Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Actors Of All Time

Takeshi Kitano has been a prominent figure in the film industry since the late 1960s. Beyond acting, he is celebrated as a comedian, television presenter, filmmaker, and author.

Initially, Kitano rose to fame as a comedian and television host, but he quickly established himself as a highly respected film director and actor.

He is also widely recognized for hosting the immensely popular game show Takeshi's Castle, which aired from 1986 to 1990.

Known affectionately as "Beat Takeshi," this versatile artist has starred in acclaimed movies such as Battle Royale, Violent Cop, Outrage Coda, Brother, and Blood and Bones.

Hiroyuki Sanada, born Hiroyuki Shimosawa, has been a significant presence in the film industry since the early 1960s. His career spans decades, making him one of Japan's most respected and versatile actors.

Renowned for his compelling action sequences, Sanada has gained international fame with standout performances in movies such as Ninja in the Dragon's Den, Ring, The Twilight Samurai, The Last Samurai, Rush Hour 3, and Mortal Kombat.

His acting prowess received further recognition in the United Kingdom, where critics praised his portrayal of 'The Fool' in Shakespeare's King Lear.

Beyond acting, Sanada is also celebrated in Japan for his contributions to music, including notable recordings and energetic live performances.

Juzo Itami lived a purposeful and impactful life, even though his passing was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. As a prominent figure in Japanese cinema, he is celebrated for both his creative vision and his commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Itami gained international acclaim for his film Tampopo, which became a significant hit and showcased his remarkable talent. Throughout his career, he excelled as an actor, screenwriter, and director, consistently leaving a lasting impression with his works.

Although he was a capable actor, Itami is especially cherished for directing films that thoughtfully explored and challenged sensitive issues within Japanese society. His legacy endures through the compelling stories he brought to the screen.

Tadanobu Asano began his acting journey at the young age of six, making an early appearance on the television show Mr. Kinpachi in Class 3B.

Although he started in television, Asano transitioned to film with his debut in the 1990 movie Swimming Upstream. His true breakthrough came soon after with Shunji Iwai’s acclaimed film, Fried Dragon Fish.

Throughout his career, Asano has delivered unforgettable performances in renowned movies such as Gohatto, Zatoichi, Bright Future, and Mongol, firmly establishing himself as a leading figure in Japanese cinema.

His international reputation was further elevated when The Taste of Tea premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2004, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition beyond Japan.

Toshiro Mifune is celebrated by film historians not only as the most popular Japanese actor but also as one of the greatest stars in cinematic history.

He is best remembered for his enthralling lead roles in nearly every major Akira Kurosawa film from 1948 to 1965, where he demonstrated extraordinary range and a remarkable ability to bring diverse characters to life.

Over his illustrious career, Mifune portrayed everything from distressed fathers and ruthless samurai to honorable police officers, doctors, bandits, and gangsters, making a lasting mark with each role he played.

Directors and critics have universally recognized Mifune as a once-in-a-generation talent whose unique presence reshaped the Japanese film industry and captivated audiences worldwide.

Among his most acclaimed films are Rashomon, Red Beard, Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Throne of Blood, and Drunken Angel.

Mifune was renowned for his unwavering professionalism, often memorizing scripts to perfection and rarely needing prompts on set. Despite global fame, he remained humble and dignified, which only added to his enduring legacy.

Ken Takakura was celebrated for his powerful and dignified on-screen presence, earning him a place among Japan's most iconic actors. Affectionately known as the "Clint Eastwood of Japan," Takakura achieved international fame with standout performances in films such as The Yakuza and Black Rain, leaving a mark on both Japanese and global cinema.

His remarkable talent was recognized at the highest levels; Takakura made history by winning the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role a record four times—a distinction that no other Japanese actor has matched.

Hideaki Anno is a renowned figure in Japanese entertainment, recognized not only for his acting but also for his work as an animator and filmmaker.

He is perhaps best known for creating the groundbreaking anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, a work that has left an enduring mark on animation and pop culture worldwide.

Fans and industry insiders alike acknowledge how Evangelion has reshaped the anime landscape and influenced generations of creators in Japan.

As an actor, Hideaki Anno has appeared in notable films such as Last Letter and Shin Ultraman, further showcasing his versatility in Japan's entertainment scene.

