthology and Saitoh is one of them. His feature film "TATAMI" was showed world premiere at Sitges Catalunya International Film Festival 2018 and it was a stand high in estimation. He has also taken part for the production of "FOODLORE" the 2ed title of the same production for HBO Asia. The new work that becomes director's 10th work, He has also taken for the production of "COMPLY ANCE" a film which focuses on Japanese compliance. His new movies are "Sorokin no mita Sakura"directed by Masaki Inoue,"Mah-jongg hourouki 2019" directed by Kazuya Shiraishi, "Diner" directed by Mika Ninagawa, produce and main roll"MANRIKI(vise) directed by YasuhikoShimizu"Otaku ni koi wa muzukashii" directed by Yuichi Fukuda, "Ito(yarn)" directed by Takahisa Zeze, and "Shin Ultraman" directed by Shinji Higuchi, Planning and screenplay by Hideaki Anno. Saitoh plans and sponsors mobile cinema under the name "Cinema Bird" which brings films to locations with no movie theaters, or which are affected by disaster. To date, mobile cinema presentations, which have garnered enormous public attention, have been brought to Iwate, Oita, Fukushima , Kumamoto and Okinawa prefectures in Japan, and even as far as Madagascar and Paraguay in 2017 and Cambodia 2018. Saitoh was produced clay animation "Fairy of film Fri and Mu" is the right of using free movie and made by crowdfunding. He was charged plan, based story, script, voice of character and naming of character. Saitoh is also a widely known as a film buff, and has been writing for the magazine "Eiga Hiho" for nearly 10 years. He acts as film navigator on WOWWOW satellite broadcasting, which soon celebrates its upcoming 300th broadcast. Saitoh is on close terms with photographer, Leslie Kee, and Mika Ninagawa, and worked with world-renowned photographer Mario Testino on the January 2014 issue of Vogue Japan. In 2016, Saitoh made the cover of the November issue of "Esquire" in Hong Kong, and in 2017, he was on the cover of "madame FIGARO Japon", a first for a Japanese male. He began appeared for the in September 2017 issue as a motion picture monochrome photographer, and has become renowned for his unique style of capturing actors and actresses in their natural moments at "madame FIGARO Japon". Saitoh was awarded "Outstanding Achievement" by GQ Men of the year 2017. Beginning on August 25th, 2017, Saitoh was chosen as an ambassador for the Singapore Tourism Board to bring their message to the entire world. Concurrently, he was chosen to become the mascot for JICA to raise volunteer awareness. He won Bronze medal in the photography section with "Shuhari" in " Salon des beaux art 2018" at the Louvre in Paris. Also, he exhibit his new work "Ohbaitohori"at the Louvre in Paris 2019. As an actor, and also as a filmmaker, sponsor of "cinema bird", and photographer, Takumi Saitoh has proven a most formidable and versatile artist among his contemporaries.(August 22, 1981) 13 assassins, Hirugao, Hana-kimi, Karamazov no kyodai, Sukitomo- Gô Ayano was born on 26 January 1982 in Gifu, Japan. He is an actor, known for Rage (2016), The Light Shines Only There (2014) and The Snow White Murder Case (2014). He has been married to Yui Sakuma since 31 December 2022.(January 26, 1982) Carnation, Lupin III, Saigo no Rikkon, S-Saigo no Keikan, Rich Man Poor Woman, Ouroboros, Usagi Drop, Crows, Love Exposure, Yokomichi Yonosuke
- Osamu Mukai was born on 7 February 1982 in Yokohama, Japan. He is an actor, known for Naruto: Shippuden (2007), S the Last Policeman Recovery of Our Future (2015) and First Love (2022). He has been married to Ryôko Kuninaka since 28 December 2014. They have two children.(February 7, 1982) Osen, Hachimitsu to Kuroba, Nobunaga no Concerto, S-Saigo no keikan
- Tsuyoshi Abe was born on 13 February 1982. He is an actor, known for Boys Over Flowers (2005), Initial D (2005) and Alice in Borderland (2020).(February 13, 1982) Hana yori dango
