Japan has a myriad of cinematic features in its original culture, so its national film industry has developed in two main directions. The cinema of the Land of the Rising Sun either embodied the traditions of the national theater, or, conversely, used folk motifs as an entourage - a theme for reproduction that was understandable to Europeans. Therefore, Japanese actors differ from European and American actors not only in their specific appearance, but also in their professional skills. In addition to performers in the generally accepted sense, idols - actors-dancers, models, singers - are very popular in Japan, especially recently. This publication will tell about world-famous performers and new stars of the film industry of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Tomisaburo Wakayama
Japanese film actor and martial artist Wakayama Tomisaburo gained worldwide fame for playing the title role in the epic Lone Wolf and His Child. The first film, “Sword of Vengeance” (1972), opened a 6-part franchise, adapting the popular manga of the same name, or rather, gekiga by Kazuo Koike. During the entire filming period, many Japanese actors took part in the production of the series of films, but only Wakayama is associated with this film.
Over the course of his entire creative career, the performer starred in, according to various estimates, from 250 to 500 films. His filmography includes several roles in Hollywood films. In the sports comedy Scandalous Bears Go to Japan, he played the role of a baseball team coach, and in the crime thriller Black Rain by Ridley Scott, the actor played a policeman. Wakayama had all the qualities to flawlessly play antagonist roles of all stripes, like many other Japanese male actors. Therefore, Tomisaburo often played gangster or yakuza characters. Sometimes the actor got tired of the images of villains and openly fooled around, shamelessly overacting on camera, but he always conscientiously fulfilled the tasks set by the director. Unfortunately, in the spring of 1992, the actor’s life was cut short; he died of a heart attack.
Cary-Hiroyuki Takagawa
Japanese supporting actors (male) also know how to attract attention and surprise with unexpected actions. We are talking about Cary-Hiroyuki Takagawa, best known to film fans for his roles in Mortal Kombat and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Although he has played a decent number of villains, Takagawa attracted public attention with a very unusual act: while filming in the Russian film “Priest-san. Confession of a Samurai” The 65-year-old Japanese actor decided to accept Russian citizenship. He is not worried about how such an act will be perceived in America, where Cary-Hiroyuki lives, considering that this is his personal matter. Takagawa plans to spend most of his time in Russia, flying to America only for the winter. In addition to citizenship, the Japanese actor converted to Orthodoxy.
Tatsuya Nakadai
Japanese actor Nakadai Tatsuya entered the world of the film industry quite by accident. One day, the accomplished director Masaki Kobayashi noticed a young clerk in a clothing store and offered him one of the key roles in his drama “Behind the Thick Wall.” This film became the initial milestone in the long-term collaboration between the director and the young performer. Together they worked on the creation of 11 joint projects, including: the historical action drama "Harakiri", the horror film "Kwaidan", the film drama "Rise" and the trilogy "Man's Lot".
In general, during his creative career, the actor collaborated with many famous directors. In addition to Kobayashi, he starred in 9 films by Kihachi Okamoto (the most famous action dramas Kill! and “Flame”), in six works by Akira Kurosawa (“Ran”, “Heaven and Hell”, “Bodyguard”, “Shadow of the Warrior”, “Brave Samurai”), in 5 films by Mikio Naruse (including the drama “When a Woman climbs the stairs") and in three masterpieces by Hiroshi Teshigahara (fantastic drama "Alien Face"). Such invaluable experience could be the envy of many Japanese actors - Tatsuya's contemporaries.
Yamashita Tomohisa
Japanese actors are often attracted by their appearance, and then you begin to pay attention to everything else. Yamashita Tomohisa disarms and captivates, if not at first sight, then at second for sure. But there is no consensus about his musical and artistic activities. Some consider him an absolute “log” with an unchanging “poker face”, others praise and extol him. But there are two dramas in which Yamashita shines and once again proves that Japanese actors can do almost anything. These are “Code Blue” and “Last Second Score.”
