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, originally named Hiroyuki Shimosawa, has been a prominent figure in the film industry since the early 1960s.

Celebrated for his dynamic action scenes, Sanada achieved widespread recognition through major roles in films such as Ninja in the Dragon's Den, Ring, The Twilight Samurai, The Last Samurai, Rush Hour 3, and Mortal Kombat.

His talent was further acknowledged in the United Kingdom, where he received acclaim for portraying 'The Fool' in Shakespeare's King Lear.

In addition to his acting career, Sanada is well-known in Japan for his recording work and live musical 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 stepped in front of the camera for the first time at just six years old, appearing on the television show Mr. Kinpachi in Class 3B.

Although he began his career on television, Asano made his big-screen debut in the 1990 film Swimming Upstream. His breakthrough, however, came with the release of Shunji Iwai’s Fried Dragon Fish.

Asano has delivered standout performances in acclaimed films like Gohatto, Zatoichi, Bright Future, and Mongol, establishing his reputation in Japanese cinema.

Notably, his film The Taste of Tea premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2004, further solidifying his international acclaim.

Toshiro Mifune is widely regarded by film historians as not only the most popular but also the greatest Japanese film star of all time.

He is best known for his captivating lead roles in almost every major Akira Kurosawa film between 1948 and 1965, demonstrating an exceptional talent for bringing diverse characters to life on screen.

Throughout his celebrated career, Mifune portrayed a wide range of roles, including a distressed father, ruthless samurai, honorable police officer, doctor, bandit, and gangster, leaving a lasting impression in each performance.

Beyond Kurosawa's films, directors and critics alike have recognized Mifune as a once-in-a-lifetime talent—someone unlike anyone the Japanese entertainment industry had ever seen.

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

Known for his professionalism, Mifune famously memorized his lines and seldom needed scripts on set. Despite his immense fame, he remained remarkably humble, adding to his timeless charm.

Renowned for his dignified and commanding on-screen presence, Ken Takakura stood out as one of Japan's most celebrated actors. Often called the "Clint Eastwood of Japan," he earned international recognition through films like The Yakuza and Black Rain, making a lasting impression in both Eastern and Western cinema.

Takakura made history by winning the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role four times—a record unmatched by any other Japanese actor to date.

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 a globally recognized actor who has excelled in both Japanese and American cinema. International audiences may know him best for his powerful performances in acclaimed films such as Inception, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Samurai, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Batman Begins.

He is among the few Japanese actors to have made a seamless transition from the Japanese film industry to Hollywood. Watanabe has twice earned the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actor, underscoring his remarkable talent and dedication to the craft.

For his performance in the Tom Cruise-led epic The Last Samurai, Watanabe was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, further establishing his place on the international stage.

His impressive Hollywood career includes major roles in blockbuster hits such as Godzilla and Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), as well as more recent successes like Pokémon Detective Pikachu and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).

In 2023, Watanabe continued his collaboration with director Gareth Edwards, starring in the science fiction action film The Creator, further expanding his legacy in global 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 leading actor celebrated for his extraordinary range and masterful performances in acclaimed films such as Yojimbo, Sanjuro, High and Low, Kagemusha, and Ran.

Recognized as one of Japan's most popular film stars, Nakadai earned praise for his intense roles in Masaki Kobayashi's Human Condition trilogy and Samurai Rebellion. His dedication to diverse characters further elevated his status.

Nakadai's remarkable talent drew admiration from prominent filmmakers like Masaki Kobayashi and Akira Kurosawa, both of whom cast him in several of their most important cinematic works.

Although largely retired today, Tatsuya Nakadai's legacy as one of the greatest stars in Japanese film history is firmly established and continues to inspire future generations.

Few fans know that Nakadai's entry into acting was born from necessity. Raised in a poor family, he was unable to afford university tuition and turned to acting as an alternative.

Later in his life, Nakadai discovered a passion for Broadway musicals, which led him to travel to New York City just to enjoy them live on stage.

Hiroshi Abe has been a prominent figure in Japanese cinema for over three decades. Starting as a model before transitioning to acting, he is best recognized for his compelling performances in films such as Still Walking, Chocolate, and Godzilla 2000: Millennium.

Abe also gained widespread acclaim for his leading role in the hit television series Dragon Zakura. Remarkably, the show's premiere captivated nearly 30% of Japan’s television audience, underscoring its immense popularity.

Widely regarded as a dependable and talented star, Abe consistently appears in major film projects, securing his place among Japan’s most celebrated actors.

Chishū Ryū enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional actor, earning recognition for his iconic collaborations with acclaimed director Yasujirō Ozu.

Renowned for his versatility, Ryū had a unique ability to portray the everyday man with depth and authenticity, consistently highlighting the humanity of his characters on screen.

His remarkable talent shines in celebrated films such as The Only Son, Tokyo Story, and An Autumn Afternoon, where his performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

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 not only celebrated for his impressive film career but is also widely recognized for his exceptional musical talents.

The accomplished star won the Best Voice Actor award at the 2008 Tokyo International Anime Fair and marked his foray into music with a debut single released in May 2007.