Tsutomu Yamazaki is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of "Nenbutsu no Tetsu" in the jidaigeki television series Hissatsu Shiokinin and Shin Hissatsu Shiokinin. Rising to prominence in the 1960s, he steadily built a distinguished career in Japanese cinema.

In 1984, Yamazaki was honored with the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor, further solidifying his reputation. Notably, he collaborated with acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa early in his career, setting the stage for many memorable roles.

Among his most celebrated performances are his roles in acclaimed films such as Tampopo, Red Beard, High and Low, and The Ramen Girl, each showcasing his remarkable talent and versatility.

Ken Watanabe is an internationally acclaimed actor, celebrated for his exceptional work in both Japanese and American cinema. He is widely recognized for his commanding roles in blockbuster films such as Inception, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Samurai, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Batman Begins.

Watanabe stands out as one of the few Japanese actors to successfully bridge the worlds of Japanese film and Hollywood, earning universal respect for his craft. His remarkable talent and dedication are highlighted by two wins for the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actor.

His portrayal in The Last Samurai, opposite Tom Cruise, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his status on the global stage.

Watanabe's Hollywood career features major roles in massive hits like Godzilla, Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), as well as recent successes such as Pokémon Detective Pikachu and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).

Continuing to expand his impressive legacy, Watanabe reunited with director Gareth Edwards in 2023 for the science fiction action film The Creator, further solidifying his standing as an influential force in world cinema.

Ken Ogata stands out as a celebrated veteran in Japanese cinema, securing his place among our top actors.

He was awarded Best Actor at the 26th Blue Ribbon Awards for his performance in Okinawan Boys. His talent shines through in acclaimed films such as The Pillow Book and The Ballad of Narayama.

Notably, Ogata gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 1965 NHK Taiga drama Taikōki, a role that brought him significant fame.

Tori Matsuzaka began his professional acting career in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a rising talent in the industry.

He made his debut as Takeru Shiba, also known as Shinken Red, in "Samurai Sentai Shinkenger." Since then, he has appeared in numerous acclaimed film and television productions, broadening his popularity and appeal.

Matsuzaka enjoys strong recognition among young audiences in Japan. Although known for his soft-spoken demeanor, he frequently chooses roles in projects that challenge societal norms or question government policies, setting his performances apart.

Kenichi Matsuyama began his acting journey with the television series Gokusen in 2002. He quickly gained recognition for his ability to bring a wide range of diverse characters to life on screen.

Matsuyama rose to prominence through his standout performances in films like Death Note, Death Note 2: The Last Name, and L: Change the World, solidifying his reputation in the industry.

In addition to his on-screen work, he also voiced the character Gelus in the animated adaptation of Death Note, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Tatsuya Nakadai is a legendary Japanese actor known for his exceptional versatility and unforgettable performances in iconic films such as Yojimbo, Sanjuro, High and Low, Kagemusha, and Ran. His dynamic presence on the screen has captivated audiences for decades.

Regarded as one of Japan's most celebrated film stars, Nakadai received acclaim for his powerful portrayals in Masaki Kobayashi's Human Condition trilogy and Samurai Rebellion. His commitment to bringing complex characters to life solidified his reputation as a masterful performer.

Nakadai's talent and charisma earned him the admiration of renowned directors like Masaki Kobayashi and Akira Kurosawa, both of whom featured him in several of their most influential works. His collaborations with these filmmakers are legendary in Japanese cinema.

Today, although largely retired, Nakadai remains a towering figure in film history. His indelible legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and film enthusiasts worldwide.

Interestingly, Nakadai's journey into acting began from humble beginnings. Raised in a financially struggling family, he was unable to afford college and turned to acting as a pragmatic solution.

Later in life, Nakadai developed a love for Broadway musicals, prompting him to travel to New York City to experience their vibrant productions live on stage.

Hiroshi Abe has been a significant presence in Japanese cinema for more than thirty years. Beginning his career as a model, he transitioned seamlessly into acting and became known for his remarkable performances in acclaimed films such as Still Walking, Chocolate, and Godzilla 2000: Millennium.

Abe's fame soared with his leading role in the popular television series Dragon Zakura, whose premiere attracted nearly 30% of Japan’s viewing audience—a testament to its extraordinary impact and his star power.

Renowned for his reliability and talent, Abe remains a sought-after star in the industry. His regular involvement in major film projects has firmly established him as one of the most celebrated Japanese actors of all time.