The first is a medical series showing the everyday life of an emergency department. Four applicants come to the internship, wanting to be on board the legendary "Doctor Halley" - a helicopter of the rapid response team. But only the most capable are taken there, so the guys will have to try and show their best skills and ability to work in any emergency circumstances.
“Last Second Score” is a more positive drama, telling the romantic story of a young, insecure basketball player and a talented but unlucky violinist. By helping each other, they will be able to overcome their own weaknesses and, of course, find love.
Ken Watanabe
Ken Watanabe belongs to the younger generation of actors in Japan. He was born in the late 50s, during the dawn of Tomisaburo and Tatsuya's fame. The young man studied at a Tokyo theater school and began actively acting while still a student. The directors with whom Watanabe had the opportunity to work noted his extraordinary charm and unsurpassed skill in impersonation.
Ken was especially good at playing samurai roles. Director Edward Zwick, who involved the actor in his project “The Last Samurai,” said that even a pocket knife in the hands of a performer looks like a warrior’s dagger. It was the film “The Last Samurai” that made Watanabe famous throughout the world, giving him invaluable experience in acting. The Japanese actor's on-screen partner in the project was Tom Cruise. The performer’s colleagues noted not only his amazing acting talent, but also his modesty, calmness, and lack of star fever. At the moment, the artist’s most significant films are: “Be”, “Memoirs of a Geisha”, “The Last Samurai”, “Letters from Iwo Jima”, “The Beginning”. Few Japanese actors have achieved such progress in their careers.
Kamenashi Kazuya
Singer, dancer, actor, baseball player and just a handsome man. Japanese actors (the photo doesn't lie) can be damn attractive. But beyond his looks, Kazuya definitely has the gift of transformation. Therefore, it is interesting to observe Kamenashi’s creative activity and watch how his talent is revealed. He is capable of both comedic roles and images of criminals.
You can start getting acquainted with this talented actor with the drama “One and Only Love”.
What is the likelihood of a relationship between a girl from a wealthy family and a simple poor guy? Small. What kind of relationship can we talk about when we need to work to ensure a normal existence for our younger brother and mother? And with a rich girl too. None. But the feelings that flare up are very difficult to suppress, especially when they are mutual. But will Hiro and Nao be able to cope with personal problems and the opinions of others in order to be together?
Newfangled phenomenon
Currently, the trend of actor-models, musicians, and dancers has spread throughout Asia, including Japan. Such performers are called “idols” and mostly star in youth dramas. All of the performers listed below are male and come from Johnny's Entertainment, one of the biggest influences in the teen drama genre. Not all idols, without exception, achieve global popularity and remain in the film industry for a long time, but the majority are quite promising.
Kimura Takuya
Bright, handsome, talented, over the years, like good wine, the Captain (as his fans call him) has only become better. Each role is a work of art. Whether it’s a historical series or a romantic melodrama, in any case there is no doubt that the actor will give his 100%, and the audience will see a well-drawn character.
One of the most memorable roles was played by Kimura Takuya in the drama “Pride”. This is the story of a hockey player who dreams of playing in the major leagues, for whom sport always comes first. Love? Just a game. But only until Haru meets Aki, a modest office employee who doesn’t even know how to skate.
Top 5
The top five most popular and successful idol actors in Japan are:
- Kamenashi Kazuya. As a child, the performer dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but fulfilling his father’s wishes, he came to the agency, where he was instantly molded into a star. His best acting works are considered to be his roles in the films “It’s Me, It’s Me”, “Yuki”, “Joker’s Game” and in the dramas “Bam, the Monster Man”, “Producing Nobuta”, “The One Pound Gospel”.
- Kimura Takuya. The actor is a shining example of how you can make your way from a pop johnny into a successful actor. Currently, the performer is actively filming, in addition to dramas (“Sleeping Forest”, “Mr. Brain”, “Life is Beautiful”), he has full-length films to his credit, for example “I Come with the Rain”.