His acclaimed performance as the voice of Light Yagami in the anime series Death Note earned him nominations for both Best Lead Actor and Best New Actor at the inaugural Seiyuu Awards.

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 is arguably one of the most underrated actors in the history of Japanese cinema.

Equally adept at portraying serious and comical characters, he is known to have played supporting roles that went on to become hugely popular.

He was seen in motion pictures such as Rashomon, Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, and High and Low, to mention a few.

That said, Chiaki performed his best in the films such as Seven Samurai and Gray Sunset. For his performance in the latter, the actor ended up winning his first best actor trophy from the Japanese academy.

Masi Oka is a Japanese actor, producer, and digital effects artist who shot to fame after playing the role of Hiro Nakamura in the NBC television series Heroes.

After having landed in Los Angeles, California for the purpose of finding better work opportunities, Oka was seen playing several minor roles in both films and television.

His performance in Heroes fetched him nominations for both a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film 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 was one of the greatest film actors of the bygone century. One of filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's favorites, he was known for his versatility and character acting.

Those who have seen him in the movies best remember him for his memorable performance in 1952's Ikiru. His expressions do not only heighten his roleplay but they also end up making the story both raw and relatable.

Always known for staying true to his characters, the actor is fondly remembered for participating in classic feature films such as Stray Dog, Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Godzilla, to name a few.

However, you'd be surprised to learn that Shimura went back to Osaka after the failure of Shichigatsu-za. He started to get roles in radio plays. After talking pictures started coming in, he joined the Kyoto studios and started trying his hands in the movies.

He made his debut in 1934's silent feature Ren'ai-gai itchome.

Makoto Iwamatsu, who was credited as Mako in most of his motion pictures, was first seen in the 1959 film Never So Few.

Some of his better performances came in feature films such as The Sand Pebbles, The Island at the Top of the World, Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, and Seven Years in Tibet.

For his character projection in The Sand Pebbles, Iwamatsu was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Later in his career, the actor was also seen taking up voice acting roles.

This Japanese actor and a matinée idol was one of the most popular actors in Hollywood during the silent era of filmmaking in the 1910s and 1920s.

Courtesy of his good looks, Sessue Hayakawa became one of the earliest film stars to make women swoon over him.

It is not surprising then that he was among the first few Asian actors to have found stardom in both Europe and the United States of America. 

The Cheat actor was mostly seen playing either a forbidden lover or a sexually dominant antagonist during the first few years of his career.

This Japanese actor and singer made his professional acting debut in a television series Aguri in 1997. He won a well-deserved Newcomer of the Year at the 31st Japan Academy Prize for his character projection in the drama film Koizora.

Even though he was only 30 when he unfortunately passed, Miura had already been a part of some popular mainstream projects such as Gokusen, Bloody Monday, Naoko, Kimi ni Todoke, Last Cinderella, Boku no Ita Jikan, The Eternal Zero, Attack on Titan, and Gintama 2.

Jae-Beom Takata, professionally known as Brian Tee, was first seen playing an uncredited role in the 2000 feature film What Planet Are You From?.

He excelled in American film and television by participating in well-known film and television projects such as Chicago Med, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, The Wolverine, Jurassic World, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.

Besides being excellent in the English language, Tee is also known to be proficient in both Korean and Japanese.

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.

Pat Morita was a Japanese-American actor and comedian who was best known to the mainstream audience for his participation in television and film projects such as Happy Days, The Karate Kid film series, M*A*S*H, Sanford and Son, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, Mulan, and Mulan II.

He also played the main lead in acclaimed television programs such as Mr. T and Tina and Ohara. They were both credited with being among the first few television shows with an Asian American lead.

For his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in the popular film The Karate Kid, Morita received a well-deserved nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

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 made his television debut by playing a role in Grassland Champion. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a teen pop star.

He soon started utilizing his popularity to make a mark in the movie industry. Needless to say, he soon found both critical and commercial success in his numerous cinematic endeavors.

Also a well-known figure in the gaming industry, Kaneshiro can be seen in features such as Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Lost and Found, and Anna Magdalena.

His best performances have come playing quirky and character-driven roles.

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.

This Japanese-born American actor, film producer, and martial artist was first seen playing a part in the 1986 feature film Big Trouble in Little China.

The actor made a name for himself by mostly playing negative roles in some of his most popular motion pictures.

He delivered praiseworthy performances in titles such as 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.

Tagawa started working with Russian film actors Pyotr Mamonov and Ivan Okhlobystin in 2013. He decided to acquire Russian citizenship in 2016.

Currently being guided by the Japanese talent agency Stardust Promotion, Kento Yamazaki has managed to make a name for himself by appearing in both mainstream feature films and television shows.

While he is best known for his roles in the films Heroine Shikkaku, Orange, and Kingdom, one can also find him performing in shows such as Death Note, Kiss That Kills, Good Doctor, and Alice in Borderland.

Yamazaki participated in the 2nd Taiwan International Queer Film Festival (TIQFF) in 2015. He gained prominence after having starred in the live-action film L.DK.

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.