Chishū Ryū was a legendary Japanese actor, celebrated for his prolific and enduring contributions to cinema. He became particularly well-known through his frequent collaborations with the renowned director Yasujirō Ozu, which cemented his place in film history.

Ryū was admired for his exceptional range, skillfully bringing ordinary characters to life with genuine depth and heartfelt emotion. His nuanced performances made his roles unforgettable, consistently drawing viewers into the human experience depicted on screen.

Notable films like The Only Son, Tokyo Story, and An Autumn Afternoon highlight his extraordinary talent. These acclaimed works continue to engage and move audiences worldwide, showcasing Ryū's timeless appeal and mastery.

Takuya Kimura began his acting career in 1990 with the television movie About Her Brother. In addition to acting, he is also known as a talented singer and radio personality.

Kimura rose to stardom as a leading member of SMAP, one of Asia’s best-selling boy bands. His breakout as an actor came with the popular television drama series Long Vacation, which propelled him to new heights in the entertainment industry.

Following his growing success, Kimura earned the nickname "The King of Ratings" from both the media and fans. Many television shows he starred in consistently achieved exceptionally high viewership numbers.

Some of these series even transcended entertainment to become genuine social phenomena, garnering widespread acclaim and cultural impact across Japan.

Shintaro Katsu was a versatile talent—an actor, singer, and filmmaker—best remembered for his starring role in the "Akumyo" series. He began his career in the Japanese entertainment industry during the mid-1950s.

Originally, Katsu entered show business as a shamisen player, a traditional Japanese musician. Realizing that acting offered better opportunities and pay, he soon switched paths and launched his acting career.

Throughout the 1960s, Katsu starred in three highly successful and enduring film franchises. These works became some of his most acclaimed projects, remaining highlights of his career well into its later years.

Mamoru Miyano is a celebrated Japanese actor who has captivated audiences not only through his dynamic film and television roles, but also with his outstanding musical abilities.

Recognized as a multifaceted talent, he received the Best Voice Actor award at the 2008 Tokyo International Anime Fair and made a successful musical debut with his first single in May 2007.

His powerful portrayal of Light Yagami in the acclaimed anime series Death Note earned him nominations for both Best Lead Actor and Best New Actor at the inaugural Seiyuu Awards, solidifying his reputation in the industry.

Masaki Suda is a highly acclaimed actor and singer in Japan. He has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, thanks to his remarkable portrayal in "Wilderness."

Throughout his career, Suda has closely associated with notable film personalities like Shun Oguri and Takayuki Yamada, who have served as his mentors. He launched his music career with the debut single "Mita Koto mo Nai Keshiki" shortly after rising to fame as an actor.

In addition, Suda received the Best New Actor Award at the Tama Cinema Forum, further cementing his reputation as one of Japan's most talented entertainers.

Sadaho Maeda, widely known by his stage name Sonny Chiba, was a trailblazer in Japanese cinema. He stood out as one of the first actors to achieve widespread fame primarily for his exceptional martial arts abilities.

Chiba began his career in television during the 1960s but truly rose to prominence after starring in the 1974 film The Street Fighter. This role catapulted him to international stardom and cemented his legacy as a martial arts icon.

Among his renowned Hollywood credits are Kill Bill: Volume 1 and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, where his formidable presence and skills left a lasting impact on global audiences.

You might be surprised to learn that Shota Sometani, who's only in his 30s, has already participated in over 100 film and television projects.

He is known for playing the central role in feature films such as Himizu and Parasyte. For his adroit character projection in Himizu, the actor went on to receive the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor at the Venice Film Festival in 2011.

Minoru Chiaki stands as one of the most underappreciated talents in the history of Japanese cinema. His remarkable versatility allowed him to convincingly embody both serious and comedic roles, making a lasting impression as a character actor.

Although Chiaki frequently appeared in supporting roles, his performances often became audience favorites, significantly enhancing the films' overall impact and popularity.

He contributed to a number of legendary films, such as "Rashomon," "Ikiru," "Seven Samurai," "Throne of Blood," and "High and Low," solidifying his place in cinematic history.

Among his notable accomplishments, Chiaki delivered standout performances in "Seven Samurai" and "Gray Sunset." His role in "Gray Sunset" was particularly celebrated, earning him his first Best Actor award from the Japanese Academy.

Masi Oka is an accomplished Japanese actor, producer, and digital effects artist best known for his breakout role as Hiro Nakamura on the NBC series Heroes.

