The people of Japan are famously known for their hardworking nature. So it comes as no surprise that the artists of the Japanese entertainment industry are the same, inspiring millions of individuals all over the world with their sheer raw talent and dedication to their craft. The following list contains artists and idols for whom the music industry wasn’t enough to showcase their talent. Although these musicians started as singers, they also showed tremendous capability and quality in the film industry as well, with most going on to win numerous awards in the latter category.
1. Kimura Takuya
Nicknamed Kimutaku, he was a member of the male group SMAP from 1988 till it disbanded in 2016. After his career as an idol got over, he established himself as a solo artist. His debut as an actor came in 1993 with his lead role in the film Asunaro Hakusho. After having a very successful career both as a singer and actor, having released multiple songs and starred in various movies and dramas, he is now one of the most popular celebrities in Japan.
2. Miyavi
Popularly known by his stage name Miyavi, Takamasa Ishihara is a Japanese singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor and record producer. Initially playing the guitar in the band Due Le Quartz, he then turned to a solo career and released his debut album Gagaku, after the group dissolved. He has since appeared in a few American movie productions like Unbroken and Kong: Skull Island.
3. Akina Nakamori
One of the top-selling artists in Japan, Nakamori is a famous singer and actor in the country. She started as a singer in 1981 after emerging winner of the talent show Star Tanjo and has been known to change her image with every album release. Her acting debut came later in 1985 and has since managed to successfully balance her singing and acting career side by side.
4. Miura Haruma
Born in 1990, this 30-year-old was a member of the Japanese pop group Brash Brats, until it went on hiatus in 2005. Even while being a singer he occasionally acted in a few films and dramas but after his group went on hiatus, he spent more time in his acting career. He gained immense popularity through his performances in Koizora and Gokusen 3 before he decided to end his life on July 18th, 2020.
5. Jin Akanishi
Akanishi is a musician, songwriter and actor who has been active since 1998. He was once of the lead vocalists of the J-pop group KAT-TUN, after which he started a solo career in 2009. Besides being a songwriter, Akinashi is also a performer and has acted in a few movies like Bandage, where he played the main role and did the singing parts, and 47 Ronin.
6. Kazunari Ninomiya
Coming from a group (Arashi) comprised of multitalented idols, Ninomiya is an idol, singer, songwriter, actor, voice actor and radio host. Not only is he an extremely talented singer, but he is also known to be a brilliant actor who can act with his mouth and eyes. His career as an actor has rewarded him with numerous nominations and awards.
7. Miwa
This Japanese singer and songwriter debuted in 2010 with the single Don’t Cry Anymore, a song which got used as the theme track for the drama Nakanai to Kimeta hi. Her passion for the performing arts didn’t just stop at music but also extended to acting as well, debuting as an actor in 2011. She currently manages both these professions simultaneously.
8. Nishikido Ryo
An idol, singer-songwriter and actor, he started his career under Johnny & Associates. Formerly a member of Japanese boy groups Kanjiani Eight and News, he had to leave due to scheduling conflicts. He released his first solo album in 2019 and has also established himself as an actor, due to his notable performances, making him a staple of Japanese dramas.
9. Masahiro Nakai
Once a part of the best-selling boy group SMAP, he is now an actor, television host and radio personality. Even during his career in the boy group, he used to work as a tv presenter and sportscaster. He has an accomplished career in acting as well having played some major roles in tv shows like Ataru and Urban.
10. Masaharu Fukuyama
Legendary Japanese singer and songwriter, Fukuyama also has a well-known presence in the acting category. He debuted as a singer in 1990 with the release of his single Tsuioku no Ame no Naka but gained popularity with his breakout song Good night in 1992. He later made his debut as an actor in 1991 in which he was extremely successful!