- Yamada Ryosuke. One of the youngest idols, successful and adored by fans, by the age of 23 he had accumulated a decent filmography. In addition to roles in dramas (“Q School of Detectives,” “The Case is Lead by Young Detective Kindaichi,” “The One Pound Gospel”), the performer plays in musicals and feature films (“Assassination Classroom,” “Cain and Abel”).
- Matsumoto Jun. Every drama fan knows this young man; he is the most important idol of Johnny's Entertainment. The actor made his debut in the television series “Our Courage”, and real popularity came to Jun after the premiere of “Boy over Flowers”. His filmography includes a lot of projects (“Tokyo Tower”, “My Favorite”, “The Last Promise”, “Lucky Seven”, “No More Kidnappings”, “Yellow Tears”) and is regularly updated with new creations of the modern film industry.
- Yamashita Tomohisa is the most popular actor of Johnny's Entertainment. His filmography contains the most famous dramas and films: “Youth”, “Dragonzakura”, “Kurosagi”, “Code: Blue”, “Tomorrow Joe”, “5 to 9” and many others.
Of course, these are not all famous Japanese actors. The Land of the Rising Sun is also rich in other talented people.
Every successful actor in Japan started somewhere: as a supporting role in a primetime series, or as one of Kamen Rider's favorite riders, or as the lead in a famous director's drama film, or simply working his way up from bit parts. until you get that coveted leading role...
Top-notch actors such as Odagiri Jo, Tsumabuki Satoshi, Matsuyama Kenichi, Miura Haruma, Mukai Osamu, Okada Masaki - their journey began this way...
Japan has a large number of young and very promising talents who are hot on the heels of these award-winning actors - those who are not yet twenty-one years old, but have already attracted the attention of critics and audiences. Who are they and why are they on this list... right now!
20th place - Kurihara Goro
With two roles under his belt, Kurihara Goro (17) is just starting to make a name for himself in the acting field. But the role of the sinister fan in the drama “Goldfish Club” turned out to be the key to success. Apparently, playing strange roles can be very rewarding, and in Kurihara's case, enough to warrant him a spot on this list.
19th place - Shirahama Alan / Shirahama Alan
Alan (sometimes called Aran) Shirahama (20, member of the group GENERATIONS) is one of a galaxy of debut actors whose performances in the drama "No Sugar" were more than inspiring.
18th place - Shimizu Hiroya / Shimizu Hiroya
Hiroya Shimizu (14) is the most underrated (and youngest) of the 20 names on the list, but that is by no means the least talented. The guy's performance in the drama "High School Entrance Exam" speaks for itself. More details about the drama.
17th place - Nakajima Yuto
It may seem that Nakajima Yuto (19, member of Hey! Say! JUMP) is in the shadow of Chinen Yuri and Yamada Ryosuke, but this is not the case. Main roles in "The Mountain Teacher" and "Amazing Teacher!" gave him the opportunity to show his skills. Yuto has also had some amazing roles this year, raising his status as one of Japan's young actors.
16th place - Ryusei Ryo
They say there's nothing worse than being a supporting actor, that it can become something of a cliché. But this expression cannot be applied to Ryusei Ryo (18). His supporting role as Nekozawa Umehito in the drama Ouran High School Host Club made him known to fans and showed that a new rising star had emerged. He fits the role perfectly, and fans have begun to notice his growing potential, comparing him to his previous work in dramas such as Hammer Session! and "Secret". He also played an excellent supporting role in the movie "Game of Liars: Rebirth."
15th place - Masaki Reiya / Masaki Reiya
Masaki Reiya (18) has only acted in two dramas, but his impact on screen is almost palpable. In the drama "High School Entrance Exam" he managed to show a new face of evil. Can you mix menace with sexuality? Yes, he can and did! More details about the drama.
14th place - Lewis Jesse
If you have any interest in Japanese dramas and films, then you have undoubtedly heard the name Lewis Jesse (17). This young actor is one of the stars in the teen drama Sprout. In addition, this year alone the guy plays in three popular manga adaptations. Watch the drama “Bible Bookstore Investigation Archive.” Read more about the dramas “Kamen Teacher”, “Pin to Kona”.