After relocating to Los Angeles, California in pursuit of greater career opportunities, Oka appeared in various minor roles across film and television before achieving widespread recognition.

His dynamic performance in Heroes earned him prestigious nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Tatsuya Fujiwara was first seen in the television series Sore ga kotae da! in 1997. He is best known for playing the significant character of Shuya Nanahara in the Battle Royale films.

When it comes to his theatrical projects, he is known for collaborating with Yukio Ninagawa, who is considered by many to be one of Japan's most influential directors.

That said, Fujiwara can also be seen playing striking roles in the Death Note and Kaiji films.

Takashi Shimura stands as one of the most celebrated Japanese film actors of the 20th century. Renowned for his remarkable versatility and depth, he became a favorite of legendary director Akira Kurosawa and captivated audiences with his powerful character portrayals.

Among his many outstanding roles, Shimura is perhaps best remembered for his poignant performance in 1952's "Ikiru." His moving expressions not only enriched his character but also brought authenticity and relatability to the film's emotional narrative.

Consistently praised for his commitment to his craft, Shimura left a lasting impression through his work in iconic films such as "Stray Dog," "Rashomon," "Seven Samurai," and "Godzilla." His legacy continues to influence cinema enthusiasts around the world.

Shimura's career had humble beginnings. After the failure of the theater troupe Shichigatsu-za, he returned to Osaka and transitioned to radio plays. With the advent of talking pictures, he joined Kyoto studios and began establishing himself in the movie industry.

He made his screen debut in 1934, appearing in the silent film "Ren'ai-gai Itchome."

Makoto Iwamatsu, widely known by his stage name Mako, made his film debut in 1959 with "Never So Few." A pioneering Japanese-American actor, he went on to become a distinguished figure in Hollywood.

Mako is celebrated for his remarkable performances in acclaimed films like "The Sand Pebbles," "The Island at the Top of the World," "Conan the Barbarian," "Conan the Destroyer," and "Seven Years in Tibet."

His role in "The Sand Pebbles" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, highlighting his exceptional talent. Later in his career, Mako also became a notable voice actor, showcasing his versatility across mediums.

Sessue Hayakawa was a pioneering Japanese actor and matinée idol who rose to remarkable fame in Hollywood during the silent film era of the 1910s and 1920s.

Known for his striking good looks and magnetic presence, Hayakawa became one of the very first international film stars to captivate audiences—especially among female fans—on a global scale.

Notably, he broke cultural barriers by achieving major stardom both in Europe and in the United States, a rare accomplishment for Asian actors at the time.

Best remembered for his role in "The Cheat," Hayakawa was often cast as the enigmatic forbidden lover or the powerful, complex antagonist during the early years of his influential career.

Haruma Miura was a talented Japanese actor and singer who began his professional career with the television series Aguri in 1997. He quickly gained recognition for his impressive performances, earning the Newcomer of the Year award at the 31st Japan Academy Prize for his role in the acclaimed drama film Koizora.

Despite his untimely passing at the age of 30, Miura left an indelible mark on the industry. He starred in numerous beloved and mainstream projects, including Gokusen, Bloody Monday, Naoko, Kimi ni Todoke, Last Cinderella, Boku no Ita Jikan, The Eternal Zero, Attack on Titan, and Gintama 2.

Brian Tee, born Jae-Beom Takata, made his first appearance in the entertainment industry with an uncredited role in the 2000 film What Planet Are You From?.

He quickly established himself as a remarkable talent in American cinema and television, taking on significant roles in acclaimed projects like Chicago Med, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, The Wolverine, Jurassic World, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.

In addition to his acting skills, Tee is multilingual, fluently speaking English, Korean, and Japanese, which further enhances his versatility and international appeal.

Daisuke Ono is easily among the most prominent voice actors in the history of the Japanese entertainment industry. Known for having voiced a ton of significant characters, he made his acting debut in the television show Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch in 2003.

Also a singer and a co-host of the radio show Dear Girl: Stories, Ono can be seen participating in projects such as Attack on Titan, Barakamon, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Seven Deadly Sins, Durarara!!, Osomatsu-san, Kuroko's Basketball, Brothers Conflict, and Cells at Work.

While he won the 2nd Seiyu Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2008, he even ended up grabbing the 9th Seiyu Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Personality in 2015.