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Tatsuya Fujiwara was born on 15 May 1982 in Chichibu, Japan. He is an actor, known for Battle Royale (2000), Battle Royale II (2003) and Death Note (2006).(May 15, 1982) Battle Royale, Parade, Rurouni Kenshin- Masaki Nishina was born on 2 September 1982 in Kyoto, Japan. He is an actor, known for Ultraman Mebius (2006), Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005) and Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle (2003). He was previously married to Hanako Takigawa.(September 2, 1982) Shinobi
- Hiroki Narimiya was born on 14 September 1982 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Ace Attorney (2012), Kisarazu Cat's Eye (2002) and Stand Up!! (2003).(September 14, 1982) Tokyo Dogs, Orange Days, Hachimitsu to Kuroba, Last Quarter, Gokusen, Nana 2, Gokusen: The Movie, Azumi, Nana
- Additional Crew
Takashi Tsukamoto is known for Babel (2006).(October 27, 1982) Tiger & Dragon, Stand Up!!, Tokyo Dogs, Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Onmyouji, Gokusen, The Longest Night in Shanghai, About Love- Eita Nagayama was born on 13 December 1982 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Dear Doctor (2009), Monster (2023) and Nakumonka (2009). He has been married to Kaela Kimura since 1 September 2010. They have two children.(December 13, 1982) Last Friends, Wakamonotachi 2014, Dear Doctor, Saikou no Rikkon, Lucky Seven, Nodame Cantabile, Memories of Matsuko, Orange Days
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Shun Oguri was born on 26 December 1982 in Tokyo, Japan. Shun is an actor and director, known for Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Gintama 2: Rules are Made to be Broken (2018) and Two Homelands (2019). Shun has been married to Yû Yamada since 14 March 2012.(December 26, 1982) Hana yori dango, Binbo Danshi, Crows Zero, Hana Kimi, Lupin III, Oyaji no senaka, Kitsutsuki to ame, Tokyo Dogs, Gokusen, Crows Zero 2, Sukiyaki Western Django, Rinne, Densha Otoko, Azumi, Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Nobunaga no Concerto, Rich Man Poor Woman- The uniquely beautiful and talented Ryuhei Matsuda was born May 9, 1983, in Tokyo, to Miyuki Matsuda and Yûsaku Matsuda. Six years later, Ryuhei's life took a tragic turn when his father died from bladder cancer at the age of 40. Ryuhei and his mother persevered, and unlike most offspring of famous actors, he didn't give much thought to acting as a child. Nine years later, at the age of 15, that would all change when Ryuhei was approached by Nagisa Oshima with a life changing offer: to take on the prominent role as the androgynous youth, Samurai Sozaburo Kano in the controversial Gohatto. Ryuhei took the role head on, preparing himself emotionally and physically by practicing ken do for two months straight. His film debut was a success, and acted on par with the likes of Takeshi Kitano and Tadanobu Asano. For his hard work, Ryuhei was rewarded with critical acclaim and numerous awards. Shortly thereafter, he dropped out of high school to fully devote his time and efforts on his burgeoning film career, and with much success. Lightning would strike again for Ryuhei in 2001, in the dark, thought provoking high school drama, Blue Spring, directed by Toshiaki Toyoda. Such as with his debut, Ryuhei received yet more acclaim and this time, more widespread recognition for his role as the laid back, brutal, yet introspective high school gang leader, Kujo. The film roles kept coming, such as the 2003 reunion with writer director Toshiaki Toyoda in the acclaimed film 9 Souls, and a bit part in the flashy, comedic anime-to-film live action adaptation of Cutie Honey in the following year. Ryuhei's trend of working with some of Japan's most talented actors and directors continued in 2004 and in 2005 in the violent Takashi Miike action film, Izo, co-starring Takeshi Kitano and the upcoming Ranpo jigoku, co-starring Tadanobu Asano. With his charisma, talent, and ability to take on roles varying from the comedic, outrageous, moving, and controversial, the sky's the limit for this young man.(May 9, 1983) Izo, Gohatto, Nightmare Detective, Big bang love, The Great Passage
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Kazunari Ninomiya was born on 17 June 1983 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), Assassination Classroom (2015) and Gantz: Perfect Answer (2011).(June 17, 1983) Ryusei no kizuna