13th place - Chinen Yuri
Every generation of Japanese idols has those celebrities that everyone seems to know: Kamenashi Kazuya, Yamashita Tomohisa, Ikuta Toma and Nishikido Ryo. In this case we have Chinen Yuri and Yamada Ryosuke. In Rostok, this nineteen-year-old boy takes his show business career to a completely different level. Playing a role that is so common and common in Japanese dramas, he brings a special kind of magic to the screen. His charming approach to the role is what made him a winner and his performance in this drama is commendable. Being cute and acting in a teen drama is one thing, but he has that thing that separates the stars from the wannabes. Chinen Yuri, with his performance in “Sprout,” proved that he is ready to be compared with older actors.
12th place - Takasugi Mahiro
He was selected from among 300 candidates to play one of the main characters in Quartet!, a drama about a family on the brink of a breakdown. Takasugi Mahiro (17) made his debut in August 2009 in the play Every Little Thing. Most recently, he acted in the production of “Jeanne d'Arc,” starring Horikita Maki (22), and he has also had several roles in films and television. His agency is Spice Power, the male branch of Horikita's agency Sweet Power.
11th place - Nomura Shuhei
Anyone who wears Vivienne Westwood knows fashion quite intimately, and Nomura Shuhei (19) is one of them. While other young guys are experimenting with their style, it seems that Nomura already knows how and what to wear. But his sense of style never interferes with his acting. With his good looks and modern approach to style and fashion, we hope he gets bigger roles soon. Agents in Japan need to realize that fans are starting to see potential in him. His first leading role will be in the film "Enoshima Prism" (premiering in August 2013) with Sota Fukushi and Tsubasa Honda. Movies worth watching: “Cheers from Heaven” and Bar Detective.
10th place - Yamada Resuke
5 notable TV dramas have made Yamada Ryosuke (19) one of Johnny's Entertainment's most talented young idols. It was recently mentioned that among the young talents nurtured by Johnny and Associates, Yamada Ryosuke is one of two who have a very high chance of achieving superstardom. The other guy is Chinen Yuri, and both are ready to repeat the achievement of Nishikido Ryo - one of Johnny's most successful talents. Dramas and Movies Worth Watching: Young Detective Kindaichi Leads the Case: Hong Kong Murder Case, Ideal Son, Detective's Left Eye, SP Detective's Left Eye, Grief Teacher.
9th place - Irie Jingi
His amazing performance in "Goldfish Club" is the exact opposite of his wacky performance in "Watashi no Yasashikunai Senpai", yet young Irie Jingi (20) has a lot more talent than he lets on.
8th place - Yoshizawa Ryo
As written above, it seems that Yoshizawa Ryo (19) is one of those future stars whose journey began with the role of one of the riders of “Kamen Rider” - “Boku ga Shokei Sareru Mirai”. The young actor exudes sexiness and charm. Dramas and Movies Worth Watching: “Goldfish Club”, “Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Fourze and OOO Movie Taisen Mega Max”, “Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen”, “Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Wizard & Fourze Movie” Taisen Ultimatum."
7th place - Inowaki Kai
Inovaki Kai (18) was noticed after his role as the youngest son in the film Tokyo Sonata. With cameo roles in films subsequently, he was once again in the spotlight when Kurosawa Hiyoshi, who discovered this young actor in Tokyo Sonata, gave this young actor a role in the drama Shokuzai.
6th place - Nishi Yukito
He made us double over with laughter, he made us absolutely crazy and, most importantly, he made us think about all the bad things we could do to him. And this is just one of his roles as a teenage killer in the thriller Confessions. But this image is not the only highlight in the career of 18-year-old Nishi Yukito, his talent is multifaceted, and the guy’s debut took place in 2010 in the musical “Black Butler 2”, in the role of the young Count Ciel Phantomhive.