Best known for portraying the lead character of Ryotaro Nogami in the Kamen Rider Den-O franchise, Takeru Satoh worked as a child actor for a couple of years by mostly appearing in television commercials and doing photoshoots for magazines.

He made his professional acting debut in the television show Princess Princess D in 2006. His character play of Himura Kenshin in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin film and its sequels helped him gain further fame.

Japan is known for producing some of the finest voice actors and Hiroshi Kamiya happens to be one of them.

Often cast as the straight man in comedy animes, he first participated in the 1995 television mini-series Armitage III.

Aside from being a prominent voice artist, he is also a narrator and singer who is affiliated with Aoni Production.

Kamiya has won Best Lead Actor and Best Personality at the 3rd Seiyu Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the 2nd Seiyu Awards, respectively.

Noriyuki "Pat" Morita was an influential Japanese-American actor and comedian, widely recognized for his work in both television and film. His memorable roles include appearances in classic series and movies such as Happy Days, The Karate Kid franchise, M*A*S*H, Sanford and Son, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, as well as voice roles in Mulan and Mulan II.

Morita also broke new ground as the lead in notable TV shows like Mr. T and Tina and Ohara, both of which were among the earliest American television series to feature an Asian American in the starring role.

His iconic portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid earned him a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his place in Hollywood history.

A voice actor and narrator, Yoshimasa Hosoya first participated in the television show Aria: The Animation in 2005.

The actor earned an award for Best Supporting Actor at the 8th Seiyu Awards and 10th Seiyu Awards.

However, in the first half of 2017, Hosoya made an announcement that he will need to take a break from performing in order to undergo treatment for his throat.

He was back to his voice-acting duties within a few months, though.

Takeshi Kaneshiro began his career in entertainment as a teen pop idol before making his television debut with the drama "Grassland Champion." His youthful charm and talent quickly drew public attention, paving the way for his transition into the film industry.

Building on his rising popularity, Kaneshiro captured audiences and critics alike with standout performances that demonstrated both range and depth. He achieved impressive success in cinema, earning praise for his diverse roles and screen presence.

Beyond acting, Kaneshiro is also recognized for his contributions to the gaming world, further solidifying his status as a multi-talented star. Notable films in his filmography include "Chungking Express," "Fallen Angels," "Lost and Found," and "Anna Magdalena."

Kaneshiro is particularly acclaimed for his portrayal of quirky, character-driven roles, which have become a signature element of his esteemed acting career.

Son of stage director Tetsuya Oguri, Shun Oguri is an actor and voice actor who has been a part of the Japanese entertainment industry ever since he made his debut in the mid-1990s.

The actor has been a part of over 100 projects so far. Some of his best-known features are Lupin the 3rd, Crows Zero, and Gintama.

Oguri, who has also directed films, made his Hollywood debut in the monster movie Godzilla vs. Kong.

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi is yet another multi-talented personality to hail from the entertainment industry of Japan. He is an actor, singer, and television host, who also used to be a member of SMAP, which was one of the best-selling boy bands in Asia at a point.

The actor won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his outstanding performance in the critically acclaimed drama film Midnight Swan.

This relatively new mainstream screen performer was first seen in the television show Misaki Number One in 2011.

The actor gained prominence after having played the role of Gentaro Kisaragi in the Japanese tokusatsu drama Kamen Rider Fourze.

Some of Fukushi's better-known television and film projects are Koinaka, My Lover's Secret, Strobe Edge, My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday, Bleach, and Kaiji: Final Game.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is a Japanese-born American actor, film producer, and accomplished martial artist who made his screen debut in the 1986 classic, Big Trouble in Little China.

He quickly became known for his captivating on-screen presence, often portraying complex antagonists in a range of Hollywood and international films.

Tagawa earned widespread recognition for his roles in renowned titles like The Last Emperor, Mortal Kombat, Licence to Kill, American Me, Rising Sun, The Phantom, Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, Memoirs of a Geisha, and 47 Ronin.

In 2013, Tagawa began collaborating with Russian actors Pyotr Mamonov and Ivan Okhlobystin, and later decided to acquire Russian citizenship in 2016, reflecting his international influence and versatility.

Kento Yamazaki, represented by the renowned Japanese talent agency Stardust Promotion, has become a celebrated figure in both film and television. His versatility and charisma have helped him stand out in Japan's highly competitive entertainment industry.

He is widely recognized for his captivating performances in blockbuster movies such as Heroine Shikkaku, Orange, and Kingdom. Additionally, Yamazaki's talent shines in popular TV dramas like Death Note, Kiss That Kills, Good Doctor, and Alice in Borderland.

Yamazaki's career gained significant momentum after his breakout role in the live-action film L.DK. In 2015, he also had the honor of participating in the 2nd Taiwan International Queer Film Festival (TIQFF), further showcasing his range as an actor on an international stage.

Also a singer from the group Hey! Say! JUMP, Ryosuke Yamada ventured into acting with the release of the television movie Tantei Gakuen Q in 2006.

His character play in the aforementioned series established him as a teen idol in no time. Known for his roles in projects such as Kindaichi Case Files, Assassination Classroom, and Grasshopper, Yamada was the first teenage male singer in over thirty-three years to have a number-one debut single.

Kento Hayashi made his acting debut in the motion picture The Battery in 2007. He has participated in more than 30 projects, thus far.

A good-looking actor with a likable screen presence, he was rewarded for his performance in the made-for-TV dramas such as Hold Me Back and Ossan’s Love.

Hayashi is also the star of the film Inubu. Needless to say, his cinematic future seems to be on the right track as of now.

Takahiro Sakurai is yet another entertaining personality from Japan who is known more for his voice than his face.

Also a narrator and a radio personality, he is the official dub voice for Hollywood star Robert Pattinson ever since he first lent his voice for the dubbed version of the popular film Twilight.

Some of Sakurai's most popular roles are heroes such as X in Mega Man X and Cloud Strife in Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.

This voice actor and singer from Tokyo has made a name for himself by participating in features such as Megaman Zero 3, The Prince of Tennis, Yuri!!! on ICE, Bleach, and Fairy Tail.

Junichi Suwabe has been a dubbing voice for Korean actor Gong Yoo. He has been nominated for a Best Singing Award at the 6th Seiyu Awards.

Also, he went on to grab the Best Supporting Actor award at the 7th Seiyu Awards.

Yutaka Takenouchi was first seen playing a part in the 1995 television series Hoshi no kinka. He soon started doing a lot of commercials after having won a prestigious modeling contest.

Even though he has a calming screen presence, the slightly goofy roles that he has sometimes gone on to play have suited him as well.

That said, one of Takenouchi's better-known performances saw him portraying an authoritarian judge in the drama Ichikei no Karasu.

The multi-talented Yuki Furukawa is not only an actor but he is also a supermodel, guitarist, and break dancer who was first seen in the 2010 film The Incite Mill.

The actor shot to fame after having played the character of Naoki Irie in the television series Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo and its sequel, Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Okinawa.

Since Furukawa is an acknowledged actor in China as well, he was cast in the Fuji TV/iQiyi web-drama Mysterious Summer. It is reportedly the first drama series that Japan has co-produced with China.

Aside from being an actor, Hiroshi Tamaki is also a singer and model who was discovered by a talent agent while out shopping with friends.

He made his screen debut in 1998 and rose to prominence after playing a character in the 2001 film Waterboys.

The actor found further fame after enacting a role in the drama Nodame Cantabile. He also started his singing career with the release of the single "Seasons" in 2004.

Kyu Sakamoto made his acting debut in the 1955 drama film Takekurabe. He's better known for his impactful singing rather than his acting. However, he has been a part of several film projects.

He was best known outside of his home country for his song "Sukiyaki", which turned out to be a massive hit in English-speaking markets.

Sakamoto was the first Asian recording artist to have a number one song on the United States Billboard Hot 100 list.

Besides being a well-known screen performer, Tomohisa Yamashita is also a television host and singer. Popularly known as Yamapi or Tomo, he excelled as an actor after having played the leading role in the popular drama Kurosagi.

Some of his better projects are Nobuta Wo Produce, Proposal Daisakusen, Buzzer Beat, and the Code Blue series. His 2018 film, Code Blue: The Movie, has turned out to be among the highest-grossing live-action Japanese films of all time.

Sho Kosugi may have turned out to be a prominent film figure during the 1980s but he started his professional acting career by playing a handful of uncredited roles in movies.

The former All Japan Karate Champion starred in a trilogy of martial arts ninja films during the 1980s and, thus, emerged as one of the most prominent figures whose contributions helped in establishing ninjas in popular culture.

Kosugi even used to run a group of martial arts acting schools when he was permanently staying in Japan.