5th place - Fukushi Sota / Fukushi Sota
With his good looks, Fukushi Sota (20) has already made sure that he is noticed. As the goofy but idealistic and good-natured rider in Kamen Rider, Souta showed off his comedic and dramatic sides with equal success. His upcoming film "Boku ga Shokei Sareru Mirai" (roughly translated as "The Future Where I'm Executed") will do its part to establish him as one of the most promising young actors in Japan. Then, a leading role in the film "Enoshima Prism" (premiered in August 2013) and a supporting role in "Library Wars" will add to his fame and recognition. Read more about the film "Library Wars".
4th place - Nakagawa Taishi
Nakagawa Taishi (15) is very exciting with his performance in Ferris Wheel at Night, and if you have any interest in the Japanese film industry, you won't want to miss the early career of a very promising young actor. Seven roles in such significant dramas is amazing, isn’t it? Read more about the drama "Ferris Wheel at Night". Watch “Go: Princess Sengoku”, “Sunny”, “Housekeeper Mita”, “Great Teacher Onizuka”, “Taira Kiyomori”.
3rd place - Suda Masaki
6 Kamen Rider films, a memorable performance in Wings of Kirin, a stunning performance in The Boy Inside... Suda Masaki (20), has undergone an impressive transformation from his comedic equestrian persona to new heights as a dramatic young actor. Next, his leading role in the film "Tomogui" (premiering in September 2013), in which Suda will play the son of a sadistic father, is expected to further confirm his status as a young star. Read more about the drama "The Boy Inside".
2nd place - Yamazaki Kento
3 drama films have made Yamazaki Kento (19) one of the most exciting young actors. His on-screen collaborations with Hashimoto Ai in Control Tower and Other are intriguing and exciting. Films that deserve attention: “Wings of Kirin”, “Other”, “Today our love begins.”
1st place - Kamiki Ryunosuke
While he was snubbed at the recent Japan Academy Prize for his performance in The Kirishima Thing, Kamiki Ryunosuke (20) is undoubtedly number 1. The young actor is not only exceptional in both drama and sci-fi thrillers, but and as a voice actor. With over 20 films and even more dramas in his filmography, Kamika still has even more potential as an actor. Read more about the film "The Kirishima Thing". Movies worth watching: “The Great Yokai War”, “Into the Distant Heavens”, “The Kirishima Thing”, “SPEC: Heaven” and enjoy his wonderful voice in “Arrietty of Lilliput”.
Taken from: https://psycho-drama.com
Author/translator: Yulyana For the website: www.asia-tv.su
The most talented Japanese actors
There has long been a debate among fans of Asian films about which dramas are better: Japanese or Korean. There is no consensus and it is unlikely that there will be, the focus being done by screenwriters and directors is too different. However, everyone agrees on one thing: both the Korean and Japanese actors act first-class (for the most part). And they look like a dream come true: beautiful, well-groomed and charismatic. And some, in addition to filming, also sing, dance and act in commercials. Paradise for fans. In this article we will talk about Japanese actors. It’s quite difficult to choose the very best, and there will always be someone ready to challenge the list, and yet...
Kimura Takuya
Bright, handsome, talented, over the years, like good wine, the Captain (as his fans call him) has only become better. Each role is a work of art. Whether it’s a historical series or a romantic melodrama, in any case there is no doubt that the actor will give his 100%, and the audience will see a well-drawn character.
One of the most memorable roles was played by Kimura Takuya in the drama “Pride”. This is the story of a hockey player who dreams of playing in the major leagues, for whom sport always comes first. Love? Just a game. But only until Haru meets Aki, a modest office employee who doesn’t even know how to skate.
Kamenashi Kazuya
Singer, dancer, actor, baseball player and just a handsome man. Japanese actors (the photo doesn't lie) can be damn attractive. But beyond his looks, Kazuya definitely has the gift of transformation. Therefore, it is interesting to observe Kamenashi’s creative activity and watch how his talent is revealed. He is capable of both comedic roles and images of criminals.
You can start getting acquainted with this talented actor with the drama “One and Only Love”.
What is the likelihood of a relationship between a girl from a wealthy family and a simple poor guy? Small. What kind of relationship can we talk about when we need to work to ensure a normal existence for our younger brother and mother? And with a rich girl too. None. But the feelings that flare up are very difficult to suppress, especially when they are mutual. But will Hiro and Nao be able to cope with personal problems and the opinions of others in order to be together?
Yamashita Tomohisa
Japanese actors are often attracted by their appearance, and then you begin to pay attention to everything else. Yamashita Tomohisa disarms and captivates, if not at first sight, then at second for sure. But there is no consensus about his musical and artistic activities. Some consider him an absolute “log” with an unchanging “poker face”, others praise and extol him. But there are two dramas in which Yamashita shines and once again proves that Japanese actors can do almost anything. These are “Code Blue” and “Last Second Score.”
The first is a medical series showing the everyday life of an emergency department. Four applicants come to the internship, wanting to be on board the legendary "Doctor Halley" - a helicopter of the rapid response team. But only the most capable are taken there, so the guys will have to try and show their best skills and ability to work in any emergency circumstances.
“Last Second Score” is a more positive drama, telling the romantic story of a young, insecure basketball player and a talented but unlucky violinist. By helping each other, they will be able to overcome their own weaknesses and, of course, find love.
Cary-Hiroyuki Takagawa
Japanese supporting actors (male) also know how to attract attention and surprise with unexpected actions. We are talking about Cary-Hiroyuki Takagawa, best known to film fans for his roles in Mortal Kombat and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Although he has played a decent number of villains, Takagawa attracted public attention with a very unusual act: while filming in the Russian film “Priest-san. Confession of a Samurai” The 65-year-old Japanese actor decided to accept Russian citizenship. He is not worried about how such an act will be perceived in America, where Cary-Hiroyuki lives, considering that this is his personal matter. Takagawa plans to spend most of his time in Russia, flying to America only for the winter. In addition to citizenship, the Japanese actor converted to Orthodoxy.
Sakurai Sho
The list of “Talented, memorable Japanese actors” continues with Sakurai Sho. Like his many colleagues, he not only acts in films, but also sings in a popular group and hosts television shows.
The most striking works of this talented guy can be considered “Quiz 2” and “Family Game”. Both series make an ambiguous impression, but are addictive.
“Quiz” is a new entertainment show on the TV channel that promises a big cash prize for 7 correct answers and the fulfillment of any wish of the participant who reaches the final and answers the last question. Only the questions are sometimes more reminiscent of a detective investigation. And the presenter is not at all as sweet as it seems at first glance. He also has his secrets.
“Family Game” will tell the story of an unusual tutor, whose arrival will turn the whole house on its ears and change the whole idea of a good family. Who is he and why is he prying into other people's personal lives? Why does he force children and parents to do strange things? Does he really want to help or is he trying to destroy the family hearth?
The list of Japanese actors and dramas in which they starred can be continued for a very long time. After all, everyone has their own favorites, whose performance will always be the best.
Sakurai Sho
The list continues with “Memorable Japanese Actors” by Sakurai Sho. Like his many colleagues, he not only acts in films, but also sings in a popular group and hosts television shows.
The most striking works of this talented guy can be considered “Quiz 2” and “Family Game”. Both series make an ambiguous impression, but are addictive.
“Quiz” is a new entertainment show on the TV channel that promises a big cash prize for 7 correct answers and the fulfillment of any wish of the participant who reaches the final and answers the last question. Only the questions are sometimes more reminiscent of a detective investigation. And the presenter is not at all as sweet as it seems at first glance. He also has his secrets.
“Family Game” will tell the story of an unusual tutor, whose arrival will turn the whole house on its ears and change the whole idea of a good family. Who is he and why is he prying into other people's personal lives? Why does he force children and parents to do strange things? Does he really want to help or is he trying to destroy the family hearth?
The list of Japanese actors and dramas in which they starred can be continued for a very long time. After all, everyone has their own favorites, whose performance will always be the best.
